| MORE TEST FEST COVERAGE |
| Pick-Up | Nov 15, 2006 |
| SUV / CUV over $60,000 | Nov 14, 2006 |
| SUV / CUV $35,000 - $60,000 | Nov 13, 2006 |
| Convertible | Nov 10, 2006 |
| Sport / performance car over $50,000 | Nov 9, 2006 |
| Sport / performance car under $50,000 | Nov 8, 2006 |
| Prestige car over $75,000 | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Luxury car under $50,000 | Nov 6, 2006 |
| Family car over $30,000 | Nov 5, 2006 |
| Family car $22,000 - $30,000 | Nov 4, 2006 |
| Small car over $18,000 | Nov 3, 2006 |
| Small car under $18,000 | Nov 2, 2006 |
| The most coveted parking space in the country | Nov 1, 2006 |
| Writers' predictions for the best new cars of 2007 | Nov 1, 2006 |
A crowded category A sign of the times: the category with the most vehicles in contention at this year's Test Fest is "Best New SUV / CUV under $35,000". Nine different models are competing; in fact, the organizers could even have divided the category in two sections.
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| Jeep Compass (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Since they did not, the hardcore Jeep Wrangler is battling the athletic Mazda CX-7, while the eco-friendly Saturn Vue Green Line is trying to keep up with the powerful Toyota RAV4 V6...
Two Jeeps, one Dodge The Chrysler Group has not one, not two, but three models in this category, including the Dodge Nitro, Jeep Compass and Jeep Wrangler. Talk about internal competition!
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| Jeep Wrangler (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Unfortunately for Jeep, the off-road course that would have allowed its SUVs to showcase their unparalleled capacities had to be closed because the rain made it too muddy. Having conquered the Rubicon Trail at the wheel of the new Wrangler, I know that this 4x4 would have won precious points. Instead, it loses some at the hands of its more comfortable rivals. Dodge's Nitro proved to be an average SUV. The steering is overassisted, the accelerations are noisy, the build
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| Dodge Nitro (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
quality is ordinary and the technology is old school, beginning with the 4-speed automatic transmission with no manual mode... Not the stuff champions are made of. Finally, the compact dimensions of the Jeep Compass do not make for a spacious interior, while its drivetrain is undeniably less powerful than that of other rivals. The low base price ($19,995 for the AWD model) helps a little, but that's not quite enough to steal first place.
The real battle pits Mazda's CX-7 against Hyundai's Santa Fe | |
| Mazda CX-7 (Photo: Mazda) |
In my mind, the winner will either be the Mazda CX-7 or the Hyundai Santa Fe. The former definitely has the sporty genes that we drivers so much, with athletic handling and a turbo engine that delivers a dynamic performance. What's more, the CX-7 boasts the nicest looking exterior of the group.Sure, with its 269-hp V6, Toyota's RAV4 is notably more powerful, sprinting from 0 to 100 kph in 6.7 seconds -- a full two seconds faster than the Mazda. The engine never seems tired, while the
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| Toyota RAV4 (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
chassis is one of the most efficient there is.
Toyota eclipsed by Hyundai Where the RAV4 disappoints, however, is in the equipment level. Despite carrying a sticker price or nearly $35,000, there were no leather or heated seats, no audio controls on the steering wheel and no sunroof. The RAV4 even has to make do with a 5-speed automatic gearbox with no manual mode.