Many people consider dual-clutch transmissions to be just as engaging as regular manual transmissions but without any of the downsides. To some extent, that’s true. That’s what helped Audi dominate the Group B rally scene in 1985. Dual-clutch transmissions are one of the few choices around that allow you to … Read more
The Sonata N-Line showcases its performance chops. Are comfort and power mutually exclusive? Thankfully, no. We expect an extra bit of kick in grand tourers and of course in sports cars. But the midsize, mainstream sedan is usually geared toward efficiency and comfort than performance and drivability. Fortunately, some manufacturers … Read more
A hot little hatch from Hyundai. Small cars with a performance edge represent a dwindling niche. One model, the Hyundai Veloster N, brings the most performance we’ve seen in a small package from this Korean brand. Moreover, it has a quirky style with three doors and a liftgate, but with … Read more
The Volkswagen Taos is a sizable entry-level model. Volkswagen has a new crossover and it occupies the entry-level position once held by the VW Tiguan. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is the latest utility vehicle from this German brand, a subcompact model with room for five. The VW Taos slots beneath … Read more
We’re gobsmacked by all things Emira. Say “farewell” to the Elise and the Exige and let’s bid a warm welcome to the all-new Emira. On July 6, Lotus introduced the Emira, the replacement for the Elisa and Exige, and a satisfyingly delicious one at that. The Emira is the final … Read more
An all-new Kia Sorento brings class and distinction to the midsize crossover segment. Let us come to this conclusion: the Kia Telluride is one hot commodity. Indeed, since it rolled out in 2019 for the 2020 model year, Kia has been unable to keep up with demand. This means dealerships … Read more
Volkswagen adds Taos to its growing crossover utility vehicle linuep. It wasn’t too long ago that Volkswagen had one utility vehicle and that model was an undersized and understated compact Tiguan. Fast forward to 2018 and an all-new three-row midsize Atlas rolled out, followed closely by the second-generation and noticeably … Read more
A performance-oriented version debuts for the Hyundai Sonata. Performance and a midsize sedan don’t mix, but that belief is fading fast. Indeed, several manufacturers offer sedans with sporty variants, giving customers a choice that goes beyond the average people mover. With the midsize Sonata, Hyundai has offered some decent performers … Read more
A new mid-engine layout for the venerable Corvette. Decades after developing prototypes of a mid-engine variant, the Corvette assumed that format beginning in 2020, which also represents the launch of its eighth generation. Known as the C8, the latest Corvette is an absolute head turner and a veritable bargain in … Read more
Averaging 55 mpg is this model’s modus operandi. The Hyundai Ioniq is a tale of three models, namely hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric variants. All three are front-wheel-drive compact hatchbacks with room for five. Introduced in 2017, the 2020 model features several changes, including new front and rear bumpers, a … Read more
The Elantra Sport is one of six trims with the 2020 Elantra sedan. The Hyundai Elantra is a compact, front-wheel-drive car, with room for five. It is available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the latter is also offered in N Line trim. We reviewed the Elantra GT N Line … Read more
N Line performance comes to Hyundai. Hyundai offers the compact Elantra in sedan and hatchback body styles, the latter known as the Elantra GT. For 2019, the first “N Line” model arrives, this one serving as the top trim for the GT. The N Line replaces the GT Sport, but … Read more
The Ford Motor Company has received thousands of complaints about the dual-clutch transmissions found in some of its models. Specifically, owners of 2011-2016 Fiesta and 2012-2016 Focus models have complained to Ford about problems, which have caused these cars to operate dangerously or break down. Ford settled one suit earlier … Read more
The Kia Soul is a runaway hit for this Korean manufacturer, a cult favorite with the youth. Kia has long used a team of anthropomorphic hamsters to market the Soul, a boxy model that has outlasted the competition. Those furry rodents have been in and out of seclusion for the … Read more
VW’s bunny makes its third visit. This time as a limited-edition Rabbit trim. The Volkswagen Rabbit is set to return once again. This time, it isn’t a model name. Instead, VW has chosen to deliver a limited-run Golf GTI Rabbit edition, apparently for the 2019 model year only. 2019 Volkswagen … Read more
The new Veloster targets entry-level performance enthusiasts. The Hyundai Veloster is back and is ready for round two. After a six-year model run, Hyundai seemed to have called it quits with its quirky compact coupe, but following a one-year hiatus, an all-new model has emerged. The 2019 Hyundai Veloster reflects … Read more
Hyundai’s smallest SUV is big on surprises. Let it be known that Hyundai arrived late to the subcompact SUV game. Let it also be known that despite its late entry, the 2018 Kona ranks up there with the very best models available. Indeed, the 2018 Hyundai Kona may have been … Read more
Hyundai breathes fresh life into its little sport hatchback. Automakers are responding to a wholesale shift in consumer demand by building more SUVs and fewer car models. This unprecedented shift means some manufacturers are catching up, including Hyundai which will release its small Kona SUV early in 2018, giving it … Read more
Updated February 1, 2018, to include pricing. Hyundai Kona: Make that four Hyundai SUV models by March 2018. Hyundai’s US sales are down this year and for one significant reason: the automaker lacks a tiny SUV, a model occupying the red-hot subcompact range. This week, the Korean automaker introduced the … Read more
Not a Prius fighter…or is it? Some may say the Hyundai Ioniq is this Korean manufacturer’s answer to the Toyota Prius. Hyundai insists otherwise, citing its own effort to deliver the most affordable and efficient cars the world over. Maybe there is a touch of irony here, but what’s important … Read more
This small luxury sedan is big on performance. You won’t find a smaller sedan in the Audi lineup than the A3, an attainable entry-level model for this German luxury brand. The A3 is underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s MQB (modular) platform, what also powers other Audi models, including the TT. … Read more
Few models can match the Golf R’s fun factor. Hot hatchbacks remain prized commodities. And this segment has only become hotter since Volkswagen introduced the current Golf R in 2015. As one of just three small sport models with all-wheel drive — the Subaru WRX STI and the Ford Focus … Read more
A pleasantly appointed family car can be had for about $25K. US car sales broke an all-time record in 2015 and will likely fall just short of that number this year. With more than 17 million new car shoppers making purchases each year, the market is ripe for the taking. … Read more
Audi launches “e-tron,” its nascent line of hybrid electric vehicles. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron name is a mouthful. Once you get beyond the lengthy moniker for this unusual plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), calling it “e-tron” or “A3 e-tron” seems entirely appropriate. The “e-tron” designation is an Audi registered … Read more
Acura’s ILX offers a sleek exterior, a prosaic interior, and a price point keeping in line with this compact gateway sedan’s contribution to the premium segment. Acura is a nameplate searching for an identity. Launched three decades ago by American Honda to provide a line of upscale products for the … Read more
After several years of strong year-over-year sales, the Hyundai engine has transitioned from a raucous roar to a subdued purr. Much of that change can be attributed to a scarcity of utility vehicles in its product line, just when consumers are snapping up SUVs and choosing fewer cars. That product … Read more
Hyundai continues to expand its Sonata line. For 2015, six editions are available, including an all-new Eco model. The Sonata Eco fuses power with efficiency, delivering the best amalgamation of the two across the model line. Some manufacturers aren’t satisfied with us media folk driving just one edition of a … Read more
After a nine-year model run, Volkswagen has set an end date for its Eos hard-top convertible. Yet another convertible model is to be discontinued as consumers embrace other vehicle choices. We don’t cover the Volkswagen brand as much as we would prefer to on Auto Trends. A current lack of … Read more
New 2016 model year vehicles are beginning to trickle out and the Acura ILX is among them. This entry-level premium sedan has been redesigned and is priced from $27,900. A new, high-performance, direct-injected engine is now paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, to deliver improved performance and efficiency. 2016 Acura … Read more
It is true that if you buy most any BMW product, you will enjoy the driving experience. It is also true that if you opt for one of several M-designated models, you will find yourself taking that experience to a whole ‘nuther level. And that is the experience this writer … Read more