Coming up models in 2007
Suzuki
The top-of-the-line SUV in the Suzuki lineup is getting completely redone for the 2007 model year, replacing the boxy rear-wheel-drive truck-based SUV with a stylish modern front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive crossover SUV. The new XL7 is the largest vehicle that Suzuki has ever built for North America. Seating is available for up to seven passengers, with those sitting in the third row enjoying almost 40 inches of legroom. The third row is also split folding, and the seats fold flat into the floor for added versatility and cargo capacity. Luxury amenities such as leather trim, a DVD entertainment system and a satellite navigation system are available. Powering the new XL7 is a 3.6-liter 250-horsepower V6 that was developed through a joint effort between Suzuki and General Motors. Teamed with a 5-speed automatic transmission, this new engine—while considerably larger and more powerful than its predecessor—actually gets improved fuel economy. The new XL7 will be available as either a Premium or Luxury trim, each available with front- or all-wheel drive when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year. Joining the XL7 is a new model for the Suzuki lineup, the SX4. The sporty 5-door hatchback features standard all-wheel drive, and is designed to provide sporty handling at an affordable price. The SX4 features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine teamed with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Power output is 143 horsepower, and fuel economy is estimated to 24 mpg city, 30 mpg hwy. Six airbags are standard, including side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags. ABS with electronic brake distribution is standard, and ESP stability control with traction control is available. SX4 provides seating for five with wide door openings for easy access. Rear seats can be folded flat for added cargo-carrying ability, and there are plenty of small storage spaces throughout the cabin. Built in Japan, the all-new SX4 is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms during the third quarter of 2006 with prices starting around $15,000.
Toyota
It’s already been a busy 2007 for Toyota, and it’s not even summer yet. Earlier this year, the Japan-based automaker introduced the all-new Camry. Currently the best-selling passenger car in America, the Camry gets a new look for 2007 with shorter overhangs, a lower ride height, tightly integrated headlights and a more angular grille give the car an aesthetic lift. These changes were evolutionary rather than revolutionary, as the company did not want to make drastic changes to a car that was already selling very well. Likely to increase sales further, especially given the price of gasoline, is the new Camry Hybrid. Expected to follow the standard Camry later this year, the new hybrid combines a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a high-output electric motor to produce a total of 192 horsepower, which is more than the 3.0-liter V6 in the 2006 Camry. However Toyota is predicting drivers could go as many as 43 miles per gallon, giving the Camry Hybrid a range of 600 miles between fill-ups. Almost able to match that fuel savings is Toyota’s new entry-level car, the Yaris. The Yaris first launched in Europe in 1999, was named the 2000 European “Car of the Year” and has become Toyota’s best-selling model in the European market. This subcompact passenger car replaced the ECHO in the U.S. when it arrived this past spring. The Yaris is offered as both a hatchback and a sedan for the U.S. and is designed to offer a level of style and fun-to-drive performance that is often not found in the subcompact class while the interior provides a surprising level of roominess and comfort.Additional Coverage: Toyota Camry
Toyota
For those who are looking more for utility and off-road fun than good fuel mileage, there’s the all-new Toyota FJ Cruiser. Although the FJ Cruiser has its own unique look, the styling and capability of this new off-roader are inspired by the FJ40 Land Cruiser that the automaker sold in 1960. Its flat roof, wraparound rear glass, round headlights, mesh grille, wide hood, vertical windshield and short overhangs are all styling cues taken directly from that classic FJ. In addition to its unique look, the FJ Cruiser possesses some standout features. For example, three windshield wiper blades provide maximum coverage of the windscreen. A unique door system makes passenger and cargo loading much easier. On each side of the vehicle, a large front door latches to a rear-hinged rear-access door, eliminating the pillar between the two—similar to the Honda Element. But first and foremost, the FJ Cruiser was designed to handle extreme off-road conditions. With an impressive 8.7 inches of wheel travel in front and 9.1 inches in the rear, the FJ Cruiser has ground clearance of 9.6 inches. Approach angle is 34 degrees, departure angle is 30 degrees, and the FJ can traverse up to 27.5 inches of water. The full-time 4WD system is the same as that found in the 4Runner. It features a Torsen limited-slip center differential with a locking feature. Meanwhile, this fall Toyota will bring out its redesigned full-size 2007 Tundra pickup truck. Carefully aimed directly at the heart of the pickup market, the new Tundra will have the ability to tow more than 10,000 pounds and will be offered with three different engines, including a new 5.7-liter i-Force V8. Increased size in every dimension, the 2007 Tundra has a longer wheelbase and an increase of 10 inches in overall length compared to the Access Cab it replaces. The new features include heavy-duty front brakes with four-piston calipers and larger discs, standard rear disc brakes, and a bigger, wider frame with 30 percent higher tensile strength steel. Tundra will be available in base, SR5 and Limited trim levels—buyers will be able to choose from more than 30 different configurations with three engines, three cab styles, 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, three trim levels and three different bed sizes, including a full 8-foot bed.Additional Coverage: Toyota FJ Cruiser
Volkswagen
Volkswagen introduced the latest-generation Golf in Europe a few years ago, but we have been waiting for this new model to arrive in the U.S. It finally arrives later this year, but it picks up a name from VW’s past. The new Golf will be called the Rabbit when it goes on sale in North America this summer. Available in both two- and four-door versions, the Rabbit is larger and roomier than the Golf it replaces. Standard features will include an advanced ABS braking system, traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, air conditioning and anti-theft alarm system with remote locking. While this model is new to the U.S., VW is referring to the Rabbit as a 2006 model. The same is the case for the all-new GTI just arriving in showrooms now. The fifth-generation of the GTI, this hot hatchback boasts a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, standard 6-speed manual transmission, and a new, fully independent sport-tuned suspension. For the first time the GTI is available with a 6-speed automatic-manual DSG transmission which is basically a manual transmission with an automatic clutch. The GTI is differentiated from its less-powerful Rabbit sibling with a black honeycomb grille with a decisive red frame strip outlining the radiator portion, as well as a roof spoiler, lower profile and use of aggressive black valences and side window moldings. Standard on the new GTI are low profile performance tires fitted on 17-inch alloy wheels, with an option to upgrade to 18-inch wheels. Distinct red brake calipers add to the sporty look of the GTI. Meanwhile, Volkswagen will bring the new Eos hardtop convertible to the U.S. market soon, but there hasn’t been a hard date announced. This is the world’s first four-seat car with a five-section CSC (coupe, sliding, cabriolet) roof. The hardtop takes approximately 25 seconds to open or close. A tilting/sliding glass roof is integrated into the top, offering additional versatility. The Eos is equipped with a rollover protection system that extends roll bars in just a quarter second in the event of an impending rollover.
Volvo
Embracing what the Swedish car company calls “Scandinavian Luxury,” the all-new 2007 S80 will arrive in showrooms later this year, updated with new style, powertrains and chassis. While the length is identical to the previous-generation S80, the new model is wider and taller, providing an impressive stance as well as a roomier interior. Exterior styling is fresh, but still easily recognizable as a Volvo. Inside is the slim center console that was first seen in the S40. The S80 will be the first Volvo sedan to be powered by the company’s compact V8 engine. The 4.4-liter engine produces 315 horsepower and an impressive 325 lb-ft of torque, most of which is available at a low 2000 rpm for great usable performance. An all-new 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine is being introduced in the S80, producing 238 horsepower. Both will be teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission. And of course, being a Volvo, the S80 features a number of new safety innovations, including Adaptive Cruise Control that uses radar to monitor the distance from the car in front, alerting the driver and moving the brake pads closer to the brakes in preparation for an emergency stop. The S80 will also be equipped with Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which notifies the driver if a vehicle is in the blind spot alongside the car. Full-time all-wheel drive will be available, and the new S80 utilizes Volvo’s Four-C technology, which automatically adjusts the chassis for different driving situations. Meanwhile, Volvo will enter the compact market later this year with the introduction of the new C30. Shown in concept form at last January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the C30 is a distinctively styled hatchback with room for four people. C30 is a bit wider and nearly 9 inches shorter than Volvo’s current smallest car in the U.S., the S40 sedan. The hatchback roofline slopes back to a rear glass that’s reminiscent of the classic Volvo P1800. Tires on the concept were large, 19-inchers from Pirelli, and the back of the car sported dual tailpipes. Available engines and other details of the production car will be released at its unveiling in September at the Paris Motor Show.
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