Pricing: 2010 Acura ZDX

Acura has announced a starting price of $45,495 for the new ZDX four-door luxury crossover. The sleek, new MDX-based car will be available in three trim packages: base, Technology Package ($49,995) and Advanced Package ($56,045). All models come standard with all-wheel drive and a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine. EPA mileage is estimated at 16/23 city/highway.

Standard features on the base model include a panoramic glass roof, concealed rear door handles, and leather accents on the dash, center console, and door panels. The Technology Package adds a navigation system with voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather, a full display screen, and multi-view rear camera. Also included is an upgraded audio system with a built-in hard drive to store up to 3,500 songs; a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system; and keyless entry with push-button start.

The Advance Package adds a blind-spot information system, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance system, Integrated Dynamic System (IDS)--which offers a Comfort and Sport setting--and heated leather front seats.

We recently took a ride in the new ZDX and found that style has trumped utility. The fit and finish is first rate, the exterior attractive, and there are a number of interesting features, but the low roof, close quarters, and poor access will have limited appeal even to the targeted affluent empty nesters.

All models include $810 for destination and handling. The ZDX will hit dealerships on Dec. 15th.

Read our first impression on the Acura ZDX, and visit the ZDX model overview page.

—Liza Barth

Pricing: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

The Suzuki Kizashi is set to enter into the competitive midsized sedan category with a starting price of just under $19,000. The base Kizashi S will be offered with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission for $18,999. The S will also have an available automatic CVT for $20,499 or all-wheel drive for $21,749. The entry-level version will offer a number of standard features including eight air bags, which include front, side, and curtain; stability control, ABS, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

Suzuki forecasts the volume model will be the SE, available with a CVT and all-wheel drive. Additional features will include 17-inch tires on alloy wheels, and a power driver’s seat with three-position memory. Prices will range from $21,499 to $22,749.

The GTS is the sporty line available with a six-speed manual or performance-tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters. Features include a premium audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth capability, 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and power moon roof. The GTS pricing starts at $22,499 and will top out at $24,849 for the AWD CVT.

The top-of-the line SLS adds leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear-view mirror with a universal garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear proximity sensors with audible warning and visual display. Prices for the SLS range from $24,399 for FWD manual transmission to $26,749 for AWD CVT.

All models regardless of trim will be powered by a 2.4-liter engine and add $735 for destination and handling.

We recently drove the Kizashi GTS line and weren’t impressed. We found the ride stiff and steering not very Euro inspiring as Suzuki has marketed. The interior was pleasing and seats decent.

The Suzuki Kizashi will hit dealerships in December and we’ll put it through the paces at our track in the coming months.

Read our Suzuki Kizashi first impressions.

—Liza Barth 

First Impression: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Starting in 1991, Honda Accord wagons began to roam American roads, but these practical cars disappeared from our market after just a few years. The rising popularity of SUVs, fueled by the emergence of “crossovers” based on car platforms, saw wagon-minded customers move to Honda’s CR-V and Pilot, as well as dozens of competitors. Now, history is about to repeat itself with import wagon-like vehicles making a revival, even if their sloping styling isn’t as practical as the Accord and Toyota Camry wagons of yore. Think of the Accord Tourer as Honda’s answer to the Toyota Venza.
 
Honda will return to the hatchback/wagon market this fall with several new model variants, including the Accord Crosstour. In addition, Acura is introducing a ZDX model derived from the MDX platform, and the luxury brand has recently announced it will also offer a TSX wagon (a wagon version of the Accord sold elsewhere in the world, called the Accord Tourer).
 
The front- or all-wheel-drive Crosstour will come only with a 271-hp, 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic. Three trim lines are available: base EX, EX-L, and EX-L Navi. All-wheel drive will be optional on the EX-L and EX-L Navi, making this the first Accord model to offer AWD.
 
The Accord Crosstour has created Internet buzz as due to its polarizing styling. We’ll leave that to you to debate. More importantly, we recently spent a day behind the wheel of the Crosstour, and we found the beauty is on the inside—with a familiar, Accord cabin with added versatility. However, the added functionality doesn’t rival a true wagon.
  
Behind the wheel
Unsurprisingly, the driving experience is much like the sedan, though I found the additional rear mass evident at times. The standard automatic has two “sporty” new features: gear-hold based on lateral G forces and rpm rev-matching when downshifting. The Crosstour feels, to me, far less sporty than the Accord sedan or coupe, cars where this technology might be more appreciated.
 
According to Honda, fuel economy according to the EPA is 18 city, 27 highway, for the front-wheel-drive Crosstour, while the AWD version will be slightly worse at 17 city, 25 highway.
 
Inside, the cabin is very much standard Accord fare, and any owner switching from an Accord coupe or sedan to the Crosstour will feel at home. The cargo area is roomy, measuring 55.7 inches at its widest point. A nifty feature, the carpeted floor lids can be flipped over to expose a hard plastic surface that is good for transporting dirty items. Underneath the panels is a removable 1.9 cubic-foot cargo box with two handles, making it easy to carry some items from the vehicle. 

The 60/40-split rear seats can be folded from the cargo area using one-touch levers, but when the seats are folded the narrowest point of the cargo area—just 31 inches across—becomes readily evident. While the Crosstour isn’t designed to carry sheets of plywood, this narrow area is something buyers should be aware of.
 
When the Crosstour goes on sale on November 20th, the base front-wheel drive EX model will start at $29,670. The Crosstour EX-L will have an MSRP of $32,570, which grows to $34,770 for the Navi version. All-wheel drive versions start at $34,020, with the Navi-equipped ones starting at $36,220.
 
—Jon Linkov

Pricing: 2010 Nissan Altima

The 2010 Nissan Altima receives a new look and enhanced tech features, but the most significant change is standard stability control across on all models.
 
In Consumer Reports’ tests, the Altima outscores the Honda Accord, but was edged out of the 2009 Top Pick family sedan designation due to the lack of standard stability control. This necessary change keeps it competitive with other top sedans.
 
Exterior changes include a restyled hood, grille, front bumper, and new wheel design. In addition, the audio system has been upgraded to include iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, XM radio, and rearview camera.  Also available is a navigation system with touch-screen display.
 
Pricing remains unchanged for the base 2.5 S sedan at $19,900 for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder model with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SE trim has been renamed SR and will be priced at $24,520 for the 3.5-liter V6 with CVT. The Altima Coupe starts at $22,440 for the four-cylinder with manual transmission and goes up to $29,600 for the V6 with manual transmission. The Altima Hybrid will be priced at $26,780.

The new Altima hits dealerships on October 5th.

Watch our Altima video review, and research the Altima in the model overview, available to online subscribers.

—Liza Barth

Pricing: 2010 Hyundai Elantra goes Blue

Hyundai has announced pricing for the Elantra line plus a new “Blue” model that boasts of an EPA-rated 35 mpg in highway driving. The Blue line will be priced below the GLS and SE trims, and it will receive the highest fuel economy of the lineup. Across the board, Hyundai claims a four-percent fuel economy improvement for the Elantra range.

Positioned as the entry point to the small sedan range, the Elantra Blue starts at $14,145. To boost fuel economy, this base model enhances last year’s GLS manual model with lower-friction engine components, revised transmission gear ratios, engine calibration changes, improved lock-up torque converter, and a shift indicator. The results is a claimed six-percent boost in highway mileage to reach 35 mpg and eight-percent city increase to 26 mpg. In addition, the Elantra Blue will come with six air bags, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, and active front head restraints. Other standard features include power heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows, and remote keyless entry. Air conditioning, plus the audio system and iPod connectivity can be added with the Comfort Package for $1,700.

The Elantra GLS will start at $16,895 and the SE at $17,845. Both will be fitted with the current 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with an EPA fuel economy rating of 26/34 city/highway--a four percent increase for city and three percent highway over the 2009 model year. Our tested Elantras returned a respectable 27 mpg overall. The SE is still the only trim line that comes with standard stability control. Delivery charges will add $720 to all prices.

The Elantra SE scores at the top of the compact sedan segment in Consumer Reports tests. For Ratings, reliability and safety data, see our Elantra model overview (available to online subscribers).  

 —Liza Barth

Attention Earthlings: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformer Special Edition

General Motors’ investment in the Transformers films has created significant brand and vehicle recognition among today’s pop-culture-weened youth. As these budding automotive and Autobot enthusiasts grow up, they may fondly recall the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformer Special Edition much like Generation X recalls a certain black Pontiac Trans Am from the “Smokey and the Bandit” films.

The Tranformers transformation creates a factory-built version of Bumblebee, a central, mechanical character in both CGI-intensive films. To order a Transformer, the customer must choose a Rally Yellow exterior, though the package can be applied to a V6 LT or the more potent V8 SS. It can be further upgraded with the optional RS appearance package.

The special-edition coupe includes distinctive black rally stripes with a Transformers logo. This logo is also applied to the driver and passenger door sill plates. The Autobot shield, which marks Bumblebee as a good guy, is applied to the wheel centers, side panels, and center armrest. (Below is photo of the real Bumblee from the 2009 New York auto show.)

The Transformers package costs $995. While that may seem like a lot for stripes and medallions, the memories for any kids would be priceless.

Before Chevrolet made this announcement, we had traveled all the way to North Carolina to purchase a Rally Yellow SS with the RS package. (Read: "Just in: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.") Even without the toy-inspired badges, this 426-horsepower muscle car has been making the staff feel younger.

Ultimately, it is the balance of nostalgia and modern performance that puts the All Spark in the fifth-generation Camaro. With “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen” in theaters, General Motors saw movie magic help move 9,320 Camaros in June. That is more cars than the Buick, Cadillac, and Saturn divisions each delivered that month. For now, the numbers we’re watching at our track are measuring quarter-mile times and braking distances. And both are impressive. But still, an Autobot badge would be cool…

Watch our Camaro preview video, complete with tire smoke.

—Jeff Bartlett

Pricing: 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid

Today, Lexus released pricing on its new hybrid sedan, the HS250h: $35,075 for the base model and $37,845 for the Premium trim. That puts it about $3,000 more than the cheapest Lexus, the IS 250, and about on par with the larger ES 350. (Click links for the model overviews, available to online subscribers.)

In addition to the base model’s standard features, the Premium model adds heated and cooled front seats; 18-inch wheels; rain-sensing windshield wipers; auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors, and driver-specific memory settings for the power seats, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and radio.

The HS 250h is Lexus’s first four-cylinder model sold in America. We recently had a short preview drive in the HS 250h near our New York offices. The HS returned very good fuel economy, but the ride didn’t feel luxurious.

The car goes on sale in late August. When we can get our hands on one, we’ll buy one to test and let you know how it stacks up against other small luxury sedans.

—Eric Evarts

Pricing: 2010 Scion xD

The Scion xD sees a modest price increase for 2010 and a significant safety feature made standard. The xD base price for the five-speed manual version will start at $14,800, reflecting a modest $150 bump. Upgrade to a four-speed automatic transmission and the price rises to $15,600.

Those figures include a standard electronic stability control (ESC) system, which was previously optional for $650. These affordable, fuel-efficient models target younger drivers who could benefit greatly from the proven safety benefits of ESC, which helps a driver keep the vehicle in control and on its intended path during a turn, to avoid sliding or skidding.

The 2010 xD has a new standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo from Pioneer, with a 160-watt amplifier and six speakers, plus a provision for adding a subwoofer. An optional Alpine Premium audio system adds a 4.3-inch touch screen, HD radio, and more RCA outputs for additional amplifiers. Further, the Alpine unit is back-up camera and navigation system ready. Scion offers an add-on nav with maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

All Scion xD’s feature air conditioning, power windows/door locks/mirrors, cruise control, and keyless entry. Safety features include four-wheel ABS, ESC, traction control, side and side-curtain air bags, and a first aid kit.

In our last road test, we found that the xD offered excellent fuel economy, with decent handling and a versatile interior. However, there is considerable road, mechanical, and wind noise. The ride is choppy, and rearward visibility is compromised by thick C-pillars.

A CR-Recommended car, the 2010 Scion xD is a smarter choice for drivers with the addition of ESC especially younger new drivers. Any owner will appreciate the complimentary 5,000- and 10,000-mile services, as well as the car’s much better than average predicted reliability. The Toyota Yaris, with which it shares a platform, also gets standard ESC for '10.

Visit the Scion xD model overview for ratings, reliability, and road test--available to online subscribers.

—Jeff Bartlett

2010 Jaguar XJ – Flagship feline unveiled

Jaguar has let the cat out of the bag by unveiling the new 2010 XJ flagship sedan, which will go on sale in December for early 2010 delivery. Prices will start at $72,500, with midlevel model priced at $87,500 and the Supersport well into six-figure territory at $112,000. All prices include an $850 destination charge. These figures make the new XJ significantly more expensive than the outgoing model, which ranges $65,700 to $104,225.

The XJ will be available with a choice of three engines: a 5.0-liter, naturally-aspirated V8 producing 385 hp; a 5.0-liter, supercharged V8 producing 470 hp; and the Supersport version producing 510 hp. There is only one transmission, a six-speed automatic with standard paddle shifters. The XJ will be available in standard- and long-wheelbase models.

Jaguar claims the big cat’s extensive use of lightweight aluminum saves 300 lbs. over a steel-body construction. The car is also made with 50-percent recycled material. A keen exterior feature is the standard panoramic glass roof.

Befitting the modern appearance, the XJ boasts the latest infotainment gear with HD radio, satellite radio receiver, Bluetooth, and a media center that has two USB ports to connect to portable music devices.

The current Jaguar XJ8 is long on pedigree but short on true luxury attributes. We liked its smooth, responsive drivetrain, sporty handling, interior detailing, and easy-to-use controls. But it can't match the luxurious ride and quietness of the top-of-the-line offerings from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. We hope the new car is able to better compete with its luxury peers in road refinement, as well as passenger and cargo space.

—Liza Barth

Pricing: 2010 GMC Terrain SUV

With the demise of the Pontiac Torrent, the GMC Terrain picks up the baton. The all-new GMC Terrain crossover will start at $24,995 for the front-wheel-drive model and $26,745 for all-wheel-drive, including $745 destination charge. The related, redesigned Chevrolet Equinox is priced from $23,185. Positioned slightly upmarket, the well-equipped GMC will begin a couple thousand or more than direct competitors such as Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

The Terrain and Equinox share a platform that was developed in Korea for the Saturn Vue and has evolved since. Our first impressions of the Equinox indicate that its ride and handling are sound, the four-cylinder engine is reasonably refined, and the roomy interior’s quality is a major upgrade over the previous Equinox.

The base SLE1 model comes with a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. Paired with a six-speed automatic, the direct-injection engine delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway fuel economy rating for the Terrain FWD. The AWD version is rated at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. However, to achieve those numbers, the powertrain has to be in an “eco” mode, and drivers would have to do the same to see similar results.

A 3.0-liter V6 with 264 horsepower will be offered, rated for 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway in FWD configuration. GM expects the AWD version to produce a similar 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.

Standard features include rearview camera, a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD stereo with USB connectivity, six airbags, stability control, and OnStar. The top SLT2 line features the V6 engine with leather seating, power liftgate, and moonroof. Optional features include an integrated navigation system and rear-seat DVD system.

The five-passenger Terrain will reach dealerships in September.

--Liza Barth