When talking about new-for-2009 models, it's important to keep in mind that the typical development cycle for a new automobile takes 3 to 5 years. So back in 2004 or 2005, the idea of following up the 2008 Subaru Impreza with a new 2009 version that had more power, more ameneties, and a higher price -- namely, the Impreza 2.5GT -- probably seemed like a good idea. Today? Er, not so much. On the other hand, the 2.5GT is basically a 2008 WRX -- a fantastic sport-compact -- with an automatic transmission. So is the 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT a diamond in the rough, or is in an idea whose time has passed? Find out in my 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT test drive and review. -- Aaron Gold

Photo © Aaron Gold

Ford is about to introduce the automotive equivalent of the V-chip -- the MyKey system. Here's how it works: Parents can enable MyKey restrictions on any individual key. Using that key to start the car causes the following to happen:

• If the seat belt isn't buckled, the seat belt chime rings continuously and stereo is muted
• Low-fuel warning comes on at 75 miles to empty (rather than 50)
• Systems like Parking Assist and Blind Spot Warning System cannot be deactivated

Other restrictions can be individually selected or deselected by the parent:

• Speed limited to 80 MPH
• Traction control system cannot be deactivated
• Stereo volume limited to 44% of maximum
• Speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 MPH

MyKey will be standard on the Ford Focus starting with the 2010 model year, and it will migrate to other Ford models shortly thereafter.

So what do you think -- are parental controls for cars a good idea? Click to vote:

• Yes
• No

Got more to say than yes or no? Click the "comments" link below and let 'er rip. -- Aaron Gold

Photo © Ford Motor Co.

I'm in Las Vegas, NV, today, and I just drove by a gas station where regular was $3.31 a gallon. I haven't seen numbers that low in ages! Even back home in LA, regular is under $3.60, and it looks like prices will fall further. Not that any of this matters, because as the economy continues to implode, none of us can afford new cars.

Enter Hyundai and their Sonata, which gets a round of updates for 2009. The Sonata's always offered a lot of car for the money -- but is this a car you'd actually want to live with on a day-to-day basis? Check out my 2009 Hyundai Sonata test drive and review, and decide for yourself. -- Aaron Gold

Photo © Aaron Gold

This week's comment comes from Jeff, in response to Test drive: 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE. Jeff and his wife were interested in a Cobalt XFE, but couldn't get the trim level they wanted. They wound up buying a Mazda3. He says:

We tried to go American, but 4 door/manuals are hard to find. [...] Stats show that over 90% of cars sold in the US are auto, so no one thinks they are worth it. But how many people buy an auto because its all they can get (or find) on the car they want? Count me in that category.

Take rates on manual transmissions for the cars that do offer them are low, but many only offer a manual in the lowest trim levels. Cars like the Honda Fit, which offer a stick in all trim levels, often have higher take rates. Jeff makes a good question to pose to the automakers: If you build it, will they come? -- Aaron Gold

Photo: Photodisc/Getty Images