Cars & Motors News

[Rasputin]

2007 Volvo S80

There's plenty of glitz and glamour in Hollywood with almost daily red carpet premieres, award ceremonies and celebrity appearances and endorsements. Aligning your brand with a Hollywood heavy hitter is an ideal way to promote your product whilst rubbing shoulders with the very elite that you’d like to actually buy your goods.
One of the most respected ‘industry’ (as in film, not car) players in town is BAFTA/LA - the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Los Angeles - a not-for-profit establishment that boasts many of the biggest names in Film & TV as both its members and recipients of its annual awards.
In addition to the annual BAFTA’s, handed out in London each year just prior to the Oscar ceremony in L.A., BAFTA’s L.A. arm also holds a big fundraiser, the Cunard Britannia Awards, each November, at one of the swanky hotels in town. Honoring stars of film and television, it’s a very plush affair and one at which sponsors clamour to be involved.



For the past few years, Volvo has been just such a sponsor, deeming BAFTA/LA to be a snug fit for its core values and entertainment-related endeavors. What better way to showcase your new ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ – in the form of the all-new S80 – than in front of 1000 of Hollywood’s heaviest hitters? Who’s in the room? Clint Eastwood – check. Sidney Poitier – check. Halle Berry – check. Harvey Weinstein – check. Steven Spielberg – check. Sharon Stone – check. The heads of all the talent agencies – check. The heads of many of the studios – check. Trend setters, style makers, green-lighters and legends of the film industry, all focused on the live auction of Volvo’s soon-to-be released (but not yet available to the public, nay) top of the line sedan.

[Rasputin]

2007 Cadillac SRX-V6

Model: 2007 Cadillac SRX-V6
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 260hp @ 6500 rpm/254 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 116.0 in.
Length x Width x Height: 195.0 x 72.6 x 67.8 in.
Tires: 235/65HR17 front/255/60HR17 rear
Cargo volume: 69.5 cu. ft.
Economy: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway/13.7 mpg test
Price: $$48,190 (includes $745 destination charge and $10,700 in options)
The Bottom Line: The Cadillac SUV of choice if you're not in the NBA or a wannabe. Smooth power and traditional Cadillac luxury. Who needs a bigger engine?
Cadillac has a pair of sport utility vehicles (three, if you count the Avalanche-like Escalade EXT). The Escalade is the larger of the two and the favorite of NBA players and rappers. This week’s tester, the SVZ, is a more manageable mid-size with a more economical V6 engine that is an absolute pleasure to drive.
Although they’re built on separate platforms, there’s an amazing similarity between the SRX and the new GMC Acadia. Both are the same size, both are luxurious (although the Cadillac, by its DNA, is more luxurious), and both offer a host of amenities to please any shopper.
Rear-wheel drive is standard with the SRX, although all-wheel drive is available. Our tester was optioned for luxury rather than performance, which isn’t a bad thing.
I was impressed with the smooth power available from the 3.6-liter V6 and the 5-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed automatic is available with the optional 4.6-liter “Northstar” V8. The transmission has a manual mode that isn’t really necessary. The automatic is so versatile there’s no real need to shift manually. And, this is a Cadillac.
Even in our hillclimb test, we didn’t need manual shifting. There’s enough low-range torque to keep the SRX going at a good clip even when you’re negotiating tight corners.
As one might expect, the seats are very comfortable with good side support. The seats were heated, but we were fortunate to have decent weather and didn’t need the extra warmth.
The steering wheel has audio controls, and they’re located in a spot where you won’t accidentally hit them when you’re driving. Steering wheel audio controls are a nice feature, but they lose a lot of charm when you’re continually accidentally changing the station or medium.
I also like the instrument panel with four dials and white-on-black lettering with narrow lines and red pointers. The i.p. looks very European. There’s a neat analog clock located in the center of the dash that isn’t that easy to read, but it’s still better looking than a digital clock.
One feature that will impress sun lovers is a huge sunroof that covers the first two rows of seats. This way, all the passengers can get a view of the sky above.
Legroom in the front is excellent, with power adjustable pedals for the driver. Legroom in the second row is also excellent, but a tall center hump makes the SRX into a four-seater.

[Rasputin]

The All New 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe

Packages:
Premium Package adds familiar and new features to all models:
• Dakota Leather upholstery

• Auto-dimming exterior* and interior mirrors

• Power-fold exterior mirrors*

• Digital compass* in the interior rearview mirror

• BMW Universal Transceiver, a 3-function remote for garage doors and other external devices (formerly available only as center-installed accessory)

• 4-way power lumbar support on the front seats

• BMW Assist, BMW’s comprehensive system of customer services and in-car telematics, including a Bluetooth cellphone interface (connects vehicle phone features with approved cellphone models)
For 328i/xi models, this Package adds features that are standard on 335i:
• Power front seats with Driver Memory System

• Auto tilt-down feature for the right-hand exterior mirror (mirror tilts down when reverse gear is engaged).
Sport Package (328i and 335i).
The Sports Package accents these vehicles' inherently sporty handling, esthetics and ergonomics:
• Sport seats with power-adjustable backrest width*. Depending upon model and equipment choices, other seat adjustments can be manual or power.

• Specific wheels and tires:
• 328i – 18 x 8.0 front/18 x 8.5 rear wheels with 225/40R-18 front/ 255/35R-18 rear W-rated run-flat performance tires
• 335i – 18 x 8.0 front/18 x 8.5 rear wheels with 225/40R-18 front/ 255/35R-18 rear W-rated run-flat performance tires

• 155-mph top-speed limiter, instead of the standard 130. Sport Package (328xi).
The AWD chassis retains the 130-mph speed limiter, and includes –
• 17 x 8.0 wheels with 225/45R-17 H-rated all-season tires (wheel design different than standard wheel)

• Sport seats as in 328i/335i Package.

• Sport Package wheel/tire upgrade (at extra cost) - 18 x 8.0 front/18 x 8.5 rear wheels with 225/40R-18 front/ 255/35R-18 rear W-rated run-flat performance tires; 155 mph top-speed limiter Cold Weather Package.
For the 328i and 335i models, this Package includes:
• High-intensity headlight cleaning system with retracting jets

• Heated front seats, with expanded heating area*

• Ski bag, for carrying skis and other long objects "indoors."

The headlight cleaning system is standard on the AWD 328xi.

[azita2005]

خودرو مفهومي- Reflex محصول شرکت فورد - عنوان بهترين طرح خودرو سال 2006 را به خود اختصاص داد.
، انجمن رسانه خودرو SEAMO براي نخستين بار طي پنج سال اخير به اتفاق آرا خودرو مفهومي "رفلکس" را به عنوان بهترين طرح خودرو معرفي کرد.
اين انجمن بهترين طراحي، عملکرد موتور و واکنش مثبت بازار را معيار اصلي براي انتخاب بهترين خودرو مفهومي قرار مي دهد.

[azita2005]

Ford - Reflex

[Rasputin]

2007 Chevrolet Aveo

That jingling you hear isn't sleigh bells—it's actually the change left in your pocket after filling the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo's 11.9-gallon fuel tank. This is but one of the joys of driving Chevy's small-but-tall people hauler. The fact that it is (actually) not bad to drive is another.
If you're a car type person, you may remember that the Aveo was all-new in 2004. In a move that shows just how competitive today's automotive world is, General Motors elected to refurbish their entry-level model for its fourth model year. Good thing, too, as the Aveo's competition is just as fresh, and includes solid players such as the Hyundai Accent, the Honda Fit, and the Toyota Yaris.
Sipping to 60 mph
Like these other automotive appliances, fuel economy is the name of the game, and the Aveo's 1.6-liter engine delivers 27 mpg city/37 mpg highway with a 5-speed manual, and 25/34 mpg with the optional 4-speed automatic ($850). The double-overhead-cam aluminum block engine puts out 103 horsepower and 107 ft.lb. torque using technology like variable induction – that would be a dual-path, staged intake manifold. If you're looking for pavement buckling power, look elsewhere. The powertrain gets the job of acceleration done, but it takes its time doing it. Zero to 60 mph is measured with two digits in front of the decimal, not one.
Performance of another kind
Realistically, this car is not meant to star in the next Tokyo Drift movie. But, it will happily take you and three of your pals to the movie theater … a fourth bud can come along if he/she is kind of small, hip-wise. The Aveo's tall profile provides plenty of headroom, especially up front. In the rear, there's ample room for passengers up to around 5'10". Legroom is adequate up front, but this measurement in the rear feels a bit pinched. The feeling is aggravated by goofy cushion s***ts fitted to the rear of the front seats. They visually clean up the joint between the front seats' back and bottom cushions, but they poke out stiffly to jab rear-seat passengers in the ankles. On the plus side, materials covering the seats and dash looked good and didn't scream, "You're in a cheap car, sucker." Panel gaps were even, another good sign.
Over the river…
Our review period took place over the Thanksgiving holiday, so we loaded the family into the Aveo up for the two-hour drive to grandma's to fully evaluate the Aveo's capabilities. This test revealed that the interior is plenty comfortable for about half that ride. After the midway point, seat cushions get to feeling hard, and drivers whine about the long reach to the steering wheel and the too-close positioning of the dead pedal. The cup holders also drew poor reviews. Up front, a pair springs out from the center stack like an insect with extra large mandibles. We wouldn't recommend trusting them to hold your Big Gulp. Another beverage rest stop was molded into the very rear of the center console. Its shallow design completely compromises its effectiveness, so rear-seat drinkers are better off keeping their beverage of choice tucked safely between their knees. We speak from experience. The fact that there is only one center arm rest (affixed to the driver's seat) also drew criticism from the occupant of the front passenger seat.
During our time on the road, the interior proved exceptionally quiet for a car in this class. Even at 80 mph, conversation was easy. While we didn't put a dB meter in the Aveo, it was certainly quieter than the Accent SE we recently tested, and even seemed quieter than the Saturn VUE Green Line we drove earlier in November. The Chevy's lack of wind and tire noise are to be commended.
The ride also garnered positive comments. Large potholes and freeway expansion joints were handled capably. There is little body lean in corners, but the tiny P185/60R14 all-season tires don't let you generate tons of lateral acceleration. Understeer is expected and delivered. One quibble is that the steering feels nervous at highways speeds. Never unsafe, mind you, just always needing correction and lacking in a comfortable on-center feel. Perhaps this is remedied on the Aveo LT with its lower profile 55 series 15-inch tires.
As previously noted, the Aveo does not present itself as a hot rod. Completely in character, our provided tester was equipped with a 4-speed automatic. Gear shifts were generally smooth and well timed. Eyeing the almost 10-percent increase in fuel economy, we wished we had tested a model with a 5-speed manual. Along with a bump in highway mileage, we expect the extra cog would make the Aveo feel sportier and less like an inexpensive rental car. All Aveo models feature front disc and rear drum brakes. The system is unremarkable in its capabilities and performance. Anti-lock brakes are optional, something we find surprising in 2007.
Right for you?
Our 2007 Aveo LS stickered for a reasonable $13,425 before adding in the $565 destination charge. We recommend foregoing the automatic transmission and option up to the LT model as you'll benefit from added features such as power door locks and cruise control that the LS doesn't have. Be sure to check out the Aveo5 before you make a final decision, as Chevy does offer a hatchback version along with the sedan pictured here. Chevy's Aveo is a strong seller in the class, and GM hopes its updates for 2007 will help keep the sales numbers at the top of charts. We can't predict how well the car will do in 2007, but we do know the Korean-built Aveo (by GM's subsidiary, Daewoo) can rack up 400 miles without a pit stop. Combined with GM's new corporate warranty that provides powertrain coverage for 5 years or 100,000 miles, this is a solid contender for the driver who wants an inexpensive, reliable, and efficient commuter car.
2007 Chevrolet Aveo LS
Base price: $11,750; $13,425 as tested
Engine: 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder, 103 hp/106 lb-ft
Transmission: Four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 169.7 x 67.3 x 59.2 in
Wheelbase: 97.6
Curb weight: 2542 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 25/34
Safety equipment: Front and side airbags
Major standard features: Tilt steering column, air conditioning with air filtration system, rear window defogger, am/fm stereo with auxiliary input jack, 60/40 split folding rear seat
Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles

[Rasputin]

2007 Buick Lucerne

The Buick Lucerne is the brand's flagship sedan. Its clean lines are suggestive of fine European imports yet maintain Buick traditions. Inside, Lucerne is elegant, comfortable and easy. Underway, it's smooth and quiet; but with precise steering and a chassis that handles winding roads with aplomb. we find the Lucerne to be a plush, highly competent full-size sedan at a compelling price.
The Lucerne CXS is certainly the most enjoyable of the new Buicks to drive, thanks to its powerful V8 engine and Magnetic Ride Control, an adaptive sports suspension developed for the Corvette. Yet we might opt for the Lucerne CXL V6, a very enjoyable car to drive, with agile handling and plenty of performance. The V6-powered Lucerne CXL is positioned to compete against the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES 330, while the V8-powered CXS aspires to the Lexus GS and Infiniti M luxury sedans.

As it has done from time to time throughout its 103-year history, Buick is rethinking, renewing, revising and rationalizing its model lineup. The Buick Lucerne replaced the Park Avenue and LeSabre when launched as a 2006 model. The Lucerne benefits greatly from the structure and chassis hardware that it shares with the recently launched Cadillac DTS. In this, Lucerne is not breaking tradition but confirming it. The biggest Buicks have shared body structure with Cadillacs since the 1930s, if not before; and they have shared significant chassis pieces since 1965.

[Rasputin]

2007 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is a full-size, four-door sedan that makes a bold design statement and backs it up with serious horsepower. The Charger SRT8 boasts a 425-hp 6.1-liter high performance Hemi V8. And that's pretty serious.
A range of V6 and V8 models is available, however, and even the sub-$25,000 Charger SE feels sporty and entertaining. All of these cars are comfortable cruisers, offering drivers a comfortable haven from traffic and bumpy freeways.

The Charger illustrates just how multi-talented and accomplished today's high-performance cars are compared to the uni-dimensional hot rods of yesteryear. The Charger has all the pavement-ripping, gut-thumping power of the old muscle cars, but it's packaged with modern creature comforts and tempered by handling competency. Put another way, it rides, turns and stops as well as it goes.

The Dodge Charger is fun to drive and enjoyable for just cruising along. It's perfectly in its element when making time on a freeway. Granted, this is no sporty, svelte coupe. It's a big, heavy, full-size sedan measuring more than 16 feet in length and tipping the scales near two tons, but it is responsive and entertaining. The 3.5-liter V6 is entirely adequate, while the V8s generate thrilling acceleration performance and make all the right noises.

Now in its second model year, the Charger lineup expands for 2007 with the availability of all-wheel drive. Ordering your SXT or R/T with all-wheel drive should add greatly to your Charger's ability to handle winter weather as well as enhancing its stability on wet roads. Other new options packages are available for 2007 as well.

[Rasputin]

2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse delivers just about everything we'd expect in a sub-$30,000 coupe: racy good looks, sporty handling, comfortable, feature-laden accommodations for driver and front passenger and a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines. Even the base engine can provide brisk acceleration, and both deliver good fuel economy.
The Eclipse coupe was all-new in 2006. Changes for 2007, beyond the introduction of the Eclipse Spyder (reviewed separately), are minimal. Yet the Eclipse is still new enough to be fresh. The front seats are roomier than in the pre-2006 models, and this latest-generation Eclipse represents an improvement stylistically. With more curves and better proportions, it turns heads more with a smile than with a frown.

The Eclipse coupe has four seat belts, but it's a classic 2+2. The back seat is only used as a last resort. But the same applies to sport coupes that cost three times as much, and this is a true coupe, rather than a sedan with its rear doors sealed shut and painted over.

As such, the Eclipse offers something increasingly rare in the new-car market: a reasonably priced, sporty alternative to the bevy of small sedans. Prices start under $20,000, and even the base model is well equipped.

[Rasputin]

2007 Buick Lucerne CXS

SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Buick Lucerne CXS
Engine: 4.6-liter “Northstar” DOHC V8
Horsepower/Torque: 275 hp @ 5200 rpm/292 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 115.6 in.
Length x Width x Height: 203.2 x 73.8 x 58.0 in.
Tires: P245/50R18
Cargo volume: 17.0 cu. ft.
Economy: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway/18.2 mpg test
Price: $38,630 (includes $725 destination charge)
Classified as a “large car,” the new Buick Lucerne occupies the slot in the Buick lineup formerly occupied by the LeSabre, since the real “large car,” the Roadmaster, went the way of all GM rear-wheel drive cars a few years back. Lucerne is “Tiger Woods’ car,” if you believe the ads, and as such is getting a lot of hype with Tiger’s enormous success and appeal.
But what of the Lucerne? And how does it compare with the car it replaces? Our family has intimate knowledge of a LeSabre, albeit a 2001 version, so comparisons are obvious. Finally, I get to drive a car aimed at my demographic group.
Lucerne is about three inches longer than LeSabre and is built on a wheelbase that is also three inches longer. The `01 model had a 3.8-literV6 that developed 205 hp. That compares with the 275 ponies available in the Lucerne’s “Northstar” 4.6-liter V8. Both are coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission.

[Rasputin]

2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec

A 700-mile cruising range? Wow. I like that. That means fewer stops at the fuel pump, but it’ll be mighty costly to fill ‘er up. This week regular unleaded gasoline is $2.45, here in mid Michigan and diesel is $2.85. Fuel tank capacity is 21.1 gallons and EPA estimates are 27-city and 37-highway. I’m going to get through the week without having to add fuel in spite of two trips into the big city and lots of running around from my rural base of operations.
Back in the late 60s and through the 70s older brother, Gary, had Mercedes diesels. My favorite was his first, a powder blue 220D. He was an on-the-road sales guy and could go forever on a tank of fuel, and he could go hundreds of thousands of miles without engine attention. Yes, it started hard in cold weather, and it was a bit smoky, and noisy, and slow. And your hands would stink forever if you accidentally splattered while refueling. But it was a Mercedes with unquestioned quality and class.
One of our pals at the time, a character named Leonard, was a home builder of sorts and was proud of being able to drive his 220D from Michigan to Georgia and back on a tank of fuel each way just to select his carpets from the mill. We could do that with this E320 Bluetec if we wanted to.
These diesel problems have all been addressed. The E320 Bluetec we’re driving this week is about $58,000. Base price is $51,000. Ours has a few options. But, of course, for an E-Class (mid size) Mercedes I guess we shouldn’t fault it for price. It’s only a grand more than the V6-powered gas E-Class. Common rail fuel delivery, turbo charging, multiple valves and other engine technology make for plenty of power and speed, more insulation has made it much quieter and there are no longer any cold-start problems. The big deal these days, of course, is emissions, especially particulates (soot) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) . How do they clean it up? Well, let’s take a look at the “Bluetec” system. That’s the interesting story here.
Certifiable in 45 states this year (not California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont) the Bluetec diesel has multiple scrubbers in the exhaust system - two catalysts and a particulate filter. First in line as the exhaust leaves the engine is an oxidizing catalytic converter, then a diesel particulate filter and finally a selective catalytic reduction unit for reducing NOx. When the particulate filter gets to a certain degree of saturation the engine management computer will turn up the heat of the exhaust gasses to burn those darned particles off.

[Rasputin]

2005 Hummer H2 SUT

MODEL: Hummer H2 SUT
ENGINE: 6.0-liter V8
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 325 hp @ 5,200 rpm/365 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 4-speed automatic
WHEELBASE: 122.8 in.
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 203.5 x 81.2 x 78.5 in.
TIRES: LT315/70R17
TIRES: LT315/70R17
TIRES: LT315/70R17
ECONOMY: 11.3 mpg test
TIRES: LT315/70R17
PRICE: $58,070
Like it or not, the Hummer H2 is a presence going down the road. Even in SUT (for Sport Utility Truck) form, the huge chrome grille and high ride height set it far apart from anything else you may see coming at you.
New for 2005 is the SUT version. It, like the SUV H2, is borrowed from the H1's military version. But, unlike the H1, the H2's version is far more practical. There's seating for five in comfort, for example, and the 6.0-liter V8 engine is relatively quiet, whereas the military's (and H1's) diesel is unacceptably noisy.
The SUT isn't the world's most practical truck, even if it is unique. It has a relatively short bed (3 feet long by 5 feet wide) and is high off the ground. If you stow gear back there and it shifts to the front of the bed, you can't reach it from the sides or back. Also, you must release the spare tire carrier to lower the tailgate. The tire release is good and easy to use, but it's one more hassle that takes away from the utility of the truck.
This vehicle has in its gene pool the Chevrolet Avalanche. So the rear seat folds flat with the headrests removed. The rear window lowers (powered) and the access panel folds flat, extending the bed. While this is a neat way to get a longer bed out of a shorter one, it isn't a good idea in cold or rainy weather. Also, the floor doesn't fold flat, so if you want so slide a long piece of lumber in, for4 example, it isn't that easy.
Under the hood is a 6.0-liter V8 engine which, in the SUT, is rated at 325 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, nine and five better than in the SUV, respectively. Power reaches the wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission with a "Hummer"-style shifter. You know it's Hummer-style once you've tried it. Actually, the large handle is easy to grab and does the job well.
Like the H1, there's a huge console with two 12-volt outlets included. Unlike the H1, you can actually talk to your front-seat partner and you don't have to mail the rear seat passengers to communicate with them. This is the huge advantage of the H2 over the H1 - its practicality. The console is necessary because the glove box is too small. There's also a good navigation system in case you get lost. Of course, with the Hummer's versatility, you can just drive cross country until you find a stream, then head downstream. For senior citizens, there are assist handles at all four doors to aid in entering and exit the SUT. In addition, there's a running board that is also a big help since the SUT sits so far off the ground.

The Hummer H2 SUT has full instrumentation with a speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure, ammeter and oil temperature gauges. All are important. The audio system is standard GM and the HVAC has rear outlets for passengers back there. My wife approved of the heated seats.

[Rasputin]

2007 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is all-new for 2007. It's larger then the previous model and has been improved in every area. That's saying something given that the first-generation MDX (2001-2006) had a unique combination of style, design, utility, and a rock-solid powertrain with both good power and good fuel economy that made it very popular among mid-size luxury SUVs. It sold in record numbers right to the end and was the second-best-selling Acura model (after the TL sports sedan).

The all-new 2007 Acura MDX is built on a proper truck platform, and is not an adaptation of the Accord passenger car platform. It doesn't look larger than last year's MDX, but it is in fact several inches longer and wider. That makes it among the largest vehicles of its type. It offers more space for folks and flotsam inside, totaling almost 143 cubic feet. From its wild new grille to its elaborately stylish cat's-eye headlamps to its huge new taillamps, it's got a more muscular look compared to the original, especially in the areas around the tires. Sporty styling cues include the big, fat dual exhaust tips that look like they belong on a V8, and the hefty five-spoke alloy wheels. Even the Acura badge in the grille has been changed, and is now twice as big as it once was.

The seats are laid out in three rows of two, offering seating for up to seven people. The 10-way driver and 8-way front passenger power seats allow huge adjustment latitude for long-distance comfort.

The new MDX is physically stronger than the previous model, with a more rigid structure that's much more resistant to twisting and bending, beneficial for ride and handling as well as tightness as the vehicle ages.

Powertrain improvements include a larger, more powerful V6 engine, combined with a five-speed manual-shift automatic transmission. The completely updated exterior appearance, which is sportier still than the original, will make it easy to spot the new one. Inside, there is a completely new approach to SUV interior design, a more organic, unified presentation of instruments and controls, a more involving scheme for the driver that should be appreciated by moms and dads alike.

We found the MDX quiet and quick, with nicely weighted steering. The active damper system that comes on the Sport model makes driving the MDX more fun, with a flatter ride and less body roll in the corners. The driver can select between sport and comfort modes for sharper handling or a softer ride. The navigation system, satellite radio, iPod input jack and Bluetooth phone synching make it easy and fun to go down the road.

Acura says the new MDX competes with the BMW X5, the Volvo XC90, the Lexus RX 330, the Mercedes-Benz ML350, as well as the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon Denali. Acura hopes the new MDX will appeal to women who want a sports car but need an SUV.

[Rasputin]

2007 Ford Mustang V6 Deluxe Coupe

Total Cost to Own $41,939

Rebates & Incentives:Cash Back / Special Financing

Standard Engine:4.0L V6, 12 valve, 210 hp @ 5300 rpm

5 speed manual (standard) or 5 speed automatic transmission

19 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy

Green Rating: 62

[Rasputin]

2007 Honda CR-V EX

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4
Horsepower/Torque: 166 hp @ 5800 rpm/161 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 103.1 in.
Length x Width x Height: 178.0 x 71.6 x 66.1 in.
Tires: 225/65R17
Cargo volume: 72.9 cu. ft.
Economy: 22 mpg city/28mpg highway/19.6 mpg test
Price: $24,050 (base, plus $595 destination charge
The Bottom Line – Very good redesign of a classic compact SUV. Smooth engine/transmission combination plus decent overall performance make this an ideal step up from a compact, or even mid-size sedan.
Honda has redesigned its popular CR-V compact sport utility vehicle for 2007 and it’s a great redesign. Not only does the CR-V retain all its basic plus points from the previous generation, it gains more aerodynamic styling that, if you “fuzz up” your eyes a bit, looks like the bigger brother Acura MDX.
Based on the `06 CR-V, the `07 is three inches shorter on the same size wheelbase, the 2.4-liter inline four has 10 more horses to 166 hp, and the tires grow an inch to 17 inches. All these dimensional changes make the CR-V seem like a larger vehicle, but still act like a small one.
Our tester was the front-wheel drive EX version, which is next to the top-of-the-line. As such, it gains a power sunroof over the base LX, as well as an AM/FM radio with in-dash six-CD changer and MP3 player, audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, and a few other goodies. All-wheel drive adds about $1,200 to the base price shown.