Test drive of the new ‘09 Zap Xebra

Zap has finally updated its three-wheeled Xebra for 2009 with a new steel body and much more storage space through its new hatchback. While we’re happy to hear that one of the few actual electric vehicles on the market and available today has seen vital upgrades, we’ve yet to run across a review of the newly-revised model… until today. Mark LaPedus over at EE Times hopped in a new ‘09 at the local dealership in San Jose, California, and he’s shared his thoughts with the rest of the class, even comparing the Xebra with his 2008 Honda Accord. LaPedus seems to have liked the car, going so far as to suggest that he’d be willing to drive one on a regular basis.

Toyota Vensa

The Venza is Toyota’s all-new 5-passenger crossover vehicle that Toyota describes as a crossover sedan, combining the styling and comfort of a sedan with the utility of an SUV. Designed in North America, exclusively for the North American market, the Venza evolved from the FT-SX concept that debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Toyota designers avoided the rugged edges and angles commonly found in SUVs in favor of a sporty, low-profile, silhouette with plenty of room and flexibility inside. Intended for buyers looking to move up from a midsize sedan or down from a large SUV, Toyota claims that Venza creates a new segment, although it looks a lot like what was once called a wagon, but with the driver in a higher seating position. SUV attributes include cargo capacity, flexibility, towing capability and all-wheel drive.

2010 Mazdaspeed3

The car's new Nagare-inspired styling follows the same lines as the Mazda3 4-door and 5-door previously introduced. The Mazdaspeed3 distinguishes itself from its more economical siblings with a lower airdam and round foglights, flared front fenders and a Subaru-like hood scoop to feed air to the turbo's charge cooler.