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| HYUNDAI ACCENT. Hyundai’s Corolla-fighter is noteworthy for what’s under the hood: a 1.5-liter common-rail diesel with large-V6 levels of torque and supermini-like fuel efficiency. The compact sedan completes Hyundai’s lineup of vehicles, nearly all of which are now available with a diesel engine. This innovative approach may allow Hyundai to duplicate its success with the Starex and break into the big league. | |
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MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS. The 9th generation of the world’s best luxury sedan lives up to very high expectations. More attentive than a butler, and more opulent than most houses, the new S-Class is overflowing with newfound style and the latest automotive technology. A 272-hp V6 or 388-hp V8 mates with a 7-speed automatic to provide sports-car levels of performance. Predictive safety, vehicle stability programs, and even a night vision display help protect the occupants. Growth in all dimensions, and long-wheelbase configuration allow generous interior room. Heads of state, CEOs, and dictators everywhere rejoice: the new S-Class is better and more luxurious than ever. |
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PORSCHE CAYMAN. So not everyone can afford a car that’s as expensive as a condo. Still, for less than what you’d pay for the company’s iconic 911 model, the mid-engined coupe promises scintillating handling, and superb braking. The acceleration part is conducted by a 3.4-liter flat-6 engine, delivering 295 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds. The gorgeous styling is icing on a very fast cake. |
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TOYOTA INNOVA. Launched on Valentine’s Day as Toyota’s love-offering to its customers and dealers, the Innova marks the end of the AUV and the beginning of a new class of multi-purpose vehicle. Though similar to the AUV in that it’s based on a pickup chassis, the Innova is highly customized for its passenger-ferrying purpose; for example, it has rear coil springs (instead of the usual leaf springs) for a more comfortable ride. Car-like handling and driving position, modern gasoline and diesel engines, and the best automatic transmission in its class make this a solid alternative to the usual sedan. Variants with a wide range of equipment and pricing, from the vinyl-seat base diesel to the plush automatic “G” model, cater to every family market. Lack of ABS brakes is the only thing preventing it from becoming a runaway winner. The Innova is the most significant new car of 2005. |
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TOYOTA FORTUNER. The Fortuner has a silly name and is less practical (more expensive, less comfortable, and carries only seven people) than its Innova sibling. But with its SUV configuration, it attracted more buyers than even Toyota was ready for. Image, style, and a competitive price are what enticed buyers to the showroom. After nearly a year of waiting and on the road, they would have found a vehicle that’s solidly built, well equipped, and satisfyingly responsive. Simplicity of choice also helped propel the Fortuner to success: gasoline and diesel drivetrain in 4x2, and diesel in 4x4, all with automatic gearbox. |
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TOYOTA HIACE. It’s got all the sex appeal of a refrigerator, but what an appliance! Its boxy form contains a cavernous interior, just what’s needed to ferry as many as 15 people in reasonable comfort. The Grandia variant cuts the number of seats while increasing room for each passenger. A 2.5-liter common-rail diesel shared with the Innova and Fortuner provides adequate power. For tour groups, company shuttles, or for those who think population control is for the birds, this minibus is the ideal vehicle. |
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