CAR CARE

 

SOUTH FLORIDA AUTOMOTIVE

MEDIA GETS BRIEFING ON CAR CARE

If you are a car enthusiast — i.e., someone who looks at an automobile as a gift from God and not merely a mode of transportation — you probably spend a lot of Saturday mornings washing and often waxing you pride and joy.

Hate to be tell you this but you are probably doing it wrong.

Well, maybe wrong is overstating it a bit. After all, you’re getting your car cleaned and that’s the point.

But you can do so much more as a presentation by Blake Beamish and Jaime Ayara of Meguiar’s car care products revealed to South Florida media members at last week’s meeting of the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA).

Mequiar’s started out in 1901 making furniture polish but founder Frank Meguiar quickly recognized that the automobiles that were gaining popularity in the 1910s had the same wooden finishes as the furniture his products were targeting.

After working for years with manufacturers and dealers, Meguiar’s expanded into the consumer market in the 1970s. Today Meguiar’s offers hundreds of products for your car, boat, or recreational vehicle and choosing the right one depends on several factors.

“The No. 1 question very often we get is ‘What product do I use to accomplish whatever that goal might be with whatever problem they might have with their vehicle?’,” Blake Beamish, Global Portfolio Manager for Meguiar’s, said during his portion of the presentation. “We usually answer that question with more questions.

“We’ll ask about the condition of the surface, not necessarily how old the vehicle is but what’s its condition. What are your goals? Are you trying to get your car Show Car ready or are you just trying to clean it up.

“And also how much time to you have? Do you want to dedicate an entire weekend to cleaning your car?”



Evaluating the condition of the surface is actually the first in a three-step operation. The next step is getting the right product, and the final is using good technique. No, you don’t use the swirling “wax on, wax off” procedure popularized in the Karate Kid movie. That can lead to streaks in the surface. Wipe in a straight motion in one direction.

“So there are a lot of questions that go into what products you use,”Beamish said. “A lot of people ask us how many products do you have. The answer is hundreds. We have all these products to solve all these problems.”

Steps for a full clean can be broken down into five categories: wash (using quality tools like a micro-fiber mitt), clean (using a clay bar kit to remove items like road tar clay, tree sap, or other contaminants), polish for a high-grade shine (Meguiar’s offers 10 different polishes, including liquid and spray-on options), protect (wax/ceramic coating), and maintain.

“Frequent car care is easy car care,” Beamish said. “So just make sure that you are washing your car frequently. Washing it frequently we have these products that are called spray detailers. They are really great products to just have on hand. It’s a way to give your car that’s just been washed a detailed look by just spraying it and wiping off. It’s especially great for removing bird droppings. We also have some waterless products as well.”

And a final tip: “We also recommend washing the wheels first before you wash the car,” Beamish said. “That way if there is overspray (from the wheel cleaning product) you’re able to wash it off when you wash the car.”

For a review of the products you can visit the company website at www.meguiars.com. products include even waterless washes.

2025 KIA K4

KIA RETURNS TO SMALL CAR ROOTS

WITH INTRODUCTION OF K4  SEDAN

Kia kind of gets back to its roots with the introduction of the 2025 Kia K4, a well-equipped compact sedan that replaces the Forte in the company’s stable.

A partner to the Kia K5 midsize sedan that replaced the Kia Optima back in 2021, the 2025 Kia K4 offers the latest technology and lots of room at a competitive price in a segment dominated by imports from Japan and its South Korean colleague Hyundai.

Styling is bolder than its Forte predecessor and when it comes to quality, the 2025 Kia K4 is miles ahead of the small Sephia sedan that along with the Sportage SUV marked the company’s first venture into the U.S. market.

Since earning a reputation in the 1990s of producing shall we say less than reliable vehicles, the overall quality of the Kia fleet has risen to the top of the charts. J.D. Power ranked the K4’s immediate predecessor, the 2024 Kia Forte, the highest in its listing of top compact cars last year.

The 2025 Kia K4 is offered in five trim levels. This review is based on the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo that sits at the top of a portfolio that also includes LS, LSX, EX, and GT-Line models, Most come with a 2.0 4-cylinder engine that tops out at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The turbo inline-4 in the GT-Line Turbo bumps those figures up to 190 hp and 195 lb.-ft., which gives it a more satisfying performance.

All K4s run on regular gas with the power boost in the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo making it a bit thirstier with EPA fuel economy figures of 26 miles-per-gallon city, 36 highway, and 29 combined compared to 30/40/34 for the base LS and 29/39/33 for the other trims.

The GT-Line Turbo also gets an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddles for manual gear selection. Other trims come with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT),  which Kia dubs as “Intelligent.”

All 2025 Kia K4s are front wheel drive. GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo models ride on 18-inch wheels, other trims 16 or 17.

Inside a rather spacious cabin is where the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo stands out. Standard comfort and conveniences features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, power driver’s seat with power lumbar, Smart key with push-button and remote start, and a GT-Line Sport steering wheel. Seat surfaces are of cloth and Syntex synthetic material.

Safety systems include lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, forward collision avoidance assist,  rear-cross traffic collision avoidance, and navigation-based Smart cruise control.

Also included at no extra cost to the $28,090 starting MSRP were such features as a power sunroof, LED headlights, fog lights, and tail lamps, a Harmon Kardan premium sound system, and alloy sport pedals. It also came with a 1.4L Turbo engine.

A Technology Package added such features as a Smart phone digital key, memory driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, reverse parking collision avoidance, surround-view and blind-spot monitors, multi-color ambient lighting and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist2 system (adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-centering assist).

All that plus the $1,155 destination and delivery fee ran the final total to $31,445.

What I liked about the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: A lot of friendly-to-operate tech features are included as standard. Hard buttons serve as easy access to some basic functions like the navigation map, radio, and AC blower and temp controls. The interior is comfortable and roomy with 42.1 inches of legroom up front and 38 in the rear. ‘the cargo area also is generous for the segment at 14.6 cubic feet. If you like large cupholders, you’ll love the ones on the console.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: No manual transmission or hybrid version is offered. You might expect a bit livelier performance from the turbo.

Would I buy the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo? The price line makes this very competitive in the segment making it a definite “yes” if shopping in the segment.

2025 CADILLAC CT5 V-SERIES

V-SERIES UPGRADE TAKES CADILLAC 

TO HIGHER PERFORMANCE LEVELS

Cadillac began shredding its image of a company that produced huge, lumbering luxury cars with well-cushion drives when it started adding performance-oriented V-Series upgrades to its fleet a little over 20 years ago.

The Cadillac CT5 carries on that tradition with two V-Series tuned models. One is the 2025 Cadillac CT5 Blackwing reviewed here earlier this month. The other is the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series, the subject of this review and a more practical option for those whose automotive budgets don’t flirt with the six-figure bracket.

No, the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series  doesn’t have the overwhelming punch that the supercharged 668-horspower V8 that powers the Blackwing, nor does it have the 6-speed manual transmission that adds to the Blackwing’s driving experience.

The 3,0-liter V6 in the base CT5 V-Series sends a decent 335 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough to get it from zero to 60 mph in a shade under five seconds.

What the base 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series doesn’t carry is a price tag that starts at just under $97,000 (including destination fees) and quickly moves in the six-figure bracket when attractive option packages are added on.

Starting MSRP for the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series is $58,380 including the destination charge. Do you really need about a 3-second advantage in zero-to-60 time for an extra $40,000?

With fuel economy figures of 18 miles-per-gallon city, 27 highway, and 21 overall, you also escape the gas guzzler charge of $2,100 assessed to the Blackwing. The base CT5 V-Series also offers the option of all-wheel drive, which isn’t available on the Blackwing.

New features on the 2025 CT5 V-Series, which gets a mid-cycle refreshing since the 2020 CT5 replaced the CTS as Cadillac’s midsized sedan offering, include 5G wi-fi hotspot capability, built-in Google, blind-zone steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and driver attention assist.

Other standard features include a 33-inch touchscreen for infotainment functions, a heated steering wheel (could have used a cooled steering wheel the other day), power lumbar massage for the front seats, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, remote start, wireless charging, and a premium 15-speaker audio system

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign assist, enhanced park assist, HD surround vision, rear cross-traffic braking, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, and rear-pedestrian alert.

Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system is available by subscription. The 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series rides on 18-inch wheels and comes with magnetic ride control and LED headlamps, The rear features dual quad exhausts and a rear spoiler.

My test 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series came with extras like a Platinum Package that added an ultra-view sunroof, semi-aniline leather seats, and tech package plus a performance data and video recorder, blue brake calipers, ventilated front seats, and a special coastal blue metallic exterior color.

That all ran the final bottom line to $70,865, which is a pretty good jump from the starting price but still about $50,000 less than the Blackwing tested earlier this month. 

What I liked about the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series: Stepping up to the V-Series gives you a vehicle with more athletic performance over Premium Luxury and Sport models without going to the more ultra expensive Blackwing trim. The updated infotainment system is user-friendly. The radio volume can be adjusted via a knob on the center console.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series: Trunk space (11.9 cubic feet) does not measure up to top competitors in the segment. The V6 is considerably thirstier than the standard 4-cylinder engine in other trims. Alas, there is no knob for surfing the radio dial like there is for adjusting volume.

Would I buy the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series: The performance is good enough that you really don’t have to go for the Blackwing model and its higher price tag.  But stick with the V-Series upgrade. This is not the time to go cheap for one of the lesser trims in the CT5 lineup. 

2025 BMW X3

BMW X3 MOVES INTO FOURTH GENERATION WITH 2025 MODEL

The BMW X3 moves into its fourth generation with the 2025 redesign of what the German automaker introduced for 2004 and calls a Sports Activity Vehicle (or SAV).

The 2025 BMW X3 Drive30I gets new exterior features that include a modified grille and front fascia. A new 33-inch display screen that stretches across the front of the dash doinates the interior. The touchsceen portiion of that display provides access to an expanded suite of infotainment features in BMW’s new iDrive9 system.

New 4- and 6-cylinder engines feature mild hybrid technology and is a bit more fuel efficient. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder in the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i that this review is based on earns fuel economy figures of 27 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined compared to 21/28/24 for the 2024 version. That’s using premium fuel, of course.

Get-up-and-go also gets a boost with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i compared to 248/258, respectively, for the previous model. With a 6.0 zero-to-60 mph time, the 2025 version is about a half-second quicker than previous models.

The 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i is about an inch longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor at 187.2, 75.6, and 65.4 inches respectively, helping increase rear cargo capacity a bit to 31.5 cubic feet from 29.0. It remains, however, easy enough to maneuver in tight parking lots. 

Finally, rear-wheel drive sDrive versions have have been junked in favor all-wheel xDrive configurations. 

Among standard features on the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i are an 8-speed automatic transmission (with gear selection via a small switch on the center console or by using the paddle shifters for manual settings), a Sport steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging pad.

My test 2025 BMW X3 xDriver30i included no-charge extras like keyless entry and push-button start, lumbar support, BMW Teleservices, heated front seats, and an Anthracite headliner.

Standard safety features include a parking assistant with trailer and reversing assistant, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot steering assist.

Adding to the starting MSRP of $49,500 for the 2024 BMW X3 xDrive30i were items like a Premium Package (Active Driving Assist Pro, heated steering wheel, an interior camera, and remote engine start) for $3,400 and a Driving Assistant professional package for $1,700 as well. Stand-alone options like a parking assistant package that gives you sensors and a surround view camera ($200), front-ventilated seats and special bicolor 20-inch wheels ($600) also add on.

All told that ran the final tab to $57,725 including the $1,775 destination charge.

An inline, twin-turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque is offered on the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive M50 that fills out the X3 portfolio. It’s a bit quicker than the 30i with a 4..4-second zero-to-60 mph clocking, but you pay for it. Starting MSRP is $65,275 including the destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i: The engine is very responsive and fuel efficient. The interior is roomy and the ride is comfortable. The cargo hold is spacious. Pricing is very reasonable considering the segment. Activated by the push of a convenient button the auto hold feature prevents creeping at intersections.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i: Some of the numerous tech features are not easy to get to and others require extra touches. The gear selector on the console is kind of funky.

Would I buy the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i? It’s worth a look but the competitive segment offers more attractive options. I’d prefer one with a more user-friendly infotainment system.

2025 CADILLAC CT-5 V-SERIES BLACKWING

MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS DECLINING  BUT CADILLAC IS A SURPRISING SOURCE FOR ONE

It’s not exactly ground-breaking news, but vehicles with manual transmissions have been fading from the markrt for several year now. Figures turned up on internet searches reveal that around 1 percent of the cars sold in the U.S. now are stick shifts.

It was surprising then in about a one-month span recently three of the four cars dropped off in my driveway for test drives came with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Two — the BMW M3 and Subaru WRX tS — were no surprise and in fact expected. The Cadillac that followed them, however, was a surprise.

Yes, imagine that. A Caddy with a clutch. The 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and shifts so smooth it may have you making it your choice of transmission over the available 10-speed automatic.

And it’s hooked up to a V8 engine that packs a powerful punch.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing sports a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine rated at 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque that scoots it from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, according to the website zeroto60times.com. It is rear-wheel drive.

No surprise here, but mileage figures are not that impressive. All that power uses up premium fuel at the rate of 13 miles per gallon in the city, 20 on the highway, and 15 combined resulting in a driving range of 255 miles, according to the government. That’s less range than that many EVs are delivering today.

 

This is a true sports sedan and, in fact, a luxury sports sedan in all aspects. The exterior features a redesigned grille and front fascia featuring LED headlights, and the rear sports quad dual exhaust tips that sing a seductive tune on acceleration.

Inside, Cadillac has packed the C2025 CT5 V-Series Blackwing with a long list of tech features that can be selected via a dial on the console or punched in via the touchscreen that is part of the 33-inch display that stretches across the front of the cabin.

Front seats are heated and ventilated and feature a massage function. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in infotainment are among standard features.

The Blackwing trim the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series is by far the most expensive model in the portfolio. It starts at $95,595 and that doesn’t include the $1,385 for delivery. That’s a jump of about $40,000 from the basic 2025 CT5 V-Series 4-door sedan.

My test 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing included options that started with carbon ceramic brakes for $9,000, jet black accents and full semi-aniline leather seats featuring custom quilting and carbon fiber front seat backs for $8,90. A Carbon Fiber 1 package (front spiller, front wheel well deflectors, and rear extra aero spoiler) adds $5,600, and a performance data record tacks on $1,600.

Remember those thirsty fuel consumption figures I mentioned earlier? It shouldn’t come as a surprise they earn the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwin a Gas Guzzler charge of $2,100, running the final total to $124,005.

What I liked about the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing: The manual transmission is very accommodating. Performance lives up to its sports sedan billing. The interior is nicely done, and the exterior is very striking. This is what Cadillac should be all about. The dual exhaust has a very nice sound, Tech features are plentiful and easy enough to operate.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Cadillace V-Series Blackwing: The trunk is on the small side offering less than 12 cubic feet of space. It is very much on the pricey side.

Would I buy the 2025 Caidllac V-Series Blackwing? You don’t have a whole lot of choices when it comes to  luxury vehicles with such sporty driving characteristics. With the final assembly point in Lansing, Michigan, you don’t have to be concerned with potential tariff charges.

2025 SUBARU WRX tS

FAMED WRX STI STILL GONE BUT SUBARU OFFERS ANOTHER APPEALING OPTION

With Subaru ending production of the high-performance WRX STI sedan a few years back, the Japanese automaker has now come out with a slightly milder but still fun-to-drive version to appeal to enthusiasts.

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS may not be as hot as the STI but with a 6-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged flat-4 (Boxer) engine and features like Recaro sport seats done in black Ultrasuede and high-performance Brembo brakes it is earning praise as the best of the current generation WRX sedans.

Naturally, as a Subaru it comes with all-wheel drive, which makes it at home on a variety of road surfaces wet or dry. This is a racing capable version that is also can be a more mild-mannered daily driver.

The engine is rated at 271 horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque and the manual is the only transmission offered. Constantly engaging the clutch for gear changes can give you a bit of a workout, but it is worth it with the benefits (fun) you get from having more control.

Tech features on the new 2025 Subaru WRX tS — the tS signifies tuned by STI, the company’s motorsports division Subaru Tecnica International — operate off a 12.3-inch touchscreen that may look imposing but is quite intuitive to operate.

Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free communications, rear-vision camera, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist technology (adaptive cruise control with the ability to adjust following distance), pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning).

LED headlights and fog lights, keyless entry and push-button start, Subaru’s Starlink safety and security systems, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a rear lip spoiler, and shark-fin antenna also are included.

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS rides on 19-inch alloy wheels in a matte gray finish.

Pricing for the 2025 WRX tS is at the higher end of the WRS scale. Starting MSRP is $46,875, including destination and delivery charges, the same as the GT trim. That is roughly $10,000 more than the base Premium’s $36,920. The Limited trim starts at $41,300.

Premium and Limited models with Subaru’s Performance Transmission, start at $38,270 and $42,850, respectively. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), the SPT comes with paddle shifters for manual gear selection.

Why bother? Just budget for the tS.

What I liked about the 2025 Subaru WRX tS: Shifts for the manual transmission are effortless. Lots of tech features are offered in a very user-friendly package. The vertical touchscreen may look overwhelming at first but is easy to work with. Seats are comfortable for long runs. The overall size adapts well to crowded parking spaces, but provides good room up front.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Subaru WRX tS: It can get kind of loud on the highway depending on the road surface. The backseat would be a bit snug for three adults though an adult and two children were just fine. There is a pretty significant jump in MSRP from the Premium trim to the tS.

Would I buy the 2025 Sabaru WRX tS? Yes, for the tS and its manual transmission alone. 

2025 FORD F-150 HYBRID

FORD LOSES STATUS AS BEST-SELLING OVERALL VEHICLE BUT STILL NO. 1 TRUCK

For nearly half a century, the Ford F Series has held the title of the best-selling truck in the U.S. and for nearly the same period it also was simply the best selling vehicle period.

That reign ended last year when the data collection firm JATO Economics reported that a 5 percent dip in F-150 sales to 460,915 dropped the F-150 behind Toyota’s RAV4, which came in at 475,193 vehicles sold for 2024.

Ford, however, retained the No. 1 spot among truck buyers when it comes to brand loyalty with 65.1 percent of them repeat buyers for the Blue Oval brand, according to a survey conducted by J.D. Power.

That figure also leads all categories ahead of luxury automakers like Porsche (the highest ranked premium car at 57.5 percent), Lexus (highest ranked premium SUV at 60.2 percent), Toyota (highest ranked mass market car at 62.5 percent), and Honda (highest ranked mass market SUV at 64.2 percent).

The Ford F-150 moved into its 14th generation with the redesign of 2021 models with fully electric (BEV) and hybrid (HEV) added to the extensive fleet.

This review is based on the 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid which has had no major changes since its introduction. It was trimmed out with features in the XLT series which include such niceties as 12-inch touchscreen for infotainment features, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, capless fuel filler, rear privacy glass, Fordpass Connect wi-fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and /Android Auto.

Safety features include blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, reverse brake assist, pre-collision assist with emergency braking assist, and a nice wide-view backup camera with guidelines.

The hybrid drivetrain features a 3.5-liter gasoline engine Ford bills as “Powerboost” paired with an electric motor. Together they put out 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a hybrid electric 10-speed automatic.

The gas engine drinks fuel at the rate of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 23 combined, which, admittedly are not typical hybrid numbers. But that is about 20 percent in fuel savings over other F-150s with V8s and all-wheel drive. Zeroto60times.com reports a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds

Starting MSRP for my test 2025 Ford F-150 XLT was $51,815. Several extras ran that total fo $69,665 including the destination and delivery fee and $6,900 in discounts.

What I liked about the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid: The F-15 Hybride is a quiet cruiser on the highway and very comfortable overall. The cabin is roomy and comfortable. The infotainment system is extensive and easy to use. Running boards and grips on the A pillar help a lot for getting in and out (mostly in). Auto hold, which prevents creeping at full stops, is among safety features.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid: The bulk of the full-sized pickup will have you searching and searching for roomy parking spots in mall lots. The overall price is on the high side of the F-150 portfolio.

Would I buy the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid? Not a truck guy, but if you are and a Ford guy to boot, why not go for the hybrid and save a little money on fuel?