First Drives of the latest vehicles to enter our test program

At Consumer Reports, we are constantly buying new vehicles to put through our exhaustive test program consisting of more than 50 tests. As vehicles start the evaluation process, we share our initial, raw impressions through the "Logbook" posts to the Cars blog. When vehicles are deeper into their test regimen, we provide First Drive reports on popular models on their way to a complete road test.

The most recent First Drives include the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Smart ForTwo, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Volvo C30. The full tests of all these vehicles will be published in the months to come.

Down the road, the Acura TSX and Ford Flex are likely candidates for First Drives.

The latest First Drives:

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: The Tahoe Hybrid improves on gas mileage over the traditional Tahoe, but the increase in cost may not add up in the fuel savings. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Honda Pilot: The redesigned Honda Pilot stays close to the original version, but toughens its appearance with an aggressive grille and slab sides. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Nissan Murano: The redesigned Murano midsized SUV brings improvements such as an upgraded interior and more competitive price. It receives decent fuel economy, but it requires premium fuel. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Smart ForTwo: The ForTwo minicar combines flashy styling and clever packaging, but it disappoints with dynamics and overall value. Gas mileage is good, but premium fuel eats up the savings. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: Volkswagen’s first small SUV is well crafted with a roomy interior, comfortable ride, and smooth powertrain, but buyers may be in for sticker shock. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Volvo C30: This sporty small hatchback is very stylish and aims to compete with the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen GTI. However, its competitors are more entertaining and give you more for the money. Read the complete First Drive.

Every month, we add new First Drives to ConsumerReports.org. These can be found on our First Drives hub linked on the main Cars page and secondary New Cars page. First looks can also be found in the model overview pages (available to online subscribers) until they are replaced with a final road test.

We’re interested in knowing what new models you would most like to see covered in a future First Drive. Post your suggestions in the Comments below.

—Liza Barth

Comments

[HW]

I know a number of folks (including myself) who are really looking forward to your review of the Ford Flex now that is at the dealers. I am wondering when we might see the full review. Thanks

[Tom Mutchler]

HW, we bought a Flex and will have a full report for the November issue.

[Paul Antunes]

I'm anxiously awaiting your evaluation of the new, "clean diesel" VW Jetta TDI. Is that on your horizon yet?

[JB]

Have you reviewed the Mini Cooper Clubman yet? Looks interesting...

[AA]

I am looking forword to a comparison of top of the line FWD minivans or base line models.

[IFCAR]

I'd like to see a Hyundai Genesis first drive, in addition to those already mentioned.

[Tom Mutchler]

Paul, since we buy all of the cars we test, we haven't gotten a new Jetta TDI yet. (There are demo cars at dealers now.) We'll grab one when they're available.

JB, we have tested the Clubman. You can find the video and the review on our site.

AA, we test minivans in their popular mid-level trimlines. Consumer sales of the very top end Touring/Limited or base models are relatively low in number. (We did test a top-line Town and Country since it was the only way to get the 4.0-liter engine in that model.) We'll likely revisit minivans when the redesigned Sienna and VW Routan appear.

[Bob]

Since you are testing all these small cars why didnt you test the Volkswagon New Beetle?

[Rita R. Gilmer]

I would like to see the new 2009 Toyota Rav 4 whenever it's slated to come out as well as the 2009 Toyota Highlander. Thanks.

[sheldon]

How about the Altima Coupe, with an emphasis on visibility/blind spots issues?

[JML]

I'd like to see a first drive of a 2009 Hybrid Ford Escape, Mercury Marnier or Mazda Tribute. It sounds like Ford has upgraded some suspension and braking components for the new model and would love to know if they have addressed any of the concerns CR had with the 2008 model. Thanks.

[Bill Rashid]

Is any manufacturer working to improve noise reduction in vehicles by using active noise cancellation? I know there is some use in a few cars today, but it seems that the weight reduction possibilities would make improving the systems into a win win situation for car manufacturers.

[alex]

I'd really like to see a review of the 2009 Maxima. Thanks.

[Garey G. Ris]

For JB, The Wall Street Journal reviewed it for Friday's paper if you're eager to read about the Clubman.

Here's the link: http://www.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB121562602527239769.html

In 500 miles of testing, Jeff Sabatini averaged 36 mpg, better than the EPA ratings of 32 mpg. In one 100-mile stretch in which he drove slower, the Clubman returned 48 mpg.

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

Quick answers:
Ford Flex - We hope to have a First Drive on it later this month.

We have tested the VW New Beetle in the past, and its road test is available in the model pages. (Search with the pulldown menus in the Cars section.)

2009 RAV4 and Highlander - We have tests on the current RAV4 and Highlander available in the model pages. I am not aware of changes for 2009 that would warrant a retest.

We just recently tested the Clubman, as Tom says. The review and view can be found at:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/hatchbacks/overview/hatchbacks-ov.htm

When in doubt, you can use the Search function at the top of any page at ConsumerReports.org to find First Drives, road tests, and related blog posts.

It is always interesting to see what you want covered. Rest assured, we read this with great interest. Thanks for the feedback all.

[Al Aymer]

I'd like to see a review of the 2009 Subaru Tribeca.

[Bill]

How about a test of the new '09 Honda Fit when it becomes available?

[Andy]

As I subscriber, I really value CR's evaluation of new cars, and am currently in the market for a small car. My choices include the Toyota Matrix, Nissan Versa, and Honda Civic, but I was disappointed to see that CR had tested the more expensive trims (Civic EX, Versa SL) or in the case of Matrix, the 2.4 liter 158 hp version.

For many people, the underlying motivation to buy a small car is economic. If I could make a suggestion, CR should purchase the least expensive trim(of a particular car) for its testing. I don't mean a stripped car with manual transmission, but in the case of the above cars, the Civic LX (auto), Versa S (auto), and the Matrix (auto, 132 hp) would have been ideal. After all, isn't CR catering to consumers who want the best value?

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

Hi Andy - We typically equip our test cars how we feel most consumers will. Sometimes, we will opt for a higher trim or level of equipment to assess a new powertrain or features specifically. In reality, very few people buy a base model, no options. Part of the reason, of course, is that it is hard to find them! We run in to the same challenges buying the cars from local dealers. Not to worry - we do have more tests on affordable models coming soon.

[Matthew]

Looking forward to the Ford Flex review... Very interested in the larger / mid-sized SUVs coming out now .... maybe a bake-off of the Flex, Pilot, Journey, etc.

[Sherry Adkins]

As a subscriber, I prefer CR to test the top of the line version, because myself and my husband both have bad backs and have found the leather version seats in the top of the line cars to have a much more comfortable ride. These are not BMW's or even a Lexus...just a necessity for my husband and I to continue to work. That being said, I traded in my Suburban for a Honda mini-van, but am so ready to go back to an SUV because of the road noise, uncomfortable ride, etc. I loved my camry before I had kids. Any suggestions? My husband is 6'2" and I am 5'7". My kids are 12, 7, and 2 and we live in a rural community of 35,000.

Thanks

[Andy]

Hi Jeff,

In your reply, you state: " In reality, very few people buy a base model, no options. Part of the reason, of course, is that it is hard to find them!"

I definitely DON'T want a base model with no options. As I specifically state in my original post: "I don't mean a stripped car with manual transmission, but in the case of the above cars, the Civic LX (auto), Versa S (auto), and the Matrix (auto, 132 hp) would have been ideal." All of these models can be equipped with the usual power/safety equipment, while avoiding the higher cost of frills like a sunroof that accompany the Civic EX. In these days of $4 + gas, I also consider a 2.4 liter engine for the Matrix as a needless frill.

In general, my comments pertain more to economy cars.

Andy

[george]

when do you think you will be testing the new toyota venza?

[Brian]

I recently rented a VW Golf Blue Motion while on vacation in portugal. Understand the car had 100-hp clean burning diesel engine. Was able to do 160 km/hr on the highway with 4 adults, and averaged about 45 mpg over the two weeks. Except for the pain at pump ($8.50/gallon) this car was a dream.

Some searching online indicated that the Blue Motion will not meet US emision standards. However car was being billed as a clean, fuel efficient diesel. Any idea if we will be lucky enough to get Golf Blue Motion in the states anytime soon?

Love to see VW couple that engine in a hybrid setup.

[Liza Barth--Consumer Reports]

George--to answer your question--the Venza is not yet available, but should be hitting showrooms by the end of the year. Once they are at the dealer, we will purchase one and begin our testing. Stay tuned...