Toyota Avensis for Sale - With European Characterization and Japanese materials

Toyota Avensis is a good looking family car having Japanese engines and spare parts that were assembled in UK since it was first introduced. Not only in UK but the car has earned actual fame in every corner of the world due to lot of luxurious appeal in its designs and technical aspects as well. There are three body trims available in the range. The design and engine expansions are divided in to three generations.

A car in the Japanese Used Car industry with Japanese tough materials and European design marks is the best opportunity available for people of developing countries who dream of a sedan just like Avensis. When we take a look at the models of the car it is hard to believe that Toyota Avensis for sale is offering a clear possibility for them as well.

Valuable Specification of Toyota Avensis from each generation

It is an official reality that Toyota Avensis was a new name given to Carina E that was already a success in the Europe. What is similar between the cars were only engines, because it had clear design distinctions since forever if we compare it to Carina.

Now the three body trims of estate wagon, 4 door sedan and 5 door lift back are available. The body trim was same since first generation. The length and size of each body trim was influenced in each of three generations.

The engine specifications in the first generation were a 2L, 1.6L and a 1.8L engines. In the 2.0L engine the turbo diesel specification was also available. The interiors of the car have always enjoyed the admiration of Avensis consumers due to its roominess and high quality of equipment used in the dash boards. The car can allow a good traveling experience for a family but it cannot be expected to perform well off the roads.

The second generation of Toyota Avensis for sale that was launched in 2003 has even more modernism to offer. The other engine specifications remained same as of previous generation. The new addition was a 2.4L famous Camry engine. There were other specifications in the looks and driving controls of the car that have captivating power to grab the attention of the consumers in one time. The Toyota Avensis due to its captivating designs and Camry kind of performance was preferred in many regions like New Zealand.

The third generation Toyota Avensis for sale is still under production process and may be a slightly expensive choice. This time there was tried a sporty driving feel with the car. The comfort creating driver controls in its interiors include an adaptive front-lighting, and an adaptive cruise control.

The standard safety equipment like front airbags were enriched with a side curtain bags for the front and rear car passengers as well. As a better security measure there are things like Vehicle Stability control and Pre collision system and a Lane departure warning but then there is a price for all these facilities. If a car like this has always been your dream car, only extend your budget a little and have the third generation model from toyota avensis for sale collection and get ready to enjoy unlimited driving and traveling joys.

A Brief Account on Car Dealerships in Lancaster tx

Just buying a car is not a smart action. It is only when you purchase a car with all kind of facilities, it becomes good purchase. Car Dealerships in Lancaster tx can present you with all the best offers. You can get all types of car here with the latest models. All the cars are fresh pieces without any kind of defects. Dealership of cars in Lancaster has gained its popularity over the years. However, if an individual approaches a wrong dealer, fraudulent activities may take place. Therefore, one should be careful while approaching a car dealer. Many people previously used to think that purchasing a car is a luxury. However, it is not the case now. Car today has become of the basic needs. With new models coming up each, the availability of cars has increased. Depending of the number of members in a family, a car can be purchased. If the family is small, then one should go for a small car rather than a big one. Texas has a comprehensive network of car dealership. This has been designed keep in mind the benefits of the common mass. It makes the whole process hassle free.

Importances of buy here pay here Lancaster tx

The basic facility of purchasing cars in Lancaster is buying here pay here. One does not have to run from one place to another in order to complete the payments after purchasing a car. The procedure of buying is extremely convenient for the buyers. It is a cost effective method at the same time. The complete process is transparent and therefore the buyers can rely on it fully. Different modes of payment system are available here. There are car dealership professionals in Lancaster who can explain clearly regarding the terms and conditions of buying. Maintaining a good relationship with the customers is very important. Building up a good reputation for car dealers is important for the future growth. It takes years to earn a good brand name. However, it takes no time at all to break a good reputation. Buy here pay here Lancaster tx makes the buying process easy and faster too.

Hello Friends, I am Suzane Dcoster. I am a fashion designer. Purchasing a car was always my dreams. However, I did not know where to go or whom to approach. It was then when I came to know about car dealership in Lancaster TX. Whatever information I needed was totally given by the professionals there. It was last year when I bought a red car for myself with buy here and pay here scheme in Lancaster tx. I am extremely happy and proud of myself.

Scion FR-S

Producing two hundred power unit from a direct-injected a pair of.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine and mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, the FR-S is one in every of the best rear-wheel drive economy sports cars of uncomparable.

Starting at around $24,000, the performance to cost quantitative relation of the FR-S is unexampled not solely within the fashionable automotive market however within the historical automotive market moreover.

Developed by Subaru however got by Toyota, the FR-S additionally competes with a near-twin vehicle here within the states: the Subaru BRZ.

The FR-S is tiny, light, sensible trying, and cheap. With a well crafted however easy interior, the FR-S provides enough area for 2 adult passengers despite the fact that it's technically a four-seater and a few baggage within the trunk.

While two hundred power unit doesn't seem to be abundant lately in an exceedingly sports automobile, the FR-S is high-revving auto that's desperate to please. What it lacks in grunt it simply makes up for with its cornering capabilities. The FR-S comes from the plant with identical tires because the European Prius. This may build some scoff however it's truly a superb alternative. The tires offer enough grip to stay the FR-S planted to the road, however additionally the additional benefit of being low cost to interchange.

As for why we have a tendency to selected the FR-S over its brother the BRZ, we have a tendency to felt the altered suspension setup of the BRZ accessorial with its satellite navigation unit and exaggerated sticker value created the FR-S the apparent winner. The FR-S is stiffer, lighter, and cheaper than the BRZ, and as a corner taming economy sports automobile, it gets our nod.

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI

This is the all-new, second-generation Kuga, Ford's mid-size SUV. As before, it's supported Focus underpinnings, however the massive news is that it replaces each Europe's Kuga and also the utterly completely different and long-established Escape SUV within the United States of America thence it's the Escape within the United States of America. It's a troublesome equalization act: the Escape incorporates a name as a durable, direct, sensible SUV. The Kuga is a lot of of a classy crossover.

It's a great deal a logo of Ford's One Ford global-car policy: the platform is built in Cologne, the powertrain in Dagenham and also the higher body and interior in port. It'll be in-built urban center, America, and Valencia, Spain.

There square measure a selection of 2 one.6-litre turbocharged Ecoboost petrols with 148bhp or 177bhp, each putt out a similar 177lb linear unit and 2 a pair of.0-litre turbodiesels with 138bhp/236lb linear unit and 161bhp/251lb linear unit.

The base gasolene will solely be had in front-wheel drive type with a manual gear case, whereas the 177bhp model is had solely with all-wheel drive and also the Powershift machine. The 138bhp diesel, meanwhile, is had in front- or all-wheel, however solely with the manual transmission, whereas the range-topping TDI will have either gear case, however four-wheeled drive solely.

There's additionally the same old line-up of Zetec, metal and metal X trim levels. costs vary from £20,895 for a one48bhp 1.6 Ecoboost Zetec to £29,795 for a 161bhp a pair of.0 TDCI.

We're driving a 161bhp a pair of.0TDCI metal all-wheel drive manual, yours for £25,545.

It's good, if usually quotidian. the foremost powerful diesel is entirely flat below 1500rpm, however keep it higher than that level and also the force zings you on on a wave of boost that doesn't stop till 4000rpm. this can be usually all well and sensible, however it will feel perceptibly unpunctual on inclines.

The steering is Ford's acquainted electrically motor-assisted set-up, that is fast and meatily weighted and absolutely pleasant to use, however if something it's too springily desperate to self-centre.

You sit high and also the chassis is sort of soft that doesn't lend a very gaudy feel, however the Kuga is truly quite in a position handler: the compliance means that it soaks up bumps while not turning into upset over rougher tarmac, and the four-wheeled drive system is pretty wonderful it's Ford's own hardware and package, and it's as if the tall ride height and soft chassis is doing its best to disguise the brilliance of this method. It subtly snuffs out the onset of understeer with one thing a lot of neutral, which means cornering speeds is indecently high, and it quickly juggles force between the axles, which means its way quicker acting, a lot of reactive and a lot of participating to drive than, say, a Haldex system. It'd be fascinating to mix this with, say, a Focus RS.

Really, though, this can be a awfully comfort-oriented automobile, with spectacular levels of refinement.

It is. The seats square measure cozy part-leather with grippy material centres in our Titanium-spec model and there's lots of headroom all spherical, and there's rather more legroom within the back than you'll realize in a very Focus one thing that the rigorously crenated seatbacks solely exaggerate. The rear-seat passengers will recline their seats a trifle with a pull on a handle, whereas a similar handles permit the 40/60 split seats to fold flat in a rapid. There are lots of cupholders and cubbyholes, and also the door cards square measure sharply carved too, giving bigger room.

The new automobile is 81mm longer than the first-gen Kuga, however it's additionally 4mm narrower and 8mm lower. Those reclining seats mean there's a spread for the seats-up bags area instead of a collection range, however it currently stands at 438-481 litres versus the previous 410 litres.

However, there's no seven-seat possibility, as you'll realize in Ford's Grand C-Max or, indeed, Nissan's rival Qashqai +2, therefore you're primarily handling a a lot of spacious Focus, instead of one thing that genuinely offers up a lot of creative ways that to use a similar quite area.

The Kuga gets keyless access, and you'll be able to open and shut the tailgate by waving your foot below the bumper a bit like you'll be able to on the Merc FTO and BMW 3-series. It's simply a shame it takes see you later to really open which the load sill is fairly high.

The Kuga may be a sensible, refined automobile, however one that struggles to square out compared with the already excellent opposition. it's sensible, however obscurity close to pretty much as good as a (far a lot of expensive) vary Rover Evoque or maybe, whisper it, a (cheaper) Kia Sportage, and it doesn't have the desirability of either the Rangey or the VW Tiguan. It's sensible to drive, however terribly comfort-focussed: the Evoque is much a lot of dynamic.

The Kuga doesn't extremely place a foot wrong, however nor will it do something that creates you're feeling compelled to shop for it. It's a solid, practical, snug automobile that ought to work simply into family duties, however one which will do therefore while not ever dazzling you with its brilliance.

The Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport

The Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport is, as you’d hope with a badge that options the word ‘Sport’ not once however double, the sportiest version of the German brand’s smallest automotive. It’s additionally the foremost valuable, cost accounting from $42,500, tho' as a typical premium little automotive there square measure still various ways that to expand your final bill.

Following the trend set by the likes of the mini hatch and edict five hundred, the Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport is filled with choices and style alterations covering each interior and exterior, giving people management over however their A1 can look provided they’re willing to get it.

From different roof colors and totally different wheels, to S line tweaks applied within and out, there’s no shortage of selections once buying this flagship of the four-metre-long Audi. Our Misano red check automotive wore a superb black roof ($720) and half polished 17-inch alloy wheels ($400), however passed over on paddle shifters a further $200. You’ll need to pay far more, though, for sat-nav ($3600 for the MMI navigation and package) associated $490 for an auto-dimming rear vision mirror which may even be expected to air the quality options list.

Open the driver’s door and nestle into the substantiative, and well bucketed, sports seat, tho' and you’ll notice an enclosed that will ‘premium’ higher than any of its rivals, together with the BMW-owned mini. The high-end Audi look and feel the German complete has become therefore synonymous for is true there.

Top-notch materials used throughout the four-seater cabin mix with logical controls and a high-quality show to form occupants feel over a trifle special. The Audi A1 Sportback is equally associate Audi, on par with several of its way more valuable relatives and closely connected in quality and style to the company’s A8 flagship.

The animal skin multi-function sports handwheel is one amongst the simplest within the business associate absolute delight to carry and use and is joined within the cabin by ever-so-slightly-transparent gloss black air vent surrounds that meld cleanly into the imposingly soft-touch dash contrasted by brushed atomic number 13 rings encasing the black air vents.

The rating of the Audi A1 Sport 1.4 TFSI will take it into the realm of larger hatches, and people of the recent selection together with the Volkswagen Golf GTI (from $40,490 in five-door form) and Renault Megane RS265 (from $42,640). however the sportiest Audi A1 Sportback additionally weighs solely 1215kg 2 blokes but a Golf GTI permitting its terrific twin-charged engine to deliver just-as-strong performance and higher fuel economy.

Audi’s A1 1.4 TSI options a similar twin-charged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine found within the $27,790 Volkswagen Polo GTI. With 136kW at 6200rpm and 250Nm from as low as 2000rpm, the punchy and versatile engine is simply as happy taking part in cart or tearing through the mountains.

One of the key party tricks of using each a compressor for low-down surge associated a turbocharger for mid-range boost square measure stats of 0-100km/h in seven seconds (a bit slower than a GTI however slightly faster than an motorcar Cooper S) and a combined fuel consumption figure of five.9 litres per 100km (more economical than each a GTI and Cooper S). we tend to averaged seven.9L/100km, in keeping with the car’s trip laptop, however saw as low as five.4L/100km.

The Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport’s ride is firm however manages the difficult balance between stiffness and compliance well, ne'er obtaining unsettled over bumps and creating for a confidence-inspiring drive. whereas road joins will jar, the A1 is obscurity close to as rigid as a mini Cooper.

Sharp, direct associated communicative steering is one amongst the simplest on an Audi with a purity and consistency oft missing from costlier Audis, together with even some RS models. The brakes, too, square measure terrific, providing consistent feel and a solid, dependable pedal even when perennial serious stops.

The dual-clutch shell are often a supply of frustration, frequently dynamical from fourth or fifth gear down into third mid-corner, even once in manual mode, associated an odd awkward shift will occur sometimes. Cogs square measure swapped quickly, though, and in additional relaxed driving with cheap runniness. like the dual Polo GTI, there’s no manual various.

With a gap value that sees it square up against a number of the present era’s best hot-hatches with extra space and additional power, the Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI isn't getting to attractiveness to patrons sorting out a cut price. except for those craving for a automotive that includes the four-ring badge at a additional come-at-able value, the Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport could be a little, mighty, luxurious very little package that’s correct fun.

Source CarAdvice

You Only Live Once: Get the Car You Really Want

Car buying can be somewhat stressful for many people, but it doesn't really have to be that way. Sometimes one's personal situation dictates exactly what type of car they have to get. If it's an automobile that is meant to be used for family transportation, obviously a sporty convertible isn't going to work. Both minivans and SUVs have become extremely popular over the last two decades and are automotive designs that manufacturers literally invented in response to market demand.

Minivans can be extremely practical, allowing for several people to be seated comfortably and allowing a large family to move as one, or even bringing along some friends for the ride. SUVs were basically a creation that rose from the original heavy-duty vehicles that were used in the outback such as the famous Toyota Land Cruiser or the Range Rover, both of which were known for their extreme durability under challenging conditions. Car manufacturers found that even people who lived in urban environments wanted a rugged-looking car which also offered excellent collision protection. It may have appealed to a macho show sense of outdoor adventure, but many women also found that while they were fairly large, these vehicles made them feel safe.

Image Credits: jonrawlinson

People who have the opportunity and are true enthusiasts are looking for cars for sale that can provide them a little excitement. Exotic supercars are highly valued for their futuristic and streamlined look, as well as the advanced technologies that are employed. Rather than regular steel, most of the chassis is constructed either of aluminium or even more advanced carbon fibre, which while incredibly expensive is very light and strong. Engines are obviously extremely powerful and can be either eight, ten or twelve cylinders. Often, they are turbocharged to increase the power. Combining extremely powerful engines with an extremely light chassis requires excellent handling and control. Needless to say, a lot of attention is placed on the braking system, which has to be able to stop the car in as short a space as possible from extremely high speeds.

History on Wheels
One of the iconic brands that have always been associated with high-speed, exotic cars is the Italian marque Ferrari. It was founded early in automotive history by its namesake Enzo Ferrari, who had a singular vision of producing the very best sports cars in the world. Long associated with car racing, especially Formula One, Ferrari has had great success both on the track and as a manufacturer of limited production, high-quality supercars. Due to the tremendous costs and pressures of building such exotic automobiles, Ferrari is substantially owned today by the Italian conglomerate Fiat. However, it remains fairly independent, and its factory in Maranello, Italy, is basically in the same location where it has always been. A Ferrari car inspires a great amount of passion amongst enthusiasts.

Many of the famous models from several decades ago are still worth millions of dollars and are collected by rich enthusiasts, even though they may not be driven very much. However, in many parts of the world, Ferrari clubs are quite popular and host stage events where all the owners get together for a weekend and drive their cars on a closed circuit, exchanging stories and experiences. Given the reputation and mystique that the brand has produced over the last 80 years, it is highly unlikely that they will ever produce an automobile for the mass market.

You Can Make a Wise Automotive Investment
No matter where your tastes lie, there is a car out there that is perfect for you. You can choose from a wide range of cars for sale, finding just the style and model that fits your needs. Happy motoring!

Tina is a US-based lifestyle writer covering the latest advances in modern consumer habits, including cars for sale. She writes on a freelance basis for many of the major lifestyle blogs.

By Tina Antony

2012 BMW 550i Sedan: Sport package including dynamic damper control

Base Price: $62,895

As-Tested Price: $73,095

Drivetrain: 4.4-liter turbocharged V8; RWD, eight-speed automatic

Output: 400 hp @ 5,500-6,400 rpm, 450 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,365 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 18/16.2 mpg

Options: M sport package including dynamic damper control, 19-inch alloy double-spoke wheels, multi-contour seats, M steering wheel, aerodynamic kit, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner ($3,800); driver assistance package including automatic high beams, lane departure warning, active blind spot detection, side and top view cameras, head-up display ($3,500); convenience package including power tailgate, comfort access keyless entry, soft-close automatic doors ($1,700); premium sound package including satellite radio and one-year subscription, premium hi-fi system ($950); BMW apps ($250)

New BMW 5-series at shopautoweek.com

I would describe the 2012 BMW 550i sedan, despite its size and 4,365-pound curb weight, as fleet of foot. The throttle tip in is sufficiently sensitive and before long you've run through five gears and are nearing triple-digit speeds without any drama. The 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 pushes all the way to redline before a butter-soft shift from the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 550i is quieter than you'd expect. The heavy doors and sound-deadening material keep out the wind and road noise, and unfortunately the engine as well. It is truly about effortless speed in the 550i, especially when the suspension is set to comfort.

The four drive settings change the engine map, transmission and suspension settings. Full sport turns the traction control off and really buttons things down for "spirited" driving, while comfort moves the 550i into Mercedes territory for smoothness and isolation. I kept the car in sport plus most of the night, but I had to stay vigilant, any random pothole could be a tire killer. We learned that expensive lesson with our long-term BMW 550i xDrive tester. It ate six or seven Goodyear runflat tires in one year.

I did enjoy the thick M Sport steering wheel that comes with the M Sport package. It costs $3,800 but includes the adjustable suspension, 19-inch wheels, anthracite headliner and multi-contour seats. As far as other options go, I would ditch the $3,500 Driver Assistance package, though I did appreciate the heads-up display. The Convenience package can go but the premium sound system should stay.

The audio functions work through the iDrive setup, which seems to improve every year. My only complaint is with the iPod functionality that seems extra convoluted. Tapping your way through the menus won't play a song, you have to find a track list and scroll down to initiate. I think some other systems work better in this regard, Hyundai being one of them.

Those in winter climate may want to look at the all-wheel-drive version of the BMW 550i, especially since it only costs $2,300 more than the rear-wheel-drive model. It won't produce the kind of tail-wagging, rubber-burning fun that enthusiasts love, but on the slick stuff it's like an Arctic Cat for the street.

The person looking to buy this car would probably be cross shopping the Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, which costs $60,400, or the supercharged Audi A6, which stickers for $50,400. The only problem is that the Audi doesn't offer a V8 or rear-wheel drive, and the Mercedes gives you the V8, but you have to take all-wheel drive with it. As it stands, if you want a mid-sized luxury sports sedan with a V8 and rear drive, it's going to be a BMW.

By JAKE LINGEMAN

2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Base Price: $65,390

As-Tested Price: $71,485

Drivetrain: 6.2-liter supercharged V8; RWD, six-speed manual

Output: 556 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 551 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,209 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 16/15.4 mpg

Options: Heated and vented Recaro high performance seats, metal pedals ($3,400); black diamond tricoat exterior paint ($995); 19-inch satin graphite wheels ($800); midnight sapele wood trim package ($600); suede steering wheel and shifter ($300)

Buy a New Cadillac CTS at shopautoweek.com

The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is world class and can compete with other 500-plus horsepower sport coupes out there especially when you look at the price. At $71k, this is a performance bargain.

The supercharged powertrain is a delight, with smooth linear power delivered locomotive-like. The engine just keeps pulling to redline, then bang, grabs another gear and gets delighted all over again. I had no trouble with heel/toe shifting my only complaint with the car is the clutch pedal was such that I was pushing the lever as much as the pedal. The angle is odd.

The six-speed manual has nice short throws and the Alcantara-topped shifter and steering wheel add to the performance bend of the car.

The Recaros have terrific side bolsters and are infinitely adjustable. They even have really nice lumbar support.

Overall, I would rank this car at the very top of GM cars I'd want in my garage, right along with a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Few cars in the General's stable pack more of a performance punch along with some edgy styling. The car is an attention-grabber, both for its exterior looks, and from behind the wheel. The CTS-V delights in many ways.

By: ROGER HART

From the Wreckage - scrap car services, their strengths and shortcomings

With a number of governmental scrap car initiatives having failed in recent years, are the privately-owned scrap car businesses playing their part, providing reliable and efficient car recycling schemes that are actually helping the environment?

If you've suffered a car accident, it can be a harrowing and often traumatic experience that impacts on your life in a number of ways; your health, your well-being and your financial situation.

If the money for your next vehicle purchase is tied up in your old, broken or damaged car, it can be difficult to know what to do. Unable to sell your car, you may turn to the loan companies to give you a helping hand, and provide you with the money you need to purchase another.

Unfortunately, as is often the case when you deal with loan providers, their interest rates can cripple you, and you might stand to lose more money than you would by simply doing nothing with your damaged car, and giving up on it.

Scrap car companies provide a solution, but are they doing enough?
Growing in popularity in recently years, there are a number of scrap car companies out there who now help you recoup some of the costs from that newly-written-off car; companies that offer cash for your damaged car and make sure that all hazardous parts are disposed of in accordance with the latest environmental procedures, and that all metal is sent to steel mills where it's able to be reused.

Unfortunately there have been reports of scrap car dealers operating illegally, failing to ensure that the scrap cars are being scrapped, recycled and de-polluted efficiently. And not just this, there's a disturbing trend that sees scrap car thieves targeting car garages and stealing specific car parts to later sell on.

Where do our priorities lie?
We now find ourselves in a situation in which used cheap cars are more valuable when scrapped than they are when sold on - and even when they are sold on, many scrap car companies fail to dispose of them properly; a trend that sees both theft and pollution rising.

So it seems that rather than an effort to reduce the harmful impact our current car production and disposal methods are having on the environment, many initiatives have been set up with one goal in mind: money.

What can be done to tackle to growing trend of vehicle theft while still providing scrap car owners with an initiative that'll see them opt to have their scrap car salvaged for parts and being recycled?

By Rob Henry

Bullet Proof New Honda Accord

FAST FACTS
Model: 2013 Accord Touring V6.
Exterior color: White Orchid.
Interior color: Ivory.
Engine: 3.5-liter, six cylinder.
Horsepower: 278.
Transmission: six-speed automatic.
Fuel economy: 34 mpg highway, 21 mpg city.
Dealer: Economy Honda.
Price (as tested): $34,220.

Most car companies worry about what a car looks like on the outside, hoping to lure buyers with love at first sight.

Honda, to its credit, cares more about your view of the world from the inside of its vehicles looking out. It's one of the many reasons why Accord owners are among the most brand-loyal in the world.

Big windows are among the many utilitarian virtues of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord sedan, which went on sale last week. (An Accord coupe will arrive next month.) Frankly, the new, airy Accord makes the cockpits of some of its competitors look like tank turrets.

If that's not enough, our test Accord, in top-of-the-line Touring trim, includes a slick lane-change camera in the right side-view mirror that allows you to merge right in freeway traffic without even turning your head to check the blind spot.

Now, that's a safety option you can use every day.

The first Accord hit the road in 1976, the year I graduated high school. Ever since, it has been the default family sedan for millions of people who wanted a buttoned-down, bullet-proof ride with a smidgen of sporttiness. (The Toyota Camry has filled the same niche for buyers who value a bit more comfort. Now Honda is on the trail of those buyers, too.)

By Mark Kennedy

2012 Acura MDX

NEWS GREG MIGLIORE: The 2012 Acura MDX is a classy SUV with respectable power and a bit of space inside. Using it for a commuter lap, I unfortunately didn't make full use of its potential, but I'll leave that to members of the staff with offspring of the two- and four-legged variety.

I was impressed with the six-cylinder engine. It didn't strike me until I merged a few lanes over and jabbed the throttle, producing a pleasing sound and decent acceleration as I trailed in the wake of a Chevy Camaro convertible. I played with the paddles a bit, too. They were fun, amusing for a good-sized crossover, but not exactly Formula One-inspired. They're just something to spice up the drive into work and summon the revs a bit more purposefully on the expressway.

The cabin of the MDX is impressive in appearance and execution. This sampler came in stately black inside, and the steering wheel and door panels were smart. The atmosphere was quiet and serene, with just a bit of wind and exterior noise getting in. The negative? I'm not a fan of the center stack, which has way too many buttons and is confusing. It's hard to get used to in a short period and not easy to operate at a glance. MIT-inspired controls are not my preference at expressway speeds.

ROAD TEST JONATHAN WONG: Even with a new MDX expected to appear sometime next year, the current model is still my favorite three-row SUV. With our 2008 MDX long-termer, we piled more than 30,000 miles onto it, it never missed a day of service because of mechanical issue and the cabin held up remarkably well.

I continue to believe that this V6 and six-speed automatic transmission combination is one of (if not the) smoothest drivetrain combination in the SUV class. When you light-foot it around town, it's quiet, with the transmission performing seamless shifts. And like Greg mentioned, it has a surprisingly nice exhaust note during wide-open throttle to unleash decent power for merging onto the expressway and passing slower traffic.

The magnetic suspension is cushy in comfort mode for a soft ride around town and more roll around corners, but tightens in sport mode. Of course, a high-riding 4,600-pound vehicle isn't going to take a corner like a sports car, but all things considered, it can round an expressway entrance ramp quite well. Steering has some weight tuned and responds well to inputs. Brakes feature good bite and slow things down without drama.

I suppose the best compliment you can give a large vehicle is that it drives smaller than it is. Maneuvering around parking lots is done with ease, and the backup camera is handy. I also think Acura's blind-spot warning displays are the best in the business, with the warning inside the cabin instead of outside on the mirror itself or on the side of the mirror housing like Audi's is.

Complaints about the MDX's button-laden center stack are expected, but I prefer buttons over having the majority of functions being controlled by an iDrive-like knob. It's kind of like your home entertainment remote control that has a billion buttons on it, but you eventually get used to it and pick up on how to control the cable box, DVR, DVD player, speaker system and TV. It's the same thing with the MDX's center stack you'll get acclimated to it and will be a pro at working through it before long.

The rest of the interior is nice, with quality materials, good-looking wood trim, soft leathers and one of the most comfortable front bucket seats you'll find in a luxury SUV.

As for complaints, I do have one. The navigation map in Acura vehicles is really outdated. While Audi has Google Maps images, Acura is still slogging along with the same beige background image that's in the Wong family's 2004 MDX. Kind of disappointing, but I'm sure updates are in the works--at least I hope they are.

2012 Acura MDX Advance with Entertainment Package
Base Price: $55,450
As-Tested Price: $55,450
Drivetrain: 3.7-liter V6; AWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 300 hp @ 6,300 rpm, 270 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,627 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 18/19.6 mpg
Options: None
For more information: Check out the 2012 Acura MDX Advance with Entertainment Package at shopautoweek.com

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-Door

This 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX for the weekend, and I was surprised by how little I missed our long-term 2011 Impreza WRX STI version. This car provides almost all of the fun, without many of the drawbacks of the hard-core model.

The WRX is down 40 hp from its big brother, but in between 3,000 rpm and 5,000 rpm you'll hardly notice. It makes the same sounds as the STI and rips off the line with the same aplomb. Unfortunately, fuel mileage didn't seem to improve; my two fill ups averaged about 19 mpg.

I did like the feel of an old-school five-speed manual in the hatchback, instead of the six in our sedan. The cogs could be held for a bit longer, and there are no extra steps to get into reverse. Like the STI, the driver doesn't need to shift out of top gear to pass on the expressway. Also, the shifter felt robust in the hand. There wasn't a lot of flexing from any of the linkage parts.

The steering and suspension are both softer than the STI. I put a good amount of miles on the car over the weekend, and not having to dodge every road imperfection was a blessing. I didn't realize how stiff our long-term car actually was until I jumped in this one.

Ninety percent of the time, having a softer suspension and easier steering are a good thing. But those few times when you do want the razor sharpness of the STI you'll miss it. Luckily for me, spirited driving wasn't needed on Saturday or Sunday.

I still like the sedan body better than this hatch. I like the big wing on the four-door, something I wouldn't trade for the extra space of the hatch. I might be alone in that. I also love this gunmetal color much better than the WR blue.

So, the upgraded STI gets you more power, upgraded brakes and the driver-controlled center differential. If you're looking for a track car, that's the one to have. But if you want a car that's good everywhere, except when being pushed to 10/10ths, the WRX will do. And being $8,000 less expensive doesn't hurt, either.

This is a pure, fun-to-drive hatch with excellent dynamics, a nice engine and a middling interior. Enthusiasts will appreciate the five-speed, which is easy, simple and enjoyable to operate. Downshifting is fun, and launches as one works through the lower gears are energetic. The engine is responsive, and this manual allows the driver to wring the most out of this Subie for spirited driving.

I like the look of the hatch. It's tasteful, functional and something a lot of Americans could actually find useful in their everyday lives. The interior is below standard, however, with chintzy plastics all over the doors and dash. The easy-to-read and sporty dials and athletic, upright seats, however, are solid redeeming qualities. My issue is that this cabin makes a sporty-driving and -appearing car feel cheapy, which for this price comes close to sandbagging the value proposition.

Behind the wheel, however, this thing does make one want to drive, and drive fast. The steering is light but pleasing, the chassis is sporty enough, and the all-wheel drive and the well-mannered body make this hatch more than up for the tasks for daily driving mixed in with some verve.

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door
Base Price: $26,345
As-Tested Price: $26,841
Drivetrain: 2.5-liter turbocharged H4; AWD, five-speed manual
Output: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 244 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,208 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/20.2 mpg
Options: XM satellite radio kit ($427); all-weather floor mats ($69)
For more information: Check out the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door at shopautoweek.com.

By: Jake Lingeman