SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Polestar is a new stand-alone car brand from the Chinese automaker Geely, that has owned Volvo since 2015.  The name comes from a Swedish team that races Volvo’s. Polestar is the all-electric vehicle brand for Volvo that sells its cars through its own dealer network and online. You can’t buy a Polestar at a Volvo dealership but it’s where Polestar vehicles will get serviced by specific Volvo dealers if you own one.

PHOENIX — For years we’ve been hearing rumors of a powerful phantom Cadillac sedan by the name of Blackwing. Of course, we’ve been well acquainted with Cadillac’s CTS-V sedan which has been among the luxury brand’s offerings for several years. That vehicle was discontinued when the Blackwing was finally launched for 2022, available in two flavors: a compact CT4-V and a midsize CT5-V.

PHOENIX — After skipping the 2021 model year Honda has brought back an 11th generation 2022 Civic Si to go along with the complete redo for the entire Civic lineup. All the things we liked about the new Civic introduced earlier this year are carried over to the Si. It isn’t the most eye-catching sedan on the market or even in its class, but handsome just the same especially with my test Si adorned in Blazing Pearl Orange metallic paint with black and red interior.

INDIANAPOLIS  — The Toyota Corolla is a fine automobile, even if not particularly exciting with its affordable price, frugal gas mileage, and renowned durability.  You don’t buy one to be fancy; you buy one because it is a smart way to spend your money.  The latest one looks quite handsome as a sedan and hatchback, but today’s buyers want a crossover for style and utility.  And, that’s what they get with the 2022 Corolla Cross.

PHOENIX — Visually, Kia’s all-new electric-only vehicle strikes an eclectic if not quirky exterior design. Sitting somewhere between a crossover, a wagon and a sportback sedan, it makes a more than favorable impression. Stunning would not be an exaggeration. The EV6 is sized similarly to the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

HERNDON, Va. — If, like me, you were licensed in the late ‘60s and car shopping in the ‘70s, you’d have great memories of Nissan’s creative output. First up – again, for me – was the Datsun 2000, a Japanese riff on the British sports car (think MGB) some 20 years before Mazda did its own riff, the Miata, on the British sports car. Before most had time to take note of the 2000, Datsun introduced its 240Z.

PHOENIX — When it comes to luxury-subcompact utility vehicles, there are plenty of choices and prices are generally climbing as more and more automakers luxe up advanced design, technology, driver assistance features and powertrain options including turbocharging, plug-in hybrids and even all-electric choices.

INDIANAPOLIS — There’s no question the Cadillac Escalade is an incredible SUV, able to move passengers and all their stuff in three rows of splendor.  But, most luxury buyers don’t need a full-size truck capable of pulling a 30-foot RV or coastal yacht.  For them, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 Platinum might be a better choice that still lets them marinate in luxury.

PHOENIX — The BMW 2-series is the German automakers entry-level-two-door with the 2022 model year introducing an all-new generation for the model. For 2022 the 2 Series is offered in two completely different cars — the front-wheel drive Gran Coupe, a four-door sedan, the other a rear-wheel drive two-door coupe with all-wheel drive optional tested here.

PHOENIX — It’s early morning and I’m on the Apache Trail, a two-lane blacktop highway in central Arizona. The Trail opens up with a rare straightaway for the passing zone. Just ahead of me, a wide, smooth hairpin curve comes into view as I negotiate one of the countless hills and dips that open into a seemingly endless serving of S curves carved into the side of cactus-forested mountains and chiseled desert canyons.