PORSCHE CAYENNE

The Cayenne is Porsche’s SUV, offered in three versions: Cayenne, Cayenne S, and Cayenne Turbo. All-new for 2008, the Porsche Cayenne enters its second generation with a new exterior design, new technologies and a power boost. Some of the new technologies include direct fuel injection that provides more power and better fuel efficiency, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control that offsets body roll for better handling and safety, a rollover sensor to trigger belt latch tensioners and curtain airbags and a push-button Sports mode for more performance.
The 2009 Porsche Cayenne adds the Cayenne Turbo S as the flagship of the Cayenne line.

PORSCHE CAYMAN

The 2009 Cayman is a 2-door, 2-passenger luxury sports car, available in two trims, the Base and the S.

Upon introduction, the Base is equipped with a standard 2.9-liter, H6, 265-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. The S is equipped with a standard 3.4-liter, H6, 320-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2009 Cayman is redesigned for 2009.

2009 AUDI Q5

The Q5 is Audi’s new compact luxury 5-passenger SUV that joins the Audi lineup alongside the full-size Q7. A sporty, compact SUV, the Q5 features a wide stance, bold fender flares and available 20-inch wheels. The clamshell cargo hatch is similar to the styling of the larger Q7, providing a wide opening for easy loading but only needing a small space behind the vehicle to raise the hatch. Split taillights, like those on the Q7, leave lights visible even with the hatch open. Inside is a large cargo area that can be expanded by either sliding the rear seats forward or folding them flat. Audi is expected to announce a clean-diesel TDI version at a later time.

The new 2009 Audi Q5 is powered by is powered for the U.S. market exclusively by a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 FSI with direct injection, quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. The Audi Q5 is the first Audi offering with Generation 3 MMI, and navigation with real-time SIRIUS traffic information.

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

The C-Class is the Mercedes-Benz entry luxury sedan, which was redesigned for 2008 and is offered in either Luxury or Sport versions with the AMG-inspired Sport easily identified by the 3-pointed star incorporated into the front grille. The C-Class was introduced in 1993 as a 1994 model to replace the 190 sedan. A C-Class Coupe was introduced for 2002 and continued through the 2005 model year.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a new monitoring system showing individual tire pressures, more aerodynamic outside mirrors and a steering wheel covered in premium leather. A new option is a Dynamic Handling Package for Sport models that includes active suspension, faster speed-sensitive steering and 18-inch split-spoke AMG alloy wheels plus paddle shifters with the automatic transmission. The C300 Sport is equipped with new standard 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.

MERCURY MOUNTAINEER

The 2009 Mountaineer is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 4X2 Base 4.0L to the AWD Premier 4.6L. 

Upon introduction, the 4X2 Base 4.0L is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter, V6, 210-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The AWD Premier 4.6L is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 292-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2009 Mountaineer is a carryover from 2008.

2009 LOTUS EXIGE

The Lotus Exige is a two-seat mid-engine coupe that shares mechanical components with the Elise and was added to the U.S. lineup for 2006. For 2007, Lotus added the Exige S to the U.S. lineup, powered by a powered by a supercharged, intercooled version of the 1.8-liter engine used in the standard Exige to produce 220 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. For 2008 the normally-aspirated Exige was dropped and the S 240 was added. Distinguished from the Exige S by the air intake on the roof that extends to the top of the windshield, the Exige S 240 boasts 240 horsepower, is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just 4 seconds and reaches 100 mph in just under 10 seconds.

The 2009 Lotus Exige adds the S 260 alongside the S 240 and the Exige S drops from the lineup. The S 260 uses carbon fiber for the front lower splitter, access panels at the base of the windshield, roof, rear engine cover, side air intake ducts and rear wing to reduce the weight by approximately 50 pounds over the S 240. The S 260 also adds an additional 17 horsepower.

LEXUS IS 2009

The 2009 Lexus IS gets benefit of fresh styling, interior upgrades and improved handling for the new model year. The IS grille and front bumper are revised, as are the rear bumper and taillights. New turn signals are now integrated into the exterior mirrors, and the 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels feature new designs. New suspension and steering tuning are designed to improve stability and control, and the IS 250 gets Lexus' advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Inside is a revised instrument cluster, updated controls and paddle shifters now function in D mode.

The IS sedan is Lexus’ entry sport sedan that debuted originally at the 1999 Detroit Auto Show. An all-new second-generation design was introduced for the 2006 model year with the IS 250 and more powerful IS 350.. Lexus has adopted a two-sedan strategy with the new IS moving more towards sporty while the ES 350 is the entry luxury choice. The new IS has a more aggressive stance than the original and is the second example of styling that Lexus refers to as L-Finesse.

LINCOLN 2010 MKX

The 2010 MKX is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the FWD and the AWD.

Upon introduction, the FWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 265-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. The AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 265-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2010 MKX is a carryover from 2009.

LEXUS SC 430 2009

The 2009 SC is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury convertible, available in one trim only, the 430. Upon introduction, the SC is equipped with a standard 4.3-liter, V8, 288-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2009 SC is a carryover from 2008.

The SC 430 is Lexus’ retractable hardtop premium luxury convertible. The original Lexus luxury coupe debuted in 1991 and the second-generation SC 430 was introduced for the 2002 model year. The SC 430 was designed by Lexus’ European design center while the interior was designed in Japan.

LAND ROVER LR2

The 2009 Land Rover LR2 features new standard 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Sparkle Silver finish and optional 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Shadow Chrome finish. New interior features include Almond leather seating surfaces with Nutmeg carpeting, available Dark Laurel woodgrain appearance trim and available Satin Silver metal-look trim. The fender-mounted turn-signal repeaters now have clear lenses and the taillights have a darker matte-gray finish around the lighting elements. A new HST Package includes a more aggressive mesh grille, painted front and rear bumpers, revised side sills and dual exhaust.

The LR2 is Land Rover's compact 5-seat SUV that joined the lineup early in 2007 as a 2008 model, taking the place of the Freelander. The LR2 is an all-new vehicle with new architecture that delivers a good balance between handling and ride comfort on the road but retains Land Rover’s legendary off-road capability as well. Equipped with permanent intelligent all-wheel drive, the LR2 utilizes an electronically controlled center differential to vary the torque split between the front and rear axles as needed. The LR2 features Terrain Response, which first debuted on the LR3 and the first use of Roll Stability Control in a Land Rover.

SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE

The 2010 9-3 Convertible is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury convertible, available in two trims, the Sport and the Aero.

Upon introduction, the Sport is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 210-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional. The Aero is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 210-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The 2010 9-3 Convertible is a carryover from 2009.

SATURN VUE HYBRID

The 2010 VUE Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in one trim only, the FWD 4-Cylinder.

Upon introduction, the VUE Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 172-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 25-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2010 VUE Hybrid is a carryover from 2009.

SCION xB 2010

The 2010 xB is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the 5-Door Wagon 5-Spd MT and the 5-Door Wagon 4-Spd AT.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 158-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on the 5-Door Wagon 5-Spd MT. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on the 5-Door Wagon 4-Spd AT.

The 2010 xB is a carryover from 2009.

SUBARU TRIBECA

The 2009 Tribeca is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 3 trims, ranging from the Tribeca to the Limited. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, H6, 256-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2009 Tribeca is a carryover from 2008.

SUZUKI EQUATOR

The Suzuki Equator is an all-new model for the 2009 model year. The Equator is available as an Extended Cab or Crew Cab, each with rear- or four-wheel drive. Two engine choices are available: a 2.5-liter 152-horsepower 4-cylinder or 4.0-liter 261-horsepower V6. Available trim levels include Sport, Premium and top-of-the-line RMZ, all of which feature standard cruise control, power mirrors, door locks and windows and remote keyless entry. The RMZ adds a factory-installed moonroof, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control. The Sport package features a Rockford-Fosgate AM/FM/6CD/XM Satellite Radio with eight speakers and subwoofer, an auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth capability.

TOYOTA 4RUNNER

The 4Runner is Toyota’s midsize SUV that has retained its exceptional off-road capability, but has also evolved into a vehicle that offers many different variations including 7-passenger seating, luxury amenities and an optional V8 engine. The original 4Runner that was introduced as a 1985 model was really a version of the Toyota pickup with a removable hardtop and extra seat. The fourth-generation 4Runner which debuted as a 2003 model retains its original high-level of off-road capability, but also includes room, power, and luxury. The 2009 Toyota 4Runner adds the optional Trial Edition package for the 4Runner SR5 with V6 engine and 4WD. The Trail Edition combines enhanced off-road capability with unique design, including a locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Bilstein shock absorbers and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with 265/70R16 tires. The Trail Edition package includes color-keyed grille, door handles and rear license plate trim, Trail Edition badges, black tubular side steps and tubular roof rack. Available in three exterior colors, Titanium Metallic, Natural White and Shadow Mica, the Trail Edition also features seats covered in water-resistant material and charcoal fabric bolsters. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel incorporates controls for the audio system and a detachable TomTom personal navigation unit. The audio system offers WMA/MP3 CD capability, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio capability and available iPod connectivity.

VOLKSWAGEN CC

The CC is Volkswagen’s new four-door coupe that Volkswagen describes as combining sports car dynamics and dimensions with sedan comfort. Wider, longer and lower than the Passat sedan with a long hood, strong shoulder line, rear-swept roofline and short trunk lid, the athletic but elegant look is accentuated by large wheels and tires, deep front air dam and bold grille. Inside the four individual sport seats sit low. The 2009 Volkswagen CC is a new model for 2009, offered in four different trim levels. The CC Sport and CC Luxury are powered by Volkswagen’s 200-horsepower 2.0T 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 207 lb-ft of torque and can be combined with either a 6-speed manual transmission (Sport) or a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. The CC VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion are powered by a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter version of Volkswagen’s narrow-angle V6 engine combined with a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic. All trim levels include sport-tuned suspension and electromechanical power steering.

VOLVO C70

The C70 is Volvo’s four-seat convertible coupe that returned to the lineup for 2006 with a new folding metal hardtop. The C70 originally debuted for the 1998 model year as a fixed-top coupe and a soft-top convertible, and began a new model-naming convention for Volvo: C denotes coupe, while 70 represents the car's relative position in the company's product line. The C70 coupe was dropped in 2003 and the C70 convertible continued for the 2004 model year before taking a hiatus in 2005. The 2009 Volvo C70 adds standard Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, aluminum inlay interior trim, leather sport gearshift knob with aluminum inlay, Volvo rear lettering spread further apart, power hardtop lowers and raises with one button and side windows automatically lower when top is lowered.

KIA RIO

The 2009 Kia Rio and Rio5 add a few new features. Rio comes as a 4-door sedan in base, LX, and SX trims. Also available is a 4-door hatchback called Rio5; it comes in LX and SX trims. All have a 110-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. A 4-speed automatic is available on LX and SX. Available safety features include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A digital audio player input jack is newly standard, as is satellite radio. Rio shares its powertrains and basic design with the Accent from Kia's parent company, Hyundai.

The 2009 Kia Rio receives a new AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability and three months of complimentary service, standard on all trim levels. The LX and SX trims also get a USB port alongside the auxiliary audio input jack in the center console.

COMPETITION: Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars. Our Best Buys include the Honda Fit and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Scion xD. New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, and Pontiac G3. The Toyota Yaris adds a 4-door hatchback to its model lineup for 2009.

JEEP COMMANDER

The Commander is Jeep’s full-size SUV and the first Jeep with 7-passenger seating. Wrapped in an exterior package that looks remarkably like the original Jeep Cherokee, the Commander is two inches longer than the Grand Cherokee but shares the same wheelbase. Characterized by an upright windshield, vertical back glass and straight sides, the Commander’s shape is very square and is capped off with the signature Jeep seven-slot grille. Inside, the Commander offers stadium seating, a stepped roof for adequate headroom and Command-View skylights for additional interior lighting. Also a two-tone instrument panel with four round gauges is unique to the Commander. For 2007 Jeep changed the base Commander name to Commander Sport and added the Overland version to the lineup. Jeep Commander

JAGUAR S-TYPE

The S-TYPE is Jaguar’s sport sedan that traces its roots back to the original 1963 S-TYPE and shares many styling cues including a small elliptical grille and quad headlights. The current S-TYPE debuted as a 2000 model. The supercharged 390-horsepower S-TYPE R was added for 2003. The S-TYPE is in its final model year for 2008 before the expected arrival of the all-new 2009 XF in March 2008.

Jaguar S-Type

INFINITI EX

The Infiniti EX is a new crossover that Infiniti describes as offering a seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems. Combining the look and feel of a luxury coupe with the versatility of an SUV, the EX debuted two new available systems: Around View Monitor and Lane Departure Prevention. Utilizing four small cameras, AVM gives the driver a top-down view of the outside of the vehicle to reduce blind spots when parking. LDP uses the Vehicle Dynamic Control system to assist the driver if the vehicle drifts out of the lane. Infiniti EX

HYUNDAI ACENT

The Accent is Hyundai's entry-level passenger car that was introduced in 1995 replacing the Excel, which was the first Hyundai imported to the U.S. in 1996. The second-generation Accent debuted for 2000 and received exterior updates for 2003. The third-generation Accent debuted as a 4-door sedan for the 2006 model year. The three-door GS and SE joined the lineup for 2007.
Hyundai Acent