This model sold in Europe and Asia could be described as a four-door, three-row minvan. Its new design seems to borrow from Honda’s current design language, which places a large brand badge front and center in a wide grille that’s flanked by sharply shaped headlights. The back of the Stream resembles a CRV with taillights that run up the rear all the way to the roof. The seven-seater with a fold-flat third row reminds us of what the Odyssey might have been had Honda not turned it into a traditional minivan here in North America. Traction control and an automatic transmission are standard on the base model, while a six-speed is for the sportier RSZ. It is still a bit unclear about what engine will be available, but probably there’ll be two, one of which will be a 1.8L i-VTEC. [source:www.autoblog.com]
Honda, Honda Stream, RSZ

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Toyota has reached great heights in the new-generation Tarago people mover. The eight-seat comfortable family wagon gets more space, more power yet improved fuel economy, a better chassis and greater safety.

Tarago is not the first people mover. The Volkswagen Kombi started it all before things like the (Isuzu) Holden Shuttle joined the fray. Toyota Tarago appeared here in 1983 as a 1.8-litre. As Toyota usually does, once it’s in there it does it very well and it does it for a long time.

Ten years ago, one in two people movers sold in Australia was a Tarago. Lower-priced (Korean) models have provided competition and now Tarago sales- number remains steady.

Originally, people movers started out as vans – one-tonne commercial vehicles with a few rows of extra seats bolted in. No amount of velour interior could disguise their teetering cornering, dodgy brakes, iffy steering, wheezy performance and fingers-crossed safety.

And what about now? Well, now a decent people mover is designed to be so from the start, with up to eight people, not cargo, the main concern.

This new Tarago is a fine example of that! [source:www.carsguide.news.com.au]

Toyota, Tarago  

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Good news! The Jeep brand is expanding into new territory. Jeep Compass 2007 is coming. This car in its all-new modern-style delivers fun, freedom, utility, excellent fuel efficiency and Jeep 4×4 capability at a terrific value. As for advantages, it combines the packaging and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup.

Compass is the first Jeep vehicle to offer fuel economy near 30 miles per gallon on the highway! Moreover, Compass also will be the Jeep brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics. And with Compass’ starting U.S. Manufacturer has suggested Retail Price of $15,985 (including a $560 destination charge). No need to say that the Jeep brand continues to grow by offering an affordable, modern-styled compact SUV designed to bring new customers to the brand. [source:www.automotoportal.com]

Jeep, Jeep 4×4, Jeep Compass 2007

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