by Brian Chee

New Cars - Feature: We all want to buy the car that turns the most heads. It's human nature to go for style and smarts, especially when it comes to a vehicle purchase. And, given the vast number of choices on the market today, the kind of car we buy represents who we are, what's most important to us and what kind of statement we want to make to the world. From fuel economy to room, style and performance, most people want the kind of car that reflects who they are and what they stand for – at a good value.

If you like a car enough to want to buy it – that's popular. If you want a car more than ever before, or if your reaction to a new car is overwhelmingly positive, that makes our hot list. Some of the vehicles on this list made it because of improvements made – the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe comes to mind -- while others made it based on the rousing ovation they received from our users upon introduction. The list is based on two basic criteria: for existing or redesigned models, it's a significant increase in purchase request activity. For new cars, we look at its initial reception.

Cool, inexpensive, great fuel mileage...plus that trendy, edgy hatchback styling overcomes a relatively weak powertrain and some shoddy interior materials. It does, however, have some pretty neat interior innovations, such as a glovebox that doubles as a small cooler. Priced competitively, the 2007 Dodge Caliber replaces the old Dodge Neon and splits the difference between small hatchbacks like the Mazda Mazda3 and small SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, and does so with that famous Dodge grille. And just wait – coming soon is a 300-horsepower SRT version of the Caliber, the SRT-4.

Call it the SUV for urbanites, the utility vehicle with turbo-spirit. Whatever you name it, the RDX is a good time on the road for you, your friends and their stuff. Thanks to its advanced turbocharger, there's no lag, just a smooth and seamless delivery of power. That, combined with Acura's superb SH-AWD system, makes for an SUV that can fly and hug the corners like a car. Buy the top trim with Acura's superb ELS sound system and navigation package. If you can't afford that, consider the Mazda CX-7: another turbocharged SUV that drives like an irritated bat.

 From:www.autoweb.com