Volkswagen Routan

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 3.8L V6

Standard Transmission 6 Speed Automatic

Cylinders 6

Horsepower @ RPM 197@5200

Torque @ RPM 230@4000 (foot-lbs)

The Routan is Volkswagen’s all-new 7-passenger front-engine, front-wheel drive minivan. Based on the same platform as the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan, the Routan will be built in the same plant in Windsor, Ontario Canada. Nearly as iconic as the Volkswagen Beetle, the Volkswagen Microbus and the subsequent Vanagon offered families and others with needs for a spacious vehicle a unique option in the market. While the Microbus and the Vanagon appealed to a small group of buyers, Volkswagen partnered with Chrysler to enter the mainstream of the family vehicle market with the Routan. The front grille and exterior design identify the Routan as a Volkswagen and the interior styling and materials have been carefully chosen to deliver what the German brand describes as European sensibilities in design, fit and finish. All-season traction control and an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) are standard, and Volkswagen promises European-tuned suspension with the steering optimized for handling and driving dynamics. Tailored specifically for the U.S. market, Routan offers high-demand features such as triple-zone climate control, first- and second-row heated seats, and iPod and USB connectivity.

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is Volkswagen’s first mainstream minivan, built in partnership with Chrysler and powered by the same engines as the Chrysler Town & Country. The standard engine is a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 197 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission that is rated at 16/23 mpg city/hwy. The available 253-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine produces 262 lb-ft of torque and delivers 17/25 mpg city/hwy with the 6-speed automatic. Routan features front and side curtain airbags, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), available touch-screen navigation with 30 GB JoyBox Multi-Media Entertainment system, available heated front and second-row captain’s chairs, remote keyless entry with available remote start and power-fold third row seat.

Chrysler Crossfire

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 3.2L V6

Standard Transmission 6 Speed Manual

Cylinders 6

Horsepower @ RPM 215@5700

Torque @ RPM 229@3000 (foot-lbs)

The Crossfire is Chrysler’s two-seat sports coupe and roadster that is produced in Germany in conjunction with longtime DaimlerChrysler partner Karmann. The Crossfire is one of the vehicle that has earned the Chrysler Group a reputation for taking concept cars and turning them into production vehicles with very little of the original concept lost in the process

Occupants sit low in the car, which has a bright, upscale, retro-style sporty interior. The bucket seats are very supportive, gauges can be quickly read and controls work precisely. The cockpit is roomy despite an oversized center console that holds an awkwardly designed cupholder. Curiously, it's the only cupholder in the car. Small Trunk

Scion xD

The xD is Scion’s subcompact hatchback that debuted at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show and replaced the xA in the Scion lineup for 2008. Sharing the same platform with the Toyota Yaris, the xD is a five-door hatchback just like the xA but offers a more aggressive look and more power. The xD has nearly the same length and height as the xA but it is about an inch wider and 3.6-inch longer wheelbase. Highlighted by a wide stance, thick muscular body, accentuated wheel flares and large tires, the xD has a short and wide frame that is designed to give it better handling and comfort.

Technical Specs Standard Engine 1.8L I4 Standard Transmission 5 Speed Manual Cylinders 4 Horsepower @ RPM 128@6000 Torque @ RPM 125@4400 (foot-lbs)

Toyota Sienna

The Sienna is Toyota’s popular minivan which replaced the innovative, but slow-selling Previa as a 1998 model. The first-generation Sienna was based on the Camry platform, and was in fact built on the very same assembly line in Georgetown, Kentucky. The current second-generation Sienna was unveiled at the 2003 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in April, 2003.

The 2009 Toyota Sienna continues primarily unchanged with a few minor updates including a new overhead console, revised head restraint shape, 17-inch alloy wheels available for LE and two new exterior colors: Super White and Blizzard Pearl. The updated LE Premium package includes a 360-watt JBL Synthesis AM/FM/CD audio system with 6-disc changer and 6-speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and rear-seat entertainment system.

The Sienna's seats now feel more upscale, with some decent cushioning and good support. Toyota officials insist that they spent more money on the new seats, just because they are so important for comfort.

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 3.5L V6

Standard Transmission 5 Speed Automatic

Cylinders 6

Horsepower @ RPM 266@6200

Torque @ RPM 245@4700 (foot-lbs)

Isuzu Ascender

The Ascender is Isuzu’s midsize SUV that shares its platform with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and the GMC Envoy. The Ascender originally replaced the Trooper for 2003 and is the largest and most powerful SUV from Isuzu. The short-wheelbase 5-passenger version was added for 2004. advertisement

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 4.2L I6

Standard Transmission 4 Speed Automatic

Cylinders 6

Horsepower @ RPM 285@6000

Torque @ RPM 276@4600 (foot-lbs)