The mid-level Mazda3 GS sedan with new five-speed automatic transmission is a comfortable and sporty compact sedan that’s well-equipped for the price, says editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. But stability control should be standard, not optional, he says.

“Smaller, leaner, and more efficient,” the new Cadillac SRX now shares its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “It’s a much better fit with key import competitors,” he says.

The 2009 BMW 750i offers a “potent combination of luxury, convenience and performance in a much more attractive wrapper,” says contributor Russell Purcell. But it’s the 750i’s new safety technologies that most impressed him.

The Challenger R/T “isn't a track star, but it is a cruising sensation,” reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams; the Camaro SS is “all about awesome power and striking design, with practicality bringing up the rear,” says Managing Editor, Grant Yoxon.

Equipped with an aftermarket body kit and 19-inch BBS alloys and Pirelli P Zeros available from Audi’s Accessory catalogue, reviewer Peter Bleakney’s A4 Avant 2.0T Sport “regularly pegged the needle on the gawk-o-meter” during his week behind the wheel.

Less sporty than its rivals, the Lexus IS350C has a “suspension tuned for comfort,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. Its retractable hardtop folds down in just 20 seconds, however there’s not much space left in the trunk.

The 2010 Outback is “significantly larger” than its predecessor, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, and offers a “badly-needed boost in interior space”, he says. His only criticism is its new styling, which he finds “rather plain.”

While the new Lexus HS250h entry-level luxury sedan is technologically-advanced and “ticks off all the ecologically-friendly check-marks”, Editor-in-chief Greg Wilson wonders if it offers enough “style and refinement” to lure buyers away from non-hybrid luxury cars.

Named “Best New Design” for 2009 by AJAC, the Honda Fit earned it by its clever use of interior space, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh; this new model includes stronger construction and an improved “Magic Seat” for cargo-hauling capability.

Power, handling, style, and practicality: you can have it all,” says contributor Haney Louka of the A6 Avant 3.0T which features Audi’s new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and improved Quattro all-wheel drive system.

“A very fun car” with “a reasonable price-tag”, the new Mazdaspeed3 is a “tenacious handler” with a “comfortable” and “practical” interior, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But torque-steer is still “a going concern” and clutch pedal effort is “heavy”.

The redesigned 2010 Lexus RX 450h is more powerful than its predecessor, but returns better fuel mileage, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who finds it comfortable and elegant. It “nails the definition of a luxury hybrid SUV,” she says.

Although it’s the middle child of the Cayenne family, the GTS gives nothing up to the pricier turbocharged models in terms of visual impact or handling prowess, says contributor Haney Louka. Its 405-horsepower V8 is no slouch either, he says

The future of efficient transportation is driving the right sized vehicle for the job, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. Alone in the compact, purpose-built delivery van segment, the new Ford Transit Connect is a great little vehicle, she says.

The new SHO's "exhilarating performance", "great driving dynamics" and "sedan practicality" are impressive, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson, but its "large footprint, mediocre gas mileage and hefty price-tag seem incongruous with the new, leaner times that we live in."

Unlike Lexus’ “full” hybrid system, Mercedes-Benz uses the simpler “mild” hybrid system, reports contributor Peter Bleakney, who averaged 8.3 L/100 km on the highway and 11.5 L/100 km in urban driving, “impressive for a swift, 2109 kg luxury sedan.”

The Toyota Tundra offers a new 4.6-litre V8 that’s more powerful but uses less fuel than the 4.7-litre it replaces; Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh reports that it’s a very quiet and capable truck, but it’s looking a little dated inside.

Though it has 86 fewer horses than the optional V6 engine, the Venza’s standard four-cylinder powerplant offers acceptable performance and better fuel economy, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. “I was pleasantly surprised at the performance,” he says.

The Enclave marks a turning point for Buick, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, with good performance and an interior that stands up to the competition; for 2009, there’s new direct injection that makes the V6 even more powerful than before.

The Brabus package adds an extra hit of style, greatly improved handling and $3,650 to the bottom line of the Smart Fortwo, reports contributor Peter Bleakney. “The Brabus Fortwo is actually fun to toss into the corners,” he says.