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AUTOWEEK < ’07 BUYERS GUIDE
MAZDA
Mazda Motors of America mazdausa.com
CX-9
HIGHLIGHTS After dismissing MPV from the States, Mazda introduces the
CX-9 to take over people-mover duty. The midsize crossover
features the longest wheelbase in class and third-row seats.
A 3.5-liter V6 powers the package in either front- or all-wheeldrive.
Roll stability control and side-curtain airbags come
standard, while a Bose stereo system and navigation
are optional.
BASE PRICE $29,630
WHAT’S NEXT New entry.
OUR OPINION Crossover craziness continues.
MAZDA 3/MAZDASPEED 3
HIGHLIGHTS Exterior and interior freshened; optional MazdaSpeed
treatment with a 250-hp turbocharged four and
limited-slip differential.
BASE PRICE $14,390
WHAT’S NEXT All-new in 2009.
OUR OPINION The engaging 3 becomes even better with the addition
of the MazdaSpeed 3.
MAZDA 5
HIGHLIGHTS A grand touring package offers leather-trimmed heated seats,
xenon headlamps and black headlights and taillight bezels.
BASE PRICE $18,230
WHAT’S NEXT Unknown.
OUR OPINION Interior configurations are wonderfully useful, though the 5
would benefit from extra scoot.
MAZDA 6/MAZDASPEED 6
HIGHLIGHTS Antilock brakes, traction control and side airbags with
side curtains are now standard.
BASE PRICE $19,525
WHAT’S NEXT The 6 line receives a makeover next year, growing
in size and power.
OUR OPINION A practical and fun-to-drive sporty midsize sedan.
MX-5
HIGHLIGHTS Mazda’s legendary roadster gets a power-retractable
hardtop option.
BASE PRICE $21,030
WHAT’S NEXT Unknown.
OUR OPINION Beefier and more upscale than the old Miata, the MX-5
remains simple and fun, and retains much of the
original’s character.
RX-8
HIGHLIGHTS Touring and Grand Touring trims now come standard with a
six-disc CD changer.
BASE PRICE $27,030
WHAT’S NEXT 2010 redesign; rumored two-seat coupe a no-go.
OUR OPINION One of the best chassis on the market includes useable back
seats, but the rev-happy rotary is thirsty and lacks
B-SERIES PICKUP
HIGHLIGHTS Tire pressure monitor standard.
BASE PRICE $16,170
WHAT’S NEXT Curtain call likely when Ford finally redesigns the Ranger.
OUR OPINION Wait for the next one.
CX-7
HIGHLIGHTS Spawned from the 6, the CX-7 crossover uses a detuned,
244-hp turbocharged four and offers either front- or rearwheel-drive,
responsive handling and respectable
fuel economy.
BASE PRICE $24,345
WHAT’S NEXT Smaller Tribute on hiatus for 2007, returning as a 2008 mod
and bearing the CX-5 nameplate.
OUR OPINION One of the best crossovers available.
MERCEDES-BENZ
Mercedes-Benz USA mbusa.com
CL-CLASS
HIGHLIGHTS Full redesign grows in size and gets more power. A new 5.5
liter, 382-hp V8 powers the CL550; twin-turbo V12 in
CL600 yields 510 hp.
BASE PRICE $67,675
WHAT’S NEXT A pumped-up AMG version.
OUR OPINION The new luxury coupe cruiser is sexy and fast—very fast.
C-CLASS
HIGHLIGHTS New wheel designs; C230 is now flex-fuel capable, and
C280 has standard dual-power front seats. C55
AMG discontinued.
BASE PRICE $30,425
WHAT’S NEXT Complete makeover next year.
OUR OPINION A nice but aging sedan; loss of the AMG version saddens u
CLK-CLASS
HIGHLIGHTS CLK63 AMG Cabriolet with 475 hp replaces the CLK55
AMG, while 382-hp CLK550 takes the place of the CLK500
New sports appearance package for CLK350 includes cros
drilled brakes, rubber-studded aluminum pedals, 17-inch
10-spoke wheels, and a lowered sport suspension.
BASE PRICE $46,975
WHAT’S NEXT Redesign in two years.
OUR OPINION A classy coupe and convertible.
CLS-CLASS
HIGHLIGHTS Harman/Kardon sound system and PRE-SAFE anticipatory
safety system now standard equipment, while 382-hp
CLS550 replaces CLS500. CLS63 AMG with 507 hp
replaces the CLS55 AMG.
BASE PRICE $67,675
WHAT’S NEXT Facelift for 2009 model.
OUR OPINION Killer looks; power increases sweeten the pot.