Cars service manual

The Kia Pregio van really means business - commercial driving, deliveries and trade - it faces hard work head on. The Pregio sets itself apart by being an affordable, well-built, well-designed diesel van that is loaded with standard features. Quite simply, Pregio is the best value, fully-specified one-tonne diesel van in Australia.

While it works like a van, Kia Pregio rides like a sedan. Standard creature comforts include air-conditioning, power windows and power steering, while the 2.7 litre diesel engine takes care of business. Kias technology provides a diesel engine that works smoothly and efficiently, improving power and fuel economy while producing maximum torque for when its needed most. The economic advantages of diesel engineering are well documented, along with extended durability and dependability.




After so many years of developing and refining their diesel technology, Kia is proud of this advanced high torque diesel engine. With other diesel vans, you could expect to pay a premium. Not so with Kia Pregio. This three-seater commercial van simply packs a huge load of features and benefits, all of which add up to a smarter bottom line.
Great economy starts with the Pregios efficient diesel engine. Producing a highly impressive 172 Nm of torque at just 2400 rpm, it is an engine designed to pull the maximum load whilst retaining fuel efficiency.

Not only will the environment benefit from the lower CO2 emissions, your bottom line will benefit directly from excellent fuel economy. And with greater strength, durability, reliability and performance than most petrol counterparts there are plenty of long-term economic advantages.

1.2 tonne van
2.7 litre diesel engine
4.1 m3 cargo area
Rear wheel drive
Air conditioning
CD system
Power steering
Power windows
Remote central locking
Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Vehicle Programme
Removable load barrier
Lined cargo area
Seats 3 people

The good:

The Pregio is cheaper than most other vans in Thailand where I purchased a new KIA Pregio from the Yountrakit company. It has nice looking styling and has a complete interior package from the KIA factory including matching movable and rotatable seats at the bargain price of 19,000 US Dollars. The Van hugs the road well and has a good power train.

The bad:

The brakes!! it has to be the number one bad thing to mention, for god sake KIA fix the brakes before anyone gets killed. Cabin noise could be less with a little more attention to sound proofing. I had a problem with the central locking unce but I used the keys to access the vehicle and they have worked well since then (I am taking about the central locking mecchanism not the keys), so its not a recurring problem. My van has now 22500 KM and I have not had any major problems, fuel comsumption on the highway is very high. The cargo side door handle had to be replaced as it was faulty I think its a design problem I am sure I will have the same problem sometime down the track with the new handle. I Also have a noise from under the steering wheel that the Kia service centre cannot locate or hear it or maybe prefer to pretent they cant heart anything. Dont try to look at the rearview mirror as you will see the car in front of you, very scary.

Overall:

For what you pay its good value for money no doubt about that, Kia could improve the noise generated by the engine and tie down loose cable or whatever is that makes little noises when you go over a bump. Once you get used to those annoying little problems eg: rearview mirror, noises, applying the brakes earlier "likely its a diesel van and it doesnt move very fast" than its not a bad package. Unfortunately or fortunately for Kia you cannot do a comparison with other commercial van because of the price it would be unfair to compare the Kia to a Toyota Van or any other van for that matter that costs thousands more.

This is a really nice blend of performance and practicality. You get an exciting car that is also functional with 4 full doors, decent gas mileage, and front wheel drive. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some fun without sacrificing the family. The heads-up-display and red instrumentation gives a fighter-jet feeling. It gets up to speed quickly, so you might want to buy a radar detector.


You wont regret this purchase.....I just hope it doesnt depreciate as hard as the other Grand Prix models.

News

Though Grand Prix plans seem to be in flux at the moment, a redesign is said to be slated for model-year 2008 or 09. The makeover may move this Pontiac to a new platform and back to rear-wheel drive, but that cant be confirmed. We may get a clearer picture at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show, where Pontiac is scheduled to show a concept car said to preview the next-generation Grand Prix.

New For 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix

These midsize sedans are slightly larger than Pontiacs G6 models. Grand Prix comes in three models. Base models have a 200-hp V6. GTs have a 260-hp supercharged V6. GXPs use a 303-hp V8 with GMs Active Fuel Management, which deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. All engines team with a 4-speed automatic transmission. GXP adds Pontiacs TAPshift steering wheel paddles for manual operation. All models come with OnStar assistance and 4-wheel disc brakes. GT and GXP add ABS and traction control, which are optional for the base model. Curtain side airbags are optional on GT and GXP. A navigation system is available.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside the Grand Prix, theres a definite cockpit theme, as the center stack curves to meet the driver and the gauges and displays are all in red. Control layouts are simple and intuitive, even the trip computer. The front seats are broad and comfortable, though taller adults may find headroom limited. The backseat is cramped, with a low bench and tight foot room making it a last resort for adults. At least theres plenty of cargo space, thanks to a 16-cubic-foot trunk.

Safety

Antilock brakes and traction control are optional on the base and standard on the GT and GXP. Stability control, dubbed StabiliTrak Sport, is standard on the GXP. Front and rear side curtain airbags are optional on all models. In government crash tests, the Pontiac Grand Prix earned three out of five stars for side impacts (front and rear), but the car tested did not have side curtain airbags. Frontal crash tests resulted in a three-star rating for driver protection and four stars for the passenger. In IIHS frontal-offset testing, the Grand Prix was named a "Best Pick."

Powertrains and Performance

A pair of 3.8-liter V6s and a 5.3-liter V8 serves duty in the front-wheel-drive Grand Prix. In the base model, the standard 3800 Series III V6 makes 200 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The GT has a supercharged version rated for 260 ponies and 280 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the 5.3-liter V8 in the GXP makes a healthy 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. All engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission; the GXPs has an automanual mode.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The Pontiac Grand Prix is available as a four-door sedan in one of three trim levels -- Base, GT and GXP. The base model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, OnStar, a CD player, cruise control, air conditioning, keyless entry and power windows and mirrors. The GT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a remote vehicle starter and a trip computer. A Special Edition package, which features ground effects, body color grille, bright exhaust tips and unique 17-inch alloys, is optional. The GXP includes firmer suspension tuning, performance tires, an enthusiast-oriented stability control system, upgraded steering, a head-up display, unique trim and 18-inch alloys. A Premium Package, with leather seating and automatic dual-zone climate control, is also available on the Pontiac car.

Well Equipped

All Grand Prix versions are generally well equipped and look sporty, partly because they have a coupe-style roofline, which does cause taller rear passengers to duck when getting in or out.
Theres plenty of room up front and all doors open very widely. Three tall occupants fit in back, but wont be as comfortable as those in front because, for one thing, the rear seat isnt as comfortable.

The trunk is large, with a low, wide opening. Split-folding rear seatbacks enlarge the cargo area.
Head-protecting side-curtain airbags for all but the base model cost $395. Torso side airbags arent offered.

The GXP is a solid, logical addition to the Grand Prix line, but one wonders why it came so late.


Driving Impressions

Even the base engine furnishes brisk response at low- and midrange speeds, while the supercharged GT keeps up with V6 versions of the Accord and Altima. Although we certainly enjoy the rush of the stout V8 in the GXP, the front wheels have a hard time of handling its power. Torque steer is noticeable and the car feels nose-heavy during spirited cornering. Daily driving in the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix is just fine but its not really that much fun to drive in a sporting manner due to its plain-Jane four-speed automatic and numb steering feel.

Favorite Features

the aluminum rims, the bucket seats, and the powerful v6 engine.

Overall Review

If you can afford the gas then this car is great. Premium gas is reccomended for better performance but it sill "moves" with regular. Breaking is excellent.

MSRP Price Range $21,330 - $27,330
Invoice Price Range $20,157 - $25,827

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Skoda Superb range
PRICES: £13,900-£21,690 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 151-250g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.8 V6] 0-60mph 8.0s / Max Speed 147mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.8 V6] (combined) 28mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4803/1765/1469mm



Few people know that the Superb is 10cm longer than the Passat chassis that its based on. Build quality is excellent and the suspension absorbs every blemish in the road. Its not the most agile of cars and doesnt like taking bends too sharply. The automatic gearbox is a bit hesitant and its not the quietest diesel on the market. If you need a car thatll carry the family then this is it.

Behind The Wheel

The standard Classic trim includes ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning with additional vents for rear passengers, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, 12V outlet in luggage compartment, ‘CatVision’ diffused interior lighting around the door handles, trip computer, third rear three-point seat belt, front, side and curtain airbags, remote central locking, ABS and EDL, radio/ single CD player with eight speakers, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, and an alarm with interior monitoring.

Comfort specification adds 16-inch alloy wheels, multi-functional steering wheel, umbrella holder with full size umbrella in the left rear door, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain sensor wipers, illuminated rear legroom, rear acoustic parking sensors, cruise control, cassette radio and six CD autochanger, door mirrors with lights illuminating the door area and a storage slot with removable ski sack behind the rear armrest. Range-topping Elegance models also feature bi-xenon headlights, colour satellite navigation, heated leather seats with individual controls, electrically adjustable front seats, memory function driver’s seat and door mirrors, folding door mirrors with automatic tilt when in reverse, headlamp washers, 17-inch alloy wheels and wood décor on door panels, centre console and gear lever handle.

Refinement

Levels of engine noise on the 1.8T and 130bhp diesel are low at cruising speeds, but the 130 makes itself heard under hard acceleration. Road rumble is well suppressed but wind noise is too noticeable around the side windows and pillars at national limits. The controls and gearshift are smooth, however.

Ride & handling

The Superb feels its size, due to a soft suspension set-up that’s geared towards comfort. While it soaks up small bumps well at low speeds and wafts along on smooth surfaces, body control is poor and the Superb wallows through corners. It also gets the wobbles over crests, and the uncommunicative steering doesn’t help matters.

Performance

Petrol power comes from 2.0, 1.8 turbo or 2.8 V6 engines. All three are smooth, although the lesser engines can struggle to pull along such a weighty car. Better choices are the 1.9-litre turbodiesel now with 105- or 130bhp or the 2.5 V6 TD, all of which provide much more grunt.

Safety & security

Standard anti-skid brakes and twin front, side and curtain airbags mean safety equipment levels are very good, if not quite up with the best in the class. Traction control is found on all but the 2.0 and 1.8 T models. Security features are plentiful and effective, however, and were able to keep our attack-testers out. Every model comes with an alarm.

Quality & reliability

Although it doesn’t quite match the VW Passat it’s based on, one of the Superb’s strengths is fine build quality, with good panel fit and a solid, sturdy interior that uses decent materials. Under the skin, most of the mechanicals are shared with the Volkswagen, so they should prove hardy and long-lasting.

Buying Used

A good car gets even more appealing once it has lost a chunk of its price thanks to depreciation. Durable enough to make a good purchase.

Buying New

Its a brave choice to throw big money at the Skoda badge but it is a genuinely good car. Dealers ought to be able to help make the purchase a bit easier, too.

TARGET PRICE: £12,762 - £22,641
PRICE: £13,900 - £24,505

The new model clearly has an international vocation; it was designed by the Fiat Style Centre, and its exterior styling is elegant, dynamic and typically ‘Italian’. The aim was to appeal to the public with uncluttered, smooth lines which confirm the new Fiat family feeeling (from the Grande Punto to the new Bravo), while they offer a new reading of the stylistic elements of the great Italian motoring tradition in the saloon segment.







This extraordinary stylistic heritage has now produced the Fiat Linea, a 4-door saloon that is sleek and elegant, but with generous dimensions that put it at the top of its class: it is 4.56 metres long, 1.73 metres wide, 1.5 metres tall and has a wheelbase of 2.6 metres, as well as a 500 litre luggage compartment.

The Fiat Linea’s generous equipment is dedicated to the protection of driver and passengers and the customer can choose from a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines that combine excellent performance, low fuel consumption and absolute respect for the environment, coupled to both manual and automatic transmissions.

The Fiat Linea range is very comprehensive to cater for a clientele that considers cars of this class as a real investment, because it represents the family’s main car, and it will adapt to the various markets where it is sold. In most of these, at its launch, the range will offer two engines (90 bhp 1.3 Multijet and 77 bhp 1.4 16v), three specifications (Active, Dynamic and Emotion), and 11 body colours. The range also proposes equipment worthy of a higher segment, such as certain sophisticated climate and infotainment devices that improve the comfort and quality of the time spent on board: from automatic climate control, the Blue&Me® system with USB port, a radio with CD-player (including MP3 files) and Cruise Control, down to rain, dusk and parking sensors. In other words, there are endless possible combinations, all offering excellent value for money and the best price-content ratio.

News

Auto Shanghai 2007: Fiat Looks for Opportunities in China

Currently, Fiat has just one small production plant in China: a joint venture with Nanjing Auto, where a small number of Palio and Siena cars are being produced each year. Now that Nanjing Auto is focusing on reviving MG, Fiat is looking for a new angle to make its way in the China market.

At the Shanghai show, many visitors were attracted to the stylish new Bravo hatchback. As Fred Duan, commercial director of Nanjing-Fiat, put it: "When you buy an import car in China, you want something special." Bringing in the Bravo would provide a halo effect for the brand, but it wouldnt be a mainstream product. The midsize Linea — which was the centerpiece of Fiats stand here — could do that job, but the business case has not yet been made for its local production.

Fiat is also trying to find new partners. Sergio Marchionne, Fiats energetic CEO, said in a recent interview that his company is "in the position of choosing with whom it wants to develop cars in China." One potential candidate is Chery. The two companies have signed a deal that will see the Italian company using Cherys self-developed ACTECO engines in its China-market models. Chery recently ruled out the possibility of buying Nanjings stake in the Nanjing-Fiat venture — but there are other options, one of which is for Chery to assemble Alfa Romeos.

Another potential candidate is the largely unknown Zotye Holding. Zotye, which produces a Daihatsu Terios look-alike, recently bought the ailing Jiangnan Automobile plant in Hunan province. According to Zotye officials, the company is in talks with Fiat to assemble up to 100,000 Lancia cars a year at the Jiangnan plant.

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I suppose this car is intended to compete against Octavia, Focus 4d, and the likes. But being based on the G.Punto, i think it will be handicapped from the very beggining (suspensions and engines choice). Wouldnt it have been much better to base it on the upcoming Bravo? This is a retoric question, the answer is obvioulsy yes...unless the price tag justifies it.

The car itself is beautiful, a really good surprise. And it cant be a copy of the C4 sedan because developing a car takes much more than 6 months, you know....

New Pontiac Montana SV6

The Montana SV6 is a new van that Pontiac describes as offering performance-oriented appearance and details in the mid-van segment, rather than a minivan. The Montana SV6 is designed to offer the best attributes of SUVs—aggressive styling and a powerful stance—and the convenience of a van, including a low step-in height, interior versatility and dual power-sliding rear doors.



Although the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 features a slick interior and distinctive styling, it doesnt have the on-road finesse or in-cabin conveniences of its minivan competitors.

I am surprised at how quiet and comfortable the ride is. The basic model has all the creature comforts. This vehicle was bought for about $6200 below MSRP under the Employee Discount Program here in Canada. Mileage is about 20mpg in town and 25mpg on highway.
I was a little dubivous about the new extended nose but came to like it. Crashworthiness is improved and it frees up more interior space. Performance is okay, I can pass at highway speeds no problem.

The body style is shared among several GM divisions, it is generally recognized that the Pontiac version is the best looking. Pontiac has always seemed to have the best styling of any division.
I think we all know that there are better vans out there but for a premium price. From what I can see in other reviews you either love it or hate it. Its love for now.....that could change.

Despite the change in name and outward style, the SV6 does not represent a full redesign of the old-style Pontiac minivan (which dates back to 1997), and passenger and cargo space are nearly identical. The Montana SV6 does, however, incorporate more of the features that todays minivan buyers are looking for, along with a more powerful engine. Additionally, structural upgrades, including a longer, reinforced front end and a stiffer occupant compartment, have improved the vans crashworthiness. Seat-mounted side airbags for first- and second-row occupants are optional, but theres still no protection in the third row. Inside, the Pontiac Montana SV6 seats seven, and the fold-flat third-row seat offers a 50/50 split, allowing families to carry a mix of passengers and cargo.

The SV6 is more family-friendly than the old Montana, as Pontiac has taken Hondas example and installed folding center trays (with cupholders) between the first- and second-row captains chairs. An overhead rail system provides rear-seat access to climate and entertainment functions, and can be customized to families liking with various storage containers. In addition to the usual rear DVD entertainment system, the SV6 is available with a PhatNoise mobile digital media system that allows owners to store thousands of MP3s and/or several dozen movies on a removable 40-gigabyte storage device. Were not entirely sold on the whole "crossover sport van" concept. To our eyes, the Montana SV6 looks more like a minivan with a really big and flat front end. Subjective styling issues aside, the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 offers budding families a myriad of interior features and solid overall competence, but still doesnt match the driving dynamics, safety features or conveniences of the best-in-class minivans.

Powertrains and Performance:

The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 200 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, and Pontiac offers this engine for the front-wheel-drive Montana SV6 as well as the all-wheel-drive version. A 3.9-liter V6 with 240 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque is optional, but only on the front-wheel-drive SV6.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:

The Pontiac Montana SV6 van comes in one size and trim level. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an eight-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, the OnStar communications system, cruise control, keyless entry and power windows, mirrors and locks. An upgrade option package includes a passenger-side power-sliding door, a power driver seat, a sport suspension, rear air conditioning, alloy wheels and additional interior storage. An all-wheel-drive system is available, and includes an automatic load-leveling rear suspension and an inflator kit. An optional PhatNoise mobile digital media system allows owners to store thousands of MP3s and/or several dozen movies.

Other noteworthy options include dual power-sliding side doors, leather seating, a 115-volt A/C outlet, trip computer, rear parking assist, heated seats and a remote vehicle starting system. A sport package, featuring the 3.9-liter V6, 17-inch chrome alloys, engine cooler and sport badging is optional. The SV6 is also one of the few minivans to offer factory-installed mobility options, including a lowered floor and a sit-and-lift second-row seat.

Interior Design and Special Features:

The Pontiac Montana SV6 seats seven, and the fold-flat third-row seat offers a convenient 50/50 split. A pleasing color scheme with faux metal accents brightens up the vans interior. Folding center trays (with cupholders) between the first- and second-row seats are available. An overhead rail system provides rear-seat access to climate and entertainment functions, and can be outfitted with various storage containers. Springing for the PhatNoise digital media system saves you the hassle of juggling DVDs on road trips, while an optional remote vehicle start system makes it easy to warm up the van on cold mornings.

Safety:

All models come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Side-impact airbags for first- and second-row occupants are optional, but theres no protection for passengers seated in the third row. The StabiliTrak stability control system is optional. The NHTSA gave the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 a perfect five-star rating for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal crashes. For side-impact crashes, the SV6 earned four stars for protection of front occupants and five stars for the rear occupants. In frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, Pontiacs minivan earned a "Good" rating (the highest).

Driving Impressions:

The standard V6 power plant is down on power compared to its competitors, so we recommend you opt for the stouter 3.9-liter V6. The Montana SV6s suspension is on the soft side, yielding a smooth ride and average handling for this class. Upgrading to the sport suspension (part of the Convenience Package) does provide more responsive handling, though maneuverability in tight spaces is still compromised by the vans large turning radius.

Pros: The styling. Its not your average Mini Van, but it has all the amenities of a great family car. It is easy to get into,with its power doors and being low to the ground.

Cons: It should have a sportier feel, not tan carpeting. Also, seeing out of the rear view window can be tricky.

Overall Review:

I love this car. It handles well. It looks good and is easy to get into, (power doors, space). I feel safe in it. It keeps the kids quite and entertained. I have and will heghy reccomend this car to anyone looking for the ultimate family car, without a huge price tag.

Overview

The Chrysler Group staged a furious blizzard inside the 2006 North American International Auto Show to create the proper environment for the debut of the all-new Chrysler Aspen, its first-ever full-size SUV.




As the flying snow began to subside, the first view of Chrysler’s first-ever SUV began to emerge, revealing a very formal and classically styled vehicle that Chrysler refers to as the 300C of sport-utility vehicles.

With a signature Chrysler grille similar to the 300C, a winged badge, available 20-inch chrome wheels and chrome trim, the Aspen is immediately recognizable as a Chrysler product.
Also familiar is the famous HEMI engine; Aspen can come equipped with an available 335-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with Multi-displacement System.

The Aspen offers seating for up to eight adults and premium amenities such as an available power rear liftgate, remote start, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, full-screen navigation radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, standard Electronic Stability Program, Park Sense, and tire pressure monitoring.

Aspen is smaller than many of the current full-size SUVs on the market, and should offer better fuel economy and better maneuverability while still offering full-size interior passenger and cargo room.

Other features include interior LED lighting, express-up windows, a full-screen navigation radio, heated first- and second-row seats, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and side-curtain airbags for all three rows.

"The all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen offers customers guilt-free indulgence," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Chrysler, Chrysler Group. "Loaded with premium features, stunning Chrysler design, fuel-saving MDS technology, standard safety features and best-in-class horsepower, torque and interior room, Chrysler Aspen offers more for less." While this last claim, "Chrysler Aspen offers more for less," is difficult to backup without any information about its purchase price, the Aspen does offer a pretty sophisticated top-line powerplant, and both engines come standard with Chryslers sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission, a gearbox that incidentally is derived from the unit which currently harnesses turbocharged V8 and V12 power from Mercedes-Benzs supercar-like AMG models.

First-class Interior

With three rows of seats, Chrysler Aspens interior is spacious and sophisticated. "

The interior of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen offers first-class travel," said Creed. "A warm and inviting, yet purposeful interior environment features soft touch surfaces finished with fine materials, as well as precise gauges and controls — details that exemplify the Chrysler brands image of beauty and elegance."

Chrysler Aspens instrument panel cluster features a large, centrally located speedometer and white-faced gauges outlined in chromed trim, providing easy-to-read displays for fuel, oil, volt/battery, odometer and speedometer readings. The center stack features Chrysler brands signature analog clock and an available full-screen navigation radio and temperature controls for front and rear occupants.

Available steering wheel-mounted controls keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while adjusting audio settings. An overhead console conveniently provides switch controls for the optional sun roof, power liftgate and universal garage door opener. In addition, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) is available with the overhead console and provides customer-programmable features, such as audio and security settings, as well as trip computer, compass and outside temperature data.

Designed for ease of use and added utility, Chrysler Aspens center console features a large covered storage bin and integrated cup holders. A 115-volt power inverter conveniently powers lap-top computers, cell phones and electric coolers.

Two interior color schemes are offered: two-tone Slate Gray or Dark Khaki with Light Greystone. Light wood-grain trim is featured throughout the cabin — on the center stack, steering wheel and door armrests — complemented by chromed door handles and trim.

Real-wheel drive will be standard, just like it is with the Durango. For a little more cash, Chrysler will provide one of two 4x4 systems, designed to tackle varying road and/or trail surfaces.

These are all-wheel drive electronic-shift transfer cases. The first, standard with the 4.7-liter V8, is a single-speed transfer case, capable of four-wheel-drive "high" operating modes only, and the second, a two-speed transfer case, standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, features an all-wheel drive high mode plus a four-wheel-drive low mode, for tackling more challenging terrain. Both transfer cases incorporate a 48/52 torque split between front and rear axles in AWD mode.

While the Aspen isnt small, if it indeed measures up to the Durango when in production trim, it will extend beyond the length of Chevys new 2007 Tahoe by about 2 inches. It will do so with three rows of seats, the rearmost of which can actually carry two adults in reasonable comfort when fitted to Dodges version of the big sport utility, carrying up to eight occupants when optioned with the second row bench seat.

Actually, Chrysler states that it has more passenger room and the largest cargo volume in its class, equaling 68.4 cu-ft behind the 40/20/40 split flat-folding second row of seats. Whether choosing the second row buckets or bench, their seatbacks recline by 11 degrees allowing a relaxing environment even for those in the rear.


Spacious and Versatile

With multiple seating and cargo configurations, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen achieves significant occupant flexibility. Second- and third-row seats feature ample leg, shoulder and hip room and conveniently fold flat.

Chrysler Aspen is available with a second-row 40/20/40 split bench seat or second-row heated bucket seats, each providing 11-degree reclining seat backs. Second-row bucket seats include a center console with dual cup holders, covered storage area and adjustable air outlets.

A flip-down, roof-mounted DVD screen is available for rear-seat occupants and a theater-style surround-sound audio system comes complete with eight Infinity® speakers. An available power rear liftgate opens with the touch of a button to provide easy loading and unloading of gear. In addition, rear doors open 84 degrees to provide passengers with easy entry and exit.

With best-in-class cargo capacity, offering 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo room with the third-row seats folded — the most common configuration of three-row seat SUVs — Chrysler Aspen easily surpasses other full-size SUVs.

Look for Aspens to show up in dealerships by fall 2006 with a starting price nearing $38,000. And, given the popularity of fully loaded special packages, expect a tuxed-out ride to push $48,000.

Other features include 60/40 fold-flat rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat, heated cloth seats with available leather, Yes Essentials easy-clean fabric, a heated and cooled cupholder, side and curtain airbags, and an available rear-seat DVD system. Again, pricing was not announced, but a chart showed it coming in under the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.



Specs


On Sale Date Fall 2006
Body Style Four-door SUV
Category Sport Utilities
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive; Four-wheel drive
Engine 4.7-liter 235-horsepower V85.7-liter 335 horsepower HEMI V8

With the new G6 sedan, coupe and retractable hardtop convertible selling well, the G5 (Pursuit) sedan and coupe pulling in Low sales and U.S. emission regulations have caused Pontiac to drop the Vibe GT (shown) and AWD models.

(Photo: General Motors of Canada) younger buyers and Wave a good alternative to buying used, plus the Torrent crossover SUV making new friends where the Aztek turned many potential customers off of the brand entirely, Pontiac is undergoing a metamorphosis, but all the change isnt only due to new models. Rather it will soon be caused by the elimination of some long-time regulars.



Although, before Pontiac says goodbye to its Montana SV-6, if rumour about its minivan not suiting the brands sporting image is to be believed (reportedly it will soon be replaced by a cooler crossover), the GM division will axe two trim levels of its popular Vibe crossover wagon.

Gone after the 2006 model year (at least in the U.S.), due to U.S. emissions The all-wheel drive Vibe was expected to pull in more crossover-type buyers, but the less expensive and more powerful base model has sold better. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) regulation changes, is the top-line GT, sporting Toyotas high-revving 180-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder, the same as used in Toyotas fully-loaded Matrix XRS and Corolla XRS, as well as the least powerful all-wheel drive version. As it seems, only the base-level Vibe is selling well, and therefore it stays on at least throughout 2007.

"These changes would affect key structural components," Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager John Larson stated. "The cost of redesign is prohibitive."

While upcoming U.S. regulatory policy is tightening up, with an ultra-low emissions standard that the GT and AWD Vibes dont measure up to, you can bet The Vibes tall proportions make it a functional people and cargo hauler. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) that if either model were selling well the General would find a way to make it happen, even if the engines and drivetrains used are sourced from Toyota. The fact is, out of the 64,271 Vibes sold last year, up 9.1 percent from 2004, base models accounted for the majority of sales.

Pontiac may bring back the GT and AWD versions with the next-generation Vibe, but Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson made no guarantees.

"The GT and AWD are very low-penetrating models right now," commented Hopson. "Theres still a very good The Vibe offers one of the nicest interiors in GMs small car portfolio. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) possibility well resurrect both of those as we look at the next generation of the Vibe over the next couple of years."

The Vibe is the result of a joint GM/Toyota production facility dubbed New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California. Previous to the Vibe/Matrix crossover wagon twins, the NUMMI plant built the Toyota Corolla-based Chevrolet Nova. Reports suggest that NUMMI is profitable and that dropping the GT and AWD Vibes shouldnt indicate any end to the joint relationship.

According to Hopson, Pontiac will receive approximately 45,000 2006 model year Vibes from NUMMI, before production of the 2007 base Vibe begins in July.
source : www.auto123.com