Car Sight

2008 Dodge Avenger

Call it the Charger’s bratty cousin. Or the Chrysler Sebring’s cool brother.

Call it the Charger’s bratty cousin. Or the Chrysler Sebring’s cool brother. Either one works – the Avenger looks like a smaller Charger, and mechanically, it’s close to the Sebring. A 173-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is standard, and options include 2.7- and 3.5-litre V-6s – the 3.5, part of the R/T package, cranks out 235 h.p. The Avenger has room for five, and features include a dashboard compartment that can chill up to four 350-ml beverage cans. Standard are air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and side-curtain airbags. Options include a sunroof, two-tone leather seats, rear-seat DVD entertainment unit and traction and stability control. www.dodge.ca

2008 Honda Civic

When the Honda Civic was launched way back in 1972, it was one of the most economical cars on the road…

When the Honda Civic was launched back in 1972, it was one of the most economical cars on the road. Now, 36 years later, the Civic has matured. With the arrival last year of Honda’s entry-level Fit, the sleek new Civic moves slightly upmarket, but it’s still plenty of car for the money. There are six trim levels. The base engine is a 140-horsepower 1.8-litre four, while a 197-h.p. 2.0 is the domain of the Si coupe and a new sedan. The Civic Hybrid gets power from an electric motor and a 90-h.p. 1.3-litre four. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a five-speed automatic optional. The Si gets a six-speed manual, while the Hybrid has a continuously variable unit. www.honda.ca

2008 Kia Rondo

Physically, the Rondo bears a passing resemblance to Kia’s mid-size Magentis sedan.

The Rondo resembles Kia’s Magentis sedan, but it’s nearly 25 centimetres taller. The Rondo’s interior is a model of practicality with lots of storage bins and cupholders. Both split-folding second- and optional third-row seats drop down flat. The base engine is a 162-horsepower 2.4-litre four with four-speed automatic transmission. For a bit more zip there’s a 182-h.p., 2.7-litre V-6 and five-speed automatic. Either powertrain can be had in base LX or optional EX trim. Standard are alloy wheels, a power package and a full range of safety equipment, including six airbags. Air conditioning is optional on the LX, but comes with the EX, as do heated outside mirrors, keyless remote entry, cruise control and more. www.kia.ca

2008 Pontiac G6

The 2008 G6 line has something for just about everyone, from thrifty family sedan to wind-in-your-hair…

The 2008 G6 line has something for everyone, from thrifty family sedan to wind-in-your-hair freeway cruiser thanks to a sleek retractable-hardtop convertible model. The base sedan comes with a 164-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder or optional 219-h.p. 3.5-litre V-6. The latter is standard on the GT sedan and GT coupe/convertible, with a 222-h.p. 3.9-litre V-6 as an option. The performance-inspired GXP sedan and coupe come with a 252-h.p. 3.6-litre V-6. The 2.4 and the 3.5 are mated to four-speed automatic transmissions, the 3.9 comes with a six-speed manual and the 3.6 with a six-speed automatic. Side-impact airbags and anti-lock brakes are part the standard-equipment bundle. gm.ca

2009 Toyota Corolla

Now in its 10th generation, the ever-popular Toyota Corolla is all new for 2009.

Now in its 10th generation, the Toyota Corolla is all new for 2009. Toyota turned its traditional development model inside out: Instead of developing a Corolla first for the Japanese market then adapting the design, Toyota set out to create a global standard car, incorporating the needs of drivers worldwide. Canadian-built and featuring a new body, chassis and suspension — along with more power — the ’09 Corolla is also roomier than its predecessor. There are two new four-cylinder engines: 1.8-litre or 2.4-litre — and three transmissions: five-speed manual and four- and five-speed automatics. Also new is electric power steering that eliminates hydraulic components and offers better control.