After a nine-year run with its fifth generation, the Ford Explorer is all-new for 2020. America’s all-time best-selling SUV has been fully redesigned and is lighter, longer and more powerful than ever.

The vehicle that is credited with mainstreaming sports utility vehicles, Explorer began as a trim package offered on Ford F-Series trucks from 1968 to 1986. It became its own model line and replaced the Bronco II in 1991 and the mid-size remained the best-selling SUV for two decades and four generations. The 2020 Explorer continues the adventure with new style, power, performance, safety and capabilities, while retaining Explorer ruggedness, toughness and a pampering environment.

There are more than two-dozen new items in the Gen-Six Explorer and seven more have been improved from the previous model. With six trim levels available, the 2020 Ford Explorer has upgraded with four new engine choices, a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift®, Self-Sealing P255/55R20 All-Season (A/S) Tires, standard second-row sunblinds on most trims, standard 360-degree camera with split view and washer on upper trims, Side-Wind Stabilization is standard on all series, adaptive headlamps on the Platinum trim, six new exterior colors and much more.

Built in North America at Chicago Assembly Plant, Explorer’s look remains Explorer confident, with a rear-wheel-drive architecture, athletic roundness and increased aerodynamics. Explorer’s new design is set on a unitized steel body that is larger than before, at 198.8 inches long (a gain of 0.5 – and the ST trim is 199.3 inches long), 89.3 inches wide (including mirrors), which is nearly an inch thinner; and 70.2 inches high (up 0.2) on a huge 119.1-inch wheelbase (a gain of 6.3 inches). Minimum ground clearance is 0.4 inches better at 8.2 inches, and curbweight for the 4WD Platinum version is 4727 lbs. -- the base trim is 382 lbs. lighter.

My test Explorer Platinum exterior was enhanced by body-color door handles with satin aluminum insert, a body-color liftgate spoiler, Satin Aluminum Lower bodyside cladding accent, Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips, a unique grille with satin-aluminum finish, a Hands-Free, Foot-Activated Liftgate, LED Signature Lighting, power folding mirrors with autofold and heated glass, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Rear Bumper Step ,Acoustic-laminate window glass in front and Privacy Glass in the Second and Third Rows.

The 2020 Explorer offers three new engine choices (with four set-ups): The 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 has been uptweaked to deliver 300hp (a gain of 20 horses) and 310 lbs-ft of torque (same as last year); the 3.3-liter hybrid is good for a combined horsepower of 318 and torque of 322 lb-ft; and the new 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that powered my test ride, provided 365 hp and 380 lbs-ft of torque, while another version of the 3.0 thunders out 400 horses and 415 lb-ft for the ST trim. The hybrid is EPA rated at 27mpg/city and 29/highway; the 2.3 gets 21/city and 28/highway and the 3.0 version gets 18 and 24. My test Explorer Platinum 3.0 averaged 20.2mpg in pedal mashing highway, town and soft-road excursions.

The 400hp ST could achieve low 5s for a zero-to-60mph sprint and beat 14 seconds in the quarter-mile, but my 365-horse Platinum was no slouch, as we managed a 6.0-flat dash and a 14.6 quarter (hand-timed). The engine was a bit noisy for a midsize family vehicle, and visibility is impaired by a large C-pillar (rear quarter), but acceleration was predictable and powerful from the 10-speed automatic transmission, though at slow speeds you occasionally get a jump forward as the gears engage.

Inside, the Explorer is roomy, refined and functional with seating for six or seven, and provides a comfortable 40.7 inches of front headroom with 40.5 inches in row two (and 38.9 when there is a third row); legroom is 43.0 inches up front and 39.0 in the second seats (and a tight 32.0 inches in a third row), and shoulder room comes in at 61.8 (row one), 61.9 (row two) and 54.6 (row three)

With five-star safety ratings, Explorer safety features include dual-stage front airbag, front-passenger knee airbag; Safety Canopy® System; SOS Post-Crash Alert System™; Traction control; AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and Curve Control; Anti-Lock Brake System; battery saver with headlamps-off delay; four-wheel disc with Illuminated Entry System; rearview camera; SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System; perimeter alarm; and individual tire pressure monitoring system (excludes spare).

The 2020 Explorer is base priced at $32,765 (RWD) and 4WD adds $2000. The XLT trim raises the RWD price to $36,675 and the Limited trim hybrid goes $48,130. The 400hp ST starts at $55,025 and my top-of-the-line 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum started at $58,535, with Intelligent 4WD, Tri-Diamond Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces with Accent Stitching, Twin Panel Moonroof, Active Park Assist 2.0, Evasive Steering Assist, Remote Start, Heated Steering Wheel, Voice-activated touchscreen navigation and 12.3-inch Digital Cluster. Rich Copper exterior paint added $395; and the Premium Technology Package added $1195 for Multicontour front Seats with Active Motion®, a 10.1inch LCD Capacitive Portrait Touchscreen with Swipe and Pinch-to-Zoom Capability and 14-speaker, 980-watt Bang & Olufsen B&O sound system. Splash Guards added $205 and the sticker added Destination Charges of $1195 and an Acquisition Fee of $645, but regional incentives of $1750 were applied (and may be available, so check with your dealer), making the price-as-tested $60,420.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Named after a rugged former mining town that has become a trendy ski and golf destination in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the new 2020 Kia Telluride combines luxury, ruggedness and old-school SUV boxiness with power, size and lots of tech to enhance comfort, convenience, utility and the driver and passenger experience.

The Telluride is Kia’s flagship SUV, and that old-school boxiness is a good thing as it stands out from the rounder crowd and proudly announces powerful  rugged luxury as it thunders by; and it can haul up to 5,000 pounds, so you can hitch up your trailer for a long journey or weekend getaway.

A mid-size crossover, it is the largest vehicle Kia has produced. Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the U.S. and is a product of the Kia Design Center in Irvine, CA. It is marketed as a traditional “big, bold, boxy SUV, with the kind of presence associated with the original legendary SUVs and the go-anywhere, do-anything attitude.” Main design cues include a long, broad hood and wide grille; bold, stacked headlamps convey power and stability; upright windshield and clean side profile express muscular tension; inverted “L” tail lamps with LED stripes and elongated nameplates on the leading edge of the hood and on the liftgate provide distinctive identity for the SUV, and sculpted rear skid plate with integrated twin exhaust tips reference off-road ability and power.

The Telluride interior is designed to continue the impression of upscale exploration, with grab handles integrated into the center console that suggest journeys off the beaten path. A wide console with emphasis on the horizontal through artistic use of premium trim features suggests spaciousness and more “luxe living room” than “utility vehicle”, and the roomy cabin provides generous hip, shoulder, leg and head room, including the third row.

As Kia’s flagship SUV, the Telluride can be outfitted with an array of advanced technology and driver-assistance systems. Many available features are firsts for any Kia SUV, and these are in addition to the long list of tech and advanced driver assistance systems Kia is known for. These items include Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist , Safe Exit Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Head-Up Display, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode and Rear Occupant Alert.

With minimum ground clearance of 8.0 inches, Telluride measures 196.9 inches long, 68.9 inches high and a widebody 78.3 inches wide, on a wheelbase of 114.2 inches, and a curb weight of 4255  lbs. for the AWD version.

Inside is a huge expanse filled with comfort and tech. Available double-stitched, quilted and extra-padded Nappa leather trim upholstery mesh with a leather-wrapped, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, available heated steering wheel, simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood, interior hooks to keep packs and bags off floor and away from feet, available heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, ceiling-mounted second-row climate control, HVAC diffusing ceiling vents provide wider spread of airflow for increased comfort, reclining third-row seats and all the requisite infotainment and connectivity including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Park Guidance, a 630-watt audio system with 10 speakers, wireless smartphone charging and multi-Bluetooth connectivity.

With room for seven or eight passengers, the cavernous cabin provides front headroom of 40.9 inches, with 40.2 inches in row two and 38.1 in row three. Front row leg room is 41.4 inches, with 42.4 inches in the second row and 31.4 in the third row. Row one shoulder room is a spacious 61.6 inches, 61.2 in row two and 55.3 in the back. With the third row folded flat there is plenty of cargo room.

Available in four trims in FWD or AWD, Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter, V6, Gasoline Direct Injection Lambda-II engine that produces 291hp and 262 lb-ft of torque and is EPA rated at 20mpg/city, 26 mpg/highway and 23 mpg/combined. My week of snow-conquering tests averaged 22.6mpg as the bold sports-ute handled gently and smaller than its size, though there is some top-wobble during twisty maneuvers.

Responsive and quick for its size, with a firm ride, my Telluride roared through a zero-to-60mph dash in 7.1 seconds and finished off a quarter mile in 15.3 seconds. There is a slight hesitation when pedal mashing from low speed, but power is never in doubt. The Independent, MacPherson strut front suspension, coil springs with, stabilizer bar and an Independent, self-leveling multi-link rear with a stabilizer bar smooth out road imperfections and steering is predictable and on point.

The 2020 Kia Telluride starts at $31,690 for the LX trim and moves through four trims to the $41,490 SX. My SX came with dual sunroofs, 20-inchBlack sport finish alloy wheels, 12-way adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support, Harman Kardon® 10-Speaker Premium Audio w/ Clari-Fi™, External Amplifier and Subwoofe, Surround View Monitor and much more. My test ride added all-wheel drive for $2000; the SX Prestige Package for $2000 (automatic rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated second-row seats, Head-Up Display, Premium Nappa leather seat trim and more) and Mud Guards for $115. With destination charges of $105, my test 2020 Telluride SX stickered at $46,700.

 

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

 

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Last week, our “Car Buy of the Year,” Top-10 list concentrated on the “best bang for the buck,” with the “green-oriented” 2019 Honda Insight winning top honors. This week, we showcase our “Car of the Year” list, in which we focus on the best car, truck, crossover or SUV and what it delivers, regardless of price – just the pure vehicle – and how it feels to be behind the wheel, although we have something luxurious and “green” on the Car-Buy side as well this year.

For our 15th annual Car of the Year list, we see five countries of origin represented with muscle cars, luxury cars, roadsters, convertibles, “supercars” and that “green” crossover. And while power counts – one vehicle at 755hp and three of the 10 over 600 horses – one car made the list with less than 200 hp. As for price, two (not the No.1 pick) was priced over $100,000, but one also stickered under $35,000; and many cars I tested this year that were priced from $60,000 to $125,000 didn’t make the list.

My rules: To make this list, I must have test driven the car in calendar 2019 and it must have stood out from the pack, had something “extra”, surprised me, impressed me, and satisfied the “car guy” in me, as well as amaze any passengers or onlookers who rode in or saw the vehicle. I test drove 56 different vehicles this year, and after a weeklong (in most cases) assessment as a daily driver and/or track car, I graded each ride in the following categories: Interior; Safety; Power; Handling/Ride; Economy/Price; Looks; Niche-fitting and a Miscellaneous grouping in which I took into consideration the “feel-good” factor and other intangibles.

Last year, the 365-hp turbo Kia Stinger combined power, luxury and elegance from a badge not generally considered to deliver those attributes, to win the crown. This year, a racing icon crossed over and went “green” to produce something unexpected and worthy of the title. Prices reflect sticker-as-tested.

1. Jaguar I-PACE: All-electric Crossover is innovative sleek, fast, fun and ‘Green’ -- $80,520. In the past, Jaguar “Green” meant British racing Green exterior paint. This year, Jaguar, who earned its rep for creating sleek, catlike, powerful race-worthy sportscars, has moved into a new arena with its new 2019 I-PACE, Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle, an EV SUV/crossover.  Oh, and it is also fun to drive. With all-wheel-drive, two electric motors and Jag’s iconic sleekness outside and luxury inside, I-PACE shows off Jaguar muscle with 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque while attaining an EPA-rated driving range of 234 miles. I-PACE embodies the Jaguar legacy of luxury and performance. The motors deliver sports car operation, launching the I-PACE from zero to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds in tests. My fun-to-test quarter-mile was accomplished in an un-crossover-like 13.2 seconds, accelerating easily and handling like a sedan.
2. Corvette ZR1: 755 horses of futuristic supercar is last of an era -- $130,090. My favorite car to drive all year only lost out for top honors because of my rating system, which counted 13.9mpg lower than electric and 234 miles per charge vs. about the same range per tank, but at $45-50/tank. One car that certainly fits the definition of supercar, in all areas is the 2019 Corvette ZR-1 – and it is among the final C8 Corvettes to be built. With exotic lines, ZR-1 handles like a car destined for the track, but with street-luxury car smoothness for driver and passenger. I blazed through a zero-to-60 sprint in 3.3 seconds for an 11.4-second quarter-mile with ZR1’s dual-fuel-injection, LT5 6.2L V-8 that rockets out 755 hp and 715 lb-ft. Additionally, the cockpit is luxurious and tech-filled.
3. Alfa Romeo 4C Spider: Exotic track star that is athletic around town -- $73,195. Building on Alfa’s storied racing heritage, and its history of creating exciting, solid-handling, exotic, athletic vehicles, the 2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider offers driving enthusiasts a mid-engine design convertible that represents the essential sportiness embedded in the brand’s DNA. With hints of Lotus and Ferrari -- exotic, this is a feel-good, drive-well car. Its 237hp and 258 lb-powerplant averages 28mpg, and my track runs were timed in 4.2 (sprint) and a 12.8 quarter-mile.
4. Nissan GT-R: 565 hp and a video-game design for a superbeast -- $116,320. The 2019 Nissan GT-R is a powerful, sexy, track-handling, tech-advanced, a head-turner and a very fun drive. Designed to compare to video game creations, GT-R is aggressive, sexy, fluid and functional. Its 3.8-liter 24-valve twin-turbocharged V-6 engine delivers 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft. I turned a sizzling sprint in 3.1 seconds during an 11.2-second quarter-mile and I averaged 17.9mpg.
5. Ford Mustang GT: 55 years of Pony Power stays true to the past -- $44,145. The unmistakable Mustang GT look comes at you with an aggressive grille and Pony insert, rounded, sleek lines and muscularity. Athletic and muscular, the Mustang GT’s Pony-Power comes from a 5.0-liter V-8 that galloped out 460 hp and 420 lb-ft, and lived up to its heritage with tire-smoking acceleration and track-worthy handling. I crushed a zero-to-60 sprint in 4.3 seconds en route to a 12.6-second quarter-mile, and I averaged 18.2 mpg.
6. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: American muscle icon powered by 650 horses -- $73,190. Chevy has added new front fascias and grillework on several Camaro trims this year, and added infotainment upgrades and  a Carbon fiber rear wing, but Camaro is about power -- ZL1’s standard 6.2-liter LT4 direct-injected V-8 engine is responsive and super-powered, with 650 horses/650 lb-ft of torque. I blasted a zero-to-60mpg dash in 3.3 seconds during a quarter-mile run of 11.3 seconds and averaged 15.4mpg.
7. Genesis G70: Performance sedan delivers inside and out -- $51,125. On last week’s list as a Top Buy, the 2019 G70 shows off the manufacturer’s “Athletic Elegance” design signature outside, and a driver-focused experience with high quality materials inside. Its 365hp/376 lb-ft 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 averages 19.6mpg and finishes off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 4.9-seconds, and a quarter-mile in 13.5. On the highway and around town, Genesis delivered a stable ride with solid balance and attentive handling.
8. Cadillac CTS-V: Premier luxury sedan impresses with elegance and 640hp --$92,885. Cadillac’s legacy of building luxury cars is coupled with Corvette-like power with a 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 that thunders out 640 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque in the 2019 CTS-V. Built for performance while pampering with elegant lines, a luxurious interior and state-of-the-art tech and safety, CTS-V’s throaty exhaust note purred during a zero-60mph dash in 3.9 seconds, and a 12.0-flat quarter-mile. I averaged 15.0 mpg.
9. Infiniti Q60: Stylish and powerful luxury sport 4-seater -- $52,958. The Infiniti Q60 is a 2-door sport luxury 4-seat coupe with an aggressive stance, low and wide proportions and muscular lines. Some vehicles get 400hp, but my test ride had a 300-hp. 295-lb-ft 3.0-liter V-6. A zero-to-60mph dash takes about 6 seconds, during a 14.5-second quarter-mile, and fuel consumption was 22.8mpg. Its low center of gravity enhances driving dynamics, and is augmented by a well-appointed and comfortable interior.
10. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Good power in this fun-drive Roadster -- $34,455. The lowest-priced car on this list and a “Top-Buy” member from last week’s list, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets a SKYACTIV 2.0-liter in-line 4 electronic fuel injection engine that provides 181-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, for a zero-to-60mph dash in 5.8 seconds during a 14.5-second quarter. Fuel economy is 30.3 mpg, and you get a cool retractable hardtop roof that makes MX-5 a convertible in 13 seconds.

Next week we begin coverage of the 2020s, and we start rating and reviewing style, performance, nuances, improvements and deals on wheels.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

 

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals event weekend has, in some form or another, been taking place in May annually since 1986.  With 2020 offering the 35^th edition of this international automotive celebration in Carlisle, guests who attend now have a chance to benefit a great cause, all while enjoying the cars, the people and the excitement.  For the first time ever at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, instead of a presenting sponsor supporting the event, the event is supporting the sponsor so to speak.  From May 15-17, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals benefit Driven to Cure!

Since the car community is such a tight-knit group, they often come together to support “one of their own” in times of need.  That solidarity will be on display with the aforementioned partnership and benefit car show in May in Carlisle.  Founded by car enthusiast Andrew Lee, DTC is a non-profit 501(c3) established to help raise awareness and provide funding for the research of rare kidney cancers like Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer (HLRCC) in children and young adults.  Andrew passed away on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 after a long and courageous battle.  Despite his passing, the cause forges on with events, fundraisers, etc. and has raised $600,000 in three years for research.

So, how can Import & Performance Nationals showgoers help?  At the May event in Carlisle, DTC will be onsite hosting a show within the show.  More so, their showcase serves as the OFFICIAL memorial for Andrew, just over a year after his passing.  By doing so, their mix of cars and excitement for Andrew and the hobby he loved so much will be a must-see within Building Y.  Plus, while checking out the cars, guests can also meet folks inspired by Andrew.  This includes friends, family and fellow car lovers.  In addition, Andrew’s car, a customized Nissan GTR complete with a personalized license plate that reads F CANCR will be the centerpiece attraction.  The car was supported by BASF during its time at SEMA, Liberty Walk made a replica model of it and the DTC cause gained so much traction that following Andrew’s passing, he received a moment of remembrance at the 2019 Paul Walker Memorial Ride in Canada.

Prior to his passing, Andrew noted the following: “My GTR has proven to be the closest thing I have to a cure for my cancer.  Driving the GTR has become a tremendous outlet for me. The places I have gone, the people I have met and the passions I have developed just because of this gift have become the best medicine available.”

“Carlisle Events takes great pride year in and year out by giving back,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller. “This year will be extremely special due to Andrew and Driven to Cure evolving around the automotive hobby.  Two great friends introduced me to Bruce, Andrew’s father from DTC and upon our first meeting we knew we had the perfect ingredients for a wonderful way to showcase DTC and even more so, to provide a nice backdrop for a memorial for Andrew as part of our May event,” continued Miller.  “Andrew started Driven to Cure to help others.  He poured his passion into helping others. We at Carlisle Events want to honor his legacy and help his mission.  What better way to do so than to pay tribute to an amazing person that was taken away from this earth way too early.  Please join us to celebrate Andrew’s life during the 2020 Import & Performance Nationals event starting May 15, 2020 as we support DTC.“

Event details, including information on the DTC show and how to support it can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com via the Import & Performance Nationals specific page or by calling 717-243-7855 today!   

For the 15th consecutive year, ALL ABOUT CARS devotes its year-end columns to an overview of the top vehicles we tested and reviewed for the model year. After rating them on such items as: Interior; Safety; Power; Handling/Ride; Economy/Price; Looks; Niche-fitting and a Miscellaneous grouping in which I took into consideration the “feel-good” factor and other subjective intangibles, we have come up with our top 10 vehicles. This week’s column reports on the “Car Buy of the Year”, and next week, we will follow up with our “Car of the Year”, regardless of price.

This week’s “best deals on wheels” for 2019, is all about the best bang for the buck, and that doesn’t always equate with number of sales, as illustrated by the stats that show that this year, the average transaction price of a new vehicle sold in America was about $37,000, and my Top 10 best buys was made of five vehicles under $30,000, three more vehicles in the $30K range but below $37,000, and only two about the average sales price, with one sedan in the $50,000 range. Diversification ruled this year, as we have a wagon, a pick-up, a hatchback, a roadster, two crossovers and four sedans on the list.

To be considered for this list, I must have test-driven the vehicle during calendar 2019, and dollar-for-value, or worth vs. cost carries the most weight, though some abstracts still apply. This year, I test drove 56 vehicles for consideration and examined them for about a week each, using them as daily drivers around town for errands and for maneuvering; on the highway for long trips, for passing, stability and for fun; accelerating them and braking them hard on straight tracks and banked venues, auto-crosses and drag strips, and checking out what passengers and onlookers reported.

Last year, the 2018 Hyundai Kona, Sub-Compact CUV was my best deal, and this year, my best buy was a five-door hatchback that returned from a 5-year hiatus as one of the “Greenest” cars in America.

The winner is:
1. Honda Insight: Former hatchback returns as a compact hybrid sedan -- $26,681. Honda’s Insight returns after a five-year hiatus, evolving from a five-door hatchback into a compact sedan, but with a two-motor hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine that runs on gasoline, working in tandem with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy named Insight to its “Greenest Vehicles of 2019” list, and Insight achieved top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Its sleek lines, coupe-like profile and wide stance communicate a sophisticated yet elegant design. The efficient engine/motor system puts out 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of electric motor torque, and my week of tests achieved an average of 46.0mpg. It is a fun drive with quick response and tight corner handling.

2. Ford Fusion: Driver-assist technology and design tweaks -- $26,100. Its days, numbered, as the mid-size is expected to remain in production only until 2021, Ford revised Fusion for 2019 with new front and rear fascias, new Co-Pilot360™ suite of driver-assist safety technologies, an increase in the “electric-only” range in its Hybrid and tweaked cosmetics. Its 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-4 delivers 240hp and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque. My test 2.0 automatic averaged 24.5mpg.  

3. Genesis G70: Luxury brand’s new 4-door compact executive performance sedan -- $51,125. The highest-priced vehicle on the list, the Genesis G70 is a 4-door compact executive luxury performance sedan, refined and filled with advanced technology. Its long hood and short overhangs, dynamic roofline, and high beltline characterize a sleek profile. The G70 cabin is well-appointed, and the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 365hp/376 lb-ft. I averaged 19.6mpg.

4. Hyundai Veloster: Newly designed hot hatch turbo is asymmetrical and tons of fun -- $26,515. The Hyundai Veloster has been redesigned with improved power, and new styling, merging the design appeal of a sport coupe with the versatility afforded by the additional passenger side rear door, and a driver-focused layout. Performancewise, Veloster is tons of fun. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (201 hp and 195 lb.-ft.) I averaged 29.9mpg, and it was a beast at the track. 

5. Ford Ranger: Midsize pickup is back and it’s tough, sporty and versatile -- $39,430. After an eight-year hiatus, the Ford Ranger is back and touted by Ford as “most fuel-efficient gas-powered midsize pickup in America.” The new Ranger is larger, tech savvy, infotainment rich, upscale and ruggedly sporty, with workhorse attributes. Powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4, the system puts out 270hp and 310 lb-ft. My week of winter-condition testing realized an average of 23.3mpg. 

6. Buick Regal TourX: Luxury wagon with drive dynamics of a car, versatility of an SUV -- $30,614. Buick has added the TourX wagon to the Regal Line … a crossover with the drive dynamics of a car and the versatility of an SUV. It showcases a contemporary design and attainable luxury credentials. TourX power is delivered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 mated. The 250hp and 295 lb-ft of torque delivered fuel economy of 24.9 mpg. 

7. Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T: Fun to drive, larger and more coupelike -- $28,696. A new generation Jetta has a look that is elegant, yet athletic. Jetta grows outside in every direction and is sculpted and distinctive, with an accommodating and un-compactlike upscale driver-centric interior. The Jetta 1.4T is powered by the base 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine that provides 147hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque . My week of tests in the automatic averaged 33.3mpg. 

8. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Powerful roadster with a power-folding hardtop -- $34,455. The popular MX-5 roadster/two-seat convertible sports car was designed with emotion and cues borrowed from the Lotus Elan, upscale amenities inside, and a retractable roof that stows away in about 13 seconds. MX-5 power comes from a SKYACTIV 2.0.-liter electronic fuel injection engine that provides 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Averaging 30.3mpg, MX-5 was a fun drive, balanced on the road.

9. Kia Niro: Sporty and hip hybrid -- $26,880. The Kia Niro is a hybrid SUV whose looks are un-hybriddy and more hatchback-like. Guinness World Records named Niro “lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle,” after a hypermiling a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg. An eye-catching 4-door, Niro’s cabin is trendy and intuitive, filled with high-demand and high-tech interior enhancements. The two-layered powertrain is anchored by the Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine. I averaged 46.1mpg.

10. Honda CR-V: Sophisticated Compact Crossover -- $30,731. CR-V rolls on with its assertive design cues, premium active safety, passive safety and driver-assistive features, refined demeanor and energetic character in a sporty package. The CR-V LX trim is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 184 hp and 180 lb-ft. of torque, for an average of 28.8 mpg. Handling was niche-solid and the riding experience was family-oriented – smooth and stable.

Next week, we present our annual CAR of THE YEAR list, and two of this week’s Best Buys make next week’s list as well.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>