2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid:
Along with the all-new Camry is the first ever Hybrid version of the best selling car in North America. Toyota has joined the easy going 2.4L 4-cylinder to the Hybrid Synergy Drive. Together they develop
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
As with all other Toyota / Lexus Hybrids, the Camry is very peppy. The CVT is well sorted and presented no immediate shortcomings. The ride is, as expected, comfortable, smooth, quiet and extremely serene. The Camry Hybrid is particularly easy to drive with not an ounce of drama. Steering is light and the brakes are confidence inspiring.
2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 2.0T:
The new B6 Passat arrived in 2006 and the family is now completed with the new wagon. The exterior styling is subdued all the while remaining very handsome. Onboard, the passengers are treated to a
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The much utilised 2.0T is well adapted to this car. The 6A with Tiptronic manual mode is a downy operator but does not like to be rushed. Acceleration is brisk and passing manoeuvres are effortless. On the road, the Passat wagon is equally at home on mountain roads as it is on the highway. Brakes and steering are above average for a car in this class. The principal downside is that this car is very expensive, almost too expensive.
My Pick: Toyota Camry Hybrid (The Amanti, Maxima and Aura came within 0.5 points of each other)
Main specifications
Kia Amanti
4-door
Base price: $31,995
As-tested price : $36,995
3.8L V6
264 hp
5-speed automatic transmission
ABS, traction control
Nissan Maxima
4-door
Base price: $36,998
As-tested price: $45,048
3.5L V6
255 hp
Continuously variable transmission
ABS, traction and stability control
Saturn Aura
4-door
Base price: $31,080
As-tested price: $34,320
3.5L V6
252 hp
5-speed automatic transmission
ABS, traction control
Toyota Camry Hybrid
4-door
Base price: $31,900
As-tested price: $33,140
2.4L, 4-cylinder with Hybrid Synergy Drive
187 hp
Continuously variable transmission
ABS
Volkswagen Passat Wagon
4-door with liftgate
Base price: $33,995
As-tested price: $41,325
2.0L, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine
200 hp
6-speed automatic transmission
ABS, traction control
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