In August, I extolled the virtues of the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, and mused about how far Porsche has come as an automaker with addition of that gas-electric powertrain. The Panamera S Hybrid arguably moves the company a step further, combining that fuel-efficient drivetrain with sport-sedan handling.
Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to the beginning of the end of gas-electric hybrid passenger vehicles as we know them.
The mid-cycle refresh is a proven way for an automaker to prop up flagging interest in a car that’s been on the market for three or four years. A nip here, a tuck there and a few new features, perhaps, are good at helping revive interest in an existing design that’s losing traction to newer models in the sales race.
In 2007, the then-new Nissan Versa was a giant among subcompact cars, with interior volume that rivalled compacts and refinement that bettered some bigger cars. A lot has changed since then, and a number of the Versa’s competitors have caught up. Nissan’s response, for 2012, was to once again make the Versa the biggest small car there is.
I love the Mini Cooper hatchback. From its great proportions and stellar handling to its compact size, useful interior and great fuel economy, it’s just about the perfect choice for anyone who wants an economical and truly entertaining small car, providing you can swallow its premium price tag.
But a car brand can rarely survive on one model alone. That’s why Mini added a convertible (2005), the wagon-like Clubman (2008), the Countryman crossover (2011) and most recently, this car, the Cooper coupe.
The Infiniti M35h is this upscale brand’s first crack at the gas-electric hybrid market. Nice car, but its drive system doesn’t work as seamlessly as those in other, lower-priced, hybrids. Click through to read my review at Autos.ca.
In the past, upscale, stylish compact hatchbacks have, naturally, been the exclusive domain of upscale manufacturers. That changes, now, with the introduction of the Hyundai Veloster, a car that pitches the Korean manufacturer into the same arena as cars like the Mini Cooper and Volvo C30.
If I were to spend six figures on a car, I’d want a vehicle capable of doing it all, from running hot laps on a racetrack in the morning to bringing home my groceries that evening. Looking great in the process would be a nice touch, too.
Click here to read my Autos.ca review of the Kia Optima SX. The Optima is a great value no matter what version you choose, but in top-of-the-line SX trim, its turbocharged engine and tighter suspension turn it into a surprisingly sporty four-door. BMW 3 Series drivers won’t defect to Kia dealerships by the thousands or anything, but the Optima SX is a seriously well-made car that proves this company can run with some of the best in the business.
Chris Chases Cars 