Best of 2009
Audi A5/S5
The Audi A5 and S5 coupes, based on the A4 sedan, continue with Audi’s rollout of gorgeous vehicles. These two coupes have filled a much needed gap in Audi’s lineup that has existed for years. Buyers can choose between the A5 with it’s 3.2 V6 pumping out 265 horsepower or the S5 featuring Audi’s magnificent 4.2 liter V8 producing 354 horsepower. Both engines feature direct injection and variable intake timing and Quattro all wheel drive is standard on both models. Luxuries are many and the materials and colors used in the interiors are true to form when it comes to recent Audis. The white exterior/red leather interior is particularly striking.
In the past, Audi has always tended to play second fiddle when it comes to the competition from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Models like the A5 and S5 have brought the war to their doorstep and have proved that this luxury arm of Volkswagen has the chops to go head to head with the best from Munich and Stuttgart. Pricing starts at $40,300 for the A5 and $50,900 for the S5.
BMW 335D
While diesel engines are nothing new to BMW, to BMW consumers in the United States they are. While some Americans may still have a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to diesel engines, these engines continue to hold more promise than ever, especially when stacked up to hybrid vehicles. Consider that the BMW 335d can run to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, has 428 lb ft. of torque and can achieve 35.1 mpg on the combined loop. The gasoline powered 335i only has 291 lb ft. of torque and achieves 25.6 mpg.
Now, even though diesel fuel is still more expensive than gasoline, it is worth giving the 335d a second look, given the improved torque and economy figures. That, and the new BMW diesel still offers the same superb driving dynamics and comfort associated with BMWs throughout the years. Pricing starts at $44,725.
Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac’s recent offerings such as the 2008 CTS sedan, STS sedan and SRX Crossover proved that GM, and the United States, for that matter, can build cars that are competitive on the world stage. The CTS-V is now the exclamation point to the Cadillac revival, worthy of heralding the “Standard of the World” title touted by GM’s prestige division as way back as 1908.
The CTS-V may look slightly tame, but it eats BMWs for breakfast. It is the most powerful Cadillac ever built, racing to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. With a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 engine, it cranks out 550 horsepower and 551 pound feet of torque. A six speed manual is standard fare; a six speed automatic is one of few options on the list. The entry fee for this joy ride is $59,995. If you have the means and are in the market for a fire breathing sedan, your ride has arrived.
Honda Fit
The new for 2009 Honda Fit brings a new level of refinement to a popular subcompact. Even though gasoline prices have taken a dive as of late, sales for the Fit are still strong as ever. A 1.5 liter VTEC engine with 117 horsepower mated to either a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic with paddle shifters gives this car more than enough motivation in day to day driving.
Features such as anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags and available vehicle stability assist with the navigation package prove that this is not your typical subcompact. The Fit also provides generous interior volume and seating configuration to meet your many needs. Given that we don’t get Mercedes-Benz’s fantastic A and B class subcompacts, this Honda might be the next best thing that we can actually buy on these shores. It is also a good value, starting at $14,550.
Hyundai Elantra Touring
The Hyundai Elantra has been a popular subcompact sedan for the past several years and 2009 finds a new Elantra joining the fray; the Elantra Touring. Powered by a 141 horsepower 2.0 liter four cylinder, performance is not top shelf, but more than adequate. Equipment is plentiful, including optional leather interior and an MP3/USB capability.
More than anything else, the Elantra touring offers buyers something that is fast disappearing from the market: a small, versatile and well equipped wagon.
Mazda 5
The Mazda 5 is a unique vehicle in the United States market. A compact, sporty minivan available with a manual transmission. Are they nuts? That will never sell stateside! Well, actually, it has. A 153 horsepower four cylinder engine can be mated to either a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic with manual shift mode. Standard features include 17″ wheels, seating for six, automatic climate control and ABS. Fuel economy is 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway for manual transmission models, with automatic models just shy of that mark. This car is perfect for the growing family who may not need a full sized van or SUV, but needs something bigger than a midsized sedan. Pricing starts at a very reasonable $18,665.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
This car was described as “an axe murdered with headlights” by famed automotive journalist Jeremy Clarkson. After having a go with one a few weeks ago, I concur. This is possibly one of the most frightening four door sedans on the market today. While it is happy cruising along as normal Mercedes sedans are known to do, the 6.3 liter, 451 horsepower V8 endows this car with a Jekyll and Hyde personality. Considering that not many cars can touch it in terms of sheer speed, the base price of $56,300 is a good value.
Mercedes G550
In an ever changing world, the Mercedes-Benz G500 is a constant. Since 1979, this very truck has been employed in the battlefield, the shopping mall and everywhere in between. For 2009, the G500 is still the same truck we know and love, except with a lot more power and a new transmission. The new 5.5 liter V8 with 389 horsepower finds its way into the G, a bump of 30% over the prior 5.0 liter engine. The new V8 is teamed to Mercedes’ excellent 7-speed automatic, making for quite a sprightly package. Especially considering this vehicle has the aerodynamics of a brick. Love or hate it, you don’t mess with perfection. Pricing starts at $100,250.
Saturn Astra
This is the car I have been talking up all year long. Saturn, once known for their no hassle sales policy and vehicles with plastic body panels has turned into the de facto retail chain for the Opel brand in the U.S. The Saturn Astra, is, in fact, an Opel Astra with a different grille and trunk badge. And that’s it. It is the same beautifully constructed, Belgian built subcompact that Europeans have been enjoying since 2004.
The 1.8 liter Ecotec four cylinder engine proves more than adequate when paired with the standard 5 speed manual or optional 4 speed automatic. Sharp looks, good fuel economy, and a solid, Germanic feel separate this car from the fuel miser crowd. If you are considering the usual Japanese or Korean subcompact, you would be best advised to visit your Saturn dealership before making a decision. Prices start at $17,045 for the four door, XE hatchback.