VW's Tiguan compact SUV
Motor Matters offers a high rating on its website for Volkswagen's new small sport-ute, the Tiguan, calling it "luxurious, well-finished and impressively quiet ... Seating is roomy and comfortable ... Handling is agile." Base price range is $23,200 to $32,940.
Small is popular
File this under stating the obvious, maybe, but a J.D. Power study finds consumers are giving more weight to gas mileage when purchasing a car. Almost 20 percent of new buyers surveyed recently cited inadequate gas mileage as a reason for not buying a specific model - up from almost 17 percent a year ago. Shoppers seem to be moving away from larger-vehicle segments in growing numbers, according to J. D. Power statistics.
Hyundai Hybrids
Hyundai is a latecomer to the hybrid-vehicle race, but, as Automotive News recently reported, the Korean automaker is setting high targets for the technology. Hyundai is scheduled to sell its first U.S. hybrid, a version of its mid-sized Sonata sedan, in 2010. Initial annual volume is expected to be around 50,000 units.
More Cars Sunday
Check this section tomorrow (Sunday) for more vehicle profiles. Featured cars will include the 2009 Kia Borrego, a full-size SUV; 2009 Jaguar XF, a cool, sleek new sedan; and the 2009 Ford Focus, a small but spirited compact.
