pow

Wow, it comes with a ton of technology, including standard ESP, standard climate control, standard curtain bags, and available "SmartPass" keyless ignition. The only let down I can think of is the derivative RAV4 styling.

They'll be cool again...

I wouldn't call it a tank... just a 5-series that can resist a few bullets. If you're evading gunmen and hit a telephone pole in the process, you're still screwed. The only way this car makes sense is if the weight gain is nominal and the car's agility is retained.

Mauer moved to Porsche, which is a shame. I like his icy-cool IKEA Scandinavian interpretation of SAAB design... much better than the Germanic 9-3.

What's another GM product that's named Cavalier? It's not a Chevy, but a...

They should import the new Swift over here:

Transmission refinement isn't a direct function of the number of gears. Maybe he was commenting on the driveline that was clunking when he floored it.

And this: http://www.gmdynamic.com/fuelcalc/select_vehicles.php and this: http://www.gm.com/automotive/fueleconomy/

Try www.fueleconomy.gov

I love that color... it doesn't look like a base model at all!

Interior looks downgraded to me...

Wow, that's a sweet Aztek! It always potential to be something really cool.

Meh... all Mercedeses are beginning to look the same, particularly the MPVs and SUVs. How does this compare to the A-class? They look the same to me.

$3.03/gallon for premium today... has been about the same for ~4 weeks. Katrina hasn't affected LA in terms of gas prices at all.

Is wagon the new SUV? Well it depends on what your definition of "SUV" is. Sales phenomenon? Coolness? I don't think wagons will ever be as popular as SUVs, but many are already regarded as cool.

... and heat, too.

They look like the Insight's.

Yep, it's gonna be gone in a few years.

I'd say look forward to seeing more similar strips. The new Passat has it in chrome, as does the Sixteen concept. Door molding is moving lower and lower, probably so that it doesn't bisect the car into two.

Sound deadening material mutes road noise and wind noise, not necessarily engine music. Aural feedback is important, but in no way should it be intrusive.

Brian, do you where you got that 75K bodybag figure?

FWD Keepers: Any Mini or MINI

I mean CO2/greenhouse gas emissions, so fuel economy. As far as localized smog-forming particulates go, most new cars are pretty decent. Global warming poses a stronger threat.

Topic says it all... not economics, but environment.

I think it'll go well against the TSX and S40 in the US... but then of course, that'll kill 9-3 sales.