NADAguides.com Track Tests More Than 80 New Cars and SUVs; Company's Lead Auto Expert Weighs in on Favorites
COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 4, 2007 -- It's not every day car shoppers get the opportunity to track test their favorite new car makes and models -- to put them through rigorous handling and maneuverability paces on a closed race track. In fact, most track tests in the U.S. are shut down to the general car buying public, and instead open only to professionals in automotive-related industries.
One such professional, Mark Perleberg -- lead auto expert at NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/), a leading vehicle information website -- recently had the opportunity to test drive more than 80 of the nation's most popular new vehicles in a variety of categories and today, he weighs in on some highlights from that recent track test experience.
"One of my favorites was the Sport Sedan category," said Perleberg, "and my nod for that category's best-of-breed goes to the 2007 BMW 335i. BMW practically invented the segment of sporty sedans over 40 years ago, and its latest entry will satisfy even the strongest of critics. This car offers predictable handling, a smooth ride and an engine that pulls all the way to redline."
With 300HP and 300 pound-feet of torque, the 335i track tested an acceleration time of zero to 60 in approximately 5.0 seconds, according to Perleberg.
In that same category, Perleberg's second choice was a relative newcomer, the 4.5L, 8cylinder Infiniti M45.
"There's a lot to like about the M45," said Perleberg. "Even though it lacks the heritage of its German competitors, it's a worthy opponent in this category. I'm confident we're going to see a progression of production excellence as Infiniti fine tunes this vehicle's drive-ability and design features in future iterations."
Up next? The Sub-Compact category, to which Perleberg paid particular attention, and to which more and more economically-minded car buyers are turning.
"My hands-on favorite was the 2007 Honda Fit," said Perleberg. "I loved this car's free-revving engine, solid fit-and-finish and a well-positioned interior giving it a confident edge over the competition."
And if roominess is what you're looking for, Perleberg suggests the '07 Nissan Versa (also in that same category), with a roomy front and rear cabin and a fair amount of storage space through the hatchback.
"All that space gives this vehicle a love-it or hate-it body style," said Perleberg, "but if interior room is what you need, the Versa is worth a look."
Perleberg says the Versa is extremely practical too, registering 28MPG (City) and 35MPG (Highway), 368 miles on one tank of gas and an average cost of $1.88 to drive 25 miles, according to recent statistics.
Perleberg's Sub-Compact honorable mention went to the 2007 Ford Focus ZX3, a peppy competitor to its Japanese competition, offering great mileage and a price tag of thousands less than the competition.
"When you add the available incentives and rebates packages to the Focus, it's a perfect fit for the practical, 'drive-from-point-A to point-B' car buyer."
To learn about the cars featured here, as well as virtually every new and used car, truck and SUV on the market today, log onto NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/) for more information.
About NADAguides.com
N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle valuations and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company's consumer website, NADAguides.com (www.NADAguides.com), offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. Throughout its 73-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.