midterm report card
As automakers prepare to release their 2008 lineup of sedans in the upcoming months, the top sedans
of 2007 have been put to the test, and ro’s mid-term report card shows that a few manufacturers have
actually been doing their homework.
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2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan The 2007 Toyota Yaris could be the biggest surprise of 2007. Although the Yaris wasn’t as aesthetically pleasing as its cohorts, it proved to be the best bet to combat the rising prices at the gas pump. With an EPA rating of 34-mpg in the city and 40-mpg on the highway, drivers of the Yaris had a few more pennies in their pockets this semester. |
| 2007 Acura RL The RL furthers Acura’s reputation of being dependable and safe with its Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. The ACE body structure allows both drivers to be protected during car wrecks. Although Acura scored passing grades in the majority of its categories, it had to be reprimanded for its EPA rating. |
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2007 Audi RS4 Once only sold as a wagon and unavailable in the U.S., Audi decided to release the RS4 in a sedan version. Owners of the RS4 found that the aluminum body panels shed weight off of the car and allowed it to reach 62-mph in only 4.8 seconds. It also comes with a standard 4.2 liter V-8, 420 horsepower engine. For speed alone, the RS4 made the grade. |
| 2007 Volvo S80 Volvo introduced the new Volvo S80, which featured more safety technology than its predecessor. The new accident avoidance system alerts the driver when the vehicle is too close to another vehicle or foreign object. There is also a Whiplash Protection System that braces the seat back and moves the headrest forward so that the impact from an accident is reduced. With its added safety features, the S80 deserves its honor roll status. |
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