The New Class: 2007 models

Features:

• Turbo-charged, 240-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine

• Navigation and technology packages

• Bluetooth hands-free connectivity

• Surpassed federal government standards on safety for 50 mph impact

Base price: $33,900

“It’s a crossover SUV with a lot of car-like handling features. It’s not something … you’re going to run through mud puddles.”

—Drew Shipman, new car sales manager, Acura of Springfield 3140 S. Campbell Ave.

Chrysler Aspen

Features:

• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with automatic shift system that goes from eight cylinders to four when appropriate

• Rear-seat DVD player

• Electronic safety control with electronic roll mitigation

• Reclining second-row seats

Base price: $30,745–$33,520

“Fuel consumption will be considerably lower … than the cars it is up against.”

—Randy Pace, Chrysler sales manager, John Youngblood Motors, 3505 S. Campbell Ave.

Dodge Nitro

Features:

• Optional leather-trimmed two-toned interior

• Electroluminescent instrument cluster

• V-6 engine, ranging from 210- to 255-horsepower

• 20-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels

• Dashboard navigation system

• Optional DVD entertainment system

• Fold-flat front and rear passenger seats

Base price: $19,225

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Honda Fit

Features:

• Security system with remote entry

• Fold-flat capable seating

• Audio system with speed-sensitive volume control

• 109-horsepower, inline four-cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual or auto transmission

Base price: $13,850

“It’s got great versatility, with a lot of cargo storage space and a five-speed automatic transmission you don’t normally find in that price of car. It’s just a really fun car to drive.”

—Jeff Kurtman, salesman (and Fit owner), Don Wessel Honda

Jeep Compass

Features:

• Five-door design

• Tire pressure monitor

• Freedom Drive electronic four-wheel drive system

• DVD navigation system

• Optional Autostick for automatic or manual driving

• Standard 158-horsepower I-4 engine

• Electronic stability program

Base price: Sport: $15,985; Limited: $20,140

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“It’s the smallest Jeep we’ve had out in quite a while. It gives you four-by-four capability and still has good fuel economy. It’s got some versatility. It’s an exciting little rig.”

—Scott Riggs, Springfield Lincoln Mercury Jeep

Hyundai Entourage

Features:

• Fold-flat third-row seating

• 3.8-liter V-6 engine

• Dual front climate control

• Available dual rear power sliding doors

• Ultra-low emissions

Base price: $23,795

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Lexus GS 450h

Features:

• Hybrid technology, rated as a super low-emission vehicle

• Dynamic radar cruise control

• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

• Push-button start

• Optional voice-activated DVD navigation system

• Backup camera

• Heated and ventilated front seats and dual climate controls

• Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission

• 340-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine

Base price: $55,595

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Mercedes-Benz GL Class

Features:

• Power-folding third-row seat

• Permanent four-wheel drive

• Seven-speed automatic transmission

• 335-horsepower, V-8 engine

• Eight-way power and heated front seats

• Optional entertainment package including rear-seat DVD entertainment system and 11-speaker digital surround sound system

Base price: $54,900

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“Families should be interested in this vehicle, as it’s the first seven-seat sport utility vehicle from Mercedes-Benz.”

—Rusty Reaves, Elite Automotive Group.

Saturn Aura

Features:

• 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower V-6 engine

• Six-speed automatic transmission with Tapshift steering-wheel-mounted shifter

• Available eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and six-way adjustable passenger seat

• Six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player with eight-speaker sound system

• Available leather upholstery and heated front seats

• Panoramic sunroof

Base price: $20,595

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“It’s more upscale, aimed at young professionals. It’s probably, in my opinion, the nicest car Saturn’s ever put out.”

—Adam Rubottom, Acura Saturn of Springfield

Saturn Sky

Features:

• Convertible roof

• 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine

• Optional rear spoiler

• Five-speed manual or automatic transmission

• Limited production

Base price: $24,195

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“This is one of the vehicles that Saturn is changing its face with.”

—Rubottom[[In-content Ad]]