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Toyota's Corolla-based 2008 Matrix hatchback combines the versatile layout of an SUV with the frugality of a small passenger car. Two trim levels remain-Standard and XR-and both are powered by a 126-horsepower, 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder engine. The engine has variable valve timing for improved low-rev response, and is especially fuel-efficient, bringing EPA ratings of 26 city, 33 highway with the st..... |
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The Volvo S40 sedan and V50 wagon are both offered in two primary models for 2008: the 2.4i and the T5. The 2.4i models get a 2.4L five-cylinder engine making 168 horsepower, matched with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Sporty T5 models get a 227-horsepower, 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder, offered only with the five-speed auto. Both automatic transmissions have Geartroni..... |
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Subaru's 2008 Impreza, denoted "2.5 i," and its high-performance sibling, the WRX, are available as either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. The four-door sedan is about six inches longer than the hatchback, and the trunk can now hold three golf bags. On both models, the rear seats can be folded forward for more cargo capacity; on hatchbacks they fold forward for a flat loading floor.
The ..... |
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The compact 2008 Jaguar X-Type is available in two very well-equipped models: the 3.0 sedan and the Sportwagon. Both models are powered by a 227-horsepower 3.0L V6, which is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine is tuned for strong mid-range torque, which sees it dash to 60 mph in only 7.1 seconds while also returning 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway.
Both models come standard with Ja..... |
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BMW's 3-Series has always been an exemplar of how to combine luxury and sportiness, and this continues with the 2008 versions. The 328i features BMW's exceptional 3.0L engine, which uses double-VANOS technology to steplessly adjust both the intake and exhaust timing on way to producing 230 horsepower. The 335i models are powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the same six-cylinder. This gem of ..... |
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The all-new 2008 Scion xB keeps the boxy shape of the former model, but its edges become a little softer and it's a size larger overall. Length is up by about a foot, width by three inches, and wheelbase by four inches.
To handle the larger size and weight of the new xB, a larger 2.4L four-cylinder engine is standard. The engine, which is used throughout much of the Toyota model lineup and has var..... |
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The 2008 Ford Taurus X has one of the roomiest interiors of any vehicle its size, with three rows of versatile seating, and it's available in six- or seven-passenger configurations. With a special "stadium style" seating arrangement, the third-row occupants sit higher up than the second row, affording better visibility and more legroom than they would otherwise have.
With the second and third rows..... |
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