hits the market SMART, still unique!

with its new subcompact Part of the Daimler family of fine vehicles that also produces the legendary Mercedes-Benz line of cars and trucks, it stands alone in the mighty German dealerships. It’s called the Smart car and its name suits it perfectly. The Smart is a two-seater commuter car, powered by a three- cylinder gasoline engine and a semi-automatic not found on any other car. Mazda’s newest hot car for 2011 is its On the market for the last few years, the Smart is available in two body styles: As a charming subcompact Mazda2. little coupe, or as a convertible. This same car is also available in different trims from the basic for-two version to the more luxurious greystyle or high style trims. Some Mercedes-Benz dealers might carry the highly modified Brabus version with special wheels and body claddings (although the engine is stock). It’s a unique automobile.

Daimler is going a little further this year by offering an all-electric version of the Smart to a very select group of customers, since only a handful of units will find their way into Canada. By the way, if you are concerned about safety in such a small car, fear not — Daimler has proven how solid the Smart is in very convincing crash tests.

On the other hand, Daimler is working on quite a few prototype versions of the Smart and the upcoming line-up could take the world by surprise. Stay tuned! The Japanese automaker Mazda, has recently car fans) and its unique rotary engine pow- introduced an exciting new subcompact car ered RX-8 sporty coupe. to the Canadian market: The diminutive The Smart is a brilliant, Mazda2. Although based on a platform simi- Finally, Mazda continues to be an important two-place commuter car lar to the Ford Fiesta’s, the Mazda2 is differ- player in the light truck department, offer- available at your local ent enough to be considered unique. Lighter ing car buyers interesting vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz than the Ford, the Mazda2 uses a smaller the CX-7, a five-passenger CUV that can be dealership. engine that gives great fuel economy. ordered with an economical, four-cylinder engine and the CX-9, a longer version of the Mazda is also bringing back its already very CX-7 capable of carrying up to nine people popular compact series including the thanks to a more powerful V-6 engine. sporty Mazdaspeed3 version. Motorists can Motorists looking for a more traditional also go for the bigger, mid-sized compact SUV will still appreciate the sedan powered by a thrifty four-cylinder Tribute with front or all-wheel drive. Many engine or by a V-6. By the way, Mazda is still Mazda dealers will continue to have the in the segment with its legendary hard-working B Series pick-up to offer — MX-5 roadster (still called Miata by sports at a very reasonable price.

MERCEDES-BENZ still has very affordable products

The name Mercedes-Benz is usually linked engines with rear or all-wheel drive. to high-end expensive cars and trucks. However, Mercedes-Benz dealers have more Obviously, budget permitting, Mercedes- VOLVO is returning than just the affordable diminutive smart Benz dealers can always suggest some of the commuter car to offer its customers. most spectacular cars on the market, includ- with great Chinese backing ing its recently redesigned E Class car which Indeed, Canadian auto buyers have had is available as a sedan, coupe, convertible or the opportunity to acquire the smaller even as a station wagon. Those of you who B Class Mercedes-Benz long before their like bigger cars will surely stop to take a look Volvo is back with U.S. counterparts. However, expect this at the soon to be redesigned S Class sedan, or a new S60 sedan front-wheel drive car to change in the near at one of Mercedes-Benz’s sports cars like the in 2011. future, as it will soon find itself on the SLK, the SL or the almighty SLS AMG. American market. On the other hand, the famous German car maker is bringing Mercedes-Benz also manufactures great back its already popular C Class cars SUVs, including the affordable GLK mid- available in many versions including a sized truck, the popular ML vehicles, the big- performance C63 model. This compact car ger GL truck, the unique R Class CUV and can be ordered with one of many V-6 the classic looking G wagon.

Mercedes-Benz’s legendary E Class cars are available One of the most impressive business detection system that can slow or stop the car in many moves in the automotive world is when before colliding with a human being. Volvo body styles. Swedish car maker Volvo left the big Ford dealers still have the smaller S40 sedans family of products to become an all-new available and the bigger S80 can be pur- player on the international scene with chased with the six or a V-8. For customers Geely, from China. It’s important to looking for a sportier car, Volvo has kept its remember that Geely has great manufac- sharp C30 coupe and its unique C70 coupe- turing facilities in its own country, a place convertible cars in its line-up. where Volvo can thrive. Alternately, Volvo buyers have the choice Yet, the Swedish brand has not been idle dur- between a few interesting SUVs: The very ing negotiations. Indeed, it’s back with an recent and modern looking XC60; the more all-new, mid-size sedan, the S60 available traditional XC70 and the bigger XC90, the in Canada with a 3.0-litre turbocharged in- latter being available with an inline six or line six cylinder engine and a pedestrian- a V-8 engine.

Download the contents of this issue from our Web site at www.newspapertoolbox.com TOOLBOX, September-October 2010, Page 51