Test Drive: 2008 Lexus RX 400h - Design/Fit and Finish

As we said before, the RX 400h's styling still looks fresh. We're still not fans of the taillights that look like they're embedded in tin foil, but we still appreciate the sporty, chiseled form. There's a price to pay for the rakish roof line, however, as visibility to the rear quarters is compromised by the cheeky, canted D-pillars. We recommend springing for the optional back-up camera, which takes the anxiety out of parallel parking.

Inside our tester, the well-crafted cabin features optional dark wood accents on the gear selector, center console and door panels, which adds to the rich ambience. The center console provides generous cupholders and a large compartment that opens and closes easily with the push of a (mechanical) button.

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Test Drive: 2008 BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible Performance One measure by which the 1 Series betrays its back-to-basics ethos is curb weight. Despite its petite dimensions, the 2008 BMW 135i Convertible tips the scales at a hefty 3,660 pounds — nearly 300 pounds more than the 135i coupe, and almost as much as a Chrysler 300 full-size sedan. But thanks to its twin-turbocharged, 300-horsepower inline-6, the 135i drop top always feels light on its feet when you drop the hammer. At the test track, our 135 blasted out of the blocks like Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, lunging to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and blasting through the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds. We suggest powering the top down at every opportunity, not just to enjoy alfresco motoring but also to revel in the refined, subtle growl of the 135's superb engine. With a remarkable panic-stop distance of just 107 feet from 60 mph, the 135i's brakes are more than up to the task, and those strong binders are controlled by a firm, linear pedal that inspires confidence.



Test Drive: 2008 BMW 1 Series Function With its tall greenhouse and relatively low beltline, the 135i's visibility is excellent, with none of the subsequent overwhelming feel provided by the Infiniti G37's hunkered-down, high-beltline cabin. The simple, red-glowing instruments are indicative of just about every BMW produced in the past 30 years, proving once again that if it ain't broke, there's no need to fix it. On the other hand, the 135i's stereo controls should have followed that mantra, as several functions are needlessly complicated. Also, the dual-zone automatic climate control lacks an "off" button and a driver/passenger temperature sync button. These are minor quibbles, but when a car is this good, one usually must resort to quibbling.

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Graphic TV ad for seatbelt campaign • Graphic images kickstart new campaign • Aimed at drivers who don't belt up • A life could be saved every day Graphic images of the fatal damage caused to internal organs in a car crash will be used to kickstart a campaign to encourage drivers to wear seatbelts. The images are so graphic, the full commercial can only be shown after 9pm, with an edited version being screened in pre-watershed slots. The Government says a life could be saved every day if all drivers and passengers belted up for every journey. The new £2.6million Think! campaign was based research that found:

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Test Drive: 2008 BMW 1 Series Sometimes 1 Does Not Equal Less Vehicle Tested: 2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) Pros: Potent turbocharged inline-6 engine, responsive handling, excellent front seat adjustability and support, useful trunk, hushed wind noise. Cons: Audio controls could be more user-friendly; it's an entry-level car with a not-so entry-level price. Chances are you're not shopping for a 2008 BMW 135i because of its stunning ability to make zipping over a mountain road so easy that a caveman could do it (no offense). Chances are you'd never think about powersliding through corners or extracting every bit of grip its chassis and tires can provide. Chances are you don't even live near a mountain.

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