This week in Car Tech

Ford's hybrid trinity
We completed our review this week of the 2008 Mazda Tribute HEV, the third in a hybrid trinity from Ford Motor Company after the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. You can consider these three cars slightly different expressions of the same hybrid powertrain. Actually, you could consider them different expressions of the same car, as they have identical body structure and interior build. There are cosmetic differences, but the hybrid powertrain is what makes these cars stand out. In an urban or suburban environment, you can easily get more than 30 mpg.
Review: 2008 Mazda Tribute HEV

 Review: 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
 Review: 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid

Garmin Nuvi 660
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Garmin Nuvi 350
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Garmin Nuvi 200
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TomTom GO 720
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TomTom One
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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
We failed to find much that was special about our 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and even with few options, it was expensive. Its hybrid system is its best feature, justifying most of the price. The Limited model is nicer in every way and can be optioned with navigation and a better stereo. Read more

HP iPaq 310 Travel Companion
Despite a sleek design and an attractive feature set, the HP iPaq 310 Travel Companion shows an ugly side with inaccurate route recalculations and poor voice directions that makes us say pass for now. Read more

2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible
With a six-figure price tag, you'd expect the 2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible to have it all--and it nearly does. Its refined cabin, elegant and advanced technology, supercharged V-8, consummate handling, and traffic-stopping looks make it an all-round winner. Read more

Mio DigiWalker C320
The sleek Mio DigiWalker C320 offers the navigation basics and solid performance at a wallet-friendly price, but you can get more bang for your buck with other systems. Read more

Hughes Telematics coming to Mercedes-Benz models
Kevin Massy
Associate Editor
Mercedes-Benz is following in the footsteps of its estranged partner, the Chrysler Group, by partnering with Hughes for an upgraged telematics service in all its future models. Starting late 2009, Mercedes will replace its existing cellular- and satellite-based Tele Aid service, with a Hughes system that is reported to be a cross between GM's OnStar and Ford's Sync. Read more

Hybrids--are they really good for the enviroment?
Posted by mfodish
I agree we need to get more fuel efficient cars, but are hybrids the way to go? I mean they use some type of nickel batteries, which are terrible for the environment when made and eventually disregarded. The product lifestyle for a hybrid is less than a regular care because the batteries go bad around 100,000 miles. Furthermore, their gas mileage is not phenomenally better than regular cars, realistically they get about 40-45mpg, while regular cars can now get 30, maybe 35. Read more 

• 1. 2008 Cadillac CTS
• 2. 2008 Scion xD
• 3. 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe
• 4. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport
• 5. 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550
• 6. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
• 7. 2008 Volvo C30
• 8. 2008 Saturn Vue XR
• 9. 2007 BMW X3 3.0si
• 10. 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T Quattro

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