2009 Saab 9-3 Convertible Car

The 2009 Saab 9-3 is the entry-level Saab and the smallest car in the manufacturer's lineup. In addition to the convertible, it's also available as a sedan and wagon, the latter referred to as the SportCombi. As a subsidiary of General Motors, the Saab 9-3 shares its underpinnings with vehicles like the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, among others. Two important features make the 9-3 stand out from its brethren: unique turbocharged engines and available all-wheel drive in sedan and SportCombi models. All-wheel drive is not available on the Saab 9-3 Convertible.




The base model 2009 Saab 9-3 Convertible costs $41,380 and is powered by a 210-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, mated either to a six speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Opt for the $50,385 Aero Convertible model and you get a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 producing a respectable 280 hp, powering the front wheels through a six speed manual or automatic transmission.

2009 Volvo S40 Car

We've generally been pretty high on the Volvo S40. It has consistently offered cutting-edge design, reassuring safety and a premium feel for many thousands less than perennial sport-sedan all-stars like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G35. But the 2009 Volvo S40 no longer offers the impressive value it used to -- the base price of the entry-level 2.4i has risen by more than $4,000 to roughly what the turbocharged T5 model cost last year. As for this year's T5, now known as the T5 R-Design, its base price has ballooned to $32,350, which pits it squarely against the aforementioned all-stars.

2010 Audi A3 TDI wonderful Car

2010 Audi A3 TDI wonderful Car


Fans of diesel engines and German engineering will have another reason to rejoice in early 2010. The Audi A3 will be available with a 2.0-liter TDI engine for American drivers.

Few would argue the Audi A3 is a very competent little hatchback, or that the current 2.0-liter turbo-four and 3.2-liter V-6 are fantastic gas engines, but the availability of an equally fantastic diesel engine can only increase the appeal of this little Audi. Americans will only be able to get the A3 TDI with the S tronic (DSG) transmission and front-wheel drive. Audi says this is because the A3 TDI exists solely for fuel efficiency, perhaps something to consider as a luxurious alternative to the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight which are also appearing at the 2009 Detroit auto show.


The A3's 2.0-liter TDI engine is shared with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, so it's no surprise the output is a familiar 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. EPA ratings for the Jetta are 29/40 mpg for front-wheel drive models with the DSG transmission and we expect similar figures for the A3. We also expect the Audi to be just as smooth and quiet as the Jetta TDI, if not a bit more refined.


Everything else in the little Audi should remain the same. A superb interior, hatchback capabilities, and lively driving dynamics won't be compromised by the diesel engine; you'll just go a little farther on each gallon of fuel. As a luxurious and sporty competitor to the increasing number of hybrids on the market, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI is clearly worth a look for eco-conscious people who also enjoy driving.

2010 Acura TSX V-6 Car

2010 Acura TSX V-6 Car


We never found Acura's TSX wanting for power, but in order to fill the gap between its entry-level model and the larger TL, the company's added a V-6-powered TSX model for 2010.

That V-6 is the same 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC V-6 found in the front-wheel-drive TL. It's still rated at 280 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque, which represents a 79 hp and 84 lb-ft jump over the 2.4-liter I-4. Helping channel that power are new 20-inch wheels and larger disc brakes, which are exclusive to the TSX V-6.


Opting for the six-banger also yields buyers features like leather seating, a power sunroof, and a seven-speaker audio system as standard equipment. Acura's Technology Package, which includes navigation, real-time traffic updates, and a ten-speaker Panasonic/ELS surround sound system, remains an optional extra.

Certainly this sounds like an attractive option, but it comes with one caveat: there's no manual transmission. The TSX V-6 comes standard with Acura's five-speed automatic transaxle, and though it does offer a manual mode and requisite shift paddles, we'll miss the silky-smooth six-speed manual offered on four-cylinder cars.

Acura's surprisingly quiet on most details about this car, but promises we'll know learn more closer to the TSX V-6's launch this summer. Pricing hasn't been announced, but we'd estimate base prices hovering around $32,000 - right between the four-cylinder TSX and the front-wheel-drive TL.