|
COPYRIGHT 2001 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
The versatility of sport-utility vehicles is one of the things that helped make them so popular over the last decade. Targeting that appeal, automakers are now developing a range of new vehicles--from car-based SUVs to a new breed of four-door hatchbacks--that combine SUV-like versatility with car-like drivability and sometimes a fun-to-drive character. With a steady stream of new niches and models, consumers now have greater choice than ever before.
Here are some of the more noteworthy models being released in the next several months. Look for full road tests on many of them in future issues.
A RETURN TO HATCHBACKS AND WAGONS
Some automakers are betting that American buyers are again ready to embrace the hatchback. Dismissed by many consumers as uninspired econoboxes left over from the 1970s, hatchbacks all but disappeared from American showrooms. But hatchbacks have continued to sell well in Europe, where high fuel prices make small cars the norm and buyers like the hatchback's ability to carry more cargo than a car with a trunk.
Some automakers see hatchbacks as a key to attracting younger buyers and are designing them with a sporty twist. Ford is adding a four-door hatchback to its Focus line, the ZX5 ($16,000). Already available in Europe, it provides a spacious interior and high seating position. Focus models we've tested have exhibited excellent handling.
The Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, both based on the next-generation Corolla, are the product of the joint venture between GM and Toyota. These tall four-door hatchbacks, due in January 2002 as 2003 models, try to combine the usefulness of a wagon with the youth appeal of a sporty coupe. Both provide seating for five and optional all-wheel drive. Pricing is expected to be about $18,000 to $21,000. Other sporty hatchback/wagons being introduced for 2002 are the Hyundai Elantra GT, the Lexus IS300 SportCross, and the Mazda Protege 5.
Wagons have also been undergoing a revival with a variety of models now available, including well-performing, nimble-handling European versions and AWD "SUV wagons" that differ little from modern car-based SUVs. (See "Foul-Weather Friends" on page 52.) For 2002,...
Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.
|
Bookmark this article
Print this article
Link to this article
Email this article
Digg It!
Add to del.icio.us
RSS
