Soaring fuel costs make cars popular again in 2007
By Keith Buglewicz
|
June 22, 2006
Introduction
With no end in sight to the rise in fuel prices and continuing increases in the cost of living, American consumers are dumping their once cherished SUVs in favor of smaller, more affordable vehicles. Honda, Nissan and Toyota are right on track with the trend toward impressive utility in small packages by introducing the Fit, Versa and Yaris, respectively, for the 2007 model year, thus taking the lead in combining fuel efficiency and practicality while creating some of the most sought-after cars outside of the hybrid market.For 2007, however, Nissan clearly rules the roost. In addition to small-outside, big-inside fuel sipping Versa, the Japanese automaker is giving its entire sedan lineup an overhaul. The Sentra is redesigned for the first time since the Clinton Administration, and it’s a sharp looking little ride. Think Maxima Jr., and you won’t be far off the mark. Sentra’s distinctive Euro-influenced styling makes it look more expensive than it is, and the car has grown in size. Nissan’s bread-and-butter sedan, the Altima, is also all new for 2007, representing an evolutionary rather than revolutionary change. Finally, the Maxima flagship gets spiffed up to give it legs until a complete overhaul arrives a few years from now.
Nissan isn’t the only manufacturer making waves this year; just the biggest ones. Toyota’s got an all-new Camry for 2007, complete with a new hybrid model that goes like a V6 but sips fuel like a four. Volkswagen marks the return of the Rabbit, complete with a cute bunny logo on the hatchback, and Suzuki debuts a fun little all-wheel-drive model called the SX4. Kia and Hyundai are coming to market with complete redesigns, too, in the Optima and Elantra, and Dodge has replaced the dowdy Neon sedan with a funky little hatchback called the Caliber. Whatever your needs and desires for a new family-style vehicle, one thing is certain: people want something that gets better gas mileage. Ready to learn more about these cars and others? Read on…
Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet has given the Korea-built 2007 Aveo an update in the face of stiff new competition from Japan. Inside and out the styling has been upgraded for a more substantial look and feel. Under the hood, the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo sedan contains a 103-horsepower four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Chevrolet says this powertrain can get 35 mpg on the highway. A four-speed automatic is optional for folks who can’t, or don’t, row their own gears. Power steering is standard, and antilock brakes are optional. On the safety front, Chevrolet installs dual-stage front airbags and side-impact airbags, but there are no side-curtain airbags like in the competition. Nevertheless, Chevrolet claims that the 2007 Aveo will achieve five-star safety ratings during impacts with vehicles of similar size and weight based on NHTSA frontal crash-test scores for the structurally-identical 2006 model.
Dodge Caliber
Rather than replace the Neon with another bland econo-sedan, Dodge debuts the 2007 Caliber, a smart hatchback with bold design that makes it hard to mistake the car for anything else. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the Caliber’s power is sourced from your choice of four-cylinder engines including a 1.8-liter, 148-horsepower motor; a 2.0-liter, 158-horsepower unit; or a 2.4-liter engine that generates 172 horsepower. A five-speed manual is standard, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered for people who don’t want to shift their own gears. Highlights include a cooled storage box in the dashboard, flip-down speakers in the cargo area for blasting music during outdoor parties, and a 300-horsepower version dubbed the SRT-4.
Honda Fit
Engineered for a sporty driving demeanor combined with impressive room for five and unparalleled utility in a tiny package, the 2007 Honda Fit was originally intended for sale only in overseas markets, but with the larger and more powerful Civic moving upscale for 2006, Honda felt that the Fit would do just fine as its new entry model in America. Powered by a 109-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder VTEC engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a first-in-class five-speed automatic transmission, the Fit is rated to deliver fuel economy of 33 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. This new entry-level vehicle comes with top-of-class feature content, including six airbags. There’s also a Sport model equipped with paddle shifters (if you order the automatic transmission) and a 160-watt six-speaker audio system. Fit owners will also have a wide variety of accessories to choose from, including the segment-exclusive Honda Apple iPod Music Link.
Hyundai Elantra
Besides being bigger, the redesigned 2007 Hyundai Elantra greets the new year with an all-new look from the sleek bodywork to the revised interior, a more efficient four-cylinder engine, a bevy of safety features such as standard side-impact and side-curtain airbags, and a base GLS model that is said to sticker for less than $14,000. Couple all of that with Hyundai’s excellent powertrain warranty, and it’s easy to see how this Korean automaker continues to win buyers, awards, and respect.
Kia Optima
Bigger and better than ever before, the 2007 Kia Optima is finally good enough to compete on level ground against the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and other mid-sized sedans. The Optima’s standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-banger that produces 161 horsepower, mated to either a five-speed manual or an automatic transmission. There’s also a 2.8-liter V6, which generates 185 horsepower, but it’s outmatched by most of the competition. The new Optima looks great, inside and out, and offers a terrific blend of ride quality and handling. However, to be truly competitive with the best in the class, it needs a stronger V6 under the hood.
Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi is giving its slow-selling Galant sedan a refresh for the 2007 model year, and there’s also a new performance-tuned Ralliart version on sale, seen in the photo above. Powered by a 258-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 258 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is equipped with a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a special Rockford Fosgate stereo system. Mitsubishi also says that though the Galant Ralliart’s torque peak is 4,500 rpm, it’s got 220 lb.-ft. of twist on tap at 2,000 rpm, making life off the line quite enjoyable. Other Galants benefit from minor freshening in a bid to become more relevant in the marketplace.
Nissan Altima
When it goes on sale in November of 2006, the all-new 2007 Nissan Altima will draw power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6, hooked up to a continuously-variable automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Base models get the four banger, good for more than 165 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque; V6 models feature more than 265 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of twist. An independent suspension is bolted in below the all-new skin, wheels measure 16 or 17 inches in diameter, and the driver is connected to the whole deal via a new rack-and-pinion steering system. The Altima doesn’t grow much in any direction, proving evolutionary rather than revolutionary like the 2002 model that turned the has-been nameplate into a segment-leading star.
Nissan Maxima
Nissan’s Maxima flagship sedan arrives for the 2007 model year with new headlights and front fog lights, revised front and rear fascias, a new grille that sits below a restyled hood, and new 17- and 18-inch wheel options. The interior is accented by an updated instrument panel, revised gauges, and improved seat bolsters. Features include rear park assist, a SkyView glass roof, a 320-watt Bose sound system with an MP3 player and a six-disc CD changer, and Bluetooth connectivity. Both models, the 3.5 SE and the 3.5 SL, will come standard with front-side and side-curtain airbags, and among the points that differentiate the premium 3.5 SL are leather upholstery, power heated front seats, and wood interior trim. At the heart of the 2007 Nissan Maxima is an aluminum 3.5-liter V6 rated to make 255 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm, connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission with a manual mode that will direct power to the front wheels.
Nissan Sentra
Nissan has done little except apply some mascara and lip gloss to the Sentra since it was last redesigned during the Clinton Administration. Long overdue for the update it finally gets for 2007, it appears at first glance that the long wait was worthwhile: the new Sentra is a terrific looking little sedan. Under the hood is an all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, available with a choice between a standard six-speed manual transmission or Nissan’s fuel-saving Xtronic CVT (continuously-variable transmission). Standard equipment includes a new electronic power steering system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front active head restraints, and an advanced audio system. Optional amenities include leather-appointed seating and Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system.
Nissan Versa
Attractively designed with cues that mirror Nissan’s popular Murano SUV, the 2007 Versa has a large interior with more than six feet of length inside the cockpit, raised seating for added comfort and visibility, and impressive leg and knee room. Powered by a newly developed, environmentally-friendly, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Versa is available with a choice of three transmissions, including a fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT). Also of note is Nissan’s use of premium materials in this value-priced model.
Suzuki SX4
It’s been a long time since Suzuki fielded a small car worth considering, but with the debut of the 2007 SX4, it appears that the small Japanese automaker finally has a winner. Because it’s available with all-wheel drive, this car should prove particularly popular in the Snowbelt. Equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four making 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. torque, the 2007 Suzuki SX4 should prove sprightly, if not quick, given curb weights averaging between 2,650 and 2,850 pounds. Buyers can select between a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission directing power to the front or to all four wheels. The Suzuki SX4 2WD gets 26 mpg in city while 4WD versions gets 24 mpg in town regardless of transmission choice, but note that highway fuel economy is better with the automatic: the 2WD gets 31/33 mpg manual/automatic while the 4WD gets 29/30 manual/automatic.
Toyota Camry
Redesigned from top to bottom, the 2007 Toyota Camry is offered in base CE, popular LE, upscale XLE, sporty SE, and Hybrid trim levels. The standard engine in the CE, LE, XLE, and SE is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 158 horsepower (155 horses for PZEV-rated motors). It’s connected to a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and gets 24 mpg regardless of transmission choice. The manual transmission gets 34 mpg on the highway, while the automatic musters 33 mpg. If you want more power than the four-cylinder engine can provide, choose a 2007 Toyota Camry equipped with the available 3.5-liter V6. It generates 268 horsepower, runs on regular unleaded fuel like the four-cylinder, and carries a ULEV rating. The V6 is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is expected to deliver 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Hybrid models match the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an electric assist motor to provide the acceleration of the outgoing 2006 model’s V6 engine combined with the fuel economy of the four-cylinder model.
Toyota Prius
Toyota gives its popular Prius hybrid a few tweaks to keep it fresh for 2007. Notable revisions include a mildly freshened look and an improved interior. Models sold in Japan and Europe also get an optional Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) feature, which allows the Prius to steer itself into a parking spot through the use of video cameras while the driver controls throttle input. Evidently, Toyota thinks that IPA should be considered a luxury feature in America, and has reserved the technology for the new 2007 Lexus LS 460.
Toyota Yaris Sedan
Change the name, change the styling, add a coupla doors and trunk, run terrifically surreal advertising and poof! – instant sales. The Yaris used to be called the Echo in the U.S., but with the global redesign of this spunky econocar, Toyota’s global name goes on every car in every market. In addition to the sedan pictured here, a hatchback is also available. Features include a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine is mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, and fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 34 city/39 highway miles. The Yaris is certified as an Ultra-Low Emission vehicle. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, tinted glass and more, while options include antilock brakes, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels are also available for anyone wanting to look really spiffy.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
Built on a larger new platform, the 2007 Toyota Yaris hatchback is likely improve on the sales of the outgoing Toyota Echo that it replaces, if for no other reason that gas is priced high. The Echo failed to gain much traction in North America, its weird design condemning it as a last-resort teenager car. But Toyota does nothing if not learn from past mistakes – theirs and others – and the Yaris corrects several issues that consumers had with the Echo: styling is subtler and more professional, there’s a roomier interior, and shoppers have the luxury of choice between a sedan and a hatchback.
Volkswagen Eos
Sorority girls, rejoice! Your kinda sporty, tres kawaii Volkswagen convertible-slash-coupe has arrived. The 2007 Volkswagen Eos is the cheapest hardtop convertible on the market, just undercutting the Pontiac G6 Convertible for the honor much to the chagrin of GM marketing types. Powered by a sweet 200-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder driving the front wheels, the VW Eos will also be available with a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 matched with VW’s excellent Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) clutchless manual transmission after the car’s initial launch. Fully equipped in a single trim level, the 2007 Volkswagen Eos includes stability control, a pop-up safety roll bar, and side impact airbags as standard equipment. Sixteen-inch wheels and tires also come standard, with stylish 17-inch wheels, a navigation system, a premium audio system with 10 speakers, and Climatronic automatic climate control listed on the options sheet.
Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Longer, wider, and taller, the new 2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is also more spacious inside, especially when it comes to rear legroom, which is up 2.4 inches over the old car. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder making 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. What’s impressive about this motor is that it’s fuel-efficient yet powerful, in part because peak torque is available across a flat powerband from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. A 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 engine is also available with 280 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque that peaks at a low 2,750 rpm. The 2.0-liter turbo can be matched to a manual or automatic transmission, while the 3.6-liter V6 comes only with a six-speed Tiptronic manually-interactive automatic with sport mode. Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD is also available, but only on Passat 3.6L models.
Volkswagen Rabbit
This year marks the return of the Rabbit, now that Volkswagen has hastily ushered the Golf name out of the U.S market. The new 2007 VW Rabbit is available as a three- or five-door hatchback with a 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine that generates 150 horsepower – 35 more ponies than the outgoing Golf. A manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual shifting is optional. The Rabbit also swaps the Golf’s torsion beam rear suspension for an independent setup, and will ride on 15-inch wheels as standard with 16-inch alloys optional.
Chevrolet has given the Korea-built 2007 Aveo an update in the face of stiff new competition from Japan. Inside and out the styling has been upgraded for a more substantial look and feel. Under the hood, the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo sedan contains a 103-horsepower four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Chevrolet says this powertrain can get 35 mpg on the highway. A four-speed automatic is optional for folks who can’t, or don’t, row their own gears. Power steering is standard, and antilock brakes are optional. On the safety front, Chevrolet installs dual-stage front airbags and side-impact airbags, but there are no side-curtain airbags like in the competition. Nevertheless, Chevrolet claims that the 2007 Aveo will achieve five-star safety ratings during impacts with vehicles of similar size and weight based on NHTSA frontal crash-test scores for the structurally-identical 2006 model.
Dodge Caliber
Rather than replace the Neon with another bland econo-sedan, Dodge debuts the 2007 Caliber, a smart hatchback with bold design that makes it hard to mistake the car for anything else. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the Caliber’s power is sourced from your choice of four-cylinder engines including a 1.8-liter, 148-horsepower motor; a 2.0-liter, 158-horsepower unit; or a 2.4-liter engine that generates 172 horsepower. A five-speed manual is standard, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered for people who don’t want to shift their own gears. Highlights include a cooled storage box in the dashboard, flip-down speakers in the cargo area for blasting music during outdoor parties, and a 300-horsepower version dubbed the SRT-4.
Honda Fit
Engineered for a sporty driving demeanor combined with impressive room for five and unparalleled utility in a tiny package, the 2007 Honda Fit was originally intended for sale only in overseas markets, but with the larger and more powerful Civic moving upscale for 2006, Honda felt that the Fit would do just fine as its new entry model in America. Powered by a 109-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder VTEC engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a first-in-class five-speed automatic transmission, the Fit is rated to deliver fuel economy of 33 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. This new entry-level vehicle comes with top-of-class feature content, including six airbags. There’s also a Sport model equipped with paddle shifters (if you order the automatic transmission) and a 160-watt six-speaker audio system. Fit owners will also have a wide variety of accessories to choose from, including the segment-exclusive Honda Apple iPod Music Link.
Hyundai Elantra
Besides being bigger, the redesigned 2007 Hyundai Elantra greets the new year with an all-new look from the sleek bodywork to the revised interior, a more efficient four-cylinder engine, a bevy of safety features such as standard side-impact and side-curtain airbags, and a base GLS model that is said to sticker for less than $14,000. Couple all of that with Hyundai’s excellent powertrain warranty, and it’s easy to see how this Korean automaker continues to win buyers, awards, and respect.
Kia Optima
Bigger and better than ever before, the 2007 Kia Optima is finally good enough to compete on level ground against the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and other mid-sized sedans. The Optima’s standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-banger that produces 161 horsepower, mated to either a five-speed manual or an automatic transmission. There’s also a 2.8-liter V6, which generates 185 horsepower, but it’s outmatched by most of the competition. The new Optima looks great, inside and out, and offers a terrific blend of ride quality and handling. However, to be truly competitive with the best in the class, it needs a stronger V6 under the hood.
Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi is giving its slow-selling Galant sedan a refresh for the 2007 model year, and there’s also a new performance-tuned Ralliart version on sale, seen in the photo above. Powered by a 258-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 258 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is equipped with a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a special Rockford Fosgate stereo system. Mitsubishi also says that though the Galant Ralliart’s torque peak is 4,500 rpm, it’s got 220 lb.-ft. of twist on tap at 2,000 rpm, making life off the line quite enjoyable. Other Galants benefit from minor freshening in a bid to become more relevant in the marketplace.
Nissan Altima
When it goes on sale in November of 2006, the all-new 2007 Nissan Altima will draw power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6, hooked up to a continuously-variable automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Base models get the four banger, good for more than 165 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque; V6 models feature more than 265 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of twist. An independent suspension is bolted in below the all-new skin, wheels measure 16 or 17 inches in diameter, and the driver is connected to the whole deal via a new rack-and-pinion steering system. The Altima doesn’t grow much in any direction, proving evolutionary rather than revolutionary like the 2002 model that turned the has-been nameplate into a segment-leading star.
Nissan Maxima
Nissan’s Maxima flagship sedan arrives for the 2007 model year with new headlights and front fog lights, revised front and rear fascias, a new grille that sits below a restyled hood, and new 17- and 18-inch wheel options. The interior is accented by an updated instrument panel, revised gauges, and improved seat bolsters. Features include rear park assist, a SkyView glass roof, a 320-watt Bose sound system with an MP3 player and a six-disc CD changer, and Bluetooth connectivity. Both models, the 3.5 SE and the 3.5 SL, will come standard with front-side and side-curtain airbags, and among the points that differentiate the premium 3.5 SL are leather upholstery, power heated front seats, and wood interior trim. At the heart of the 2007 Nissan Maxima is an aluminum 3.5-liter V6 rated to make 255 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm, connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission with a manual mode that will direct power to the front wheels.
Nissan Sentra
Nissan has done little except apply some mascara and lip gloss to the Sentra since it was last redesigned during the Clinton Administration. Long overdue for the update it finally gets for 2007, it appears at first glance that the long wait was worthwhile: the new Sentra is a terrific looking little sedan. Under the hood is an all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, available with a choice between a standard six-speed manual transmission or Nissan’s fuel-saving Xtronic CVT (continuously-variable transmission). Standard equipment includes a new electronic power steering system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front active head restraints, and an advanced audio system. Optional amenities include leather-appointed seating and Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system.
Nissan Versa
Attractively designed with cues that mirror Nissan’s popular Murano SUV, the 2007 Versa has a large interior with more than six feet of length inside the cockpit, raised seating for added comfort and visibility, and impressive leg and knee room. Powered by a newly developed, environmentally-friendly, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Versa is available with a choice of three transmissions, including a fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT). Also of note is Nissan’s use of premium materials in this value-priced model.
Suzuki SX4
It’s been a long time since Suzuki fielded a small car worth considering, but with the debut of the 2007 SX4, it appears that the small Japanese automaker finally has a winner. Because it’s available with all-wheel drive, this car should prove particularly popular in the Snowbelt. Equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four making 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. torque, the 2007 Suzuki SX4 should prove sprightly, if not quick, given curb weights averaging between 2,650 and 2,850 pounds. Buyers can select between a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission directing power to the front or to all four wheels. The Suzuki SX4 2WD gets 26 mpg in city while 4WD versions gets 24 mpg in town regardless of transmission choice, but note that highway fuel economy is better with the automatic: the 2WD gets 31/33 mpg manual/automatic while the 4WD gets 29/30 manual/automatic.
Toyota Camry
Redesigned from top to bottom, the 2007 Toyota Camry is offered in base CE, popular LE, upscale XLE, sporty SE, and Hybrid trim levels. The standard engine in the CE, LE, XLE, and SE is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 158 horsepower (155 horses for PZEV-rated motors). It’s connected to a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and gets 24 mpg regardless of transmission choice. The manual transmission gets 34 mpg on the highway, while the automatic musters 33 mpg. If you want more power than the four-cylinder engine can provide, choose a 2007 Toyota Camry equipped with the available 3.5-liter V6. It generates 268 horsepower, runs on regular unleaded fuel like the four-cylinder, and carries a ULEV rating. The V6 is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is expected to deliver 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Hybrid models match the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an electric assist motor to provide the acceleration of the outgoing 2006 model’s V6 engine combined with the fuel economy of the four-cylinder model.
Toyota Prius
Toyota gives its popular Prius hybrid a few tweaks to keep it fresh for 2007. Notable revisions include a mildly freshened look and an improved interior. Models sold in Japan and Europe also get an optional Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) feature, which allows the Prius to steer itself into a parking spot through the use of video cameras while the driver controls throttle input. Evidently, Toyota thinks that IPA should be considered a luxury feature in America, and has reserved the technology for the new 2007 Lexus LS 460.
Toyota Yaris Sedan
Change the name, change the styling, add a coupla doors and trunk, run terrifically surreal advertising and poof! – instant sales. The Yaris used to be called the Echo in the U.S., but with the global redesign of this spunky econocar, Toyota’s global name goes on every car in every market. In addition to the sedan pictured here, a hatchback is also available. Features include a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine is mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, and fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 34 city/39 highway miles. The Yaris is certified as an Ultra-Low Emission vehicle. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, tinted glass and more, while options include antilock brakes, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels are also available for anyone wanting to look really spiffy.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
Built on a larger new platform, the 2007 Toyota Yaris hatchback is likely improve on the sales of the outgoing Toyota Echo that it replaces, if for no other reason that gas is priced high. The Echo failed to gain much traction in North America, its weird design condemning it as a last-resort teenager car. But Toyota does nothing if not learn from past mistakes – theirs and others – and the Yaris corrects several issues that consumers had with the Echo: styling is subtler and more professional, there’s a roomier interior, and shoppers have the luxury of choice between a sedan and a hatchback.
Volkswagen Eos
Sorority girls, rejoice! Your kinda sporty, tres kawaii Volkswagen convertible-slash-coupe has arrived. The 2007 Volkswagen Eos is the cheapest hardtop convertible on the market, just undercutting the Pontiac G6 Convertible for the honor much to the chagrin of GM marketing types. Powered by a sweet 200-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder driving the front wheels, the VW Eos will also be available with a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 matched with VW’s excellent Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) clutchless manual transmission after the car’s initial launch. Fully equipped in a single trim level, the 2007 Volkswagen Eos includes stability control, a pop-up safety roll bar, and side impact airbags as standard equipment. Sixteen-inch wheels and tires also come standard, with stylish 17-inch wheels, a navigation system, a premium audio system with 10 speakers, and Climatronic automatic climate control listed on the options sheet.
Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Longer, wider, and taller, the new 2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is also more spacious inside, especially when it comes to rear legroom, which is up 2.4 inches over the old car. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder making 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. What’s impressive about this motor is that it’s fuel-efficient yet powerful, in part because peak torque is available across a flat powerband from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. A 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 engine is also available with 280 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque that peaks at a low 2,750 rpm. The 2.0-liter turbo can be matched to a manual or automatic transmission, while the 3.6-liter V6 comes only with a six-speed Tiptronic manually-interactive automatic with sport mode. Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD is also available, but only on Passat 3.6L models.
Volkswagen Rabbit
This year marks the return of the Rabbit, now that Volkswagen has hastily ushered the Golf name out of the U.S market. The new 2007 VW Rabbit is available as a three- or five-door hatchback with a 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine that generates 150 horsepower – 35 more ponies than the outgoing Golf. A manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual shifting is optional. The Rabbit also swaps the Golf’s torsion beam rear suspension for an independent setup, and will ride on 15-inch wheels as standard with 16-inch alloys optional.
Photos courtesy of the manufacturers