| MORE TEST FEST COVERAGE |
| Pick-Up | Nov 15, 2006 |
| SUV / CUV over $60,000 | Nov 14, 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 |
| 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 |
It's hard to choose just one winner in this category. For daily driving, ease of use and high quality, the Acura RDX is a good choice. However, versatility, fun factor, superior level of sports utility equipment, innovative use of design inside and out, and the fact that it pays homage to an icon made the Toyota FJ Cruiser my number one pick.
2007 Acura RDX Tech PackageContemporary, sporty styling. Well-tuned, fully independent suspension. With only 6.3 inches of ground clearance, 18-inch rims and low-profile tires
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| (Photo: Acura) |
it's more pavement pounder than off-roader. Upscale, attractive interior features leather seating, 6.5 inch LCD display. New 2.3-liter turbocharged inline four with i-VTEC, developed with Mitsubishi, provided wonderfully smooth power and a nice engine note. Power output of 240 horsepower and 260 lb ft of torque is delivered to the pavement through a five speed automatic transmission and AWD system. System distributes power selectively to front back, left and right wheels for improved steering and handling while cornering. It certainly provided a sporty, fun ride. It's representative of the latest crop of SUVs, or CUVs, that function like high quality, large hatchbacks.
2007 Chevrolet TahoeLike the preceeding model, the newest Tahoe rides on a ladder frame with
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| (Photo: General Motors) |
a solid rear axle and the same drivetrain but is slightly bigger for 2007. There are subtle improvements in suspension that mean a quieter, better damped ride. Felt huge, inside and out. Looks even larger thanks to blunt nose and slab-sided flanks. Muddy gray exterior is non-descript and not very attractive. Masculine, blunt large ergonomics. Firm, over-inflated feeling seats. Extremely quiet, well damped suspension over rough pavement. Up-sized, four-wheel discs provide excellent stopping power. Feels huge, but steering is really good. Overall very comfortable. Flex fuel equipped.
2007 Chrysler AspenFirst ever Chrysler SUV. Based on the Durango platform, but more upscale. Very attractive exterior, metal flake "cognac" paint, chrome brightwork,
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| (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Crossfire like strakes on hood. Well-appointed interior with leather & suede, blonde wood. Vintage timepiece gauges, analog clock on centre stack. Column shifter unforgivable in an upscale vehicle. Well stuffed seats, but lumbar support uncomfortable. Comfortable, roomy, all the gadgets including rear parking sensors, navigation and entertainment unit for family travel. Steering quite good. Floaty handling, lots of roll, pitch and yaw when braking. Very plush ride. Test model came with the powerful Hemi engine, but tranny exhibited a bit of gear hunting. Very quiet and well insulated. More tourer than Sport utility.
2007 Lincoln MKXCool colour - Dark Amethyst Clearcoat Metallic. Raked, crouching appearance. Large multi-spoke wheels fill wells nicely for a sporty look.
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| (Photo: Ford) |
Nice leather and light wood interior, but gauges are non-descript and not easily seen. Plenty of comfort-providing gadgets. Strange centre stack design and material. Beautiful panoramic sunroof. Side mirrors too small in comparison to rest of segment. 265 hp V6 is smooth and responsive but emits a harsh engine note on throttle. Tranny slow to shift, hunts gears, revs high til shift. Fully independent suspension, handles really nicely with minimum body roll. Unibody construction make this a pavement cruiser, not offroader. Great brakes. Minimum of noise and vibration, well insulated. Good steering.
