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Scion announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 xD. "The Scion xD is a clever new take on the five-door urban subcompact, with style and flair to match its efficiency and utility," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The xD's aggressive styling is wrapped in a small, agile package, while its interior offers impressive details and a spacious cabin." Its urban personality is communicated as it hugs the road with its wide stance, thick muscular body, short overhangs, accentuated wheel flares and large tires. Other styling cues that set the xD apart include a long and narrow back window, and the Scion family traits -- horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors. The all-new Scion xD is powered by a lively 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a first to the Toyota family. The xD engine produces 12...

our first clue that something's up on the 2008 Saab 9-3 sedan and SportCombi wagon will be the conspicuous lack of Saab's traditional black body-side moldings. Your second clue is the new face inspired by the Aero X Concept. To find your third clue, bend down on the ground and have a look underneath. Ya sure, that's a rear differential. Come January 2008, the 9-3 will apply power to all four wheels. And while it represents a break with tradition, the all-wheel-drive 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD could save this brand from sales obscurity. Only the Swedes Say It This Way Saab says XWD should be pronounced "Cross-Wheel Drive." It hardly rolls off the tongue, but this fourth-generation Haldex-engineered system breaks some new ground. Like other electronically controlled, on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems, this one has its own computer that talks to not only the AWD system but also the stability control and the engine. The actual torque transfer between the front and r...

The all new Nissan X-Trail, on sale from 1 September, will have a starting price of £18,795 for the entry level 2.0-litre petrol TREK rising to £26,720 for the more luxurious upgraded AVENTURA 150PS 2.0dCi automatic. In some cases the increase in price over the outgoing model is as low as £100 representing excellent value especially considering the vehicle is larger, better equipped and with more modern and refined engines. There are three grades and four engine variations to choose from with three of the power units being new to Nissan X-Trail. To simplify the Nissan 4x4 range structure the grade names of TREK, SPORT and AVENTURA for X-Trail have been taken from the Pathfinder. Although Nissan X-Trail has been completely restyled, customer research clearly showed that the robust, strong shape was popular and well appreciated. Indeed, it was a key factor in the decision making process for many buyers. It was clear that the “X-TRAILness” had to be retained, which is why there is a clear...

The Ford Escape Hybrid is still the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV in the world, combining the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a full hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of the Ford Escape – America’s favorite small SUV. For 2008, The Ford Escape Hybrid combines a fresh new look, inside and out, with infotainment and safety features, a choice of two hybrid-specific upgrade packages and four new exterior colors. The Ford Escape Hybrid is a “full” hybrid, meaning it automatically switches between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power or combined operation to maximize efficiency and performance. Its gasoline engine and electric motor work in concert, providing performance similar to that of a V-6 engine. In less demanding situations, the Escape Hybrid can run on its electric motor alone (at speeds up to 25 mph), its gasoline engine alone or the most efficient combination of the two. Full hybrids achieve their greatest improvemen...

With a starting U.S. MSRP of $36,400 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited sets the standard for luxury minivans. In addition to the standard equipment included on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring model, the Town & Country Limited also includes a new 4.0- liter V-6 engine that produces 251 hp (189 kW) and 259 lb.-ft. (350 N*m) of torque and is mated to a new, minivan-first six-speed transaxle; three-zone automatic temperature control; luxury front- and second-row floor mats; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power, foldaway, heated multifunction chrome mirrors with supplemental side signals and driver-side memory; ParkSense rear park assist system, MyGIG AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Multimedia Entertainment system, ParkView rear back-up camera and SIRIUS satellite radio; remote start system; leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with suede microfiber accents; security alarm; premium sound system wh...

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 10th birthday of its successful M-Class, the top-selling premium SUV with 850,000 units to its name. To mark the occasion, Mercedes-Benz is bringing out the attractive special “Edition 10” model. The specification includes 20-inch wheels, bi‑xenon headlamps and special bodywork highlights in titanium-look as well as dark-tinted tail lights. The sporty, refined interior features two-tone all-leather appointments, sports instruments and stainless steel sports pedals. The “Edition 10” can be ordered from autumn 2007. The “ Edition 10” is a fitting tribute to mark the tenth anniversary of the most successful Mercedes-Benz premium SUV. It recalls the market launch of the M‑Class a decade ago, a vehicle now regarded as the pioneer of the premium SUV. Compared with the series-production models, the anniversary edition sporting the special “Edition 10” logos on the wings features even higher-grade appointments and is instantly recognisable from the exterior, co...

Extremely compact, highly innovative and individual in self-assured style: the Smart city coupe radically breaks with the automotive conventions of the 20th century. The car – today named Smart fortwo – was introduced to the public at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1997. At the same time, the Smart brand of DaimlerChrysler – Daimler-Benz at the time – made its debut.In its own unique way, the two-seater provides many answers to questions of individual mobility, especially in conurbations. It takes up little space, for instance, consumes very little fuel and emits minimum levels of carbon dioxide but still carries two people and their luggage to their destination – comfortably and safely.Back in 1997, many of the mobility issues addressed appeared to come from a distant future, but the systematic approach pursued with the Smart was clear for all to see. Never before had a production car with the smallest possible footprint been so cleverly designed down to the smallest detail...