2011 Lexus HS250h Price, Review & Picture

2011 Lexus HS250h Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, The HS 250h was all new for 2010, so no mechanical or interior changes were announced for the new model year. There was a safety recall that happened for the 2010 HS, which involved reprogramming the antilock brakes. Otherwise, the only news is with exterior color changes: Satin Cashmere Metallic replaces Golden Almond Metallic, Deep Sea Mica replaces Black Sapphire Pearl, and Aurora White Pearl has been discontinued.

The Lexus HS 250h is the carmakers very first dedicated hybrid offering. The HS 250h is akin to the Prius by Toyota, but the HS 250h does not get its design from other offerings by the carmaker. The HS 250h has a novel design. Its size positions the HS 250h as a hybrid sedan between the IS and the ES by Lexus. The Lexus HS 250h is the first hybrid with a four-cylinder engine made by the carmaker. The vehicle has a 2.4 Liter, Atkinson cycle DOHC Inline-four coupled with two electric motors. The end result is a car producing 187 horsepower from its Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

The tranny coupled with the setup is a CVT offering. The entire system is like the powertrain identified in the Toyota Camry hybrid. The Lexus HS 250h has an interior with two-toned coloring. The cabin is very spacious and it has superior amenities. The vehicle has things like a remote touch controller, an impeccabl3e navigation system, and it has an optional heads up display as well. This vehicle unifies luxury with practicality.

The HS looks like a smaller car than it actually is. And this is not a rebadged Prius; this is a Lexus sedan with plenty of Lexus styling cues. The HS rolls on standard 17-inch wheels with 18-inchers available as an option. Plenty of tech features here: iPod connectivity and Bluetooth, optional navigation system comes with the computer-mouselike Remote Touch controller, there’s an optional heads-up display, voice command, and lots of gauges to monitor the hybrid system.

The HS 250h gets to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds from a stop and through the quarter mile in 16.2 seconds at 87.9 mph. Even though the HS is 500 pounds heavier than the Prius, it’s also more powerful, which explains why the HS is two seconds faster to 60. The HS is quiet on the freeway and handles well in turns, although this is no sport sedan. Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, dual front knee airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags are standard. Also standard are disc brakes with four-sensor ABS with brake assist, and stability control.

Body styles: Sedan
Engines: 2.4L I-4
Transmissions: Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Models: HS 250h

EPA Fuel Economy
35 mpg city/34 mpg highway

Price : $36,330 – $39,100

2011 Lexus LX570 Price, Review & Picture

2011 Lexus LX570 Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, There are some minor changes for the 2011 Lexus LS. There is a new black interior with leather trim. A heated steering wheel option has been added to the Luxury Package, which includes semi-aniline leather interior with Bubinga wood trim and a cool box for drinks. The LX receives a brake override system, too. Other than that, the color Costa Azul has been discontinued. The LX 450 by Lexus was launched in 1996. It’s an SUV made to be a competitor with the Land Cruiser by Toyota. The LX 450 is a full-size, body on frame SUV that has had several improvements. Two years following its launch it was renamed the LX 470. In addition, the LX 470 got a total redesign in 2008. SUV consumers were more than satisfied with implemented changes.

The LX 570 SUV has plenty of gadgets too. It is a dependable offering for off road excursions. Any consumer seeking an ordinary vehicle for every day driving will appreciate it too; it has plenty of amenities including things like a Mark Levinson-19 speaker audio system, park assist, and rear seat entertainment features.

The LX 570 SUV seats eight. It has a redesigned exterior/interior. The vehicle proved heavier and bigger. Yet, this three ton vehicle still manages to conquer zero-to-sixty in 6.5 seconds. Under the hood, one will find a 5.7-Liter V-8, 383 horsepower engine married to a six-speed auto tranny. It has solid towing abilities and can tow 8500 pounds.

The new LX looks like a cleaner, smoother version of the previous model — and an awful lot like the Land Cruiser on which it’s based. The LX rolls on 20-inch wheels as standard equipment, and the wheels in the Luxury Package add a Liquid Graphite finish. The commodious, three-row cabin of the Lexus LX has a variety of leather/wood interiors, 14-way driver seat and 12-way front passenger seat, and a 19-speaker surround sound system. The third row power folds out of the way and the second row power slides.

The Lexus LX 570 moves a lot faster than a 6164-pound sport/utility should, going from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. That the 5.7-liter V-8 has 115 more horsepower than the engine it replaces doesn’t hurt. It also brakes from 60 mph in 133 feet. Handling is not its strong suit, but it is certainly competent in turns.

Dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, first- and second-row side airbags, and three-row side curtain airbags are standard. The LX also comes standard with disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, and stability control.

Body styles: SUV
Engines: 5.7L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Models: LX 570

EPA Fuel Economy
12 mpg city/18 mpg highway

Price : $79,455

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Price, Review & Picture

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta be presented to the world at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. Sales of the new model will begin in spring and gradually extended to all major markets. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta should give new impetus to the mark in one of the largest segments in Europe. In the centenary year, the name is a tribute to the myth of the car and Alfa Romeo. Giulietta is a car that, in the fifties, has captured the imagination of generations of car enthusiasts, so that the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoy the high level of comfort and technical excellence of the first access time.

Alpha DNA, a device to customize the behavior of the car in different driving styles and road conditions, you can customize the new Alfa Romeo to the needs of each driver to increase driving pleasure and comfort. The new architecture of Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to integrate and improve all embedded systems. Three settings (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) are available and can be selected using the Alfa DNA. This device – standard on all new model range – changes the engine operating parameters, the system of government, and electronic differential Q2, and improve the stability control system (VDC) logic of behavior.

The Centro Stile Alfa Romeo has produced a new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a sporty able to express both a great agility in the most demanding routes and provide comfort on the roads every day. A new architecture for improving the road and remain agile in comfort and safety.

2011 Ford Expedition Price, Review & Picture

2011 Ford Expedition Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, The only changes made to the 2011 Ford Expedition were the addition of Trailer Sway Control and MyKey as standard features. The Ford Expedition entered the market in the late 1990s. This vehicle opened new doors for SUVs and increased their popularity. Now, in its the third generation, and following a redesign in 2007, the vehicle got a wheelbase extension. The new design of the vehicle involved a platform change so that the Expedition could remain competitive with the likes of the Chevy Suburban and the GMC Yukon XL. The new changes were made in an effort to make the Expedition a decent replacement for the discontinued Super Duty Excursion.

The newer Expedition comes with one engine option married to a six-speed auto tranny. Since this vehicle is a truck-based ute, it is in a segment that is growing smaller all the time. It’s offered with 4-wheel-drive, and the truck chassis that the vehicle hosts allows it to handle a 1620-pound payload. Nevertheless, the ride quality suffers because of it. Continued expansion and improvements is anticipated in the full sized crossover segment. The Expedition will therefore continue to be an ideal crossover SUV solution when a consumer requires truck-like abilities.

The Expedition is a brawny-looking SUV. Limited models stand out thanks to body-color grilles, Eddie Bauer and XLT models due to two-tone paint jobs. EL models have 12.0-inch longer wheelbases and are 14.8 inches longer overall. The Expedition has a spacious interior, seats up to eight (third row is optional on XLT models, standard elsewhere), and offers a maximum of 128.2 cubic-feet of cargo space in EL models.

The 2010 Expeditions SOHC 5.4-liter V-8 makes 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Its ladder-frame chassis allows the Expedition to tow up to 9,000 pounds and haul up to 1620 pounds and provides it with some off-road capability, though its nearly 3-ton curb weight puts a damper on acceleration and fuel economy.

The Expedition comes standard with six airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags are standard, along with trailer sway control and roll stability control. A rear-view camera and rear sensor system are optional

Bodystyle: SUV
Engines: 5.4L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Range: XLT, XLT EL, Eddie Bauer, Eddie Bauer EL, Limied, Limited EL, King Ranch, King Ranch EL

EPA Fuel Economy
2WD: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
4WD: 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway

Price : $35,585 – $51,240

2011 Toyota Matrix Price, Review & Picture

2011 Toyota Matrix Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, Following the introduction of the new-generation Matrix for 2009, not much changed for 2011 Toyota Matrix. The biggest news was that all trim levels of the Matrix received stability control and traction control as standard equipment. Otherwise, the same engines and trim levels return: 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four with a manual or automatic, or 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four with a choice of three transmissions.

The Toyota Matrix, a five door hatchback, entered the market in 2003; it is a Corolla based offering that is offered as a separate vehicle. The Matrix and Corolla have the identical structures. The 2011 Toyota Matrix competes with the Mazda3, the Hyundai Elantra Touring, and the Kia Forte. The Matrix was very similar to the Pontiac Vibe until Pontiac line stopped being produced. In 2009, the Matrix was refreshed.

The Matrix’s future for 2011 remains in question at this point in time. The new design in 2009 led to greater style and more power. It is offered with one of two motors too; the base edition comes with a 1.8 Liter four cylinder engine, a carryover offering, and the horsepower and torque were improved. The Matrix is offered with either a four speed auto or a five speed manual tranny as well. In the S configurations, the vehicle is offered with all wheel drive and it sports a four speed tranny. The XRS configuration sports a five speed manual or auto tranny. The Matrix combines value and versatility.

The new styling of the Matrix is more aggressive than the previous generation, but it’s still clearly a Matrix. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on the base model and S, 18-inch wheels are standard on the XRS.

Air conditioning with filter and 12-volt power port are standard across the 2010 Toyota Matrix lineup. Matrix S models add power door locks and windows; XRS adds unique sport fabric, upgraded audio, XM-ready antenna, and aux jack.

We recently tested the Toyota Matrix XRS with the five-speed manual and 2.4-liter four cylinder engine and it went from 0 to 60 in an impressive 7.3 seconds. In addition, it completed the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds at 88.4 mph. However, the engine is unrefined and buzzy and the overall driving experience is somewhat unengaging. Braking numbers were good — the Matrix stopped from 60 mph in 128 feet.

Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, and side curtain airbags are standard on the Toyota Matrix. So are stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and tire-pressure monitoring.

Body styles: Hatchback
Engines: 1.8L I-4, 2.4L I-4
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Models: Standard, S, XRS

EPA Fuel Economy
Standard: 25-26 mpg city/31-32 mpg highway
S: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway
XRS: 21 mpg city/28-29 mpg highway

Price : $17,510 – $22,110

2012 Kia Soul Price, Review & Picture

2012 Kia Soul Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, A few changes have been made to the 2012 Kia Soul. The major change is the increased engine power and fuel efficiency. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine now puts out 135 horsepower, an 11 percent increase from last year, and the 2.0-liter engine produces 160-horsepower, a 13 percent increase from last year. Technologies have been added such as gasoline direct injection and a new Infinity sound system. The exterior has been refreshed for the 2012 model year.

The Soul is Kia’s version of the Scion xB, or as many people call it, the box car. You could call the Kia Soul a box with flair. This vehicle has sold very well for Kia, introducing a different kind of audience to the brand. The Soul has won a variety of awards since its introduction in 2009, including a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Heading into 2012, the Soul receives a few changes. The refreshed five-door hatchback receives an updated look, as well as more power.

The Kia received two upgraded engines that provide both more power and better fuel economy. The first is a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower, an 11 percent increase from last year’s model. The other engine is a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower, a 13-percent increase. Both engines provide very respectable fuel economy numbers; 28/34 mpg city/highway for the 1.6-liter and 27/33 mpg city/highway for the 2.0-liter engine. The interior of the Soul is very much like its exterior; futuristic looking. In fact, it received the Ward’s AutoWorld “Grooviest Interior Award” in 2010. The dashboard is uncluttered and numerous controls can be found right at the driver’s finger tips on the steering wheel, including cruise control, stereo functions, and Bluetooth.

The Soul features an edgy exterior. While many would refer to it as a box, some might consider it a box with flair. It features a low, wide stance and an angled window line. Other features include a chrome-accented grille, body color door handles and side mirrors, and 15-inch steel wheels. The Soul! Is equipped with LED headlights and taillights, a body colored bumper, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior of the Soul is somewhat futuristic looking. An uncluttered dashboard and numerous controls right at the driver’s fingertips make this a user-friendly driver’s car. You can operate the stereo functions, cruise control, and Bluetooth directly from the steering wheel. This is a fairly wide car, which creates a very roomy interior at 40.2 inches of headroom in the front, and 39.6 inches of headroom in the rear. A floating center stack is the focus of the interior, which features Sirius Satellite Radio, as well as MP3 capability. Black cloth seats engulf the rest of the interior.

The Soul received an increase in power for 2012, although there’s no hiding its subcompact economy car roots. The 1.6-liter engine received an 11 percent horsepower boost, placing it at 135 horsepower. The 2.0-liter engine received a 13-percent increase in power, placing the horsepower for 2012 at 160. Kia offers a six-speed automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission.

The Soul comes equipped with a number of standard safety features. These include six airbags as well as Electronic Brake Distribution, and Brake Assist System. Also standard is Hill-start Assist Control and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Body Style: Five-door hatchback
Engines: 1.6L, I-4; 2.0L, I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic; 6-speed manual
Models: Base, +, !, Sport

EPA Fuel Economy
Soul: 28 mpg city/ 34 mpg highway
+,!, sport: 27 mpg city/ 33 mpg highway

Price : Not Available

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Price, Review & Price

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Price, Review & PriceNew Car Reviews, Almost everything other than the drivetrain that it retains from the GTI and 2010 GLI. Compared to the standard Jetta, the GLI packs a firmer suspension, an independent rear suspension, rear disc brakes, and more upscale interior accoutrements, VW’s RNS 315 touch screen stereo head unit, and an optional Fender stereo, and even the nicer interior materials from the Euro-spec cars. The Jetta GLI is a decidedly higher-class car than the other sedans in the Jetta lineup.

Returning to Volkswagen’s lineup for the first time since 2010, the Jetta GLI adds some spark to the German automaker’s small-sedan offerings. Unlike the 2010 model, however, this Jetta GLI shares little more than its drivetrain with the Golf GTI hatchback. On the new-for-2011 Jetta platform, the new car is larger in most every capacity than its predecessor. Powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine as the GTI, the GLI is capable of pumping out 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed to the front wheels by way of either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Unlike its lesser siblings, the Jetta GLI makes use of a four-way independent rear suspension instead of a twist beam rear axle and ditches the rear drums for standard disc brakes all around. Volkswagen has also outfitted the GLI with the same XDS cross differential system that helps prevent inside wheelspin in hard cornering. Despite being down on power and up in size and weight versus many of its sport compact competitors, Volkswagen has always found a way to go beyond the spec sheet to provide fun, agile compact cars. With three different levels of specification, the Jetta GLI is more or less the same flavor of fun whether choosing from the base, Autobahn, or Autobahn with Navigation.

With a wider front air dam, smoked tail lights, and larger wheels, changes to the exterior are unstated. The Jetta GLI comes standard with 17-inch wheels and has 18-inchers available with the Autobahn package. At 182.2 inches long – 2.9 inches longer than the outgoing model – the GLI is nipping at midsize car territory. Its sharp lines are a departure from the previous GLI, boasting an almost Audi-like look to it. Capped by two exhaust pipes that flank either side of the rear bumper, the GLI has a look that’s conservative yet aggressive.

In increasing the size of the Jetta, Volkswagen made the interior of its Jetta positively livable for just about any group of four, or five in a pinch. Rear leg room is among the best in its class, and it’s more capacious than many larger cars. That said, the Jetta GLI is intended to be a performance car, and there are plenty of upgrades. Red cross-stitching adorns the handbrake lever, shifter boot, and flat-bottomed steering wheel that only comes in the GLI. Available with plaid cloth or leatherette, the sport bucket seats provide more bolstering than the wider, softer standard Jetta buckets. Completing the package are alloy pedals, shift lever, and trim, and the interior materials taken straight from the higher-quality European Jettas instead of the harder, cheaper plastics used in standard U.S. models.

Although bigger than its predecessor, the new GLI actually undercuts its forbearer on the scales by roughly 100 pounds. Acceleration to 60 mph should be brisk and in the mid-six-second neighborhood. Judging from impressions of similar GTIs, the ride should be on the firmer side of the spectrum, but not uncomfortable. Volkswagen has tuned the steering and suspension to keep in line with the traditional sharpness the GLI has become associated with. The DSG transmission is engaging in manual mode, but in auto mode shifts are slow and laggy.

The Jetta GLI comes standard with stability control, tire pressure monitoring, and Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System, which shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks all of the doors, and turns on the hazard lights in the event of a collision. The Jetta GLI also features front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.

Body style: Four-door sedan
Engines: Turbocharged 2.0L, I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic
Models: Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Volkswagen GLI
Autobahn, Volkswagen GLI Autobahn with Navigation

EPA Fuel Economy
Jetta GLI: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway (DSG automatic)

Price : Not Available

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Price, Review & Picture

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, 2012 is the last model year of production for the Eclipse and, in order to send it out on a high note, Mitsubishi has added a Special Edition model to the mix. This SE model will feature black side mirrors, dark finish alloy wheels, and an extensive list of high-end standard features seen on the GS Sport.

Mitsubishi’s distinct sports coupe is back for 2012, but according to the automaker, this is its last year of production. For Eclipse enthusiasts looking to buy this boldly styled coupe in its final year, there is a new model Mitsubishi is calling the Special Edition. The Eclipse SE features black side mirrors and 18-inch dark finish alloy wheels, to name a couple features. The 2012 Eclipse is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 162 horsepower.

If you have a lead foot, Mitsubishi offers a GT model that has a 265-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine under the hood. This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates Mitsubishi’s Sportronic transmission technology. The GS model is the most affordable of the lineup.

Standard features include a six-speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD player with MP3 playing capability, dual exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels to name a few. The Eclipse is equipped with six standard airbags, as well as electronic brake force distribution. Other safety features include active stability control, and traction control logic. The standard Eclipse might be a bit light on the power for some, but the GT is a more competitive coupe.

The 2012 Eclipse has a very distinct look. It features fender flares that widen the vehicle’s stance, as well as fog lights and a low-profile front end. The rounded rear may be considered by some to be the weak point, although the dual exhausts do help. The Eclipse rides on standard 18-inch wheels that add to the sportiness of the coupe and convertible.

The interior of the Eclipse is very sleek, which adds to the sportiness of the car. It features sporty chrome pedals. The interior control panels illuminate a light-blue color at night, and Mitsubishi says the gauges were inspired by those found on motorcycles.

While the base Eclipse’s 2.4-liter engine doesn’t pack much punch with 162 horsepower, the GT model is more likely to satisfy. It packs a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 265 horsepower. This vehicle is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with Mitsubishi’s Sportronic transmission technology, which allows the driver to manually select gears. The Eclipse features numerous standard safety features such as six airbags and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Other standard features include active stability control and traction control Logic.

Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
Engines: 2.4L, I-4; 3.8L V-6
Transmissions: 5M; 4A; 5A
Models: GS, GS Sport, GT, SE

EPA Fuel Economy
Eclipse four-cylinder: 20/27-28 mpg city/highway
Eclipse six-cylinder: 16-17/24-25 mpg city/highway

Price : $19,499 – $29,089

2012 VW Touran Price, Review & Picture

2012 VW Touran Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, As a family car, 2012 VW Touran has a roomy and luxurious cabin with a touch of chrome in some parts. Have also installed the multifunction steering wheel, audio system with a new look and the rear view mirror anti-DAZZLE (anti-glare). Refresher on the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) seven passengers can be seen from the front fascia design with headlights grille and a more modern and dynamic.

Her face even fresher with a slight improvement on the rear spoiler, which is claimed to reduce air turbulence so that the car remains stable. Seemed a new twist on the design of 16-inch alloy wheels. For the mechanical heart inserted the same 1.4 liter TSI with previous versions. This machine is capable of generating power 140 hp at 5,600 rpm and torque of 220 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm.

Acceleration 0-100 km / h 9.5 seconds and reached a maximum speed of 202 km / h, with fuel consumption of 1 liter travel 14.5 miles. VW’s Golf V-based compact minivan just retouched A Few months ago. Volkswagen is in a hurry to present a new generation of the car based on the platform and underpinnings of the sixth-generation Golf the which Will be introduced at the end of the year. The reason Is that the fifth-generation Golf is an expensive car to be produced and VW execs want to Make Their most Successful models along with all of its variants more cost-efficient.

Although the prototype Touran in the spy pics is heavily camouflaged, the new model is expected to carry the styling elements from the Up concept as VW says it previews the company’s future design language. As for the engine range, do not expect any surprises with the line-up including 1.4 and 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline and 1.9 and 2.0-liter turbodiesel units. The new Touran will of most Probably the make its market debut in mid-2009.

Price: Rp420.000.000

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Price, Review & Picture

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Price, Review & PictureNew Car Reviews, Based on GM’s global Delta platform, the large Cruze compact sedan replaces the unloved Cobalt. Suspension is MacPherson strut/coil spring front suspension and z-link torsion beam rear, and the optional turbocharged four is all-new. Cruze is designed to elevate Chevy’s small car reputation, with interior design and materials designed to be a step up from the midsize Malibu.

The Chevrolet Cruze for 2011 has front-drive and is a midrange alternative to the Chevrolet Cobalt. The Cruze is emblematic of GM’s transitioning and a symbol of the company’s rebirth following its financial difficulties from a few years back. Regardless of the fact that the carmaker has failed to profit on smaller vehicles, GM is still trying to profit from their four-door Cruze sedans.

The Cruze has a midsized car trunk space, and the base configuration, originally offered in 2009, comes with a 1.8 L four-cylinder motor that could be improved since it delivers substandard performance. The Cruze is 70.7 inches wide and 181 inches long. It has a height of 51.8 inches and its wheelbase dimensions are 105 inches.

Entering the United States car market, the Cruze comes with a 1.4 L turbocharged four-cylinder motor as an option for car buyers; the latter competes against Hondas and Toyotas. An eco-friendly configuration hosting aerodynamic modifications including a six speed manual transmission, a .4 inch lowered body, and lower grille shutters. It passes EPA testing since it delivers 27/40 mpg.

The efficiently packaged sedan features an arched roofline and a relatively long wheelbase with short front and rear overhangs. As if from Chevrolet’s heyday, tailored lines make the Cruze look more expensive than it is.

Like the Malibu, the high trim-level LTZ features two-tone interior and heated leather seats. Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, XM satellite radio, OnStar, a navigation system and a nine-speaker Pioneer audio system are among the options.

The Cruz ECO model has less sound-deadening than other versions, saving about 275 pounds. Its low-rolling resistance tires squeal easily in tight corners while its taller gearing lengthens its acceleration times. The Cruze LTZ with its standard 18-inch wheels is the sport sedan version, sacrificing some ride quality for sharp handling. The LT with the base suspension nicely compromises ride and handling.

Chevy claims a class-leading 10 airbags, including front, side curtain bags, front and rear outboard seat airbags, and knee bags, first in its class. StabiliTrak with rollover sensing, traction control and anti-lock brakes is standard.

Bodystyle: Sedan
Engines: 1.8L I-4, 1.4L turbocharged I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Models: LS, LT, LTZ, ECO

EPA Fuel Economy
LS, LT, LTZ (1.8L): 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway (automatic)
LS, LT, LTZ (1.4L): 24 mpg city/36 mpg highway (automatic)

Price : $16,525 – $22,225