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Fiat 500, 2013: Plenty of 'Pop' in entry level soft top

I drove the Fiat 500 hatchback when it debuted and was generally impressed. The hot rod Abarth version arrived later and was even more fun. But I didn’t get a 500C “Pop” Cabrio model with its quasi-convertible sliding power soft top until late summer. While small, the front-drive, two-door 500 is practical enough, although the rear seat area is hard to reach despite long doors. Moreover, the backseat is only suitable for children, pets or cargo that doesn’t fit in the trunk. Rear seatbacks can be flipped forward to increase cargo space, although they don’t sit perfectly flat when folded. The 500 is fun to drive, and the 500C Cabrio model with its long sliding soft top should make it

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Mazda 5 CX-5, 2013: Comfort, convenience in new crossover

Mazda long has been known for sporty vehicles, and its all-new 2013 CX-5 compact crossover is no exception, with swoopy styling and carlike handling. However, the CX-5 has just average acceleration because it only has a 2-liter, four-cylinder engine with 155-horsepower and weighs approximately 3,500 pounds. It’s no slug, but is designed more for comfort and convenience than 0-60 mph times. For instance, the automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but with no great urgency. It’s tuned more for the best fuel economy—rather than outright performance. The CX-5 is in a tough compact crossover league, with rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. But, although its vehicles are less promoted than those of competitors, Mazda has been around

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Audi TT RS, 2012: New coupe a sports car racehorse

Those who can't afford a really hot sports car such as a Porsche 911 Carrera S should check out the 2012 Audi TT RS, which brings Audi's much anticipated hot rod RS nameplate back to America. The racy looking new Audi TT RS is a breathtaking new high-performance addition to Audi’s accomplished TT line. While docile on public roads, I found the TT RS acted like a thoroughbred on the challenging Witzig Raceway track during a media preview of the car that began near Hartford, Conn. The high-quality TT RS is an exclusive model at the top of the TT line because Audi spokespersons said at the preview that only approximately 1,000 TT RS models will annually be sent to

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