Global One Magazine

by Ella Patterson, Ella Magazine Publisher

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid has finally arrived and it rolls into 2023 a changed car. Women are going to love the look and feel of it. It is  more efficient, better fuel economy by nearly two miles per gallon with a manufacturer-estimated 32city to an estimated 37mpg while delivering more horsepower. The wide-ranging enhancements to the 12th-generation Corolla exemplify Toyota’s passionate approach to improvement. Corolla has sold over 50 million worldwide and is the world’s top-selling model.

Hybrid All-Wheel Drive: The 2023 Corolla Hybrid now offers the option of all-wheel drive with a big advantage. Instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels, Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. The system works seamlessly and clearly, distributing driving force to the rear wheels to help restrain front wheel slip during off-the-line starts.

Obviously, a Hybrid Frontrunner: Toyota remains the world’s hybrid lead, and there’s more power, there’s more traction, with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. The new hybrid system also includes a newly developed lithium-ion battery located under the rear seat to lower the center of gravity and extend trunk cargo capacity. The Corolla Hatchback features a redesigned front grille with chrome-finished accents, along with revised LED headlights. The rear bumper is updated with body color and added chrome-finished accents. The new 18-inch Gloss Graphite-colored alloy wheels are available for the Hatchback. Standard on Corolla XSE a redesigned 7-inch multi-information display (MID). Toyota became  the leader in equipping its vehicles with safety systems featuring automatic emergency braking.

Next-Gen Multimedia: The 2023 Corolla comes equipped with a standard next generation 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. For an enhanced audio experience, the Corolla SE, XSE and XLE grades come with a JBL® Premium Audio system, 9 speakers and 800-watt amplifier and 10-in. subwoofer.

The Strong, Silent Type: Corolla’s model variety is made possible by the Toyota New Global Architecture-C platform (TNGA-C). A super-rigid structure, a low center of gravity and highly refined tuning of the MacPherson-type strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension endow the Corolla with exemplary handling agility, ride comfort and distinctive driving personality. This high-strength platform is fortified through the use of ultra-high-tensile steel as well as the application of structural adhesive technology for enhanced body rigidity and passenger security.

Comfort for All Aboard: Corolla’s cabin is a sanctuary where powertrain and road noise have been minimized thanks to the widespread implementation of sound-absorbing materials. The cockpit provides an engaging interior space that surrounds the driver while offering a spacious environment for all passengers contributing to a premium look and feel. A console tray and front cupholder. The tray can hold small items, such as a smartphone or wallet or, when so equipped, houses the available Qi wireless device charging pad. Terraced cup holders adapt to various-sized beverage containers.

The 2023 Lexus RX, the fifth generation for the Lexus core model, is completely redesigned from the wheels to the roof rails, featuring a new global platform, two all-new grades, available Digital Key, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface Multimedia System. For 2023, the redesigned model maintains a comfortable, quiet in-cabin, refined ride comfort, excellent grip and drive force control and confident driving enjoyment.

The Lexus RX was a hit in 1998. Its unibody chassis—and thus carlike ride and handling—handsome exterior design, and spacious interior caught the attention of plenty of buyers who wanted to ride higher while sacrificing little to nothing in terms of fuel economy and the luxury car experience. This fifth-generation model has arrived to take over. There is refinement and design with the 2023 Lexus RX350. It stands out in a crowded luxury SUV field.

What’s New Inside? The biggest change inside is the new 14.0-inch touchscreen with an updated infotainment system, and an improved navigation system powered by Google Maps. The entire system is easy to use and find with voice commands. It allows for over-the-air updates for further refined and added features over time.

The rest of the cabin will feel familiar to previous Lexus owners in terms of vibe and materials, with some changes that will make the RX more modern. Among them is the clean center console, which has enough space to accommodate two smartphones and two cupholders. Because the shifter is small, the center console area feels spacious. The interior door handles are stylishly designed and can be operated by simply pushing on them with your thumb (instead of pulling with your hand). The materials feel soft and premium from the leather seats to the microsuede on the door panels. You can bring up their functions in the head-up display by pressing one of the buttons on the left, but I found it easier to do if they were clearly labeled. Rear-seat passengers will have enough room to be comfortable. They are spacious with almost 30 cubic feet of space with the seats up.

Goodbye V-6, Hello Turbo-Four: With the change to the new platform, Lexus ditched the V-6 engine—a longstanding RX offering—in favor of a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The RX350’s new engine may not be super powerful, but it’s acceptable, especially off the line. The eight-speed automatic transmission isn’t super-sharp, either; a few times we noted harsh shifts from third to fourth gear at medium throttle. On bumpy roads, the slightly stiffer suspension that comes with the F Sport package delivered a ride that was pleasant and comfortable, and we like the way it feels that extra bit more controlled.

Is the 2023 Lexus RX350 Worth It? Anyone who steps inside the 2023 Lexus RX350 will be pleased with its modern interior, especially current RX owners. The new model is a step up, and the 2023 RX350 is definitely a competitive offering in one of the market’s hottest classes. The SUV cost around $64,635. It’s also a good value for anyone looking to upgrade when compared feature-for-feature against SUVs from other automakers. The RX once again feels like it should, and that should win it plenty of fans new and old.

The Mazda CX50 Turbo Premium  SUV is a delight to drive, but before I get too deep into my likes and dislikes, I need to make a public confession. I WANT ONE. It’s hard to test drive a car, then you have to give it back. If you are a woman, and most likely you are because the readers that look to me for advice, expertise and review pleasure are women drivers. I don’t mean women who simply shuffle the kids around. I’m talking about women who drive for sport, women who drive for leisure, women who drive to relax, or just get away to enjoy their very own machinery.

Great For Curves: It should come as no surprise the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is at its best on a sharp, twisty road, where its incredibly precise steering and well-damped suspension give the kind of precision expected from a sports car. Mazda’s G-Vectoring system makes wise use of the center and rear differentials to control weightiness transfer; among its magic, it keeps weight on the front end to sharpen corner turn-in.  

Drive Modes: The 2023 Mazda CX-50 features multiple drive modes, something Mazda has steadfastly avoided in the past. We looked for a marked difference between Normal and Sport modes, but Mazda intentionally avoided this; the company’s take is that drive modes should not change the car’s character, but rather preserve it—in other words, ensure a consistent driving experience even when conditions change. That’s a notable goal, but it also misses the point somewhat. In our view, one of the purposes of multiple drive moves is to give a driver a break during less-demanding conditions. Good as the CX-50 was on that one curvy lane (and yes, we tried it in Normal and Sport modes; the differences were quite subtle), it would have been a lot less fatiguing on average roads if we could have dialed down the steering effort and off-center response.  Mazda’s philosophy works better on dirt and gravel surfaces, where the Off-Road mode makes the car respond much as it does on dry pavement. On terrain uneven enough to get a wheel in the air, the CX-50 did a great job getting power to the ground. Perhaps it is, but after descending a steep, loose hill while trying to modulate the brakes with the CX-50 in a semi-slide, we were reminded that a gimmick that provides peace-of-mind is a useful one indeed.

 CX-50s with a turbocharged engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds. We got a chance to tow at max capacity and were impressed by the SUV’s stability. The CX-50 has a Towing drive mode (which replaces Sport when a trailer is connected) that once again uses the center differential to shift weight forward and improve steering response. We found the difference too subtle to feel, but to be fair, a strong sense of self-preservation prevented us from jerking the wheel with the trailer attached.

by Ella Patterson, Global One Magazine

There was still something about the styling that was missing as if it was lacking a truly eye-catching theme. All that has changed now for the newly refreshed G70. It takes cues from the rest of the lineup with its quad parallel head and taillights, and the result is echelons better. There are two different turbocharged engine options and all-wheel drive is also on the table. We drove the potent 3.3T in rear-wheel drive configuration and Prestige trim.

The rear-wheel drive configuration shines with its balanced dynamics and quick responses. Sport+ mode really extracts the most out of the engine and transmission for serious delights. It’s balanced, tactile, and plenty quick, too.

Ride Quality: The ride is very comfortable but still properly firm for a luxury sports sedan. It manages bumps without feeling disconnected. You get a great ride and true connection with the road.

Acceleration: 0-60 comes in a quick 4.5 seconds, which outpaces most of the competition, and Sport+ mode does a great job of holding it into gear. The 8-speed automatic transmission downshifts very well.

Braking: The brakes are very good but could use more bite to match the 3.3T’s power and handling. It’s progressive and has good modulation.

Steering: The steering has some decent effort to it, and there’s some good feedback coming through.

Handling: The optional Sport Package in our tester provided truly great adaptive suspension, and there’s minimal body roll that’s very predictable. We love the rear-wheel drive setup that allow you to kick out the rear end properly when exiting a turn. The new screen and infotainment software that’s commensurate with the luxury brand look. The screen is now bigger and sits in a rectangular frame atop the dash. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard.

Infotainment System: The 8″ screen has been replaced by a properly large 10.25″ screen with improved graphics and OS. It adds polish to the cabin, as well as great functionality.

Controls: Genesis controls are all well laid-out, with buttons in linear, crisp format and with some of the best climate control knobs in the business. Steering wheel controls are similarly excellent. The center stack canted toward the driver is one of our favorite aspects. The new design is cohesive, sophisticated, and more aggressive. Genesis took this refresh seriously, and the results are better than we had hoped.

Front: The trapezoidal shield grille has been revised to be simpler and more triangular. The parallel quad headlights look very good indeed, and even the lower fascia vents have been cleaned up.

Rear: We love these taillight versions of the thematic lighting because they are a bit angled at the outer edges. The taillights also meld well with the trunk lid crease. The ovular tailpipes are fine, but we would’ve preferred round versions.

Profile: The single body crease is still there, but the front fender vent is now functional and better looking. Gone is the old chrome chevron version, which was purely aesthetic and not very attractive. The dark chrome wheels with the red brake calipers popping through look phenomenal. The G70’s cabin is one of the best in the business with diamond-quilted Nappa leather seats.

Lexus Makes Some of The Best Hybrids

by Ella Patterson, Global One Magazine

The ‘h’ is for hybrid. Despite hordes of imitators, the Lexus RX crossover lineup has continued to win the loyalty of its buyers by delivering a driving experience that accentuates comfort, tranquility, luxury, and  reliability. The RX has long been Lexus’ top-seller, and the current model faithfully carries the torch, even with its slightly menacing grill and exterior styling. The Lexus RX hybrid has been going strong for 15 years. Today’s RX 450h is a descendant of the original RX 400h, the first luxury hybrid vehicle. The 2022 Lexus RX 450h is more powerful, refined, and efficient than the original. Lexus has been in the hybrid-making business for quite some time, so it’s no surprise it makes some of the best. The RX 450h’s bold styling and impressive attention to detail, interior appointments makes it an undoubtedly attractive in the luxury SUV scene.

How does the RX 450h drive? Despite hordes of imitators, the Lexus RX crossover lineup has continued to win the loyalty of its buyers by delivering a driving experience that accentuates comfort, tranquility, and luxury, topped off with good reliability. The RX faithfully carries the torch, even with its slightly menacing grill and exterior styling. The 3.5-liter V6 in the RX 350, coupled with an eight-speed automatic, has the smooth and ample power delivery that you expect in a premium SUV. The hybrid version offers added boost and better fuel economy, as it combines the one-two punch of the gas engine and electric drive.

The RX 450h feels good on the road, with easy effort steering and quick pick up. And thanks to a well-tuned brake-by-wire system, the RX 450h is capable of smooth stops. It’s quick and delivers a smooth driving experience. The instrumented test numbers confirm the 450h is clocking 60 mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds. Suspension updates make the RX 450h feel more agile and nicely counteract the added weight from the batteries and hybrid components.

How comfortable is the RX 450h? Comfort is a RX hallmark, and the 450h. The front seats are wide and accommodating, and cushions feel nice. The second-row seats are comfortable too, and they have the ability to recline. The suspension does a good job of taking the edge off rougher road surfaces and bumps. The cabin is well insulated from traffic, wind noise and tire drone, The silence of the hybrid power train only adds to the serenity. You’ll never have to raise your voice to have a conversation. MSRP range $48,720. – $54,520