By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

More than four years ago Hyundai answered the criticism that all mid-sized sedans look the same by stepping away from the stereotypical styling with the 2011 Sonata, a car so daringly different that it set a new tone for the design future of the popular segment. It was a smash hit not only for its good looks, but for its above-average performance, generous standard features, and improved build quality.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

For a spacious mid-sized family sedan with European feel and style it would be difficult to find a better product than the Volkswagen Passat. And usually when discussing the Passat, we recommend the company's outstanding diesel engine, which has been updated with 10 more horsepower for 2015. But these days we have reassessed that recommendation.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Kia picked the perfect vehicle for its first electric car effort and surely the hamsters are dancing in the streets charged up by a jolt of electricity. The second-generation Kia Soul was introduced for the 2014 model year loaded with style and character and it's now the company's second-best seller. So it seems a no-brainer to turn the hip urban crossover into the company's first all-electric zero emissions vehicle.

By Casey Williams
MyCarData

In a former life, I flew on company jets for trade shows and factor visits. There was nothing better than returning to the airport at the end of a long day, with many miles still ahead, and see the plane sitting on the tarmac with its strobes flashing, stairway down, and cabin aglow. You could envision those comfy leather chairs as the captain welcomed you aboard. It was like coming home.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The M4 replaces the M3 in the BMW lineup, with slightly increased size and sleeker styling, and it's definitely a worthy successor with potent twin-turbo inline six-cylinder power that effectively replaces the V8 (downsized to enhance gas mileage), and slot-car-like handling. BMW created the 4 Series for the 2014 model year and added the coupe and convertible M editions for 2015.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We were astounded when we heard that the 2015 Honda CR-V had won Motor Trend's prestigious Sport Utility of the Year award because this was anything but an off-year for new crossovers and SUVs. A large group of vehicles, all-new for '15, provided fierce competition. We don't think it was unreasonable in expressing surprise that a vehicle undergoing a mid-cycle refresh copped the honor.