The 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring is a value-minded, hatchback / sedan. More traditional design than some of the latest automaker to offer what may be missing the Touring in prominent positions in pizzazz it makes. In many cases, an Elantra Touring same features as the competition end up costing less. This can be attributed to the belief Hyundai in pairs a lot of equipment with competitive pricing.

The Touring is powered by a 2.0-liter 138 horsepower engine that can be linked to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. There are two models: base GLS and the more upscale SE. What is immediately clear how the cabin is spacious and comfortable. Offering spacious and cushy seats for front and rear passengers, the Touring is a pleasant way to get across the city. Cargo room is excellent, and with the seats folded, you're compromising compact SUV territory. The Touring has a solid build quality, better than expected handling, excellent visibility while driving, and many of the standard functions. People who enjoy the conservative styling, this spacious carrier gives a glimpse.

Body style: five-door hatchback / wagon.

Engine: 2.0-liter, four cylinder

Transmissions: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic

Models: GLS, SE

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring is largely unchanged. Volcanic Red and White Pigeon join the color palette. Touring now includes 16-inch alloy wheels on the preferred package renamed. A new roadside assistance kit is optional. Keep the back in place and you will find 24.3 cubic feet of space and 65.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The Elantra Touring is expected to be redesigned for next year, and are in the U.S. similar to the new European Hyundai i30.

Styling is homey and no frills compared to the more modern and dynamic design Hyundai Elantra. Although they share the Elantra name, the hatchback is not yet received updated facade, which is expected for the 2013 model. Those who prefer a more conservative, traditional hatchback will Touring humble attitude. The newest model gets 16-inch alloy wheels on the Preferred package to replace the standard 15-inch wheels. Two colors are new for 2012: Volcanic Red, White and Dove.

The current Elantra Touring is a simple, versatile, value-minded carrier. The cabin is very spacious, with comfortable seating for both the front and rear occupants. Large cargo space available, besting some compact SUVs. The Touring offers easy to use controls, for example, climate institutions are large and close at hand. The cabin is simple and unadorned. Leather seats are available on the Elantra Touring SE. Cruise control and a cooled glove box are options.

The current generation Elantra Touring's 2.0-liter, 136 horsepower, four-cylinder engine offers a surprisingly fun-to-drive sedan experience. Steering is light, but the sporting driving dynamics provide a lively ride and decent cornering. The five-speed manual provides an extra touch of sportiness, but we would recommend that you wait for new powertrain options for the Elantra, which is projected to be both powerful and economical. We also expect a hybrid option at some point for the hatchback.

In government crash tests, the Elantra Touring was the highest score, with five stars in frontal crash tests. Four-star ratings were given for side-impact tests. Elantra Touring comes standard with six airbags: two for front and side curtain. His four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, and tire-pressure monitoring. Traction and stability control are optional.

GLS Touring, SE Touring: 23 mpg highway mpg city/30-31

The 2012 Audi A4 is Audi's best selling model, and for good reason. If it seems small and muscular on the outside, the A4 offers ample interior space and good fuel economy to boot. And of course you get Audi's top-notch interiors of Audi design language, with sensual curves and delicate stylized body fit. The 2012 Audi A4 is a serious issue for consideration in the highly competitive segment.

Coming from a redesign in the 2009 model year, the 2012 A4 comes with only minor modifications. The previous model year saw the introduction of the new eight-speed automatic transmission. Only available with four-cylinder engine, the first motor and the transmission link, and helps increase fuel economy and driving comfort.

Although there is plenty to keep on the 2012 Audi A4, it is not without flaws. Options add very fast and can easily push the car of A6 territory. Audi also from the mid-range V-6 engine option in 2010, leaving a fairly large gap in power between the base four-cylinder A4 and the high performance S4 with its supercharged V-6. That said, the current four-cylinder Audi powertrains make abundant power supply, while the average of about 30 mpg highway.

Body styles: sedan, wagon

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4

Transmissions: Six-speed, eight-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission

Models: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige

The 2012 Audi A4, the new model year with a few upgrades. Premium versions of the A4 gets new 10-spoke, 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and. Premium Plus versions get an S line styling, 10-spoke 18-inch wheels, a seat with memory function, and the A4 Avant wagon will feature a power liftgate to get. Top of the range, the Prestige finish gets adaptive headlights and a blind spot monitoring system.

The 2012 Audi A4 is one of the best cars in its segment and carries one of the best interpretations of the signature Audi LED driving lights. Whether in sedan or wagon form, the sheet metal is pulled tight around the frame, giving it a sleek, muscular appearance. A glass sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard. On the list of options are 18 - or 19-inch wheels and a variety of minor upgrades, including a swivel headlights, xenon and LED daytime running lights.

The German automaker has built a reputation for producing top-notch interior, and the 2012 Audi A4 is certainly an example of that in its segment. Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) uses a knob instead of a touch screen, and shares some similarities with the BMW and Mercedes-Benz infotainment systems. Leather, power seats and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard in the range, along with a multi-function steering wheel. Woodwork is optional on all models, while heated seats are optional on base models and standard on all others. Keyless entry and start is an option.

The A4's turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine produces a respectable 211 horsepower, which can be routed to all four wheels via Audi's quattro all-wheel drive. The 2012 Audi A4 offers a sporty and agile cornering. A sport package is optional for sharper handling, but ride quality will decline marginally. Overall, the A4 is competitive in the classroom and provides a satisfying ride.

Anti-lock brakes, and electronic aids such as traction control and stability control are standard. Driver and front passenger airbags are standard along with side impact thorax bags and front and rear head curtain bags. The Prestige finish features an optional blind spot monitoring system.

Front-wheel drive A4 sedan: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway

A4 Sedan all-wheel drive manual: 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway

A4 Sedan automatic all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive A4 Avant Wagon: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway

The 2012 Volvo XC70 marches on with a few tweaks aim to keep competitive. Under the hood, the base XC70 normal atmospheric 3.2-liter inline-6 is now accompanied by a partial zero-emission version that sacrifices some horsepower (230 compared to 240) for the benefit of lower emissions and the expectation of something better mileage. Meanwhile, the 300 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six powering the T6 version is unchanged. Both engines are coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fortunately, both engines use regular-grade gas, because the XC70's fuel consumption average at best.

Visually, the XC70 not changed since 2010. There are new 18-inch wheels on the T6, but little else has changed. Inside, the XC70 has an optional 650-watt audio system, and the new Sensus infotainment system with Bluetooth capability to connect.

Although essentially a raised, all-wheel drive wagon, the XC70 could be considered one of the original players in the premium crossover segment, now with a number of attractive alternatives. As expected from Volvo, the XC70 has plenty of systems designed to be safe and stable, including Volvo's "Instant Traction" and electronic Hill Descent Control.

The XC70 remains basically unchanged from 2011 except for some minor trim updates. The T6 has new 18-inch wheels, and a new color: Twilight Dawn with an espresso brown interior.

In an era of rapidly appearing and highly stylized new crossover, the XC70 is lost in the crowd. The rugged design of the station wagon is a return to earlier Volvo cars, but that may be exactly what some are looking for.

The XC70's interior is luxuriously appointed, with an overall theme of flowing sweeps over the dashboard. The center console is marked by a version of Volvo's signature, detached, waterfall center stack, and attractive, including wood inlays available. A special mention is the ergonomic quality of controls, such as the new Sensus infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity.

At about 3985 pounds, the XC70 is not light. But the 240 hp 3.2-liter six moves the XC70 to 60 mph in about 8.4 seconds, while the 300 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter from the 4279-T6 AWD pounds are in 6.9 seconds. Not bad. Otherwise, the XC70 is designed for comfort, peace, and rough-road capability, so do not expect sports car handling.

The XC70 is all Volvo safety bells and whistles, including City Safety, a driver support system that helps to prevent low speed collisions. Depending on vehicle speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically stopping the XC70 to help avoid a collision. Other preventive safety measures aimed at preventing driver distraction with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake new (CWAB), new Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

3.2: 18-19 mpg city/24-25 mpg highway

T6 all-wheel drive: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway

Still the car that best embodies BMW's premium sport sedan image, the 3 Series provides car buyers with one of the purest, most sporty driving on the road that few other car makers have become. Available in coupe, sedan, convertible, station wagon and configurations, the BMW 3-Series offers a convincing all-round package that melds sporty character a practical line-up of the luxury people-movers.

Available with naturally aspirated and turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines in addition to a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder engine, the 3-series lineup consists of fast, faster, and economical. At the top of the range is the world-beating 4.0-liter V-8 M3, elsewhere in our vehicle listings to find.

Most models, including 328i station wagon, can be taken a six-speed gearbox in addition to the automatic or dual clutch transmission depending on the engine configuration. All-wheel drive is also available on most models, allowing the BMW 3-Series is one of the most complete top-to-bottom line-ups of a car sold today.

Bodystyles: Coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible

Engines: 3.0-liter inline-6, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, 3.0-liter diesel inline-6

Transmissions: six-speed automatic, six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual

Models: 328i, 328ix (coupe, sedan, convertible, wagon), 335i (coupe, sedan, convertible), 335d (sedan)

Heading into what is its last model year before a full redesign, the BMW 3 Series receives little in the way of new features. For 2012, the once-optional automatic transmission is now a no-cost option on all models except for the 335d on which it already came standard. On the 335is coupe and convertible, the DCT transmission option has been lowered in price. Seventeen-inch wheels with all-season tires now come standard on all all-wheel-drive models. And on coupes and convertibles, the sports package has been replaced with the M Sport package as optional equipment.

The 3 Series has always been a little boxy and upright, conservative, and tasteful. In this generation, which debuted for the 2006 model year, the coupe and convertible took on a sleeker look that differentiated themselves from the sedan and wagon. With unfussy styling and classic good looks plus a light facelift in 2010, the 3 Series has managed to avoid looking dated many years into its model run.

The 3 Series' interior has always looked Spartan next to many of its rivals with its pumpkin-orange interior glow and modest appearance. Yet, with a variety of wood and aluminum trims on the dash and a choice of either leatherette or Dakota leather, the 3 Series has plenty of luxury on which to build a strong foundation. In addition, BMW offers many optional packages that can quickly bulk of the price of the 3 Series to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars if you're not careful.

Whether choosing the 230-horsepower naturally aspirated inline six, the 300-horsepower turbocharged variant, or the 265-horsepower turbocharged diesel, the 3 Series has plenty of power to offer brisk acceleration. And with BMW's 50-50 front-to-rear weight distribution, the 3 Series is able to tackle roads with ease when they start to bend. The BMW 3 Series has long been considered a benchmark for the entry-luxury class, and the current model is no exception to that.

The 3 Series' two-stage adaptive brake lights increase in intensity during a full ABS stop. Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, along with frontal side impact and front and rear head curtain bags. Traction and Stability Control are standard.

328i: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

328i convertible: 17-18 mpg city/33 mpg highway

328i sports wagon: 17-18 mpg city/26-27 mpg highway

328i sports wagon xDrive: 17 mpg city/25mpg highway

335i: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway

335i: convertible 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway

335d: 23 mpg city/36 mpg highway