Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kieta

At the risk of sounding a bit overdramatic, the car you choose to drive can contribute a lot to your life’s story and where the next chapter takes you. It’s one of the ways we see the world, appreciate the people we hold in our hearts, and enjoy the conversations that take place along the way.

After test-driving the all-electric 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge, my driving story is NOT the same. It got more riveting!

Sit in, drive off. It’s that simple. A sensor recognizes when someone is in the driver’s seat, and another detects the key’s presence. So it’s just a question of selecting D (or R), checking the surroundings, and heading out on your journey. And the Volvo C40 Recharge makes even the most mundane trip to the grocery store an enjoyable journey!

If this stunning electric SUV had its way, a lot of trips wouldn’t take long at all. It can giddy-up from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and a driving range of 226 miles on one charge. As I drove around in the C40 Recharge, all I caught was some wind whisper and practically muted road rumble.

As well as glorious, instantaneous torque, most electric vehicles I have driven include the party trick of one-pedal driving. Slowing down and speeding up is performed solely with the accelerator pedal. Even coming to a complete stop doesn’t have to mean touching the brake pedal, unless there’s some urgency required, of course. For a driver new to electric cars, such as me, this may seem daunting, but it’s surprising how easy it is to learn and how quickly it becomes part of the driving experience.

The front seats are very comfortable with optional heating. Clever storage areas are in abundance, and there is a reasonable amount of rear passenger space and legroom. This Volvo comes with a standard panoramic fixed moonroof which includes a protective UV coating as the moonroof does not have an additional shade.

Exteriorly speaking, one of the most distinguishing features of the C40 is its sloping roof. There is no grille, just a panel that is the same color as the car. And there are some gorgeous colors to choose from. “My” C40 Recharge was Thunder Grey which is subtly elegant. Much like me!

Some of the C40 Recharge’s best features include:

• Google/Android Infotainment System
• Digital driver information display
• Navigation System
• Hands-free lift gate operation
• Pilot Assist
• Harman Kardon audio

And what would a Volvo be without its supreme safety features? It’s got everything you need to protect your precious cargo, incuding:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.

Let’s be honest here. I’ve never written about an Autobahn Fort Worth test-drive that wasn’t about being sincerely thrilled and overjoyed with what I was driving, and the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge is no exception. What can I say? I love cool cars, and I love everything about Autobahn Fort Worth! They are good people who love to give exceptional service and care to their clients. Thank you, Autobahn Fort Worth. This girl is smitten once again.

Are you wanting to start a new chapter, new verse, or new story in driving into 2023? Go visit my friends at Volvo and ask them for a test-drive of the Volvo C40 Recharge. Prepare to fall in love!

The post New Year, New Chapter: Where Will You Go? first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Yes, friends, I’m in love!

Vinson Garcia, my Autobahn Volkswagen Sales Consultant, graciously walked me through the details of how the ID.4 operated and made sure I was fully comfortable to drive it off the showroom floor. I honestly don’t think there was any question I could have asked Vinson about the car that he could not have answered immediately, leaving me feeling fully prepared for this electric car revolution.

I drove the 1st Edition of the ID.4, a single motor, rear-wheel drive SUV with strong yet aerodynamic lines that sets it apart visually from other SUVs on the road. You can customize it with different color options for the exterior trim pieces – something I’ve never seen before on any of the previous cars I’ve tested. Volkswagen says the ID.4 interior is designed to be minimalist, but with high technology at its core. The dashboard looked pleasantly uncrowded, in part because so many of the controls were handled by the buttons on the steering wheel or the large central touchscreen.

Adding to the clean, ultra-modern feel to the whole car is a huge panoramic glass sunroof that comes standard with a retractable shade, allowing open-sky views for everyone taking a ride. The overall aesthetic was impressively futuristic while being firmly grounded in the present. There was plenty of both head and leg room for those adults who will be riding in the back seat, as well as ample cargo space out back.

While you’d of course expect an electric vehicle to be quiet, VW engineers clearly spent a lot of time isolating any hint of road and wind noise. One only needs to open the door to hear the outside world and then quickly close it again to hear just how well VW has done that job. The driver’s seat was a serene place for me while I moved around town, which was accentuated by the white steering wheel and other highlighted areas of the car’s interior.

It really was a peaceful and wonderful place to be.

I am a woman who appreciates creative details, and this dream of an electric car had several. For example, the 1st Edition has fun pedal covers – the one for the brakes has a “pause” button symbol, while the one for the accelerator has a “play” button, just like the remote for your TV. A heated steering wheel and heated front seats come standard on the ID.4, with voice activation commands being integrated into their operation. As soon as I said, “Hello, ID!” I could then say, “My hands are cold” and my new electric friend would start warming my steering wheel within seconds. Nice!

The ID.4 glides along with the futuristic purr of a modern electric vehicle. It can accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds and gets about 250 miles on a full charge. No need for “range anxiety,” as they call it. Charging at home while you sleep is easy, and more and more charging stations are popping up now that America is becoming more aware of the benefits of owning an electric car. And speaking of charging, Autobahn Volkswagen offers free charging for 3 years from Electrify America when you purchase the ID.4!

Safety features are always important to car owners. The ID.4 comes equipped with every safety feature you would expect from a Volkswagen which includes:

• Travel Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Active Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Front Assist
• Emergency Assist
• Lane Assist

Driving a machine that functions like something out of a science-fiction movie completely thrilled my inner child. This thrill is just one more thing that makes an electric car such a desirable purchase.

Recently, I read this quotation: “I want to get into my car and drive until I find what I’m looking for. Maybe it’s a purpose, or maybe it’s a new start, or maybe it’s just a sky with unclouded stars.” I think this resonates in some way through all of us.

Cars are a necessity in our lives, and we choose to drive a car that fits our personalities, goals, and budgets. If what I have said resonates with you, you need to test drive the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. The warm and friendly staff at Autobahn Fort Worth will always do what they can to help you make the best decision in making your car dreams a reality.

Thank you, Fort Worth Autobahn and Autobahn Volkswagen, for another memorable car-driving experience. Your team is amazing, and I look forward to driving through 2022 with you!!

The post Drive Until I Find What I’m Looking For first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

From the moment I walked into the Autobahn Fort Worth BMW dealership, I was greeted with smiles and immediate attention. Walking into a showroom full of impressive cars, I could have easily felt intimidated and out of my league, but that was not the case at all. Jonathan Shane, Autobahn’s “BMW Genius,” was very personable and made me feel completely at ease, which meant a lot as I was about to drive off the showroom floor with one of their brand new cars for the next four days. Jonathan seemed to have complete trust in me as he handed me the key fob. He said, “Have fun!” So that’s just what I intended to do.

As I slid inside the meticulously crafted driver’s seat, I knew I was in the right place for an upcoming adventure! It was love at first sight, or first sitting. My particular X3 for the weekend was a beautiful shade called Phytonic Blue Metallic. The ultra-classy interior came with leather seats in Canberra Beige with black contrast stitching. The interior design details in this Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) have to be experiences to be believed. The moon roof stretches all the way to the back seats which allows opportunities for road trip views; it also fills the cabin with glorious daylight, which makes it feel very spacious and open.

The infotainment center is brilliant and amazingly user-friendly. The sound system? Epic. Like many high-end cars, the X3 has sound dampening material lining the floor pan and the doors, which significantly lowers the “noise floor.” What does all that mean in real life? It means that road and wind noise are blocked out. Not only is it much quieter inside, but the sound system has a beautifully clear sound stage in which to pump out the jams! It’s gloriously focused without being harsh, and it allows for much clearer phone conversations in addition to the aforementioned jams.

It’s this meticulous attention to details that, along with the engineering genius for which BMW is known, have always made the BMW X3 highly sought after for safety, comfort, adventure, and style. When it comes to driving the X3, it’s like slipping into a great pair of running shoes or amazingly fitted workout clothes. It’s stylish and high-quality but absolutely built for fun and function. I would drive this SAV every day in a heartbeat!

We all know that the buying experience can be just as important as deciding on the car you want. I interviewed Alyssa, an Autobahn Fort Worth customer and a HUGE fan of the 2020 BMW X3. She recently started a new job requires a lot more driving, so after getting a referral from a family member, Alyssa stopped by Autobahn BMW to check out the X3. Like me, it took only one test-drive for her to know it was the ride she wanted!

She shared with me how much she loves driving the car. “I’ll drive it until it can’t be driven anymore, then once that happens, I’ll go buy another one from Autobahn,” she said. “I highly recommend anyone to buy a car from them because it was the best experience. They made everything so easy, from running the numbers to see if this car would fit my budget, to getting all the paperwork together for me to sign.”

This is the third car I have had the privilege of test driving from the Autobahn Fort Worth family. Every dealership, every store manager, and every car genius has been so down-to-earth and easy to work with. This mom highly recommends that if you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, give the 2020 X3 a chance. I’m 100% sure you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you, Autobahn Fort Worth BMW! You prove that superior customer service and incredibly-designed cars can coexist beautifully in a dealership.

Jennifer Kieta is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. She graduated from Texas Tech University and has lived in Fort Worth since 1996. After marrying her husband, Brian in 1998, Jennifer worked as a Child Life Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center for 9 years before becoming a full-time mom to her two daughters. Her passion for helping people in healthcare transitioned into the fitness world in 2014. She now teaches spin and HIIT classes at Zyn22 and Pilates at Restore and Revive Wellness Center. December of 2017, Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey through a double-mastectomy and being able to call herself a Survivor and Overcomer has allowed her to have an even greater passion for helping people embrace every day and take care of themselves one day at a time.

The post Ready for Adventure with Autobahn’s BMW X3 first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Another Fun Fact EVERYONE will benefit from knowing is that the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is one of Fort Worth Autobahn’s latest SUV’s on the “must drive” list for those of you hunting for the next family “truckster.” This year, the Atlas was rated cars.com Family Car of the Year.  According to cars.com, “Ample passenger and cargo space, advanced driver-assistance features and athletic handling set the Atlas apart from competitors.”  General Manager, Cody Grove of Fort Worth Autobahn Volkswagen, says he loves the SUV for its top rated safety features.  “It has sensors everywhere, even places you might not expect.” These sensors help the driver with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic detection, collision warning, autonomous braking, and pedestrian detection.  Other optional safety systems include:  adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and front/rear parking sensors.  Impressive, right?  It certainly is to me.  I currently drive a 2007 Lexus RX 350.  I love it, but the safety features on the Atlas are FAR more advanced, to say the least!  I can’t imagine not having to turn my head and body every which way to see what in the world is happening around me!  Technology can be a GOOD thing!

The 2020 Atlas makes living the family life a lot easier!  Let’s talk cargo space.  The three-row SUV has a classy interior that can easily handle hauling kids and their car seats.  The second row is capable of holding three front-facing car seats or three adults with ample foot room.  The second row has a tilt and slide mechanism so third row passengers can be seated without having to move the car seat!  Genius engineering, right there.  Way to go, Volkswagen!  The third row is roomy enough for taller teens or adults, while still providing plenty of room for additional cargo that is not a human.

In March, I had an opportunity to drive the 2020 Atlas myself.  Due to the events of COVID-19, the test-drive had to be cut short, but it gave me just what I needed to know to be able to share a bit of my experience with you.  As a mom with two older kids, ages 12 and 14, I definitely wasn’t use to all of the space and dashboard technology (a.k.a: Infotainment screen), but it is DEFINITELY something I would be willing to get used to!  It drives smoothly and has responsive turning, including parking in a parking lot or making sharp turns.  I didn’t feel like I was driving a large SUV most of the time.  The Kieta family has taken a road trip to Colorado almost every summer since our oldest daughter, Avery, was born.  As we spent the afternoon driving the Atlas around Fort Worth, we couldn’t help but imagine how incredible a “road trip car” the Atlas would be for our adventures.  So many more USB outlets in order for all of our devices to stay charged, so many cup holders, so much foot room, head room, and I can’t forget to mention the HUGE panoramic moon roof for stargazing and watching the clouds roll by.  Due to the amazing amount of cargo space, we would no longer have to stress about not being able to fit all of our luggage in the car.  Hmmmm.  Dreamy, for sure.  No doubt, when our budget allows it, we would be happy to own this SUV.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability come standard to the Atlas.  So, you get to choose your tunes and know where you are going at all times!  I remember so vividly my mom or dad having to get out the paper map to find out where we were!  The best part was watching them trying to get it folded back together correctly so it could fit into the tiny glove compartment (which never held gloves.)  Yes, the beauty of technology is helping to simplify our lives and to get us where we need to go safely and comfortably.

The 2020 VW Atlas “was designed from the ground up for American families, is assembled here in America, and, as sales have shown over the first two model years, Atlas is resonating with American buyers,” states Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

The Fort Worth Autobahn Volkswagen dealership is such a pleasure to work with.  The staff was so patient, kind, and knowledgeable when it came to helping me get comfortable with all of the amazing technology this SUV had to offer before I took off that afternoon for a test-drive.

Needless to say, this girl is smitten with the strength, class, and genius design of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas.  Fort Worth, it’s time for a road trip with the family in this adventure-ready SUV!  Look no further.  Autobahn has one waiting for you!

Jennifer Kieta is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. She graduated from Texas Tech University and has lived in Fort Worth since 1996. After marrying her husband, Brian in 1998, Jennifer worked as a Child Life Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center for 9 years before becoming a full-time mom to her two daughters. Her passion for helping people in healthcare transitioned into the fitness world in 2014. She now teaches spin and HIIT classes at Zyn22 and Pilates at Restore and Revive Wellness Center. In December of 2017, Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey through a double-mastectomy and being able to call herself a Survivor and Overcomer has allowed her to have an even greater passion for helping people embrace every day and take care of themselves one day at a time.

The post Strength, Class, and FUN: The New Volkswagen Atlas first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

I feel sad. I’ll be okay, but it’s going to take some time. You see, for one weekend, I had the privilege of driving one of the most amazing cars I’ve ever driven in my life. Actually, it’s the most amazing car I have EVER driven in my life. Autobahn Fort Worth and Autobahn Porsche allowed me to test-drive the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet for a whole weekend so that I could share with you, our readers, my thoughts about this mechanical work of art.

I don’t really consider myself a savvy connoisseur of automobiles. I appreciate nice cars when I see them and think to myself: “Wow, that would be fun to drive!” But that’s about as far as it goes.

Until now.

It can be pretty intimidating to walk into a dealership like Autobahn Porsche. I worried that I would stick out like a sore thumb, but that wasn’t what happened at all. Zoran Gutic, Sales Manager for the Autobahn Porsche dealership, met me with a warm smile and a firm handshake, and I could tell he was excited about the car I was going to test drive. After getting a copy of my license, he walked me to my car, which was sitting on the showroom floor. I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped open wider than is publicly acceptable.  It was a bright and radiant red with black leather interior. And that new car smell! I hadn’t smelled that smell in a long time. My heart started to race a bit – I was nervous because I had never driven a car at this price point with this much class and power. Zoran started the engine and drove it off the showroom floor into the parking lot where he gave me the rundown on all of the bells and whistles, making sure that I was completely comfortable driving this magnificent machine.

My friends, I thought I would be sitting there with Zoran for a long time because in my inexperienced mind, I thought an awesome car like this might have so many things I needed to understand just to get out of the parking lot. This wasn’t the case at all! Porsche has created a completely user-friendly sports car. The tutorial lasted less than 15 minutes before he handed me the key and said goodbye. If Zoran was feeling the least bit apprehensive about letting me go, he never showed it. He seemed to have all the confidence in the world in me.

As I pulled out from the dealership (top down, of course!) onto White Settlement Road, I was giddy. THIS GIRL was about to experience driving in a way she had never experienced before! I couldn’t wait to share the experience with my family.

Bear with me. I’m not a “car person.” I am a 46-year-old woman who can appreciate the finer things and will do my best to articulate my experiences in a way you, gentle reader, can relate to. Let me begin with a description to help you visualize and engage mentally and emotionally with my experience driving this car that Tony Stark must have designed.

My left hand turns a knob to the right as my foot presses down on the brake. A gritty and magnificent rumble echoes behind me. I use my right pointer finger to simply flip the seemingly tiny gear shift down to put me into drive. I am ready to roll.

WAIT! Music! I must have MUSIC! What does a girl listen to on her first ride in a superhero sports car? Hip hop. Definitely hip hop. Actually, you could listen to any kind of music in this car, and they would ALL be appropriate, in my humble opinion. “The Distance,” by Cake? Yes. It is PERFECT on the highway! Chris Stapleton, Beethoven, Khalid, the Beatles, Hillsong… all make the cut.

By holding down one button, the top and windows glide away in a matter of seconds. (This was the moment that reminded me the most of how Ironman got into his suit.) Truly brilliant engineering! With a gentle press of the gas pedal, I’m off, driving just under the speed limit. To keep my hair from looking like Albert Einstein on a bad hair day, I press the button to deploy a discrete windscreen located behind the driver’s seat. The stereo system is truly epic. Even on the highway with the top down, I hear it perfectly.

I drive on with the sun above me, the wind kissing my cheeks, gripping the steering wheel probably a little tighter than I would in my own car. The response to every turn and brake is perfection. I feel completely safe and in control the whole time. At the risk of sounding dramatic, it is an utterly euphoric experience. And while the car is responsible for much of that euphoria, it’s not the whole reason.

My girls, Avery (14) and Finley (12), love every moment they share with me in that car.

Now I understand why my husband’s connection with his uncle was so special. His uncle drove him around town in his convertible MG.

Unlike my husband, who was allowed to work the stick shift in that old car, my girls got to operate the power roof switch, which made them feel more connected to the experience. Just lovely!

The backseat is small. This isn’t a car to tote your family around town in. This is a car made for the pleasure of experiencing true craftsmanship and the passion from those who made it. We drove all around Fort Worth – Sundance Square and the Stockyards at night, University Park and Magnolia Street during the day. The experience kind of became a social experiment for us, too. It was fascinating to witness all the stares, looks of approval, thumbs up, or faces of pure shock and bewilderment as we drove by. I certainly don’t get those responses in the car I currently own!

My husband, who is a huge European car enthusiast, was sadly out of town most of the weekend. But on Sunday, our last day with the car, we went to breakfast together, which reinforced my belief that this is a fantastic date car! With all its horsepower and precision engineering, the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is a romantic car to the core. It’s cozy, keeping you close to your loved one, and it brings a smile with every punch of the gas.

Driving this amazing sports car captured my current state of mind into a driving experience. No lie, there were moments I even got emotional driving it. There was fear and self-doubt overshadowed by gratitude, blessing, and peace, which was intertwined with grace, hope, and faith. Being behind the wheel with the top down, the wind blowing, the sun shining, and my favorite tunes playing as loud as necessary helped me recognize that I was being given this amazing gift. I felt so much joy getting to drive that car. The talents of the artists and artisans who created this car combined to give me and my family an experience we will never forget.

Dearest friends at Autobahn Porsche,

Thank you for trusting me with your car. I may not have articulated my experience the way I truly felt through the whole weekend, but sometimes, where words fail, driving speaks.

Yours forever,

Jennifer

Now go test-drive this car, Fort Worth! You will be smitten. Call me if you do, I desperately want to go for another ride!

Jennifer Kieta is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. She graduated from Texas Tech University and has lived in Fort Worth since 1996. After marrying her husband, Brian in 1998, Jennifer worked as a Child Life Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center for 9 years before becoming a full-time mom to her two daughters. Her passion for helping people in healthcare transitioned into the fitness world in 2014. She now teaches spin and HIIT classes at Zyn22 and Pilates at Restore and Revive Wellness Center. December of 2017, Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey through a double-mastectomy and being able to call herself a Survivor and Overcomer has allowed her to have an even greater passion for helping people embrace every day and take care of themselves one day at a time.

The post The Most Amazing Driving Experience first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

This month, I got to test drive the GLC’s super-powered brother, a 2019 AMG GLC 43, and I will never look at cars the same way again.

The interior was similar to the GLC: luxurious leather and wood with that lovely new car smell, incredible sound system, crystal-clear display with intuitive controls, a panoramic moon roof, and everything else you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz. The difference was the performance. The AMG brand was founded as a manufacturer of racing engines, and their partnership with Mercedes-Benz has resulted in some fantastic cars.

I may or may not have a heavy foot when driving because I’m chronically late to everything (please note that I am admitting nothing), so when I had to get to an appointment in a hurry, I may or may not have “put the pedal to the metal.” WOW! That AMG GLC took off! Fortunately for me, the AMG brand is not only known for its power, it’s known for its handling and stability. Honestly, that trip was the most fun I’ve ever had when going to the dentist!

The next day was Fall Gallery Night, and we took some friends gallery hopping. Five adults were comfortable as we went from location to location, and parking was never a problem. It was a gorgeous night, so we opened the moon roof and sang along with the radio. It was a memorable night, and the AMG GLC added to the charm of the evening. I was quite sad when I had to return Zippy (yes, I name my cars) to Park Place. But I was mollified with the knowledge that I would be back.

The Park Place family is gearing up for the third annual Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase, and you are cordially invited. On September 29, the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas plays host to DFW’s premier luxury lifestyle event. Everything from new and antique car to haute couture to some of the area’s top restaurants will be on display from 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine.

Do you have a motorhead in the family? Park Place represents some of the top car makers in the world, and the latest Maserati, Bentley, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, and of course Mercedes-Benz models will be waiting for you on the New Car Concourse.

If you’re more of an oldie-but-goodie, the Collector’s Concours is a juried showcase of rare cars from private collectors. These include a 1916 Stutz Bearcat, a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, and a 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS. In addition, local car clubs will be on site to show off their vehicles.

Photo courtesy of Park Place Dealerships

Cars are great, but if you aren’t a gearhead, you will still have a great time. There will be a runway fashion show featuring some of the latest styles from the Highland Park Village. And if you upgrade to the VIP ticket, complimentary bites from Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants including Wild Salsa, and for GA/Showfiled there will be food trucks to keep your stomach satisfied. There will also be live entertainment on the Lexus Live Stage and in the Porsche Luxury Lifestyle Pavilion. There’s also a Kid’s Zone which features the North Texas Diecast Collectors Club’s interactive sixty-foot downhill Hot Wheels track, among other fun activities.

Beyond the cars, the food, the fashion, and the fun, Park Place is giving back to their community. The group has donated a vehicle to be raffled off at the Showcase, and proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation.

Information about the Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase is available at www.luxurysupercarshowcase.com/.

After getting to test drive three vehicles from Park Place Motorcars on Bryant Irvin, I am truly spoiled. When I’m next in the market for a car, you can be sure that I’ll be heading to Park Place. The quality of the inventory at every Park Place dealership combined with their people and the service makes Park Place the place to buy your next vehicle.

The post The Drive of a Lifetime first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.