Category: New Model Introductions

Hyundai's 2007MY lineup expands with a new crossover SUV. On paper, all the right boxes are checked. Will it live up to its promise when we finally see it on the road?

The Hyundai Elantra is one of a string of all new Compact Cars introduced recently (September 2006): 2007 Nissan Sentra, 2006 Honda Civic, Kia Spectra... and smaller entries: 2007 Hyundai Accent, 2007 Nissan Versa, 2007 Toyota Yaris, 2007 Honda Fit. So, the competitive set for Elantra is very busy with better and better cars.

The 2007 Hyundai Tiburon, launched in November 2006 improves Hyundai's entry into the sporty car category. Hyundai expects to sell about 18,000 Tiburon coupes per year in the dwindling sporty coupe market. Its primary competitors are the more expensive Mitsubishi Eclipse and the less expensive, but much less fully-equipped, Scion tC. You can also throw the Honda Civic coupe and coupe Si in the competitive set.

Mercury's Mariner gets a new, bolder look inside and out, but is stuck with the same powertrains.

BMW's 3-Series Convertible Powers Down - finally a power retractable hardtop from BMW

BMW's 3-Series Convertible Powers Down - finally a power retractable hardtop from BMW

Volkswagen introduced four special edition cars and announced a special promotion for the 4th Quarter of 2006 at an event at the Playboy Mansion. The special editions included a high value Wolfsburg Edition Jetta, two Fahrenheit models - a GTi Fahrenheit and GLi Fahrenheit, and a triple white New Beetle.

Second-generation BMW MINI revealed at Paris Auto Show (Paris Mondial de l'Automobile)

German all-wheel-drive, mid-engine Audi R8 and the front-engine, rear-drive Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione show production models at 2006 Paris Auto Show (Mondial de l'Automobile)

Though North American buyers don't see it, Mitsubishi does create a new-generation Pajero (Montero).