Ryan Binkley Texas

Test Drive: 2008 BMW 328i

Function

In typical BMW fashion, the analog gauges are a model of
simplicity, though the real-time analog fuel economy gauge is a bit
gimmicky. Unfortunately, the stereo and climate controls are anything
but simple — the radio is operated via a series of identical-looking
buttons, and in another nod to BMW tradition, the only way to turn off
the climate control system is to press and hold the fan-speed "down"
button or tap it repeatedly. To make matters worse, we found that the
stereo display becomes illegible when viewed through polarized
sunglasses. At least we didn't have to contend with iDrive, though
there's no way around it if you want the navigation system.

On the bright side, the base stereo absolutely cranks. We could
have sworn it was an upgraded unit until we checked the window sticker
and saw that a 10-speaker sound system with two subwoofers comes
standard on every 328i. This system remains distortion- and rattle-free
at any volume, even with the wonderfully warm and punchy bass turned
all the way up. We just wish that a CD changer were standard instead of
the anachronistic single-CD player.

We can also report that the 2008 BMW 328i received a passing grade
in our real-world usability tests, swallowing our standard suitcase and
golf bag with ease and proving just roomy enough in back to accommodate
a child safety seat. However, golf bags containing longer-shafted
drivers must be carefully maneuvered through the relatively narrow
trunk opening, and child-seat installation may require front passengers
to pull their seats forward a bit.

Ryan Binkley Profile - Ryan Binkley Profile

Honda Fit Base

Design/Fit and Finish

The big story with the Fit — and one that sets it apart from other
cars in this category — is its seating. A single lever on the side of
the rear seats allows complete repositioning of the seats. The seat
bottoms can be flipped up to allow even more tall objects to be carried
within the car. They can also be folded flat for long objects and the
front passenger seat can be folded down, allowing one to sit in the
back in sort of a lounge chair mode. The rear lift gate is wonderfully
balanced and the rear cargo space is wide enough to allow even the
longest golf bags.

Mazda MAZDA3 Performance

The car's acceleration times are solid for the segment, with the 3
i Touring sprinting from zero to 60 in 9.8 seconds. (Note: This time
was achieved by using the transmission's manual-shift function; left in
Drive, our test car was about a half-second slower.) The 3 screeched to
a stop from 60 mph in a respectable 119 feet, and the car's brake pedal
felt firm and intuitive, with a good initial bite. The 3's brakes
withstood the rigors of performance testing well, with zero fade and
only minor ABS noise. Its braking performance earned the Mazda3 a
rating of "Very Good" from our test drivers — an impressive feat for an
economy sedan.

Ryan Binkley News
Audi A4 3.2 Quattro Function

Myriad sensors on the new A4 made so many beeps and boops while we
were driving, we sometimes felt like we were in a video game. This was
especially true with the parking system. Our car came equipped with a
rear back-up camera that made parallel parking quite easy, so we found
the 1980s Atari-style guiding sounds unnecessary. Another feature we
found more annoying than helpful was Audi's Side Assist. Although
designed to help prevent "dangerous" lane changes, it would ding and
turn on a light in the dash when we maneuvered in heavy traffic.
Fortunately, this system can be turned off.

Ryan Binkley Magazine

Don't miss out, learn more:
Ryan Binkley Info
Magazine Ryan Binkley
Ryan Binkley Articles
Ryan Binkley Texas
Ryan Binkley