Jeep Compass

Chevy Aveo

Honda CR-V

VW EOS

Jeep Patriot

Although my automotive prejudices usually slant towards smaller cars, I’ve always been open to look at just about anything as long as it was—interesting. Now, “interesting” can be a very interesting adjective. Like in that old saying which I believe is attributed to Confucius: “May your life be interesting.” The one-million-dollar Bugatti Veyron I wrote about some weeks ago was definitely interesting. Then again, back in the 1970s so was the Yugo.

In this day of high gas prices and a shrinking SUV market, Jeep has interestingly unveiled three new models for 2007. Two of them, the Compass and the Patriot, look strikingly similar both to each other and to the current Jeep Liberty. The third new model is a four-door version of the Wrangler, the “original” Jeep, which has been completely restyled (although most of us wouldn’t notice the difference from a block away). It’s more than five inches wider and three inches shorter, and has a two-inch-longer wheelbase. This all makes for a roomier interior. The four-door model is the Wrangler Unlimited, which has a 20.6-inch wheelbase stretch. The Patriot is available in front- and all-wheel drive versions, and comes with a four-cylinder, 2.4-liter engine. It looks like someone took an old Jeep Cherokee and a Jeep Liberty and Photoshopped them together. Consider it an entry-level off-roader in all-wheel drive; otherwise just a pretender. The Compass is a rounder, softer-looking version of the Patriot. Marketing surveys found the Compass appealed to the female crowd, while the Patriot was more “manly.” Interesting that DaimlerChrysler chose to sell both.

Meanwhile, over at Chevrolet we find an update of the Aveo, Chevy’s smallest car, which is built by Daewoo in South Korea. It’s longer and wider, with styling a bit less frumpy than the previous model. It comes in two trim levels, with enough standard equipment and available options to help make owners forget they’re driving GM’s least expensive car. Maybe more interesting is the HHR Panel. It’s the HHR with steel panels in place of the side windows, just right for small businesses or cool customization. Also available in two trim levels, and two engine choices which are advertised as delivering up to 30 miles per gallon. This one has no rear seats; it’s strictly two-passenger.

Honda has updated its compact SUV, the CR-V, with new styling. They’ve lowered the entry height to make it easier to get into, and have removed the spare tire from the outside of the rear door, making for both a better look and ease of opening with its lighter weight. Four different trim levels are available in both two- and four-wheel drive versions.

And last but not least is Volkswagen’s new Eos, a retractible hardtop. We used to call these convertibles, but VW prefers to call the Eos a CSC. That’s coupe-sunroof-convertible to the rest of us. The five-part roof folds back and into the trunk. With the top up the Eos looks like a fixed-roof coupe, complete with a sunroof in one of the panels. it looks as good up as it does down. This one’s really interesting. In a good way.

Next time we’ll get out and do some drivin’.