THE GOOD 12 - PART XII

VOLVO V70

Most assuredly, the best pure station wagon on the planet is Volvo's biggest. Sure, you can have more speed with your tailgate. You can have more toughness (even an XC70) or more luxury or perhaps more beauty. But pare it all down; cut away the excess; and ask yourself for the best car for you, your spouse, your kids and dogs and stuff, and you end up at the Volvo dealership. Sign on the dotted line. You'll not be disappointed.

You find yourself remarkably comfortable in an instant. The Volvo V70 isn't fast, but it is deceptively quick. You're surrounded by fashionable accoutrements. Everyone is safe... and you know it. Sure, you spent a chunk of change, but upon opening the driver's door, you're positive the price of admission was worth it.

Will the Volvo V70 give you a Porsche Boxster experience? No; but then again, will a Porsche Boxster give you smart fortwo fuel economy? Will a Chevrolet Corvette or Audi TT help you save money, as the Honda Fit will? The V70 has a task, and it completes the job admirably. Carry you, your people, and your stuff. Do it efficiently, comfortably, safely, and quickly. While looking good. Nobody does it better than Volvo.

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Engines: 235 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque from a 3.2L inline-six cylinder engine.

Mileage: City = 16mpg.

Base USD Price: $32,465

Anything Else? Says Volvo: "If you add the interior air quality system to the (climate control), the air inside your Volvo can be cleaner than it is outside. When driving behind trucks, for example, or in tailbacks and tunnels, an air quality sensor monitors the levels of toxic carbon monoxide in the incoming air and closes the air intake long before the levels inside the car become unhealthy. The Multifilter with active carbon prevents dust, pollen and exhaust particles from entering the car via the ventilation unit, along with various unpleasant odours and fumes."

THE GOOD 12 - PART XI

VOLKSWAGEN GTI

The Rabbit, then Golf, now Rabbit (and in many parts of the globe, still Golf) isn't the prototypical performance car foundation. The hatchback, in and of itself, is not exactly a stunner. Basic versions of this vehicle can be had with as little as 75bhp in some countries.

In fact, with the current GTI, Volkswagen harks back to the first generation, not only with plaid seats, but - more importantly - with a rediscovered down-the-road adeptness. Great advertising, spectacular wheels, a futuristic transmission, and a punchy turbocharged four-pot combine to generate plenty of true GTI cred.

And when it comes to hot hatchbacks, a vehicle's accreditation carries sway into the future, affecting the sales of future generations. Let's be honest: if the current GTI drove like the VR6 of 2000, there wouldn't be enough takers to make the development worth VW's worthwhile. As it is, the GTI is a driver's car, going so far as to assure at least some sales of the next generation, on this model's reputation alone. For that, GoodCarBadCar gives honour.

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Engines: 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder.

Mileage: City high = 21mpg. City low = 22mpg.

Base USD Price: $22,730

Anything Else? Unimpressively, taking the GTI up another notch to all-wheel drive/V6 (the R32) adds way too much cost and subtracts way too much involvement. The GTI is the Gabbit happy medium.

THE GOOD 12 - PART X

smart fortwo

Part X of The Good 12, the fortwo built by Mercedez-Benz subsidiary smart, is unfortunately introduced on the heels of the Porsche Boxster. Take note of two things: firstly, inside that stark hallway of differentiation lies the beauty of autodom and secondly; the Boxster and fortwo have more in common than a first glance would have you believe.

Germanity, non-traditional engine placement, engine note, and seating capacity stand out as similarities. As noted in The Good 12 Part VIII, GoodCarBadCar hates boring cars. As much as the Mini Cooper is the antonym of boredom, the smart fortwo (lighting up American roads in 2008) shines as an example of originality, uniqueness, and unconventional thinking.

Up to this point, smart has not been a money-making operating for Daimler, but the little city car is a terrific way for consumers to save $. Not only is the fortwo insanely fuel efficient, it will also be one of the least expensive vehicles on sale in the USA.

Is the smart fortwo a logical purchase for the buyer of The Good 12 Part V, Honda's Accord? That's unlikely. Is the smart absolutely perfect for thousands of Americans? Most certainly. So specific are the fortwo's capabilities; so perfectly will it meet the demands of its buyers.

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Engines: 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque from a 1.0L three-cylinder.

Mileage: City/highway combined estimation of 40-45mpg.

Base USD Price: $11,590

Anything Else? fortwo's are available as pure's and passion's in the States, as well as passion cabriolet's which feature a $16,590 base price.

THE GOOD 12 - PART IX

PORSCHE BOXSTER

No, it's not the cheapest Porsche. The Boxster isn't the fastest, either. It's debatable; but the Boxster probably isn't the prettiest Porsche. The most expensive Boxster, known as the S, has less horsepower than a Ford Mustang GT; less than the projected horsepower of Hyundai's Genesis coupe; and less than the German and Japanese luxury sporting coupes.

This may sound like a case before The Good 12 Court of Appeals. In fact, the Porsche's seemingly low power rating aids its cause. To be frank, numbers like 245 and 295 do not represent low horsepower ratings. Top speeds of both the standard and S versions are in excess of the German gentlemen's agreement (155mph) and acceleration is sub-6 seconds to 60mph in both cases, as well.

But the Boxster is so much more than speed. It's about communication, tactility, appropriate noises, and a three-way conversation between road; machine; and man.

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Engines: 245 or 295 horsepower and 201 or 251 lb-ft of torque from a 2.7L flat-six or a 3.4L flat-six.

Mileage: City high = 32mpg. City low = 20mpg.

Base USD Price: $45,800

Anything Else? The prettier, faster Porsche Cayman would be joining its closely linked sibling on this page were it not for its +$3,600 price tag, which also forbids the dropping of the Boxster's top.

THE GOOD 12 - PART VIII

MINI COOPER

If you're one of the remaining earthly citizens who don't know the result, don't let the idea of a German interpretation of the UK's most famous small car deter you from visiting a BMW dealership. The famous sports sedan builder has taken the Mini to far-reaching extensions: turbocharged, convertible, and even extra-long versions included.

Yet, what makes the Mini Cooper so great isn't turbocharged performance or the barn doors of the Clubman, it's affordable style and telepathic responses. GoodCarBadCar hates a boring car. The Mini is the antonym of 'dull car'. Do you need 172 horsepower to avoid boredom? No, you need fun; style; quality; and communication. Base Cooper's, with just 118bhp, provide zip; quick shifts; and a responsiveness that typically requires a payment hundreds of dollars greater each month.

So is The Good Car Guy rejecting the Cooper S, convertible, and Clubman? Let's just say that the Cooper offers plenty of satisfaction at a much lower price point.

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Engines: 118 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque from a 1.6L four-cylinder.

Mileage: City high = 28mpg. City low = 26mpg.

Base USD Price: $18,700

Anything Else? You can option up a turbocharged Clubman to $44,888 in the website's Build Your Own section.

THE GOOD 12 - PART VII

INFINITI G

Let us liken Infiniti's G35 sedan and G37 coupe to discovering you'd booked your favourite New York City hotel on Hotwire.com, at a 25% savings mind you, after already resigning yourself to staying at the Super8.

Landing an Infiniti G is showing up at your favourite restaurant for lunch and realizing the best main course they offer is on special; and with dessert thrown in for free. The buyer determines his or her luxury sports sedan need; spends their money on Infiniti's G coupe or sedan, and finds a couple extra thousand dollars sitting in their bank account. How'd that happen?

This Infiniti sports sedan took the world by storm when it debuted as a first-generation BMW 3-series competitor. Now in its second iteration, the G35 and G37 don't need to sell on value - they're good enough without a price advantage - but if savings Infiniti wants to give, then savings we shall have.

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Engines: 306 or 330 horsepower and 268 or 270 lb-ft of torque from a 3.5L V6 (sedan) or 3.7L V6 (coupe).

Mileage: City high = 26mpg. City low = 17mpg.

Base USD Price: $31,600

Anything Else? Individual horsepowers can be had for $103.27 in the sedan, but are ¢0.52 more expensive in the coupe.

THE GOOD 12 - PART VI

HYUNDAI ACCENT HATCHBACK

If you're still wondering why you see so many Hyundai's on the road, please quit it. Not only does Hyundai compete successfully at this, the lower end of the market, but also in the lofty heights of Veracruz and Santa Fe. You want the very, very best subcompact money can buy. Part V of The Good 12 is a great place to start. After visiting the Hyundai dealership, you'll discover that the Hyundai Accent hatchback is truly worthy of your attention. Plus, and it's a big plus, the Hyundai manufacturing plant and your salesperson will give you more stuff for less money.

In my region, I could have an Accent hatch with sunroof, power locks & keyless entry, a sport-tuned suspension, air-con, four speakers, power windows - for less money than Honda would charge for a Fit without all that stuff. Would the Accent feel as good as the Fit? Put it this way: you would feel plenty pampered, indeed.

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Engines: 110 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque from a 1.6L inline-four cylinder.

Mileage: City high = 27mpg. City low = 24mpg.

Base USD Price: $10,775

Anything else? Hyundai's 3-door hatchback, the winner here in part for its good looks, weighs more than the 4-door Accent sedan.

THE GOOD 12 - PART V

HONDA FIT

Before GoodCarBadCar even listed the Fit as one of its 12 cars to drive in 2008, Honda introduced the next Fit. Growth, power, and added maturity are expected. Nevertheless, the characteristics which contribute to the little Honda's greatness are traits we expect from any great car. The inside feels more commodious than the exterior dimensions suggest. The power rating, though low, doesn't match with the rev-happy feel and a quick-on-its-feet quality. Some will complain about a rough ride, but Toyota builds a Yaris for them. The Fit possesses sharp steering, a snickety-snick gearshift or even a 5-speed automatic, and remarkable economy.

The Fit's biggest demerit? That economy, as expected, falls from 'remarkable' to 'impressive' when you give heed to the engine's desire to reach redline in every gear. Woe to the Fit driver.

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Engines: 109 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque from a 1.5L four-cylinder.

Mileage: City high = 28mpg. City low = 27mpg.

Base USD Price: $13,950

Anything Else? Great though the Fit may be, the best among the new wave of small cars for North America, it's hard to buy a car when you already know the look and specs of its successor.

THE GOOD 12 - PART IV

HONDA ACCORD

The North American Accord would seem large in Europe, expensive in developing markets, and a little too front-wheel drive Down Under. For North America, its intended market, the Accord (new and old) suits perfectly. The Accord has taken on a smidgen of exaggerated growth, but Honda has managed to build a larger and more powerful car that also happens to be more fuel efficient. If the sub-luxury midsize sedan market were split in two camps, the Accord wuld be the one car seen riding the fence.

Most competitors are blaa, but some are quite fun to drive. The Mazda 6 and Subaru Legacy fit this sector well. On the other side are blaa cars with enough qualities apart from driving fun to meet sales success. Think Camry. The Accord wraps this all into one car. It's not an S2000, but it's no Pilot, either. The Accord is a sharper-than-you'd-think driving tool, with the space; reliability; perceived quality; and efficiency you expect from a family car.

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Engines: 177, 190, or 268 horsepower and 161, 162, or 248 lb-ft of torque from a 2.4L four-cylinder or 3.5L V6.

Mileage: City high = 22mpg. City low = 19mpg.

Base USD Price: $20,360

Anything Else? The Accord's basic 4-cylinder engine makes seven more horsepower than did the original V6 Accord of the mid-'90s.

THE GOOD 12 - Part III

CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Sold in six decades, and quite successfully I might add, General Motors' most famous model line sees constant updating, fine tuning, and adjustment. The current base Corvette (the one GoodCarBadCar recommends with highest regard) makes 25 horsepower more than did the ultra-performance Z06 of the previous generation. Included in the amazingly low price is a removable lid that allows the elements to enter, despite the fact that you didn't pay high dollar for a convertible.

Check out CorvetteGuys.com and their

large selection of Corvette Body Parts

The Corvette's old reputation for being a bit of a bruiser stands in contrast to the current reality: a base Corvette is a comfortable grand tourer with remarkably good fuel economy, efficiency within shouting distance of GM's own turbocharged Solstice/Sky twins while offering an extra 170 horsepower. If you're accustomed to today's high-powered sports sedans or even the ever-present pocket rockets, the Corvette's acceleration and cornering prowess will still knock your socks off.

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Engines: 430, 436, or 505 horsepower and 424, 428, or 470 lb-ft of torque from 6.2L V8 or 7.0L V8.

Mileage: City high = 16 mpg. City low = 15mpg.

Base USD Price: $46,110

Anything Else? As if more power is needed, another Corvette variant named ZR1 will be supercharged with substantially more than 600 horsepower.

THE GOOD 12 - Part II

BMW 3-SERIES Convertible

Many critics were fearful when BMW revealed that the convertible version of their famous 3-series sport sedan would switch from soft-top to hard-top. Thankfully, most fears were undone when pictures failed to show a massive hind end, and when test drives bore out BMW's claims of a stiff structure and a not-too-terribly heavy hardtop. The fact that BMW includes six smooth cylinders and a handsome body (while the hardtop aids security and all-weather usability) simply places the strawberry and chocolate sauce on top of a wonderful sundae.

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Engines: 230 or 300 horsepower, 200 or 300 lb-ft of torque from 3.0L inline-6 or twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-6.

Mileage: City high = 17 mpg. City low = 18 mpg.

Base USD Price: $43,200

Anything else? Save up to $8,000 if you want your two-door 3-series with a permanently secured roof, and if you want AWD with your all-weather convertible, head elsewhere.

THE GOOD 12 - PART 1

AUDI TT Coupe

One of three Audi 'coupes' now available, the TT remains a design icon even if the second generation isn't revolutionary like the first. The latest TT is available with turbo four power or as a V6. Though it may sound strange, it's recommended by GoodCarBadCar and many others that buyers seek out the 4-cylinder model. Power is plentiful, the MSRP is an easier pill to swallow, and the balance of the vehicle as a whole is more suitable for a sporting car. Speaking of which, 'sporting nature' is where the new TT outdoes the old; and soundly. Audi doesn't sell a Porsche Boxster yet, and the TT is no R8, but driving enjoyment is present and accounted for. In addition to the consistent ability to positively affect the eyes.

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Engines: 200 or 250 horsepower, 207 or 236 lb-ft of torque from 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.2LV6.

Mileage: City high = 23mpg. City low = 17mpg.

Base USD Price: $34,800

Anything Else? Audi builds a TT roadster as well, where weight is gained and beauty is lost.

THE GOOD 12 - INTRO

Is there only one car worthy of our compliments this year? Should we not expect cars - those priced high above the average consumer's spending ability - to be great, able to sell without our recommendation? Are the only cars worth recommending brand new designs? Are we to recommend cars suitable only for the budgets of residents in Malibu Hills?

No. Yes. No. No.




What cars should The Good Car Nation be seen driving in 2008? Specifically, the twelve cars which will be introduced, one car per day, on December 20th until December 31st. Beyond the points raised in question form ↑, understand this, as well. The newly licensed may yearn for a fast convertible, but insurance rates disallow any sating of that appetite. On the other hand, a family of five could be in desperate need of saving coin, but they need space. Space costs money.

Thus, despite the fact that The Good Car Guy would willingly give place to six luxury sports sedans, there would be no sense in that. GoodCarBadCar refuses to suggest that the populace be seen driving small Benz's, Bimmer's, Audi's when there are excellent, inexpensive, small cars ripe for the buyin'.

Because of this, GoodCarBadCar will showcase vehicles in The Good 12 suitable for a wide swathe of the populace. He who needs a 7-seat, boat-towing ute cares not one whit about small city cars, but can - or at least should - understand that a small city car could be perfect for somebody else. The most expensive car on the list starts well under $50K, although The Good Car Guy was willing to spend up to $72K, about 2.5x the value of the average new American car.

All twelve are cars - vans, SUV's, crossovers, and trucks come later. The Good 12 winners will debut alphabetically. Be aware: more than half of The Good 12 hail from Europe and one-third from Asia. You do the math.

To learn more about who's behind the selection process, click here. The Impact Cars of 2007 is also a definite recommended read.

ZR1 RELEASED

Take one Chevrolet Corvette and add 200 horsepower. Strip some weight. Add other miscellaneous peformance addenda. Make the Z06 look weak. Name it ZR1. Price it around $100,000. Call yourself General Motors and run to the bank. Here's the photos you want. Watch it in action at Laguna Seca right here at GoodCarBadCar.

Stop by CorvetteGuys.com and check out

their selection of Corvette Zr1 Wheels

CRAZY FAST GT-R

Thanks to Edmunds.com's Inside Line, we now have acceleration times for the Nissan GT-R. Granted, 0-60mph isn't everything. Sometimes it's misleading; pointless; and impossible to replicate.


However..... the GT-R hit 60 in 3.3 seconds at a test track in Japan. As far as Edmunds.com's testing goes, that's faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and Dodge Viper. Does 0-60 testing matter?

We're talking about some of the highest performing cars in the world. The GT-R races to 60 in a Ferrari 599 at a fraction of the price, but does so in style and with plenty of technology. It also does so with the Nissan version of launch control - the engine computer holding revs at 4,500rpm until the driver releases the brake - without which the GT-R needs 4.0 seconds to hit the magic number.

Again, does 0-60 testing matter? Does cupholder counting in a minivan make any difference? What about the ultimate fuel efficiency of subcompacts or the trailer-towing capability of pickup trucks? Everything needs context, and when the context is Z06, SRT10, GT-R, and 911..... yes, 0-60 testing is worth the bother.

By the way, the GT-R ran the quarter in 11.6 seconds at 120.9mph. Expect the American car mags (Car&Driver, MotorTrend) to have a chance at topping these Inside Line numbers.

ACROSS THE POND - Daihatsu Materia

Yes, that face does look familiar. You know a miniaturized bread van/hearse/armoured car combo when you see it. But the badge is all wrong.


This is the Scion xB, but the ad slogan is different. "You'd be crazy not to!" says Daihatsu UK. Yes; with an exclamation point.

Toyota owns Scion. Toyota took a controlling stake in Daihatsu (51.2%) in 1999. So here you have the Daihatsu Materia. Where's the L? You're guess is as good as mine. Daihatsu's are not luxurious Lexus sedans. Perhaps they felt Material would be deceving, seeing as how so little material is needed to build most Daihatsu's.

The Materia, a word which makes me smirk every time I type it, starts at £10,995 in the UK. For that price you get a 1.5L, 102bhp four-cylinder and a manual trans. The Materia Auto, as you would assume, adds an automatic transmission. Nice, thanks.

Daihatsu.co.uk's best line is as follows: "A 1.5 litre engine guarantees lively performance with economy giving 39.2 mpg (manual transmission) on the Combined Cycle with a 0 – 62 mph acceleration time of 10.8 seconds." Guarantees? Guarantees? Did they put the guarantees with the wrong subject, having intended to place it after the 'with' and a 'd' in place of the 's' on the end? I think so.

The accessory list is Scionesque in its length. Vehicular brethren are more plentiful for the Daihatsu, however. The Sirion, Terios, and Copen are itsy-bitsy in their own ways.

So, Across The Pond we went. And what did we find? An xB branded with a badge which stands for a company name most Americans can't pronounce.

ACURA RL RECALL

The power steering hose under the hood of Acura's RL is subject to high temperatures. Those high temps can cause cracks in the hose, potentially leaking fliud. The fluid could hit the catalytic converter. The combination of catalytic converters and power steering fluid could result in a fire. There've yet to be injuries or even fires as a result of this fault, but the recall published by NHTSA affects 43,200 RL's.

Acura is the luxury brand of Honda Motor Company. The sterling reputation held by companies such as Toyota and Honda, as well as by the tough-as-nails trucks built by American automakers, have come into question under the light of recent recalls. The Acura RL doesn't deserve to be abstained from, however, just because of a recall affecting this hose.

To learn more about the RL, read the GoodCarBadCar Lowdown. For more on recent recalls, click here.

LEWIS, TUNDRA, SOLO MERCURY

McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, last year's runner-up in Formula 1, was fined about €800 for driving over 120mph (190+km/h) in a 80mph (130km/h) zone. His Mercedes was confiscated and his license suspended.

He will be permitted to test his McLaren racer. In fact, Lewis can drive anywhere except France, where, for one month, Lewis isn't permitted behind the wheel.

Poor fella. Ironically, former F1 champion Michael Schumacher, a man widely considered to be a potential candidate for best driver ever, is under investigation for an exciting taxi ride through Munich last week. Schumi figured he could get his family to the airport faster than cab driver Tuncer Yilmax. So, that's what Schumi did, giving his family and Mr. Yilmax the ride of their lives. They made their flight, but German police don't like the fact that Michael broke the law. You're not allowed to commandeer taxicabs. Whatever.

MotorTrend has named the Toyota Tundra its truck of the year. Don't be too hard on MT for picking a truck that was just named in a recall (a recall that doesn't include any accidents or injuries). Afrer all, what truckmaker hasn't come under a recent recall?

Silly I know, but Mercury was, until recently, selling cars at Mercury-only dealerships. The last such store, Community Motor in Pennsylvania, just closed its doors. Community Motor sold new Mercury's for 57 years, but their best yearly total was way back in 1989.

Also, just minutes ago, the "35mpg by 2020" bill in the United States Congress passed and will head for the ballpoint pen of George W. Read this for more info on the bill.

THE NOSES OF VOLVO

"Travelling in a car should be a pleasant experience for the nose as well."

These are the words of Patrik Libander, a Volvo engineer in charge of the smell test panel. Yes, the smell test panel.


Volvo has two four-man teams responsible for applying exhaustive smell tests on their cars. Efforts to build a device that could take the place of a human nose - or eight human noses - have failed. Capable humans are vetted as seriously as dogs for the K9 units of police forces. You must have a sense of smell in tune with others in your group; be sensitive but not overly so; and be a non-smoker.

Why is Volvo obsessed with scent? Say they, " The interior of a modern vehicle contains many different materials that contain chemical substances. While most of these substances remain locked in the material, small quantities can evaporate, creating that “new car smell”. The panel monitors these substances and the smells they may cause in the cabin." When a team sets forth to sniff out an interior, the car must rate no higher than a 3 to pass the test. A rating of 1 indicates no noticeable smell, while a 6 is unbearable.

The testers also make use of a sunshine simulator that brings up the temperature of the interior. Next, equipment is used to test for Total Volatile Organic Compounds. Only then does the team hop in and sniff from a human perspective.

Volvo's have always been known as the perfect vehicles for families with dogs. The connection between beast and Volvo is now clear.

GCBC'S POPULAR STUFF

GoodCarBadCar's been live since March of this year. During that time, one post instantly - and constantly - maintained a reign as the most popular piece by The Good Car Guy. The title?

"Same Old Same Old But Better Than Ever"

The subject? Honda's venerable Civic. It's a test drive article; something called Driven here at GCBC. But, I noticed something interesting recently. So entwined is North America, and the United States of America more specifically, with pickup trucks, that when a truck is in trouble, people take notice.

That's exactly what people did here on GCBC when the Ford F-series came under recall. So many people took notice, in fact, that in less than two weeks of existence, the F-series post knocked the Civic off its perch.

Curious what else made the podium, ye are. The Top 5 Cars Police Should Be Driving narrowly edged out Dodge's Journey Must Make Inroads, which has been a surprisingly steady member of the top five since its September publishing.

CANADA'S ecoAUTO REBATE

The Government of Canada's initiative to put more people into fuel efficient vehicles by giving them money sees a rearranging of models for year 2008. The list, with the cashback value, is below.

$2000
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic Hybrid
smart fortwo (coupe and convertible)
Ford Escape Hybrid (front and all-wheel drive)
Saturn Vue Hybrid

$1500
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$1000
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Yaris (hatch and sedan)
Mini Cooper (and Clubman)
Honda Civic (coupe and sedan)
Honda Fit
Lexus RX400h
Jeep Compass (2.0L w/CVT and 2.4L manual tranny)
Jeep Patriot (2.0L w/CVT and 2.4L manual-tranny)
Chevrolet HHR
Nissan Rogue

FLEX FUEL VEHICLES $1000
Chevrolet Impala
Dodge Avenger
Chrysler Sebring

BMW xDrive50i

Sure, 400 bhp and 450 lb-ft of torque sounds sweet. Two turbochargers on a BMW V8 combining to generate the power? Tasty indeed. But BMW's X6, with awkward model names like xDrive50i and xDrive35i (300bhp 3.0L twin-turbo six), must compete in-house before it even considers conquest sales. Could this be the German version of the Isuzu VehiCross, Suzuki X90, or Chevrolet Tahoe 2-door?

Reminiscent of Porsche's scheme with the incredible Cayman, the X6 will battle the X5, 5-series wagons, and even the X3. In fact, the oddities of buyers who purchase a vehicle like this will be proven by their cross-shopping with other versions of the 'newest and latest'. The Cayman is hardtop only, whereas the Boxster allows you to drop the top. The Cayman is a better performer, but not so much as to demand such a price increase. It mightn't be as pretty, either.

The X6 poses similar issues. It's an impractical, niche product that may be better than an X5 on the road, but not so much as to necessitate the purchase of an expensive and, dare I say it, ugly duckling. Yes, it's true. From some angles, the X6 is stunning....ly awful. Not to say there won't be interested parties.


This BMW is the newest and latest thing, after all. And it happens to offer a V8 engine that could have federal environment ministers seeking new portfolios. Industry; or perhaps Public Works or Transport. Some place where gas guzzling is permitted. This 4.4L will want to play.

I wanted to hold my tongue. I tried. But the pictures of this dog are everywhere, and it was eating at my insides. Apologies to the designer.

THE TATA XJR?

Consider it a safe assumption that you'll never see an XJR, XK, or XF rebadged as a Tata. Reports are also pushing speculation into safe assumptions that Tata is about to land Jaguar and Land Rover for $2,000,000,000, however.

Time the purchase of Ford Motor Company's remaining British outposts with the debut of a $2,500 People's Car, too. Then again, the Tata Group also owns hotels with rates as high as $2,795 per night in Mumbai, charter planes for Bollywood stars, and high-end jewellery stores, in addition to Tetley Tea, Tata AIG Life, Tata Cummins, and Tata McGraw Hill. Head honcho Ratan Tata says that when a company is bought by the Tata Group, things remain the same, "except now it's owned by someone in India".

If Tata truly is successful in this purchase, we should hear by the end of 2007. Another Indian company, Mahindra & Mahindra, was a bidder for Jaguar, along with One Equity Partners.

For Jaguar bosses, the worst part of the news is the extra 1,000 miles in their commute to company headquarters. India is a lot farther away than Michigan.

HUMMER JAPAN

You may've already heard about General Motors decision to send Hummer on a fast ship to Japan. Yes, Japan.

Japan is not the country where the Ford F-series outsells everything and the ever-growing Camry is the best-selling car. No, folks, Japan is the country where the Honda Fit is attempting to wrest the best-selling crown from the Toyota Corolla. Japan is not the country where legislators are trying to... er, legislate 35mpg standards while others moan and complain and try to negotiate with OPEC. No, Japan is the country where citizens receive tax breaks for driving very small cars with very small engines. You know the kind - 0.8L engines. 800cc's.

That sounds like the perfect market for Hummer. Sure, it'll be the H3, the brand's smallest member. Cadillac/Saab dealers will host their brutish affiliate.

"This looks like Hummer country, don't it Bob?".... "I believe it is, Mr. Wagoner, I believe it is."

And I have a feeling. I think I see the method to their madness. Japan's population is in decline. Attempts at incentivizing multi-child families haven't taken hold quite yet. So.... Hummer's plan? As the humans disappear and the land opens up, the remaining few will want bigger vehicles. They'll want to climb Mt. Fuji and safely deal with the snows of Hokkaido - where the depopulation is greatest - and a Honda Fit or Mitsubishi i won't cut the mustard.

Smart folks; those GM product planners. Smart folks.

TOP 5 MERCEDES GIFTS

The service departments at most automotive dealerships now offer at least some form of a 'gift shop', although sometimes it's hidden on one shelf behind the parts counter. You can have your Subaru WRX rally toque or a miniature Porsche 911 with whaletail spoiler.

Or.... you can buy your gifts (for yourself, I might add) before you even leave the business office. After visiting the Mercedes-Benz USA website, I came up with the most interesting - and most interestingly priced - options I could find. Spoil yourself the next time you buy an E-class. Go get yourself somethin' nice. You deserve it. Here's the GoodCarBadCar Top 5.


5- Electronic Trunk Closer: Select this on an E350, Benz's middle sedan, and you'll have a feature that "allows you to electronically close a fully open trunk lid without touching it. Push a button in the cabin or inside the trunk, and the lid closes itself." $530.00, just $520.00 on an SL55 AMG.

4- Sheepskin Wash Mitt: Do you typically buy your home-car goods from the real-estate agent? Mercedes figures you'll trust them to know how to produce the perfect car-washing mitt. It will, as they say, "capture dirt and grime, and reduce paint surface scratches. Large shape and elasticized wrist comfortably accommodates all hand sizes." That good ol' one size fits all definitely makes the $14.00 seem appropriate.


3- P30 Performance Package: The SL55 AMG is quick, but you want fast as well. Upping the limiter to 186mph, while also adding 19" wheels, a new front bumper, retuned Active Body Control, larger brakes, and a limited slip-diff will be useful. I think. It'll cost $14,070. And you will sound so cool when your friend says, "So you picked up an SL55 AMG, huh?" And you reply, "Yeah, I really thought the P30 Performance Package would be a nice addition. The electronic trunk closer, too."

2- Tire Valve Stem Caps: "...these chrome plated ABS valve stem caps dress-up any wheel. Each a set of four. Available in black, silver or AMG." Yes, AMG is a colour. It means the AMG logo on a silver background, don't you know? For $15.00, it's safe to say these valve stem caps are a steal. You'll want them for your ML63 AMG.

1- Illuminated Door Sills: Considering the fact that you just decided to buy Mercedes least expensive sedan, the C300, you better dress it up. "Light up your C-Class in eye catching style every time you open the front doors with these luminous blue-colored "Mercedes-Benz" stainless steel door sills. Available in a set of 2 for the front." They'll charge you $670.00, but you do get the set of two. Quite generous.

50TH B-DAY FOR IMPALA A JOKE

Are you more inclined to take Chevrolet and General Motors as a whole more seriously since the Enclave, Malibu, and Corvette Z06 debuted? Of course y'are.

Alongside such truth, let it also be true inside your rational brain that Chevrolet is about to introduce to you the 50th Anniversary Impala. "50 years of Impala" - let it ring.

We're talking about a badge job + some equipment. Two-tone leather, unique-to-the-5oth 18" alloys, rear spoiler, better floormats, and other similarly pointless upgrades. Oooooooeeeeeeeee. Pretty hot.

The Impala, as we know, will be put out to pasture before long. Proper combinations of rear-wheel drive and V8's are on the way. But for now, we get offered nicer leather for the 50th anniversary of such an iconic model.

It hurts me to think of the salesperson who is forced into selling a Malibu alongside such a typical late 90's-style GM special edition. Let's hope that all past import buyers are steered clear of the embarrassment.

LAND ROVER LRX

More info will surely flow regarding Land Rover's latest hot concept over the next few weeks and after it's Detroit debut. Enjoying the photos of the British sport-utility builder's most impressive debut since the Range Stormer can be done.... now.

I love ambivalent statements from automaker managing directors that speak of topics like "proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class". Wait... no, I don't.

Truly though, the LRX is smaller (therefore lighter), and more aerodynamic. Less weight and slipperier surfaces remove the necessity of massively powerful and massively thirsty engines. Less thirst equals less harmful emissions. Do people want a smaller-than Freelander/LR2 luxury ute?

If the Land Rover LRX is ever produced; and it is marketed as a 'green' vehicle with more than just 'green' ideology but some semi-useful 'green' tech - then yes, people will want it.