BMW Z4

This year's Z4 has been redesigned for 2009. The previous generation's creases have been smoothed out, and a newly redesigned rear end addresses the complaints about the previous generation's design. The biggest difference from last year is the absence of a cloth soft-top. BMW did away with the separate coupe and convertible and now only offers a power-folding hard top.
The 2009 BMW Z4 roadster is available in two trims, sDrive30i and sDrive35i. The 30i comes with a 3.0L inline-6-cylinder engine that makes 255 hp and 220 lb-feet of torque, while the 35i comes with a twin-turbocharged version of the same engine, making 300 hp and 300 lb-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 6-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel shift paddles is optional.
The entire Z4's proportions have been enlarged somewhat, providing more room and therefore, more comfort for passengers. The 2009 Z4 is about 5 inches longer than last year's model. The new folding hard top and increased size added weight too, with the 2009 Z4 weighing in approximately 500 lbs heavier as well.
Standard equipment on the 30i includes 17" run-flat performance tires, xenon HID headlights with adaptive light control, rain-sensing wipers, a 10-speaker stereo that can play MP3s and includes 2 subwoofers. Leatherette seat trim comes as the standard interior fabric, but can be upgraded to one of four colors of leather. iDrive is available on the Z4 for the first time, and it controls the audio system, telephone as well as many other vehicle systems. Dynamic cruise control, remote keyless entry and various anti-theft systems are also included. Opt for the Premium package on the 30i, and a universal garage door opener, automatically dimming rearview mirrors, power seats, and automatic climate control can be added for $3,900. The Sport package adds 18" wheels, an adaptive suspension with adjustable dampers, and sportier seats.
The sDrive35i not only gets the upgraded twin-turbo engine, but leather seats are included, as are automatic climate control and a brushed aluminum interior trim package.
Additional optional equipment on the 35i includes a navigation system with 9" display, ivory leather interior treatments and a premium audio system.

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The Aston Martin

For the last forty years, the Aston Martin brand has been best known for its DB series sporting automobiles— thanks in part to Hollywood, which featured a DB5 in a 1964 James Bond film. But the DB didn’t premier with Mr. Bond and his battle-ready car. The first of the series was the 105-horsepower, six-cylinder powered DB2.
The DB2, which was named after David Brown, who was in control of the company at the time, was based on a 1949 Aston Martin Le Mans race car. The brand returned to Le Mans for the 1950 race with the new DB2 production models and came home a winner. Shortly thereafter, a convertible was added to the lineup. Various series models with minor changes were introduced along the way. Race-only DB3 and DB3S models were produced concurrently with the DB2.

In 1958, the DB4 coupe premiered to critical acclaim. With a 240-horsepower 3.7-litre six, it was quick for its time. With coil-spring suspension and a tube chassis, it was light and nimble as well. Carrozzeria Touring of Milan sculpted the body, and the car’s Italian accent made it an instant hit at the London Motor Show of 1958. A convertible was added to the line in 1962. A lightweight GT DB4 with Weber carbs and dual-plug ignition boasted 302 horsepower, which was enough to take the car to 150 mph. Other variations included a Vantage and a Vantage GT.

The DB5 of 1963 was based on the DB4. While the cars were similar, the DB5 offered upgrades, including an increase in displacement to 4 litres, triple SU carbs and a five-speed trans. The engine revisions upped the output of the standard offering to 282 horsepower. Numerous model variations included a DB5 Vantage with triple Webers and 314 horsepower, a convertible, and even a shooting brake. (That’s a station wagon in American-speak.)

The DB6 came along in 1965 with a slipperier shape and longer wheelbase. It went out of production in 1970. The DBS of 1967 featured a fastback shape and square grille. It was meant to succeed the DB6, but the 6 hung around, and the cars were produced concurrently. The DBS outlasted its stablemate by two years before going out of production.

The next DB appeared in 1994. Produced as both coupe and convertible the supercharged 6-cylinder sports car was based on the Jaguar XJ-S platform. A V-12 Vantage version followed in 1999 and a V12 GT model in 2002.

Skipping the DB8 name to avoid confusion in regard to the number of cylinders, Aston Martin launched the V-12-powered DB9 coupe and convertible in 2004. With 450 horsepower, the new machine was capable of 190 mph, all the while treating its well-heeled occupant to a lavish display of automotive luxury. An upmarket DBS version was launched at Pebble Beach in 2008. With a 570-horsepower V-12, a high-tech composite body, numerous technical wonders, and a plethora of amenities, this latest DB series automobile places Aston Martin solidly in the supercar class.

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Hammer

In 1999, General Motors acquired the Hummer brand from AM General, renamed the vehicle Hummer H1, and started working with AM General on a new, smaller version built, in part, off GM’s large SUV. The H2 sat alongside its bigger brother for just four years before GM decided the cost of recertifying the civilian H1 was prohibitive considering its low volume, especially in light of increased demand for military variants. Production of the civilian version ceased in late 2006.
Its official name is M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or “Humvee” for short, but it’s best known as the Hummer H1. Designed and developed for the military by American General, at the time a division of American Motors Corp. which also owned Jeep, work on the prototype Humvees began in 1979. This was followed in 1981 with a government contract to develop a prototype vehicle. After exhaustive testing by the military, a $1.2 billion contract was awarded in 1983 for AM General to build 55,000 Humvees over a five-year period. The contract called for 5 basic models and 15 configurations, and was increased to $1.6 billion to cover the build of an additional 15,000 vehicles.

The additional order helped AMC get top dollar when it sold AM General to LTV Corp. in 1983. Both the military and production versions are built on the same 130-in. wheelbase, are 79-in. tall and a relatively compact 184.5-in. long. The combination of width, a low center of gravity, four-wheel independent suspension, full-time four-wheel-drive, steep approach and departure angles, and 16-in. of ground clearance give the H1 exceptional off-road ability. However, while tucking the drivetrain up between the left- and right-hand passengers keeps these items away from harm (the halfshafts are mounted up high and drive through special gear sets), it also helps make the H1 a very wide (86.5-in.) wide vehicle with an enormous center tunnel running down the vehicle’s centerline.

The military and civilian versions also shared frames, axles, brakes and major body panels, and came down the same assembly line. Powertrain choices for the civilian versions included a 6.2-liter GM Duramax diesel mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, a 6.5-liter diesel coupled to a four-speed automatic, a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel joined to an Allison 1000 five-speed automatic, or a 5.7-liter gasoline-powered GM Vortec V8 with a four-speed automatic transmission. Civilians also could choose from two- or four-door pickup, four-door wagon, or four-door convertible body styles. The trouble was, even though non-military buyers had seen the Humvee in action in Operation Desert Storm and movies, they had to wait until after the Renco Group purchased AM General from LTV in 1992 before they could buy a civilian version. Unlike the military version, only the civilian model carried the Hummer name.

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The New Bmw X6 Sport Activity Coupe

BMW introduced its X6 at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and the company bills the car as the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, a 4-door, 4-passenger car that's not quite a crossover and not quite a coupe, but something in between. The 2009 BMW X6 joins the X3 and X5 in the X-Series, but it is distinctively different from those more traditional-looking SUVs.

But like all BMW's, the focus here is on... BMW introduced its X6 at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and the company bills the car as the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, a 4-door, 4-passenger car that's not quite a crossover and not quite a coupe, but something in between.The 2009 BMW X6 joins the X3 and X5 in the X-Series, but it is distinctively different from those more traditional-looking SUVs. But like all BMW's, the focus here is on sportiness and performance.
Inside, you'll find all the luxury and quality you expect in a BMW. Eleven different leather options are available, with ash wood and brushed aluminum accents throughout. All four bucket seats feature an elevated seating position, and the rear seats are separated by their own console. Front and rear sensors assist in parking, and dynamic cruise control enhances the highway experience. Dual-zone automatic climate control and power everything completes the model. The rear seats also fold forward in a 60/40 split, allowing for a cargo capacity of a generous 59.7 cubic feet.
The X6 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch alloys optional. Other options include HD radio, heated rear seats, a rearview camera, a power tailgate, satellite radio, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, rear seat entertainment and navigation.

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Mazda RX-8

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is the perfect compromise between a pure sports car and a sports sedan. The high-revving rotary engine sounds like nothing else, and the free-flow door system allows four adults easy access to the front and rear seats.
The rear seat features a handy fold-down center section that allows long items like skis to extend from the trunk into the cabin.
All RX-8 trim levels--Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and the sporty new R3--are powered by a 1.3-liter Wankel rotary engine. The R3 comes only with a 6-speed manual, while all other RX-8s come equipped with either the 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The manual-equipped car produces 232 hp with a 9,000 rpm redline, while the automatic cars put out 212 hp at 7,500 rpm. The manual version achieves 22 mpg and the automatic, 23 mpg on the highway. Standard convenience and safety equipment across the model range includes keyless entry, air conditioning, alarm, cruise control, power windows, tire pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes and front, side and curtain airbags. Touring and Grand Touring models add Xenon headlights and 6-disc CD changer, plus optional power moonroof and Sirius satellite radio. Unique to the Grand Touring car are heated leather seats with power adjustment and automatic climate control. DVD navigation is optional on the Grand Touring.

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New Mercy GL 450

The big news for 2009 is the turbocharged GL320 BlueTEC 3-liter V6 diesel engine. It puts out 210 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, and is still capable of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The BlueTEC achieves 50-state emissions certification by cleaning the diesel emissions at the rear of the car using a combination of particulate filters and a urea additive Mercedes calls "AdBlue." All three models have a 7-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4-wheel drive, electronic brake assist, adaptive variable suspension, stability control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring and automatic load leveling
The GL class came to be in 2007 in the form of the GL450, and was based on the decades-old squared-off G-class SUV. The GL has most of the off-road capabilities of the military-style G-wagon, plus third-row seating, more creature comforts, and 500 more pounds of towing capability. The GL class has grown from one model to three, including an ultra-luxury edition and a low-emissions diesel.
Many of the features that are standard on the GL550 are options on the two other variants, such as leather seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation system and electronic parking aid. All GLs have airbags all around, the Pre-Safe system, keyless entry, alarm system and vehicle theft tracking. The GL320 and GL450 have an 8-speaker CD/MP3 stereo, birdseye maple trim, and halogen headlights. The GL550 upgrades these to standard harmon/kardon 11-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with Sirius satellite radio, burl walnut trim and adaptive bi-xenon lights. Only the GL320 and GL450 have packaged options available. The Heating Package, for example, adds heated rear seats and steering wheel -- both of which are standard on the GL550. The Premium packages for the GL320 and GL450 add options such as bi-xenon headlights, a backup camera and 3-zone climate control. There's also a GL Appearance package to add a little extra exterior style to these two models. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is an option for all three GLs.
The options list for the GL550 is pretty short, as it already comes standard with all of the options available for the GL320 and GL450. Active ventilated front seats are available as is birch trim instead of walnut, and premium Nappa leather upholstery.

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New E Class

Mercedes-Benz is well-known for its engineering and the prestige of its brand, but it can also lay claim to a history of naming confusion. The “E” designation first appeared on 1950s Mercedes as shorthand for Einspritzung--fuel injection to the English-speakers among us. It continued as a part of various model designations for a number of years. Then, in 1994, Mercedes began to rename its series cars using letter prefixes. At that time, the updated 300E model was named E320, and the modern E-Class was born.

The cars of the E-Class fall into the midsize luxury category and have a well-earned reputation for stylish interiors, advanced technology, solid build, safety and, of course, luxury. In Europe, where the durable diesel versions of the cars are frequently employed as taxis, the automobile’s image isn’t quite as upscale as it is stateside. But while the car’s persona may differ somewhat in various parts of the world, Mercedes E-Class automobiles are nevertheless held in high esteem.

In 2003, Mercedes-Benz took another forward step in the styling department with a rising beltline that gave the car a ready-to-pounce look. More important, perhaps, were the efficient and clean E320 BlueTEC diesel sedan, the 382-horsepower E550 sedan, and the outrageously quick 507-horsepower E63 AMG.

The next E-Class debuts in 2009 and features a very sculpted look, a 7-speed automatic trans, eleven airbags, and a host of other refinements.

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The New Honda Civic

The 2009 Honda Civic comes as 6 distinct models: sedan, coupe, Si sedan, Si coupe, Hybrid sedan and natural-gas GX sedan.

The sedan and coupe both have a 1.8L i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, making 140 horsepower and 128 ft-lb of torque. The engine is mated either to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The sedan and coupe meet ULEV-II emissions standard in all 50 states.
The Si sedan and coupe step up to an especially high-revving 2.0L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine making 197 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and employing a helical-type limited-slip differential to help ensure smoother power delivery in high-performance driving.
The Si models also get significant upgrades, including 17-inch wheels and high-performance V-rated tires, special trim and bolstered sport seats with red stitching inside, and a rear wing and aerodynamic cladding outside.
All Civics have Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which helps more evenly absorb the force of frontal collisions and also helps in collisions with vehicles of differing sizes. Four-channel anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, front occupant side airbags, 2-row side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints and rear head restraints for all positions are standard on all models as well.
The Civic Hybrid comes only as a sedan. It brings a smaller 1.3L four-cylinder engine paired with a 20-horsepower electric motor as part of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, in which the electric motor boosts the gasoline engine when accelerating, saves some of the energy lost in braking, and allows the engine to turn off at stoplights, provided your foot is on the brake. Together, the engine and motor deliver 110 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.
Finally, there's the Civic GX, which is also only available as a sedan and is powered exclusively by natural gas. The GX is only available at select dealerships in California and New York and comes with a 113-horsepower, 1.8L four-cylinder engine, and it may qualify for a federal tax credit.
Sedans and coupes (except the Hybrid and GX) are available in 3 trim levels: the frugal DX, the well-equipped LX and the more luxuriously appointed EX and EX-L with leather seat trim. The DX gets power windows and locks and tilt/telescope steering, among other basics. A new DX-VP (Value Package) is available on sedans and adds air conditioning, a CD stereo and an auxiliary input jack. The LX adds popular features like cruise control, remote entry, and a CD sound system, while a new LX-S adds sport seats, a leather-wrapped wheel, a rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels. The top-line EX brings extras like a 6-speaker sound system that is XM satellite-ready and a 60/40-split folding rear seat to make the trunk area more versatile.
Si models are equipped with a similar level of conveniences as EX models, but they also get a 350-watt, seven-speaker sound system with a subwoofer. A satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition is optional on EX and Si models and has a 6.5-inch display screen. The system also brings Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and a Compact-Flash card reader, so that MP3 or WMA media can be played on the sound system.

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BMW 6 Series

The first members of the 6-Series coupe family were the 630CS and 633 CSi. Like the 3.0CS and CSi that preceded them, the new coupes featured bodies by Karmann and were very easy on the eyes. Eventually, body production was taken over by the parent company, but by then the stylish shape of the coupes had been well defined. All versions of the first 6 Series were built on a platform similar to that of the 5 Series and powered by variants of the BMW inline six engine.


The first offerings of the series offered modest performance with a 176-horsepower 3 litre providing the muscle. One of the last, the M6, was a lot more entertaining with 256 ponies on tap and a performance-tuned suspension that helped ensure the power could be put to good use. In 1989 the first 6 series was discontinued, and the new 8 Series became the sole offering in a coupe configuration.By the mid-1970s, BMW’s 3.0CS and CSi coupes were losing their appeal. For one thing, the low roof made it difficult for larger customers to enter the car. Some BMW managers wanted to retain the 3.0-coupe platform with design changes that would solve the access problem. However, BMW’s executive VP of sales insisted on a new car. That VP was Bob Lutz, the same Bob Lutz who is today making headlines in GM’s recovery efforts. Fortunately for BMW lovers, Lutz got his way, and the new coupe was approved.

Since the 3.0 coupes of the early seventies were among the most attractive automobiles of their day, it’s not surprising that their offspring, the 6 Series coupes that premiered in 1976, were lookers as well. However, unlike some other BMW series, the 6 Series coupes came in two generations, separated by a wide gulf. But while the two 6-Series versions may be separated in time, they have much in common. Both met the handling, power and luxury standards that are expected of BMWs, and both have helped build the brand’s sporting personality in a way that sedans can’t quite muster.

In 2003 the second version of the 6 Series saw the light of day at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Gone were the backward rake of the nose and the squared off lines. In their place was a gracefully rounded shape with nary a squared-off corner to be found. Once again, the coupe’s platform was based on the 5 Series, and, once again, it was greeted with enthusiasm by fans of the marque. The enthusiastic reception was understandable since the 645Ci premiered with a potent 325 horsepower 4.5 litre V8. A more modest 630Ci, with a 258 horsepower six, followed shortly thereafter. Another M6, with a strapping 507-pony powerplant, came along in 2005

Today’s 650i is available as both coupe and convertible, and it’s a driver’s car in the best tradition of the brand. With an equipment list that includes 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, a 360-horsepower V-8, and a sport-package suspension, the automobile offers everything the most enthusiastic road warrior could want.

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The New Honda Accord

Honda's Accord got a completely new, more sophisticated and detail-oriented look in 2008, along with a complete mechanical redesign. The result is a car that stands out in the automotive world.Seats and seating are a particular strong suit of the new Accord. In front, they are generously apportioned, and Honda claims an equal level of comfort for both front and rear passengers. Overall interior volume is 120 cubic feet, which officially crosses the Accord over into large sedan territory.
Despite being larger, the Accord has great torsional rigidity, which gives the car's suspension optimal ride and handling, with double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup in back, along with wide tires across the model line. Wheels range from 16-inch steel wheels on base models up to 17-inch alloys on up-level coupes and sedans; on the coupe, 18-inch alloys are also available.
The Accord is offered in either LX or EX trim, with either a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, making either 177 horsepower or 190 horsepower, depending on the model, or a 3.5L V6 making 271 horsepower. The V6 comes with the latest version of Honda's variable cylinder management (VCM) system, which can shut down two or three cylinders when possible to increase fuel efficiency. The more powerful 190-horsepower version of the four-cylinder engine uses a variable-valve silencer and high-flow exhaust system to bring improved performance with no penalty in fuel efficiency. This version is standard on base LX and upscale EX coupes, and also on mid-level EX sedans.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all four-cylinder engines, while a five-speed automatic is optional with the four and standard with the V6. A six-speed manual transmission is exclusively offered on the EX-L coupe.
The Accord LX is an economical model that doesn't lack for creature comforts, while EX models are dressed up with alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip and blue ambient interior lighting, and include more luxury items such as heated mirrors, a moonroof and a security system. At the top of the range is the EX-L, which adds leather seating and trim, upgraded instrumentation, dual-zone climate control, and the premium audio system with active noise cancellation.
Accord sound systems have MP3 and WMA compatibility and an auxiliary input jack. The base system has 160 watts, a CD player and 6 speakers; all now have RDS program information. Middle-trim models add a 6-disc CD changer, while top models bring the premium audio system, with 270 watts, seven speakers, an 8-inch subwoofer, and available XM satellite radio. There's also a navigation system that includes a Bluetooth hands-free phone link, voice activation, and an integrated Zagat guide.
The list of standard safety equipment includes vehicle stability assist and active front head restraints, along with front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist.

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The New Ford Escape

The Ford Escape comes with three different powertrains for 2009, all of them revised significantly from previous years. A 170-horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder replaces the 153-hp 2.3L, while a 230-horsepower 3.0L ups power by 30 hp in the V6 Escape.
The new 2.5L also makes its way into the Escape Hybrid, which pairs it with an electric motor system, battery pack, regenerative braking, and a sophisticated management system to produce 170 hp. Ford claims fuel efficiency has not been affected by the performance boost.
Four-cylinder and V6 models are offered in XLS, XLT and Limited trims, but the hybrid powertrain is only available in a single Hybrid model.
All models, including the Hybrid, offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD system can seamlessly deliver more torque to the back wheels as needed before the front wheels slip, and it also serves to enhance stability when cornering by varying torque side to side as well.

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Mazda CX-7

The CX-7's powertrain features a personality that's quite different from what's under the hood of most other utility vehicles. A 244-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine connects to a six-speed automatic and delivers power either through front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The all-wheel drive system that's available on the CX-7 uses a computer-controlled coupling to send up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels when needed; the system works well for snowy and slippery roads, and it helps to deliver the turbocharged engine's burst of power more smoothly when road surfaces are slippery. In keeping with the Mazda brand's sporty image, the CX-7 handles similarly to a sport sedan because its center of mass is kept low. The vehicle's carlike MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear setup soaks up road imperfections. A rubber-isolated front subframe is also used to isolate jarring road impacts while keeping handling response tight. Large four-wheel anti-lock brakes provide impressive stopping ability and the electronic stability control works in conjunction with the AWD system if so equipped. Safety features on all CX-7s include front side airbags and side-curtain airbags that cover both rows.
Inside, the CX-7 has space for five, with well-bolstered sport seats for front occupants and a back seat that's split 60/40 and folds down to increase cargo space. With the seat down, the cargo floor has 70 inches of continuous surface, with a lip at the front to help prevent objects from sliding into the front seat. Even with the back seat up, the length of the cargo space is an ample 39 inches. The back seat is a bit tight in headroom for some taller adults though due to the swooped roofline. Special attention has been paid to storage spaces inside; the center console is large enough for a laptop, and the there are plenty of cup holders. The CX-7 comes in three different trims-Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring-each available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Base Sport models come with power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning and a CD/MP3 sound system. Touring models upgrade to heated leather seats, a power driver's seat, and a retractable cargo cover. Grand Touring models upgrade to HID headlamps, fog lamps, automatic climate control, and added chrome trim. The options list is extensive, allowing buyers to add a wealth of luxury-level equipment. The Technology Package includes a moonroof, nine-speaker Bose Centerpoint audio system, DVD navigation system, keyless start, a Bluetooth hands-free calling system and Sirius Satellite Radio. Remote engine start is offered as a standalone option.

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The New Honda All CR-V

All CR-V models are powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 166 horsepower. The engine has a drive-by-wire throttle and qualifies as a low-emissions ULEV-2 vehicle. A 5-speed automatic transmission transmits the power to either front-wheel drive or to all wheels through an available all-wheel drive system.
Despite the CR-V's all-4-cylinder lineup, acceleration is perky with a light load, adequate when brimming with passengers and cargo. Honda has kept the weight down, with the use of high-strength steel helping to provide rigidity, and the car-based platform and independent suspension give it a much more nimble feel on the road than might otherwise be expected in a tall vehicle; wind and road noise are also commendably muted. Honda's lightweight Real Time 4-wheel drive system brings power to the rear wheels only when the traction is needed. Overall, fuel efficiency is an impressive (for its class) 20 mpg city, 27 highway on the front-wheel drive models. Inside, the CR-V has seating for five, with a nice upright position in front (aided by tilt/telescopic steering) and impressive headroom and legroom in back, even for adults. As is expected in this type of vehicle, the back seat can be folded forward (in part or completely) to expand cargo space. On the top EX and EX-L models, a dual-deck cargo shelf adds more capacity while keeping enough space below for grocery bags. LX and EX models have a retractable center tray-table, while the upscale EX-L has a center console that extends to the back. Safety is an area that hasn't been neglected in the CR-V. Electronic stability control-a lifesaving feature designed to prevent the loss of control on slippery roads or during abrupt maneuvers-is standard, and the equipment list also includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, front side airbags and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist. The CR-V isn't offered in a stripped-down base model; even the lowest-priced LX comes with a very long list of often-times-optional conveniences, including cruise control, power accessories, a trip computer, and air conditioning with a filtration system. The top EX-L model upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome grille, and other dress-up on the outside, plus leather heated seats, leather trim, heated mirrors, dual zone climate control, a security system, and a 270-watt sound system with CD changer, six speakers, and XM satellite radio. One especially noteworthy option is Honda's Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which includes voice recognition and a rearview camera. The system now includes a flash card reader that to play music files such as MP3.

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