2009 Nissan Versa

The Versa has received the highest possible ratings in government and insurance industry crash tests, though keep in mind that's among small cars (five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and a quot;goodquot; rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Versa safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags, front-seat side-impact air bags for chest protection, and roof-mounted curtain air bags for head protection.
Versa went on sale as a five-door hatchback in July 2006, with a four-door sedan following in January 2007. Combined, the sedan and hatch sold more 59,000 units in less than one model year. For 2009, Nissan has simplified the model lineup by reducing the total number of body, trim, and transmission combinations from nine to six. The Sport Package is restricted to the hatchback.
Bottom line, the Nissan Versa is a big small car with comfort, performance and versatility. It's roomy and offers good fuel economy.

2006 Land Rover Range Rover

NAPA, Calif. – Thanks to heavy rain, Land Rover provided neither an off-road course nor a racetrack on which to test the mettle of the significantly upgraded 2006 Range Rover. But, for those of us familiar with this flagship luxury SUV, driving from the urban grid of San Francisco to the winding two-lanes of northern California’s wine-growing region revealed plenty of personality changes.
The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover comes in two new flavors. In addition to a fresh base-model designation of HSE, for the first time in Land Rover’s history there is a sporty Supercharged version. Land Rover would tell you that, unlike Porsche with its turbocharged Cayenne, its flagship Supercharged model is meant to be spirited, but not racy. Additionally, its new 4WD system, borrowed from the 2005 Land Rover LR3, is not only proven, but has garnered awards in the automotive industry. Plus, Land Rover has thoroughly updated its flagship and bumped it more upscale. Sure to please both loyalists and newcomers, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover’s changes serve each of these buyers.

2008 Kia Rio

Rio comes in a four-door sedan and Rio5 five-door hatchback versions. Last redesigned for the 2006 model year, the Rio lineup has been expanded over the past two years and now includes three trim levels for the two body styles. The Rio sedan is available as a very basic base model, as the more mainstream LX, or as the sporty SX. The Rio5 five-door hatchback comes in LX and SX trim.
These are roomy cars. The hatchback offers lots of cargo space. Rio comes standard with six airbags, a safety feature normally associated with expensive luxury cars, not subcompacts. The Rio offers agile handling, particularly the top models with their upgraded wheels and tires.
The Rio gets an EPA-rated City/Highway 27/32 miles per gallon. All models are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, a sophisticated, modern engine, with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing rated at 110 horsepower.

2008 Jeep Compass

One way to measure the value of the Compass might be to compare it to the trusty Jeep Cherokee that was enormously popular for 18 years and finally ended its run in 2001. The Compass is slightly bigger and much more comfortable than the Cherokee was 10 years ago, though without as much off-road capability.
The Jeep Compass uses DaimlerChrysler's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder World Engine, developed jointly for 21st century efficiency with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It's a solid, sophisticated, 16-valve engine. Like other new four-cylinder engines, it is quieter and stronger than a four-banger was believed capable of being 10 years ago. It features electronic variable valve timing that continually changes the torque curve, bringing more versatility to the 165 peak pound-feet of torque, and more capability to the 172 peak horsepower. Emphasis during development of this engine was on fuel mileage; even carrying 3326 pounds, the Compass 4WD with a five-speed manual transmission delivers EPA fuel economy estimates of 22/27 mpg City/Highway.
The Jeep Compass offers an optional continuously variable transaxle, which performs like an automatic transmission. The CVT comes with the Auto Stick manual shiftgate feature for 2008. The Auto Stick enables the driver to shift up and down over six preset gear ratios, making it feel like a six-speed gearbox without a clutch pedal.
Also new for 2008, Jeep has recalibrated the engine and transaxle for improved drivability and reduced noise. Chrome interior accents brighten the 2008 models, and air conditioning and a tire-pressure monitor are standard equipment.
The safety, ride and handling of the Compass are all excellent, with a strong steel structure and well-planned subframe. Side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control with anti-rollover sensors are standard. Power windows and power door locks are optional, however. Remember manual door locks? Some cannot.
Inside, the Compass is thoughtfully designed. The instruments and controls are well placed and easy to use, though the materials feel cut rate. There's good interior space all around, with rear seats that fold flat to make about 54 cubic feet of cargo space. Options for added versatility include reclining rear seats and a passenger front seat that also folds flat, creating either a table or eight-foot-long space for storage.

2009 Subaru Forester

The 2009 Subaru Forester's improvements for 2009 go well beyond new styling inside and out. The car is based on an all-new platform that is stronger, improving both safety and drivability. Prices start at $20,660 for a base Subaru Forester 2.5X to $28,660 for a 2.5XT Limited. Prices include a $665 destination charge. There are two engine and transmission choices: The Subaru Forester 2.5X, 2.5 Premium and 2.5 Limited all come with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four that produces 170 horsepower and sends it to all four wheels either through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Forester 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited have a 224-hp turbocharged version of the same engine, routed through a four-speed automatic transmission.
With room for five, decent if not stellar off-road ability and a very large and usable cargo area, the Subaru Forester is a good choice for those looking for a crossover that isn't as ubiquitous as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. It's even fun to drive, especially in the lower trim levels, which can be equipped with a manual transmission. We wish the turbocharged Subaru Forester XT models were available with a manual gearbox, and that the interior had more soft-touch plastics, especially on the door tops. That aside, the 2009 Subaru Forester is a good call and competitively priced.

2008 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is all about sporty driving, which is why it uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make its hearty 240 horsepower. This is the first turbocharged engine that Acura has produced. It's 2.3 liters, and comes out of the Acura TSX, with many changes making a completely different powerband.
Proving its commitment to sport, the RDX uses a sequential five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, a firm independent suspension made for cornering, and Acura's patented SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system, which delivers a higher proportion of power to the outside rear wheel under hard cornering, thus keeping the car in line.
Proving its commitment to luxury, the RDX comes trimmed in leather, no cloth interior is available, and it comes standard with other luxury touches, such as a power moonroof and dual-zone climate control.
In short, the RDX is designed for drivers who do not want to compromise cornering for a comfortable ride (hence, the firm suspension), but want upscale accommodations. It also needs to be someone who doesn't care about dramatic or distinctive styling, because the RDX closely resembles the Honda CR-V. Women, who normally go for the Acura approach of combining a silky-smooth ride with performance, will want to think twice about the RDX, given its firm suspension.
The RDX was launched as a 2007 model, and changes for 2008 consist of upgrades. The Bluetooth hands-free phone interface comes standard on 2008 models. Also standard are a two-way position driver's seat memory and an auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror. A new exterior color, Polished Metal Metallic, is available. If you are in Hawaii, lucky you, and now your RDX will have access to the navigation system's 1.7 million city and street names along with access to AcuraLink Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic. The Real Time Traffic system now covers 76 major metropolitan areas with the addition of 32 more for 2008.

2009 Ford Flex

The 2009 Ford Flex is a three-row crossover utility vehicle capable of carrying up to seven passengers. It's available in three different trim levels, two of which can be ordered with all-wheel drive. The base Ford Flex SE model costs $28,995 – including $700 destination –comes with the same 262-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission available in all Ford Flex models. All-wheel drive is only available on the more expensive Ford Flex SEL ($32,770) and Limited ($35,405) models for an additional $1,850.
The 2009 Ford Flex SE is nicely equipped, considering it's the base model. Standard features include a reverse sensing system, six-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and rear-seat air conditioning. The Flex SEL adds standard heated leather seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, dual-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded audio system, and fake wood trim. The Limited adds to that with standard driver's seat memory, standard Sync (Ford's voice-activated in-car mobile phone and audio system), ambient lighting, wood inlay on the steering wheel and laminated front glass for a quieter ride. Options include a trailer towing package for $570; Flex SEL models offer a $985 Convenience package that bundles a power liftgate, power pedals with memory; SEL and Limited models can be equipped with the multi-panel Vista Roof for $1,495, a refrigerator between the rear seats for $760, and a navigation system for $2,375.
Overall we're quite fond of the 2009 Ford Flex. It offers up unique styling in the segment, but without sacrificing the utility one expects from a vehicle of this sort. The Ford Flex is roomy, comfortable and looks good. It has lots of different options to keep shoppers satisfied by customizing their Flex to their individual tastes. We wish the fuel economy were better, and are guessing that if you skip the all-wheel drive (we don't think it's necessary in this vehicle) and go easy on the throttle, gas mileage would probably improve. In the test car we drove, we also found a few fit and finish issues, and wished some of the interior plastics were better. Regardless, this is one big crossover SUV that's definitely worth a close look.

2008 Chevrolet Aveo

Aveo was designed to offer sensible, day-to-day transportation. Its ride is tuned more for comfort than sporty driving, and this is where it differs from the frisky Honda Fit. But many of us spend more time commuting through heavy, stop-and-go traffic than challenging the Nurburgring circuit.
Aveo is EPA-estimated to deliver 24 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. That's compares well with the Hyundai Accent (27/32 mpg), Nissan Versa (26/31). The Honda Fit (28/34) and Toyota Yaris (29/36) are more efficient but when it comes to purchase price look for better deals on the Aveo.
We found the Aveo an enjoyable car to spend time with, particularly the LT with its nice cloth upholstery. The climate and audio controls are easy to use and the driver's seat adjusts for height and it drives well. We like the Aveo5 five-door hatchback for its ability to haul stuff.

NCTD: 2008 Lincoln MKZ

The MKZ began a new direction for Lincoln: luxury vehicles designed to engage the driver. The MKZ succeeds, managing the difficult trick of delivering a ride that is generally comfortable with handling that makes it interesting and gratifying to drive quickly on a challenging country road.
The MKZ is powered by a strong, 263-hp V6 driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available. And MKZ's major standard equipment compares favorably with the best cars in this class.
For 2008, Lincoln has made several popular options standard, including heated and cooled leather seats, and Sirius Satellite Radio. New standard features include a reverse sensing system and a hands-free, voice-activated communications and entertainment system that Ford calls Sync.
Overall, the MKZ is well rounded. It's suitable for day-to-day commuting even on the Midwest's broken streets, comfy for long-distance cruising on an interstate, and playful during a quick trip along a two-lane road through the mountains. It has plenty of power, but it uses regular fuel and delivers decent gas mileage. Surprisingly, however, the MKZ does not offer electronic stability control.
The MKZ has collected some impressive accolades. Among them: When it was introduced as a 2007 model, it ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study for Premium Cars. For two years in a row, industry voters have honored the MKZ with Ward's Premium-Priced Car Interior of the Year award. Its 3.5-liter V6 has been named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines. Its THX II-certified stereo was voted Best Audio by PC Magazine. And its navigation system was ranked No. 1 in J.D. Power's 2007 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study.

2009 Saab 9-3

The base model 2009 Saab 9-3 SportCombi costs $31,040 and is powered by a 210-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. In front-wheel drive models, that engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed automatic in all-wheel drive models. Opt for the $43,940 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Aero and you get a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 producing a respectable 280 hp driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. All prices include a $775 destination charge.
While the 2009 Saab 9-3 wagon delivers the goods on paper and is pleasing to the eye, it still lacks in key areas. In practice, the turbocharged V-6 doesn't feel very powerful, and although we like the added security and control of the all-wheel drive system, it's not enough to sway us. However, we do like the SportCombi's wagon utility and unique styling, enough that some of us are willing to overlook the car's refinement shortcomings, especially in the lower-priced 2.0-liter turbo models.

2009 Hyundai Genesis

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a totally new luxury sport sedan. With its rear-wheel drive and available V8 power, the Genesis aspires to the BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Infiniti M, but is priced more like American competitors such as the Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8.
The Genesis seats five and is offered with V6 or V8 engines. Hyundai is best known here for the econoboxes it sold when it first came to America, but the Korean automaker has been moving upmarket for several years. The Genesis represents its biggest leap yet and is the company's most expensive and most luxurious car.
Inside, the Genesis is nicely appointed, with chrome accents, wood and aluminum trim, and soft-touch materials. Easy-to-read electroluminescent gauges greet the driver, and the available navigation system includes voice activation and a multimedia interface that is easier to use than those from most luxury manufacturers. An iPod interface is standard, and customers can choose a 17-speaker audio system that has 7.1 surround and sounds great. Room in the front and rear seats is excellent.
The Genesis marks the debut of Hyundai's first V8, a 4.6-liter dual overhead cam engine with 375 horsepower. The V8 provides plenty of smooth, willing power and gets decent fuel economy. Also available is a 290-hp 3.8-liter V6. The V6 offers enough pep for most needs and has the benefit of an extra couple mpg. Both engines run quietly and are mated to smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmissions with manual shiftgates.
Hyundai touts the Genesis as a sport sedan, with a rigid rear-wheel-drive structure and advanced five-link front and rear suspensions. On twisty roads, it performs well, with a generally nimble feel and a fairly flat disposition through corners. Of the two models, the V6 rotates easier through turns, while the V8 is more prone to push. The V8 model, on the other hand benefits from electrohydraulic steering that keeps the boost up in the tightest slaloms, while the V6's hydraulic steering can bind in quick changes of direction.
The Genesis rides well, ironing out most bumps with little effect on passengers. It doesn't float or wallow like other Hyundais, but the ride can get bouncy over humps and ruts at highway speeds. On the whole, the Genesis is a legitimate sport sedan, but it's not as agile as top performers, such as the BMW 5 Series.
Both Genesis models are fine values that deliver fine handling, a smooth ride, and willing power. They also have plenty of interior room, with nicely appointed interiors. Though not quite up to the high standards of the European and Japanese luxury cars the Genesis aspires to, it is viable and cheaper alternative to those cars and a better appointed option versus large American sedans.

Quick Look: 2009 Honda Fit

The 2009 Honda Fit is Honda's entry into the inexpensive subcompact class. Completely redesigned and reengineered for the 2009 model year, the Honda Fit combines class-leading cargo space management with levels of comfort and refinement that were unheard of in this class just a few years ago.
Throw in the $670 destination charge, and pricing for the 2009 Honda Fit starts at $15,220 for the base model with a manual transmission; you'll pay $16,020 for an automatic. A 2009 Honda Fit Sport costs $16,730 with a manual and $17,580 with an automatic, and the 2009 Honda Fit Sport with a navigation system costs an additional $1,850. That's definitely pushing the definition of "cheap car," but the Fit is surprisingly well equipped. Base models come with side curtain airbags and side impact airbags standard, electronic throttle, an auxiliary jack for the audio system, anti-lock brakes, and a 160-watt audio system with speed-sensitive volume control. In other words, pretty loaded. Sport models add fog lamps and a sport suspension, and automatic-transmission versions get paddle shifters. Regardless of trim level, the 2009 Honda Fit comes with a 1.6-liter 117-hp four cylinder engine powering the front wheels.
We like the 2009 Honda Fit enough to award it our 2009 Editors' Choice Award for Best Non-Hybrid Gas Saver. While we concede that the initial price can be higher than its competition, it also offers more standard equipment, and it's very price competitive when feature content is taken into account. The 2009 Honda Fit's interior features an extremely clever rear seat that folds in many different ways, enhancing cargo capacity and ease of use. Plus it looks distinctive – some might even say cool – and Sport models are genuinely fun to drive.

NCTD: 2008 Audi A5

A distinctive shape identifies the A5 and S5 models from virtually any angle, with flowing curves bringing some musculature to Audi's sleek, aerodynamic forms and arresting light patterns. From dead behind there's slight chance of mistaking it for a British GT car, but from any other angle it's unmistakably Audi.
These are two-plus-two GT cars designed to cover lots of ground at good average speed while coddling a pair of occupants by minimizing environmental distractions; rear seats are for the occasional adult passengers or bringing the kids along. The A5 and S5 involve the driver physically, audibly, and mentally though never to the point of making it a chore or less than inviting. An S5 can be hustled down virtually any road at a good clip, but it is unfair to expect these big, heavy coupes to behave like small sports cars.
Audi interiors have been racking up awards for most of the 21st century and the A5/S5 is in the same mold. It has the features expected, good ergonomics, a central interface system that won't drive you to cursing, and it's all assembled to a high standard using appropriate materials. Despite the standard all-wheel drive it also has more trunk space than some Lexus sedans so you enjoy a road trip of any length.
An A5 delivers confidence and luxury in a package not likely to be seen at every intersection and very likely to come across as a good value; the S5 delivers more performance and luxury yet still has a certain value quotient to argue.

NCTD: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Chevy Silverado HD heavy-duty pickups are about real work and serious play. The 2500-series is often used like a second car and charged with pulling the boat or trailer on weekends, while the 3500 usually sees hauling and pulling duty on a routine basis and tows fifth-wheel RVs and six-horse trailers. With a trailer of 5,000 pounds or less, or infrequent carriage of building materials, you'd be better served with a Silverado 1500.
But for those who need it, the Silverado HD models are the only heavy-duty pickups with independent front suspensions on four-wheel-drive units, for better ride and steering than the competition. The 6.0-liter gas V8 is the strongest standard engine, and the 6.6-liter is the most powerful turbodiesel. The standard six-speed automatic one-ups the competition and only GM includes OnStar. It is well finished, inside and out.
After a mid-2007 debut for the new Chevy Silverado HD, the 2008 models get some minor yet worthwhile upgrades. These include brighter instrumentation, 17-inch wheels on dually models, standard XM radio with three-month subscription. Regular Cab pickups offer a power front bench seat option, split 40/20/40.
A choice of interiors is available, with different dashboards rather than merely varied finishes. You can have it sweep-out simple, or served up with heated leather, navigation, and an expensive-looking opaque shade for the moonroof. Regular cabs are roomy enough for three, extended cabs are ideal for younger families and have a thoughtful new rear door design, while the crew cab is suitable for four or five big athletes or pony-sized dogs.
The Silverado HD is the most car-like of big pickups, whether referring to interior appearance or driving feel. Yet it carries and tows as well as other heavy-duty pickups. With close to 100 derivatives in cab/box/trim/drive choices and option sheets to fill many pages, there should be an example to fit your tastes and requirements.

Honda releases details for European-spec Insight hybrid

Europe will be a very important market for the new hybrid, so much so that Honda even designed the car as a five-door hatch. "The reason we chose a five-door hatchback was that we wanted the car to be popular in Europe," project leader Yasunari Seki explained. "American Honda - the biggest market - asked us to build a car with a boot, but we decided on a five-door design because to compete with other green cars and sell more in Europe, it had to be a five-door hatchback. Of course, aerodynamically it is also a more favorable shape."The European Insight also adopts slim, projector-style headlights in a four-light cluster. The headlight's low beam has blue detailing, and the indicators are located in the lower bumper face. At the rear, the car uses LEDs for the taillights and stop lamps.

Scoop! 2010 Volkswagen Golf R Series Turbo Coming to America - Car News

Six Becomes Four—Plus a Turbo
Meet the new R-series Golf. It will feature basically the same direct-injection 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that you find in the GTI, tuned to an impressive 270 hp. Power will be transmitted to all wheels. Zero-to-60 times should be in the low- to mid-fives, and while the regular GTI tops out at a drag-limited 149 mph, the new R version will hit its governor at 155, with a theoretical top speed 10 mph or so higher.
Unlike the R32, the new R model will offer performance greater than the GTI’s, with the slightly increased weight and resistance of the AWD system easily offset by the leap in power and torque. We expect a choice of manual and dual-clutch transmissions, each with six forward ratios.
Essentially, the Golf R features the Audi S3’s powertrain. We have driven that car extensively; think WRX performance combined with Audi refinement. It’s worth noting that the new Golf MkVI, upon which this R version will be based, is more sophisticated than the Audi A3/S3.
The exterior of what we believe will be called R20 Turbo is distinguished from the GTI by an even more aggressive front spoiler, complete with three distinct air intakes, a more aggressive rear spoiler, and two center-exit exhaust pipes. Three doors will be standard, but VW will most likely also offer a five-door variation. Our artist’s renderings show a possible look for the three-door R20

2009 Audi R8

Vehicle Overview
This sports car is named after Audi's five-time Le Mans-winning racecar. Like the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo with which it competes, the R8 has a mid-mounted engine. Featuring a weight-saving aluminum body and Quattro all-wheel drive, Audi says the R8 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a maximum speed of 185 mph.

New for 2009
Bluetooth phone interface and a six-disc CD changer are standard, and a new version of the 19-inch wheels is available.

Exterior
The front end of the R8 is dominated by air intake grates and Audi's trapezoidal grille. Distinguishing features include sideblade air intakes behind the doors that route air to the V-8 engine. Rectangular LED taillights are standard, and a power-extendable rear spoiler provides additional downforce at high speeds. The R8 measures 174.5 inches long, 75 inches wide and 49.3 inches tall. It stands taller than the Ferrari and Lamborghini, but it falls between the two in both length and width.

• Nineteen-inch alloy wheels standard
• Optional carbon fiber sideblade
• Optional LED headlights
• Transparent canopy in rear allows view of the engine
• Quad exhaust pipes

Interior
The R8's two-person cabin has standard sport seats covered in leather or Alcantara fabric and leather. A navigation system with Audi's Multi Media Interface system is available. MMI controls vehicle settings via a knob and buttons on the center of the dashboard. Audi says there's room for two golf bags behind the rear seats, and the small front trunk measures 3.5 cubic feet.

• Standard six-CD changer
• Flat-bottom steering wheel for easier entry and exit
• Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone interface
• Homelink garage-door opener now standard
• Available carbon fiber interior trim
• Available carbon fiber engine compartment trim
• Available Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Available rearview camera

2009 Acura TSX

Vehicle Overview
Acura's entry-level TSX sport sedan has been redesigned for the 2009 model year. The new model is larger than its predecessor, offers better gas mileage, features all-new styling and is powered by a cleaner four-cylinder engine. Competitors include the Audi A4, Infiniti G35 and Saab 9-3.

Exterior
The exterior of the new TSX is much more muscular than the prior version. The wheels are accented by large fender flares, and the front of the car is defined by a new grille that features a silver-colored upper bar.

The new TSX is also 2.4 inches longer than before, has a longer wheelbase and is 3 inches wider. A new cross-braced roof improves rigidity, and the TSX has dual-mode dampers that can vary their response based on driving conditions.

Interior
The TSX's restyled interior has a high-quality appearance and room for up to five people. Heated leather seats are standard. Additional standard features include a seven-speaker CD stereo with a USB port that allows the audio system to control an iPod. Bluetooth-based cell phone connectivity is also standard.

The optional Technology Package includes a navigation system with traffic-based rerouting and weather updates and a 10-speaker ELS surround-sound system that can play DVD-Audio discs. One of the other big changes to the navigation system for 2009 is that it's now controlled by a large dial in the middle of the dash, whereas the previous system featured a touch-screen.

The TSX's trunk measures 12.6 cubic feet, but the sedan comes with a standard split-folding backseat that can expand that space for long items.

Under the Hood
The front-wheel-drive TSX is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that has lower emissions than the previous engine. The engine makes 201 horsepower — a 4-hp decrease compared to the four-cylinder in the prior TSX — but more torque (172 pounds-feet with the six-speed manual transmission and 170 pounds-feet with the automatic).

Gas mileage with the manual is 20/28 mpg city/highway and the five-speed automatic achieves an estimated 21/30 mpg. The automatic includes shift paddles on the steering wheel that gives the driver control of gear changes.

Safety
The TSX has antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system and active head restraints for the front seats.

The sedan also incorporates Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body technology. ACE is designed to better engage vehicles of different sizes during a crash so the car's crumple zones are fully utilized.

Driving Impressions
I drove the TSX in and around San Diego, on expressways, city streets and winding mountain roads. Even on the relatively smooth roads that part of the country is privileged to enjoy, the TSX's firm suspension tuning communicated small pavement bumps to the cabin and wasn't especially forgiving on rougher surfaces. The benefit, though, is relatively flat cornering when driving the car quickly through tight turns.

My biggest issue with the new TSX is its steering feel and feedback. Acura has replaced the hydraulic steering system in the previous car with a new electric power-steering system that doesn't offer very inspiring oncenter feel; unlike many sport sedans, it doesn't take much effort to turn the wheel left or right from its straight-ahead position, which means the driver has to pay extra attention to something that doesn't normally require any thought.

The TSX's four-cylinder is built to rev. It spins smoothly and emits a nice mechanical sound as you approach its 7,100-rpm redline. You have to let the engine rev high if you want to unlock its performance potential; shifting into too high of a gear to quiet the engine will make its power drop off. That's what happens to an engine with modest torque that peaks at a relatively high rpm.

Fortunately, the six-speed manual is a joy to shift. The transmission has medium-length throws and moves from gear to gear with impressive slickness, though extra attention is necessary when shifting into sixth. Clutch-pedal effort is rather light, so it shouldn't tire your leg when creeping through traffic, and within minutes of driving the car I'd gotten accustomed to where engagement occurred.

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

Vehicle Overview
Now into its second generation, the Honda Civic Hybrid offers more premium options but remains technologically unchanged for 2009. The Civic uses gasoline-electric hybrid technology to reach fuel economy ratings of 40/45 mpg city/highway. The Civic Hybrid's main competition is the Toyota Prius.

New for 2009
The hybrid receives a new front bumper with larger grille openings. On the inside, leather seating surfaces, heated seats and heated mirrors are options. An electronic stability system is now standard.

Exterior
The Civic Hybrid sedan looks as futuristic as the gas-powered models. A-pillars are practically over the front wheels, and the large front doors make it easy to get in and out of the car.

• Redesigned front bumper with more pronounced grille openings
• 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with low-rolling-resistance tires
• Rear lip spoiler
• Hybrid badges and turn-signal indicators in the side mirror housings

Interior
There's room for five in the Civic Hybrid, which has two-tone cloth seating surfaces with newly optional leather seating surfaces. The Civic Hybrid has an interesting looking instrument cluster that's similar to the regular Civic's. It features a digital speedometer positioned near the base of the windshield and a large tachometer in its own housing that sits in front of the steering wheel. There's also a battery meter and a charge/assist gauge that monitors the electric portion of the powertrain.

• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Power windows, locks and mirrors
• 10.4 cubic feet of cargo volume (smaller than the regular sedan's 12.0-cubic-foot trunk)
• Stereo with CD player and USB audio interface that works with iPods and flash drives
• Optional navigation system with voice recognition
• Bluetooth limited to navigation-equipped vehicles

Under the Hood
The Civic Hybrid features a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor.

• 110 horsepower and 123 pounds-feet of torque
• Continuously variable automatic transmission
• MacPherson strut front suspension and compact multilink double-wishbone rear suspension

Safety
Now standard on all Civic Hybrids is an electronic stability system, which was not previously offered on the hybrid. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests, the Civic received the highest overall rating.

• Antilock brakes
• Side-impact airbags for the front seats
• Side curtain airbags
• Active front head restraints

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Vehicle Overview
The Altima Hybrid is Nissan's first gas/electric hybrid, using technology borrowed from Toyota. The hybrid is sold in select states, including California, New York, New Jersey and most of New England.

The Altima Hybrid is available in one trim level and competes with other midsize hybrids like the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion hybrids.

New for 2009
The 2009 Altima Hybrid remains mostly unchanged since its 2007 introduction. A new auto-locking power door-lock system is the only significant addition.

Exterior
Except for some hybrid decal badging, the Altima Hybrid features the same silhouette as a conventional Altima.

The body is 189.8 inches long and 70.7 inches wide, with a 109.3-inch wheelbase, which is about average in its class.

• Standard 16-inch alloy wheels
• Standard power mirrors, heated mirrors optional
• Standard dual exhaust
• Optional automatic headlamps
• Optional rear spoiler
• Optional power sunroof

Interior
The hybrid seats five in 100.7 cubic feet of passenger space, average for the class. Nissan installed the hybrid's battery pack in the trunk, giving the vehicle 10.1 cubic feet of cargo area, which is about the same as the Camry Hybrid but significantly less than the Malibu Hybrid's 15.1 cubic feet.

• Available cloth or leather upholstery
• Available wood or metallic trim
• Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
• Standard power windows, locks and keyless entry
• Standard cruise control
• Optional heated front seats
• Optional nine-speaker Bose audio system and XM Satellite Radio
• Optional navigation system

Under the Hood
The four-cylinder gasoline engine shuts off when the vehicle comes to a stop to save gas. The electric motor provides some acceleration at low speeds; the gasoline engine kicks in when accelerating or for highway travel.

The air conditioning compressor is electric (rather than belt-driven) to save gas. This also means the air conditioning can blow in cold air even with the engine off. Overall, the Altima Hybrid achieves an estimated 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

• 158-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 162 pounds-feet of torque
• 40-hp, 650-volt electric motor with 199 pounds-feet of torque
• Continuously variable automatic transmission
• Standard push-button start

Safety

• Side-impact airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Active front head restraints
• Antilock brakes
• Electronic stability system
• Traction control
• Optional rearview camera