Talks About Cars

Volkswagen AG has recently announced that German super model Heidi Klum and her husband Seal had a three-year contract that allows the couple to promote Volkswagen models.

During a recent press release in Germany, Stephan Grühsem, head of Group Communication at Volkswagen said: “Klum and Seal are a modern patchwork family. They are natural and unpretentious personalities, tolerant and globally orientated – and thus represent values which can be attributed to Volkswagen, too. Our relationship has turned into a real friendship. Seal truly has petrol in his blood. He is extremely savvy when it comes to knowing the ins and out of our automobiles. And since Heidi Klum also has long-standing ties to Volkswagen, it seemed only natural to devise a promotion concept that would accommodate both of them as a couple. It is their first joint appearance as brand ambassadors"

Grühsem added: “With the Volkswagen Tiguan we want to take new innovative directions – not only with regard to the car itself, but also with respect to how we present it,” explains Jochen Sengpiehl, the head of Marketing at Volkswagen. An analysis revealed that Heidi Klum and our brand are an ideal fit. She is authentic, radiates a zest for life and Volkswagen buyers are able to identify with her."

In the other hand, Seal has already been a part of Volkswagen since the introduction of Volkswagen Passat last 2005. He also appeared at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show and in Las Vegas during the presentation of the Audi R8.

Seal also commented:
"I told the VW guys that they should leave the Tiguan with us in Los Angeles …a great car: nimble, fast and full of technical refinements. My garage is full of products from Volkswagen. If it was possible I would testdrive every new car from them coming out. "

Volkswagens agreement with Heidi Klum and Seal will start with the marketing campaign for the all new VW Tiguan model. The new ad will conquer print ads, TV commercials, and the internet. Seal's new single “Living the Right Life" will be featured in the TV commercial.

Mark Salem, talk show host and ASE Certified Master Technician said that the upcoming winter season can cause major problems in your car than any other season. That is why he suggests some significant preventive maintenance tips for all car owners to prevent their car's from damage due to the harsh and freezing temperatures.

Salem recommends the following seven winter preparation tips:

1. Engine Tune Up
"Get engine problems such as hard starts, stalling and hesitations corrected now. Cooler weather makes existing problems worse. Waiting to address an issue will often cost you more."

2. Cooling System
"Have your cooling system flushed and filled according to the recommendation found in your owner’s manual"

3. Oil
Owners should consider using synthetic oil. These oils will help the car to operate more efficiently, making it easier for the driver to start in cooler temperatures, said Salem.

4. Battery
According to Salem, car owners should check the car's battery power and clean all surfaces of the battery. In addition, also try to make sure that all of the connections are tight, as dirty cables and loose battery connections can cause electrical system problems.

5. Brakes
"Keeping your brake system in top shape should be a priority, as the brakes are the most important safety feature on your vehicle. Make sure to have your vehicle’s brake pads, fluid levels and emergency brake inspected as well", said Salem.

6. Tires
Salem said, "examine your tires’ tread, checking for excessive wearing and side wall damage. Replace worn tires promptly and regularly rotate the tires on your vehicle." He also added that in case you cant find the guide for the proper inflation of your tires, you should inflate your tires to 35 psi.

7. Heater and Defroster
"Don’t put off checking the heater and defroster to ensure they are working properly before the cold weather hits. Visibility and passenger comfort depend on it."

Salem added: "As the weather cools off and the leaves begin to fall, take some steps to prepare your vehicle for the cold months ahead. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way. Don’t wait for signs of car trouble to alert you to a problem with your vehicle, especially as cooler weather begins to set in. Instead, be proactive when it comes to preventative maintenance and increase the engine life of your vehicle. You may also save yourself some potential hassles in the process."

About a week ago, German luxury automaker Mercedes Benz unveiled the C-Class station wagon (Estate) at the recent 2007 International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, IAA) in Frankfurt. And now, Mercedes Benz celebrated the production launched of the vehicle at the Bremen plant.

“As our employees successfully mastered the launch of the new C-Class sedan last March, they are well prepared to also bring the station wagon version onto the road in top quality. We’re extremely proud that Bremen is the home for all C-Class station wagons worldwide.” said Peter Schabert, head of the plant.

The new Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate now features a large volume capacity and increased luggage space, offering an excellent functionality and capability. The Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate also comes with numerous features inside and out and a wide range of powertrain options for customers. Mercedes Benz offers four-cylinder engines with power outputs 156 hp up to 183 hp, and V6 variants with 204 hp up to 272 hp, depending on the model trim level.

Standard and optional features of the Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate include:

- AGILITY CONTROL suspension system with situation-responsive shock absorber
- ADAPTIVE BRAKE system with extra functions for added safety and comfort
- THERMATIC automatic climate control with dual-zone air-conditioning
- crash-active NECK-PRO head restraints and flashing brake lights
- multifunction steering wheel
- 4.5-inch display in the cockpit
- light alloy rims
- wide base tyres of size 205/55 R 16 (ELEGANCE) and 225/45 R 17 (AVANTGARDE)
- silver-coloured roof railing
- front sport seats
- three-spoke leather steering wheel
- sport pedals and shift paddles on the steering wheel
- side skirt panels in AMG styling
- sports suspension package with 17-inch light alloy rims and wide base tyres of size 225/45 R 17 (front) and 245/40 R 17 (rear)
- Intelligent Light System
- PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection
- multicontour front seats
- panoramic sliding sunroof
- COMAND APS multimedia system with hard drive navigation and voice control
- continuously variable electronic control of the shock absorbers and costs
- EASY-PACK boot lid tailgate
- aluminium interior trim
- 18-inch model “Pulaha” with five slender twin spokes, in size 7.5J x 18 ET 47 with 225/40 R18 tyres for the front wheels, and size 8.5J x 18 ET 58 with tyres 245/35 R18 for the rear wheels
- roof spoiler
- indicator lamps in chrome look
- four-spoke wood/leather steering wheel
- Illuminated door sill panels made of brushed stainless steel let
- Bluetooth telephony
- CD changer with iPod Interface Kit

In addition, Mercedes Benz also released the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the C-Class Estate. Check out below for the complete list. Prices are in Euro along with the USD equivalent.

Mercedes Benz C 180 KOMPRESSOR - 31,713.50 ($44,300 USD)
Mercedes Benz C 200 KOMPRESSOR - 33,796.00 ($47 209 USD)
Mercedes Benz C 230 - 36,176.00 ($50,534 USD)
Mercedes Benz C 280 - 37,366.00 ($52,196 USD)
Mercedes Benz C 350 - 46,053.00 ($64,331 USD)
Mercedes Benz C 200 CDI - 33,617.50 ($46,960 USD)
Mercedes Benz C 220 CDI - 35,938.00 ($50,201 USD)
Mercedes Benz C 320 CDI - 42,483.00 ($59,344 USD)
Mercedes Benz C 320 CDI 4MATIC - 47,124.00 ($65,827 USD)

I hope we could see some of these Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate models to arrive in U.S. shores someday.

N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com), one of the leading publishers of pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs on the web has released some tips for car owners to help them maintain the value of their vehicle models. According to NADAguides.com, maintaining car value can allow owners to get bigger amounts during resale or trade.

Check out the five important tips below from Don Christy Jr, NADAguides.com's President and Chief Executive Officer.

1. Less is more.
"At resale or trade-in time, excessive mileage can negatively impact a vehicle's value. Lower mileage means the potential for a higher resale or trade-in value, so try to avoid driving excessive miles as much as you possibly can."

2. Service with a smile - and a receipt.
"Not only does regular service help you avoid costly or unnecessary repairs, it demonstrates to a potential buyer that your vehicle has been properly and regularly maintained -- a factor that could end up netting you more money from a buyer at resale time or from a dealer at trade-in time."

3. Beware of wear and tear.
"People should avoid excessive wear and tear. Things like driving off-road or on rough road conditions or driving at excessive speeds should be avoided, in addition to 'riding' the clutch or the brakes. as well as over-hauling. During the time you own your vehicle, treat it with respect. It will pay off in the long run."

4. Keep it clean.
"Regular detailing helps you stay ahead of the elements. Waxing the exterior and using protectants on the trim and upholstery helps to prevent damage from things like the sun, road salt and stains from food and dirt."

5. Keep it covered.
"Not only does the sun fade paint, it fades upholstery and trim too. Extremely cold weather can wreak havoc on mechanical components, along with exterior damage caused by sleet and ice. The ideal situation is a climate-controlled or enclosed garage or storage area. If that's not possible, parking your vehicle under a carport or under a vehicle cover at the very least to protect it from the elements."

Try to follow these tips from Mr. Christ. Im sure you wont regret it.

The recent 2007 Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services Study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates shows that AutoTrader.com is the best website for satisfying dealers with online buying services for new and used vehicle models. The 2007 Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services Study determines the leading online automotive services and information that offers buying guides and services.

According to Steve Witten, executive director of marketing/media research at J.D. Power and Associates: "As products and services offered by online lead service providers continue to evolve, so does dealer satisfaction with those services. However, with dealer satisfaction averaging 585 on a 1,000-point scale for the new-vehicle lead segment and 613 for the used-vehicle lead segment, there remains considerable room for improvement in delivering the level of service dealers expect. In particular, the quality of leads is of prime importance to dealers regarding new-vehicle leads, while quantity is emphasized for used-vehicle leads."

Mr. Witten added: "Walk-in and call-in shoppers receive responses in a more timely manner at auto dealerships compared with online lead shoppers. An opportunity exists for dealers to improve on the return on their investment in lead services by paying as much attention to online leads as they would to in person or phone sales leads and by responding just as quickly."

The automotive websites are being ranked by J.D. Power staff in two major categories: independent new-vehicle and independent used-vehicle. In addition, rankings are based on five major criteria including business generation, dealer support and service, fees, transmission of leads, and advertising. J.D. Power rates the websites based on 1,000 point scale and AutoTrader.com earned the highest rating with 628 points in the New-Vehicle Lead Services Segment, and 672 for the Used-Vehicle Lead Services Segment.

Anyway, just check out the complete results of J.D. Power and Associates' 2007 Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services Study below.

Dealer Satisfaction Index Scores - New-Vehicle Lead Services Segment

AutoTrader.com 628
Dealix 616
AutoUSA 605
Cars.com 605
New-Lead Services Segment Average 585
Autobytel Inc. 584
CarsDirect 559
eBay Motors 541
Vehix.com 503

Dealer Satisfaction Index Scores - Used-Vehicle Lead Services Segment

AutoTrader.com 672
Cars.com 668
Used-Lead Services Segment Average 613
Autobytel Inc. 601
Dealix (UsedCars.com) 588
eBay Motors 554

Meanwhile, Mr. Witten concluded: "Most online leads include price inquiries, so the practice of withholding price information until after shoppers come into the dealership could conceivably deter them from buying at that dealership. However, dealers who have a policy of postponing price discussions until shoppers come to the dealership report higher sales close rates, on average, than dealers who offer pricing information online before a visit to the dealer. While shoppers increasingly are contacting dealers via e-mail during the vehicle shopping and selection process, personal contact between the shopper and dealership is still very important."

[source: J.D. Power and Associates]

After giving actor Will Ferrell the first model of BMW Hydrogen 7, the German automaker now rolls out the BMW Hydrogen 7 into Jay Leno's garage. Leno, the host of The Tonight Show was chosen by BMW to be one of the first high profile individuals including political leaders, celebrities, and prominent businessmen to have the BMW Hydrogen 7 as their driving machine for everyday use.

According to Leno, "As an avid car enthusiast I'm always interested in the future of automotive technology. With the BMW Hydrogen 7 I can experience all the fun and great features of a performance car, yet know that I'm being environmentally friendly at the same time! I look forward to driving the Hydrogen 7 and learning more about hydrogen as a fuel for our future."

The BMW Hydrogen 7 is now on Leno's so called "green garage". This garage uses a giant steam and natural gas engines. With his new BMW Hydrogen 7, Jay Leno said that he will upgrade his garage to cope up with the environmentally friendly shop equipment and products. BMW gave the Hydrogen 7 to Jay Leno as a part of the company’s Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program aims to promote the use of hydrogen fuel in the automotive industry.

Early last month, BMW gave the keys of a brand new Hydrogen 7 to actor Will Ferrell. Some celebrities and other personalities also wanted the BMW Hydrogen 7 on their garage include:

- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the "Ocean's 13" premiere in Hollywood
- Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori at the FOX All-Star Party in Santa Monica Richard Gere and Sharon Stone at the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin
- "An Inconvenient Truth" producer Davis Guggenheim
- Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck at the 2007 Academy Awards
- German Federal Minister for Economy and Technology Michael Glos
- Günter Verheugen ( Vice President of the European Commission)
- World renowned soprano Anna Netrebko
- and.. me. LOL!

Are looking for the best vehicle deals for this month? Then this one is for you.

IntelliChoice.com has released the popular “Best Deals of the Month” for September 2007. The “Best Deals of the Month” determines the vehicles, including new cars, vans, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with the best ownership cost value.

“Starting in September, consumers should be wary, because year-end closeouts can be a blessing and a curse. They may be welcome, especially in light of the current credit crunch, in that they can reduce monthly payments." said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com

"But the flip side is that this special money ‘on the hood’ can in certain circumstances accelerate depreciation and hurt resale value on vehicles that may have a long history of rebates. Buyers should always pay close attention to core ownership costs like refueling, maintenance and insurance premiums, rather than basing their decision solely on incentives. Moral of the story? No matter the time of year, shop for a vehicle with strong Cost of Ownership and then look for incentives on those vehicles. That is where bargains may lie.” he added.

Below is the list of the “Best Deals for the Month” for September 2007.

Subcompact Car - MINI Cooper Hatchback
Compact Car over $16,000 – Honda Civic Hybrid
Compact Car under $16,000 – Honda Civic Sedan
Midsize Car over $21,000 - Toyota Prius
Midsize Car under $21,000 - Toyota Prius
Convertible - MINI Cooper Convertible
Luxury Convertible - Audi A4 Convertible
Near Luxury Car - Lexus IS
Luxury Car - Lexus ES
Large Car - Hyundai Sonata
Base Sport Car - Honda Civic Si Coupe
Sport Car - Chevrolet Corvette
Sport Sedan/Wagon over $38,000 - Lexus GS Hybrid
Sport Sedan Wagon under $38,000 - Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan
Compact Utility/Crossover - Ford Escape Hybrid
Midsize Crossover - Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Luxury Crossover - Lexus RX 400h
Small Wagon - Toyota Matrix
Midsize/Large Wagon - Subaru Outback Wagon
Intermediate Utility - Hummer H3
Full-Size Utility - Toyota Sequoia
Luxury Utility - Lexus GX
Compact Pickup Truck 2WD - Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD
Compact Pickup 4WD - Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD ½ Ton - Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 2WD
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD ¾ Ton - Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD One Ton - Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD ½ Ton - Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 4WD
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD ¾ Ton - Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD One Ton - Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
Minivan - Honda Odyssey Passenger Van
Full-Size Van - Chevrolet Express 1500 Passenger Van
Cargo Van - Chevrolet Uplander Cargo Van

IntelliChoice.com selected these models based on certain criteria including car pricing, market conditions, lowest manufacturer consumer new car rebate, and other evaluations from other automotive resources.

Now it is up to you to choose your desired vehicle model. Watch out next month for another list of IntelliChoice.com's best deals.

South Korean automaker Kia has recently unveiled its latest concept model at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. Kia stirred the European crowd when it presented the all-new Kee sports coupe concept.

Check out what Kia Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer said regarding this new concept model:
"Kee refers to the English word ´key´ as the coupe embodies design elements which will become essential to the future ´look´ of Kia vehicles," explains Schreyer. "The coupe also represents the ´key´ which will open the door to success for our brand and acknowledges the Chinese and Korean word ´Ki´ - the cultural concept for life-force or spiritual energy. More than any other car-buyer, the sports coupe enthusiast knows instinctively when a car is right. Shape, proportion, stance and both tactile and emotional aspects all add up to a car that stirs the blood. At Frankfurt, Kia is revealing just such a car."

He added: "The Kee is a combination of all of those elements. It is a harmonious blend of everything that sets the sports coupe apart from the more functional vehicle that must undertake a range of activities. The sports coupe is single minded. It is about driving, pure and simple. It is about appearance, performance, emotion. Kee communicates a design language that will be seen on all future Kia products. This language has to be stated in certain elements of the visual representation - lines, shapes, details. And it has to be consistent and easy to understand. It must be visually strong and purposeful but capable of being transferred from this sports coupe concept to a city runabout, a family saloon, a load-lugging MPV or a go-anywhere SUV."

Initial highlights of the new Kia Kee include:

- four-seater, 2-door coupe body styling
- distinctive headlamps
- light-weight aluminium or plastic panels
- eye-catching LED cluster
- 20-inch diameter alloy wheels with 245/40 R 20 tires
- six-speed automatic transmission
- square-bottomed steering wheel are paddles
- 2.7-litre MUE-II engine, produces 200 PS
- new-style front grille will
- Length 4325 mm
- Width 1860 mm
- Height 1315 mm
- Wheelbase 2675 mm

Well, that's it for now. Maybe Kia will reveal other details of the production version of this model anytime soon, so you better watch out for it.

Only 1,000 individual units of this vehicle will roll out in Mercedes Benz dealerships this month. The sales of this exclusive and special edition model will go towards the charitable programs that support the awareness and treatment of breast cancer.

"The new C-Class is one of our most eagerly awaited new models. We're pleased to be able to take advantage of that enthusiasm in support of a cause that touches so many lives." said Steve Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.

Let us now take a look on what the exclusive 2008 Mercedes Benz C350 Sport Sedan has to offer for us American auto freaks.

According to Mercedes Benz, the Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan, "offers auto enthusiasts not only cutting-edge style, superior technical innovations and performance but the chance to help make a difference in the fight against cancer". The Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan comes with exclusive features inside and out with a touch of Mercedes Benz's motor sports division AMG. The car will be powered by a 3.5 liter V-6 engine that pumps out 268 hp. The Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan also comes withObsidian Black Metallic Paint, Exclusive Sahara Beige / Black Leather Interior, 18 inch AMG twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, Multimedia Package (HDD Navigation, Harman Kardon sound system, DVD changer, Voice Control), and an iPod Integration Kit.

Other features of the Mercedes Benz Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan include;
- Athletic new profile of the AMG lower bodywork
- AMG rear spoiler
- Sport sedan interior elements including gauges, sport steering wheel and pedals
- Black Birdseye Maple interior trim
- Special Edition for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE leather interior
- Power sunroof
- Eight-way power front seats with lumbar support
- Two-zone automatic climate control
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Central controller, and an LCD display screen
- SIRIUS satellite radio
- Heated front seats, rain sensor garage door opener
- Power-folding and auto dimming mirrors

Although Mercedes Benz did not yet release the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan, the company said they will raise about $1 million for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE.

"Hyundai has done an outstanding job understanding their target buyer and is creating the product that is 'ideal' for its buyers." said AutoPacific's President, George Peterson.

Hyundai won four vehicle segments in the award including:

- Most Ideal Premium Mid-Size Car: Hyundai Sonata
- Most Ideal Compact Car: Hyundai Elantra
- Most Ideal Compact Crossover SUV: Hyundai Tucson
- Most Ideal Minivan: Hyundai Entourage

"These awards are a reflection of Hyundai's continued commitment to our customers," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "The Hyundai brand stands for industry-leading quality, superior standard safety technology, and great value - with these values we'll continue to work hard to meet the expectations of our customers."

The 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award is based on the rating made by owners of 2007 model year cars and trucks. The rating shows how these vehicle models are "ideal" to owner's in terms of various criteria including exterior size, passenger roominess, cargo space, driver's seat comfort, driver's seat visibility, interior technology, power, ease of getting in and out, interior storage compartments, and tires and wheels. The results of the IVA also showed that "automakers that best understand their customers create the vehicles that are ideal for their core buyers."

Meanwhile, here is the complete winner's list of the 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award.

2007 Ideal Premium Brand: Lincoln
2007 Ideal Mainstream Brand: Mercury
2007 Ideal Product Segment: Large Car

Top rated 2007 Ideal Vehicles:

PASSENGER CARS
Premium Luxury Car - Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Aspirational Luxury Car - Infiniti G35
Large Luxury Car - Mercury Grand Marquis
Large Car - Mercury Montego
Luxury Mid-Size Car - Lincoln MKZ
Premium Mid-Size Car - Hyundai Sonata
Mid-Size Car - Saturn Aura
Image Compact Car - Audi A3
Compact Car - Hyundai Elantra
Economy Car - Toyota Yaris
Premium Sports Car - Porsche Cayman
Sports Car - Porsche Boxster
Sporty Car - Ford Mustang/Volkswagen Eos (tie)

PICKUPS, SUVS, and MINIVANS
Large Light-Duty Pickup - Nissan Titan
Large Heavy-Duty Pickup - GMC Sierra 2500
Compact Pickup - GMC Canyon
Minivan - Hyundai Entourage
Luxury Sport Utility - Land Rover Range Rover
Large Sport Utility - Ford Expedition/Chevrolet Suburban (tie)
Mid-Size Sport Utility - Ford Explorer
Compact SUV/Off-Road Vehicle - Suzuki Grand Vitara
Luxury Crossover SUV - Lincoln MKX
Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV - Ford Edge
Mid-Size Crossover SUV - Honda CR-V
Compact Crossover SUV - Hyundai Tucson

Finally, the Japanese automaker Suzuki releases the details and the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the all-new 2008 Suzuki SX4. Suzuki offer two variants of this model including the 4-door SX4 Sport and 5-door SX4 Crossover.

The SX4 Sport comes with a sophisticated 2.0-liter four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC
engine under its hood, capable of producing 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. amount of peak torque. This power unit is combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an available specially tuned 4-speed automatic transmission. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the engine to have fuel economy of 23 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway with automatic transmission.

Check out the other features of the Suzuki SX4 Sport below:

- KYB shock absorbers and standard stabilizer bars
- 17-inch wheel-and-tire package
- daytime running lights
- four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
- tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- safety-reinforced body with front and rear crumple zones
- driver and front passenger advanced airbags and side-impact airbags
- side curtain airbags
- front three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
- three-point emergency locking retractor rear seat belts
- ISO FIX-compliant child seat anchors and a high-mounted stop lamp
- large, triangular-shaped windows
- standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers or an available six-disc in-dash CD AM/FM/MP3 audio system with nine speakers (including subwoofer)
- XM Satellite Radio capability
- Bluetooth(R) connectivity option
- power windows, locks and mirrors
- remote keyless entry

Convenience Package adds
- cruise control
- leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls
- automatic climate control
- heated outside mirrors

Touring package adds
- six-disc CD player
- upgraded audio with nine speakers including subwoofer
- fog lamps
- rear spoiler
- Electronic Stability Program
- traction control system
- SmartPass

The base MSRP for the SX4 Sport is $14,770 plus $625 destination and handling charge.