2018

Mercedes AMG GLC63 S — Chills and thrills

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Power can be intoxicating so it's little wonder why the 503-horsepower Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S Coupe is so stimulating and electrifying to drive. The GLC Coupe is one of a new breed of luxury crossovers that add fastback styling and a great deal of go-anywhere functionality and cargo-carrying capability to an awesome driving experience.

VW Tiguan — More room, more features

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Ten inches can make a big difference in the world of small crossover utilities. Just ask the marketing people at Volkswagen. The company's small Tiguan has been a solid value since its introduction in 2009, but has never resonated with buyers in North America because of its small cargo and passenger space compared to competing vehicles in the segment.

Cadillac CT6 — All-American luxury sedan

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Cadillac CT6, currently the brand's flagship sedan, dwarfed by the mid-20th Century Cadillac behemoths — but large by today's standards — has a well-controlled, but slightly firm ride; a quiet interior befitting top-drawer luxury; and the latest in automobile technology.

Mazda6 — Taking it up a notch

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Prior to the 2018 refresh, the Mazda6 came with only one engine choice, a first-rate 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Today’s base engine gets cylinder deactivation for 2018†that improves fuel economy now measured at 27 mpg city, 36 highway and 29 overall. It's capable of 0-to-60 in just a tick over 7 seconds and a quarter mile time of 15.5 seconds.

Nissan Kicks — A pleasing personality

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Nissan has joined the rapidly expanding subcompact crossover SUV segment with a stylish, easy-to-like and relatively inexpensive vehicle with a rather unique name. We found the 2018 Kicks enjoyable to drive, comfortable all-around and with a host of amenities including an excellent-sounding eight-speaker Bose audio system in top-level SR trim that can be purchased for about 22 grand.

2018 AMG GLC43 Coupe



PHOENIX — Pick any vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio of product offerings and chances are, there’ll be a performance-oriented AMG version from which to choose. In fact, the Barons of Bavaria have currently attached the AMG badging to over 40 vehicles, including 11 SUVs. Two of the most recent additions are the compact GLC43 and GLC43 coupe.

Ford Mustang GT — The muscle car lives

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

In about a year the iconic Mustang will be the last car standing at Ford Motor Company. The entire fleet of coupe and sedans is scheduled to be terminated in the U.S. in favor of the current popular flavor — crossover SUVs and light trucks. Lucky for Mustang fans — and sports car enthusiasts — the current pony car is enjoying worldwide success or it would have probably been on the chopping block as well.

Toyota RAV4 — Driving a best-seller

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 represents the fourth generation's sixth and final year since it was completely redesigned for 2013. The current edition has received enhancements over the years with a major freshening in 2016, adding extra safety features and updating technology, but it's largely the same utility-focused vehicle it has been since its inception.

2018 Maserati Levante



CHELESA, Mich. — Maserati, an Italian automaker with a rich and noble racing heritage delivered by its luxurious high-performance sedans, sports cars and coupes, has, for the first time, added the brand’s trident badge to a much needed sport utility vehicle. Named the Levante (pronounced la-von-tay) for the tropical Mediterranean winds, it is uniquely Italian and positioned to compete directly against vehicles like Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport.

Ford EcoSport — Driving small

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The 2018 Ford EcoSport is misnamed — it's not particularly economical and it isn't exceptionally sporty. But the sub-compact crossover, which entered the U.S. market this year — several years after being introduced in Europe — has a lot going for it in a growing and competitive segment. And it plugs a hole in Ford's ever-expanding crossover SUV lineup after the company announced it was casting off its passenger cars.