Luxury and comfort are among the many qualities people look for in a car. The new addition to the Rolls Royce family, the 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Bespoke Drophead Coupe is designed to emulate a dream weekend getaway for everyone – drivers and passengers alike experience the ultimate luxury and comfort in roof-down motoring.

No other car can get as luxurious as this model with Asprey jewelry box hidden in the compartment for storing jewelry pieces you would want to take with you on your weekend adventure. This box is stored securely with stylish design to store all your jewelry essentials before you can even think of sitting back and relaxing in the sumptuous, soft leather seats.

Take the roof down and experience the country breeze caressing your hair, you can never feel as royalty as this. The natural-grain leather interior has a seashell design contrasted by navy blue flooring and door panels topped off with the signature RR logo on the headrests of the seats. If you put the roof down, the car then reveals its elegant yacht-like teak decking clad in mother of pearls inlay. No other car can match the elegance and luxurious beauty of this car. Truly, one can be royalty with the Rolls Royce Phantom Bespoke Drophead Coupe.

The 2011 Volvo XC60 is the Swedish car company’s entry into the very competitive luxury compact SUV market. The luxury compact SUV is characterized by premium SUVs and crossovers that can give seating for 5 people and priced within the $30,000 to $40,000 dollar range. As this is one of the more lucrative genres in the automotive market, you can expect that Volvo has pulled out all the stops in creating a product that can compete with the best of them.

The Volvo XC60 has come a long way since coming out as a concept car in 2007. It is the illustration of the “New DNA” of Volvo, a design revolution that they would soon incorporate into their entire model range. Sitting on the Y20 platform, it shares components with the Land Rover Freelander. In production since 2008, the 2011 edition still belongs to the first generation, albeit with some updates.

Performance

There are a variety of engines available for this model. The first engine, the 3.2, features an inline 6 cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower and 240 lb/ft of torque, a huge number considering that this is just the entry level model. The second engine, the T6, a 3.0 liter inline-6 turbo, is capable of producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque. This is the top of the line engine, and is the same engine equipped in their R-design model. There are diesel engines too. There are two diesel engines available, the D3, a 2.0L producing 160 horsepower and 295 lb/ft of torque, and the D5, a 2.4L producing 200 horsepower and 310 lb/ft of torque. Both are 5 cylinder engines equipped with turbochargers. These engines are mated with 6 speed Geartronic transmissions, and depending on the trim, can come in either front wheel drive or four wheel drive.

Interior & Exterior

As always expected with a Volvo, the XC60 is a well-thought design, combining great looks and impeccable practicality. Even though Volvo purists might say that it had lost that trademark Volvo look, it still looks gorgeous, and it has spawned a new legion of Volvo fans. Still, despite the design change, it is great to know that the priorities of Volvo haven’t changed.

Safety

Safety is still a big priority in the design, and it can be seen on the high scores that it got on safety tests from different agencies. It can even stop itself if it senses an accident seems imminent.

It is equipped with all the safety technologies you expect in a Volvo like traction control, side impact protection, whiplash protection, and then some more. In fact, it is one of only 3 cars that were able to get a perfect score (37 out of 37) on the Euro-NCAP safety evaluation. The interior design was also excellent. The materials used are of great quality, the seats have an elegant feel into it, and the placing of the gauges is efficient.

Pros & Cons

Even though Volvos in general and the XC60 in particular are built with excellence in mind, there are complaints that its owners have said. The electronics, particularly the navigation system, can be too complicated to use and can obviously use some work. Also, the fuel economy suffers a bit with the petrol engines, especially the turbo equipped T6 engines. And with prices of fuel on the upswing, this isn’t exactly great news. Also, while all the seats are great, there’s lack of legroom in the rear seats, which means trouble if you’re riding with tall people on long distance trips.

Despite these weaknesses, the Volvo XC60 is still one heck of a car. Continuing the tradition of Volvo as a creator of safe and practical vehicles, it has what it takes to compete with the best crossovers the world has to offer.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Volvo XC60 offers top in-car tech and luxury features, in a secure package that’s big enough for small families.”Car Connection

“This premium-compact SUV seats 5 and shares elements of its basic design with the Volvo XC70 station wagon.”Consumer Guide

“This year, Volvo has added a new trim level and increased horsepower on both engines. Lastly, there is a new infotainment system, but it will be released later in the year.”JD Power

“Some dated controls; mediocre fuel economy with the turbocharged engine.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV	Base Price: $32,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 25 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 182.2 in.(462.7 cm)	Width: 74.4 in.(188.9 cm)
Height: 67.4 in.(171 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.2 in. (274.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 4012 lbs (1819.8 kgs)	Ground Clearance: 9.1 in. (23 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 67.4 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 24-Valve DOHC Inline-6	Displacement: 3.2 Liters
Horsepower: 240 HP	Max RPM: 6200 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500-4800 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic (Geartronic)
0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 3300 lbs (1496.8 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:T6 All-Wheel-Drive	MSRP: $38,950; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy
Option: T6 AWD R-Design	MSRP: $43,150; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy

An SUV possesses an allure than a sedan can never have, at least not on the same level: space. However, SUV’s are notorious for guzzling fuel. Add to that the difficulty of maneuvering through small streets and turning tight corners, and the all-too-important problem of parking. Not to mention, SUV’s aren’t exactly politically correct in an era where not having a clue about your carbon emission is akin to being un-patriotic. And SUV’s aren’t exactly the cheapest in the market.

The solution? Try compact SUV’s. The roominess, durability, and utility are all present in the tried-and-true compact SUV, the 2011 Honda Element.

The Element is the pickup truck-cum-SUV of today; the haul-friendly, roomy-yet-compact, mule of a compact crossover. Boasting a lot of room and versatile interior seating and storage, the 2011 is slated to be the final Element before the model is discontinued by Honda. Boasting a unique look that has become a classic (as well as a favorite for imitators), the Element has a tradition of reliability, roominess, and comfort. A stellar performer when it comes to safety—it was given the highest possible score for safety in 2010— the distinctive Honda Element is off to a gracious bow with a myriad of all-too-familiar nifty features.

Engine and Performance

The 2011 Element runs on a four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2.4 liters, boasting 166 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque through a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Standard trim offers two-wheel drive, while the EX and LX upgrades net you a four-wheel drive.

At a 20 mpg/25 mpg city/highway fuel efficiency rating, the Element’s fuel economy is less than stellar, especially when compared to similar vehicles. The EX and LX options have worse fuel economy ratings.

Interior

While the removable back seats offer versatile carrying and hauling needs, that the Element only seats four makes it a bottom-feeder in the field of compact crossovers. Entry into the rear seats is also a chore, with the front door needing to be opened before the rear half-doors can be accessed. This one glaring weakness is hard to overlook, but the theater-style seating set-up of the 2011 Element offers each passenger more than ample leg and elbow room.

The removable backseat allows you to free up an extra 75 cubic feet of storage, which is one huge selling point of the 2011 Element. The EX upgrade comes with a dog-friendly package of kennel, pet bed, and other features.

Safety and Reliability

The 2010 Element garnered a perfect score for front and side impact protection, given by the Insurance Institute for Higher Safety. While the 2011 has not been subjected to similar tests, it can be easy to imagine it having similar impact protection upside.

Standard safety features include stability assist, antilock disc brakes, traction assist, active head restraints, and front side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags.

Competition

A scaled-down, more-affordable cousin of the 2011 Element is the Kia Soul (MSRP $13,300; 26 city / 31 hwy). The Soul features more comfy seats. Although the Soul does not come with all-wheel drive, it should not be a drawback for consumers in milder climes and less-rugged terrain.

Another more-affordable option is the Subaru Forester (MSRP $15,096; 20 city / 27 hwy), which also offers versatile and practical interior seating and storage. The Forester also gets better gas mileage, with an all-wheel drive upgrade the Kia Soul does not have.

Pros

Roomy cabin with versatile seating and storage features, EX upgrade features dog-friendly package, removable backseat frees up more space, boasts a clean and quirky design.

Cons

Seats four, rear half-doors make entry a chore, acceleration is sluggish, fuel economy is less than stellar.

Overall Rating
64 out of 100

What others say:

“If you need to haul stuff more than people, and don’t want to part with maneuverability and fuel-efficiency, the 2011 Honda Element is a great choice.”Car Connection

“Comfort depends on where you sit. Rear occupants nestle between the wheels and thus endure marked chop and thump over bumps. Front-seaters are more comfortable, but the ride still can be stiff and jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces.”Consumer Guide

“Seats only four; rear half-doors impede rear ingress and egress; unimpressive acceleration and fuel economy.”Edmunds

“If you enjoy the benefits of a sport utility (some sport, some utility) then you’ll enjoy the ownership experience of an Element…”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV	Base Price: $20,825.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons	Miles Per Gallon: 20 city / 25 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 169.9 in. (431.5 cm)	Width: 71.6 in. (182 cm)
Height: 70.4 in. (178.8 cm)	Curb Weight: 3515 lbs (1594 kg)
Wheel Base: 101.4 in. (257.5 cm)	Ground Clearance: 6.9 in. (17.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 25.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® inline 4-Cylinder	Displacement: 2354 cc
Horsepower: 166 HP	Max RPM: 5800 RPM
Torque: 161 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: NA	Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs (680 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:LX 4WD	MSRP: $22,075; MPG: 19 city / 24 hwy
Option:EX 2WD	MSRP: $22,935; MPG: 20 city / 25 hwy
Option:EX 4WD	MSRP: $24,185; MPG: 19 city / 24 hwy

The 2011 BMW X3 is considered one of the top ranking Luxury Compact SUV’s in the market today. With its excellent fuel efficiency, standardized features, polished and spacious interiors it definitely stands strong against most within the same category. There have been a few alterations with this year’s new BMW X3 that have resulted in several to die for features.

This X3 has better comfortable interiors and great driving performance that has set the standard for Luxury Compact SUV’s onto a whole new level. From the original X3 model of 2004, which was more sports oriented, the new model has definitely gone a long way. The 2011 X3 is ideal for those looking for a compact SUV that has the driving dynamics of a sedan. Unfortunately, all these gorgeous features come at a price. Although for some, the experience of driving a BMW can be worth it.

Features

In terms of the specifics for the new 2011 BMW X3 has come a long way from the original model released seven years ago. The X3 has two trim levels: an xDrive28i that has an aspirated in-line with six-cylinder engine and one with a turbo charged six-cylinder engine, the xDrive35i. As mentioned earlier, the X3 is an all wheel drive and has more spacious interiors and passenger room, seating up to five people which is better than the preceding models and it also has new and improved transmission and suspension.

Performance

Performance wise, the X3 passes impressively since its driving dynamics are way beyond standards. It looks and feels like an SUV but has the driving feel of a sedan. The exterior and interior detailing are tastefully done with a luxurious edge to it and has a generous interior space and comfortable seats though despite these details it still comes second best to the Volvo XC60’s interiors which is more chic and stylish. It stands somewhere in between the XC60 and the Mercedes GLK, the latter having less attractive features within its interior.

Safety

Although the X3 has not undergone the crash tests of the federal government, it comes incorporated with several safety features. In terms of warranty and reliability of the automobile, the BMW X3 comes with a four year warranty or the first fifty thousand mileages. With a BMW X3, it is not just the quality of the car that you are purchasing but also a lifestyle of driving.

Competition

BMW has been quite a trend setter in these kinds of cars, causing several big names in the car industry to follow in their footsteps namely, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti and Acura.

Well, if you are wondering what could possibly match up to the standards of the 2011 BMW X3, the competitors would be the Lexus RX 350 (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy), the Audi Q5 (MSRP $42,500; 18 city / 23 hwy), and the Mercedes GLK-class (MSRP $37,500; 16 city / 21 hwy), all of these matches up to the features of the X3 on several levels.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“BMW finally has a crossover that’s as good as its cars. The 2011 BMW X3 looks fantastic; performs like a sport sedan; and has a comfortable, top-notch interior.”Car Connection

“here is little engine response for the first third of gas-pedal travel, making X3 feel slow from a stop. After that point, power comes on too strongly, which is frustrating in moderate-speed suburban commuting.”Consumer Guide

“Potent turbocharged engine; high-quality cabin; crisp handling; comfortable rear seat.”Edmunds

“It sports a fresh look, a sporty – but not overly harsh ride, and a host of new luxury and convenience features.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV	Base Price: $36,750.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.7 gallons (67 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 25 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 183 in. (464 cm)	Width: 74.1 in. (188 cm)
Height: 65.4 in. (166 cm)	Curb Weight: 4112 lbs (1865 kg)
Wheel Base: 110.5 in. (280 cm)	Max Towing Capacity: 3000 lbs (1360.8 kgs)
Luggage Capacity: 27.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 3.0L DOHC 24-valve, inline-6	Displacement: 2996 cc
Horsepower: 240 HP	Max RPM: 6600 RPM
Torque: 221 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm	Transmission: 8-Speed Steptronic
0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds	Maximum Speed: 130 MPH

Available Trims & Engine

Option:xDrive35i

MSRP: $41,050; MPG: xx city / 26 hwy

The luxury midsize SUV market is pretty congested with all kinds of competitors. Each has their own share of abilities and depending on the needs of the prospective owner, each car has a shot of going into someone’s garage. Volvo competes in this deep market with the XC90, a model that has remained relatively unchanged since 2003.

Performance

The 2011 XC90 offers two types of engines: the 3.2 liter inline-6, which is capable of producing 240 horsepower and a 4.4 liter V8 engine producing a maximum output of 311 horsepower. This is coupled with a six speed automatic transmission that provides great pull and acceleration, especially at the lower gears. 2 drive systems are available for the 3.2 liter engine: front wheel drive and 4 wheel drive. Meanwhile, 4 wheel drive is standard for the V8 engine.

Interior & Exterior

The front and rear bumpers are made to absorb contact and prevent passengers from going under or getting whiplashes in case of a collision. The interior is made to be as comfortable as possible for all 7 of its passengers (a third row seat was made standard in 2010). There is a well-equipped entertainment system that can give very capable performance, and it is equipped with technologies such as climate control and navigation system. And the boot space is huge: you can have up to 85 cubic feet of space.

The Volvo XC90 offers a great range of strengths. First, it is a legitimate 7-seater, and the components used in the interior are well thought of and made with high quality. It can seat its passengers quite comfortably, and the controls are made simple. Also, it boasts a great amount of storage capability, perfect for travels, hauling, and the like. The handling is decent enough, and the brakes are better than most of the competition. The all wheel drive system operates seamlessly and is deceptively effective, and works great even in adverse conditions and uneven road surfaces.

Safety

The Volvo XC90 possesses a sleek design characteristic of the brand. But behind the structure is an eye for safety. To protect its occupants from one of the leading causes of death in accidents, rollovers, its roof is reinforced with ultra high strength steel. And of course, as almost every Volvo does, it is armed with just about every safety gizmo there is. It passed safety tests with flying colors, and that is something that inspires confidence. Lastly, compared to its equals, it is priced less than most of them.

Pros & Cons

The XC90 also has its set of setbacks, perhaps because it is relatively outdated compared to its competition. The design, while it looks elegant, doesn’t seem to be able to stand out from the others. The performance is deemed lacking, with the engines (especially the 3.2) seemingly unable to haul the 5000 pound beast. Also, fuel economy is pretty weak, turning out an average of 15-20 mpg. Also, the third row seats seem better suited for kids. Some of the interior bits also seem cheap compared to its competition. Lastly, there have been numerous reports of transmission failures by the time it reaches the 60000 mile mark.

All in all, the Volvo XC90 is a great car. While you’re not going to expect to be a “car for all seasons” type, it performs great in a lot of aspects. And despite the fact that it is gaining on age, it is still very serviceable. If you don’t mind the fact that its performance is not the best there is, you are going to get a car that is both comfortable, safe, and family friendly. And it is priced very competitively, with a price tag lower than most of its competition. While the XC90 is due for an update, perhaps in 2012, the 2011 XC90 carries the Volvo legacy pretty well.

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“With the exception of one minor refresh, the 2011 Volvo XC90 carries through with that original look; while it still looks good from a distance, the design is starting to look dated, especially on the inside.”Car Connection

“The smooth 6-cylinder engine provides adequate acceleration from a stop and for passing and merging.”Consumer Guide

“Upscale and stylish interior; supportive front seats; smooth ride. Third-row seating cuts into second-row room; weak base engine.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $38,400.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (79.8 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 16 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 189.3 in. (480.8 cm)	Width: 74.7 in. (189.7 cm)
Height: 70.2 in. (178 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.6 in. (286 cm)
Curb Weight: 4751 lbs (2155 kg)	Curb to Curb Turning Radius: 40 ft.
Luggage Capacity: 85.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 3.2L DOHC 24-valve, inline-6	Displacement: 3.2 liters cc
Horsepower: 240 HP	Max RPM: 6200 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 3300 lbs (1496.8 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option: R Design	MSRP: $41,200; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Option: XC90 4.4L V8 engine	MSRP: $48,000; MPG: 14 city / 21 hwy