The expert editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com,
the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today
announce their picks for Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 Top 10 Best New Road
Trip Vehicles. Memorial Day weekend ushers in the beginning of the
summer driving season, and record gas prices will play a large role in
trip-planning this year. But even with gas prices reaching $4 per
gallon, Americans are still expected to hit the road in droves for
summer road trips. From the two-person weekend getaway to the
full-family excursion, this year’s Best New Road Trip Vehicles list is
certain to accommodate any road trip.
In
choosing this year’s Best New Road Trip Vehicles, the kbb.com editors
evaluated all tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any
long drive, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space
and of course, fuel economy. Because not all road trips are the same,
Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles provide a potential
perfect ride or two for every type of driver and every type of
journey. Each vehicle offers different perks such as entertainment
options, interior accommodations and driving performance to keep
road-trippers satisfied. Depending on the type of trip and the number
of companions the right vehicle could be a coupe, sedan, crossover, SUV
or minivan.
|
Kbb.com’s 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles |
|
Audi S5 |
Ford Flex |
|
Bugatti Veyron |
Infiniti EX35 |
|
Chevrolet Malibu |
MINI Cooper Clubman |
|
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid |
Toyota Prius |
|
Dodge Grand Caravan |
Volkswagen Eos |
Vehicles listed in alphabetical order
“The
concept of ‘the perfect road trip’ means different things to different
people so our 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles list includes
vehicles that can accommodate as many as eight with the requisite level
of style, comfort and convenience,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive
editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s
kbb.com. “While the current high fuel prices did influence our list,
we also included a couple of cost-no-object choices.”
Kbb.com Editorial Comments: 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles
Audi S5
Combining
a silky 354-horsepower V8 engine, impeccably tuned suspension and
quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi S5 delivers high levels of both
performance and comfort, along with the elegance to arrive in grand
fashion.
Bugatti Veyron
If
the price of fuel has impacted your yacht time more than your driving
habits, you might find the $1.5-million, 1,001-horsepower, 16-cylinder,
quad-turbo, 250-mph Bugatti Veyron an ideal alternative the next time
the jet is in the shop. Just keep in mind that at full speed, the
Veyron burns through its 26-gallon fuel tank in about 12 minutes.
Chevrolet Malibu
We
recently drove six top-selling mid-size sedans in a back-to-back
comparison test, and the remarkably quiet and comfortable Chevy Malibu
handily outshined the competition on the highway. The first car in the
category to combine a flexible six-speed automatic transmission with a
gas-sipping four-cylinder engine, the Malibu is capable of an
impressive 32 highway miles per gallon.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
While
the Tahoe Hybrid's highway fuel economy rating of 22 mpg is only 2 mpg
better than that of its gas-only counterpart (the hybrid's bigger
advantage is in city driving), it's nevertheless the most fuel-friendly
full-size SUV on the road and provides seating for eight, plenty of
cargo solutions and the ability to tow your boat to the lake.
Dodge Grand Caravan
They
say that getting there is half the fun. In the Dodge Grand Caravan,
getting there can easily be all the fun. The Grand Caravan's wide
variety of entertainment options includes multiple DVD players, video
game inputs, two overhead video screens, SIRIUS Satellite TV and radio
as well as rearward-swiveling second row seats, all helping to
transform the once humble minivan into a virtual party on wheels.
Ford Flex
Due
in dealerships this summer, Ford's new full-size, three-row crossover
will be turning heads from coast to coast all year, while treating
occupants to cold drinks with its class-exclusive refrigerated console.
Infiniti EX35
In
addition to a plush, flexible interior, the EX35 offers a Lane
Departure Prevention System that can help keep any driver -- quite
literally -- in line. A small camera detects lane markers in front of
the vehicle and, when inadvertent lane departure is detected, the
system applies a small amount of left or right brake force to nudge the
vehicle back on course.
MINI Cooper Clubman
With
excellent fuel economy and a fun-loving attitude, the MINI Cooper has
earned its way onto our list of top road trip cars for the second year
in a row. The new Clubman offers more passenger and luggage space than
the standard Cooper, making the largest member of the MINI family an
even more ideal long-haul companion.
Toyota Prius
The
iconic Prius doesn't just deliver the best highway mileage of virtually
anything on four wheels, it also features a flexible hatchback design
and enough interior volume to qualify as a mid-size vehicle.
Volkswagen Eos
The
Volkswagen Eos is a sporty coupe that's also a sexy convertible, thanks
to a sleek, sophisticated retractable hardtop. This chameleon also has
an exceptionally wide glass sunroof for when you want the open-air
experience without getting that wind-swept look.
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