Alain Assemi Cars

Test Drive: 2008 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro

Design/Fit and Finish

The all-new 2008 Audi TT has taken some ribbing from car critics
for looking like a redressed TT Mark I, but the "squashed Bug" profile
is easily the car's best asset, so why mess with a good thing? The
styling updates succeed in transmitting a more aggressive attitude
that's backed up by the TT's improved dynamics.

There's no criticism inside, where the highest-quality materials
come together with peerless fit and finish. The woven headliner is
nicer than most cars' upholstery. Our test car's red and black leather
brings a nice touch of color to an otherwise typically austere German
cabin.

BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible

Performance

The EPA puts the 135i convertible's fuel mileage estimates at 17
mpg city/26 highway and 20 mpg combined. We averaged 17.2 mpg, a
testament to our "dipping down a cog or two" tendencies.

Alan Assemi - Alain Alireza Assemi

BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible

Performance

With a remarkable panic-stop distance of just 107 feet from 60 mph,
the 135i's brakes are more than up to the task, and those strong
binders are controlled by a firm, linear pedal that inspires
confidence.

Lexus RX 400h Performance

With its powerful electric motors, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h, under
light throttle, has the ability to travel up to 30 mph without
employing the gas engine. It's a strange but eerily enjoyable
experience to see how "efficiently" you can drive by going easy on the
"gas" pedal. Not to mention how that optimizes your fuel economy. Step
into it and the 3.3-liter gas engine jumps in seamlessly, with the
tandem power plants and continuously variable transmission (CVT)
providing a strong, linear rush of power.

Alain Alireza Assemi

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT test drive

Since its introduction in 2008, the current version of the Subaru
Impreza has been high on my list of recommended cars, largely because
of its commitment to safety (standard all-wheel-drive, standard
antilock brakes, and, as of 2009, standard electronic stability
control) and easy-to-drive nature. 2009 sees the introduction of a new
version of the Impreza, the 2.5GT, with more power and creature
comforts. So does more Impreza mean a better Impreza? Read on. $27,690
base/as tested, EPA fuel economy estimates 19 MPG city, 24 MPG highway.

Alain Assemi

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