Ride & Handling
Unfortunately, the ride is another area where the Super looks better on paper than the other Lucerne trim levels, but in some ways performs worse. The CXL's suspension tuning is firmer than that of the CX, and the Super's is designed to be sportier still. In addition to a larger front stabilizer bar, it adds Magnetic Ride Control, which is an adaptive suspension system that's one of the most sophisticated on the market, as its specialized shock absorbers employ magnetic fluid rather than simpler (and slower) mechanical valves. The system provides no firm/comfort setting for the driver to monkey with, but it automatically monitors the road surface and adjusts to optimize ride and handling. By and large, it makes for a comfortable, if somewhat floaty, ride, and it seems to control body roll more than the simpler suspension can manage. I also, however, found the ride surprisingly bumpy on rough pavement — a strange dichotomy in a car of this type. I've seen this technology make other cars both ride like a dream and handle like a champ; something's not right here.
The main problem with the Super is that it's meant to be sporty, and it's just not. The steering has the same imprecise feel as the lower trim levels, and the extra engine power comes in a manner that's not easily appreciated. While some smaller cars meet their sporty aspirations with front-wheel drive, applying V-8 power to the front wheels always seems to show limitations. If you want sport, you can get rear- or even all-wheel drive for a comparable price and fuel economy.
See also:
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See Changing
a Flat Tire.
2. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen
all the wheel nuts, but do no remove them yet.
3. Turn the jack handle cou ...
Interior Lighting
Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, the interior lamps turn on to
enter and exit the vehicle. Turn the instrument panel
brightness control located on the
left side of
the steering wheel, ...
How to Add Automatic TransmissionFluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transmission fluid to use.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is hot. A cold check is used only as a
referenc ...