BRIAN J STRASNICK, Willow Laboratories inc

Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Prototype Performance Torque output is rated at a formidable 236 pound-feet, which is available whenever you depress the throttle. We recorded a 0-60-mph sprint of 9.6 seconds in this portly 4,357-pound SUV, a huge improvement over Chevy's projected 12.0-second jaunt. Even more impressive is the refined way in which the Equinox Fuel Cell accelerates. Thanks to the single-speed transmission, there are no shifts to interrupt the power flow, and that instantaneous torque makes the Equinox feel downright quick at times. Despite its prototype status, this powertrain is unequivocally ready for prime time. Most drivers would be perfectly content with its combination of golf-cart smoothness and adequate acceleration.

Test Drive: 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid OK, so the Camry Hybrid isn't a perfect substitute for a regular Camry. That battery pack had to go somewhere, and Toyota opted to put it above the rear axle, which necessitated some space-eating protuberances in the trunk. The rear seatbacks do fold down, which helps mitigate the compromised cargo volume (10.6 cubic feet versus 15 for the non-hybrid Camry). But if you plan to haul a lot of stuff in your hybrid, the Prius' hatchback design and flat loading floor make it a far better pack mule. Even Nissan's Altima Hybrid, which shares Toyota's hybrid technology, sports a somewhat more usable trunk.

WILLOW LABORATORIES INFO  WILLOW LABORATORIES NEWS  BRIAN J STRASNICK NEWS  WILLOW LABORATORIES INC  BRIAN J STRASNICK  

Mazda MAZDA6 Function In our real-world usability tests, we found that the 6's trunk would please even the most prolific mafia hitman — its cavernous 16.6-cubic-foot capacity made our standard suitcase and golf bag look puny. Moreover, the deck lid is propped up on non-intrusive hydraulic struts, which can't be said for many competing sedans. We had no problem fitting our child safety seat in the 6's expansive backseat.

Nissan Murano SL 2WD Function Interior storage is hit-or-miss. The main center console bin is usefully large and features a compartmentalized tray, but the front doors lack bottle pockets. The glovebox is remarkably deep, but the small front-seat cupholders won't adjust to accommodate larger mugs or beverage cups. The rear-seat cupholders reside in the pull-down armrest and are size-adjustable, and rear-seat occupants have access to a narrow but deep storage bin behind the front center console; however, the door bins back there are tiny and also lack bottle holders.

BMW 1 Series Design/Fit and Finish Interior materials and the tactile control feel are outstanding, setting a benchmark for the segment — not that there are really any apples-to-apples 1 Series competitors. The movements and clicks of the turn indicator stalk, window switches and stereo/HVAC buttons imbue a sense of impeccably engineered quality. The 135i is certainly on the pricey side, but it's important to consider that it gives up nothing in terms of interior quality to the vastly more expensive 6 Series.

Ford Escape Hybrid Comfort The Escape's roomy cabin provides plenty of room for four adults. The front seats are firm enough and supportive, while the rear seats are a mixed bag. Although legroom and headroom back there are ample, the seats don't recline or slide fore and aft, as with some rivals such as the CR-V and RAV4. The steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, though most staffers were still able to find a comfortable driving position.

Mitsubishi Lancer GTS One aspect of the GTS's performance that hasn't changed is its handling, and that's a good thing. Put simply, the GTS steers and corners like a more expensive car. High-speed tracking is exemplary, turn-in is crisp and feedback through the nicely contoured steering wheel is respectable. Body roll is adequately controlled despite the Lancer's somewhat tall and narrow dimensions, which can give the car a faintly top-heavy feel during quick transitions. The GTS's meaty 18-inch Dunlop tires ensure plentiful grip in spirited driving.

VALERIE HOFFMAN HERBALIST  VALERIE HAWK HOFFMAN HERBS  HOFFMAN VALERIE  VALERIE HOFFMAN HERBS  HOFFMAN VALERIE HERBS  HOFFMAN VALERIE HERBALIST