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The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always been a bastion of safety, image and luxury, but recent models were short on equipment in comparison with rivals from Audi, Lexus, etc. Everything has changed for 2007. The E-Class isn’t totally new, but it really has been substantially upgraded: new V8 engine, choice of same-price Luxury or Sport versions, and a lot of other details that make it a significantly better value for your luxury-car dollar. Price: E350 sedan, $50,550; E550 sedan $59,000; E350 all-wheel-drive wagon, $55,700.

First Glance: Styling changes in and outside

The most noticeable changes for the E-Class are on the outside. The top grille and bumper (link will go to photo) now protrude inside a pointy Cadillac-like prow and also the openings near the air dam are larger. Slight alterations in front-end trim differentiate Sport and Luxury versions, as do wheels (17″” alloys for that Luxury, 18s for the Sport).

The taillights now have a sizable clear center section housing the turn backup and flasher lights. Sport models get LED taillights and big twin chrome tailpipe tips. The tailpipes are tucked within the bumper.) Look closely and you’ll see that the game gets a slight bluish tinge to the glass, while the Luxury gets green, though (The Luxury also gets dual exhaust.

The Luxury’s interior looks much like last year’s model, aside from a fresh steering wheel with cool soft-touch buttons. Sport models get a darker, more purposeful interior with black maple wood trim rather than the Luxury’s brown walnut, plus white-face gauges and contrasting colors on seats and door panels. My only major complaint involves the Luxury’s light-colored dash: In direct sun the reflected glare off the windshield was brutal. Glare wasn’t a problem with the black dash of the Sport I drove.

In the Driver’s Seat: The equipment you expect inside a $50k-$60k car

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior

Sport and Luxury models each get unique interiors; this is actually the Luxury version

Photo © Greg Jarem

What I like best regarding the new E-Class is the improved level of standard equipment. Check out and you’ll see the first major change: A sunroof. Two of them, actually, one over the front seat (which opens) and another over the rear seat (which doesn’t). A possibility on last year’s model, the sunroof is now standard. A motorized cloth blind covers the two panes to bar out the sun; unfortunately front and rear cannot be covered or uncovered individually.

The phone keypad now works together with Bluetooth phones, though the 2007 E’s center console can be just as button-complex and happy as last year’s model. (Previously the keypad was actually a dud except if you bought the optional built in phone.) Also new in the standard equipment list: Limited Harmon-Kardon stereo system with six-disc CD changer.

Interior space is generous at the start; one unusually tall journalist told me the newest E was one of the few cars that accommodated him comfortably. Unfortunately, I had to sit down behind this guy, and were it not for that deep cutouts scooped in the seatback, I wouldn’t happen to be able to do it without having my knees surgically removed.

On your way: , and more powerPower and power

The 268 hp 3.5 liter V6 engine made its debut within the 2006 E350. It’s a fantastic very, engine, smooth and quiet powerful. I didn’t discover how things could get any better – until I drove the E550’s new 5.5 liter V8. It puts out an amazing 382 hp, but you’d never know it in day-to-day driving. Most cars with this kind of power are always trying to get away from you, nevertheless the E550 is docile as can be. Only if you stomp the accelerator will you see what it’s capable of – and man, does it ever fly!

The trip computers reported MPG in the mid-20s in the E350 and low 20s in the E550, impressive considering just how much power these cars have (and how often I was working with it). The 7-speed automatic, standard in both cars, no doubt led to the rear-wheel-drive E’s great mix of economy and power.

The E550 gets standard air springs that give it a smoother ride with better body control inside the curves. Traditional steel springs give the E350 a harsher ride and also make it feel more and smaller nimble. Both cars get lower steering ratios for ’07, meaning that less steering wheel movement is required to turn the car. Straight-line freeway driving required constant tiny corrections, though i thought the steering was wonderful on windy roads.

Journey’s End: New E-Class is well worth the price

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class rear view

Sport model gets big chrome exhaust tips and LED taillights

Photo © Greg Jarem

Last year’s E-class had lots of the features I love in the 2007 model, such as the wonderful 3.5 liter V6 engine, top-notch safety kit, and beautifully crafted interior. But when I sat in the driver’s seat and looked around, it just didn’t feel like $55,000 worth of car.

With the 2007 E-Class, that’s no longer the way it is. Thanks to premium features such the two-row sunroof, Harmon-Kardon stereo, Bluetooth phone integration and choice of Luxury or Sport packages, the latest E350 earns its $50,550 base price. And the sparkling performance from the V8 and competence in the air suspension justify any additional $8,450 for that E550.

Could it be perfect? Not quite. Though I like the improved steering response inside the curves, I wish it wasn’t such a chore to pilot the E in a straight line. And Mercedes’ option prices, unavailable at time of writing, are traditionally quite lofty. Nevertheless, Mercedes staffers alluded to package pricing in keeping with the E-Class’ new-found value equation.

The old E-Class wouldn’t have been my first choice if I had $50 to $60k to spend on a car. But the 2007 is a totally different story. With its new-found concentrate on value and style, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a much better car — and a far greater buy.

There’s an allure to the open road. It’s oft been written of, the romance of driving anonymously through a one horse town, just you and your ride and your thoughts and the AM radio station coming in faintly. A glimpse of simpler times. Alas, with smart phones and interstate highway systems, the romantic notions of a road trip are a thing of the past. And that’s okay! Road trips can still be a blast and will be if you put in a tiny bit of planning. You don’t have to have a full itinerary, and in fact you shouldn’t, but you do want to make sure a few details are taken care of before you cast caution to the wind and hit the road, just like Grandad would want.

First of all, you should at least come up with a few destinations you want to see. We’ll call them benchmarks. You want benchmarks to give your drive a sense of direction, even if most of the fun is along the way. Great benchmarks are things like National Parks, like the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore. With a few choice benchmarks in your itinerary, you can use the computer to map out other fun things along the way. You must always keep your eyes open. For example, if you’re on the 40 heading through the pan handle of Texas, you won’t want to miss Cadillac Ranch, worth the quick stop for sure. If you have too strict of an itinerary, you might think you don’t have time to stop at the Ranch, but you’ll be missing out on one of the primary purposes of road tripping!

Also, your vehicle has to be reliable. Some might say breaking down in a town you know no one in can be a fun adventure, but trust me, there are better adventures to be had than the expensive and frustrating experience of breaking down on the highway at 3 in the morning, out of water and hungry. So if you are thinking of getting going in a old clunker, maybe think about buying a new or gently used vehicle, say from a Nissan dealer in Los Angeles. Nissans and all Japanese cars are known for their reliability and comfort, so they make excellent road tripping cars. You can see how affordable they actually are at metronissanredlands.com. Why not start your road trip off right?

Another important thing before road tripping is remembering to get snacks for the road. Beef jerky and pistachios are actually fun road trip snacks, and the pistachio shells can be tossed out the window. Also bring plenty of water. It’s better to be hydrated and have to make more bathroom breaks than to self-torture yourself into thinking you don’t have time to stop. Always stop at a rest stop to relieve yourself, it’ll make the trip way more bearable. The trip should be fun and can be fun, so don’t put any time pressures on yourself. You won’t be open to the adventure if you do – so avoid wasting time getting snacks, have those with you, and let yourself have the time to stop at vista points and other attractions. Remember, you’re road tripping to see the country, so see it!

Tires are one of the most significant — and oft-overlooked — components of our cars. Tires are one and only thing that attach our cars to the road, and tire problems affect your car’s ride handling, safety and comfort. Here are some simple tire safety tips to help keep you and your car’s occupants safe.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Tires have a tendency to lose air over time. Once a month and before an extended trip get a digital tire gauge and view your tires. Proper inflation pressures can be found in your owner’s manual or over a sticker around the car (usually on the driver’s doorjamb or fuel-filler lid — see photo.) Remember to check tire pressure only following the car has become sitting for a lot of hours in order to guarantee that the tires are cold — the friction of driving heats the tires and increases pressure, which can hide an under-inflated tire.

Address under-inflated tires immediately. An under-inflated tire has more rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption. It also creates more heat, which can cause tire failure.

Don’t forget about the spare. Getting a flat tire and finding that your spare is also flat is a miserable experience. Inspect your spare as you would your other tires. The inflation pressure will usually be written in the tire if you have a compact spare. Check their operation regularly in case your car features a compressor or flat repair kit in lieu of a spare.

Check for tread depth. By placing the edge of the penny upside-into the grooves of the tire’s tread, check tread depth. When you can see all Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a new set of tires, (Photo here.). Never get a single tire — it’s best to replace all four tires simultaneously, but at a minimum they should be bought as axle pairs (both fronts or both rears). Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles will help guarantee that all four tires wear with the same rate.

Check for even wear. Whenever you check tread depth, check both the inside and outside edge of the tires. Uneven tire wear is usually a sign that your car is out of alignment. Proper alignment optimizes handling and helps prevent premature tire wear.

Try to find tire damage. When you check pressure, inspect the sides of your tires for nicks, cracks, bulges and cuts. Such damage often cannot be repaired and will require replacement of the tire.

Stay balanced. In case your car develops a shimmy (a forth and back vibration, usually felt through the steering wheel) at a certain speed, it’s possible that each of your tires has lost its balance weight. Having your tires re-balanced is a reasonably inexpensive job.

Buy the right tire for the position. Most cars come with all-season tires, the tire same as a jack-of-all-trades. If you live within the rust belt, consider a set of dedicated snow tires for your winter; they do wonders for safety. If you live where it’s always warm and dry, “”summer”” performance tires can vastly improve your car’s handling.

And most importantly:

Never hesitate to change a worn or damaged tire. Tires are not cheap, but they are vital to the safety of both you and your car’s occupants. Remember, the tires are the only thing that connect your car to the road. Advanced safety measures such as antilock brakes and electronic stability control can’t do their life-saving jobs without four good tires. Take care of your tires — because whether you know it or otherwise not, you’re depending on them to manage you.

The NX adopts highly sophisticated hybrid (HV) control especially developed for the NX, with Lexus’ proven 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, battery, generator and motor. Special features of the hybrid model include sprung-weight damping control to increase ride comfort and handling stability by reducing pitching on uneven road surfaces.

NX 200t F SPORT

NX 200t

The latest Lexus 2.-liter turbo engine was tested over one million kilometres of various, often harsh road conditions and environments.

The direct-injection turbo engine features the entire world-first combination of a cylinder head with an integrated water-cooled exhaust manifold and a twin scroll turbo charger.

A new 6-speed automatic transmission has been adopted to match the brand new turbo engine. It features new torque-demand control logic, which calculates required engine torque to optimize the exhilaration of quick acceleration response and fuel efficiency.

PERFORMANCE

NX 200

The Lexus Valvematic system provides high torque through an expanded valve opening angle and VVT operation range in a 2.-liter, naturally aspirated engine.

The power plant carries a high compression ratio and diagonal fuel injectors that optimize the fuel mixture to produce strong power through the entire rev-range. The engine is matched to some newly-developed, electronically-controlled S-CVT/Multi-drive sequential-shift transmission.

PERFORMANCENX 200t F SPORT

A newly developed shock absorber, capable of controlling even the smallest micro-level fluctuations, contributes to excellent handling stability and ride comfort. Additionally, the NX features a new Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), capable of variable control in 30 stages.

PERFORMANCE

The NX employs specialized Lexus manufacturing techniques such as body adhesives and laser-screw welding to boost the rigidity of the suspension system and also the body, enhancing overall driving performance.

Long Beach, California is basically one giant playground packed with fun things to do and great stuff to see. Here are a few interesting things about Long Beach which you may or may not know. Here goes:

Where is it?

Long Beach is right in the heart of glorious Southern California around 25 miles from LA along the fabulous Pacific Coastline.

How big is it?

The City of Long Beach measures around 50 square miles with more than 460,000 inhabitants. Those facts and figures all add up to it being the 7th largest in California after Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno and Sacramento . . . then there’s Long Beach followed by Oakland, Bakersfield and Anaheim – thought I might as well complete the top ten.

How long has The Queen Mary Liner been at Long Beach . . . and does it ever move?

She’s been docked . . . and might I say a major attraction . . . at Long Beach Harbor since way back when in 1967. She is floating but doesn’t actually go anywhere these days – apart from up and down along with the tide. Unfortunately it isn’t used as a passenger cruise liner any more – those days are long gone.

There are some incredible tales of ghost and haunting – they say that wet footprints can be often seen close to the location of the former swimming pool which has actually been dry for the last few decades. There have also been sightings of a worker who was crushed many years ago in one of the doors.

What’s the weather like?

Well, it is in the heart of the sunshine state so what do you think? The temperature has a year round average of 74 deg F and out of the 365 days each year you can expect sunshine on an average of 345 of them – that means there are only 20 days when the sun doesn’t shine.

Is Long Beach in the movies?

You betcha’ it is. What with 345 days of wall to wall sunshine, a delightful waterfront and pretty spectacular architecture why wouldn’t it be? Many movies and TV shows have been filmed in Long Beach including Knight and Day, the latest Star Trek, Iron Man, Transformers 2, Transformers 3. Another big advantage is the fact that the Hollywood Production Studios are only 30 miles away – no wonder Long Beach forms the back-drop of such shows as CSI Miami, Dexter, Criminal Minds and True Blood.

Does Long Beach have a beach?

It sure does. The city was originally known as “Wilmore City” but that didn’t really catch on – it was renamed in 1888 after the incredibly long beach – more than 5 miles of golden sand just perfect for lazing, lounging, running, jogging, walking, swimming, biking, blading, kayaking, jet skiing and more. Well, some of those activities need the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and some of them are best left for the smooth, paved bicycle path with spans the entire length from Downtown all the way to Belmont Shore.

Which is the best car dealership?

long beach fiat is certainly ranked as one of the best with a superb range of new and used vehicles perfect for cruising the waterfront at Long Beach. Check out the deals at www.ocfiat.com and see for yourself if you don’t believe me.
And here ends our first lesson about the fabulous city of Long Beach . . . a little background information can often help to get a real understanding about somewhere.

The Volkswagen logo is displayed on a 2014 Beetle TDI throughout the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 15, 2014 file photo.

CREDIT: REUTERS/JOSHUA LOTT

(Reuters) – Scania (SCVb.ST) board members responsible for assessing a bid by Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) for outstanding shares in the truckmaker said on Tuesday the offer was too low, and recommended that shareholders reject it.

The recommendation, by those people in the Scania board without having direct links to VW, marks a setback for your German automaker, which is attempting to forge a more in-depth-knit trucks group capable of taking on market leaders Daimler (DAIGn.DE) and Volvo (VOLVb.ST).

Volkswagen last month attempt to draw a line under years of tense relations with minority shareholders in Scania with a buyout offer of 200 crowns per share.

The German carmaker, as well as subsidiary MAN (MANG.DE), owns 62.6 percent of capital and 89.2 percent of votes in Scania. Scania board members with direct ties to VW were excluded from the committee that evaluated the bid.

The rejection by the committee is likely to fuel opposition for the bid, that has met having a mixed and mostly non-committal response from minority owners, primarily Swedish pension funds and other banking institutions.

Scania shares closed at 195.9 crowns in Stockholm on Monday.

The committee said in a statement the offer did not reflect the long term prospects of Scania, its growth outlook, technological excellence and the chance of synergies.

“Scania is a world leader within its industry and the Committee has strong faith in the business plan set out from the company,” said Asa Thunman, the committee’s chairwoman.

The committee and company management also painted a modestly upbeat picture of your truckmaker’s performance, saying Scania truck orders for the first two months of 2014 were in line with the same period this past year and up when compared to the fourth quarter of 2013.

An all-new Hyundai Santa Fe originally debuted at the 2012 New York City Auto Show – a fantastic looking, promising midsize SUV that made news for several bold restyling choices.

It emerged being a success to the Hyundai line, so the automaker has left the life largely intact. 2 yrs after its redesign, the Santa Fe remains among the best looking (and the majority of affordable) seven passenger SUVs on the market. That’s the same vehicle that’s sitting on the floor at NAIAS 2014.

In 2014, Santa Fe remains divided into two sub-models – the Santa Fe (this seven passenger SUV version) and the Santa Fe Sport (a compact performance SUV). I settled to the seven passenger version for this road test.

The Santa Fe is on the road rivaling the like of the Mazda CX-9, Dodge Durango, Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer. Split into GLS and Limited trim levels, the 2014 Santa Fe includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, a six-speaker audio system with CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, Sirius/XM, USB/iPod integration and a 4.3-inch touchscreen display.

Santa Fe shoppers will also be looking at an electric power drivers seat, heated front seats, a 40/20/40-split sliding, reclining second-row seat, split-folding third-row seat, a rearview camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, windshield wiper deicers, cruise control, a trip computer, air-conditioning plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

All of those bangs and whistles can push other makes of SUVs well north of $40,000. So, it’s to Hyundai’s credit that this big people carrier sells maxed out around $36,000.

The 3.3 liter, 290 horsepower engine was a lot more than able to keep the Santa Fe moving during out road test with ample power. And, as i was struggling to squeeze an advertised MPG of 25 out of the SUV, 20 was very doable.

In an effort to bring a defter touch to such diverse driving conditions, the Santa Fe includes Hyundai’s adjustable steering. The operator can choose from Comfort, Normal and Sport modes to tighten up or loosen the response in the wheel in different conditions. The handling in a midsize SUV is rarely tactile enough to create such differences essential, although after playing with all of the above settings, it’s clear you can find subtle differences in each choice.

If there was clearly a potential weakness for the Santa Fe, the SUV doesn’t seem geared up for mild off-road use. While big enough to muscle past a Jeep around the street, that’s exactly where this Hyundai belongs – on the street. Each one of its styling and technology belongs on pavement.

For just $36,000 or so topped out, any buyer would be hard pressed to locate a better equipped SUV anywhere. Hyundai is leaving this model more or less alone because they’re still onto a good thing.

Everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to used cars. While some people absolutely swear by them, always taking the used route and never buying a brand new car, some tend to look down on buying used, thinking that you never get a quality car and that when you buy a used vehicle you are simply inheriting someone else’s problems. In fact, there are pros to buying both used and new cars, but there are many more pros to buying used vehicles than many people imagine.

The biggest pro to buying a used car is the value. If you find a preowned car in good condition, there is no competition with a new car as far as pricing goes. And while buying a used car might conjure up nightmares of greasy, used car salesmen and cars that turn out to be lemons, when you buy from an affiliated dealership, you know you are getting a car that is in near perfect condition. If you’re searching for san juan capistrano dodge, you might check out www.ocauto.com, or similar websites in other areas.

Frequently people who purchase new cars every year or two will trade in their lightly used vehicle for a newer model. So, you can find cars that are just a few years old on new car lots. It is common knowledge that when you drive a car off the lot, its’ worth quickly depreciates. So while the car may still be in excellent shape, with no problems and few miles on the odometer, when it is resold, it will bring far less than when it was first bought. For that reason, you can almost always get a great deal buying a used car, especially from an affiliated dealership.