2011 Lexus CT200h Tested: Is It the Japanese Compass or Patriot?

May 25, 2011 at 4:10pm by Jared Gall

Lexus’s second compact front-drive hybrid makes greater promises, but doesn’t necessarily deliver.

In the last few years, there’s been a lot of talk of Lexus becoming an exclusively hybrid brand. Whether or not that will actually come true, hybrids are certainly a tremendous part of the brand’s business and image: It continues to crank out gas-electric versions of otherwise conventionally powered models, as well as hybrid-only models like the HS250h and this CT200h.

Keep Reading: 2011 Lexus CT200h – Short Take Road Test

Tags: hatchback, hybrid, Japanese, Lexus, Lexus CT200h, performance testing |

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2011 Jeep Compass Limited 70th Anniversary Edition – Short Take Road Test

May 12, 2011 at 2:13pm by Mike Sutton

Jeep’s black sheep gets updated, but remains unpleasant.

A platform mate to the Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber, and an affront to the ruggedness cultivated by Jeep’s iconic and more capable models, namely the Wrangler. A more cohesive nose (hood, fascia, grille, fenders, and headlights) inspired by the Grand Cherokee makes the Compass a bit more attractive for 2011, while a much-needed interior refresh adds a new multifunction steering wheel, a redesigned center stack, and a few soft-touch trim pieces. An optional 70th Anniversary package—as found on this example—adds commemorative badging inside and out, 18-inch wheels with all-season Goodyears, leather-trimmed front seats, Chestnut interior accents, and special floor mats.

Keep Reading: 2011 Jeep Compass Limited 70th Anniversary Edition – Short Take Road Test

Tags: 2011 Jeep Compass, crossover, SUV |

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