2017 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4

MINI's Countryman is bigger, not necessarily better ... The new MINI Cooper Countryman goes too far, but maybe that’s what U.S. buyers want. It’s the biggest MINI yet. I know that sounds contradictory for the small British-born make now made by BMW. But it’s true. This is MINI’s version of a crossover or small sport-ute with a... Continue Reading →

July 23, 2017 1

2017 Fiat 500 Abarth

Fiat 500 Abarth pumps up the low-cost fun ... Few cars are pure joy to drive, yet cost less than $30,000. I’d put the Mazda Miata at the top of those, and a few models of the Mini Cooper would slot into this price range. But Fiat’s 500 Abarth is a relative newcomer and blows... Continue Reading →

July 16, 2017 0

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SE

New VW Golf Alltrack brings fun to wagons ... Volkswagen brings a little fun to the small wagon market, which is a niche of a niche these days, but certainly compares well with small crossovers. But instead of a tall boxy AWD vehicle, the Golf Alltrack is a decidedly leaner machine that looks downright sporty compared... Continue Reading →

July 9, 2017 0

2018 Subaru WRX

Subaru's WRX makes you faster, more interesting ... Mention the Subaru WRX in front of young adult males and you’re likely to become the most interesting man, or woman, in the world. Subaru devotees are a, well, devoted lot and WRX fans are darn near rabid. Face it, some folks, especially young males, love speed... Continue Reading →

July 2, 2017 0

Mark and Paul’s fun at Road America

A Dream Day for driving As members of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Mark and I make the trip to Road America where we get to drive new cars from the manufacturers. This year, we drove the Ford Focus ST, BMW M40i, Dodge Challenger Hellcat, and GT, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Lexus RC F,... Continue Reading →

July 2, 2017 0

2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd. Platinum

Highlander Hybrid excels at moving people, things ... A road trip to Louisville with a couple buddies, and plenty of cargo, proved Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid to be a perfect transport choice. Ours was a medium metallic brown, what Toyota calls Toasted Walnut Pearl. Probably should have been pecan since we were headed to the South. But,... Continue Reading →

June 25, 2017 0

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Hyundai Elantra, perceptions change a bit ... Perceptions can shift and auto writers often perceive differences in similar models they drive. This happened on a couple fronts with my latest drive of Hyundai’s attractive Elantra Limited, its near top-level compact. I still like the car, its looks, its features, its gas mileage, its value. But compared... Continue Reading →

June 18, 2017 0

2017 Volvo S60 T5 AWD Dynamic

Volvo S60 OK, but doesn't distinguish itself ... Volvo’s S60 is a fine, but underwhelming, compact, entry-level luxury car. The S60 is nice looking and has all-wheel-drive, which will make it more useful to drivers in northern climes. It performs well, although its ride is rough, yet nothing really stands out. Some will argue that its safety... Continue Reading →

June 11, 2017 0

2017 Ford Focus RS

Ford's Focus RS is a scorching hot rod ... Simply put, Ford’s Focus RS is a street-legal race car. Not many of those out there, and most that are require you to sell your house in order to make a down payment on said speedster. So here, for “just” $36,995, Ford will put a scorching... Continue Reading →

June 2, 2017 0

2017 Lincoln Continental AWD Reserve

Mr. Lincoln returns with statuesque Continental ... Lincoln’s new Continental, its first since 2002, has the type of curb appeal that will instantly allow it entry into the country club parking lot. It looks luxurious and that big chrome grille lets you know it’s a Continental. For those interested in making a luxury statement,... Continue Reading →