2006 New Vehicle Model Guide plus 2006 BMW 3 Series and 2006 Subaru Tribeca Reviews : ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine

Car dealers in showrooms everywhere proclaim the advent of the "Class of 2006" with sparkling new models laced with the latest in slick lines, power and comfort. With plenty of new developments, we've assembled a capsule guide to illustrate what's new and all of these innovations are cataloged here. Use it to sort through the utmost in power, performance, and snazzy styling. [MODEL GUIDE]

South Africa's Back Roads: Not for the faint of heart

You’ll understand that South Africa isn’t for sissies the first time you take a bush drive and see the pale yellow, soulless eyes of a lion intently staring at you from a scant few feet away. The lion yawns, baring powerful teeth sharp as a thousand file knives. You hold your breath in anticipation of his ensuing move, but in the next second, he turns his back toward you and then flicks his tail as he disappears – almost ghostlike – into the dense bush. [LIONS]

New designs have shown a propensity on the part of BMW to take risks on their cars. Some have worked very well, and others have not. For that reason, all care was taken to make sure the new 3 Series is as close to perfect as possible. Test-driving the back roads of Pennsylvania offered some of the finest two-lane highways to put a performance car through its paces and in my opinion, BMW should be proud of what they have accomplished. [BMW 3]

There is magic to Monterey. Be it the cool ocean breezes gently blowing the fog off the coastline in the early morn-ing or the warm sun burning off the overcast sky during the afternoon, a sense is always in the air that things are just better. A dozen or so little moments of clarity in a world of chaos make this the town that it is. [VISIT]

The company that pioneered the blending of sport utility traits with the nimble ride and handling of a car has a new crossover vehicle that could very well move Subaru upscale. The all-wheel-drive, six-cylinder-powered Tribeca is the first Subaru to offer seven seats. Styled inside and out to stand out from the growing crowd of SUV crossovers, the Tribeca moved with grace and agility on mountain twisties, with nary a bit of tippiness or discomfort. [GO]

Prepare your eyes for the splendor of Sedona's red rocks; the grandiose views of its dramatic beauty guarantee you won't take a bad photo. The Canyon Villa Inn is hidden away from the rest of the visiting crowds and blends flawlessly into the tall shadows of Bell Rock. Romantic interlude or eco-adventure, an inviting fireplace and luxurious furnishings await you at day's end. [ARIZONA RED ROCKS]