By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com
Since the Enclave was launched as a 2008 model, it has led the much-needed Buick product revival. And within just three years, the premium midsize crossover continues to draw new customers as evidenced from last year’s sales figures of more than 55,000 units.

For 2012, the aggressive-appearing Enclave with the massive waterfall grille, tri-shield insignia and

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com

The newest Range Rover starts at $44,145. Now that’s pricey, especially when you consider that the 2012 Evoque is the smallest of SUVs to join to the Land Rover family.

Available as a coupe (Dynamic trim), which was our test drive, or as a four-door vehicle, the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine belts out 240 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 250 pounds-feet

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com
If you ever longed to own a Buick but felt it was beyond budget, your wait is over. Slotted below the mid-size Regal, the all-new and luxurious Verano starts at $23,470 and peaks at $26,850. Now, that’s in the affordable range for those Buick brand dreamers.

Available in base, convenience and leather trims, the compact sedan is equipped with just one power train:

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com

The Prius has been super-sized! It was bound to happen. The 2012 Toyota Prius v (as in versatility) gets a longer wheelbase (109.4 inches vs. 106.3) and length (181.7 vs. 175.6) and weighs 300 pounds (3,274 total) over the standard hybrid. Essentially, there is now 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the sliding 60/40 rear seat or 67.3 cubic feet when the seat is folded flat.

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com
Hyundai is on the move once again. What’s new? This time, its entry-level and fourth-generation 2012 Accent has been redesigned and gains extra power. Available as a four-door base GLS or five-door mid-level GS and sporty SE, the 1.6-liter inline-4 cylinder engine develops 138 horsepower (up by 28 from its predecessor) @ 6300 rpm and 123 pounds-feet of torque @ 4850 rpm. An

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com
The 2012 TL receives a freshening, which we can only help but praise to the skies. Acura has revised the previous massive grille to make it more likeable. The front bumper of the midsize luxury sedan has been redesigned. And the projector-style HID headlights, LED tail lamps and turn signals get updated. Also, the integrated fog lamp design is new. These changes and more make for an

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com

The top-selling car for 13 of the last 14 years has been redesigned. The result is a seventh-generation 2012 Camry, which will only help to prolong the midsize sedan’s popularity and growth.

Our test-drive was an SE model with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine pumping out 268 horsepower @ 6200 rpm and 248 pounds-feet of torque @ 4700 rpm. Power is routed to

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com
 
There is no stopping Hyundai. Close on the heels of the all-new/redesigned Tucson, Sonata, Equus, Elantra and Accent comes the 2012 Veloster, a three-door, four-passenger sport coupe ensconced on a steel unibody structure.
  
Available in front-wheel drive and just a base trim, the 1.6-liter GDI inline-4 cylinder engine from the Korean carmaker

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com

Zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. An intimidating top speed of 160 mph. And tow capacity of 5,000 pounds. That’s the Jeep for you as in the all-wheel-drive and high-performance 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8.

A 6.4-liter V-8 Hemi engine cranks out 470 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 465 pounds-feet of torque @ 4300 rpm. Getting power to the ground is a slick-shifting 5-speed automatic

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com
Remember the Aveo? Well, it’s history. For 2012, the subcompact has been replaced by the inside-out motorcycle-inspired Sonic. Like its predecessor, Chevrolet’s smallest car is available as a sedan or hatchback but with two power trains borrowed from the compact Cruze.
  
A 1.8-liter inline-4 cylinder engine (138 hp @ 6300 rpm) is standard but those

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com
Eight-speed automatic gearbox in a Dodge? You better believe it. And that’s standard in the Dodge 2012 Charger SXT Plus trim, which cranks out 292 horsepower @ 6350 rpm and 260 pounds-feet of torque @ 4800 rpm. Under the aluminum hood of the rear-wheel-drive sports sedan resides a robust flex-fuel 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Suspension is handled by an independent short- and

By NITISH S. RELE - editor@motoringtampabay.com

Who needs a hybrid when you can eke out even more miles out of a diesel engine without sacrifice? “VW’s less-boring-than-it-looks 100-percent-German-driving Passat is Motor Trend’s Car of the Year,” announced the prestigious magazine. One can only nod in agreement. Our test-drive 2012 Passat TDI SEL trim earned nearly 44 mpg in city/highway driving. With an

By NITISH S. RELE

A carryover from 2010, the LS460 preserves a 4.6-liter V-8 engine cranking out 380 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 367 pounds-feet of torque at 4100 rpm. The Lexus flagship is mated to a smooth and quick-to-respond 8-speed automatic transmission.

Boosting the efficiency of the potent rear-wheel-drive sedan is a dual fuel-injection system. And the car is fast, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in a remarkable 5.4 seconds. New for

By NITISH S. RELE

First launched in Europe, the 2011 Cruze is more than a fitting replacement for the compact Cobalt. After selling more than 300,000 units globally, the front-wheel-drive sedan debuts in the United States with two power trains: 1.8-liter (136 horsepower @ 6300 rpm) or 1.4-liter turbocharged (138 hp @ 4900 rpm) inline-4 cylinder engines. Getting power to the ground is a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. 

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Get ready for a Fiesta, folks! Ford of Europe’s No. 1 vehicle has arrived in the United States in all its mighty and glory. More than 500,000 Fiestas now ride the roadways of the continent across the Atlantic Ocean.
  
Available as a sedan or a hatchback, the subcompact car is equipped with a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-4 cylinder engine, which develops 120 horsepower at 6350 rpm and 112 pounds-feet

By NITISH S. RELE

Redesigned for 2011, the Avalon delivers smooth and linear acceleration with first-rate steering and body control. The front-wheel-drive sedan earned us an average of 22 mpg in city/highway driving, which is impressive for a 3,616-pound ride.
 
A 3.5-liter V-6 engine develops 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 248 pounds-feet of torque at 4700 rpm. The 6-speed automatic gearbox affords flawless up shifts and quick

By NITISH S. RELE

Freshened for 2010, the Lexus flagship retains its 4.6-liter V-8 engine. Mated to a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission (at this rate, a 10-speed isn’t too far behind!), the LS460 pumps out 380 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 367 pounds-feet of torque at 4100 rpm.
  
A four-wheel independent multilink suspension enables the bulky sedan to absorb road imperfections with poise. Steering feedback is

By NITISH S. RELE

The 2011 BMW 550i midsize sedan undergoes several changes. All for the better, of course. The previous 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated engine has been replaced with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, which responds with agility and swiftness in any driving condition. Expect plentiful power, sharp steering and superb balance in the rear-wheel-drive car.
 
The 5 has acquired a 3.2-inch longer wheelbase but that

By NITISH S. RELE

A carryover from 2009, the Cadillac CTS-V sedan borrows its engine from the Corvette. And that of course means abundant power is just a throttle away. The 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine doles out 556 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 551 pounds-feet of torque at 3800 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the rear-wheel-drive car can take off from 0 to 60 mph in just under 4 seconds.
 
The Magnetic Ride

By NITISH S. RELE
         
Redesigned for 2010, the Lexus RX350 gets a boost of 0.79 inches in its wheelbase, 1.38 inches in length, 1.6 inch in width and 2.8 inch wider track from its predecessor. However, the enhancements make little difference to the smooth and comfortable ride in the four-door, five-passenger luxury SUV.
  
A 3.5-liter V-6 engine cranks out 275 horsepower

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Completely revamped for 2011, the crossover utility vehicle is 3.5 inches longer, 2.1 inches wider and 2.3 inches lower than its predecessor. Gone are the two power trains: 2.01-liter 4-cylinder (140 horsepower) and the 2.7-liter V-6 (173 hp). Both have been replaced by an all-new 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, which boasts 176 hp at 6000 rpm and 168 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm.
  
Our

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Imagine a gas- and exhaust-free trip from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale. Heck, you don’t need to envision anymore. In fact, you can reach the nearly 200-mile distance in the all-electric Tesla Roadster. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in a mere 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. You get “the high-end performance of a Ferrari,” as Tesla field representative Neil Joseph points out.
  
A

By NITISH S. RELE

We have great admiration for the four-door, five-passenger midsize luxury sedan from Acura. Why? Because we own a 2003 TL, which has proved to be a reliable and entertaining car to drive. Naturally, we were excited to test-drive the 2011 TL equipped with the Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) Tech Package.
  
A 3.7-liter V-6 engine cranks out 305 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 273 pounds-feet of torque

By NITISH S. RELE
 
A carryover from 2010, the 2011 Acura RDX crossover SUV responds with liveliness and quickness in any driving situation. Acceleration is amazingly smooth, with plentiful power just a throttle away.
 
Power comes from a 2.3-liter turbocharged and inter-cooled inline-4 cylinder engine mated to a slick-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission. It blasts off 240 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 260 pounds-feet of

By NITISH S. RELE

The two-passenger 2011 Honda CR-Z coupe has arrived! The all-new gas/electric hybrid may convey a sleek appearance but also is quiet and quick while delivering smooth acceleration. That fuel consumption is frugal is evident from the fact that we averaged nearly 35 mpg in city/highway driving.
  
A 1.5-liter inline-4 cylinder engine mated to an electric motor offers 122 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 123

By NITISH S. RELE
 
The Ralliart version of the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is not your run-of-the-mill vehicle. A high-performance sedan, the inter-cooled and turbocharged Lancer responds with agility and quickness in any driving condition. The well-composed and balanced ride offers abundant power just a throttle away.
  
A 2.0-liter DOHC inline-4 cylinder engine cranks out 237 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 253 pounds-feet of

By NITISH S. RELE
 
An all-new model, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover SUV is more than a foot shorter than its larger sibling but shares nearly identical height and weight. The front-wheel-drive ride boasts strong acceleration, notable handling and steering feel.
 
A 2.0-liter DOHC inline-4 Cylinder engine develops 148 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 145 pounds-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. Getting power to

By NITISH S. RELE
 
After a resounding success in Europe and Japan, Mazda debuts its smallest front-wheel-drive car in the United States. The entry-level Mazda2 is a delight to drive around corners, knowing you will get a first-rate overall balance. The subcompact hatchback gets up to speed in adequate time and brakes just as swiftly and with poise. 
      
Power is derived from a 1.5-liter

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Except for a few minor cabin tweaks, the 2011 Mazda6 maintains its status quo. We have driven numerous versions of the midsize sedan in the last few years and have always walked out happy with the results. The car boasts a lively, fun-to-drive attitude keeping in mind Mazda’s ‘Zoom-Zoom’ (emotion of motion) phrase.
 
A 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4 cylinder engine cranks out 170 horsepower at

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Revamped for 2011, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4WD Crew Cab LTZ pickup acquires more power and torque and a tweaked suspension. The result is a solid but compliant and calm ride with poised handling and response.
 
Under the hood resides an optional Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 turbo-diesel engine, which cranks out 397 horsepower at 3000 rpm and 765 pounds-feet of torque at 1600 rpm. Getting power to the ground

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Who says minivans are a vanishing breed? Ask Honda and the Japanese carmaker will point to its all-new 2011 Odyssey to prove that the market for these family movers is alive and kicking. The redesigned and more powerful and fuel-efficient minivan should steal the thunder from the competition. Compared to its predecessor, the front-wheel-drive 2011 minivan is 0.8 inches longer, 2.1 inches wider and 0.4 inches shorter.

By NITISH S. RELE
 
When does Lexus rest on its laurels? Never! As if the HS 250h wasn’t enough to satisfy hybrid enthusiasts, the Toyota luxury division has produced its entry-level hybrid, the CT 200h. The four-door, five-passenger hatchback shares an almost identical power train with the gas/electric Prius.
  
A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 98 horsepower at 5200 rpm (105 pounds-feet of torque at

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Suzuki has just pulled out yet another feather out of the cap. It’s the SLS model trim for its Kizashi Sport sedan, which has a tweaked lower suspension to result in an even sportier ride. Acceleration is reasonably quick from any speed. Step on the throttle with confidence and you can be assured that the instantly responsive brakes are up to the job.
 
A 2.4-liter DOHC inline-4 cylinder engine

By NITISH S. RELE

It’s an all-new Ford Explorer starting with the crossover-type unibody structure, which replaces the old truck-type construction. The SUV has been reborn with a new engine and design, which makes the vehicle 1 inch shorter in wheelbase and 4 inches longer than its predecessor. With its well-balanced handling and excellent body control, our all-wheel-drive (AWD) test model will provide peace of mind in any weather

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Chrysler has simplified 2011 Chrysler Town & Country model trim line. The 3.3-, 3.8- and 4.0-liter V-6 power trains have been replaced by a sole 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which cranks out 283 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 260 pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. The seven-seater is mated to a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. Suspension is handled via a refined MacPherson strut front and twist beam axle rear. Wind and road

By NITISH S. RELE

The Buick Regal is back! After a six-year hiatus, the midsize sports sedan returns, sharing a basic design with Opel Insignia (2009 European Car of the Year). No wonder the car is assembled in Germany.
 
Under the unibody structure sits a 2.4-liter direct-injection inline-4 cylinder engine, which puts out 182 horsepower at 6700 rpm and 172 pounds-feet of torque at 4900 rpm. It is mated to a smooth

By NITISH S. RELE
 
When Motor Trend magazine picks its Car of the Year, everyone sits up and takes notice. As we did after the 2011 Chevrolet Volt took the esteemed honor this year. Motor Trend justifies its selection quite convincingly: “Moonshot. Game-changer. A car of the future that you can drive today, and every day.”
  
Indeed, your ride of the future is a plug-in gas/electric sedan equipped with a

By NITISH S. RELE
 
To call it a redesign or restyling wouldn’t do justice to Chrysler’s flagship car. In fact, it is nearly an all-new 300C with the ever-popular 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI engine, which belts out 363 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 394 pounds-feet of torque at 4200 rpm while mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission.
  
A Multi-Displacement system enables half of the

By NITISH S. RELE
The 2011 Scion tC has not just been redesigned but also packs more punch if we can take the liberty of calling it that. Horsepower is up by 19, pounds-feet of torque increase by 11 and now you have a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission from the previous 4 or 5 speed. What more can one ask for in a starter car? Really!
 
The five-passenger sporty hatchback is equipped with a 2.5-liter, DOHC

By NITISH S. RELE
 
A carryover from last year, the 2011 Subaru Tribeca offers a well-composed ride with strong acceleration, remarkable handling and steering feel. Of course, the standard all-wheel-drive system ensures superb balance in all driving conditions.
  
A 3.6-liter horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine produces a healthy 256 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 247 pounds-feet of torque @ 4400 rpm. Power routed

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Redesigned for the year, the Audi A8 gets more horsepower (up by 22) and torque (3 pounds-feet) to produce a graceful and lively ride. Providing peace of mind in any road situation or weather condition is the renowned quattro all-wheel drive.
     
A 4.2-liter direct-injection V-8 engine pumps out 372 hp at 6800 rpm and 328 pounds-feet of torque at 3500 rpm. This allows the flagship

By NITISH S. RELE
 
A quick glance at the all-new Nissan Juke and the natural response would be, “Now, that’s quirky!” But that’s understandable. Indeed, the 2011 cheeky-styled hatchback teases you with its coupe-like roofline and raked windshield meeting up to the split halogen headlights, black chrome grille and side sills, body-color front/rear bumpers and mirrors, and boomerang-style tail lamps.
  

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Redesigned for the New Year, the 2011 Kia Optima is up 1.7 inches in length and 2.9 inches in wheelbase. That makes no difference to the steel unibody structure-based ride, which is compliant and calm, regardless of tricky road situations.
  
A 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder gasoline-direct engine puts out 200 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 186 pounds-feet of torque at 4250 rpm. It is mated to a

By NITISH S. RELE

Volkswagen’s best-selling model in the United States has been redesigned. For the better, of course. Step on the pedal of the 2011 front-wheel-drive Jetta and be prepared for a reasonably swift and smooth acceleration.
  
The 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine belts out 170 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 177 pounds-feet of torque at 4250 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, which is

By NITISH S. RELE
 
The vast array of 2012 Honda Civic choices will sway you away. There’s the gas-powered traditional sedan and the energetic coupe. Or you could opt for the electric-gas hybrid. High-performance enthusiasts will take to the sporty Si coupe. The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Civic will be available later this year. And with gas prices hovering closer to $4 than $3, the all-new HF (high fuel economy) model seems even more

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Introduced just two years ago, the Infiniti G37 convertible undergoes a freshening, mainly fog lamps that are no longer inside the ‘boomerang-like’ HID xenon headlights but instead under them. Otherwise, the rear-wheel-drive ride retains its wave-style aluminum hood, which meets up with the traditional Infiniti double-arch chrome grille.
  
Also left untouched is the 3.7-liter DOHC V-6

By NITISH S. RELE

The numbers say it all. Or most of it. Zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds. And a mere 12 seconds at up to 30 mph for the power-folding soft top to work its magic. Undoubtedly, the 2011 Audi TT roadster is top-down motoring at its finest.
 
Under the rigid and steel body sits a 2.0-liter turbocharged and inter-cooled 4-cylinder engine, which belts out 211 horsepower (up by 11 from predecessor) and 258 pounds-feet of

By NITISH S. RELE
 
“Meager gas mileage. Rough ride. Slow acceleration and steering. Subpar cabin materials. Tight second-row seat legroom.”
 
Indeed, criticism of the previous-generation Dodge Durango was ruthless and to a certain degree justified. Until one day, the Chrysler Group decided to make its move by skipping the 2010 model and totally redesigning the seven-passenger SUV. Say hello to a revitalized 2011

By NITISH S. RELE
 
The Fiat is back in North America. Reminiscent of the 1957-75 Cinquecento, the 2012 Fiat front-wheel-drive coupe and convertible are on sale at 130 brand-specific Chrysler dealerships in the United States.
  
Our subcompact coupe was equipped with a 1.4-liter inline-4 cylinder engine developing 101 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and 98 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. Shifting the standard 5-speed manual

By NITISH S. RELE
 
If you are planning a long trip up North or a short jaunt to the Keys, the all-new sporty Kia Sorento SX should serve the purpose remarkably well. We found the seven-passenger crossover airy and useful during our two-week sojourn to the Midwest.
  
The second-row 60/40 seat reclines and folds while the third-row 50/50 seat can go flat into the floor. All in all, you get 149.4 cubic feet of space.

By NITISH S. RELE

Yes, it’s possible. The full-size 2011 QX56 is even bigger and larger than its predecessor. While retaining the 5.6-liter V-8 engine, the second-generation Infiniti puts out an extraordinary 400 horsepower (up from 320) and 413 pounds-feet (up from 393) of torque. Also, the previous 5-speed automatic transmission is history. Getting power to the ground is the all-new 7-speed auto, which was long overdue. And this

By NITISH S. RELE

Enough with the rain. Let’s hope for sunny skies so you can take a spin in the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet (convertible). Available as a coupe also, the 2.0-liter direct-injection, inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine offers 211 horsepower @ 4300 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque @ 1500 rpm.
  
Best of all, Audi has equipped the Cabriolet with a standard slick 8-speed auto dual-clutch transmission, up

By NITISH S. RELE

Look out, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Cadillac! The Hyundai Genesis, which debuted in 2009, has been refreshed for next year. The luxury sport sedan is now offered in three trims: the 3.8-liter V-6 pumps out 333 horsepower (up by 43 hp and with direct injection added); 4.6-liter V-8 holds at 385 hp; and the all-new 5.0-liter R-Spec cranks  out 429 hp @ 6400 rpm, making it the highest performing and most powerful

By NITISH S. RELE

There is no doubt about it. Mazda makes fun-to-drive, lively, sporty and eye-catching vehicles. And then there is the one ride from the Japanese carmaker that defies a category. Such as the Mazda5, which has been coined a “microvan” for being smaller and cheaper than regular minivans.  
 
Sharing its basic design with the compact Mazda3, the 2012 midsize Mazda5 acquires a fresh makeover

By NITISH S. RELE
 
For a 4,368-pound vehicle, the 2011 Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) is quick off the mark, nimble in traffic and exciting to drive. Credit goes to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged engine cranking out 365 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 350 pounds-feet of torque @ 3500 rpm. The standard 6-speed auto transmission operates with flawless logic. Shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings have been

Like the turbo, the Optima hybrid has the same body and engine as the Sonata. The all-new gas/electric hybrid is equipped with a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine developing 206 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 195 pounds-feet of torque @ 4250 rpm. Two aspects make the car stand out. Instead of the usual continuous variable transmission, it gets a 6-speed automatic. Also, out goes the usual nickel-metal hydride battery found in most hybrids to make way for a

 By NITISH S. RELE

Sharing the basic design and power trains with its sibling Hyundai Sonata, the 2011 Kia Optima SX turbo is equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline-direct injection inline-4 cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed auto transmission, the midsize sedan puts out 274 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 269 pounds-feet of torque @ 1750 rpm. A sport tuned suspension of independent MacPherson strut and multilink rear translates into a delightfully

By NITISH S. RELE
 
Line up all the compact crossover SUVs in the market but there is only one vehicle that will stand out from the pack – the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. Reason? Its aggressive stance conveyed via a jet-fighter-like front fascia with a massive blackout center, flanked by horizontal xenon HID headlights. 
  
Our GT S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) test drive comes with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine

By NITISH S. RELE

Get ready to bid the Dodge Grand Caravan goodbye after 2013, which is the year this pioneer of the minivan segment will exit gracefully. However, its sister, the Chrysler Town & Country, will continue to be sold as the automaker’s sole minivan. And that makes perfect sense since both the vehicles pretty much offered the same power train and features though the Town & Country is a notch above.