Mini Cooper Crossover

Mini Cooper Crossover

There are many new cars being introduced for 2009 but a few stand out above the rest. I never considered myself an automobile enthusiast but after reviewing some of the new cars for 2009, I found that I was in heaven. These cars combine the best of technology with the look and feel of luxury automobiles at affordable prices. My favorite new cars for 2009 are below but believe me it was a very tough decision to narrow them down to just five.

The 2009 Ford Escape has gone through some major changes to make it more fuel-efficient, which is perfect for these tough economical times and with gas at all time highs, a fuel-efficient vehicle is necessary. The changes to the engine and to the frame allow the 2009 Ford Escape to get better gas mileage than the previous models. Ford did not forget to make some changes to the interior as well, they now have soft material in the doors rather than plastic and they have re-contoured the seats for added comfort. Ford also made a major change to the optional navigation system. The Sirius Travel Link, which comes packaged with the optional navigation system, offers traffic, national weather (current conditions, five-day forecast, radar, ski reports), fuel prices (sorted by distance or price, with the option of adding them as a waypoint on a trip), sports scores, and movie listings. These features can be accessed with a touch-screen control as well as voice prompts like those used on Ford's SYNC system according to David Gluckman in Automobile Magazine. The base price for the new 2009 Ford Escape is from $21,310 to $33,385 making this a great deal for a spectacular vehicle.

2009 Acura TL now offers Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on the TL making the 2009 model a great pick. Acura also made more room by adding 1.4 inches to the wheelbase to add almost 2 inches in width and 6 inches in length (more leg room for those long trips are nice). Speed has increased in this model but not at the expense of fuel - it is still a respectable 18/26 for city/highway fuel mileage. In addition to more room and a faster engine, the TL offers many features that will make even the hardest to please techno-gadget-loving-geek happy for a lifetime. From the eight-speaker, six-disc changer, XM capable audio system to the iPod integration, your music lover will be impressed with this system. For those who must have the latest and greatest gadgets, Arthur St. Antoine, in Motor Trend suggests "adding the optional Tech package and you'll upgrade the audio to an awesome, 10-speaker, 440-watt Panasonic surround-sound system, designed with input from Grammy Award-winning producer Elliot Scheiner, that includes DVD-Audio and XM Satellite Radio and, when you insert a CD, automatically rips the tracks to an on-board 13-gig hard drive for future playback. Also included with the Tech option is one of the world's most advanced navigation systems. Acura has upgraded the eight-inch display to full VGA high-resolution. It is a thing of beauty; using the USB port, you can even upload your favorite pictures to display as onscreen wallpaper. Enhancing the standard navigation info, which now boots quickly off the on-board hard drive and even includes preloaded scenic drives, the system also features available XM-fed real-time traffic info, traffic rerouting (if the road ahead clogs, the navigation will lead you to a clearer path), and a plethora of real-time weather information including forecasts and scrollable Doppler radar maps just like those you see on the evening news. If a thunderstorm or ice looms ahead, the TL will do its best to guide you around it. There is also a rearview camera in case you simply decide to flee in reverse. Prices begin at $34,955 making this an affordable vehicle and a great value for your money.

The 2009 Ford Flex is a full-size crossover that goes beyond what we have ever thought of a family vehicle. Some of the coolest features that will entice your family are interior refrigerator, second-row footrests, Ford Sync™ in-car communications and entertainment system, capless fueling, a 2,300-song personal jukebox, programmable ambient interior "mood lighting" and a Multi-Panel Vista Roof™ as reviewed in the overview according to FordFlex.net. Beyond the cool features that attract family members, the 2009 Ford Flex also has some safety features that make mom and dad feel better about driving this vehicle. Starting at $28,295 this vehicle is my favorite affordable new vehicle for 2009.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R is a powerful and awesome experience. It is an E-ticket ride all the way! They have packed 480 horsepower into a V-6 and put the transmission on the rear axle. The technology in this vehicle is not left behind just because it is a racecar for city streets. The technology is packed into the GT-R and leaves nothing to be desired from an outstanding audio system, navigation system, Bluetooth integration and a performance computer. This car handles smooth and provides the ride of your life. For a great review of this car, I suggest that you read Wayne Cunningham's review on CNET who has been lucky enough to drive this awesome piece of automotive technology. By far this was my favorite new vehicle for 2009 and starting at $80,000 this is a lot of power for the price.

With the price of gas going through the roof, the 2009 Mini John Cooper Works may be the best car for those of us who need to cut down on fuel consumption. For about $30,000, you can purchase a nicely equipped Mini with enough power to keep you happy and plenty of technology to play with. The Mini's engine provides plenty of power while using fuel in the most effective and efficient method.

Sources for this article:

David Gluckman, Automobile Magazine

Arthur St. Antoine, Motor Trend

FordFlex.net Overview

Mini Cooper Crossman

Mini Cooper Crossman

BMW launched the new Mini in 2001.

Obviously remaking a icon which first established itself in the swinging 60's was going to be a hard job however the new Mini brought to the party everything the old Mini had, harsh ride coupled with go-kart like handling, quirky charm, cute face and coupled with a modern funky interior they had on their hands an instant sales success.

A largely gutless performance was cured with the introduction of the supercharged Cooper S and the model was quickly established as one of the leading small "hot hatches" available in the market.

At the end of 2006 the Mk2 Cooper S was introduced with a new turbocharged engine producing 172bhp. There were other changes such as a slightly redesigned longer body, better but still funky, interior and a heavy nod to more stringent safety legislation. A suspension makeover and electric power steering completes the package. This MK2 is now readily available on the second hand market.

First thing to feel when getting into the car compared to the earlier model are more supportive seats. Fire up the engine and it makes all the right noises. This car is a Mini, pure and simple. Short throw gearbox, a wheel at each corner and that legendary kart like handling. One gripe to get out of the way is the feel from the new electric power steering which gives a feeling of numbness and detracts from the Mk2 when compared to the previous model.

Push this car hard through the corners and much fun is there to be had. The burbly exhaust note at tickover turns into a satisfying throaty growl and there is of course no trace of the annoying whine prevalent in the earlier supercharged model.

This car exudes poise through the bends with the new suspension set up comprising a new central arm rear axel with lightweight aluminium longitudinal control arms and retuned spring and damper rates. Feel may be slightly lacking from the new steering set up but you quickly get used to this. The car feels precise and perhaps the slightly numb feel is the price to pay for a more firmly planted and agile ride. This car is very capable of showing up the competition despite a lack of horsepower compared to some of them.

Motorway cruising remains limited and is best avoided. This car excels through the twisties and that is where it is best enjoyed. Point and squirt, work the gearbox and enjoy. If you are looking for the purest fun factor you may be disappointed and the earlier supercharged model may be for you however the added poise and quality feeling of the Mk2 makes this a better all round package.

Bear in mind air con is a cost option but always worth having. Standard wheels are 16 inchers and looks apart these are recommended with the addition of the optional. sports suspension.