The first was the 2011 Nissan Juke:

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I found this is to be a very nice vehicle. The one I drove was the top line SL model with everything one could imagine: keyless entry/start, nav, bluetooth, CVT auto, AWD, rockford fosgate stereo, sunroof, leather heated seats, and an inventive digital HVAC/driver control center. The vehicle has a 180hp direct injected 4-cyl turbo motor.

I have to say it is a very sporty package and at $25.6, it's a pretty good price. I'm not really a fan of CVT transmissions, but this one felt somewhat like a traditional auto, which I really liked. It has more than enough pep to get up and go, though the turbo leads to a somewhat jerky experience once it spools a bit. I did not like the aspect so much, but it might be possible to get around that by adjusting how much throttle you give it off the line. The ride was a fantastic mix of sport and luxury, almost BMW-esque. The one thing I really didn't care for was the steering feel. It was too over boosted for me. I primarily checked this vehicle out because my gf has really liked the pics she's seen. This was the first vehicle in a long time that she was somewhat excited about, so I myself was a bit excited to see how it turned out. I think it would be an excellent vehicle for her. Of course, not everyone likes the looks. It's not a handsome vehicle, but like other Nissan designs, it just somehow works when you see it in person. I think it would make a great vehicle for those crossfire owners looking for a nice winter car.

The other vehicle I drove was the new Volvo S60, which was part of their Nasty drive event.






The Nasty event is Volvo's catchy (but stupid) name they are giving for the unveiling of the new S60. It's supposed to show that this new model has some performance attributes. The event was designed to demonstrate that point by providing a series of coned courses at each of the events. I really liked the look of the S60 when I saw it in pics and with 300hp and std AWD, it seemed like it would be a nice package. To put that idea to the test, one of the courses allowed you to drive the S60 back to back with a BMW 328i (rwd) and an Audi A4 2.0t quattro. So first off, the field favors the Volvo before a single car is started. The S60s we drove had 300hp, awd, and were all automatics. The other cars were also automatics, but the audi only has 210-215 hp (but lots of tq) and the BMW had 230 hp. Also the tires on the S60 were more aggressive performance tires and the tires on the other cars were standard all-seasons. So there's all that stuff to contend with right off the bat!

When driving all the cars, I will say that the overall feel was the best in the Volvo. You know when you drive something and everything just feels right but you can't really identify exactly why? That's how the S60 felt to me. It would make an excellent daily driver. The seats were by far the best of the group and overall, the car seemed pretty quick. The Audi, unfortunately, was my least favorite. It was a nice car and you can really feel the torque once the turbo spools, but the steering was overboosted and nothing else really stood out about it. I liked the performance of the BMW the best---it had the best steering and the I6 was the most responsive. But I felt the S60 was just a nicer place to be; the BMW was just too cold in comparison.

The other "track" they assembled was an autocross where you take the s60 around a coned course with the intent of getting the fastest time. You are only allowed one time behind the wheel for the autocross, so you better get it right the first time out! Some people went as soon as they arrived (9am), but I chose to get some time in the cars around the comparison course. Unfortunately, I got a little carried away in the S60 on the comparison course and got a warning that my next infraction would have me booted out of the event! I did get the S60 to understeer quite a bit and took out a cone in the process. Meh. I got to experience what happens when this car gets past the limits. I then spent some time driving the other cars and one last time in the S60. Then it was time for the autocross! I didn't expect to hit a good time, but I actually did quite nicely--19.4 seconds and the best time was 18.6 or so. I was pleased with that. Though I won't be winning the iPad for the quickest time of the day. But I did get a t-shirt out of the experience, which everyone got for filling out a survey at the end of the event. If you have the cash, I can tell you that the S60 is worth a look. It's every bit the competitor of the two germans. I'd still hold it favorably with a regular (non-sport package) 335i.

 

I'm sorry to say this, but the Datsun is just one more truly ugly vehicle from that manufacturer. My wife and I passed one on the road last week and she asked what it was, adding the comment that she "was glad she won't see many more. No one will want one".

I might just have to take a Volvo for a test drive though. I do like the subtle changes thet have made to it!

 

[quote=AllEuro]The first was the 2011 Nissan Juke:


quote]
Looks like a Joke to me. Yuk.

 

Check out a Dodge Journey, my neighbor loves his!

 

EEK, there are a few like that around, I don't get it!!

The Volvo's are nice.

 

I'm scheduled to attend the same Volvo driving event here in SoCal in a couple of weeks. Nice to see they let you drive competing cars back to back with it.

 

That thing is way to ugly for street use.

 

Looks like someone took a rolling pin to a YUGO and smoothed it out.