The Outback’s roomy cargo area thwarts prying eyes with a retractable cargo cover and spring-loaded panel to meet the seatbacks, reports interior reviewer Michael Clark. Standard roof rails feature unique swing-out crossbars that require no tools to lock in place.

The Smart Fortwo Passion model features such niceties as heated front seats, paddle shifters, and a convertible roof with retractable sunshade. But the engine isn’t accessible and there’s no spare tire, just an inflation kit, says columnist Michael Clark.

Generously equipped for its price range, the two-door Kia Forte Koup SX has a decent amount of rear seat legroom and headroom for a coupe, a good-sized trunk, and "no access issues" under the hood, says interior reviewer, Michael Clark.

The third generation Prius hybrid offers increased rear headroom and legroom, a cavernous cargo area, solar-powered ventilation, and a busy display screen that may take your attention off the road, says Inside Story columnist, Michael Clark.

The well-equipped Ford Fusion SEL sedan with an economical four-cylinder engine offers a comfortable, roomy cabin, a huge trunk, and plenty of luxury features, says interior reviewer, Michael Clark. However, heated seats can only be had with the optional leather.

The New Beetle Convertible sacrifices practicality for retro styling and cuteness, says contributor Michael Clark. The trunk is small, the rear seat is uncomfortable, and underhood access for servicing is tight. But it does have “proven mechanicals,” he says.

Along with the 2010 Mazda CX-7’s exterior styling refresh is a minor interior design update, including a new 3.5-inch display in the new base GX model, and a 4.1-inch screen on the GT model, reports interior reviewer, Michael Clark.

Only four will fit in the Volkswagen Passat CC, but that's a welcome change from cramped competitors, says contributor Michael Clark, who praises its sculptured driver's pod, large and useful trunk, and "restful and spacious comfort" in the rear seat.

On a 2,600-kilometre drive from Vancouver to Winnipeg, author Michael Clark was impressed with the Boxster PDK’s easy-to-use steering wheel shifters, fast-opening three-layer power ragtop, nifty flip-top door storage pockets, and dual trunks, but didn’t like its dash-mounted swing-out cupholders.

“Who knew utility could be sensual? The FX is sculpture that actually works, with all of the expected luxo/techno factors thrown in for good measure,” says interior reviewer Michael Clark. “Look around; nothing comes close for the bread.”

Though there are interior differences between the high performance Mazdaspeed3 and the well-equipped Mazda3 Sport GT-E, they are subtle, says Michael Clark. “There is very little “Boy Racer” when compared to current competitors,” he says. “Say hello to the sleeper.”

The mid-level trim Odyssey EX combines the practicality of a fold-into-the-floor third row seat and removeable second row seats with the luxury of three-zone air conditioning and an in-dash six-disc stereo, reports Michael Clark.

Unlike the Cadillac CTS franchise of performance and Euro-finesse, the MKZ has identified a unique luxury niche of New World style, with a smattering of tradition, says contributor Michael Clark.

A crew cab pick-up with trunk space under the bed floor that rivals most cars, the Honda Ridgeline has a roomy cabin and plenty of interior storage. But it needs heated seats and a bed extender, says reviewer Michael Clark.

"It's so good to see a station wagon again,” says interior reviewer, Michael Clark. “There's nothing in my eyes, except tears of joy for the attention paid to interior storage solutions.” “What you get is a very practical car.”

The CR-V is morphing into the next generation family vehicle, says Michael Clark. The CR-V’s cabin features comfortable seats, decent headroom and legroom, and a dual-deck cargo shelf system. The cabin could use more sound deadening though, he notes.

A practical, roomy SUV loaded with luxury features, the VW Touareg TDI also offers excellent fuel economy and a long driving range, says contributor Michael Clark. But its folding rear seatbacks are due for a redesign, he says.

Like all two-door sport coupes, the Eclipse GT-P is “impractical”, says reviewer Michael Clark. The rear seat is cramped and there’s very little storage space. Today’s buyers have a “higher expectation of practicality”, he notes.

The seven or eight passenger Chevy Traverse is one of the few SUVs with a comfortable third row seat, says reviewer Michael Clark. Fit and finish is not class-leading, “but it is by no means mediocre,” he says.

It may be priced in the six figure range, but the Audi S8’s combination of style, power, all-wheel drive, interior roominess, trunk size and multitude of luxury features leaves author Michael Clark totally impressed.

Michael Clark works very hard to find anything needing improvement on the 2009 Honda Civic Sport, and comes up with a very short list on this “attractive appliance” of a vehicle that topped Canadian auto sales in 2008.

The Lexus GS hybrid’s luxuriously-equipped interior includes hybrid-specific instrumentation such as a hybrid/gas energy monitor and a kilowatt meter in place of a tachometer. The trunk is smaller because of the hybrid’s large battery behind the rear seat.

It may be a reworked Dodge Grand Caravan, but the Volkswagen Routan has all the roominess, seating flexibility, interior storage, and cargo space of its parent, says Michael Clark. The quality of cabin materials and fit-and-finish could be better, though.

It's refreshing to know that maximum styling and versatility can co-exist, and downright peacefully at that, says reviewer Michael Clark. The new Mazda3 Sport GT combines new technologies with luxury and functionality, he says.

The Nissan Murano’s Infiniti-inspired upscale interior is also very practical, says reviewer Michael Clark. “The funny thing about the Murano is that it doesn't feel quite Nissan or Infiniti; it's almost a marque in its own right,” he says.