2012

Toyota Camry Hybrid — For people who hate gas stations

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By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

Trick question: What do you get when you cross a 2012 Toyota Camry with a hybrid engine? You don’t need a Cray SuperComputer to tell you the answer is one of the world’s best-selling mid-size automobiles that will get 40 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg highway.

Toyota recently introduced its all-new seventh-generation Camry, American’s best-selling car for nine years running and 13 of the past 14 years. Among the various models is the all-new Hybrid that debuts with a highly-revised version of the brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which includes a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

2012 Mazda3 SkyActiv — More performance, better gas mileage

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By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Mazda is bringing a new technology to its lineup for 2012 called SkyActiv. When fully implemented it will involve revised engine and transmission designs, weight reduction, and chassis tuning.

Simply put, the goal of SkyActiv is to dramatically increase gas mileage without the use of turbocharging or supercharging, and without losing the performance that Mazda has become known for over the past decade with its “Zoom Zoom” persona.

Kia Rio hatchback — An amiable companion

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By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We tested the 2012 Kia Rio hatchback during the hectic holiday season and we soon realized it was just the right vehicle; something to jump into and out of without a second thought. The Rio was always ready to negotiate the traffic snarls of holiday suburbia, running here and there.

2012 BMW 3-Series

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MONTEREY, Calif. — Arguably the benchmark by which all sport sedans are measured, BMW has introduced the sixth generation of its iconic 3-Series sport sedan. If BMW had it right the first time, which seems to be the general consensus, then imagine what the 2012 version — five generations removed from the original — must be like.

Audi A6 — Impeccable

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By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Audi’s reputation for building some of the most desirable cars in the world will surely continue to grow with the remake of its mid-sized A6 sedan. Like its next of kin, the stylish fastback A7, it stands out with its automotive sophistication, its delightful interior and its impeccable driving demeanor.
 
The A7 was released several months ahead of the A6, and other than exterior appearances, both cars are nearly identical in all areas including the drivetrain. The big difference between the two platform mates is passenger space. The more traditionally styled A6 will seat up to five passengers while the sleek A7 is designed as a 2 + 2 vehicle.

Volkswagen Beetle turbo — No flower but plenty of power

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By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

For those owners who thought the bud vase was just the cutest thing in the last-generation Volkswagen Beetle (1998-2011), you may be saddened to learn that the vase has been eliminated with the remake of the iconic car for the 2012 model year. The problem with the vase, auto wags say, is that it branded the Beetle as a “chick” car, and once a car gets associated with a specific demography, it can be difficult to change perception.

2012 Honda Pilot

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Traditionalist SUV buyers, those who prefer their vehicle to look like a box, have found comfort behind the wheel of the mid-size Honda Pilot since its remake in 2009. Not only does it meet their idea of design but like most Honda fans they are looking for traditional Honda reliability and resale value. This appeal was pointed up by 2011 sales figures. More than 116,000 copies of the Pilot were sold, a 14,000 unit gain over 2010.

Chevrolet Sonic — Deserving of a new name

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By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Some pundits had a good time mocking the name when Chevrolet announced last year that it was calling its all-new sub-compact car the Sonic. In with the Sonic, out with the Aveo; sort of. The Sonic name is exclusive to North America while other markets will still have the Aveo name attached to the vehicle.
 
Good name, bad name? GM says Sonic “is a youthful, energetic name that helps convey what this vehicle is about.” Sonic does seems to fit the car, but so many other products already wear the name including a fast food chain and one of the largest automotive dealership chains in the country.  

Honda CR-V — Staying the course

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By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Don’t mess with success. That seems to be the current mantra of Honda with the introduction of its all-new, hugely conservative version of its best-selling vehicles for 2012. 
 
The Honda CR-V, which has for several years been the best selling SUV in America, has been improved in some key areas, but styling changes and drivetrain updates are minor. Honda has embarked on a “stay the course” strategy despite a host of new stylish competitors now on the market or awaiting 2013 introductions in the compact SUV segment. Only time will tell if this strategy of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” will work.

2012 Subaru Impreza

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GOLDSBORO, N.C. — When speaking of the excellent new crop of compact cars already in American showrooms or on the way later this year, seldom is the Subaru Impreza part of the discussion. That may be changing in the coming months with the introduction of an all-new, stylish and more fuel efficient Impreza. The redesigned 2012 Subaru is better looking, has more interior space and is more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

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