ProductWiki

2007 Volkswagen Rabbit

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:18:25 -0400

Beetle to Rabbit to Beetle to Rabbit. After more than 20 years Volkwagen is bringing back the Rabbit for the North American market to take a piece of the expanding minicar market. VW is bringing back the name more than anything, as the Rabbit has been available all this time, except it was known as the Golf. In other parts of the world the name Rabbit has never been used, and the Golf brand will continue outside of North America. The Rabbit is built on the 5th generation Golf design, and while it contains many similarities to the 2006 Golf, there are many differences and improvements as well. The launch of the Rabbit is heavily marketed to combat the already strong competition in the form of the Honda Fit and Civic, and the Nissan Versa and Sentra.

German engineered from the inside and out the Rabbit is powered by a 2.5 liter inline 5-cylinder engine that produces 150HP at 5000RPM. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with an optional 6-speed automatic being available. Fuel efficiency doesn't compare well against the leaders in the minicar class, however at 22/30MPG for city and highway driving respectively, the Rabbit still fits.

At 94.2 cubic feet of space, the Rabbit's interior comes close to matching the interior space offered by the mid-sized VW Passat. Being a hatchback rear storage space comes above the Jetta sedan with 15.1 cubic feet available. The 4-door Rabbit also allows the front passenger seat to be folded flat to accommodate longer objects such as ladders or skis, alongside a pass through space in the rear seats.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, and daytime running lights. Other standard features VW has included are air conditionning, CD/radio speaker system with auxiliary input, and an outside-temperature indicator.

Difference in trims

2-door ($14,990)

4-door ($17,110) : features a few upgrades including heated front seats, an 8-way adjustable driver's seat (as opposed to 6-way), and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

An extra note, the first 4000 Rabbits released in the US will be badged as 2006 models and are identical to the 2007 version except for the lack of the auxiliary input on the stereo system, and no optional tire pressure monitoring system.

Safety ratings

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings (IIHS)
Front crash test - Good
Side impact test - Good

National Highway Safety Traffic Association (NHTSA)
Front crash driver's side - 4 stars
Front crash passenger's side - 4 stars
Side crash front seat - 5 stars
Side crash rear seat - 5 stars

2007 Toyota Yaris

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 12:58:35 -0400

Built around the core concept of "pride of ownership" the Yaris is Toyota's 2007 entry into the competitive minicar market, which includes the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa. Toyota's previous offering for this level, the Toyota Echo, received lukewarm response by critics and in the marketplace. There are two different models of the Yaris, a 3-door liftback and a 4-door sedan, a 5-door hatchback is also available in Canada. Leveraging Toyota's massive resources the Sedan and Hatchback versions of the car were created by two entirely different teams, so while the specifics of the cars remain similar or even identical, the feel is quite distinct.

A 1.5 liter 4-cylinder engine powers the wheels achieving 106HP at 6000RPM. There are two transmission options: 5-speed manual, and 4-speed automatic. This engine is one of the most fuel efficient in the class with the Yaris achieving 34/40 MPG for city and highway driving respectively.

Despite the Yaris' small exterior, Toyota has designed the interior to accommodate full sized adults and their belongings relatively comfortably. Passenger storage rests at 84.6 for the liftback and slightly larger for the sedan. Storage space is 12.8, and 12.9 cubic feet for the liftback and sedan respectively. With the optional packages, the rear seats become flatly foldable 60/40 split which increases storage capacity to 25.7 and 13.5 cubic feet respectively.

Standard features include a four speaker radio/CD stereo system, front airbags, air conditioning, and tilt steering. ABS brakes, and side torso and side curtain air bags are all optional. The sedan includes a few more features standard over the hatchback including 6-way adjustable driver's seats, and child protector rear door locks. The S Sedan model is simply the normal Sedan with some optional features already included, such as a rear spoiler and 15 inch wheels instead of 14 inch.

Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings (IIHS)
Front crash test - Good
Side impact test (with optional airbags) - Good
Side impact test (no optional airbags) - Poor

National Highway Safety Traffic Association (NHTSA)
Front crash driver's side - 4 stars
Front crash passenger's side - 4 stars
Side crash front seat - 3 stars
Side crash rear seat - 3 stars

2007 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Mon, 14 May 2007 14:46:47 -0400

The hatchback version of the Mazda3 which contains more storage space and other interior improvements to enhance the luxury feel. The Mazda3 was first introduced in 2004 and quickly received critical and commercial success. For 2007 the Mazda3 has undergone minor improvements and upgrades, mainly on the interior with more features coming standard. The biggest change is the introduction of a performance oriented model named the Mazdaspeed3, which is based off of the Mazda 3 Hatchback model. What's special about the Mazda3 is its global design process with a body developed by Volvo, electronics from Ford, with engine design/production and overall tuning happening at Mazda in Japan. The Mazda 3 also comes in a 4-door sedan model. Mazda positions the 3 to compete in the compact commuter car segment which contains the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra.

The hatchback model of the Mazda3 features the more powerful 2.3 liter engine standard. The larger engine is 4 cylinders and outputs 156 horsepower at 6500RPM. A 5 speed manual transmission is standard with 5 speed automatic available as an option. The Mazdaspeed3 has a substantially more powerful turbocharged engine that produces 263 horsepower.

94 cubic feet of space accommodates 5 passengers including the driver. On the storage side the hatchback the hatchback there is 17.1 cubic feet, and with the seats folded flat the storage space increases to 43.8 cubic feet.

Difference in trims

Everything that comes on the hatchback Sport model which is the base model, comes standard on the other models unless specifically upgraded to something better. For full listing of the features and differences between the various trims, see the official Mazda site.

Mazda 3 Sport ($18,175) - 17 inch all season tires are standard, as well as power mirrows, windows and locks. Four speaker audio system with steering wheel controls and auxiliary input are also standard. On the safety side front airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard. Side torso bags are not available, and side head curtain bags are optional.

Mazda 3 Touring ($18,920) - Upgrades safety features to include side torso and head air bags standard, as well as stability control and brake assist. Other luxury features upgraded include a better sound system (six speakers).

Mazda 3 Grand Touring ($20,390) - All the upgrades of the Touring model with more luxury upgrades such as a navigation system, automatic climate control and LED tail lights.

Mazdaspeed3 Sport ($22,240) - The standard safety features of the Touring with upgraded wheels coming in at 18 inches.

Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring ($23,955) - Adds more luxury features to the sport model with rain-sensing windshield wipers and a navigational system.

Safety ratings

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings (IIHS)
Front crash test - Good
Side impact test (no side airbags) - Poor

National Highway Safety Traffic Association (NHTSA)
Front crash driver's side - 4 stars
Front crash passenger's side - 4 stars
Side crash front seat - 3 stars
Side crash rear seat - 3 stars
Rollover rating - 4 stars

2007 Nissan Versa

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 12:35:16 -0400

Unlike Nissan's competition in the minicar market the Versa started life as a luxury subcompact car in other parts of the world. When the minicar market started to boom in North America Nissan already had the Versa (known as the Tiida in other markets) and brought the 2007 version over. Despite the economy nature of the minicar market Nissan opted to retain the luxury roots when they brought the Versa over.

The Versa comes in four configurations, a hatchback and sedan version, and then the lower end 1.8S model, and higher end 1.8SL for both styles. There is no difference between the hatchback and sedan including the price, the only difference is the amount of interior room that is available. On that note, the interior space of the Versa is the most out of all the minicars on the market, as the Versa has the same amount of interior room as a mid-size car, even though Nissan markets it as a minicar. Leg room is the area where the Versa comes top in class, as there is 38 inches of rear leg room which is the most in the class, and even compares to many SUVs, in fact the Armada is the only car in Nissan's entire lineup that has more rear legroom.

Storage capacity on the hatchback is 17.8 cubic feet with the seats up, which is less than the Honda Fit and 50 cubic feat with the seats folded, which is more than the Fit.

The engine is 1.8L DOHC, with 4 cylinders producing 122HP at 5200RPM. 6 speed manual transmission is standard for both the S, and SL models. A 4 speed automatic transmission is available for the 1.8S, with the higher end 1.8SL automatic receiving the new Continuously Variable Transmission system (CVT) system. CVT works by using a system of levers and pulleys that eliminate the need for distinct gears, and instead the gear ratio is in constant change to reflect the optimum power output that is necessary for the particular driving scenario. CVT systems are available on other cars, and they have the added benefit of substantially increasing fuel efficiency while taking a hit on performance compared to the more traditional transmission systems.

Features wise the Versa comes standard with air conditioning; CD stereo system with four speakers; front, side and curtain airbags; high quality soft plastic interior lining; rear defroster system; and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Upgrades from the 1.8S to 1.8SL model

automatic transmission moves from traditional 4-speed to CVT
included security system
stereo upgrade to six speaker system with mp3 input jack
cruise control
and other optional packages that are only available on the 1.8SL model

Safety

2007 Chevrolet Aveo

Mon, 28 May 2007 13:00:55 -0400

General Motors is one of the biggest companies in the world selling millions of cars globally under a swath of different brands. The Aveo marketed under the Chevrolet brand is a recent entry to the subcompact field by GM to compete with offerings by Honda and Toyota in the Fit and Yaris respectively. Created by GM's Korean subsidiary Daewoo the Aveo is available in almost all markets around the world, though it comes in different names. In North America the Aveo is available as a 4-door sedan, and a 5-door hatchback known as the Aveo5. The Aveo5 comes in the low-priced Special Value trim, and an upgraded LS trim. while the Aveo sedan is offered in a base LS trim and the higher end LT trim.

For 2007, the Aveo has undergone significant changes from 2006 increasing the quality of material in the interior, and expanding the overall size of the car. However, the car is still built on the same fundamental architecture and design as the 2006 model. While some of the other manufacturers have opted for sportier styles and handling, Chevrolet intends the Aveo to provide a more comfortable ride with a "big car" feel. Also sold as the Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift.

All North American models are powered by the same 1.6 liter four cylinder engine that produces 103 horsepower. All models also offer the same five speed manual transmission as standard, or an optional four speed automatic transmission.

Despite the hatchback nature of the Aveo5 the amount of cargo space with the rear seats up is actually less than the sedan's cargo space with the Aveo5 coming in at 7.0 cubic feet, and the sedan at 12.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, with the 60/40 split, the amount of cargo space in the 5-door increases to 42.0 cubic feet.

Difference in trims

Aveo5 Special Value ($10,560) - The base model for the Aveo5 contains very little extra features with no air conditioning. Runs on 14 inch steel wheels, and contains a four speaker stereo system. On the safety side front and side airbags are standard with anti-lock brakes being optional.

Aveo5 LS ($12,425) - Adds various features such as air conditioning.

Aveo LS ($12,575) - Shares many of the same features as the Aveo5 LS and upgrades the stereo system to add an auxiliary input jack to speaker system for mp3 player playback.

Aveo LT ($14,075) - Wheels are upgraded to 15" aluminum. Cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows are all added features. And the stereo system gets two more speakers with CD playback.

Safety Ratings

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings (IIHS)
Front crash test - Acceptable
Side impact test - Marginal

National Highway Safety Traffic Association (NHTSA)
Front crash driver's side - 5 stars
Front crash passenger's side - 4 stars
Side crash front seat - 4 stars
Side crash rear seat - 3 stars
Rollover - 4 stars

2008 Volvo C30

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:41:21 -0400

Volvo is introducing the C30 as part of its 2008 lineup in the North America; the 2007 is already available in Europe and Canada (with the European delivery option). The C30 is a four passenger compact hatchback with good performance. According to Volvo, it'll do 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, and the quarter mile in 15 seconds, reaching a speed of 95 mph (153 km/h). This car is marketed towards young urban professionals wanting a high performance, near-luxury vehicle.

There will be two models available in the US: the 2.4i and the T5 starting at around $23,000 and and $26,000 respectively. Both cars are powered by an 5 cylinder engine; the 2.4i features a 2.4 L engine delivering 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the T5 upgrades to a 2.5 L turbo-charged engine delivering 218 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4i features a standard 5-speed manual transmission, while the T5 has a 6-speed manual. Both models are available with optional 5-speed automatic transmissions.

The C30 can accommodate up to four passengers with its four bucket seats. The rear seats fold down flat leaving lots of room for cargo loaded in through the glass rear hatch. This vehicle has many customization options including your choice of 17" rims, various roof-rack options (biking, surfing, skiing/snowboarding), interior/exterior options, and several body modifications including a spoiler atop the hatch.

2006 Volkswagen GTI

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 14:38:36 -0400

For power, the GTI has a 2.0-litre (1,984 cc, to be precise) turbocharged four cylinder developing 200 horsepower. According to VW, this is one of few engines built anywhere that uses a powerful combination of homogenous direct fuel injection and exhaust turbo with intercooler. The result is an exceptionally satisfying powerplant with lots of torque and (being lag-free) plenty of almost instant response.

2006 Scion xA

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:56:43 -0400

Minor style changes and new audio systems mark this small hatchback for 2006. The least-expensive model in Toyota's youth-oriented Scion line, xA has a 103-hp 4-cyl engine with manual or optional automatic transmission. Head-protecting curtain side airbags with front torso side airbags are available, as is an antiskid system. Standard equipment includes ABS, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Toyota dealers offer numerous factory-approved functional upgrades and dress-up accessories. For '06, the xA gets a newly standard CD audio unit with a plug-in for most digital music players. A newly optional stereo adds dashboard control and program display for Apple iPod players. Both include steering-wheel audio controls, also new for '06. Grille, taillamps, and lower-body panels are modestly revised.

Volkswagen Golf Mk3 platform

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:18:16 -0400

Third generation of sub-compact front-wheel drive automobiles by VW (Volkswagen Group A3 platform), which included 3 and 5-door hatchback Golf (Typ 1H), sedan Vento/Jetta (Typ 1H) and convertible Cabrio (Typ 1E). Was first introduced in late 1991 (1993 in North America) and was taken off the production lines in 1999 (Golf was replaced a year earlier, Cabrio was produced till 2001).