Prowling the cyberspace looking for a prospect car to buy, I chanced upon a good find that I think would be my next car next year. You may call the 2009 Toyota Venza somewhat of a crossover vehicle. It is 70-percent car and 30-percent SUV. Built for versatility, the Venza is Toyota’s answer to those who want variety in their ride - something like having a Camry of a sedan and a HIghlander for a SUV. That’s why Toyota calls it “the car, optimized.”

Instead of being full-bodied like the other vehicles in its class, the Venza is longer and narrower. And what makes this as a winner to my eyes is its considerably low height fused with the body’s “aesthetic purpose” allows the passengers to sit comfortably. Design-wise, the hood is highlighted by the two swage lines from the Toyota badge. You would not notice such until you come standing in front of it as it reflects on you.Up from behind, meanwhile, is a group of lines and angles ound at the rear-quarter area.

Coming in, it feels like a car because of the lower rocker panels resting evenly with the interior floor combined with the narrow door sills. But its innovation from other sedans make it roomier and more comfortable to ride. Suspension keeps you in place amidst the twists and turns of the curves and the punishing terrain you are about to tread. Steering is a no-brainer, delivering stability form the get-go. While road noise won’t be a problem; let the 13-speaker JBL audio system do its job.

Under the hood, it packs the capabilities of an SUV. The 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine kicks off 182 hp at 5.800 rpm with 182 lbs of torque at 4,200 rpm. Now that’s a total reminder that you are not just in an ordinary car. You’re in a crossover utility vehicle that packs a lot of punch.

Above all, it’s good thing I can buy it here in the States with its limited availability in Canada and Puerto Rico.

T