With an EcoBoost engine providing V8 power with V6 economy, the 2010 Lincoln MKT feels quick and has "agile handling that belies its heft," says Contributing Editor Chris Chase. "Most surprising about the MKT is its affinity for the twisties."

CanadianDriver’s Made in Canada series continues with two mid-size SUV/crossovers from Acura and Lexus, the refreshed 2010 MDX built in Alliston, Ontario, and the redesigned 2010 RX 350 built in Cambridge, Ontario.

At $144,000, the Lexus LS600h L will "find a home in only the most exclusive driveways," says Senior Editor Paul Williams, but this hybrid comes with almost everything: V8 power, all-wheel drive, and even a reclining ottoman seat.

The all-wheel drive Taurus SHO proved to be the perfect match for a 1,300-kilometre drive in the middle of winter, reports Managing Editor, Grant Yoxon. Powerful and comfortable, its standard equipment would embarrass some luxury car makers, he says.

New for 2010 is the availability of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system in the 7 Series. "For all of this car's size, it's just as entertaining to drive as any of the company's cars," reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

While it's refreshed for 2010, changes to the Nissan Altima sedan are mostly cosmetic, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. Handling and performance combine with an improved interior that now makes this a contender among the segment's best, she says.

VW has found its own little eddy in the congested pool of compact SUV/CUVs - a premium SUV at not-quite-premium prices, says reviewer Peter Bleakney. "Nimble handling…and a general playful disposition are the hallmarks of VW's compact ute," he says.

Replacing the GX 470, the "heavily reworked" GX 460 has "go-anywhere ability" and "tows up to 2,948 kg" says reviewer Brian Early, but its luxury features and Lexus build quality are probably bigger factors for most potential customers, he says.

After 1,500 kilometres of city and highway driving in Lexus’ entry-level luxury hybrid sedan, reviewer Haney Louka finds that colder temperatures increase fuel consumption dramatically, particularly if the car is left parked outside overnight before driving.

A wagon that’s “ready to rumble”, the “classy” CTS Sport Wagon “will flatter its owner,” says Senior Editor, Paul Williams. Its optional 3.6-litre engine is “lusty” and “refined”, but uses more fuel than anticipated, he reports.

The Panamera with all-wheel drive “does a remarkable job of melding sybaritic motoring comfort with sporting behaviour, and as a bonus – it’s a bloody useful hatchback,” says reviewer Peter Bleakney. “My only gripe is poor rear visibility.”

While the basic Nissan Sentra 2.0 model “isn't a thrilling machine” it comes with just about everything that economy car buyers are looking for under $20,000, including Freight charge, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase.

“Cleanly styled, intelligently priced and nice to drive, the Equinox takes GM to a new level,” says Assistant Editor, Jil McIntosh; she drives the four-cylinder model which she says is a better engine than the available V6.

Replacing the Jetta Wagon TDI, the Golf Wagon TDI has a lower starting price, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. Its turbo diesel engine offers great fuel economy while its cargo area is the largest in its class, he says.

Contributing Editor Chris Chase is torn between his dislike of the Crosstour’s styling and the compromises it creates in rear headroom and cargo space - and his enjoyment of the “the overall feel and driving experience it offers.”

Honda’s latest offering, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, while aimed at empty nesters and upwardly mobile young executives, may in fact have something for everyone.

Over the next two months, Winnipeg reviewer Haney Louka will be driving a Lexus HS 250h hybrid to find out how it drives and performs in one of the coldest cities in North America.

A big price drop, improved handling and stability, and increased safety are the major improvements to the redesigned 2010 E 350 sedan, reports editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. But is the new styling too aggressive for traditional E buyers, he wonders?

At temperatures below zero Celsius, CanadianDriver’s long-term diesel-powered Jetta TDI took a long time to warm up, and fuel consumption increased substantially, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. However, using the car’s block heater overnight cut warm-up time dramatically.

GMC’s take on the freshly-minted Chevrolet Equinox looks mighty rugged, but the Terrain is really more Rosedale than Rubicon,” says reviewer, Peter Bleakney. With the four-cylinder engine fuel economy is good but power is only “adequate”, he says.