Modification Contest

Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion On Modification Contest

Early one morning we were given the keys to a Golf R, the performance version of VW’s most popular vehicle, and rocked it up to 125 miles per hour on the Autobahn. Man, that’s fun. The Golf Blue-e-motion can’t quite match that, topping out at a max speed of just 135 km/h (about 84 miles per hour), but that doesn’t mean the car isn’t also a blast to pilot. Calling it a “blue emotion” is just wrong. The car isn’t depressing in the least. The company line on EVs? That’s a bit of a downer, but not the car. The one thing VW got absolutely right: selectable regenerative braking. There are four levels, from sailing to harsh regen, and it’s great to be able to use the shifter paddles on the steering wheel to cycle through them. We’d have been quite happy with the two settings at the extremes, but we won’t quibble with four. Cruising through wet Wolfsburg streets with the Golf Blue-e-motion’s weight split 50/50 thanks to the battery placement, which is quite different than the front-biased standard Golf, handling was great at city speeds. The e Golf is also incredibly quiet, even for an electric vehicle, and that’s saying something. It doesn’t hurt that the Golf on which it’s based is already a quiet ride. One big problem: the accelerator pedal completely lost the ability to function on a highway exit ramp, but a few restarts solved the problem. Such is the life of a prototype vehicle.

Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion On Modification Contest

2011 Dodge Journey On Modification Contest

With all of the Chrysler models receiving updates both significant and otherwise, it’s understandable if you’ve gotten a little lost in the fray. Here’s what you need to know: One of the most surprising bright lights to come out of the company’s refresh bender is the 2011 Dodge Journey. While the 2011 Dodge Charger and Durango may have stolen the spotlight with their new sheetmetal, the Journey has transmogrified into a small family hauler that offers plenty of horsepower, acceptable fuel economy and a massively updated interior. There’s even one of the quickest and largest touchscreens of any vehicle we’ve come across nestled in the dash.

Nissan Quest

Nissan revealed its 2011 Quest minivan, making it the fifth redesigned or refreshed minivan to be introduced in the past year. A segment that once was considered dead is experiencing a renaissance, and Nissan's re-entry into the market doesn't look to scare the rest of the competition.

Like the past-generation Quest's optional skylights, the Quest can be equipped with dual sunroofs ($1,350) for front and rear passengers. There's also a unique hard cover for the rear storage bin. While the bin is a common trait of minivans, the removable hard floor is unique. The stadium second- and third-row seats fold flat more like a modern crossover than a minivan to create a flat load floor.

Otherwise, besides the styling, there isn't much to make the Quest stand out from the crowd. It has an optional rear entertainment system with an 11-inch widescreen display. Been there, done that, say Odyssey and Sienna.

A price breakdown and trim-level features supplied by Nissan, are below.

Quest 3.5 S: $27,750
Sixteen-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; rear roof spoiler; six-way adjustable front bucket seats; front door map pockets; wood-tone trim (instrument panel, front doors and sliding door window switch); fold-flat second- and third-row seats; permanent rear storage well; first- and second-row center consoles; Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start; and six-disc CD stereo with four speakers.