"Out Of The Box" Alternatives To The Traditional Econo-Box
They're easy on gas - and easy on your wallet, too. But unlike the typical low-bucks/high-mileage economy car, these wagon-like, roomy-on-the-inside vehicles are good for more than just commuting. With tall roofs and large doors, they're easy to get into and out of. And with versatile interiors and plenty of cargo space, they can tackle road trips - or trips to the store - that aren't the typical economy car's strongest suit. Several also offer the bad weather bonus of available all-wheel-drive. And all are a lot more fun to drive than the traditional econo-box.Which vehicles might these be?
Compact crossovers.
Here's a sampling of the latest and greatest in crossover companions - "out of the box" alternatives to the traditional econo-box:
* 2007 Kia Rondo (base price $16,395) New for '07, the five-door Rondo looks a lot like a downsized minivan similar to the urban runabouts you see zipping around London or Tokyo. Like them, it's small on the outside, so it's well-suited to congested urban/suburban driving. And yet, the Rondo's got room enough for up to six passengers inside, thanks to an available third row seat and surprisingly generous head and legroom for everyone. That means it can work as a primary family car - especially for young families with toddlers and kids who haven't hit their teens yet. It can cart them and their stuff around to after-school activities just as well as a standard-sized minivan. But unlike the typical minivan, the Rondo can approach 30 mpg on the highway - vs. mid-low 20s for the typical minivan. And it's considerably less expensive "up front," too. Even loaded with options - including a 2.7 liter V-6 engine in place of the standard four-cylinder - the Rondo barely crests $20k "out the door." Base models come standard with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, CD-playing stereo, power windows/door locks, electronic stability control and full-row curtain airbags.
* 2007 Honda Element SC (base price $22,695) The Element is a boxy-looking five-door, 4-5 passenger "whazzat?" designed to appeal to active lifestyle Gen X and Gen Y types - and continues to be one of the most distinctive vehicles on the market. It's not handsome, maybe - but it has a friendly, low-key personality that's an appealing contrast to today's frantic, stress-crazed world of vehicular one-upmanship. It is pleasantly unpretentious, inexpensive and extremely versatile. Unusual features include drop-down, ambulance-style fold-down cots for beach parties or camping trips, a removable rear sunroof, backward-opening rear doors (and a pick-up truck-like split-folding tailgate out back), waterproof seats and a rubberized, "hose it clean" interior. If you are old enough to remember good-natured oddballs of the past like the '73-'74 VW Thing and the Subaru Brat of the early-mid '80s, you will recognize a kindred spirit in the Element - albeit one with modern amenities and safety upgrades, as well as a lot more cargo room (70-plus cubic feet with the back seats down). Fuel economy is solidly in the mid-20s, too.
* 2007 Suzuki SX4 (base price $14,999) Let's say you're in the market for a compact, AWD-equipped crossover sport wagon like the Subaru Impreza - but don't have the $18k Subaru wants for this model. Enter the Suzuki SX4. It's a new model for Suzuki and like the Impreza comes standard with all-wheel-drive - and similarly snarky exterior and interior styling. But its base price of $14,999 means it's exactly $3,000 less than the base model '07 Impreza - and thus, one of the least expensive new crossovers with standard AWD you can buy right now. The SX4 also has a pretty powerful engine for its class/price range. The standard 2.0 liter engine is rated at 143 horsepower, or about 10-20 more than typical front-drive economy car in this price range. It's not going to win you any races against the 173 horsepower Impreza - but then again, you'll have that extra three grand in your pocket for consolation. And its EPA rated mileage of 25 city/30 highway makes it one of the most economical AWD-equipped crossovers you can get right now.
* 2007 Jeep Compass (base price $15,550) The Compass offers traditional Jeep styling and (when equipped with the optional AWD system) Jeep-like surefootedness on snow and rain-slicked roads. But because it's built on a car-based chassis and has a car-like independent suspension, it's also a lot more civilized on road than traditional Jeeps like the Wrangler and Liberty. The interior of the Compass has been designed for versatility, with features like a fold-down front passenger seat that makes it possible to carry things like a surfboard (or even a kayak) inside the vehicle rather than by strapping it to the roof. Even base models get standard 17 inch wheels, full-length head/curtain air bags, traction control, MP3-capable stereo system with CD player and an easy-clean cargo area. Numerous options are available, too - including GPS, Sirius satellite radio and a booming Boston Acoustics audio system. Base models don't come standard with air conditioning, however - the one necessity that's missing from the "as it sits" package.
* 2007 Mazda5 (base price $19,350) Just 181.5 inches long and about 3,300-lbs., the Mazda5 is shorter and weighs about as much as a typical mid-sized sedan (a Toyota Camry is 189.2 inches long and weighs around 3,100 lbs.). But unlike any mid-sized sedan, it offers third row seating - and room for up to six people. Whoever gets to drive will also enjoy the available manual transmission, standard 17x6.5-inch alloy rims and 50-series, VR speed-rated high-performance tires and sport-tuned suspension. Throw it hard into a corner and see; you'll think you bought a Miata that seats six. The Mazda5 can also tickle 30 mpg on the highway - the definition of having your cake and eating it, too.
