The Aveo5 is the hatchback version of the Aveo sedan. An offshoot of GM’s acquisition of Daewoo, the 2009 Aveo5 gains three horses from last year, at 106 horsepower. This apart, the Aveo5 has a good deal of redesign elements into it for 2009. Its grille is now more prominently bigger and rectangular, while being completely unlike that of the sedan.

 

  A smooth and easy vehicle to handle, this model has America’s best warranty coverage. It has a 100,000 mile/5 year powertrain warranty, roadside assistance, and courtesy transportation. The 2009 Aveo5 has a fuel consumption estimate of 27/34 mpg. The 2009 Chevy Aveo5’s major competitors include the Toyota Yaris and the Hyundai Accent.

 

  Power and Performance

 

  The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 is available in three trims –LS, 1LT and 2 LT. Its 1.6-liter Ecotec engine packs 106 horsepower and 105 lb ft of torque. This engine is given the variable valve timing technology, for increased fuel efficiency and better handling. A five-speed manual transmission is standard.

 

  Build and Styling

 

  The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5’s interior features include a digital clock; tachometer; air conditioning; AM/FM Radio with four speakers; an auxiliary input jack for MP3 devices; theater-style rear seating that offers a broad view of the road for all passengers and driver’s seat armrests. The rear seat has a 60/40-split with seven cu ft of cargo space, but when folded, this space can go up six-fold.

 

  The 2009 Aveo5’s exteriors stand out for their unique style. Power windows with passenger lockout; stainless steel exhaust; 14” steel wheels with hub caps and optional 15-inchers; driver seat manual height and lumbar adjuster; unique chrome-finished side vents on the front fenders; new variable-speed intermittent wipers; V-shaped hood edges; composite halogen headlamps and compact spare tire are some of these.

 

  The higher-end Aveo5 LT trim gets power, heated outside mirrors; fog lamps; power door locks; steering wheel audio controls; carpeted front and rear floor mats; AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player; six-speaker premium sound system; Driver Information System; cruise control; deluxe cloth interior; remote keyless entry; a power-operated sunroof; 15-inch alloy wheels; XM Radio and power-adjustable and heated outside mirrors among others.

 

  Safety Features

 

  The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 has a good number of safety features that make it a vehicle that can deliver you safely. Some of these are a tire pressure monitoring system; dual-stage frontal and side-impact airbags; OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound Plan; front safety belt pre-tensioners and the GM Passenger Sensing System.

 

Cadillac’s Escalade Hybrid is the world's first full-size luxury SUV hybrid. Consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy all the luxury facilities thanks to the Escalade Hybrid. Known for its distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability, the Escalade has already become an icon of Cadillac’s innovative technology.

 

  Power and performance

 

  Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid delivers more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving. It derives power from a 6.0-liter V8 engine teamed with a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors located inside what GM calls an electrically variable transmission. These engines generate 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. Both rear-drive and four-wheel-drive versions are offered. The EPA estimated mileage figures stand at 20/21 mpg city/highway. The Escalade Hybrid comes in 2WD and 4WD configurations and tows up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) when properly equipped.

 

  Body and styling

 

  The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid retains the qualities that have made Escalade the leading large luxury SUV and a standard-bearer of Cadillac's overall product renaissance. Instantly recognizable as a Cadillac with 22-inch wheels and xenon headlights, the Escalade Hybrid features a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents. The interior standard features include tri-zone automatic climate control, a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and a power-assisted rear lift gate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. A 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with an in-dash six-CD/MP3 changer and a satellite radio is standard. An eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen has also been included.

 

  Safety features

 

  Traction control, stability control, OnStar, a rearview camera with park assist and full-length side curtain airbags are the important safety features on the 2009 Cadilac Escalade Hybrid which has scored a perfect five stars in government frontal- and side-impact crash tests.

 

BMW 3-Series has set the standard in providing the world’s best sport sedans, coupes, convertibles or sport wagons. The 2009 BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon is available in 328i and328xi trims. The Sport Wagon boasts the best of a high-performance vehicle with a charismatic combination of practicality and pleasure.

 

  Power and Performance

 

  The 2009 BMW 3-Series Sport Wagons are powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine good for 300 horsepower. 328i is rear-wheel-drive, while 328xi comes standard with BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive. Both have a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed Steptronic automatic. BMW's Active Steering is standard on all rear-drive models. BMW's iDrive uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions.

 

  Body and Styling

 

  BMW’s 3-Series has a sporty design with the signature double-kidney grille and a sculpted, smooth appearance. Clear-lens xenon swivel headlights wrap around corners emphasizing the car's width. Four lines sweep back to the trunk lid, defining the rocker panels and doors. Cabin interiors are vintage BMW, with emphasis on driver comfort. Build quality is exceptional, seats are supportive and the dash has simple, neat analog gauges.

 

  The 2009 BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon has a host standard features including 16-inch light alloy wheels; roof rails; halogen high- and low-beam headlights and corona headlight-rings, heated dual power exterior mirrors and heated windshield washer jets; halogen free-form front fog lights; 8-way adjustable front seats including 2-way headrests; leatherette upholstery; split fold-down rear seats; 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth phone controls; 2-way power glass Panoramic moon roof; automatic climate controls and BMW ambience lighting.

 

  The 328i Sport Wagon can be upgraded with the Sport Package with Sport suspension, Sport seats; Sports leather steering wheel; Sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters; 17-inch light-alloy wheels with run-flat performance tires.

 

  Safety Features

 

  Standard safety features on the 2009 BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon include Anti-lock braking system (ABS); Adaptive Brake Lights; BMW’s Advanced Safety System; Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS); Driver’s and passenger's front airbag; Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags; Automatic safety belt pretensioners; Central locking system; Coded Driveaway Protection, Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) for LATCH attachments; Programmable Daytime Running Lights; Impact Sensors that turn on hazard lights and interior lights.

 

The 2009 Audi A4 is offered in sedan, cabriolet and wagon (Avant) body types. For 2009, the A4 offers various innovative technologies including the unique Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. This five-passenger wagon comes with a standard S-line package. The BMW 3 Series and the Acura TSX are the main competitors of the Audi 4 Avant.

 

  Power and Performance

 

  The 2009 A4 Avant derives power from an all-new 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder rated at 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model offers a six-speed Tiptronic transmission. Its economy is rated at 21/29 mpg (City/Highway). The 2009 A4 Avant gallops to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

 

  Build and Styling

 

  The Audi is known for its high quality as a luxury car par excellence and the 2009 Audi A4 Avant lives up to this reputation. It comes with 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels; open sky sunroof; automatic climate control; front fog lights; bi-xenon headlights; electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features; heated and power adjustment exterior mirrors; leather seating surfaces with 8-way power driver and passenger seats; HomeLink; MMI; Audi Concert with color display screen and Sirius satellite radio and four-spoke leather steering wheel with multi-function control. The cargo volume available inside the A4 Avant is 17.3 cubic feet.

 

  The S-line package consists of features such as S-line design; sport suspension; sport steering wheel with shift paddles; black headliner; sport seat with S line leather/Alcantara upholstery and lumbar for front seats; front and rear bumpers and side moldings.

 

  Safety Features

 

  The 2009 Audi A4 Avant is a safe vehicle. It gets front-side, window airbags; traction control; stability control; brake assist; Audi backguard system; sideguard airbag supplemental restraints; active restraints, belt-force limiters and belt tensioners; electromechanical parking brake; and anti-lock brakes among its safety features.

 

  The 2009 Audi A4 Avant got the highest possible score of five stars in side impact testing for front occupants and four stars for frontal crash tests and for rear-seat passenger safety at National Highway Transportation Safety Administration tests. For frontal offset, side-impact and head restraint effectiveness tests, it earned the highest possible rating, “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

 

The 2009 Buick Enclave is a seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV which shares its basic design platform with the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. Enclave replaces the Rainier and Rendezvous SUVs and Terraza minivan. This luxury crossover offers three rows of seats and comes in CX and CXL trims. For 2009, the Enclave gets an increase in power, from 275 to 288 horsepower and direct-injection technology along with new features including Bluetooth, real-time traffic for the optional navigation system and a 110-volt household-style plug.

 

Power and Performance

 

The Enclave is equipped with a 288-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission and is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The maximum towing capacity is 4500 lbs when properly equipped. The CX FWD delivers 1724 mpg (city/hwy) and the AWD yields 16/22 (City/Hwy).

 

Body and Styling

 

The Enclave wears sculpted headlights and a signature waterfall grille like other Buicks, and resembles the Outlook and Acadia. The Enclave CX gets 18-inch alloy wheels; the CXL gets 19-inch wheels. Inside the cabin, the Enclave offers standard seven-passenger, second-row captain's chairs; a 6-way power driver's seat and 2-way power front passenger seat.

 

The interior sports wood grain, leather trim, chrome highlights and a neatly styled control layout. GM’s Smart Slide 2nd-row seats feature flip-forward cushions and sliding backrests to allow access to the 3rd row seat. Second-row bucket seats slide; the second and third rows fold to provide extra cargo capacity of 116.2 cubic feet. The CX comes well-equipped including CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary jack, satellite radio and OnStar, power driver seat, a telescoping leather/wood steering wheel, automatic climate control, xenon headlights and a power liftgate.

 

The up-level CXL adds a power passenger seat and memory for the driver, leather upholstery, heated front seats and larger wheels. A navigation system and DVD entertainment system are stand alone options.

 

Safety Features

 

The standard safety features of the 2009 Buick Enclave include four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, electronic stability system with rollover mitigation technology, six standard airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for all three rows. In the event of a rollover, side curtain airbags get inflated to provide additional protection to occupants.

 

In the government crash tests, the Enclave secured a perfect five stars in both frontal and side-impact tests. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Enclave earned the best score of "Good" in frontal offset and side crash tests.

 

The government sponsored “Cash for Clunkers” has received an overwhelming response all over. The trade-in program, in fact, has proved so popular that people are dumping their gas guzzlers and are switching over to more and more fuel efficient vehicles than ever. Last week, it was widely perceived that the funds allocated for the program may soon get exhausted. However, the government rushed in and pumped another $2 billion which quickly boosted the sales to record levels. The initial $1 billion of funding approved in June for "clunker" business generated more than $520 million in rebates and more than 220,000 in auto sales.   Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently said as many as 157,000 trade transactions had been registered, exhausting $664 million of the $1 billion appropriated for the program. Interestingly four of the five top-selling cars are manufactured by foreign automakers, according to new data released by the federal transportation officials. More than 80 percent of the vehicles turned in are trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Ford Focus has been the top-selling new car followed by the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry. The new vehicles sold under the program, on an average, deliver 25.4 miles per gallon, compared with an average of 15.8 mpg for the trade-ins.   Officially called the Car Allowance Rebate System or CARS, the “Cash for Clunkers” program is designed to help the economy and the environment by spurring new car sales. Car owners can receive federal subsidies of up to $4,500 for trading in their old cars for new ones that achieve considerably higher gas mileage. The Congress approved the CARS program in mid-June, and the program is scheduled last until November 1 or when the funds run out.   With a huge and growing demand for fuel efficient cars, the Asian carmakers are smiling because most of the smallest and most fuel-efficient vehicles are manufactured by them. Domestic manufacturers like Ford have also registered record sales. Overall, the program has been a huge hit than expected and has been highly instrumental in stimulating demand for both foreign and domestic vehicles. Though some dealers complain that they are troubled with the paperwork to get reimbursements, the program has indeed spurred interest in new cars as well.   Meanwhile, Chrysler has gone a step ahead and announced a month-long program to spur sales by offering an additional $4,500 for trade-ins regardless of whether or not the old vehicle meets federal requirements for the rebate system. For buyers looking for better financing instead of cash, Chrysler is offering zero percent APR for 72 months available as well. This offer has further boosted the sales.

The 2009 Ford Taurus X is a six- or seven- passenger spacious crossover SUV available in SEL, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trims. It is known for its comfortable ride, genuine three-row seating and top-notch crash test scores. Mainly a carryover model from 2008, the 2009 Ford Taurus X is a fine choice for those who want near-minivan functionality in an SUV-ish package.   Engine and performance   The 2009 Ford Taurus X is driven by a 3.5-liter V6 good for 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. A conventional six-speed automatic routes this power to the front wheels, with AWD optional. The FWD models deliver 16 mpg in city and 24 mpg on highways while the AWD equipped models yield 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway.   Body and styling   With a host of standard features, the SEL trim includes 17-inch 8-spoke bright-finish aluminum wheels; anti-theft perimeter alarm; 2nd-row cloth 40/40 split reclining bucket seats; 3rd-row cloth 50/50 split fold-in-floor bench seat; air conditioning; AM/FM stereo/single-CD player; body-color, power, heated approach lamps; privacy glass on 2nd-row; body-color door handles; and Silver Eclipse cladding.   The Eddie Bauer comes with 18-inch 5-spoke bright-finish aluminum wheels; 1st- and 2nd-row perforated leather-trimmed seats; 8-way power driver seat with power recline; 4-way power front-passenger seat; 3rd-row vinyl 50/50 split fold-in-floor bench seat; heated front seats; dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control; woodgrain appliqué; AM/FM stereo/6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability and 4 speakers; Ford SYNC voice-activated, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system; Sirius satellite radio with 6-month subscription; power-adjustable pedals; automatic headlamps with on/off delay and wiper-activated headlamps feature; and Pueblo Gold cladding.   The Limited trim is equipped with an 8-way power driver seat with memory; Premium sound system with AM/FM stereo/6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3 capability, 8 speakers, and subwoofer; power-adjustable pedals with memory; Cyber Carbon appliqué with Charcoal Black interior; woodgrain with Camel and Medium Light Stone interiors; universal garage door opener; chrome-accented door handles; chrome-accented, power, heated side view mirrors with memory and security approach lamps; reverse parking sensing system; and body-color cladding.   Safety features   The safety and security equipment of the 2009 Ford Taurus X include a Personal Safety System for driver and front passenger; AdvanceTrac electronic stability control; battery saver; child-safety rear door locks; front-seat side airbags; integrated key-head transmitter remotes; LATCH – lower anchors and tether anchors for child-safety seats; safety canopy system with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor; and tire pressure monitoring system (excludes spare).

The all new 2009 Ford Flex is a crossover wagon with a striking styling and room for seven passengers. It is a thoughtfully designed and good-looking alternative to minivans and crossover SUVs and is made up of high-quality interior materials, unique styling and optional all-wheel drive.

 

Power and performance

 

A 3.5-liter V6 pumping out 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque is standard on the Flex. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. The EPA fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive Flex is 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Going for AWD drops the mileage numbers by about 1 mpg. The maximum cargo capacity has been rated at 83 cubic feet.

 

Body and Styling

 

The 2009 Ford Flex comes in three different trim levels. The base SE is available with front-wheel drive configuration only. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels, rear climate controls, a power driver seat and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack, rear park assist, a 60/40-split second-row bench, a 50/50-split third-row bench that folds into the floor are its standard features.

 

Front- or all-wheel driven midlevel SEL gets an upgraded exterior trim and 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power heated front seats, leather upholstery (vinyl for the third row) and a 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio.

 

The top-of-the-line Flex Limited comes with xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels, a power lift gate, power-adjustable pedals, a memory function for the driver seat, perforated leather upholstery and Ford's exclusive Microsoft-developed Sync multimedia interface. It is available both in FWD and AWD configurations.

 

A touch screen navigation system featuring voice recognition, an integrated back-up camera and Sirius Travel Link, which provides real-time traffic, weather and other information, can be fitted to the Limited. A white- or silver-painted roof is also available.

 

A number of features of the Limited trim are available as options on the SEL, and the Sync system is also optional on the SE.

 

Second-row captain's chairs (heated on the Limited), the four-panel Vista sunroof, a towing package, keyless ignition/entry and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are among the additional features.

 

Safety features

 

The 2009 Ford Flex is loaded with a number of safety equipment such as personal safety system; three-row safety canopy system with rollover sensor; front passenger sensing system; anti-lock brakes; front seat-mounted side airbags; height-adjustable front seat safety belts with belt-minder system; stability control; child safety rear door locks; LATCH; adjustable head restraints; tire pressure monitoring system; securilock passive anti-theft system; and perimeter anti-theft alarm. Rear back-up camera is optional.

 

Ford likes to call the Ford Shelby GT500 as “500 horses with attitude”. The GT500 is one of those models that occupy a pride of place in the Ford pantheon. This muscle car’s history dates to 1965, the year in which the eminent car designer, Carroll Shelby created it.

 

Initially named the Shelby Cobra, it was phased out after 1970, and made its comeback in 2007, the year of its fifth generation. Inheritor of the famous GT 350 brand, the 2009 Ford Shelby GT500 is a product of the collaboration between the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and Shelby. The company will produce about 10,000 vehicles per annum, and only for three years. For 2009, the GT500’s only notable addition is the availability of an optional glass sunroof.

 

Engine and performance

 

The GT500 comes with a supercharged, 5.4-liter cast-iron Triton V8 Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection (SMPI) engine that runs on a rear-wheel drive and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. At 500 horsepower and torque of 480 lb ft, it is the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever. Given a TR 6060 six-speed manual gearbox, this model comes in both coupe and convertible body styles. The engine is also given a powertrain control module.

 

Some additions are given to this engine to keep it cool, such as a Roots-type supercharger that boosts the engine by almost 9 lbs per square-inch; aluminum heads; water-to-air intercooler and calibrated camshafts. Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

 

Build and Styling

 

18-inch aluminum wheels; unique hood with functional air extractors; unique front and rear fascia treatments; forward-leaning egg-crate grille; complex reflector halogen headlamps with integral parking/turn signal lamps; solar tinted glass; interval windshield wipers; day/night mirror; power side mirrors; power windows and 12-volt power lamps are some of the exterior features of the 2009 Ford Shelby GT500.

 

For the interiors, the 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 has 50/50 split-fold rear seat backs (for only the coupe) keyless entry; sport bucket seats with leather seating surfaces; Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD changer, MP3 capability and eight speakers; manual air conditioning; auxiliary audio input jack; speed control; leather covered multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and a ventilation system; center console with full armrest and storage; battery saver; driver’s footrest; rear window defroster; front door map pockets; power door locks and front floor mats with driver's seat retention hooks.

 

Safety Features

 

For safety, the GT 500 is given highly efficient Brembo front brakes that come with big, four-piston calipers and vented 14-inch discs for the front. An 11.8-inch vented single-piston caliper rear-disc setup with unique pad material is given for the rear.

 

Other safety features of this model include side door intrusion beams; three-point lap/shoulder safety belts; Belt-Minder® System; LATCH; Personal Safety System for driver and front passenger; front seat side airbags and SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS).

 

The luxury version in the Yukon lineup of SUVs, the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali features a quiet cabin, standard power-release seats, Bluetooth connectivity, standard keyless entry with remote start, OnStar and the GM 100,000 mile warranty. The Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali trims are available.

 

The Denali, named after North America’s highest peak, towers in strength and performance. Being the higher-end trim in Yukon series of vehicles, the Denali comes with everything else that the other trims have to offer, except that it carries more refinement, comfort and amenities.

 

Power and Performance

 

The nine-passenger 2009 GMC Yukon Denali comes with a Vortec 6.2-liter V8 SFI engine that pumps out 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with tap-up/tap-down shifting. The 2WD and AWD drive trains are available. The Yukon Denali tows up to 8,200 lbs while the Yukon XL Denali's capacity is 7,900 lbs, when properly equipped. This ace GMC vehicle delivers 12 mpg in city and 19 on highways.

 

Body and Styling

 

Fog lamps; power-extending running boards and a moonroof luggage rack with cross bars; heated windshield washer fluid system; side-view mirrors, power, heated memory and a chrome-surround grille mark the exterior of the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard with the option of 20-inchers. Inside, a Bose premium audio system; XM Radio with a 3 month trial subscription; leather- appointed second-row captain's chairs; heated first-and second-row seats and an optional heated steering wheel are available.

 

Sun, Entertainment and Destinations Package with AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible CD/DVD player and DVD-based navigation, rear seat entertainment system, rearview camera system and power sunroof is optional. Bluetooth for phone connectivity, power, tilt-sliding with express-open and close and wind deflector sunroof, DVD Entertainment System, navigation system and rear view camera also available.

 

Safety Features

 

Dual-stage frontal, driver and right passenger air bags with Passenger Sensing System, head curtain side-impact air bags, four-wheel antilock, four-wheel disc hydroboost brakes, LATCH for child safety, OnStar one year of Directions and Connections Plan, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (With no spare tire), theft-deterrent system and universal home remote are standard. Slide blind zone alert is optional.