Earth, Wind & Power Blogazine

New Car Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

By Bob Plunkett

Just west of Detroit on rolling terrain dented by glacial lakes, we're scooting along two-lane Michigan 36 from Stockbridge to Pinckney in the driver's bucket of the new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Stretching more than 15 feet long and six feet wide, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox wagon rides on a stretched platform with two doors on each flank of the elongated cabin and a hatchback lid at the tail.

Chrome-coated block letters mounted on the lip of the tailgate identify Chevy's new crossover utility vechicle as the E-Q-U-I-N-O-X, a word referring to that moment in spring and fall when day and night are equal and the world is in perfect balance.

This theme of equilibrium applies to Equinox the Chevy CUV because it strikes a balance as a car-based vehicle which resembles a sleek sport utility wagon but functions like a family-friendly minivan and drives like an easy-riding sedan.

It blends the best traits of a traditional SUV -- such as the tall stance and spacious cabin with flexible seating and generous cargo capacity -- with favored traits of a tightly constructed sedan, as it's easy to enter the low-rise cabin, easy to maneuver the vehicle around town in traffic and easy to park it on a crowded lot.

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, completely redesigned with a choice of two new fuel-thrifty engines, also adds FWD or AWD options.

We steered both FWD and AWD versions of the 2010 Equinox on twisty two-lane roads skirting Michigan lakes and find sure-footed traction along with a comfortable ride quality.

Chevrolet establishes MSRP figures as low as $22,450 for Equinox LS FWD and $24,200 for Equinox LS AWD.

 

Click here for more information about Chevrolet vehicles.

 

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New Car Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

By Bob Plunkett

 

 
When you plant your foot hard on the go-pedal of the new 2010 Lincoln MKS this sleek machine races down long straights and seems like it's about to fly off the runway.

 

And the new optional twin-turbo V6 -- promising the fuel economy of a V6 but pumping the power and torque of a big V8 -- is labeled the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

   

That's quite a kick for a plush luxury sedan stuffed with high-tech controls and fancy cabin appointments. MKS measures up as a four-door sedan with a generous passenger compartment that's large enough to carry five adult riders in luxurious comfort. The 2010 Lincoln MKS looks elegant and classy in a bold design for the body.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the V6 come in at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for MKS FWD and 16/23 mpg city/highway for MKS AWD.

The spec sheet for MKS 10 lists lots of active and passive safety equipment. Passive devices include smart dual-stage frontal air bags for front riders, plus seat-mounted side air bags up front and curtain-style side air bags front and rear.

The price points for the 2010 MKS begin at $40,870.

 

Click here for more information about Lincoln vehicles

Click here for more new car reviews at Road & Travel Magazine.

 

 

Reduce Pollution with Waterless Car Washes

According to the International Carwash Association, professional car washes are better for the environment than washing your car at home. But what’s even greener (and cheaper) is an entirely waterless car wash. Just spray and wipe anytime with new eco-friendly cleaners that are totally portable. For under $20, you can wash your car 8 times while saving around 800 gallons of water. Try Eco Touch or Lucky Earth for an all-in-one car wash spray with added benefits like UV-resistant coating that helps protect your paint job. The sets sold online are an eco-conscious gift idea for Dad this Father's Day.

At-home car washes waste a resource 1 billion people already lack access to (water), but that’s not the worst part. The pollution of the water used has worse effects on the environment. Detergents and surface residue from driveway or parking lot car washes generally runs directly into the nearest storm drain. Most storm drains carry excess rainwater into nearby waterways without any additional cleaning of that water. Storm water run off is the most common source of pollution of streams, rivers, lakes, oceans and inlets, and can have a devastating effect on aquatic life.

Read more from RTM and the International Car Wash Association about eco-friendly car washes.