One might ask oneself what exactly the point is of a hunchbacked four seat, overpowered gas-guzzling, space inefficient SUV in this era of near $5 a gallon gasoline? Well, we suppose the perfect people to ask are the powers that be at BMW in regards to its oh so politically incorrect X6 opinion polarizer.

Mercedes-Benz is hybridizing pretty much its entire future fleet, and BMW is not to be left too far behind.

The new Volkswagen Rabbit debuted in 2006 as a badge replacement for the long-running Golf. A few additional features were added for the 2007 model model year, including an MP3 player input and a tire-pressure monitor, but the Rabbit is unchanged for 2008.

Volkswagen will offer two trims: a two- or four-door hatchback. The number of doors will not affect wheelbase, length, or convenience features. A notable difference: The two-door model comes equipped with a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary input jack, while the four-door Rabbit gets a premium audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Standard features on both Rabbits include 15-inch wheels, heated mirrors, powered accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Buyers may add either 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and an iPod adapter.

Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile, a joint venture between the Dongfeng Motor Corp and the PSA Group, is set to launch its Peugeot 207 hatchback and sedan simultaneously to the Chinese market this month, said auto.sina.com today.

The Peugeot 207 hatchback and sedan made by the joint venture will sell at a price between 80,000 yuan ($11,700) and 120,000 yuan when they go on sale in the Chinese market at the end of October. The existing 206 model, whose production is still going on, will not instantly quit the market. The Peugeot 206 now sells in China for 77,800-113,800 yuan.

It seems that Ford has come up with a fairly clever way to literally dial back the car your kids are driving … assuming it’s a 2010 Focus Coupe or the scads of other Ford vehicles appearing shortly thereafter,