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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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Four different Magnum models are offered, each having a different engine underhood and a different appeal based on its equipment and price. First, there's the value-minded base SE, which includes a 186-horsepower, 2.7L V6 engine. Next up is the mid-range, more luxurious SXT model, which gets a 250-horsepower, 3.5L V6. Near the top of the line is the sporty and very well equipped R/T model, which b..... |
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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 A3, Audi's first hatchback for the U.S. market, celebrated its third birthday in 2008, continuing to tout itself as "the first four-door car with the sportiness of a TT coupe."
The base engine is a smooth 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, and is available with front-wheel drive. The 2.0T comes standard with a great six-speed manual gearbox that ..... |
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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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Both the Volvo V70 and XC70 come only with a 3.2L in-line six-cylinder engine for 2008, making 235 horsepower and hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic manual selection.
On the outside the new wagons get a softer, more aerodynamic look in front, with the distinctive Volvo "eggcrate" grille, yet they maintain a roofline that doesn't significantly compromise cargo space.
Th..... |
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Subaru's 2008 Outback is offered with three different engines, depending on the model. Base, 2.5 i, and 2.5 i Limited models get a 169-horsepower, 2.5L horizontally opposed four; the sporty 2.5 XT Limited gets a 243-horsepower, 2.5L turbocharged flat-four; and the 3.0 R L.L. Bean gets a smooth, 245-horsepower 3.0L flat-six.
Models with the base four-cylinder engine have a five-speed manual or fou..... |
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