pow

Agreed. A jacked-up HHR, with the styling of a traditional cute ute and optional AWD, could be a great competitor against Rogue, CR-V, Patriot, Sportage, etc. The HHR is, what, 3100 lbs and $16K? Meanwhile the Equinox replacement can be a true midsize SUV, slotted between the small cute-ute and large Traverse. Theta seems worryingly narrow for that, though.

I really like the V50, especially after the redesigned front end. Since you're in New Jersey, where Volvo of NA is headquartered, maybe there'll be some special deals. On CarsDirect.com, it says there is "special pricing" (incentives) going on, and you can score one for $24,701. Automatic transmission, stability control, and side curtain airbags are standard. I'd get the "Select Package" ($1844; leather, 17" alloys, sunroof, memory seats, and more), because Volvo leather upholstery has traditionally been very nice. The interior is a lot comfier and plusher than a Mazda3's.

CTW-H for me!

Kinda related but not really... did you know that in 2007, the Edge outsold the Acadia, OUTLOOK, and Enclave combined?

"Clarkson attending a BBC Staff meeting on "how to reduce the carbon footprint of our ethnically diverse disability access policy for single parent mothers" in the P50, as you would.."

McCain giving a shout-out to the Chevy Volt idea...

A bit goes a long way... here's the original:

I think it's a win-win for both VW and Chrysler. VW gets an American-style minivan, and Chrysler gets to learn how to do a decent interior. Maybe they can employ their newfound knowledge on their MCEs. Video of the interior being designed:

More pics and write-up from VWvortex... Chicago Auto Show 2008: VW Routan Gets a Dash Stroking Feb 7, 2008 Words: Cherise LaPine-Grueninger Photos: Jamie Vondruska When the rumor mill started to grind about VW and Chrysler’s minivan partnership, three questions echoed throughout the webosphere: Why? What will it look like? What will it feel like? The first two queries were answered quickly yet, in certain circles, debated endlessly. The marriage allowed VW to re-enter the minivan segment quickly and easily using technology and resources already in place. Pictures hit the Internet a few days before the van’s February 6 debut at the Chicago Auto Show and reaction was mostly what we expected. Although the van’s silhouette is undeniably Chrysler, all-new exterior stampings provide a distinctive look. The front end is suitably aggressive; VW says it was designed to be “strong and dynamic, yet friendly.” A chrome and matte black grille cascade between angled, sloping headlights, draped by a crisp hood. Fog lamps and a subtle lower valence are reminiscent of the GTI. The model shown features chrome mirror caps and door handles, which draw attention back towards the chrome window sills. Unfortunately, a roof-mount antenna is nowhere to be found, yet the rear is nevertheless distinctive. Tail lamps are inspired by the shape found on VW’s other hatches; the rounded two-piece lenses are a dramatic improvement over the red and amber pillars of the Chrysler siblings. The vehicle sits low (well, for a van) on two-tone chrome wheels, and VW says the suspension was tuned for firmer ride quality and handling. The interior shares the bone structure of the organ donor, with seat frame, dash shell, shifter, and steering wheel lifted from the Chrysler parts bin. Once inside, though, warm, neutral leather tells a different story. It’s thoroughly impractical for hauling around rugrats, but serves well to showcase Routan’s features, such as heavy stitching and sporty, supportive seat bolsters. The cabin offers none of the Caravan’s thrifty charm or Town & Country’s coarsely molded elements — the Routan driver can adjust airflow and toggle switches without risk of bloodletting. The dash shell's textured plastic yields slightly to the touch (considerably softer than that of the Chryslers), overlaid with a dark gray soft pad. The contrast isn’t quite as impressive as the two-tone effect of, say, the Passat CC, but it lends depth, dimension, and interest to the vast expanses of cream surfaces. The interior also features power Stow ‘n Go seating in the third row, with the option of flipping the seats forward or back. A move by Chrysler prevented VW from including the much-hyped proprietary Swivel ‘n Go seating system, which is a disappointment — the feature would have been a nice throwback to VW’s camper heritage. However, Routan still has the advantage in regard to driver and passenger comfort. What remains to be seen is whether or not Routan will find an audience. It’s an entry into a slowing market and seems imperative to VW’s “niche to volume” market strategy, but VW’s strong van heritage means they’ve got something special to offer. VW says Routan will appeal to the “rational and emotional needs” of the minivan buyer. Routan’s sub-$25,000 entry price is competitive for the segment, cutting below the current star of the class, the Honda Odyssey. Of course, we at VWvortex are holding out for a range of DriverGear accessories. Yes, this van clamors for enthusiast attention. A set of tinted tails and a deeper upper hatch spoiler would easily make Routan the best-looking family hauler around.

This is more an Equinox competitor. The Traverse doesn't have a 4-cylinder standard, nor does it start at $19,895. The Journey is only scary when you start adding options..

Acura - TSX auto is more fuel efficient than 9-3 2.0T Auto Lexus - IS250 auto is more fuel efficient than 9.3 2.0T Auto BMW - 328iA is more fuel efficient than 9-3 2.0T Auto Audi - A4 2.0T (auto or manual) is more fuel efficient than 9-3 2.0T (auto or manual) Volvo - S60 2.5 auto is more fuel efficient than 9-3 2.0T Auto

You'd be surprised... the Enclave, Acadia, and Outlook all cost about the same, when comparably equipped.

Manual tranny and Bluetooth... excellent!

And which one is the right steering wheel?

I get the exterior of the new xB, and I like it, but all things considered, it strays too far from the spirit of the original. The old one was efficient (with both space and fuel), lean, mean, agile, sweet, and pure. It was simple, lightweight, and uncomplicated. The new one, on the other hand, is funky only in a mainstream sort of way, overweight, overengined, and undersuspended. I'd rather see Scion be an outlet for truly different, incredibly weird JDM cars that are more poisonous blowfish than California roll.

Thunderbirds

Besides that, there's always the $500/yr gas savings. It should be interesting to see the effect direct-injection has on FE. If the Traverse really gets "best in class" fuel economy, and the Highlander is considered in its "class" (if not "competitor"), that means at least 18/24 MPG. That's pretty damn impressive.

Stop pretending there's no snow in LA... This was taken today in sunny So Cal.. And, yeah, I was cringing as I heard the salt flying into my wheelwells.

Saw Edmunds today. They were testing and filming an Acadia, Odyssey, and Sequoia on the Angeles Crest Hwy. I'm guessing it'll be one of those "Which is best? A minivan, crossover, or SUV?" comparisons.

Exactly. Similarly, lets see if GM makes something for light-duty Silverado/Sierra buyers to step into.

So do gas prices

Maybe, and if so, because of the improved handling and interior quality...

Its competitors may be Highlander and Pilot, but in suburbia-land, this will also replace a lot of Suburbans. More interior room, better fuel economy, and probably cheaper.

Looks good... I like the smoothed out fenders. The only body panels shared with T&C/GC are the doors and roof.

Purpose-Built: Ford Transit Connect Delivers Unique Compact Versatility For American Business Purpose-built for small business owners, the Ford Transit Connect is a versatile compact van that offers a fuel-efficient alternative to full-size commercial vans. Transit Connect, debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, is another example of how Ford is leveraging its global product lineup. Transit Connect is designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe. It was named International Van of the Year when launched in 2003. Ford is the Commercial Vehicle leader in the U.S. with 40 percent share of the total commercial vehicle market and has been the full-size van leader with the Ford E-Series for 29-years running. Transit Connect further builds Ford's strong commercial vehicle portfolio. CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2008 – Ford is tapping its global product strengths to mobilize and connect small business owners in North America with the European-engineered Ford Transit Connect. Introduced today at the Chicago Auto Show, Transit Connect is designed to bring American small business owners a new vehicle choice that offers improved fuel economy, bigger load capacity and better cargo accessibility than today's commercial vehicle offerings. "Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform to meet the rigors business use demands. This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. "The Transit Connect provides another example of Ford's commitment to deliver 100 percent new or upgraded products that people truly want and value by the end of 2010," he said. With its standard, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, Transit Connect delivers fuel economy estimated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Transit Connect will be a truly white-space product for North America. Its closest competitors are cargo vans offered by Chevrolet and Dodge. Transit Connect will provide a significant city fuel economy advantage, while offering more cargo space. Both are increasingly important to small business owners in today's changing marketplace. "More than ever before, consumers are making the bulk of their purchases from the Internet and smaller, specialty businesses, which is increasing the volume of small package deliveries," said Kuzak. "Transit Connect is ideally suited to meet those delivery needs because of its flexible package, compact size and fuel-efficient powertrain. It will make the delivery process for small business owners easier and more affordable." Global Product Innovation Designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe to beat tough, medium commercial vehicle standards, Transit Connect has been a sales success for Ford across the Atlantic and is an ideal option for small business owners in North America. "Ford is intensifying its efforts to leverage the best of our Ford product portfolio around the world," Kuzak said. "In Europe, this tough small van has carved out a niche for itself, building on the strength of the Transit name – which is synonymous with commercial vehicle leadership in Europe. Transit Connect can make a real difference to customers here." Transit Connect was named International Van of the Year by an independent panel of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 19 European countries when first launched in 2003. Editors credited Ford for listening to the wants and demands of customers, both large and small and heralded the "long list of clever and practical solutions in the areas of handling, accessibility, security and safety" that Ford Transit Connect introduced. Car+Van+Truck = Transit Connect Complementing its truck toughness, Transit Connect handles and performs like a car and offers car-like fuel economy, interior comforts and safety features. "It drives like a car, works like a van and is engineered to be as tough as a truck," said Rob Stevens, Chief Engineer of Ford Transit Connect in the U.S. This compact van was built around the following key attributes: Class-leading cargo area functionality and versatility High levels of durability through the use of thick, high-strength steel and a reinforced body shell with partial double skin sides and twin side crossmembers Responsive and fuel-efficient powertrain High levels of security and safety, with a rigid body structure, side impact protection, dual front air bags and an array of security features, including a lockable hood Low cost of ownership, from lower fuel costs to powertrain durability Opening with Versatility Transit Connect has cargo doors on both sides and at the rear – dual sliding side doors and 180-degree-opening rear doors – that make accessing its generous cargo area convenient. Its front doors have large openings, making getting in and out of the vehicle easy – an important design feature for delivery people. For its size and urban maneuverability, the Transit Connect cargo capacity is a massive 143 cubic feet. It can accommodate loads up to 6.5 ft. in length and 4.7 ft. in width. "Transit Connect can swallow far more cargo than its users might think," said Len Deluca, Director of Ford Commercial Trucks. "Its versatile cargo area gives Transit Connect an unequivocal advantage, accommodating for large, flat-sided loads and providing a totally flat load floor," he said. Straight and square side walls of the Transit Connect also mean business on the outside. They provide a clean surface and perfect positioning for commercial branding logos and messages. Inside, storage systems can make Transit Connect ideal for specific businesses. For the Chicago show, Ford kitted out Transit Connects highlighting three local businesses – including a catering and event planning company, a wine wholesaler and home technology integration firm – as well as a five-member Chicago blues band. The Windy City is a fitting place to debut the versatile Transit Connect. Its maneuverability makes it ideal for urban use, where streets are congested and parking space for delivery or service vehicles is limited. Its tight turning radius makes Transit Connect as nimble as a compact car. And its height makes it ideal for tight parking garages with limited-height clearances – Transit Connect gets in and out of garages with as little as 6 ft. 8 in. clearance. Established Credentials Transit Connect is part of a family of Transit commercial vehicles offered across Europe. Since the introduction of the Transit Connect, Ford's share of the European light and medium duty commercial vehicle market has doubled to 34 percent. In record-setting 2007, Ford sold 109,900 Transit Connects and 224,915 Transits in Europe. For more than 40 years, the Transit brand has synonymous with commercial vehicle excellence, a success which continues to grow. In 2007, Ford achieved an all-time record European commercial vehicle retail volume across its 19-market region, including individual model volume records for Transit Connect and the Ford Transit medium commercial van. More than 5 million Transit units have been manufactured since 1965. Thanks largely to E-Series, Ford is the reigning Commercial Vehicle leader in the U.S. with 40 percent share of the total commercial vehicle market and has been the full-size van leader with E-Series for 29 years running. Transit Connect is manufactured in Kocaeli, Turkey, at Ford's most advanced light commercial vehicle assembly plant. It will be available in select North American markets in mid-2009.