The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

THURSDAY, July 21, 2011 8 Pages OSCAR AT WORK GM's 3-D simulation mannequin helps with design of Malibu PAGE 3 DRIVING BLIND Blind, visually impaired drivers get turn on Ford course PAGE 6 Special pullout section Dodge continues to have a strong presence in the mid-size sedan segment with the 2011 Avenger (SXT shown) that features signature design cues like the crosshair grille and a more sporting stance than the similar Chrysler Sebring. Dodge Avenger offers great value for the money By JIM ROBINSON Carguide Magazine Metroland Media Group Readers are no doubt familiar with the trials and tribulations from which Chrysler is just starting to emerge. With new partner Fiat and all the cars it brings such as Alfa Romeo, there is a certain optimism within the organization. In the meantime, there are several vehicles in Chrysler showrooms that offer great value for the money and one of them is the Dodge Avenger. The current Avenger went on the market six years ago and marked the return of Dodge into the midsize segment after the absence of a decade. For 2011, Dodge has simplified the lineup that still had three trim engine variants down to two by doing away with the 2.7-litre Flex Fuel V6. With virtually no ethanol filling stations in the county, it didn't make sense to keep it. The entry level SE ($19,995) and mid-level SXT ($23,995) both use the 2.4-litre four-cylinder "world engine" that was designed to be powerful and fuel thrifty at the same time. With 173 hp and 166 lb/ft of torque, consumption is listed at 9.9L/100 km (29 mpg) city and 6.7L/100 km (42 mpg) highway. The SE comes with air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power locks/windows and keyless entry and front seat and side curtain airbags and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. The SXT (as tested) is seen by Dodge as its volume seller and, like the SE, is equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. It is extensively fitted out with power eight-way driver's seat, 18-inch wheels, electronic stability control, climate control and tire pressure-monitoring system. Optional on the SXT and standard on the SXT Plus ($27,495) is a 3.6-litre with six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produces 283 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque. If you opt for the V6 and transmission as See AVENGER pg. 4 Bratin Auto 82 Main St. N., Georgetown SUMMER MAINTENANCE SPECIAL Includes oil change, tire rotation, battery test, 30 point inspection (on most vehicles) 905-873-6127 To book an appointment. $3995 Expires July 31, 2011