| 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 $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 |
Here are my impressions and predictions in this category.
2007 Nissan Maxima:
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The VQ35 255 hp V6 is still a reference point when it comes to performance and refinement but the problem is that it has 15 fewer hp than the Altima. This CVT has not received the same programming as the Sentra and Altima have. This means that the engine rpm wine to the top and stay there as long as you hold the gas pedal down. Generally speaking, the Maxima is still a very competent cruiser as steering, brakes and handling remains in the top tier of the segment.
2007 Kia Amanti:
The new Amanti does not look new but it is. The body has received a new of changes that do more to bring the look up to date as opposed
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The powerful V6 is almost ridiculously smooth. Borrowed from the Sedona, it actually makes the Amanti feel quick. The ride is quiet and comfortable. If there is one thing the Amanti is not is sporty. Weight transfers through curves are lengthy and laborious. On a highway, the car seems to float over the tarmac. Although the car has been revisited for 2007, it still behaves much like a Cadillac from the 80s.
2007 Saturn Aura:
Saturn has never had a car in its line up that sparked any form of emotion. For 2007, there are actually two of them. The Aura is the first serious attempt by Saturn to compete in the family sedan
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The 3.6L ant 6A are a great powertrain combo. The motor is plenty strong and endows the Aura with spirited performance. The car handles very nicely, by far the best driving Saturn ever. The worse mechanical trait is the brakes: the pedal is overly firm and very difficult to modulate.