Playing the roll of crossover utility vehicle in a segment of sedans and wagons gives Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars and this year adds more power with the Turbo model.

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are new this year and are worth considering as Recommended SUV-like alternatives. Hyundai's Sonata earns recognition for offering impressive comfort, equipment, and warranty coverage at a reasonable price. The all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy is another Recommended selection, thanks to a superb AWD system and roomy cargo holds.

Mitsubishi unveiled a new-generation Galant at the recent New York Auto Show, a good two years earlier than pundits expected. The redesigned '04 sedan goes on sale this fall in four versions built on the "Project America" platform launched with the '04 Endeavor SUV. Fresh styling brings dimensional increases that move Galant firmly into the midsize class at last. Wheelbase, for example, expands by nearly 5 inches to 108.3, overall length by 2.2 inches to 190, and width by almost 4 inches to 72.4. Mitsubishi claims more passenger and cargo room as a result. Weight inevitably goes up too, but is at least partly offset by increased power.

The lineup again starts with a Galant DE carrying a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine, newly buffed to 160 hp, a gain of 20. Expected to start below $19,000, the DE has standard automatic transmission--still a 4-speed--plus 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and locks, and 16-inch wheels instead of 15s. The step-up ES, expected to start below $20K, adds cruise control and special trim. Next up, at around $22,000, is the Galant LS with a 230-horsepower version of the Endeavor's 3.8-liter V6. The LS also includes a manual shift gate for its automatic transmission, plus ABS and traction control. Finally, there's a sporty V6 line-topper now called GTS. It comes with side airbags, leather, premium audio, power driver's seat, automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels and sport suspension, plus a choice of interior trims. We'll have more details soon, including "first drive" comments, so keep checking back with us.

Despite an aging design and a troubled economy, the current Galant posted a 3.7-percent year-to-year sales gain in calendar 2002, though numerous buy-now come-ons were a big help. Still, this line has been driving Mitsubishi's recent U.S. sales resurgence, so much is riding on the replacement '04s.