Mercedes Benz

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is largely unchanged following its 2008 redesign. Four models are offered. The C300 Luxury and C300 Sport have a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6. The C350 Sport has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. The C63 AMG is tuned by Mercedes' performance division and has a 451-hp 6.2-liter V8. C300 Sport is available with manual or automatic transmission. All other C-Class cars use a 7-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all models. The C300 is available with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Rear-drive C300s with the automatic transmission can run on ethanol-blended E85 fuel. Sport models have a sport suspension and unique interior and exterior styling. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Available features include a navigation system which includes a hard drive for storing digital music files, bi-xenon headlamps, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.
COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX, Audi A3, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura TSX and Audi A4.
Porsche 904

Porsche 904 Carrera GTS.
Porsche 904 Carrera GTS (1963-1964) was no slacker in every department. Coming from a premier sports car manufacturer it's got what it takes to compete on the track - but the street version is even more exciting, bringing these sexy curves to the highway. On a closer look, the car even had "garters", funky-looking leather hood straps... Not to mention that it makes great scale model toys (I remember having one as a kid)
The 904 model debuted in 1963, as an answer to the new great cars from Alfa-Romeo and Abarth in GT class. Since then it has become one of the most collectible Porsche models, a fascinating page in the marque's history.
Note the uncluttered back-end styling, and the compact aerodynamic look, taking advantage of its short-base chassis.
Proving the versatility of this car, it won a second place in a snow-covered 1965 Rallye Monte Carlo. Imagine sending this sculpted metal rocket around snow-covered road curves, ripping through the silent winter forest... tasting the car's exclusivity and power.
2009 Honda Accord
The 2009 Honda Accord sees no major changes following its 2008 redesign. Four-cylinder and V6-powered coupes and sedans are available with either a 177- or 190-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, or a 271-hp 3.5-liter V6. The V6 includes Honda's Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. Coupes and sedans are offered in EX and EX-L trim levels. Sedans also come in entry-level LX and LX-P versions. An entry-level LX-S coupe is also offered. The 4-cylinder engine is available on all models. EX and EX-L sedans are also available with the V6. A 5-speed automatic transmission is available across the board. V6 EX-L coupes are available with a 6-speed manual transmission, other models can be had with a 5-speed manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather seating is standard on EX-L models, but not available otherwise. A navigation system is also available.
COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family-oriented sedans and wagons. Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 5, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, and Nissan Maxima.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | LX-P sedan, automatic Rating | Midsize Car Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Acceleration |
4 |
5.4 |
|
Fuel Economy |
7 |
5.7 |
|
Ride Quality |
7 |
6 |
|
Steering/Handling/Braking |
6 |
5.8 |
|
Quietness |
5 |
5.9 |
|
Controls |
8 |
6.2 |
|
Details |
6 |
5.6 |
|
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) |
8 |
6.7 |
|
Room/Comfort (rear) |
7 |
5.2 |
|
Cargo Room |
4 |
4.3 |
|
Value within Class |
7 |
6.2 |
| Total Score: | 69 | 63 |
Q7

The new Audi Q7 represents a new superlative in the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicles) segment. It produces the performance of a sports car on the road, while redefining the boundaries of a vehicle in this category off-road. The sporty characteristics of the Audi Q7 are further enhanced by the equipment package “S line sports package plus”: sports suspension, sports seats and cast aluminium wheels up to 21 inches in size turn the performance SUV into an athlete. The
“S line exterior package” is the new sporty custom-made outfit for the Audi Q7 that adds attractive visual touches on the outside. The two equipment packages from quattro GmbH can be ordered separately or together from the middle of 2006. The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro and the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro will be launched in Germany at the start of March 2006.
S line sports package plus
The new “S line sports package plus” for the Audi Q7 from quattro GmbH gives the performance SUV an even more emotional and sporty character. With its dynamic spring/shock absorber settings, the S line sports suspension conveys pure driving pleasure. The vehicle is lowered by 10 millimetres compared with models fitted with the standard suspension. 9Jx20 cast aluminium wheels of 5-spoke design with size 275/45 R 20 tyres give the vehicle its athletic appearance. S line logos on the front left and right wings and on the door sill trims are further distinguishing features of the Audi Q7 S line.
Prices
The “S line sports package plus” costs €5,290 for the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro and €2,980 for the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro. The “S line exterior package” costs €1,900 for both models. A price discount of €200 is offered if the
“S line exterior package” is ordered in conjunction with the "S line sports package plus".


