10. Lexus IS
Primary driver: 50.069% female
Total respondents: 54,267*
Sleek exterior styling and a wide array of features, including a Pre-Collision safety system, are attributes of Lexus’ smallest sedan that women likely respond to. The IS 250 is powered by a 204-hp 2.5-liter V6 and the IS 350, a 300-hp 3.6-liter V6. All-wheel drive is optional.
9. Cadillac SRX
Primary driver: 50.070% female
Total respondents: 22,043*
Not nearly as conspicuous as the behemoth Cadillac Escalade, the midsize SRX offers robust performance, sporty handling and room for six. The 2007 SRX gets a classier, higher-quality interior, which should boost its appeal among women, whom experts say focus on the details.
8. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Primary driver: 50.071% female
Total respondents: 18,757*
Slightly smaller and sportier than the traditional Range Rover, this SUV has lots of curb appeal and isn’t as cumbersome to drive as some midsize SUVs. The standard HSE version has a 300-hp V8; the supercharged version produces 390 hp. The leather-lined interior is understated, showing typical British reserve.
7. Audi A6
Primary driver: 50.16% female
Total respondents: 16,216*
Audi’s midsize A6 comes as a sedan or wagon with a choice of V6 or V8 engines, several transmissions and front- or all-wheel drive. “This is the essence of organic, curving, nature-inspired design. It’s luxurious, but functional and sensible,” says Imre Molnar, dean of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies. Driving dynamics are superbly fluid and balanced, just like the styling.
6. Volvo S40
Primary driver: 50.27% female
Total respondents: 24,566*
Volvo’s small, entry-level S40 sedan doesn’t skimp on the big stuff: It has a full list of safety features, like standard stability and traction control and multiple airbags. Unlike older Volvos, the S40 feels young and fun. Its dash has a unique free-floating center console.
5. Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ
Primary driver: 50.32% female
Total respondents: 33,114*
Lincoln’s newest compact sedan, renamed the MKZ for 2007, is designed to draw younger buyers to the brand. The interior is a mix of retro and modern, with wood surfaces contrasting against satin-metal accents. An AWD option was recently added and the engine made more powerful.
4. Volvo V70 and C70
Primary driver: 50.61% female
Total respondents: 22,681*
Although the Volvo C70 convertible and V70 wagon are built on different platforms, CNW Marketing Research collects ownership data for the two models as one combined entry. The V70 is exceedingly sleek, safe and a little sporty. It has been completely redesigned for 2008. The recently released C70 is a coupe and convertible in one, thanks to an ingenious, if overly complex, folding hardtop.
3. Volvo S60
Primary driver: 52.72% female
Total respondents: 25,753*
Volvo’s midsize S60 demonstrates that a sport sedan can be obsessively safety-conscious; it boasts smart, accident-preventative features without tainting the driving experience. For those with a flashy bent, the S60 R has a 300-hp engine, taut suspension and spiced-up styling.
2. Audi A3
Primary driver: 53.41% female
Total respondents: 8,040*
This entry-level Audi nails the practicality/luxury combo: Four doors and a rear hatch make it practical, while the slick, organic form and well-crafted interior keep it sophisticated. It’s small and nimble with a gutsy turbocharged, four-cylinder or potent V6 to keep the adrenaline up.
1. BMW Z4
Primary driver: 61.18% female
Total respondents: 12,284*
Like a model athlete, the winner of our list is a stellar yet civil performer. Either of the available six-cylinder engines make this two-seater exceedingly fast while returning 30 mpg on the highway. The bold styling tempers chiseled aggressive shapes with softer forms. A coupe joins the roadster for 2007.
Source : Forbes Autos
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