If you are considering buying an SUV in the coming months, you may want to check out this new model from Chevrolet - the Captiva Ikon.

On sale now at £15,995, this model has a lot of exciting features to offer such as electrically-adjustable mirrors, steering wheel-mounted controls, electric windows, air conditioning, and a glass flip tailgate. It also comes with side steps, privacy glass, chrome tailpipe, and 20-inch alloys.

According to Chevrolet, the Captiva Ikon is ideal for families looking for replacement for their hatchback or for those who are looking for larger SUVs but want to cut on costs.

However, the company stated, “To catch your dream Ikon, you need to hurry - it won’t be around forever.”

SUVs nowadays offer more exciting features than before. If you are already contented with the vehicle’s A/C system to keep you comfortable while riding, wait until you’ve experienced the ventilated or A/C front seats which are included in various 2009 SUVs.

So, what are these 2009 SUVs with ventilated front seats? Before I enumerate them, let me just say that not all of these SUVs offer the said feature as standard equipment. You may only see this feature as standard equipment on more expensive trim levels like the Infiniti FX50, Mercedes-Benz G550, and the top-of-the-line LTZ trim of the Chevrolet Traverse.

Here are the 2009 SUVs with ventilated front seats:

• 2009 BMW X5
• 2009 BMW X6
• 2009 Buick Enclave
• 2009 Cadillac Escalade
• 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
• 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
• 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
• 2009 Ford Expedition
• 2009 GMC Acadia
• 2009 GMC Yukon
• 2009 Infiniti FX35, FX50
• 2009 Land Rover Range Rover
• 2009 Lexus LX 570
• 2009 Lincoln MKX
• 2009 Lincoln Navigator
• 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
• 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
• 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
• 2009 Volvo XC90

Image courtesy of: www.lexus.com

Why turn your back on that gas guzzling SUV if you can find one that is fuel-efficient? Be guided by this list of the most fuel-efficient 2009 SUVs. These SUVs are ranked according to their MPGs (Miles Per Gallon) both in highway driving and city driving. Meanwhile, the estimates for annual fuel cost are based on the assumption that the vehicle travels 15,000 miles per year (45% highway travel and 55% city travel) and that fuel costs around $3.75/gallon for premium, $3.88/gallon for diesel, and $3.48/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Check these out:

1. Ford Escape Hybrid - City: 34MPG ; Highway: 31MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $1634

1. Mazda Tribute Hybrid - City: 34MPG ; Highway: 31MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $1634

1. Mercury Mariner Hybrid - City: 34MPG ; Highway: 31MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $1634

4. Toyota Highlander Hybrid - City: 27MPG ; Highway: 25MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $2010

5. Saturn Vue Hybrid - City: 25MPG ; Highway: 32MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $1864

6. Jeep Compass - City: 23MPG ; Highway: 28MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $2088

6. Jeep Patriot - City: 23MPG ; Highway: 28MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $2088

8. Chevrolet HHR - City: 22MPG ; Highway: 32MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $2010

9. Ford Escape - City: 22MPG ; Highway: 28MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $2177

9. Mazda Tribute - City: 22MPG ; Highway: 28MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $2177

9. Toyota RAV4 - City: 22MPG ; Highway: 28MPG ; Annual Fuel Cost: $2177

Yes, it’s true! The 2009 LTZ Chevrolet Tahoe will be the grand prize in a raffle being held by United Way. This is actually the last GM-Janesville plant SUV which GM will donate to United Way. The plant is scheduled to close on December 23, so GM officials said it’s their way of giving back to the community.

Gary Malkus, GM-Janesville plant manager, said he’s hoping businesses will sell tickets to their employees because they will not only help the nonprofit organization but also have that chance to win a piece of Janesville’s history.

Tickets are sold at $20 per piece and $300 for six. Drawing will be held on February 25, during the United Way of North Rock County’s annual meeting. To know more about the raffle, simply log on to www.uwnrc.org or call 608-757-3040.