Small packages, big treats

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, June-July, 2006 by Mariana Gutierrez

Buying a car can be complicated, especially with gas prices on the rise. There is a new rule for those seeking to try out a sleek model while at the same time getting more mileage out of their dollar: less is more. Luckily, the automotive industry gets it, and they have come up with new designs that combine powerful but fuel efficient engines with hip concepts and special features, such as sunroofs and high-fi stereo sound. So go ahead, pack up your sports gear and head to adventure without worrying about the gas tank. Here are three good vehicles you should keep an eye on:

VW Rabbit MSRP $14,990

Quick, good-looking and head-turner are some of the words used to describe the Rabbit debut, with which VW is going back to its roots. Always known for its value, this latest Rabbit is no exception, offering a high level of standard features such as an advanced ABS braking system, traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, air conditioning and anti-theft alarm system at an attractive starting price. The Rabbit is VW's world's bestseller, with over 25 million cars sold over five generations. Making the most of its precise German engineering, the new model has a firm, well-damped suspension and is focused on performance. Steady at high speeds, with a great transmission, a refined engine and very good visibility, this is a driver's car, even with an unimpressive-sounding 150 horsepower from its 2.5-liter five-cylinder. The Rabbit goes on sale this summer in both two and four-door versions, with pricing starting at $14,990 for the two-door.

Our advice: Get in on it: The Rabbit is back

Audi A3 MSRP $25,460

The real beauty of the A3 lies in its fast response. And the little A3 is nothing if not responsive. Built around the same bones as the VW Golf, the A3 represents a new dimension for Audi, physically and philosophically. It's 10 inches shorter than the A4, but there's no sense of sacrifice in roominess or utility. The tallish profile makes it easy to use the rear doors; two adults can comfortably sit in the back. The hatchback lends cargo versatility, and the whole package feels as solid as something machined from billet. Body-shell rigidity is required for athletic responses, and the A3 delivers. With curb weights running north of 3300 pounds, it's no lightweight, but it feels light on its feet, quick to respond, and quick out of the blocks. If there's any downside here, it's the price. The A3 starts at $25,460, and it's conceived to compete in the premium sport-compact segment, a segment that has yet to fully emerge in the U.S. market.

Our advice: Go slow with the options

Volvo C30 MSRP $27,500

With the new Volvo C30 Design Concept, Volvo Cars give the world a taste of the C30 Project--which has its sights set on giving a young, dynamic customer group its "own" Volvo. Designed for young urbanites with accelerating careers and an intensive lifestyle, the sporty two-door, four-seater with a glass tailgate is sure to make its mark. The sleek, modern look clearly reflects several elements from the Volvo Safety Concept Car. The dynamic front is defined by the angled headlamps and the low, wide grille. The interior reinforces its sporty character and individual rear seats with generous legroom make the car a full four-seater. For Volvo, a first-class audio system is an important part of the driving experience, that is why a premium sound system, with 5x130 W digital ICE Power amplifier from Alpine[R], Dolby[R] Pro Logic II Surround and 10 loudspeakers from Dynaudio[R] of Denmark is as important a feature as its in-line five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbocharged engine. With a 260 horsepower at 5500 revs a minute and a six-speed manual gearbox that accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds you will be on your way in no time.

Our advice: Get It, it's one of Volvo's sleekest models