Variance

I have to say, that guy was probably a better man in that situation than I would've been. They would've never known if he hadn't contacted them?

Better late than never? By Chris Walton Date posted: 03-30-2006 OK, if you're like us, you're asking, "Doesn't Mercedes-Benz already have one SUV with the M-Class — two if you still count the G-Class?" And if you're concerned about the environment, you might ask, "Does the world really need another SUV?" So why has Mercedes-Benz chosen to build the 2007 GL450, a seven-seat, all-wheel-drive sport-utility powered by a 335-horsepower V8, in this era of SUV bashing? According to its own studies, Mercedes has lost 25 percent of its current M-Class owners to full-size domestic-branded SUVs due to family-size growth. The company also knows that many well-to-do Mercedes-Benz sedan owners park something like an ExpeNaviBurbaLade alongside their E- or S-Class because, as much as they would like to put another Mercedes in the garage, there hasn't been one large enough. Day of reckoning Mercedes reckons the GL450 is the ideal vehicle for what it sees as a full-size traditional family and as such, provides for occasions that involve towing a boat/horse trailer or require the cargo capacity for visits to a home-improvement center. Additionally, the GL-Class, as an entire vehicle line, will be sold worldwide with a variety of engines, both gasoline and diesel, to cover everything from the Middle East to the Midwest. For now, the all-new 4.6-liter gasoline engine will be the only one powering the all-wheel-drive GL450 in the U.S. market, but a new 50-state 3.0-liter "Bluetec" V6 turbodiesel will arrive in model-year 2008, badged as the GL320 CDI. With an impressive roster of standard equipment, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 goes on sale in April at a base price MBUSA says is under $60,000 and tops out at about $70,000 with every available option, including towing and off-road packages. The GL-Class was once intended to replace the comparatively ancient and crude G-Class (a.k.a. Gelaendewagen), but Mercedes found enough of a following for the military-spec box on wheels that it will continue to produce the G in small numbers. Sibling rivalry Built alongside the midsize M-Class and large R-Class in its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, factory, the GL-Class aims to fill the gaps between those two in price, size and intended mission. Mercedes describes the six-seat R500 ($55,000 base to $75,000 loaded) as an everyday vehicle for "late-forming affluent families" who don't have a need for towing. Think "premium minivan" and you've got the idea. The five-seat ML500 ($50,000 base to $70,000 loaded) is intended to be a stylish, sporty SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds and sometimes go off-road, but not with a family of five plus a weekend's gear and a dog, etc. The seven-passenger GL450, on the other hand, blends the cavernous interior capabilities of the road-going R500 with the SUV qualities of the ML500, but adds power-actuated third-row seats (taking a mere 4 seconds up or down) that can accommodate real adults; a serious 4x4 off-road option with skid plates, low gearing and two locking differentials; and an optional 7,500-pound Class IV towing package. High standards, low weight Even in its most basic form, the GL450 comes with the aforementioned 335-hp V8, a seven-speed automatic transmission, Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive with traction control, adjustable-ride air suspension, and 18-inch wheels and tires. The standard all-wheel-drive system uses open differentials and ABS to detect wheel slip. When up to three wheels lose traction, individual brakes stop those wheels from spinning and send power to the wheel(s) that do have traction. Even with the standard system, there's an electronic hill-descent control, and a host of other electronic changes that occur to the ABS, traction and stability controls when the off-road program button is selected. The optional off-road package adds a planetary gearset and lockable differentials for true low-range four-wheel drive. For most buyers, the 4Matic AWD system is all you'll ever need, but it's nice to know the hard-core 4WD system is available. Mercedes reps claim the unibody GL450, in its base form, is up to 450 pounds lighter than anything else of its size or capability. That may not sound like much to you, but imagine how that weight would affect the acceleration, handling and fuel economy of a full-size SUV. Interior highlights include heated and powered front seats, eight airbags (including dual front airbags, side airbags for the first and second rows and three-row head-protection curtains), bird's eye maple trim, manual 60/40-split second-row and powered 50/50-split third-row seating, eight-speaker audio and a multifunction steering wheel. We've driven much more expensive premium SUVs that don't offer this level of luxury or standard equipment. As self-evident as it may sound, the interior of the GL feels and looks like a premium product. The cabin is an exercise in taste and restraint despite the laundry list of equipment. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and well bolstered, feeling like they might've come out of the specialty AMG performance division rather than the M-B passenger car pool. Despite its size, the GL offers good sight lines and unlike the sloping hood of the more minivan-shaped Audi Q7, it's easy to determine where the front corners of the GL are due to its sharply chiseled front fenders. Refreshingly, the optional-equipment list is populated with individual extras you could live without, but can be sprinkled into the mix: bi-xenon headlamps with corner-peering articulation, Harman Kardon surround-sound audio, rear-seat entertainment, added third-row A/C, keyless ignition, radar-based cruise control, park-distance warning, rearview backup camera, satellite radio, power tailgate, sunroof, DVD/sat nav, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming/power-folding mirrors, off-road package, 19-inch wheels and tires, and the Class IV towing package. The drive As impressively exhausting as all that sounds, the most surprising aspect of this 200-inch-long unibody SUV is that it doesn't drive like a truck. We had the opportunity to pilot the GL450 for several hundred miles, on freeways, farm roads and slow/fast mountain passes. If we hadn't looked over our shoulders to see the 83.3 cubic feet of cargo room (with all seats folded), we'd never have believed it was a true seven-passenger SUV. Some of that has to do with the GL450's relatively low 5,300-pound weight, but some of it is due to how well all the parts work together in harmony. The new 4.6-liter V8 is a free-revving and energetic engine that, when paired with the standard seven-speed automatic transmission, is never at a loss for power or in the wrong gear at the wrong time. It's the kind of perfect pairing that any manufacturer would strive to achieve, with a level of intelligence and habit-learning software that nearly makes the manual-shift pads on the back of the steering wheel unnecessary. Mercedes' 7.4-second 0-60-mph claim is entirely believable. Enormous disc brakes (14.7-inch front, 13.0-inch rear) are aided by ABS, electronic proportioning and emergency brake assist. Happily, Mercedes-Benz has chosen not to apply its widely criticized (and recalled) Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), and the result is a powerful and predictable system with a firm pedal. The three-way adjustable air suspension offers a useful range of damping, from cushy comfort to firm responsiveness — the automatic mode was the best balance. Much of the GL's directional dexterity is derived from this active suspension, but the light and precise power-assist rack and pinion steering helps, too. The front control-arm and rear multilink suspension keeps the GL from feeling like an engine and caboose. All combined, the GL450 redefines how comfortably and confidently a large sport-utility can and should drive. This is particularly noteworthy compared to domestic truck-based SUVs with similar tow ratings and off-road abilities. As a "premium full-size tow-rated sport-utility," the GL450 might indicate that the SUV pie is inexorably slivering into ever smaller niches, but as a practical tool (and even as an everyday driver), it sets a new benchmark. Nothing from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Range Rover or Volvo can compare to the GL's combined size, capabilities and drivability. Muddy waters We also drove an optionally equipped GL450 with locking center and rear differentials, low-range transfer case, 19-inch monster-lug off-road tires (see photo) and skid plates. Granted, the extreme Dunlop Grandtrek MT2 tires would allow even an R-Class to go some places the GL conquered, but the optional package's height-adjustable suspension (up to 11 inches of ground clearance) and reduction gears were predictably effective for traversing muddy hillsides and steep-banked streams. The only hindrance we could imagine for the GL450 would be its long wheelbase and 23-degree ramp breakover angle, which could limit some off-road prowess. Missing details Unfortunately, the much touted second-generation Mercedes-Benz "PreSafe" system will not be part of the GL's initial standard or optional equipment — though we expect it to be in the future, as it is standard equipment on the North American S-Class sedan and an option on European M- and GL-Classes, as well. Also, no firm pricing or fuel-economy data was available as of this writing. We'll know more in mid-April '06 when the EPA releases GL450 figures, but expect it to come in somewhere around 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway. Also, keep this site bookmarked for future announcements on the Bluetec-equipped GL320 CDI. Our initial impression after a brief demonstration drive was that the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel was quiet, responsive and downright quick with its 221-hp/376-pound-foot output. No word, either, on whether the 4.0-liter V8 version of the new turbodiesel will make it over here anytime soon, but we hope so. So there are two ways to consider the GL450's arrival: As a too-much, too-late offering or, if you're an optimist, as a unique premium-badge full-size SUV that fulfills a list of needs like no other. The (world) market will determine its fate, but we think the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is a handsome, pleasant and capable vehicle that's been executed to Mercedes-Benz's high standards. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=109812

They've aided GM in the medium-duty truck sector with diesel engines and chassis (or is it whole trucks?).

Fit for fun and flexibility By Philip Reed Date posted: 03-30-2006 The 2007 Honda Fit is a triumph of creativity, proof that good ideas don't have to be expensive. Within the Lilliputian dimensions of this five-door hatchback is a world of imagination that knows few limits. It seats four comfortably (five in a pinch), offers great fuel economy (above 33 mpg), and is as easy to live with as your best friend. Let's daydream for a moment about a world where all the cars are like this little Honda. Picture highways with traffic that flows freely. Imagine twice the number of open parking spaces. And best of all, see gas stations with tumbling fuel prices. That may be a coming attraction if the world catches on to the benefits of small cars. One more daydream before we move on to specifics: Perhaps the Fit — and other little cars in this segment which are sprouting up like wildflowers — signals the beginning of the end of an era of insanity, that is to say the end of the SUV age. We have nothing against SUVs when used for their intended purpose. But SUVs for image or to give the driver a sense of power and superiority (not to mention a false sense of safety): now that's crazy. A feeling of space Judging by the Fit, the new frontier of car design lies not in exterior styling, not in wildly boosted horsepower, but inside the car. And that's where the Fit excels. Look at it from the outside next to a "normal" car, and it looks teeny. But step inside and you'll find that Honda has created space and, more importantly, a feeling of space. We urged a 6-foot, 4-inch friend to sit behind the wheel and his first words were "plenty of headroom, good front legroom." While drivers rave about the road feel and the awesome sensation of the five-speed manual transmission, Honda is busy promoting the Fit based on its second-row "Magic Seat" design, which effortlessly provides outstanding flexibility. It has four different modes that entail folding the seats this way and that like an origami creation. The key is a single control on the top side of the front seats that slides the seat forward. No bending, no straining. The front seat slides forward, the backseat folds down without your needing to remove the headrests. When the front seat is moved back in place, the now reclined rear-seat headrests slide neatly under the cushion. Why the heck didn't someone think of that sooner? With the seats in the conventional position, there is adequate cargo room accessible through the hatchback for say, a week's groceries (21 cubic feet and 23 cubic feet with the seats folded down). In the "long" mode, a 7-foot, 10-inch surfboard can be stowed inside. We took the Fit to Malibu and found a surfer to consult on this vital subject and we were told that the car would definitely appeal to wave riders: "Fold the seats down, throw the board in and boom — you're good to go." For carrying taller items, the Fit's backseat cushions fold up to give you 50 inches of vertical room, floor to ceiling, because Honda moved the gas tank forward to open up a deeper well. Besides the adaptability of the interior, the front seats are quite comfortable and the fabric is attractive. The backseats were a bit short on thigh support, but the legroom was adequate for smaller passengers. Additionally, there is under-seat storage for backpacks, purses or picnic baskets. Economy and power Both trim levels for this front-drive, five-door hatchback (the Fit is offered in base and Sport trim) feature a 1.5-liter, 109-horsepower VTEC four-cylinder engine. Delivering 105 pound-feet of torque at 5,800 rpm, it posted a 9.3-second, 0-60-mph sprint. The EPA estimates it will get 33 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, but our average for the test period was 32 mpg. Driving the Fit with a five-speed manual transmission revealed a sweet spot of acceleration in the midrange that emerges like a bonus on an already lively engine. While the car seems well insulated and less tinny than other cars in this class, at about 80 mph in 5th, the engine is revving up around 3,500 rpm and makes its presence known. A huge favorite of ours was the meaty feel and action of the manual shifter. The action is precise, well defined and pleasing. The Fit Sport is also available with a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters that we drove briefly at a press event. Thanks to the non-sequential drive-by-wire throttle control, the automatic almost seemed to have more zip than the manual. The rubber-backed shift paddles were pleasing to the touch and added a new dimension to the driving experience. The paddles can be used to initiate a shift even in the fully automatic mode; the transmission returns to full automatic after holding the gear for a period of time. One editor criticized the small size of the fuel tank (only 10.8 gallons), noting that frequent fill-ups will make the owner feel it is not as fuel-efficient as promised. Depending on the driver's style, however, the range could still be as high as 350 miles (a Fit with an automatic transmission is estimated to get 31-37 mpg) — not bad for a car with a base price of $14,400 with the manual. The base Fit with an automatic transmission is $15,200; the Fit Sport with manual transmission is $15,720; and the Fit Sport with an automatic is $16,520 (all prices include the $550 destination charge). Standard safety features As if anticipating safety concerns from U.S. buyers, Honda has provided two key features standard on both the base and Sport models. Both trim levels come with four-wheel antilock brakes and side curtain airbags. The ABS operation was loud but the pedal feel was good, especially considering it comes with rear drum brakes (and front discs). Braking distances were exceptional, with the Fit stopping from 60 mph in as little as 123 feet. The use of high-tensile-strength steel on 36 percent of the Fit's unibody frame has kept the curb weight low — only 2,471 pounds (on the Sport with a manual transmission). Honda's attention to safety is well-placed; Americans tie their egos — as well as their feelings of safety — to the sheer size of the vehicle. The bigger and heavier car will usually win in a head-to-head contest. However, Honda engineers are confident the Fit will win a five-star rating from the NHTSA on a front crash. Furthermore, they expect a "Good" rating from the IIHS in both the offset-frontal and side-impact tests. Handles like a champ The Fit drove like a champ, with quick steering and exquisite road feel. These impressions were confirmed on the track, where it slipped through the slalom in 6.1 seconds at 67.5 mph. The Fit felt stable and well balanced, and provided good feedback to the driver. It was about as much fun as you could have in a thrifty little car. Not only that, but the sporty handling didn't sacrifice comfort; it provided a pleasing, comfortable ride. Matters of comfort, convenience and personal preference The operation of the heating and air-conditioning system was the essence of simplicity. Three big knobs, conveniently located, were easy to use and provided all the combinations that drivers and passengers need to keep them comfortable. Similarly, the radio and CD player are stylish yet straightforward, and the system delivered impressive sound quality. A separate auxiliary input jack provides connection to an MP3 player, and the CD player in the Sport allows MP3 and WMA playback. The build quality of our preproduction Fit Sport was impressively tight, with great attention to detail. Our only problem came with a pesky hatch that needed to be closed twice to catch properly. The materials throughout were high-quality and pleasing to the touch. Controls were nicely weighted, giving a feeling of durability and value. Final Fit words Honda has put so much fun in this Fit that it arrives like a breath of fresh air in an era of dwindling resources on a congested landscape of clogged roads and packed parking lots. How nice to see that the 2007 Honda Fit and some others (Nissan's Versa, Scion's xA and xB, and Toyota's Yaris) are cars built for the new millennium. While an SUV spills outside the dimensions of its parking space like a fat man in an airline seat, any space is an opportunity for a Fit. We guess you could say that, for many car buyers, this car will be a great fit. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=109810

Maybe...I don't recall a thread like that.

This one?: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...?showtopic=5898

Congrats, Bimmer. Now you're "the new guy". Ah...seniority. :AH-HA_wink:

That's because the "uncovered" photo is just an artist rendering. It's not particularly accurate, either. The real spy phots show a kinked rising beltline to the rear, a "flatter" (no protruding bumper) front end and a more rakish rear end.

Well, some people claim the exhaust from biodiesel fueled cars smells like french fries. If biodiesel was widely available, more people would be exposed to the "fry fumes". That would make them hungry for french fries. They'd all go to McDonalds, Burger King, etc. to try to curb their french fry cravings but the constant exposure to the smell of fries makes them want even more. Eventually, multitudes of people would get fat from eating so many fries and sue the fast food industry for "making them fat". In response, the fast food industry would sue the biodiesel industry for ingiting the cravings that caused people to eat so many fries and sue them. In anger, some of the people fattened by fast food fries would turn to violence and burn down several fast food establishments and gas stations that supply biodiesel. State police forces and the FBI would be needed to break up nationwide riots and several hundred thousands of people would be maimed or killed in an effort to restore order. As a result, biodiesel would be banned from U.S. sale forever. So you see, it's for the good of the nation.

World Car Fans: First Pictures of All New Nissan SUV

The new Tundra and Titan? I think they have respectable numbers and are capable trucks (the Titan anyway, it's too early to say with the new Tundra). It's just that Nissan's unconventional design philosophy made the Titan look maybe overaggressive (in the front end anyway) and in an attempt to simply look different and non-derivative the new has some nearly-cartoonish design elements to it. Anyway, it doesn't take a whole lot to picture what the new Silverado at least, will look like. I think if you just look at the Avalanche and remove the buttresses, you basically have it.

New Saab 9-5 and a new black BMW M5.

No. The Excursion is dead alright. The Expedition EL is supposed to (in a sense, not fully) take its place. There no Excursion listed on Ford.com, either.

GM Statement Regarding Possible Sale of Isuzu General Motors (NYSE: GM) acknowledged today that it is discussing the possible sale of Isuzu Motors Ltd. shares owned by GM in a private transaction. Isuzu is a core alliance partner with which GM has many long-term mutually beneficial projects and the level of activity between the two companies continues to increase. GM would not expect any sale of its Isuzu shares to have any effect on this important strategic alliance. There can be no assurance that any transaction will result from these discussions and it would, therefore, be inappropriate to comment further. Link: http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet...n=3&docid=24649 --- Get ready to include Isuzu in the "Asian Competition" section, I think.

It looks like a ruined Infiniti FX.

Trolls? No. Trolls don't use logic in their posts. Otherwise they'd impode. Not a pretty sight.

(Sits waiting with bated breath...)

New Cadillac Escalade shines By Anita Lienert WASHINGTON, D.C. -- One of the most critical moments in the redesign of the Cadillac Escalade happened three years ago when the General Motors premium brand rented a Hollywood film studio for an evening, set up a full bar and invited A-list celebrities, athletes and rappers to preview an early version of the 2007 model. Oscar winner Adrien Brody -- who will soon take delivery of a 2007 Escalade EXT -- and the rest of the glittering crowd said they loved the new Escalade's added chrome and the exterior details borrowed from the legendary Cadillac Sixteen show car. But they also had a warning: The 20-inch wheels, the biggest size you could get on the old Escalade, didn't cut it. The tastemakers demanded showy 22-inchers that filled up the wheel wells. Some likened the dramatic wheels and tires to designer shoes. And Cadillac listened. Company insiders say they built the '07 Escalade around those optional $2,995 22-inch wheels and tires, which meant engineers had to add bigger brakes and a revised suspension. Those optional wheels also set the Escalade apart from such mighty competitors as the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, which skips the larger wheels and tires and only offers optional 19- and 20-inch packages. It may seem like a small detail, but such attentiveness to the desires of celebrity and hip-hop customers is what gives the '07 Escalade a powerful dose of street credibility. The redesigned Escalade, sibling of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, stands out as the sexiest full-size SUV on the market, an awesome Detroit offering that hits a bull's-eye in such important areas as horsepower and cabin design. Fuel economy is another matter. The six- to eight-passenger Escalade gets a larger, 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Oddly, it does not offer the variable-displacement system available on the lesser Tahoe that shuts down four of the cylinders under part throttle to save on gas. The new Escalade returns 13 mpg in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway, which may seem only marginally better than the outgoing model, which had the same city number, but got only 17 mpg on the highway. Considering the '07 Escalade gets a whopping boost in horsepower, however, those fuel economy numbers are fairly remarkable. The all-wheel-drive Escalade is on sale now starting at $57,280, including an $875 destination charge. The redesigned 2007 Escalade EXT and ESV models will hit the market in May and a two-wheel-drive Escalade will debut in August. It was a memorable moment to see a line of fully loaded '07 Escalades -- all with 22-inch wheels -- parked in front of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel at the media launch of the big Cadillac sport-utility. Most of the standard-wheelbase Escalades on this drive topped out at $66,000, with extras such as navigation radio, a rearview camera system and a heated steering wheel. Cadillac designers used the Sixteen as inspiration for such Escalade exterior features as the grille, side "ventiports" and lighting. And they turned to high-end kitchen design for a new color, antique bronze, which is similar to the color of trendy and expensive oiled bronze appliances. The new Escalade is immediately identifiable on the street with such details as triple-stack HID headlamps and mammoth Cadillac wreath-and-crest logos fore and aft. The wreath-and-crest are even etched into those headlamps, another example of the exacting attention to the smallest detail. And this Escalade is notable because it is decked out in what designers refer to as "seven layers of chrome," from the luggage rack to the running boards. It's the most amount of chrome ever on Escalade. While the new Escalade is anything but dainty, it reminded me of the trendsetting work of fashion designer Oleg Cassini, who created Jackie Kennedy's signature A-line dresses. Like those dresses, the Escalade succeeds because its chiseled features are easily read from a distance with lots of clarity of line. My test Escalade was outfitted with cocoa-colored leather, with cocoa gauges adorned with striking blue needles. The cabin is beautifully put together with a mix of matte metal, leather and faux wood, with no noticeable gaps and virtually no exposed hardware. The second-row seats, which have an optional $425 power feature that folds them forward with a touch of a button, are completely covered on the underside, leaving nothing on which to snag your clothes or get your hands dirty. It would have been awesome to have a third row with a power folding feature, too. But the third row in the Escalade is folded manually, and with some difficulty, which is bound to be annoying to wealthy customers with big expectations. The 2006 Lincoln Navigator has a standard power-folding third-row seat, although the second row seats are flipped manually. One other minor disappointment on Escalade: No power tilt/telescoping steering column. But I don't expect anyone to argue with the Escalade's new powertrain. The 2006 model was equipped with a 6.0-liter V-8. The new Escalade gets an impressive 58-horsepower boost for 2007, thanks to a new aluminum-block 6.2-liter V-8 that churns out 403 horsepower and 417 pounds-feet of torque. It is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode. On the highways in nearby Virginia, the Escalade's big V-8 performed beautifully, with plenty of power for passing and merging. As mentioned, the brakes are bigger, thanks to those larger wheels and tires, and it's something you notice almost immediately -- with gratitude. The Escalade's wider track -- three inches in the front and one inch in the rear --give it a greater feeling of stability on the road. The ride is stiff without being hard and, thankfully, doesn't feel like a truck. The Escalade is equipped with GM's standard AutoRide, which almost constantly adjusts the suspension to help absorb bumps. The only moment of anxiety came when I pulled into a strip mall in Fairfax and had to make two tries at angle parking the Escalade into a tight space. It's still bulky, with a 5,818-pound curb weight, and requires a little extra care in some situations. Safety features are top-drawer on Escalade and include standard electronic stability control, standard side curtain air bags that protect outboard passengers in all three rows and front safety-belt pretensioners that activate in rear impacts -- an unusual feature that helps to position the front occupants in the event of a crash. The Escalade also does a good job of making the driver feel secure with such features as standard OnStar, an onboard communications system -- which I used for directions -- as well as remote start and perimeter lighting. Because the average Escalade owner has a $160,000-a-year household income, there are plenty of upscale goodies you can add. You can get a $1,295 rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with a screen that flips down out of the headliner, or a fancier dealer-installed entertainment system for $2,165 that has two screens built in the backs of front headrests, decorated with the wreath-and-crest logo. You can watch two different movies on this top-of-the-line entertainment system or play a video game on one while you're watching a movie on the other. This, of course, is nearly as important as those big wheels. The celebrities may have demanded those, but Cadillac dealers say the average customer comes into the showroom and says, "I'll take an Escalade -- with a TV." Link: http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/auto...ex.cfm?id=22446

Speedy BMW offers a great ride, but 3 is a crowd By Paul & Anita Lienert Parents who aren't quite ready to make the leap into a minivan may be intrigued by such hot-looking properties as the 2006 BMW 325xi. The compact German sport wagon offers style and performance, but, unfortunately, not a lot of space for new families and all the gear they have to haul once baby arrives. We tested a nicely equipped 325xi recently with such amenities as a panorama moonroof, all-wheel drive and a $2,900 premium package that included leather upholstery, power seats with driver memory and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass. Bottom line: $40,190, including destination. SHE: I was so happy when our neighbors, Amy and Mike, rang our doorbell one Sunday afternoon, with baby Caroline in tow. They own a BMW 3-Series sedan and an X5 utility vehicle, and had spotted the electric-red BMW wagon in our driveway. Since they are shopping for a more family-friendly vehicle, they wanted to try out the 325xi. They even brought the baby's car seat and stroller so they could really put the wagon through its paces. I thought that was great, since the only stuff you haul around anymore are guitars and fishing rods. HE: Hey, those are mybabies. They need special care and attention, too. SHE: Oh, boy. I'm never sure if I'm talking to a parent or a child here. HE: I thought the 325xi was sweet. And I'm not particularly a wagon buff. But if you need a little extra cargo space, it's a nice alternative to a standard sedan or even a compact SUV like the X3. I'd have to agree with you that it makes less sense than a minivan, especially if you have two or more kids of any age. SHE: It was interesting to watch Amy critique the BMW wagon. She was disappointed that she could only load Caroline's stroller in one way, and she said the cargo hold was not much roomier than the trunk of her 2003 BMW sedan. We're about the same size and we both agreed that it needs adjustable pedals. The cupholders are pretty worthless, too -- kind of surprising, considering the Germans' usual attention to detail. The other problem with the wagon is that the rear pillars are so thick, they block your vision, especially when you're trying to change lanes on the freeway. HE: I think Mike liked the fact that the wagon handles like a sport sedan. In fact, the wagon has just about all the same equipment, which means that the steering is pinpoint-precise, the suspension is supple and the brakes are simply outstanding. Of course, you get all the standard BMW goodies, like dynamic stability and traction control, to further enhance the all-weather capability of the four-wheel-drive system. SHE: I love the fact that even on its low-end models, like the 3 Series, BMW loads up the safety gear. The 325xi comes with standard side air bags and side curtains for all the outboard passengers and ABS with dynamic brake control. HE: You say "low end," and I assume you're being slightly facetious, considering this "low-end" wagon costs 40 grand. But it has an awful lot going for it, not the least of which is that exquisite cabin. It's trimmed in two-tone leather -- black and brown. SHE: They call it "terra," honey. HE: Yeah, right. That sounds really German, doesn't it? OK, black and "terra" leather, with lots of gorgeous wood and brushed metal. I didn't fit that well in the rear seat -- my head brushed up against the headliner -- but at least the passengers back there are treated to some decent amenities, including a pull-down armrest, individual reading lights, vents and temp controls. I should mention that our test vehicle, thankfully, did not come with BMW's overly complicated iDrive -- just the usual assortment of buttons, switches and dials. SHE: Did you know that both Amy and Mike griped about the lack of power in the 3.0-liter engine? I guess 215 horsepower doesn't cut it with some folks. HE: Not if they've driven other Bimmers. I did love that buttery-smooth six-speed manual gearbox. I guess I'm just not convinced that this is really a family car. SHE: Neither is Amy. The last time I saw her, she had just tested a minivan, so I guess she's opting for practicality. I think the moral of the story is that the BMW wagon is better suited for young singles or empty nesters. 2006 BMW 325xi Type: Front-engine, four-wheel drive, five-passenger wagon. Price: Base, $35,295 (inc. $695 destination charge); as tested, $40,190. Engine: 3.0-liter I-6; 215-hp; 185 lb-ft torque. EPA fuel economy: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway. Where built: Germany Estimated 12-month insurance cost, according to AAA: $1,739 Anita Rating: 4 Likes: Really sharp exterior styling. World-class safety features. Optional adaptive headlamps. Standard dynamic stability and traction control. Optional panorama moonroof. Dislikes: Not a viable alternative to a minivan for many families. Needs adjustable pedals. Cupholders are terrible. Rear pillars block vision. Paul Rating: 5 Likes: Sweet six-speed manual gearbox. Exquisite cabin with two-tone leather, wood, brushed metal. Handles like a sport sedan. Outstanding brakes. Good rear-seat amenities. Dislikes: Engine needs more power and low-end torque. Head brushes ceiling in rear seat. Pushbutton stop/start requires extra step, seems gimmicky. Run-flat tires are noisy. Link: http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/auto...ex.cfm?id=22282

Tulsa Transit Enlists GM Hybrid Bus Note: Not actual bus. General Motors reported today that Tulsa, Oklahoma has become the 33rd city to invest in their hybrid bus technology. The benefits of the hybrid bus come in the form of increased fuel economy and lower emissions compared to diesel buses. GM also cites lower maintainence costs, faster acceleration and quieter operation as additional pluses. "This new hybrid bus is a great addition to our fleet,” said Tulsa Transit General Manager Bill Cartwright. “It will serve as a reminder to all of us that we really do have clean air transportation alternatives available. This is important because Tulsa has serious air quality issues related to ozone levels.” Read "GM Hybrid-Powered Bus Delivered to Tulsa"

Sounds like a great opportunity. So you're going to be a disc jockey, do interviews...?

Proffesional and polite. I don't know if it'll make any difference in how the dealer conducts their business but it's good to give HQ a heads up. VW and poor customer service seem to go hand-in-hand more times than not. It would certainly give me pause in buying a new one.

That's real nice.

The Murano is the crossover of choice around here followed by the Pilot (not too many of the ugly Ridgeline-faced versions, though). The Highlander looks like the frump it is next to one of those.

Toyota's Highlander Gets Sporty This spring Toyota is set to release a new "Highlander Sport" model. As reported by Toyota, the Sport gives you a color-keyed grille with chrome insert, chrome door handles, chrome rear license plate garnish, color-keyed mudguards, fog lamps, chrome exhaust tip, and 17-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with a high polish finish. Standard interior features include chrome door handles, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-trimmed shift knob with chrome stalk, and eight-way power driver's seat and 3-in-1 AM/FM/Cassette/CD with six speakers and in-glass antenna. 2WD models will carry a base MSRP of $27,765, while 2WD models with third-row seating will start at $28,615. The 4WD models will start at $29,235 and begin at $30,085 for third-row models. There is also mention of a new base V6 model.