SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6L LIMITED - WHITHER THE TRIBECA?

A test drive in a gently used Subaru Tribeca a couple months back didn't cause me to wonder at its initial debut in Subaru showrooms. No, my curiosity, as it relates to the existence of the Tribeca, piqued as a result of the 2010 Subaru Outback.

New Outbacks are the closest thing to an SUV any Subaru Outback has ever been. In fact, MotorTrend named the Outback its 2010 SUV Of The Year. Where does this leave the Subaru Tribeca? The Numbers below examine the differences - and striking similarities - of Subaru's two largest vehicles.

This is strictly a comparison of the Subaru Outback 3.6L Limited and the Subaru Tribeca Premium; the two most comparitively priced examples. Keep in mind, the 3.6L Limited is the Outback's top trim level while the Tribeca Premium is actually the base Tribeca. And as a forewarning to Tribeca fans, very little doesn't go in the Outback's direction.

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256 - horsepower generated by the Subaru Outback's 3.6L boxer-six, along with 247 lb-ft of torque, power which is sent to all four wheels via a 5-speed automatic

256 - horsepower generated by the Subaru Tribeca's 3.6L boxer-six, along with 247 lb-ft of torque, power which is sent to all four wheels via a 5-speed automatic

188.2 - overall length, measured in inches, of the Subaru Outback

191.5 - overall length, measured in inches, of the Subaru Tribeca

71.7 - width, in inches, of the Subaru Outback

73.9 - width, in inches, of the Subaru Tribeca

65.7 - height, in inches, of the Subaru Outback, less than an inch lower than the Tribeca

8.4 - ground clearance, in inches, of the Subaru Tribeca, three-tenths of an inch less than the Outback possesses

107.9 - wheelbase, measured in inches, of the Subaru Outback, three-tenths of an inch shorter than the Tribeca's wheelbase

45/55 - front/rear bias of the Subaru Outback's all-wheel drive, identical to that of the Subaru Tribeca

74.4 - total cargo capacity, measured in cubic feet, of the Subaru Tribeca, 3.3 more cubic feet than can be found behind the front seats of the Subaru Outback

7 - seatbelts inside the Subaru Tribeca, 2 more than in the Subaru Outback

4,120 - curb weight, in pounds, of the Subaru Tribeca

16.1 - pounds per horsepower carried by the Subaru Tribeca

14.3 - pounds per horsepower carried by the Subaru Outback

16 - miles per galon rating attributed to the Subaru Tribeca for city driving by the EPA, 11.2% worse than the Outback's city mpg figure

30,995 - price, in USD, of the loaded Subaru Outback 3.6L Limited

30,495 - price, in USD, of the basic Subaru Tribeca

5,930 - total Subaru Tribeca sales in the United States in all of 2009, down 46% compared with '08

8,376 - total Subaru Outback sales in December of 2009, up 106% compared with December of '08

8 PRACTICAL & SPORTY ALTERNATIVES TO THE CAMARO & MUSTANG

Inexpensive and practical performance cars are becoming a harder find than we'd all like to believe. At $28,395, a V8-engined Ford Mustang GT is by no means practical and not all that inexpensive, either. Yet you wouldn't dare doubt its inherent value. 315 horsepower and looks to kill? Bam. Over at General Motors, the hot-selling Chevrolet Camaro offers over 300 horsepower for $22,680 and can be had in V8 form for a smidge over $30K.

Where does that leave the practical performance cars? There's certainly room beneath the Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Camaro LS for quick, nimble, high quality cars to shine. How many performance cars fall comfortably into that price bracket? Keep scrolling for a look-see.

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#1 - NISSAN SENTRA SE-R Spec V: $20,800 - Cheap in more ways than one, this performance-minded Sentra is active when on the boil. The chassis engineers, however, lost the plot. That's not to say the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V isn't worth the money; only that you get what you pay for.

#2 - HONDA CIVIC Si: $22,765 - Here then is as obvious a choice as can be found for buyers who want big speed but understand the responsibilities of adult life bring about other crucial expenses. 197 horsepower doesn't sound like much in 2010, but this high-revving 2.0L provides plenty of fun.

#3 - MAZDASPEED 3: $23,945 - Big horsepower and a hunger for the twisties build on Mazda's already dynamically talented 3. Less refined than the GTI, quicker than the Si, more capable than the Spec V; the MazdaSpeed 3 is tantalizing to say the least.

#4 - VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI: $24,414 - This Good 12-winning nameplate provides more thrills than its modest output and appearance would have you believe. High-class in every way, the GTI isn't lighting in a bottle, just fun and mature.

#5 - MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN: $25,250 - She ain't pretty like the regular Mini. Still, some say the extra wheelbase length helps the Clubman's ride and handling. No problem at all, there. A rather indirect alternative to a Camaro though, don't you think?

#6 - CHEVROLET COBALT SS: $25,255 - Although likely $2,000 cheaper with discounting included straight from the Build It Now section of Chevrolet's website, the Cobalt seems strikingly expensive compared with the more powerful V6 Camaro. Fun and surprisingly competent, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS isn't the traditional choice but would be interesting.

#7 - SUBARU IMPREZA WRX: $25,690 - The least-expensive all-wheel drive member of the group, Subaru's 265-bhp Impreza has heritage on its side. Rally wins and gold wheels won't make up for the need to spend an extra $5K over the Nissan in the non-enthusiast's mind. For those in the know, nothing but the Subaru WRX will do.

#8 - MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART: $27,935 - Fitted with much, but not all, of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X's tech, the Lancer Ralliart demands much, but not all, of the Evo X's MSRP. Power is down substantially when contrasted with the Subaru. Way, way down compared with the Ford Mustang GT.

FUEL ECONOMY IN CAR AND DRIVER MARCH 2010

Vehicles tested by Car & Driver for their March issue were, for the most part, stunningly quick. Their 0-60 times are posted here. Although some of these automobiles weren't checked for fuel economy results, eight were. From frugal fuel misers to fervid gas guzzlers, the MPG figures presented by a bunch of luxury cars, an SUV, and a German diesel, as listed below, contain some surprises. Click here for the Fuel stats from Car & Driver's February issue.

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'09 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 38 miles per gallon

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid: 24 miles per gallon

Porsche Panamera S: 19 miles per gallon

Toyota 4Runner V6 Trail: 18 miles per gallon

BMW 550i GT: 16 miles per gallon

BMW 750i: 14 miles per gallon
Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S: 13 miles per gallon
Bentley Continental Supersports: 10 miles per gallon

TOYOTA SHUTDOWN RESULTS IN HUGE SALES LOSS: PER HOUR, PER DAY, PER WEEK, PER MONTH

Toyota is legally obliged to suspend sales of the eight recalled cars, SUVs, and trucks. With factory shutdowns looming over the heads of Toyota QC personnel and, more importantly, sucking the oxygen out of Toyota HQ, huge amounts of money are about to be lost. It goes without saying that the world's largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corporation, will be suffering from an injured reputation for some weeks. Or months. Or years.

Based on America's December Sales Stats of the eight recalled models, the Numbers below detail the sales loss for each individual nameplate if the selling cessation were to last an hour (12 selling hours each day), a day, week, or a month. Of course, these figures only take into account sales lost in the United States.

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TOYOTA CAMRY: 104 per hour. 1,248 per day. 8,737/week. 34,946/month.

TOYOTA COROLLA/MATRIX: 102 per hour. 1,222 per day. 8,555/week. 34,220/month.

TOYOTA RAV4: 50 per hour, 598 per day. 4,185/week. 16,742/month.

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER: 28 per hour. 337 per day. 2,361/week. 9,442/month.

TOYOTA TUNDRA: 26 per hour. 317 per day. 2,218/week. 8,870/month.

TOYOTA AVALON: 8 per hour. 92 per day. 644/week. 2,574/month.

TOYOTA SEQUOIA: 5 per hour. 63 per day. 440/week. 1,760/month.

TOTAL SALES LOSS: 323 per hour. 3,876 per day. 27,139/week. 108,554/month.

*All figures are rounded. Subtract Camry Hybrid sales for exact sales loss.

2009 YEAR END SALES STATS FROM DIRECT RIVALS IN CANADA - 370Z vs RX-8, 911 vs R8 & MORE

Direct competitors in the automotive arena are often manufactured by the same company. For instance, the now-defunct Pontiac G5 and the Chevrolet Cobalt were both relatively strong sellers in Canada during the twelve months of 2009. Yet the profit earned as a result of those two cars goes back to the same conglomerate, General Motors. Now, even the cash earned from a sale of a Porsche Boxster and Audi TT is wired through to Volkswagen's account.

Nonetheless, we've separated each and every model for comparison's sake. The categories listed below skip over potential cross-shopped vehicles and strike right at the heart of the matter: Civic vs. Corolla, Z4 vs. SLK, Fit vs. Yaris.... and a whole bunch more. These are Sales Stats from Canada's 2009 Year End figures. Click here for a similar story from south of the border.

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CANADA'S CORE SEGMENT

Honda Civic: 62,654

Toyota Corolla: 53,933

Mazda 3: 46,493

Hyundai Elantra: 30,675

Ford Focus: 21,831

Chevrolet Cobalt: 14,350

Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit/GTI: 13,770

Nissan Sentra: 13,431

Pontiac G5: 10,085

Dodge Caliber: 9,802

Mitsubishi Lancer: 9,446

Subaru Impreza: 9,126

Kia Forte/Spectra: 7,761

Suzuki SX4: 7,081

Saturn Astra: 4,066

MINI-MINIVANS
Kia Rondo: 9,835

Mazda 5: 8,638

FRONT-ENGINED GERMAN SPORTSTERS
BMW Z4: 486
Audi TT: 406

Mercedes-Benz SLK: 371
Porsche Boxster/Cayman: 362

BIG 'MERICAN CARS
Chrysler 300: 5,234

Pontiac G8: 2,171

Ford Taurus: 2,035

JAPAN'S ROAD RACERS
Nissan Z: 567
Mazda RX-8: 310

GM'S LIVING LAMBDA

Chevrolet Traverse: 4,351
GMC Acadia: 4,197
Buick Enclave: 3,854

BABY LUXURY:

Mercedes-Benz B-Class: 2,865

BMW 1-Series: 2,533

Acura CSX: 2,526

Audi A3: 1,245

Volvo C30: 906

FEISTY RUNABOUTS
Hyundai Accent: 25,220

Toyota Yaris: 23,773

Nissan Versa: 20,097
Kia Rio: 10,287

Honda Fit: 9,553
Chevrolet Aveo: 7,486

Pontiac G3: 5,686

UBER-LUXO SPORT

Porsche 911: 495

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: 268

BMW 6-Series: 165

Audi R8: 152

Nissan GT-R: 133

Jaguar XK: 123

Cadillac XLR: 16

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 GONE BAD - KIA SOUL

In the case of many an automobile, The Good Car Guy's suggestion would be to search long and hard for a base model. Surely there's a dealership within 100 miles carrying an optionless jalopy. Surely.

In the case of the Good 12-winning Kia Soul, I'd really prefer it if you opted out of the Base model (capital B because Kia gives it no other name) and set your sights higher. In fact, even if you wanted to option up the not-as-stylish Kia Soul Base.... you can't. Oh wait, there's one option: carpeted floor mats for an outrageous price of $95.00. They better throw those in for free, man.

CLICK HERE FOR THE HYUNDAI GENESIS 4.6 GONE BAD

Want to take it another notch further down the ruinous scale? Paint it Dreaded Silver. Kia calls it Bright Silver but GoodCarBadCar.net is officially ill from silver car intake. Who cares if your car appears to be cleaner longer? You look like everybody else.

Finally, the Kia Soul presents itself as a Base model with a laughable set of wheels. Kia says the tires are 195/65R on 15-inch wheels. In practice, they look like a quartet of donuts of a 60s Mini. Stylish then; not now.

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 GONE BAD - HYUNDAI GENESIS 4.6

4.6L V8s with six-speed automatics weren't commonly known as Hyundai's domain until the Genesis came along a couple years ago. Conservatively handsome with abundant luxury and prototypical Korean pricing, the Hyundai Genesis shot to the forefront of the automotive media, whether buyers could wrap their head around a Lexus competitor from Hyundai or not. Thousands of consumers have wrapped themselves in the coddling embrace of a Hyundai Genesis, and kudos also came in the form of two consecutive Good 12 victories and placement as the North American Car Of The Year.

CHECK OUT THE FORD FUSION HYBRID GOOD 12 GONE BAD

So don't ruin it... please. Painting the car Champagne Beige gets you off on the wrong foot. Selected Cashmere for the interior - not actual cashmere, just the name affixed to the colouring - means you're two feet in the wrong direction. You've taken a car that isn't as exciting as a $40,000 BMW 3-Series and made it.... a bit blaa. Upgrading the car with a Tech package for $3,500 isn't a bad idea, but it's a questionable choice if the Hyundai attracted you because of its loaded nature and sub-$40K price. The Tech pack is full of goodies: 17 speaker stereo, navigation, smart cruise, rearview camera, and Bluetooth among other things. However, dangerous territory is approaching. $185 in accessories puts you within spitting distance of $44,000.

Great value? For sure, son. Just take into account the fact that tasty machinery is thick and heavy on the ground in the mid-$40s and your car is beige-on-beige.

2009'S YEAR END COMPARISON OF ENTRY-LUXURY CAR SALES IN CANADA

The Good Car Guy is nothing like the frequently read BMW 3-Series boosters from mainstream publications. Sure, the BMW 3-Series is in The Good 12 v3.0, the highest honour for a car at GoodCarBadCar.net. Yes, the BMW M3 and BMW 2002 can be found in GoodCarBadCar.net's 100 Favourite Cars list. And about twice a month, in posts like this, the BMW 3-Series is exalted for its Marketplace domination while its competitors are... well, teased.

One would safely assume that hundreds, if not thousands of the 12,610 residents of Canada who purchased or leased a BMW 3-Series in 2009 did so for the wrong reasons. I'll admit that readily. They purchased or leased a BMW 3-Series because it's a symbol of attaining goals; of arriving. These people might not even understand the concept of sublime rear-wheel drive dynamics, or even that the BMW 3-Series is a rear-wheel drive car.

Regardless, 12,610 3-Series variations were sold in Canada last year, way more than any of its competitors. Way more than any other luxury car. Way more than the vast majority of mainstream cars, too. No two other cars in the Graph below can be combined to topple the 3-Series. If you were somehow able to merge Mercedes-Benz and Audi, then buy out Saab in order to put the C-Class, A4, and 9-3 on the same platform; their sales still wouldn't reach the levels of the BMW 3-Series.

The BMW's competition isn't far from reaching its levels of dynamic prowess. But they still seem quite a ways off from attaining its sales success. Check out the equivalent U.S. Graph here.

CLICK GRAPH FOR A LARGER VIEW

ENTRY-LUXURY CAR SALES IN CANADA (DECEMBER 2009)

BMW 3-Series sales weren't nearly as high in December as they were in November, but the 3-Series still managed to say to its rivals, "Get up on outta' here". Combined sales of the Volvo S40 and V50 failed to top 100. The same could be said of the Saab 9-3 and Lincoln MKZ. Were the Japanese trio (Acura TSX, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS) to join forces, the BMW 3-Series still would've been the better seller in December.... by a couple hundred units.

Viewing the Graph below must be discouraging for BMW's rival automakers. Infiniti and Audi know they have class-competitive products, yet the Canadian consumership isn't beating down their doors. Month after month of Sales Stats posts are released on GoodCarBadCar.net, and the BMW 3-Series never fails to sell better than the opposition.

CLICK GRAPH FOR LARGER VIEW

2009'S BEST-SELLING SMALL LUXURY SUVs IN CANADA

Helped by a complete twelve months of selling time, the BMW X3 and Acura RDX appear as though their sales were decent in 2009. Indeed, Acura had a fairly good month in December. Take into account the shortened season of the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLK350. Now you see how different things could have been. Perhaps 2010 will bear this out; or perhaps the Canadian love of Acura will propel the RDX past the increasingly ubiquitous Mercedes-Benz GLK350.

One way or another, the GLK took off like a herd of turtles and never looked back. Based on personal experience only, an inordinate number of people are even choosing their red paint, not the most Benz-like of colours. Keep this fact in mind: though the Mercedes-Benz GLK doesn't make a stand in The Good 12 Supersize v2.0 (and the Audi Q5 does), the GLK has a place in the heart of The Good Car Guy; as proven by the 100 Favourite Cars list. Moreover, the BMW X3 has an award to its discredit, The Bad 8 Supersize v2.0 welcomed back the X3 this year.

Curious about other vehicular categories? 2009's Canadian best sellers can be seen in segments including cars, trucks, and SUVs here. Scroll down for a look at the best-selling luxury SUVs from 2009. Take a look at the equivalent U.S. Graph here.

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BEST-SELLING SMALL LUXURY SUV IN CANADA (DECEMBER 2009)

Of all small luxury SUVs, it appeared most unlikely that the Acura RDX was about to be the Mercedes-Benz GLK's December antagonist. But Canadians love their Acuras - Honda's luxury brand sells better here than every luxo-brand barring Benz and BMW - and the RDX is a desirable vehicle in its own right.

Nevertheless, Mercede-Benzs GLK350 4Matic sales were still strong enough to see off all the other contenders. In November, the Benz's lead over its rivals was more significant. In October, the chasm was even greater. Has the GLK found most of its potential buyers, with the remainder of the ideal customers heading elsewhere? It's far, far too soon to say anything like that. Have a look at the Graph of Sales Stats below to see just how large a chunk of the pie belongs to Mercedes. Check back in a few to see the 2009 Year End totals.

CLICK GRAPH FOR A LARGER VIEW

2009'S TOP 5 BEST-SELLING SUVs IN CANADA

Canadians flock to the Ford Escape as though the small Ford SUV comes with free tickets to an NHL Stanley Cup playoffs game. In truth, if everybody who bought a Ford Escape in 2009 showed up to any of the NHL's six Canadian arenas, there wouldn't be enough space to hold 'em all. The next-best seller in Canada from last year was more than 11,000 sales behind, and America's best-selling SUV sold at just half the rate of the Ford Escape.

Ford generates activity in the Escape section of their showrooms with attractive pricing and a vehicle that was, when it debuted, superior dynamically. That may not be the case anymore, but the Escape isn't as antiquated a vehicle as many decade-old designs. Are there better options for Canadian cute-ute buyers? Oh yeah; whether it be the Hyundai Santa fe, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, or the Subaru Forester. You can still count on huge Ford Escape sales next year, however.

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TOP 5 BEST-SELLING SUVs IN CANADA (DECEMBER 2009)

Sales of the Ford Escape continued to chug along in Canada during the last month of 2009. Only Toyota RAV4 sales came close, yet Toyota would've needed to sell about 25 more RAV4s each selling day of December to tie Ford's Escape.

There's something about Ford's aging small SUV that continues to draw customers; and a handful more customers at Mazda showrooms where the all-but-identical Tribute is still available. Click here for November's Graph on the Sales Stats of Canada's best-selling SUVs, and check back in a few minutes for the 2009 Year End figures on this Top 5 category.

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THE GOOD 12 v3.0 GONE BAD - FORD FUSION HYBRID

One great way to ruin your fuel efficiency advantage over your former car (or the cars of your neighbours) is to spend more money on the car. Now, the great thing about the new Ford Fusion Hybrid is that its base price is really quite reasonable. It drives nicely; looks fine; and behaves normally. With $5,576 in options, a $34,251 Ford Fusion Hybrid doesn't sound like a smart purchase.

How to truly turn the Good 12-winning Ford Fusion Hybrid into something gone terribly wrong? Spending $495 on white paint just so your $348 black Ford racing stripes stand out is just plain wrong, y'all. And what's with the price of the stripes, Ford? $348.00? Sure you don't want to try $347.64?

Although the picture below doesn't completely show the offense that is a racing stripe on a hybrid sedan, you'll get the idea. And it's a bad idea. Especially with a black wind deflector strapped on top. Check out the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon gone bad here.

2009's TOP 5 BEST-SELLING TRUCKS IN CANADA

Like the McDonald's french fry or Apple's iPod, there are certain consumer items so pervasive we stop taking notice of their excellence. McDonald's knows how to salt a fry, no? The iPod is universally accepted as wonderfully simply. And the Ford F-Series pickup trucks are ten times more capable than necessary for 90% of the population. In Canada, the Ford F150 and its clan sold over 80,000 units in 2009, a much-improved Sales Stat compared with the drop below 70K in 2008.

Canada's 5 Best-Selling Trucks In 2010

In the United States, Ford's home market, the F-Series was the best-selling truck nameplate in 2009 but actually fell below General Motors tag-team of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Not so north of the border where Canadians favour Ford to such great lengths that the antiquated Ford Ranger sneaks in to the Top 5 Best-Selling Trucks of 2009 list, too.

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TOP 5 BEST-SELLING TRUCKS IN CANADA (DECEMBER 2009)

Even when combining December sales of the GMC Sierra (3,319) and the Chevrolet Silverado (3,177), the Ford F-Series still came out on top in the last month of truck sales in Canada last year. The Dodge Ram's status as the third or, in reality, fourth place finisher isn't groovy news to the ears of Fiat execs looking in on Chrysler Canada's operations. The Graph below shows clearly just how large a chunk of the pie General Motors and Ford are gobbling up. With the quality of their product so strong, there's no sign of this trend abating.

You can see November's equivalent Sales Stats chart here while not forgetting to check back soon for all the details on the Top 5 Best-Selling Trucks in Canada circa 2009.

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TOP 10 BEST-SELLING CARS IN CANADA : 2009 YEAR END EDITION

Four direct competitors took home the top four spots in Canada's best-selling cars list for 2009. After those first four, two more direct competitors of one another - one size class down - grabbed hold of the fifth and sixth spots. In eighth position, a direct competitor for the first four appears in front of two mid-size contenders.

So which segment dominated Canada Auto Sales figures in 2009? The Graph below clearly shows C-Segment cars, compacts as we call them, as a force to be reckoned with. If volume is your goal, offer an automobile in the $15-$24K range somewhat smaller than the typical American best-seller, Toyota's Camry. Despite calls for a reinvigorated model range, the Honda Civic is once again the best-selling car in Canada. Toyota managed to stuff three cars into the pie chart; Hyundai and Ford each managed two. Honda book-ended the Top 10 Best-Selling Cars list for 2009 with the Accord while Mazda's desirable 3 landed easily in bronze medal position. Have a look at the best-selling cars in the USA here.

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Canada's Top 10 Best-Selling Cars In 2010

TOP 10 BEST-SELLING CARS IN CANADA : DECEMBER 2009

Two impressive new designs from the NAIAS may do something to change the way Sales Stats appear in the Graph below. The 2011 Ford Focus and the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze are light years ahead of the current Focus and Chevy Cobalt, two cars which still sell decently in North America. Still, the Numbers thrust forward by Honda's Civic are huge. Meanwhile Toyota leaves two cars (Yaris and Camry) just on the doorstep of the Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in Canada for December but still manages to take spots #2, #4, and #8. Keep in mind, Dodge sold 3,876 Grand Caravans in December but The Good Car Guy doesn't list it with trucks, SUVs, or cars.

Coming up in a few minutes, 2009's Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in Canada list will make has made an appearance. Check out November's equivalent Graph here.

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THE GOOD 12 v3.0 GONE BAD - CADILLAC CTS SPORT WAGON

Unlike the BMW 335i we've already covered, maximum pricing isn't a gigantic issue with the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. True, in 3.6L V6 AWD Premium trim with a few options, the $56,440 price is steeeeep. But there's a lot inside the Caddy at that price, not including all the stuff you can throw in the back.

No, if you want a Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon to go bad, paint it in Vanilla Latte. It could be worse: many CTS paint colours cost an extra $995. Vanilla Latte is a "free" way to uglify the CTS Sport Wagon and embarrass your passengers.

In pictoral form, then, here's a Good 12-winning Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon gone bad. Make sure a bucket's handy for your vomit.

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 GONE BAD - BMW 3-SERIES

One of the greatest cars available in 2010 has got to be the BMW 335i Coupe. Tremendous turbocharged performance, classy styling, and a luxurious ambience helped the 335i, as a member of the 3-Series family, become a member of The Good 12 v3.0. However, there's a bad apple in every bunch. For the 3-Series, the worm can be found inside an over-optioned 335i Coupe.

With the desirable M Sport package, premium package, active steering and cruise control and countless other expensive boxes ticked, the BMW 335i Coupe can be priced at $60,825. What's wrong with that? It has got to be a terrific car, right?

In the light of the $58,400 BMW M3, an overloaded 335i appears to be a foolhardy purchase in the eyes of an automotive enthusiast. The M3 comes with one of the most sublime chassis known to man, a rev-hungry V8 with over 400 horsepower, and a reputation matched by few other cars in history.

How does the Good 12-winning BMW 3-Series go bad? With a $60,825 335i Coupe, that's how.

ARGUMENTS FOR & AGAINST THE 2011 MINI COUNTRYMAN - WITH GALLERY

The just-released images of Mini's Countryman crossover/SUV cause me to come to the following realizations: the Countryman is in conflict with everything at Mini while still fitting in as solid part of the brand; the Countryman will further increase awareness of the BMW's Mini brand; and the Countryman confuses to such an extent that it'll be difficult for GoodCarBadCar.net to take a formal position.

Rather than herald forth the onslaught of the Mini Countrymans as wondrous, instead of decrying the reign of SUVs in the North American Marketplace, The Good Car Guy will use this space to illustrate opposing views. Assuming the basis for the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S is formed by style, dynamics, efficiency, and marketing, an argument by both sides - for and against that which is the 2011 Mini Countryman - will be made below. Check out 53 pictures of the new Mini Countryman in the Gallery below. And don't forget, the basic Mini Cooper has made appearances in The Good 12, The Good 12 v2.0, and The Good 12 v3.0.

STYLE FOR

Unlike Mini's third bodystyle, the Clubman, the Countryman appears as though it was done right from the get-go. The front end is blunt, as it should be. Using black wheels speaks to the Mini's mission, not just as a frivolous showpiece but as a vehicle in which to get down and dirty. Most importantly, the Mini Countryman looks like a Mini. And a proper tailgate insures nobody will be criticizing Mini for thinking outside of the door box.

STYLE AGAINST

Significant problems arise for brands which are so indellibly linked to one specific product. Park a Mini Countryman beside an original Issigonis-designed Mini and the sport-ute Mini will all but make the BMC Mini disappear. That's not progress, it's regression. Sure, it looks like a Mini. Who can't multiply dimensions by 1.5 and add two doors? And what would've been wrong with going a little Marlboro Man inside with some additional ruggedness?

Just How Big Is The Mini Countryman?

DYNAMICS FOR

If BMW has proven anything with the Mini brand it's the German's ability to make a handling superstar out of any configuration. Typically, BMW engineers are working on rear-wheel drive inline-six cylinder cars like the Good 12-winning BMW 3-Series. Every Mini so far has been a front-wheel drive four-cylinder hatchback with a completely different weight bias. Yet BMW makes it work. So the ride height's jacked up and there's additional weight from the larger packaging and available all-wheel drive. Whoopee. It'll all come together.

DYNAMICS AGAINST

Since the release of the very first BMW-designed Mini Cooper every subsequent Mini has been less of a "handling superstar". Newer versions are enlarged, and then enlarged again as the Clubman, and the depth of connection between man and machine is wilting away. Indeed, a basic Mini Cooper is still a spectacular steer compared with its rivals; but that's not to deny BMW's softening of Mini's carriage. With increased weight and wheelbase, I fear the Countryman will be to Mini what the Cayenne is to Porsche: Pretty good for an SUV; not so good for a Porsche.

EFFICIENCY FOR

Before you start arguing about your mother's great uncle's Austin Mini in Manchester that was sooo small but had tons of space inside and rarely sipped a gallon of fuel, take into account crash test standards. Okay, now that you're back in 2010 you realize why Minis have grown. Behind the Mini Countryman's rear seats is 12.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold those rear seats and what have you? 41 cubic feet of capacity for junk in the trunk. That's 6.5 and 17 cubic feet more than can be had in a regular Mini Cooper. So the Countryman will carry plenty and cost you more at the pump? That's called a trade-off.

EFFICIENCY AGAINST

If the Mini Countryman has anything in its quiver in a fight against a Cooper or Clubman it's the ability to slot passengers in the back and carry a bit of a load. But.... ummm, perhaps BMW forgot. It's supposed to be Mini in more ways than one. Surely the Countryman's load-bearing capability, all-wheel drive equipment, and concomitant accumulations in the weight of brakes, wheels, and suspension fitment will have a devestating impact on the Mini's fuel efficiency. Don't ignore the fact that America's best-selling SUV ain't gargauntuan itself, yet the Countryman subtracts 23.5 and 31.9 from what's on offer in the back of that Honda CR-V.

MARKETING FOR

Mini is smart enough to play up the increase in capability compared with the Cooper, Convertible, and Clubman while also drawing attention to the contrast with traditional SUVs and their gas-guzzling ways. Every Mini purchase goes back to one root cause: design. So expect to see spots relating to the interior's Center Rail as well as lifestyle advertising emphasizing kiteboarding and urban hipness. The side-effects for the Mini Cooper, Mini Convertible, and Mini Clubman will be hugely advantageous.

MARKETING AGAINST

Mini's annoying press release calls the Countryman a "genuine Crossover". Yes, with an uppercase C. The link with BMW is obvious when the term "Sports Activity Vehicle" crops up in the second half of the second sentence. Give me a break. It won't take a genius or an automotive enthusiast to realize the contradiction in the brand's name - MINI - and the vehicle's classification as either a very large hatchback or a small SUV. Three words, friends. Rollover. Issigonis. Grave.