Car Connoisseur

Audi A4

Introduced in 1994, the Audi A4 has chipped away at the BMW 3 series’ dominance in the entry level luxury sedan segment. For 2010, the A4 sedan and wagon are offered exclusively with Audi’s excellent 2.0 TFSI four cylinder engine, pumping out 211 horsepower. For those wanting just a bit more, the S4 is revised for 2010 as well, replacing the beloved 4.2 V8 with a 3.2 liter supercharged V6 offering 333 horsepower and 325 lb. ft of torque.

The A4’s sharp styling, accentuated by the trademark Audi LED headlights and a swooping crease in the lower body line leads up to a neatly sculpted rear end, something that is lacking on many vehicles these days. Audi’s eye for style has made its way inside the car as well, offering an array of fine leathers, woods and metals worthy of an art museum. While the 3 series is still a cracking drive, the A4 can match the BMW’s dynamics and trumps it in the style department.

Base MSRP: $31,450

Buick Regal

A Buick? Surely I jest. The introduction of the revised Lacrosse caught the eyes of many this year. The new Regal is about to knock one out of the ballpark. Kudos to GM for sourcing one of their best mid sized sedans, the Opel Insignia, for the US Buick lineup. Power will come from either a 2.4 liter, 182 horsepower four cylinder or a 2.0 liter, turbocharged four cylinder with 220 horsepower. Both engines will be backed by a six speed automatic with manual shift mode. It has been confirmed that a six speed manual transmission will be offered with the turbocharged engine. The fact that Buick, of all manufacturers, is once again offering a manual transmission is proof that GM is serious about drawing in consumers who wouldn’t normally drive a Buick.

The cohesive exterior styling continues in the interior, with quality materials and simple, clean lines. The new Regal is aimed at vehicles such as the Acura TSX, Saab 9-3 and Volvo S60. Forget anything from Lexus. They have turned into what Buick used to be: reliable and comfortable but uninspiring.

Base MSRP: $28,300

Cadillac CTS Sportwagon

The CTS Sportwagon is another home run for GM. For years, Europeans have clamored to buy prestigious wagons, or estates, as they are called on the Continent. With gas prices soaring and the well heeled looking for the next big thing, luxury and sport wagons are set to be all the rage. Cadillac will be ahead of the curve with the CTS Sportwagon, as it is based on what is possibly the best Cadillac platform in decades and one of the hottest new mid sized luxury sedans.

The Sportwagon is available with the 3.0 V6 and 3.6 Direct Injection V6, however, the only transmission choice is the 6 speed automatic. For those who want even more performance, there is hope. Cadillac plans to roll out a CTS-V Sportwagon, replete with the Corvette ZR-1’s supercharged V8. This reflects the nerve of the top brass at GM to develop really boss machines. What’s good for GM. then, is good for the country.

Base MSRP: $39,830

Ford Fiesta

While GM is busy lighting up their product lines, the folks across town at Ford have failed to disappoint. They have decided to import one their B segment cars from Europe. While few will remember the dismal German built Ford Fiesta that was sold in the US from 1976 to 1980 (eventually being replaced by the Escort), the new Fiesta is an entirely different proposition.

The Fiesta will be offered in four door sedan or hatchback form. Unfortunately, the three door variant will not make the trip across the pond. Powered by a 1.6 four cylinder backed by a 5 speed manual or 6 speed automatic, the Fiesta will return an impressive 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Bright colors, high grade interior materials and a comprehensive list of equipment is set to make this compact car a success. There is only one question left. Why should Ford continue to peddle the hideous US market Focus to us? Bring us the good stuff (i.e. the European market Focus).

Base MSRP: $13,320

Ford Transit Connect

There is a reason why Ford stock has been climbing, and it’s not just because of George Soros. They are ahead of the trend on vehicle niches, such as the one filled by the Transit Connect. Manufactured in Turkey and Romania, these compact panel vans have been popular in Europe with small business owners and repairmen for many years. Now the US has a crack at this handy and efficient vehicle.

Powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder mated to a four speed automatic (a 5 speed manual will appear later on), this van can return 22 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is considerably better than many commercial utility vehicles. You can equip the Transit connect with or without side and rear windows, which will be a bonus for those looking to haul people instead of tools and goods. For businesses in the city or those looking for a cheap, reliable and fuel efficient means of hauling stuff, there isn’t much else for sale in the US like the Transit Connect.

Base MSRP: $20,780

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Riding on the heels of the award winning Genesis sedan, the new, rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe is an interesting alternative to traditional pony cars like the Mustang and Camaro. Available with a 210 horsepower, 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder or a 306 horsepower V6, the Genesis is highly competitive with non-V8 versions of the pony car set. A 6 speed manual is available with both engine, while a 5 speed automatic is available on the four cylinder and a 6 speed automatic on the V6.

The Genesis Coupe has the looks to back up the performance and will no doubt be a force in the marketplace, as there are few rear wheel drive sports cars that can match its price. Drift on.

Base MSRP: $22,000

Kia Forte

Kia has become a force in the US market for those looking for cheap, reliable transportation. With the Forte and the Soul, Kia is also leading an attack on boring styling, as well. The Forte is unlike the Kias of yore. Gone are cheap plastics and wheezy four cylinder engines. In comes with an impressive list standard equipment and crisp styling. Features such as height adjustable driver’s seat and steering column, electronic stability control, Bluetooth capability and a CD stereo are included on the base model.

The LX and EX models get a 2.0 liter, 156 horsepower four cylinder with a standard five speed manual or optional four speed automatic. The SX model gets a 2.4 liter 173 horsepower four cylinder with either a 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic. Included with all Forte’s is Kia’s outstanding 5 year/60,000 mile warranty and 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain guarantee. It may seem laughable to some, but give the Kia Forte a try. This is a car that can do battle with the Civics and Mazda 3s of the world. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Base MSRP: $13,695

Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible

One of the most gorgeous vehicles to ever grace our planet just got more irresistible. The Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible (or Gran Cabrio to other markets) is a milestone vehicle for Maserati, as this is the first four seat convertible to be produced at the company’s Modena factory. A flat aluminum pan on the underside of the vehicle adds rigidity to the body and also improves aerodynamics. Power comes from the familiar 4.7 liter, Ferrari derived V8 engine producing 439 sonorous ponies. Pricing for the United States has not yet been announced, but these grand touring machines are running at around 135,000 Euros in Italy. La bella machina.

Base MSRP: N/A

MINI Cooper & Cooper S

Say happy birthday to the MINI. It turned 50 this year. In celebration of this milestone, MINI has unveiled two new special edition models, the Camden (pictured above) and the Mayfair. The Camden features a special white silver metallic color and the Mayfair comes in hot chocolate (dark metallic brown). The same 1.6 liter engines carry over, with 118 horsepower for the Cooper and 172 horsepower from the turbocharged Cooper S powerplant. The John Cooper Works edition is still available, if you want to have a real laugh riot on your way to work.

While the frenzy from its debut in 2002 has subsided, people are still paying top dollar for these well built and frankly luxurious compact runabouts. Another bonus is that resale value is among the best in the automotive world.

NOTE: By including the MINI Cooper on this list, I am referring to the hatchback model only. The Clubman is too huge to be called a MINI and the convertible, well, just doesn’t capture the essence of the original.

Base MSRP:
Cooper: $19,500
Cooper S: $23,000

Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R has garnered praise from just about every automotive journalist since its introduction at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. A handbuilt, twin turbo V6 pumping out 485 horsepower, a 195 mph top speed and all wheel drive come together to make the GT-R a recipe for success on the road and track. Neat touches, such as the multi-function interior display (developed, incidentally, by the same folks who brought you Gran Turismo series of video games) disseminates information such as G forces and turbo boost at your fingertips. Did I mention this Motor Trend nailed the standing quarter mile with this thing in 11.6 seconds at 120 mph? What’s not to like?

As impressive as the new Lexus LFA supercar may be, one can’t help but wonder why it costs close to $400,000. True, it has an advanced V-10 engine and exotic carbon fiber construction. This is evident at the track, as the LF-A’s lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes, 24 seconds. The GT-R, though, did it 7 minutes, 26 seconds. And costs about $300,000 less. What price speed?

Base MSRP: $80,790

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

There are sports cars and then there are sports cars. The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS falls into the latter group. An 8500 rpm redline and 450 horsepower make this 911 a screamer. A roll cage, shorter gear ratios and a more aggressive suspension setup round out the package. As usual, the RS is a race car thinly disguised for use on the street. As we saw with the arrival and departure of models like the 924, 944, 968 and 928, it was always about the 911. And quite frankly, it will always be about the 911. As good as the new four door Porsche Panamera might be, when it comes to the 911, there is no substitute.

Base MSRP: $132,000

Volvo C30

This is a great small car that has been widely overlooked since its introduction in 2006. For 2010, the C30 gets a face lift that will carry on the unique glass rear hatch. New exterior colors will be added while the 2.5 liter turbocharged five cylinder powertrain with either a 6 speed manual or five speed automatic remains unchanged. While there are plenty of hot hatches out there, such as the Volkswagen GTI, Subaru Impreza WRX and Mazdaspeed 3, the C30 just feels a bit more grown up while retaining a sporting edge. It’s the thinking man’s hot hatch.

Base MSRP: $24,100