1025 bg cover.qxp - Autoweek

AUTOWEEK < ’07 BUYERS GUIDE
SANTA FE
HIGHLIGHTS New for 2007 with five- or seven-passenger seating and two
V6 engine choices: a 2.7-liter with 185-hp and new 3.3-liter
242-hp unit. Standard safety features including six airbags,
stability control and four-wheel disc brakes all around.
BASE PRICE $20,945
WHAT’S NEXT Nothing foreseen yet for this new model.
OUR OPINION Returns vastly improved and ready to win over shoppers.
TUCSON
HIGHLIGHTS Improved radio display with digital tuner, dual-mode trip
computer for SE and Limited.
BASE PRICE $17,845
WHAT’S NEXT Nothing significant is expected.
OUR OPINION Hyundai’s entry in the highly contested compact SUV
segment is decently priced but average at best.
VERACRUZ
HIGHLIGHTS Hyundai brings the midsize Veracruz SUV, featuring sevenpassenger
seating and standard 3.8-liter V6 engine paired
with six-speed automatic. Electronic stability control and side
airbags are standard, and awd is available.
BASE PRICE $25,000 (est.)
WHAT’S NEXT New.
OUR OPINION Hyundai wants to stomp the competition with more cargo
and interior space and more premium content at a lower price.
INFINITI
Nissan North America infiniti.com
G35 SEDAN
HIGHLIGHTS Powering the second-gen G35 is a higher-revving 3.5-liter V6,
with 306 hp, coupled to either rear- or all-wheel drive. Adaptive
front lighting, intelligent cruise control, rearview camera
and navigation optional. Four-wheel steer available on Sport.
BASE PRICE $32,800 (est.)
WHAT’S NEXT Freshening scheduled for 2010.
OUR OPINION The new G sedan has become a more capable alternative to
the BMW 3 Series.
G35 SPORT COUPE
HIGHLIGHTS Intelligent Key and automatic on/off lights now standard.
BASE PRICE $34,000 (est.)
WHAT’S NEXT Expect enhancements comparable to those found on the new
sedan to arrive next year for the 2008 model.
OUR OPINION A grown man’s 350Z for those who require more than
two seats.
M35/M45
HIGHLIGHTS Climate-controlled seats, xenon headlamps with adaptive
front-lighting system. Advanced Technology package includes
Bose surround sound system and intelligent cruise control.
BASE PRICE $42,100
WHAT’S NEXT Facelift to come in 2010.
OUR OPINION A champion driver among Japanese luxury sedans.
Q45
HIGHLIGHTS No Q for 2007, and maybe even ’08.
BASE PRICE n/a
WHAT’S NEXT New model should be coming within a couple of years.
OUR OPINION You still might find an ’06–and it’s a lot of car for the money.
FX35/FX45
HIGHLIGHTS Pre-wiring for iPod, seatbelt reminder system standard. FX4
also has power-folding side-view mirrors standard.
BASE PRICE $35,950 (est.)/$46,300 (est.)
WHAT’S NEXT The FX grows in 2009. A smaller five-seat crossover is
expected next year to slot below the FX.
OUR OPINION A quirky SUV with a slightly rough ride, sporty performance
especially in 4.5-liter V8 model.
QX56
HIGHLIGHTS Engine output jumps to 320 hp.
BASE PRICE $50,450 (est.)
WHAT’S NEXT A freshening is possible next year, followed by a redesign
for 2010.
OUR OPINION A giant ute that’s surprisingly light on its feet.
ISUZU
Isuzu Motors America isuzu.com
I-290/I-370
HIGHLIGHTS Cloned from GM’s Colorado/Canyon, with new 2.9-liter and
3.7-liter engines providing power. The I-290 now offers both
automatic and manual transmissions. A tire pressure
monitoring system is standard. Chrome accents for interior.
BASE PRICE $16,989
WHAT’S NEXT Discontinued in 2009 or 2010.
OUR OPINION Seemingly a better deal than the Chevy/GMC versions, if yo
can find an Isuzu dealership.
ASCENDER
HIGHLIGHTS Tire pressure monitoring standard, six-spoke alloy wheels.
OnStar dropped. Seven-passenger model discontinued.
BASE PRICE $25,959
WHAT’S NEXT Likely to be dropped in ’09.
OUR OPINION Isuzu-branded Chevy TrailBlazer with a decent amount of
standard features.
JAGUAR
Jaguar Cars jaguarusa.com
X-TYPE
HIGHLIGHTS Standard moonroof and optional 17-inch wheels. Standard
stability control.
BASE PRICE $34,995
WHAT’S NEXT Only two years left before retirement.