PHOENIX — in the highly competitive midsize luxury car segment that includes varsity brands such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Lexus IS among others, the Genesis G70 with the most powerful base engine, flush with sophistication and design style with richly luxurious cabin environs, excellent warranty, along with the lowest price in its class makes it the convincing choice you may not have expected.

HERNDON, Va. — It was, for most of the 20th century, the "Standard of the World." And while, on most levels, that phrase was more marketing spin than automotive reality, Cadillacs — and especially postwar Cadillacs — spoke to both America’s excellence and its aspirations. In the automotive hierarchy established by GM chairman Alfred Sloan, Cadillac stood at the top of the General’s food chain, unrivaled in its resources, and not yet blemished by the sharing of drivetrains or platforms.

PHOENIX — For some drivers spending 50 grand on a small sub-compact SUV is just too compromising to justify. They want or even require a small vehicle and favor comfort and luxury, but with a smaller price tag. The Lexus UX tested here delivers on those amenities with the added bonus of excellent fuel economy.

PHOENIX — In the mid-sized luxury sedan segment that includes such indomitable stalwarts as the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Lexus ES among others, the remarkable and marvelous Genesis brand somehow (still) flys under the radar of car shoppers in this competitive set. Over the last few months, I've driven and tested two of the brand's elegant examples and I can honestly say the G80 Sport Prestige is an impressive sedan by any measure of excellence tested here.