With the holiday month upon us, it's time to reward yourself for all the hard
work you’ve put in over the past 11 months. So how about a special treat? How
about getting a special vehicle, something different from the run-of-the-mill
automobile? Whether it’s a gift to yourself for business or for pleasure, here’s
a grab bag of cool cars ranging from extravagant to economical.
Might as well begin at the top with one of the best: a Bentley. But not any
old Bentley. The magnificent flagship Arnage T. An aristocratic grand dame,
she’s nonetheless a firebrand on wheels, with a twin turbocharged V-8 engine
that spins out a staggering 500 horsepower. Just what you need to get your
business soaring. Fitted inside and out with luxury personified, this sedan can
make you feel that you've truly "arrived," both literally and figuratively.
Maybe the Arnage is a tad expensive, so how about a couple of glamour chicks,
such as the Porsche Cayman and Chrysler Crossfire? These distinctively
eye-catching two-seater roadsters are pure fun to drive, and signal that you’re
modern and discriminating, appreciate innovation, and keep on eye (sort of) on
the budget.
If even those two beauties are a bit beyond your budget and you need a more
practical yet elegant vehicle with cargo flexibility, Mazda’s CX-9 and
Infiniti’s EX-35 are mid-size crossovers that give you the look of a sleek wagon
and the function of an SUV. Filled with safety features such as stability
control, both are exceptionally user-friendly. The CX-9 has an optional
blind-spot monitoring system, while the EX-35 has one of the newest technologies
yet, an Around View Monitor that uses cameras to give you a 360-degree
view--including aerial--to help you park, plus a lane-departure prevention
system.
For a true five-door classic wagon, Subaru debuts its next-generation Impreza.
It's a dream to drive, and features new styling and interior. Dozens of standard
features include a rear window-wiper washer, a cargo area cover and a rear split
seat that folds down. Air conditioning, cruise control, power doors and windows,
remote entry and 24-hour roadside assistance are part of the package.
General Motors kicks off the new year with several all-new and redesigned
models, including a more powerful Corvette, a hybrid Tahoe SUV, and the
bound-to-be-a-winner Chevrolet Malibu, new from the ground up. GM’s OnStar
navigation system and voice concierge now send monthly e-mail greetings with
diagnostic updates of your vehicle’s condition.
Who can resist a Jaguar? The brand new 2009 XF luxury four-door is one of
Jaguar’s most stunningly designed and sophisticated models. It seats five and
has a surprising 17.6 cubic feet of trunk space, increased by 14.8 cubic feet
with the rear seats folded.
Toyota’s trio of newly redesigned 2008-09 models, the Sequoia, Corolla and
Corolla Matrix, has something for everyone. The business/family-oriented
full-size Sequoia has grown an inch over the 2007 model, with larger side
mirrors and bigger door openings. It hauls 10,000 pounds and handles 7-foot
lengths of cargo or 11-foot lengths with the front seat down. It features
Bluetooth, laser cruise control that senses vehicles ahead and automatically
slows down. What's more, a massive console that holds files, a laptop and other
office equipment creates an office on wheels.
The newly redesigned, budget-conscious subcompact 2009 Corolla--a four-door
sedan with snazzy Italian styling that hides a sports car soul--has extra-large
and comfortable front seats. Japan’s best-selling car--in fact, the world’s
all-time bestseller--the stateside 2009 Corolla is as perfect as a small car can
get: roomy, economical and top quality. Its stable-mate, the Matrix crossover,
is restyled to a more coupe-like design.
Tempted, but too careful to make the buy? Take a test drive instead, just to
get a taste of your fantasy car. And don’t feel bad when you tell the salesman,
"Thanks but no thanks," because a J.D. Power and Associates survey notes that 45
percent of new-vehicle shoppers took a test drive prior to rejecting a model,
with 40 percent citing price for not buying.
Remember, though, that even if the sticker price dampens your dream, there
are at least 550 or so other vehicles in dealerships that can make your holiday
season sparkle.