Winner: 2007 Suzuki SX4

All wheel drive for the masses! The fact that the Suzuki SX4's sub-$16k price tag includes features like air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, CD/MP3 player, six airbags, 143 horsepower engine, and a long warranty would be enough to make it a very good deal. The fact that it includes all that equipment plus the added traction and safety of electronically-controlled all-wheel-drive makes the Suzuki SX4 a excellent deal. And the fact that it's lots of fun to drive and offers lots of second-row space thanks to an ingeniously packaged rear seat makes the SX4 an excellent car.

The Suzuki SX4's Achilles' heel is its fuel economy; EPA estimates in the mid-to-high 20s are what we'd expect from a bigger car. Still, the Suzuki SX4 is hardly a gas hog, and its other strengths -- outstanding value, ease of driving and parking, cute looks and outrageous fun factor -- are more than enough to launch it onto the Best New Cars of 2007 list.

Read more:

• 2007 Suzuki SX4 test drive
• 2007 Suzuki SX4 photo gallery