Hyundai Veloster, 2012: Sexy, fuel efficient newcomer shines

To some, a high point of the new Hyundai Veloster hatchback is its clever, practical three-door arrangement, with a second right-side door. But that’s not looking hard enough at this 2012 hatchback. Indeed,the Veloster is a sporty, fuel-efficient model with a sculpted, sexy interior. The car shows Hyundai isn’t afraid to take chances, and we need more of that adventuresomeness today. With its Tiburon and Accent coupe models gone, Hyundai needed a new car to fill a hole in the Hyundai lineup. However, the front-wheel-drive Veloster could use more power to back up its sporty look and nimble handling. Its

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Chevrolet Impala, 2014: Three trims, new interior for iconic sedan (video)

The redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala, which will debut at dealers in early 2013, will feature a more-refined interior, easy-to-use technology and an anticipated exhilarating driving experience. As the best-selling full-sized sedan in the United States in 2011 with sales of more than 171,000, the Impala joined siblings Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Cruze among the country's 10 best-selling vehicle. Highlights of 2014 Chevy Impala: sculpted body sides, standard 18-inch wheels and projector-beam headlamps, with HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps standard on LTZ models. Three direct-injected engines, including a 3.6L V-6, new 2.5L four-cylinder and a 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist,

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Mazda2, 2012: keen handling lightweight among top sub-compacts (video)

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The sub-compact car segment is increasingly popular among buyers on tight budgets and interested in saving money on rising fuels cost. The 2012 Mazda2 joins the Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio as top offerings in the class. A year after Mazda introduced the third generation of the "2," the 2012 edition remains the same. It's a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder entry level sedan with a a five-speed manual transmission standard or a four-speed automatic optional. Videographer Bruce Aldrich (www.tahoetruckeeoutdoor.com) produced this video and The Weekly Driver (James Raia) provided commentary. James RaiaA sports, travel and

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Dodge Viper, 2013: V10, 640 horsepower and new interior technology (video)

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The 2013 Dodge Viper, the third generation of the elusive supercar, is debuting in the New York Auto Show and will be welcomed by power hungy fans of the iconic massive machine. The new Viper, anticipated since the new beast's pending arrival months ago, features its signature long hood, short deck and double-bouble roof as well as twin air extractors, fender vents and side exhausts. The 8.4-liter V10 produces 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via its only transmission option, a six-speed manual. The body is made lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum. Chrysler detailed that

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Hyundai to dump Veracruz, replaced by new Santa Fe

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For all of its recent successes, Hyundai has also had disappointments — like the Veracruz. The poor-selling, seven-passender sport utility vehicle will soon be no more, according to John Krafcik, the carmaker's North American CEO. According to Autoblog.com, quoting Krafcik, the seven passenger Santa Fe, which debuted at the 2012 New York Auto Show, will replace the Veracruz. The Veracruz debuted in 2007, but has been among the lowest-selling Hyundai models. This year, while Hyundai is selling at a record-setting pace overall, sales of the Veracruz has continued to struggle. In just-released totals, the Veracruz sold 622 units in March

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Hyundai popularity continues with all-time record sales month

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Hyundai achieved its all-time best sales month in March 2012, with the South Korean manufacturer selling 69,728 vehicles. The record was a 13 percent improvement from March 2011, the company's previous best sales month. For the first quarter 2012, Hyundai sales have increased 15 percent over 2011 and overall retail sales through dealerships have risen 33 percent over last March. “As Hyundai continues to offer more fuel-efficient vehicles, we are seeing more and more consumers in our showrooms, resulting in greater 40-mpg highway vehicle sales than ever before,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Our 40-mpg

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Mazda2, 2012: lightweight, efficient, fun-to-drive sub-compact

Mazda introduced the third generation Mazda2 in 2011. It featured new front and rear fascias and some interior design tweaks. The 2012 edition remains the same. It's a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, lightweight sub-compact positioned in the increasingly prominent segment. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic optional. Mazda factory options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a center console with an armrest. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Without any significant changes for 2012, the Mazda2 continues to offer two trims, Sport and Touring. I drove the latter for a week and quickly began to appreciate the car's

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2012 Mazda Mazda3: Functional, versatile, handsome

The 2012 Mazda Mazda3 has been the most popular car in the Mazda fleet for several years. Consumers love the sportiness, versatility and value, but many bemoan the 3’s less than chic fuel efficiency. By the 2016 model year, cars are expected to average 39 mpg and trucks are expected to get an average of 30 mpg. Mazda decided the best way to meet government standards, while maintaining their trademark “Zoom-Zoom” experience, is improve its existing technologies with SKYACTIV. There’s confusion over what SKYACTIV actually is; It’s not a single piece of technology but a complete set of technologies and

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Flying car Terrafugia flying to the public soon (maybe) for $279,000 (video)

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About six years after the company started, flying car manufacturer Terrafugia has announced its prototype has completed its first flight and it now hopes to begin selling its Transition model within a year. The vehicle has two seats, four wheels and wings that fold up so it can be driven like a car. Last month, it flew at 1,400 feet for eight minutes. Around 100 people have paid a $10,000 deposit to purchase a Transition, which will be introduced this week at the New York Auto Show. The vehicle is expected cost about $279,000. Five years ago, Terrafugia, based in

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Volkswagen Tiguan, 2012: Roomy SUV that drives like a sports sedan

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The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has an odd “half tiger-half iguana” name decided on by an apparently intoxicated group of Germans. But never mind — because it’s among Volkwagen’s top vehicles. The 2012 model has mildly revised front styling that will be unnoticed by most. But that’s no demerit because the solid Tiguan looked good to begin with when introduced for 2009 as Volkswagen’s first car-based crossover/SUVand is among the most refined models in its class. Actually, the Tiguan is more of a crossover vehicle than an SUV, because it’s built on a Volkswagen auto platform, not a truck frame. That

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Mercury no longer rising, Rachel Veitch stops driving her 1964 Comet 'Chariot'

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Five years after becoming an international celebrity at age 88 as the sole owner and sole driver of a 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente, Rachel Veitch has stopped driving. Veitch, who recently turned age 93, told FoxNews.com that she is legally blind and will no longer drive the yellow Comet she called "Chariot." "They don't have to take it away," Veitch said of the car with about 576,000 miles on its chasis. "I would not dream of driving that car again." After running a red light in March, Veitch volunteered to stopped driving the car she bought new on Feb. 17,

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Volkswagen lineup, 2012: sports cars, station wagons and a Bug

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By David Colman I have never experienced a press roll out like this in more than 20 years of attending Volkswagen events in the United Sates and Germany, Usually, the occasions focus on one or two new models with long, complex drive routes scheduled to foster a maximum driving experience. This year, there were multiple models available, but in a three-hour window. Here are my brief impressions from either a 15-mile or 25-mile Northern California loop that encompassed flat and hilly driving conditions in the Half Moon Bay and San Mateo areas: 2012 VW GOLF R This baby is a

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Honda CR-V, 2012: Ugly duckling SUV gets makeover

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The Honda CR-V is one of the most unheralded automotive success stories of the past decade. Consistently selling more units than the competition and often besting them in comparison tests, the CR-V is the little SUV that could, even if few bothered to notice. Perhaps one of the reasons for the lack of attention is the Honda's looks. With a buck-toothed front end and curved flanks, the CR-V has always been more ugly duckling cute than aggressively rugged and handsome. But for 2012, Honda has given the SUV the more assertive exterior the segment requires. The nose now features a

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Buick Verano joins rest of family as top safety pick

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The 2012 Buick Verano has been selected as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It joins the rest of Buick lineup with the top rating in the testing program that determines occupant protection in front, side, and rollover crashes, and specifically tests seats and head restraints for neck protection in rear impact crashes. To earn a 2012 Top Safety Pick designation, a vehicle must be rated “good” in all four tests. The Verano has 10 standard air bags and the security of OnStar. In the event of a rollover crash, sensors in the vehicle deploy

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Hyundai Accent, 2012: New generation improves sub-compact leader

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With the sub-compact car segment increasingly popular, Hyundai redesigned the entry level Accent for 2012. It's the fourth generation of South Korean manufacturer's smallest family member since its debut in 1995. The new Hyundai Accent sheds the bland, underachieving reputation of many entry-level machines. It was a wise move by Hyundai, considering the category is chock-full of quality cars — the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Kia Rio and new Chevy Sonic The new Accent includes a more powerful and efficient engine, a new four-door hatchback body style and an upgraded interior. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the

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Audi A4, 2012: powerful sports sedan with manual shifting makes driving fun again

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By Dan Tsuchiya Does anyone buy sedans with manual transmissions anymore? Many drivers view cars simply as transportation to get from point A to point B. Add a few extra dollars for a luxury sedan and the list of drivers interested in shifting further drops. But the manual transmission in the 2012 Audi A4 might bring back some of those drivers who have drifted off to "Automatic Land." When the current A4 debuted in 2009, it was up against a strong contingent, the C-class Mercedes and 3 Series BMW. Audi increased the competition with roomier and better looking A4. Introduction

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