2009 Weekend Athlete Wish List
The new model year is upon us, and 2009 is looking like a good year for Weekend Athletes of all stripes. Automakers are coming up with a bunch of cars that hold a lot of promise.
Below I've listed the new or redesigned 2009s I'm hoping I'll get to test this year. If you want to check out all the upcoming 2009 models check out Cars.com's model-year preview. Then ping me if there’s something you think I've missed.
Small cars:
- 2009 Audi A4 wagon: Pricey, probably. Luxurious, probably. And it probably won't score super-high on the Weekend Athlete scale, but man it looks fun to drive.
- 2009 Chevrolet Aveo 5: I'm hoping this little car will offer plenty of storage for toys and be a sensible option for someone looking to save money. We'll just have to wait and see.
- 2009 Honda Fit: This was the car I most wanted to see from the auto show circuit. Great mileage, an interior designed to be useful, and I like how it looks. Can’t wait.
- 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring: Wagon/hatchback is probably my favorite body style in general, and I always like to see what Hyundai is up to. The cargo area looks enormous, but it doesn't seem unreasonably huge on the outside. It could be a real sleeper.
Crossovers/SUVs
- 2009 Saturn Vue 2-Mode hybrid: I've tested the Pontiac Torrent, but the Vue has escaped me. Hopefully we'll get the new 2-Mode Green Line in so I can see if the batteries take up any significant cargo room.
- 2009 Subaru Forester: I loved the old Forester to the point that once, after having it for a weekend ski race, I wanted to buy it from the rental company. The new one has a lot to live up to.
- 2009 Ford Flex: I think this might be a little larger than what I normally drive, but it appears to have a low load floor and plenty of cargo room, and I like the overall design. It looks like it could belong on the Family Weekend Athlete shopping list, even if it might be too big for me.
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Sign me up for the Elantra Touring, because I've enjoyed the sedan flavor. I just hope those chunky C-pillars aren't going to create massive blindspots.
2009 Nissan Murano?
I am a road cyclist searching for many months to replace my Lexus sedan which does not work at all as a cyclist. I have test driven everything under the sun. 2009 Murano is my pick - will be buying one soon.
Yeah, I missed the 2009 Murano when it was in our fleet, but if another one comes around, I'll make sure to put it to the test. (I'll just remember to use my road frame, rather than the 'cross one.)