Pretty soon, Scion and Subaru will have something neither brand had previously: a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Both vehicles look remarkably similar because Toyota (parent of Scion) and Subaru worked closely on the vehicles. There are subtle differences, though, as Cars.com editor Joe Bruzek points out in the video above.
Acura is reinvigorating its tired image with the return of the NSX nameplate. Staying true to form as the previous NSX, the new model is a mid-engine, low-slung coupe. What isn’t the same are the all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrain additions, collectively known as "Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive," according to Acura. Does this new exotic have what it takes to match vehicles like the Audi R8 and Nissan GT-R? Cars.com Managing Editor David Thomas says yes.
BMW was America's best-selling luxury brand for 2011, taking the crown away from long-standing champion Lexus. BMW wouldn't have earned the honor if it weren't for the 3 Series, which happened to be the nation's best-selling luxury vehicle in 2011. For 2013, the model is all new with fresh styling that accentuates its width, according to Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder. The car looks terrific in person, he says, and we can't wait to get behind the wheel to test one.
For the 2013 model year, Dodge resurrects an old nameplate for a fairly novel concept for the carmaker: a competitively priced and optioned compact sedan. The model features swoopy, curvy styling, which is uncharacteristic for Dodge. However, there are cues, like a continuous rear taillight, that help tie the Dart back to familiar models like the Charger and Challenger. Overall, the car has a lot of unique bright spots, including a spacious rear seat, massive glove box and touch-screen display, says Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays.
The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion is all-new for the model year, featuring unique Euro-influenced styling. The new midsize Fusion will be sold nearly unchanged in Europe as the Ford Mondeo, according to Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays. Its looks aren't the only thing that’s changed; the model no longer features a V-6 option but instead opts for five fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, including a hybrid and Ford's first plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Cadillac's new luxury compact sedan was engineered to directly compete against America's best-selling luxury car, the BMW 3 Series. On paper, the platform, drivetrain and engine lineup matches up favorably against the BMW. Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays offers us some insight on the model's real-world look and feel, spaciousness and fit and finish.
The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is all-new for the model year, and it now ekes out 3 mpg better fuel economy than the 2011 model. Even so, not everything is rosy with the Civic Hybrid, starting with its unrefined hybrid system, which shutters off-the-line, according to Cars.com Managing Editor David Thomas. The Civic Hybrid's pricing also might be hard to swallow since there are competitors (including other Civic trims) that get similar gas mileage and are more affordable.
Acura took the 2012 model year to address a lot of the issues dragging the TL's sales and image down. There's now less offensive styling and a more fuel-efficient automatic transmission to consider. Also, the automaker has added a voice-activated music search functionality. Too bad Acura couldn’t fix the TL's confusing climate controls, according to Cars.com editor Joe Bruzek.
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a unique new entry to the hatchback segment. With three doors instead of four, it’s a little awkward to get into the backseat from the driver’s side, but rear seat space is adequate, according to Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder. The Veloster comes in one trim that’s well-equipped and has excellent fuel efficiency, says Wiesenfelder.
The old Audi A6 was around for more than six years. Whereas that vehicle was beginning to look stale, the recently redesigned 2012 Audi A6 appears cutting edge. Along with the forwarding-thinking exterior look, there’s plenty of gee-whiz tech and new fuel-efficient powertrains. Some issues with interior space remain, and the deletion of a V-8 option might leave some shoppers wanting, Cars.com editor Mike Hanley says.
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