The luxurious sedan has an outstanding performance. It is packed with 5.0L V8 engine, which can generate power of 380 bhp. Jaguar XF is one of the most fuel efficient cars by the manufacturer. The car boosts the stability of sports cars and peaceful effect of a luxurious sedan. It car comes with ‘Sequential Shift System’ that offers a thrilling driving experience. The 5.0L V8 engine is combined with a 6-speed automatic gearbox that offers a smooth ride.

One of the common traits of a Jaguar is that it provides high driver satisfaction; it is present in XF as well. The car design is based on steady and strong architecture, precision controlled suspension, responsive steering, which makes it suitable for all terrains.

Jaguar XF has a distinctive and modern design, which is not complicated. It is very spacious and is capable of accommodating five adults. It sports “sedan within a coupe” styling. This mid-sized sedan comes with various fundamental designs that are specific to the ‘R’ philosophy of Jaguar. The car has a strong grille, and is designed for distinction. The front fascia showcases the lattice of its grille, hefty alloy wheels, engraved light cluster and side power vents. The exterior of the car is dominated by an arresting single-frame radiator grille, while the interiors have used aluminum and wood. The seats are covered with fine leather. This latest model by Jaguar is more eco-friendly, thanks to its aluminum body and lesser emission of carbon dioxide. There is an aura around the Electric Parking Brake panels and start-stop button. In addition to this the ‘DriveSelector console’ is bordered by glow that adds to the overall appeal of the car. The sedan comes with heated windscreens that come with timer, diesel mis-fueling protection device and headlamp washer. The interior rear view mirror has an auto-dimming feature. The plush sedan is also available in several metallic paints.

Jaguar XF is packed with sophisticated safety features that fulfill all requirements of its occupant. Other than the basic car safety features, XF comes with headlamp washers as well as automatic leveling, bi-Xenon headlamps that have integrated corner lamps, smart key system that provides keyless entry and ‘tyre pressure monitoring system’ (TPMS).

The new V8 engine that will be powering the Bentley GT and GTC Convertible has the potential to generate maximum power of 500-bhp and 487 lbs-ft of maximum torque, and will be paired to an 8-speed close-ratio automatic transmission. The engine also has a changeable-displacement system, which lets the engine to run solely on 4-cylinders under half-done throttle load.

Now we haven’t got the official figures for the fuel economy from the automaker, but they did told that the arrival of the new V8 engine will meet the goals of the company to develop a engine which could offer at least 40 percent betterment in fuel efficiency.

The 2012 Bentley Continental GT W12 comes with an estimated fuel efficiency of 12 mpg when driven in city and 19 mpg when driven on highway. The Continental GT W12 comes with a base price of $195,495, which also includes a $2,595 of shipping charge and around $3,000 of gas-guzzler federal tax.

Bentley told that the all new Continental GT V8 will sprint from 0 to 60 in less than 5.0 secs, and has a top speed of around 180 mph. The Continental GT V8 has a drive range of more than 500-miles on a full tank.

The newly fangled Bentley Continental V8 models has a lustrous-black grille having center bar and chrome frame, black front lower bumper having body-tinted strakes, dark rear lower valance, red enamel Bentley emblem on the back and front and chromed exhaust pipes. Shoppers will be having an option to pick from 20-in or 21-in metal wheels in Diamond Silver or Diamond Black finishes.

The Bentley Continental V8 has been covered in Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus facing with optional 2-tone leather and Eliade cloth headliner.

The interiors have been given some likewise delicate updates, a lot of which strengthens the already imposing range of features available in the car. The steering wheel now is telescopic, and the materials used for the interiors are a tad nicer. The elective heater has also been given an extra setting, and for the very first time there is a navigation system in the offering. As usual all these features makes the controls of the Soul even more user-friendly.

Even more important here are the mechanical updates of Kia Soul including the likes of a 1.6-ltr direct-injection engine, which not only is fuel-efficient, but at the same time is incredibly powerful. The 2.0-ltr 4-cylinder engine has also been given a shot of 22-bhp in its arm and both the engines have here are being paired with a brand new 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions.

As a result of that all you get enhanced fuel efficiency, which although aren’t as good as the other hatchbacks, but still is pretty decent. But at the same time there also is a brand new Eco package, offered on automatic-fitted Soul models, which we think will help you save some amount on your fuel consumption, with its stop-start technology, which automatically turns off the engine as you arrive on a stoplight and starts it immediately as you take off your foot from the brake pedal. One more change for the vehicle is associated with the steering wheel of the vehicle, which now is eclectically assisted.

The 2012 Kia Soul brings practicality and style, and to top it all there is the reasonable price tag of the car. In addition to all this there is an extensive range of available and standard features and a huge 10-year or 100,000-m powertrain warranty makes it one of the finest options of its class. That said, if you want cargo capacity, then we’d suggest you to go for Scion xB, and if you are looking for something that can deliver decent fuel efficiency and handling then there also are plenty of similarly priced small hatchbacks which will meet your requirements, these models includes Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic. The Nissan Juke also is similarly sized, equipped and priced, in case you want an expensive Kia Soul. But for a car, which not only is practical, but at the same time is funky, you won’t get any better than Soul.

Exclusive for 2012:

The 2012 Kia Soul is a practical hatchback, but with a fun-to-drive scenery and a hipster styling.

Body Styles, Trims and Options:

The 2012 Kia Soul comes in a single body styling of a 4-door hatchback, and you could have it in 3 punctuation-stimulated trims: base, “!” And “+”.

The standard equipments for the base trim includes the likes of power mirrors and locks, 15-in steel wheels, cloth covering, air-conditioning, a trip computer, a 60/40-split-folding back seat, a 4-speaker audio system having satellite radio, CD player, an USB/iPod audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. There also is an optional automatic transmission available here, and going for it will get you back privacy glass, keyless entry, a height-modifiable driver seat, cruise control and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

The base Kia-Soul having automatic transmission can also be fitted with 1.6 Eco package which boasts fuel-saving features such as low-rolling-resistance tires, a stop/start system and an improved battery, together with extra features including the likes of power mirrors, 16-in alloy wheels, extra speakers and illuminated vanity mirrors.

In addition to the fuel saving features the Eco Packages, which are sold separately, the Soul + including all the additional items together with dash-top, heated mirrors and center console cargo space bins, some metal-look internal trim and a leather-enclosed steering wheel. The Audio Upgrade package brings a rearview camera, automatic headlights, and an 8-speaker Infinity sound system having tricolor speaker lights and HD radio and the Uvo hands-free electronic interface.

The Kia Soul ! is the top of the line model and brings automatic headlamps, 18-in alloy wheels, LED daytime running taillights and lights, fog lights, hound’s-tooth pattern 2-tone upholstery, a sunroof (elective on Soul +), the Audio Upgrade package and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror. The Premium Package brings adds keyless entry/ignition, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a navigation system having concurrent traffic updates and automatic climatic control.

Power Plant:

The 2012 Kia Soul is a front wheel drive model, and is available with 2 different engines. The hood of the base Soul conceals a brand new 1.6-ltr 4-cylinder, which generates 138-bhp of peak power and 123 lbs-ft of max torque. The standard transmission here is a 6-speed manual, but there is an option of a 6-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission here also has hill holder.

The Kia Soul + and Kia Soul ! Versions get power from an even stronger 2.0-ltr 4-cylinder engine, which generates a decent amount of 164 bhp power and 148 lb-ft of peak torque. The Soul + is offered with the same choices of transmission that we saw for the base model, but you only get automatic transmission with Soul !.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Kia Soul having Eco Package delivers 29 mpg in city, 36 mpg on highways and combining both you gets 32 mpg with the 1.6 Eco packages, which also has auto-stop/start technology and low-rolling-resistance tires, just as we’ve seen in some of the hybrid engines.

Safety:

The list of standard safety features for 2012 Kia Soul comprises stability control, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes having brake assist, front-seat side airbags, traction control, active front head restraints and side curtain airbags. The Hill-Start is also available across the range.

Verdict:

The 2012 Kia Soul has a fun-to-drive nature in its hipster styling, and brings all that for you in a compact hatchback body style.

The first and the most important reason according to us is the high seating position is suitable for shorter drivers only, and as a result of that small or even medium sized occupants might feel cramped in the drivers seat and a steering wheel which is telescoping only here. In addition, to this all the interiors of SX4 looks and feels aged, and whatever benefits that the engine of the SX4 offers gets annulled by the heavy curb weight of the car. It’s said that “for every silver lining there is a gray cloud,” and keeping that in mind, the gray cloud here is the limited dealership network of Suzuki, which makes the maintenance and purchase of the 2012 Suzuki SX4 a tad harder.

Also considering the fact that there is plethora of new and advanced models entering the market everyday, we think that that buyer will be pretty pleased with the other options that they have. We have been a great fan of the Honda Fit, because of its versatility and it has been on our list for quite some time now, while there is the Kia Soul that offers respectable amount of utility in addition to a plenty of fun. The all new Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Accent are also some of the models worth considering because of their incredible fuel efficiency and impressive set of interiors.

Exclusive for 2012:

All the 2012 Suzuki Sedan will be getting rear disc brakes and stability control as their standard equipments. The Suzuki SX4 GTS, LE Anniversary Edition and Sport S trims have been stopped to offer a lot more streamlined model lineup.

Body Styles, Trims and Options:

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 comes in a compact 4-door hatchback and sedan body styles. The SX4 sedans and the “Sportback” hatchback models are front wheel drive only, while the “Crossover” hatchback is available only with AWD (all-wheel drive).

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 sedan could be had in base, LE Popular Package, LE and SE trims. The base SX4 comes sparsely outfitted, and features complete power accessories, 15-in steel wheels, a height-modifiable driver seat, a trip computer, a steering wheel which is tilt-only here and 60/40-split-folding back seatbacks. The LE trim on the other hand adds a 4-speaker audio system having an auxiliary audio input and a CD player and air-conditioning.

The LE Popular Package features a CVT (continuously variable transmission), alloy wheels, cruise control, remote keyless entry (elective on the LE) and a leather-covered steering wheel having audio controls.

The SE is the sporty and comes loaded with an aero body kit, 17-in alloy wheels, paddle shifters, fog lights and an included Garmin navigation system offering synchronized traffic and other vital information. Bluetooth is available as an option.

The 4-door SX4 Sportback hatchback is offered in two trims only: Tech and base trims. The base model is likewise fitted to the SE sedan trim, but the Navigation and CVT are offered as optional equipment. Going for the Tech trim will get you a bigger back spoiler and CVT having shift paddles. Bluetooth again is offered as optional.

The SX4 Crossover hatchback is an all-wheel-drive model and could be had in Premium, Tech Value Package and base trim levels. The base trim is allied with the LE trim of the sedan, and in addition brings roof rails, 16-in steel wheels, a cargo cover and remote keyless entry. The Premium trim basically bring all the items of the LE Popular trim of Sedan. The Tech Value Package brings the navigation track and heated front seats, and at the same time offers option of Bluetooth.

Power Plant:

The power for all the 2012 Suzuki SX4 models comes from a 2.0-ltr 4-cylinder engine generating 150 bhp of max power and 140 lbs-ft of peak torque. The standard transmission for all the sedan LE and base trims is a 6-speed manual transmission, while all the other models get CVT (continuously variable transmission). When coupled with continuously variable transmission (CVT), the output power for the engine comes down to 148 bhp. All the SX4 models are front-wheel drive with the exception of the Crossover hatchback, which can only be had with all-wheel drive.

Fuel Efficiency:

The estimated fuel efficiency for the 2012 Suzuki SX4 ranges from 25 mpg in city and 32 mpg on highways, which comes to a combined fuel efficiency 28 mpg; for the base sedan models having CVT (for the manual its 23 mpg/33 mpg/26 mpg) it comes down to 23 mpg/29 mpg/25 mpg for the Crossover models having all-wheel-drive having the CVT (for the manual it comes down to 22 mpg/30 mpg/25 mpg). The fuel efficiencies here aren’t as good as we’ve seen in some other subcompacts in the market, but considering the respectable horsepower of SX4 we think it’s pretty decent.

Safety

All the 2012 Suzuki SX4 models offers safety with rear- and front-seat side airbags, antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags and stability control.

Verdict:

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 still is a pretty decent value for money car, with so many impressive hatchback and compact models entering the market it’s hard to recommend this one.

In absolute truth, the Ram C/V basically is Dodge Grand Caravan C/V from last year, but this time around there’s a change in name as it meets the previous Dodge-branded pickup trucks in the follow-up Ram marque. By itself, the 2012 Ram C/V has plenty of features that will appeal to anyone looking for a cargo van having an enthusiastic work ethic. This also means that it has been benefited from the major enhancements that were made to the “DGC” last year, counting the new dominant V6 engine, enhanced build quality and an advanced suspension.

The 2012 Ram C/V is certainly aimed at commercial users and offers a wide range of practical features, for example an alternative of windowed or solid walls, a heavy-duty suspension system, en suite storage compartments and an handy flat load floor. As far as the potentialities of the Ram C/V are concerned, this Class-1 (light commercial) grade van has 1,800-lbs of payload capacity and 3,600-lbs of towing potential. The C/V also offers extensive ranges between two consecutive fill-up with its huge 20-g fuel tank and also delivers fuel efficiency of around 25 mpg on highways.

But still, there are some other potent choices. The Ford Transit Connect is one of the considerable choice, and although it offers small footprint and better fuel economy, although it comes only with a 4-cylinder engine and hence it suitable for lighter workloads only. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on the other hand has a high roof design, enormous cargo-hauling capabilities and turbodiesel power, though the price for the same is rather high. And there are the standard vans from Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan powered by powerful V8 engines. That said the 2012 Ram C/V has an irrefutable wide-range of appeal to several small businesses.

Exclusive for 2012:

Apart from the change in branding, and consequently the change in name, the 2012 Ram C/V is rather unchanged.

Body Styles, Trims and Options:

Aimed at commercial buyers the 2012 Ram C/V comes loaded with standard equipments such as a suspension system tuned ideally for commercial use, 16-in steel wheels, heated sideview mirrors, cruise control, double-sliding side doors, cloth upholstery, automatic-dimming rearview mirror, power locks and front windows, rubber floor coverings, a steering wheel which is tilt-and-telescoping, keyless entry, a 2-speaker audio system having an auxiliary audio jack and dual-zone air-conditioning.

The optional equipments for the 2012 Ram CV includes a wide range of features including care for liftgate and an option of windowed or solid walls, a back window defroster, an engine block heater, a back window washer/wiper, a cargo divider, external vinyl window shading, an audio system having 6.5-in touchscreen display and digital music storage, an automatic-dimming car mirror, a back-up camera, satellite radio, an 8-way power driver seat, the Uconnect voice command system having a USB port, Bluetooth and audio controls mounted on steering wheel.

Power Plant:

The power for 2012 Ram C/V gets power from a 3.6-ltr V6 engine, generating maximum output power of 283-bhp and max torque of 260 lbs-ft. The Ram C/V is a front wheel drive and the power to the front wheel is transmitted through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Efficiency:

The fuel efficiency of 2012 Ram C/V is pretty much what we saw for Grand Caravan, and the C/V delivers 17 mpg in City and 25 mpg on highways, which comes down to 20 mpg together.

Safety

The safety of the occupants in 2012 Ram C/V is taken care by driver knee airbags, active front head restraints, stability control, antilock disc brakes and traction control. The elective safety features for the Ram C/V includes a side curtain airbags and rearview camera.

Verdict:

The 2012 Ram C/V gives the functionality of a full-size van with incredible fuel-efficiency and greater space of a minivan, in a full-size van.

Until recently, the range of economy cars in America featured models that were bland and tasteless. All the vital features that are expected from the economy cars like maintenance costs, overall built quality, longevity and dependability were all just the points of embarrassments for Escorts, Cavaliers and Neons. But all that seems to be changing now with the arrival of 2012 Ford Fiesta. The all new Fiesta gives the economy buyers something to be proud about and drool on.

Now, we admit the fact that the Honda Fit probably brings the definitive pragmatism in the segment with its imposing and versatile interiors, incredible overall quality and pleasant driving dynamics. But if you want a pinch of spice in your everyday driving then the new Fiesta is what you should be looking for. With the all new flat, raring to go engine, well-weighted, accurate steering and supple chassis, the Ford Fiesta clearly discards the theory that practical, small and inexpensive cars can not be exciting for the drivers.

Unlike, plenty of its rivals, the 2012 Ford Fiesta comes in both hatchback and sedan body styles. The hatchback clearly offers incredible cargo capacity, but there are some buyers who likes more formal look for a sedan, and that’s where the Ford Fiesta comes into play. Either way, the Ford Fiesta offers lively handling, a calm cabin at expressway speed and an amenable ride. There also are a slew of features that you don’t see generally in the cars in this segment, for example Ford’s incredible Sync system and keyless ignition. Amid other things, the Sync system of Ford lets you control the cell phone and audio functions through voice commands.

That said there are plethora choices for the buyers in the subcompact market. Over and above the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit, there is the freshly revamped and fast Hyundai Accent and the athletic Kia Soul, in addition to the suitably named Nissan Cube. Now, if we talk about the shortcomings of Fiesta in comparison to its rivals we’d say that the Fiesta hatch suffers from limited rear seta and cargo space, especially for taller occupants. The Fiesta sedan, in the meantime, offers a tad less back seat space than the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo and Nissan Versa. But at the same time lively Fiesta gets our accolades for its well-curved personality and hence we’d recommend you to test drive it before putting money down the table for any other option.

Exclusive for 2012:

The 2012 Ford Fiesta is pretty unchanged for this model year.

Body Styles, Trims and Options:

The 2012 Ford Fiesta is available in 4 door hatchback and sedan body styles. Further, the sedan is available in three trims namely S, SEL and SE, and the hatch could be had with SE and SES trims.

The S trim for the sedan is the base trim and doesn’t come with many of the comfy equipments. The entry level S sedan Fiesta is fitted with a capless fuel filler, 15-in steel wheels, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power mirrors, a 60/40 split-folding back seat and a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo (having an USB port and auxiliary input jack).

The Fiesta SE brings power door locks and windows, metallic cabin accents and a CD player. Go for the SEL trim and you’ll get a back spoiler, LED parking lights, a premium audio system (having 6 speakers and satellite radio), 16-inch “premium painted” wheels, an auto-dimming back view mirror, ambient lighting and the voice-command Sync multimedia system which will get you turn-by-turn navigation.

The equipment list for the SE hatch is rather similar to the SE sedan, but in addition it’ll get you a wiper and rear spoiler. The SES hatch gets all the equipments of the SEL sedan, but in addition gets you a rear wiper.

Certain optional equipments have been grouped into packages which allow the lower trims to get the features of upper trims; while the upper trims could be had with the optional features for example heated front seats, keyless ignition/entry and leather seating. There is one SFE (Super Fuel Economy) package, which tunes the fuel efficiency of the car through aerodynamic tweaks (flat underbody panels and blocked-out lower grille), special tires and lightweight wheels. Separate optional equipments on the car include the likes of a sunroof, 17-in alloy wheels and extraordinary paint colors.

Power Plant:

All the 2012 Ford Fiesta have the same 1.6-ltr inline-4 engine generating 120 bhp of max power and 112 lbs-ft of max torque under their hood. The engine here is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission which is the standard transmission for the Fiesta, but there also is an option of getting a 6-speed automatic. To be precise, the automatic engine here basically is a double-clutch automatic manual transmission; it delivers quick gear changing than the traditional torque converter-based automatic transmission and at the same time delivers a tad better fuel efficiency than the normal automatic transmission. Sadly though, there isn’t any manual-shifting feature.

Fuel Efficiency:

The estimated fuel economy for the 2012 Ford Fiesta having automatic transmission is at 30 mpg in city and 40 mpg on highways, while the same for manual transmission comes down to 29 mpg and 38 mpg.

Safety:

The 2012 Ford Fiesta’s list of safety equipments features traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, antilock disc brakes and side curtain airbags. Some other safety features for the car includes the likes of a driver knee airbag, which is something you don’t get in many of the subcompacts.

Verdict:

The 2012 Ford Fiesta changes the definition of economy cars in America, and gives the economy car buyers something to cheer about with its adequately trimmed cabin, fun-to-drive personality, and superb build quality and surprising features.

Let’s be honest and say that not every buyer in the market cares about practicality, especially when it’s about an SUV. We know that utility is the most significant aspect of an SUV, but there are some buyers do doesn’t care much about the practicality. These are the buyers which will like and shall consider 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.

What separate the Tiguan from the other SUVs in the market are its fashionable interiors and urbane driving dynamics, and both of these aspects of Tiguan are way better than its rivals. Inside the Tiguan is a top-style cabin which comes close to Audi’s in terms of its overall quality. As far as the power is concerned, Tiguan depends on a turbocharged engine generating a decent 200 bhp of max power.

That said, even if you aren’t too concerned about practicality the Limitation of Tiguan shall be taken into consideration. Although the cargo of the Tiguan might be similar to that of an average midsize car, the capacity here is way less than many of the small SUVs in the market. As a matter of face even the Jetta Sportwagen of Volkswagen gives a lot more cargo space. It’s also worth mentioning that the trim levels of Tiguan starts becoming incredibly expensive with introduction of options in comparison to its rivals.

This is the reason why we suggest you to have a look at the other alternatives in the market. Some of its rivals like the Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson, are also considerable choices. Also before you make any decisions we’d suggest you to consider some other practical crossover models such as Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Forester, because their huge interiors makes them a tad more useful in daily driving.

Exclusive for 2012:

All the models of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan gets fresh external styling and some tweaks on the automatic gear transmission for enhancing the fuel economy on the highways by 2 mpg. The top-end SEL model also comes with adaptive HID headlights, 19-in alloy wheels and LED daytime sidelight.

Body Styles, Trims and Features:

The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is offered in one body styling of a compact SUV which could be had in 3 trims: S, SEL and SE.

The standard features for the Tiguan S trim includes 16-in wheels (steel wheels for the models having manual transmission and alloy wheels for automatic transmission), keyless entry, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, cloth upholstery, complete power accessories, 40/20/40-split back seats having reclining seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a trip computer and an 8-speaker audio system having an adjunct audio jack and a CD player. The optional transmission here is a panoramic sunroof and with it you get tinted windows.

The SE trim on the other hand brings extra chrome exterior trim, 18-in metal wheels, fog lamps, roof rails, tinted windows, heated washer nozzles, heat up front seats having driver side power recline, leatherette premium vinyl covering, manual height alteration for front seats, a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel and an advanced audio system having satellite radio, a touchscreen interface, steering wheel controls and an iPod interface. The optional equipment here includes panoramic sunroof paired with a piloting system.

The top-of-the-line Tiguan SEL gets all the aforementioned features and in addition gets 19-in alloy wheels, adaptative bi-xenon headlights, a sport-tuned suspension, automatic wipers, LED daytime running lights, double-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/ignition, a 8-way power driver seat having memory functions and power lumbar adjustment, an automatic-dimming car mirror and leather upholstery. The SEL trim could also equipped with an advanced navigation system, which includes a rearview camera and a bigger touchscreen. You can also add an 8-speaker Dynaudio premium audio system to it.

Power Plant:

The power for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan comes from a 2.0-ltr 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is good enough to generate 200 bhp of maximum power and 207 lbs-ft of max torque. The transmission for the Tiguan S is a 6-speed manual transmission, though there is an alternative of getting a 6-speed automatic on the Tiguan S; it is normal on the Tiguan SE and SEL. You could get the 2012 Tiguan with all-wheel-drive or front-wheel drive system.

Fuel Efficiency:

A lot of engineering efforts in the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan have resulted in slight improvement in the fuel economy for model year 2012. The front wheel drive models having automatic transmission comes with predictable fuel economy of 22 mpg in city and 27 mpg on highways, which comes to a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. All wheel drive Tiguan on the other hand delivers 21 mpg/27 mpg/23 mpg respectively, while the fuel economy for the base front-wheel-drive model having manual gearbox delivers 18 mpg /26 mpg /21 mpg.

Safety:

The standard safety equipment for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan includes the likes of stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, full-length side curtain airbags and front end-seat side airbags.

Verdict:

The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan brings a touch of freshness in a rather dull segment by sacrificing a bit of practicality to get European driving manners and an A-one cabin.

The newly unveiled Lexus GS 250 will be sold in China and some other international markets outside US. The GS 250 is expected to be powered by a 2.5-ltr direct-injection V6 engine cranking 206 bhp of peak power and 187 lbs-ft of peak torque under its hood. The V6 engine here is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission having selectable drive modes and sequential manual shift function.

According to Lexus, the GS 250 will go from 0 to 60 easily less than 8.6 secs and at the same time it also has a top speed of around 142 mph.

The all new Lexus GS 250 will be entering markets of China at the starting of next year and by the middle of year it will hit the other markets around the world including US and many more.

When Cadillac SRX entered the market two years back it was kind of underperformer, we called it “capable but not class-leading.” Thankfully, for the model year 2012, the company has made plethora of changes to makes the 2012 Cadillac SRX a tad more tempting luxury crossover SUV.

As far as styling is concerned, the compact Cadillac SRX still is a head-turner and unambiguously Cadillac. The interiors of the SUV are immensely comfy and equally appealing with certain features that we even haven’t seen on a lot of rivaling models. On top of that there is the pleasing drivability of SRX, with a calm and silent ride and convinced handling.

If you thought that’s too much to like, wait, there’s even more. The Cadillac SRX previously was offered either with an underwhelming 3.0-ltr V6 engine which was the base engine or with a rather fulfilling but pricey 2.8-ltr turbocharged V6 upgrade. But now, both of those engines have been replaced by a 3.8-ltr V6, which powers the SRX with 308 bhp. And also the SRX still is available with all-wheel- and front-wheel-drive versions.

On the shortcoming, though, the one problem that initially was with the SRX still persists and that’s: weight. The fact that the SRX is around 200 – 300 lbs heavier than a lot of its rivals should make it clear for you. Now, though, this doesn’t look that much, but it affects the performance of the vehicle seriously by hampering the handling and acceleration. Some other SRX shortcomings are also present, including the tense back-seat headroom and deprived external visibility.

Now, taking everything into account we’d say that the SRX is a lot more spirited SUV this model year and the intrinsic powers of plentiful features excel more readily and elegant styling. The SRX might be tempting for you, but if you are out shopping in this segment, there are some other models that we’d like you to take a look at for example the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLK350. This is because these vehicles have not been compromised in terms of practicality and overpowers Cadillac SRX in some other departments as well. But at last we’d say that the new 2012 Cadillac SRX isn’t the SUV that it was 2 years back.

Body Styling and Features:

The 2012 Cadillac SRX comes in a single body style of a luxurious compact crossover SUV, which could be had in 4 different trim levels: Base, Performance, Premium and Luxury.

The base SRX comes fitted with automatic headlamp, 18-in alloy wheels, keyless entry, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seat, remote engine start, Bluetooth, an 8-way power driver seat, OnStar, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and an 8-speaker Bose audio system having satellite radio, a CD player, an USB/iPod audio interface and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The Luxury trim of the SRX brings rear and front parking sensors, automatic wipers, power-folding outside mirrors having auto-dimming for driver side, keyless entry/ignition, a panoramic sunroof and a power liftgate having modifiable maximum height. Get in the cabin and you’ll find driver seat modifiable thigh support, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-way power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, power-modifiable pedals, driver memory functions, inner accent lighting, an automatic-dimming car mirror, a rearview camera and the U-Rail cargo management arrangement.

The optional equipments for the 2012 Cadillac SRX includes a voice-actuate navigation system having synchronized traffic updates and a Bose 10-speaker audio system with surround-sound, digital music storage and USB/iPod interface.

The SRX Performance trim could be had with a sport-tuned suspension, 20 in alloy wheels and adaptative dampers (AWD only), adaptive xenon headlights, advanced steering, the navigation system, fog lamps and the surround-sound Bose audio system.

The SRX Premium is the top trim and hence has been fitted with some additional niceties counting ventilated front seats, tri-zone climate control, back seat audio controls and heated rear seats.

You can get a back-seat DVD entertainment system having double seatback-positioned screens on all the models, except for the base model.

Engine:

All the 2012 Cadillac SRX for this model year have been powered by a 3.6-ltr V6 engine, which generates 308 bhp of maximum power and 265 lbs-ft of maximum torque. The only transmission here is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The standard drive here is front-wheel drive but there is an option of getting AWD.

Fuel Efficiency:

As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, we’d say that the 2012 Cadillac SRX is a tad below average. The estimated fuel efficiency for the front-wheel drive SRX in city is 17 mpg, while for highways its 24 mpg, which comes to a combined fuel efficiency of 19 mpg. Go for the all-wheel-drive model and you will get 16 mpg in city/23 mpg on highways and 18 mpg combined. Cadillac says using the new Eco mode can improve fuel economy by up to 1 mpg using the new Eco mode.

Safety:

The 2012 Cadillac SRX gets stability controls, antilock disc brakes, traction control, side curtain airbags, front side airbags and OnStar as its standard safety equipments.

Final Words:

The 2012 Cadillac SRX has been given some serious enhancements for this model year, which makes it a nicely rounded and tempting luxury crossover SUV.

The 2012 Volvo C30 with its lively attitude and Euro-smart styling tends to encourage more sensibility than indulgence. While the C30 brings an sport tuned suspension and is powered by a decently powerful turbocharged engine, this Swede doesn’t comes loaded with the extras like some other hot-hatchbacks that we’ve seen in its segment, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX.

That’s not to say that the C30 is deficient, in fact we’d like to mention that the Volvo C30 drives pretty nicely and comes with some serious driving dynamics that the drivers can exploit. But despite all that, the resultant vehicle is more like an automotive art than utter performance vehicle. Though the C30 gives up a bit of the Sportiness to the rivals, but it significantly shines in delivering incredible erudition, fine-tuning and, obviously, styling. A few of the highlights here in C30 includes the likes of oversized glass of hatchback, the typical vertical taillights of Volvo and the front façade which resembles pretty much with the XC60 crossover of Volvo. In comparison to most of the hatchbacks we’ve seen, the C30 is being slashed above.

The best thing here is that Volvo has not compromised the comfort in the C30 for the performance, even in the R-Design Sport-tuned model the comfort has been kept intact. The resultant is refreshing in this section: a potent 2-door hatchback, which is perfectly pleasing to drive even on daily basis. Except for the Volkswagen GTI, we don’t think there’s any contender who can match the refinement level of C30 and in terms of aesthetics the C30 has its own class. However, you should compare the top-level trim of 2012 Ford Focus with the Mini Cooper before finalizing this one.

Body Styling and Features:

The 2012 Volvo C30 is available in a lone body form of a 2-door, 4-seat hatchback, which could be had in two different models: the base T5 trim and the sporty T5 R-Design trim. Every model could be upgraded with either the brand new Platinum or Premier Plus trim level, which basically groups the prominent options into packages for comfortable ordering.

The base T5 trim brings 17-in alloy wheels, a trip computer, height-modifiable seats, complete power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth, a steering wheel which is tilt-and-telescoping and has audio controls and an 8-speaker CD sound system with USB input and an adjunct audio jack.

The Premier Plus trim on the other hand brings power front seats, a power glass sunroof, aluminum beautify for the dash and LED daytime lights. The all new Platinum trim brings the Premier Plus ascents together with a navigation system, driver seat memory and a 10-speaker premium surround-sound audio system having satellite radio.

The C30’s T5 R-Design version comes with some exclusive mechanical upgrades for delivering enhanced performance, including the likes of a fast steering ratio, 18-in wheels and a sport-tune up suspension, which is 30 % stiffer. Different styling cues for Volvo C30’s R-Design comprises of a special front grille design, color-coordinated external trim, blue-faced gauges, leather seating, metallic interior trim and sport pedals. Going for the Platinum and Premier Plus trim upgrades will give you all the equipments that we listed for the T5.

The climates package of Volvo C30 including electronic climate control, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers, could be had with any trim.

Engine:

The 2012 Volvo C30 is a front-wheel-drive and gets its power from a turbocharged 2.5-ltr inline-5 engine, which pumps 227 bhp of maximum power and 236 lbs-ft of max torque. The customary transmission is a 6-speed manual transmission, and optional transmission here is a 5-speed automatic having manual-shifting function.

Fuel Efficiency:

The 2012 Volvo C30 delivers approximate fuel economy of 21 Miles per gallon in town and 29 mpg on highway, i.e. 24 mpg of combined fuel efficiency for the C30 having manual transmission, the automatic transmission here delivers 21 mpg in city and 30 Miles per gallon on highway and 24 mpg combined.

Safety:

The safety instrumentations for the 2012 Volvo C30 comprises of things like stability control, antilock disc brakes having brake assist, front-seat side airbags, traction control, face seats having whiplash protection and complete-length side curtain airbags. The optional safety equipment is Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) of Volvo.

Final Words:

The 2012 Volvo C30 brings amazing comfort and styling in its hatchback body, but the performance of the car isn’t just up to the mark.