BMW announced plans this week to bring the X1, a new compact crossover, to the United States in 2011.

The vehicle, which resembles a smaller X5 or X3, duplicates the rear- or all-wheel-drive setup of its larger siblings. In Europe, the X1 will be available with a variety of powertrains, both gasoline and diesel. BMW will wait to decide whether or not we'll get a diesel X1 -- in all likelihood, we'll get the straight-six powered 2.8 liter gas version tuned to deliver 258 hp. With a luggage compartment that will hold 14.7 cubic feet, and up to 47.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down, the X1 will open new ground for the premium subcompact crossover market.

Pricing won't be announced until much closer to the US launch, but with X5 starting in the upper 40s, X3 in the upper 30s, I would expect X1 to start in the lower 30s.

Photo © BMW

I haven't forgotten about my promise to you, dear readers. I will complete overviews for each and every manufacturer! Fear not!

This week, I offer you the Dodge lineup of SUVs. Though it consists of but three SUVs, the Dodge lineup is potent and worthy of our consideration and study. Study it quickly, fair readers, before it vanishes before our eyes!

I humbly present to you this Dodge SUV Overview. I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Photo © Jason Fogelson

I think that Chevy may have missed the target with their new Equinox. You can read my 2010 Chevrolet Equinox Test Drive and Review to see what I thought of the vehicle.

Oh, the Equinox is very capable, but it's not what Chevy thinks it is -- a competitor for the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It's actually a bigger, more family-sized competitor for Explorer and Highlander, which is where I predict more sales will come from. Folks ready to downsize from their full-size or mid-size SUV, but not quite ready for the true compact crossover.

Take a look at this 2010 Chevrolet Equinox Photo Gallery, then click on "comments" and share your thoughts.

Photo © Jason Fogelson

Congress is on the verge of passing the "Cash for Clunkers" law, part of H.R. Bill 2346, which is actually an Iraq War appropriations bill.

If the bill passes in the Senate, and is signed by the President, it will be part of the auto industry bailout that will go directly to consumers.

Officially named the "Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Program" (CARS), the program will receive an initial allocation of $1B, and will run from July 1 to November 1.

Details are still being hammered out, but according to the website CashforClunkersHeadquarters.com:

1. The definition of "clunker" is a car that gets 18 mpg or less and 16mg for trucks/SUVs.
2. Owners who purchase a new passenger car that gets at least 4 mpg higher than their old "clunker" get a $3,500 voucher. If the mileage difference is more than 10 mpg, the consumer gets the full $4,500.
3. Buyers of small trucks and SUV's need less of an improvement to get the same amounts. If the new vehicle gets at least 2 mpg more than the "clunker," a $3,500 voucher is issued; for new trucks or SUV's getting 5 mpg, the new car owner gets $4,500.
4. For work trucks older than 2000 they get a flat $1,000 regardless of improvements.
5. Consumers need to have owned and registered the vehicle in their name for a minimum of one year to qualify.

If this law passes, Moose, my old Toyota 4Runner, may be headed out to pasture. Wonder what I should buy? Any suggestions?

Photo © Jason Fogelson