Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high-res gallery

The very first production hybrid from a Detroit automaker has been with us since 2004 and going into the 2009 model year it has finally completed its second generation transformation. In 2007, Ford redesigned the all the visible elements of the Escape but largely carried over mechanical components. We drove the updated 2009 model a couple of months ago over a brief route and now we've had a chance to spend a full week with the revamped hybrid.

In June of last year we drove the then new 2008 Escape hybrid and came away reasonably impressed. The styling of the newest Escape had less of the soft-roader look of the original in favor of a "tougher, chunkier appearance" more in keeping with its truck siblings. The only visual distinction between the '08 and '09 models is a deeper, wider front air-dam and small spats in front of the rear wheels. These improve the air flow around the bottom of the vehicle, cutting highway fuel consumption by about 0.67 mpg at 70 mph. The really key differences in the '09 model aren't apparent to visual inspection and you can read how those panned out after the jump.


Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Click the MINI Cooper D for a high res gallery

For reasons such as imported oil dependency and environmental concerns, there are some people who think personal cars are evil and must be eliminated from our roads immediately. This sentiment is patently unrealistic, and there's no shortage of people, this writer included, who to enjoy cars while using less fuel and emitting fewer greenhouse gases. I'm not ashamed to say that driving quickly is fun and feels good, but that doesn't mean I like to waste fuel or dump pollutants into the air. That's why I love driving cars like the Tesla Roadster. Having fun driving doesn't necessarily mean you need to have an insanely fast car like the Tesla or an Audi R8. Small, lightweight cars like the Mazda MX-5 or or the Honda Fit don't have gobs of power, but they're fun to drive because they handle well and go around corners quickly.

The latest resident of the AutoblogGreen Garage is one of the most entertaining and fuel efficient cars I've driven in a long time. Unfortunately, it's also a car that Americans cannot buy. The 1.6L diesel-powered MINI Cooper D is not available in North America, but fuel system supplier Bosch has added one to its promotional fleet and recently loaned it to us. The aptly-named MINI is indeed a small car and the gas-engined versions offered in the US have been flying off lots at a record pace in recent months. Through the first six months of 2008, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 34 percent compared to last year. Follow the jump to see how the MINI Cooper D rates compared to the regular Cooper.


All Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Click image for the Autoblog review of the 2007 Toyota Prius Touring

The Toyota Prius is the poster child for an entire subculture of the green movement. Its fuel-stingy nature and negligible emissions have made it an icon. The media is on board with the hero worship, and the public has guzzled the Kool Aid. To many, it is not just any hybrid, it is THE hybrid. It's practically touted as one of the cures to Earth's supposed problems, its bubblicious roof able to prevent the very sky from falling. It's a miracle. It's a fashion statement. It's holier than thou. My position on all the Prius hype? It's beyond ridiculous, and I have always taken it out on the car with snide remarks and a dismissive attitude. Of course, I had never actually driven a Prius before doing any of this this, which is the very definition of asinine. So I had Toyota lend me one for a week. Would my time spent attacking the daily slog with the Prius validate my knee-jerk dislike of the car, or would I be forced to acquire a taste for crow? Read my evaluation over at Autoblog (UPDATED: the link has been fixed) to find out.


All photos Copyright ©2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc