Entry Level Winner: Solo Toledo Beaver BMDesign Score: 92.70
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Cleanliness and simplicity. Two words to describe the Solo Beaver. These words might be a turn-off without context, but thankfully we had a chance to drive this 5-door hatchback for the full scoop.
As far as basic transportation goes, the Beaver hits on all points. The fact that it's got Toledo Ironwork's 2.9 liter 6T29-SDE V6 under the hood is a little icing on the cake for those looking for just a bit more. Solo paired it with a 4-speed manual transmission putting power the rear wheels, allowing the Beaver to hit 60 MPH in just under 11 seconds, while garnering 21.7 MPG in mixed driving. Amazingly enough, Solo decided to fit the Beaver with drum brakes on all corners. Pedal feel is a bit on the firm side, but it stops well enough. Steering is power assisted, though a bit lacking at low speeds.
On the inside, the Beaver is very simple. Wall-to-wall carpeting, vinyl seats, a radio and hand window cranks. With only three gauges, the cluster is not cluttered: fuel, coolant temp, and speed. While this makes for a rather un-stimulating driving experience, it also keeps costs and issues to a minimum, as evidenced by the long life projection.
The Beaver BM is certainly the point-and-go type of car that will appeal to the masses. Its MSRP starts at $3,296.
Upscale Winner: Kraft Haus Technik Flug Stolt conceptDesign Score: 119.45
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Let's be up front about something. We truly hope the "concept" label is temporary.
Let's also make something else clear up front. The Flug Stolt is slow. But no one here cared about that. Kraft Haus Technik has created a wonderful luxury cruiser, utilizing an underpowered 133HP Toledo 6T29-SDE V6 motor and 4-speed automatic. This hefty rear-wheel drive boat takes over 13 seconds to get to 60, but it does so in absolute spoiling comfort. KHT put a hydropneumatic double wishbone suspension on all four corners, along with disc brakes that, frankly, are actually a bit too soft for our tastes.
Inside is where it gets truly interesting to those of discerning tastes. Both rows of seats are saddle leather-clad buckets. The rears fold forward to extend the cargo bay, and the fronts recline and have independent adjustable lumbar supports. Air conditioning, power windows with central locking, power steering, sun roof, and power driver's seat are also all standard. A high-quality quadrophonic 8-track stereo with digital presets and equalizers rounds out the lists of fun toys on the inside.
At $6128 MSRP, it's not exactly affordable to the masses. But those who can purchase one will certainly appreciate its finer points.