2017

Kia Niro — A hybrid AND a crossover

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The all-new Kia Niro competes in the small crossover segment against such players as the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-3, but it possesses one big advantage, the Niro is propelled by a fuel-stingy hybrid drivetrain. Gas mileage ranges toward the 50 mpg mark putting it squarely in the crosshairs of the Toyota Prius hatchback. It can live in both worlds quite well, so is this the beginning of a new sub-segment of small dedicated hybrid crossovers?

Nissan Rogue Sport — Smaller can be better

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Crossover utility vehicle sales are booming and have been trending to ever smaller vehicles, and despite their sub-compact size are proving useful as cargo and people haulers while deriving better gas mileage than their larger siblings, and offering more maneuverability in urban surroundings.

Land Rover Discovery — A well-rounded SUV

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The all-new Land Rover Discovery is the personification of a modern sport utility vehicle, the primary vehicle for handling suburban family chores with a quiet, refined interior, the latest in automotive technology, confident and predictable handling, and satisfying performance — while at the same time possessing class-leading off-road capability.

Toyota iM — A lot of value for the money

By David Finkelstein

Toyota is introducing its 2017 sporty Corolla iM 5-door versatile FWD hatchback to consumers. The modern Corolla iM — which entered the marketplace as the Scion iM — has a fair amount of room to accommodate lots of cargo for those weekend getaways or for transporting the little ones to after school activities. The Scion brand was discontinued following the 2016 model year.

Acura MDX Sport Hybrid — No compromises

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Gas mileage has become much less an issue with continued low fuel prices across the country. This makes selling the more expensive hybrid versions of cars and sport utilities a challenge.  Acura seems to have found the answer with its newly developed hybrid version of the refreshed 2017 mid-sized MDX crossover.

Volkswagen Golf — A pleasing hatchback

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

When advising people on what's available in the compact hatchback segment we rattle off several models deserving of consideration. Much to our chagrin we seldom include one of the most classy, refined, fuel efficient and performance-oriented compact hatchbacks on the market — the Volkswagen Golf.

Infiniti Q60 Red Sport — Sexy performance

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Performance has returned to the Infiniti brand under the new Red Sport name in the popular compact Q50 sedan and Q60 coupe offering the same spirited driving opportunity available in the horsepower-infused BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupes. The name to remember when shopping an entry luxury coupe is Q60 Red Sport 400.

Subaru Impreza — Proven safety

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Safety is a big concern for new-car shoppers and modern safety technology such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert can be found as standard or optional equipment in virtually every car sold regardless of segment.

Kia Soul turbo — Personality and performance

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Honda and Volkswagen have done it for years, and it has become a popular tactic of other automakers this year — offer a special edition of their popular compact sedans and hatchbacks with more horsepower and an extra measure of driving performance in an effort to generate interest in the brand.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited —Go anywhere with four doors

By David Finkelstein

Manufactured here stateside (that's a BIG deal now, more than ever) the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four door “go anywhere” vehicle is produced in Toledo, Ohio. It has an unmatched off-road aptitude, regardless of the various terrain you might be negotiating.