Auto Review
Sedans Soar in Popularity for Many Gas-Conscious Katy Families

© Katy Magazine - Katy, Texas 2005
September 15, 2005
 

By Don Armstrong

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It seems only a few months ago that we took the SUV over to Aunt Mary’s to brag about our new purchase. The neighbors joined in the celebration with oooh’s and aaah’s as the kids clamored over the new leather and poked their heads out of the sun roof like a jack-in-the-box. Not once was the issue of fuel mileage mentioned, not even whispered under a breath. With the price of gas in the 2-buck range now, how do we battle back? Why not buy a more fuel efficient 4-door sedan to complement that roomy SUV?

Mazda 3 - No Salesperson Needed
The all-new “3" hits the sweet spot in looks, both inside and out, and gets decent fuel mileage, all for less than 20 grand. The 3's skin is a sleek, modern design that’s easy on the eye. The interior gets kudos for design and comfort. The cloth seating is terrific, especially in Katy’s extended summer, and the material looks like it will hold up well. Ride quality is tuned to handle either city or highway with an almost sports car-like feel. Steering is agile but not over assisted .By getting the 2.3-liter, 160 horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, you’ll get 24-MPG city and 29-highway. A moderately equipped 2005 Mazda 3 with side curtain airbags, power moon roof and in dash CD stickers for $18,850.

New Jetta Jets into the Future
Impressive describes the all-new 2005 Jetta from VW. With a new, more powerful
engine, larger dimensions inside and out and updated styling, this German car maker
hopes to steal some Asian thunder. Noticeably different is the grille, with a heavy dose of chrome sandwiched between projector-style headlamps that are enclosed behind plastic lenses.

The Jetta’s passenger compartment is business-like German. Not a lot of glitz, but just the right amount of amenities. Front and rear side-curtain airbags are standard. Rearseat head, shoulder and leg room, are all increased thanks to the car’s overall larger dimensions. The Jetta trunk is cavernous. Powering the front wheels is a new 2.5-liter, 150 horsepower, 5-cylinder engine through either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel mileage is 22-city and 30-highway. When it comes to most for the money, starting around $20,000, the new Jetta can’t be beat.

(M)ahvelous Sedan from Infinity
Quality, style and innovation can come from some place other than Germany. The all-new 2006 M from Infinity seems to have put all of the other luxury car makers on notice.
Refined, elegant body lines flow to a classy rear fascia, where large, almost oversized,
L-shaped tail lamps let those behind you know, this is not another everyday ride.
The M’s interior reflects the classiness of the exterior with an innovative, piano-like
control panel. Still, designers were able to keep functionality high on the priority list
while creating an almost breathtaking look. There are 2 engine choices, the 3.5-liter V-6 (M35) or the 4.5-liter V-8 (M45). Mileage is 18 and 25 for the V-6 and a little less for the V-8. Pricing on the 2006 Infinity M35 starts at $40,100.

We know the SUV won’t be going away, so just put the big guy on a mileage diet
and use it for those weekend soccer trips. For now, break out the new sedan, head to Aunt
Mary’s, and impress everyone with the gas mileage numbers.


More Tempting Sedans

Chevrolet Cobalt
The long overdue Cavalier replacement is head and shoulders above the outgoing model
and now competes with the Civic and Corolla. The mid-level LS starts at $16,485

Volvo S40
All-new for ‘05, the S40 will get you into the luxury segment on the cheap starting at
$24,255. The Navigation option is not found on many others in this class.

BMW 5 Series
This is the current Holy Grail of car-dom. The 5 Series is the one sedan all other
manufacturer’s admire most. You can admire it in your driveway beginning at $42,495.

Katy wakes up to Don Armstrong’s traffic reports every morning on KPRC-TV.
He is also a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association.

Submit your Katy news to editor@katymagazine.com.