In choosing the 2008 list of Top 10 New Back-to-School Cars, the kbb.com editors used the same set of criteria that many parents do when shopping for a vehicle for their children: affordability, reliability, practicality and safety.

“Every time we drive the Volkswagen Rabbit we’re re-impressed by the responsive five-cylinder engine, the curiously tenacious cornering grip and an interior unmatched in materials and build-quality by anything within several thousand dollars,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.

For more information about the 2008 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/schoolrides08.

The 2008 Rabbit features a standard CD and MP3-format readable audio system with a single-disc in-dash “changer” and an eight-speaker sound system in the two-door model. Four-door models come standard with an upgraded audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and 10-speaker sound system. For comfort and convenience, the 2008 Rabbit comes with an anti-theft alarm system with a central remote locking feature, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat that includes height adjustment, front seats with adjustable lumbar support, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Four-door models come standard with heated front seats and rear seats that include an ultra-convenient center armrest trunk pass-through for carrying long objects, like snow skis, without having to fold the rear seats. In the two-door models, the front seats incorporate the Easy Entry System for improved access to the rear seats and the front passenger seat folds flat.

The 2008 Rabbit offers a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission that achieves an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 29 miles per gallon on highway driving and 22 mpg in city and the six-speed automatic Tiptronic® transmission achieves 29 mpg on highway driving and 21 mpg in city driving. It also comes with a sophisticated suspension system.

The two-door Rabbit with five-speed manual transmission starts at $15,600.

Going on sale in the U.S. next spring, the all-new purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price significantly below hybrids available today. From this unique position in the marketplace, the Insight will advance the affordability and accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

"The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda's commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency," said Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO. "This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value."

Honda Insight Concept

Honda achieved a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components which should make Insight the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. The production Insight will be offered as a five-door, five-passenger hatchback. Numerous technologies, including a function to assist customers in achieving more fuel efficient driving habits, will be applied to achieve a further improvement in real world fuel efficiency. With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan.

The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 in North America. Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. All together, Honda's global sales of hybrids should increase to approximately 500,000 units a year, or more than 10 percent of its total worldwide annual automobile sales.

The original Honda Insight was introduced in December 1999 as America's first gas-electric hybrid car. The first vehicle to break the 70-mpg fuel economy barrier, Insight was designed from the ground up to demonstrate the ultimate potential for fuel-economy in a two-seater subcompact automobile.

A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda introduced the first low-emission gasoline vehicles; America's first gas-electric hybrid car and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.

Mazda Kiyora (meaning ‘clean and pure’ in Japanese) represents the harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features aspired to in Mazda’s long-term technology development vision, “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.”

Mazda Kiyora

Joining the Mazda Kiyora concept car on Mazda’s stand at the Paris show, the Mazda MX-5 facelift will make its world debut, together with the Mazda6 equipped with Mazda’s newly developed MZR-CD 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine, and the Mazda2 powered by a MZ-CD 1.6-liter diesel.

Officially titled the Mondial de l’Automobile, the Paris motor show press days are October 2 and 3, and the public days are October 4 to 19. Mazda will hold its press conference on Thursday, October 2, at 12:15 p.m. (local time).

The Subaru Forester hit an all-time sales record of 6,763 units resulting in an increase of over 73% from August 2007 sales as did the Subaru Legacy Sedan at 2,402 units – a 24% increase over the same period last year. The Subaru Impreza posted its best August ever – up an impressive 15% over the same period last year.

Model 2008 August % v 2007

Impreza 5,071 +15%
Legacy 2,402 +24%
Outback 3,834 -15%
(incl. Legacy Wagon)
Forester 6,763 +73%
Tribeca 862 - 53%
Total 18,932 +14%

“Subaru is enjoying record sales due to the strength of our product line and the top-notch service provided by our dealerships,” said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales for Subaru of America. “While the market is down 11 percent for the month of August and 8 percent on a year-to-date basis, we are growing with products that are not only fuel efficient, but also leaders in durability, capability, and safety.”

“Subaru is proud to provide a safer, superior driving experience for its customers,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president for Subaru of America. “Equipped with unique symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology and the Subaru boxer engine, the Subaru product line, renowned for durability, reliability, traction and “active safety,” represents one of the highest repurchase-loyalty ratings in the U.S. market,” Doll added.

"Chrysler is proud to have worked with Kuwait's Ministry of Interior in the sale of these Dodge Charger police vehicles,” says Trent Barcroft, Managing Director – Chrysler Middle East Regional Office. “Chrysler has partnered with other countries in the sales of Charger police vehicles and we will look for additional opportunities to increase sales and expand the Dodge brand in our market.”

During their four-day trip to Detroit, the delegation officials visited the Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., and experienced the performance of the Charger police units at a ride-and-drive at the Company's Chelsea (Mich.) Proving Grounds.

"Reflecting an image of strength and power is important for our law enforcement officials and the Dodge Charger portrays this image to the Kuwaiti people,” says Deputy Ministry of Interior, Musaed S. Al-Guwainem. “The Charger police cars are being customized with the necessary equipment for three different government vehicles – traffic, security and emergency response – where speed, handling and functionality are critical to their job.”

Selection of the Dodge Charger as a national police vehicle will provide the civilian customer a sense of security and trust that the Charger meets rigorous governmental standards and will offer the private buyer excellent value and safety.

Upfitting of the 150 Dodge Chargers is being performed at Canfield Equipment Service, Inc. in Warren, Mich. Delivery of the vehicles to Kuwait is expected to be completed in the next two months.