Entries tagged with “crossover” from Car & Caboodle

AutoBlog: C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S.

AutoBlog reports that Ford officials have confirmed their intent to bring the Kuga, a compact CUV, and the C-Max, a people-moving cousin of the Mazda5, to the US. No details yet on when we can expect their arrival, but it's good to see that Ford is willing to bring some new  family-friendly vehicles across the Atlantic.

Gizmag: Tummy Shield seat belt keeps mother and baby safe

Auto-related injuries are the leading cause of fetal loss in pregnant women, and there is a new product out of Australia that aims to stop that loss. The Tummy Shield certainly isn't the first maternity seat belt adapter, but the design is definitely interesting!

Car and Driver: Chrysler extends $2.99 gasoline deal

Chrysler's promotion guaranteeing $2.99 gas for three years is generating lots of waves in the automotive industry, and has reportedly increased traffic up to 20% in showrooms since the May 7 Launch. Originally slated to end June 2, executives have extended the promotion until July 7. The Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Journey and the Chrysler Sebring are selling the best in this promotion.  Less thrifty vehicles like the SRT line, Viper and Jeep Wrangler do not apply.

Kelley Blue Book: 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles

Kelley Blue Book has put together a list of the Best New Road Trip Vehicles for 2008, with some... interesting... choices on board. I don't think i'd bring any Cheerios or Goldfish if we were going to Grandma's in my Bugatti!

The Car:  2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

First Impressions: With the popularity of Toyota's Prius Hybrid, we were excited to try out the family-friendlier hybrid from Toyota, the Highlander. The hybrid engine is a real attractive option for families these days, with gas prices going up over $4 a gallon. While some claim the savings at the pump and increased fuel economy are a mere "feel good" factor, we've found that spending $80 on a tank of gas does not make us feel good. In fact it makes us feel bad, so bring on the SUV that makes us feel good!

Price Point: $34 - $40,000

Mileage:  28/25 - The hybrid model of the Highlander boasts the best mileage of any CUV currently on the market

Best for Families:  With three kids or less. Although there is ample access to the third row seating, there is very little storage when the third row seating is in use, making this a better full time vehicle for families who will only want to use the third row as an option for carpooling and occasional trips, not fulltime.

One of the more interesting family crossover cars at the LA Auto Show was the Ford Flex (see our slideshow).  As an alternative to the minivan or SUV, I found the boxy design of the Flex to be refreshingly different look.  At first glance, you can tell the Flex is a big enough car that can accommodate large families.  Set to sell in summer 2008, some family friendly features include an interior refrigerator, second-row footrests, Ford Sync™ in-car communications and entertainment system, and a 2,300-song personal juke box.  Looks like there's hope yet for those families wanting to avoid the all-purpose minivan.

Related Ford Flex links:
Ford Flex at Ford
Ford Flex Debuts (video) [Autoblog]
Ford Flex Sneak Preview [New Car Test Drive]
Ford Flex Fails to Wow [The Driver's Seat at MSNBC]