| 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 |
| SUV / CUV under $35,000 | Nov 11, 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 |
| 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 |
My best picks in this category
Except for the Chrysler Sebring, all the models I tested had a 4-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. They were equipped with popular standard features, such as power doors and windows, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio, etc.
2007 Chrysler Sebring Touring:
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The 2.7-liter V6's performance is good. The transmission is a smooth operator and the ride is quite good. That said, nothing really stands out as far as the driving dynamics are concerned. Still, the Sebring is a fair car that will easily satisfy most car buyers that are looking for a well equipped inexpensive family car.
2007 Kia Magentis LX:
This 2007 Magentis is a departure from the previous car. It has a more substantial look and feel to it. The Magentis is now less anonymous and more attractive. The cabin belies its low price as the
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The 2.4L can get loud when pushed and is not as refined as the Toyota's 4-cylinder. Under normal driving circumstances, the combo made up of the smaller engine and the 5-speed automatic transmission works well. The suspension's comfort level is good as are the car's steering and braking prowesses.
2007 Nissan Altima 2.5:
Where the 2002 set a benchmark in this segment, the new Altima does not. It wisely retains much of the old Altima's shape but is enhanced with a new grille, a wider stance and a more compact
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The Altima's 4-cylinder base engine remains one of the most powerful in the category. The attached CVT is one of the best performing of all CVTs presently available on the market. Combined, they allow the Altima to be driven with some enthusiasm. Couple that to a well weighted steering wheel, good brakes and a sporty/compliant suspension and you have yourself a fun-to-drive family car.