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Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sport Combi

Everyone has that fun ex-girlfriend you keep going back to even
though you know she's all wrong for you. Or that reality show you can't
stop watching even though you know it's rotting your brain. You like
them, but doing so doesn't make any rational sense.

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Pontiac Vibe GT

But we all know that a pretty exterior doesn't guarantee similar
levels of pulchritude on the inside, and the Vibe is proof of this
maxim. The car's cabin suffers from a bad case of generic-itis. With
controls straight out of corporate sponsor Toyota's parts bin, material
quality and design are about as lively as an afternoon nap.

Peugeot reveals 308 RC Z Concept Car

• Concept expected to become reality

• 218bhp from 1.6-litre motor

• Car seen as potential Audi TT rival

Peugeot will launch its Audi TT-rivalling 308 RC Z Concept Car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The 2+2 coupe is being presented as a concept car, but it is expected to go into production.

The front closely resembles the 308 small family car, while the
curved roof panel has been designed to negate the need for a rear
spoiler.

The RC Z is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine
developed from the one in the 207 GTi, and gives 218bhp. Carbon dioxide
missions are 160g/km.

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Nissan GT-R: Comfort

The backseat is the losing end of a 2+2 affair with very little
leg- and headroom. It's best suited for kids, and we found that two
child seats will fit back there…albeit with great effort.

Test Drive: 2009 Acura RL Comfort

Around town and on the highway, the cabin remains as hushed as a
public library on a Friday night. And that quiet cabin is the perfect
backdrop for the Bose audio system. As a rare treat, the system plays
DVD-A discs that give true 5.1 surround sound. Bose noise-canceling
technology further enhances the listening experience.

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Nissan Rogue SL 2WD

Who Should Buy This Vehicle?

Someone looking for a fuel-efficient and comfortable small
crossover for everyday commuting duties, for whom styling takes
precedence over utility. If utility is a top priority, the RAV4 or CR-V
may make more sense. For a middle ground between style and utility, try
the Mitsubishi Outlander.

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Honda CR-V EX-L

Comfort

All four usable seats in our 2008 Honda CR-V EX-L test vehicle were
quite firm (the narrow and rock-hard center rear seat really isn't
viable for anyone on a regular basis); those passengers with less
natural padding might find them a little uncomfortable for longer
trips. Some of our editors also took issue with the EX-L's eight-way
power-adjustable driver seat lumbar support, declaring it too
aggressive even at its lowest setting. We did like the front-seat side
bolsters, finding them snug and secure without being constrictive.

Honda CR-V EX-L

Design/Fit and Finish

The previous-generation CR-V's boxy, trucklike styling is gone, and
shoppers can make up their own minds about the rounded profile of the
2008 Honda CR-V. Inside the cabin, we found the materials weren't
luxurious, but nice enough that we didn't feel let down considering our
test EX-L's near $30,000 price. There was decent-quality leather on the
front seats, but the hides covering the backseat were a bit hard. The
dashboard, center console and doors sported a tasteful mix of matte
plastics, some with a brushed aluminum look and others with a subtle
metallic-flecked sheen that managed not to be shiny. Panel gaps were
even and build quality was solid overall.

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2009 Kia Borrego V8 4WD: Function

The array of technology and gadgets inside the 2009 Kia Borrego is
impressive, especially considering the spartan models of Kias past. The
optional touchscreen navigation is logical and easy to use, although
the voice recognition system sometimes had trouble understanding us.
The 10-speaker Infinity audio system produces enjoyable sound, and the
inclusion of a USB port (which also allows for manual updates of the
nav system), auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and in-dash, six-CD
changer gives driver and passengers many entertainment options and
keeps the Borrego competitive in the segment.

Saturn Astra XR Coupe Performance

On the track, our 2009 Saturn Astra Coupe didn't break any records.
It made it from zero to 60 mph in an underwhelming 8.9 seconds and
reached the quarter-mile in 16.6 seconds at 83.9 mph. Through the
slalom, the Astra's average speed was 66.4 mph. We felt quite a bit of
body roll, but the car was still fairly confident and easy to drive.
Brakes were average; our three-door stopped from 60 mph in 126 feet.

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