2014 Mazda3

More illustrations of what the next Mazda3 could look like.
I slightly different take of what we saw a few days ago.

Still very nice.

2014 Acura NSX

These patent illustrations do look like the production version of the NSX Concept we saw a while ago.
If these are the real thing, it looks like the NSX didn't lose much from the concept.

Good to see an exciting sports car back at Acura. After years of lumpy SUVs and hyper boring sedans...

Jay Leno drives the Tesla Model S

Now I want one...

All new Subaru Forester

ghastly |ˈgastlē|adjective ( -lier , -liest )1 causing great horror or fear; frightful or macabre : she was overcome with horror at the ghastly spectacle.• informal objectionable; unpleasant : we had to wear ghastly old-fashioned dresses.2 extremely unwell : he always felt ghastly first thing in the morning.• deathly white or pallid : a ghastly pallor | [as submodifier ] he turned ghastly pale and rushed to the bathroom.

2015 Ford Mustang

This is just an illustration from "car" magazine.
But it does seem pretty realistic. Retaining the popular retro look of the current model.
The whole thing on a smaller, and more modern platform.

The current Mustang drives like a car from the early 80's and something more modern will make a huge difference.
Especially in Europe where a car like the current Mustang is too big and unrefined.

As we already know, the next generation will be sold in Europe. Which means smaller and more efficient engines. Finally....

2014 Volvo S80

I guess this mean an old new one is still a few years away.
This just looks like a slightly new front end and rear. Who knows yet about the interior.

The current model is almost 7 years old already. So it does need something.
Maybe something more than a new front...

New VW Gol

This is not for Europe or the US.
Instead, the Gol is VW's cheap car for South America. Where it starts at under $12 000.
It uses a similar platform to the VW Polo in Europe.

Not as modern as the Up sold in Europe, but I guess this mix of 80's styling with a more modern front end appeals more to the South American market. Somehow...

2014 Chevrolet Corvette

So far not much to see.
From what we have seen of the car it seems like an evolution of the current model.
Which is too bad.
I really think a retro futuristic design would work on the Corvette.
That, or go super futuristic.

VW Taigun Concept

Just a few days after they talk about a "smaller than Tiguan SUV", VW is showing us this. As a concept.
SO I guess it is supposed to be showing us the styling influence of that small upcoming SUV.
Not looking nearly as good as last year's CrossCoupe concept. (Which I hope will influence the next Tiguan, or the upcoming 7 seater Passat Based Crossover).

This looks pretty square. With a rear side window reminiscent of the small Up! model sold in Europe.

We'll see...

All new Chevrolet Onix

The Onix is a new model for the Brazilian market.
And it looks quite nice.
Engines are 1.0 Liter and 1.4 Liter. With 5 speed manual as well as 6 speed auto offered.

Of course, there is no room for this in the US line up. We already have the Spark.

2014 Mazda 3

What a good looking car.
Of course, looking like a shrunk version of the new 6 sedan. And that is just fine.

It does look like a cross between the current one and the new 6. Which are both good looking cars.
Let's hope the interior is not inspired by the new 6 or CX5 though.
As these are much worse than the current 3....

Opel Cascada Video

Still looking great.
Driving around, it looks classy elegant and modern.

Again, this would make such a great Buick in the US. 

Opel Cascada

Not really the Astra Convertible we all expected. More like a cross between the Astra and the Insignia.
Which means, it would fit perfectly as an all new Buick model between the Verano and the Regal.

And would finally give GM a car to compete with the Chrysler 200 (Born Sebring).

Let's hope they see the light and bring this one over here, sooner than later....

New Subaru Forester

The Forester has never been a good looking car. It was always boring and anonymous.
It seems that Subaru will be changing that with the next generation.
Which seems to take a turn for the worse into "unglyland".

It really reminds me of a cross between an old Russian car and a current Chinese model.
There is really no excuse for the horrific 80's front end.

Good luck to Subaru with that one....

2013 Buick Enclave

Looks mostly like details outside. Like the new front and rear, and a black C pillar.

Inside it's new but similar. It does look more upscale and better finished than before. But still ttoo shiny for my taste.

New 2014 Mercedes S Class Illustration

This is the closest thing I have seen to the spy shots. So far.

And it looks just fine as the big, classic Mercedes.
It will be joined later by a coupe and, for the 1st time, 4 seater convertible version.

Nissan Juke 6MT test drive.

 I drove the Juke last year, and really liked it.
But at the time, the only one available was a CVT with AWD.
Which, to me, isn't the most interesting combo. As I have no use whatsoever for AWD or 4WD.

And I remember complaining about the obvious and quite annoying Turbo lag.
I was wondering if things were better with the manual.
So Nissan was nice enough to let me drive one for a week.

 I got re acquainted with the little Juke, and remember why I liked it a lot in the 1st place.
Although the design isn't for everyone, it is very original and does stand out.

It is really roomy for its size. Everything feels very solid and well made.
The ride can be quite rough at times, but it feels the sporty style.
Steering isn't too light although it could be a bit firmer. But it is always precise.
The interior design is always interesting and full of original touches.

And the Rockford Fosgate system in my SL model sounded fantastic!

Now, about that 6 speed manual...

It does improve things a lot.
There is still a bit of lag, but it does feel more progressive, smoother than with the automatic.
In other words, it's just fine.

The transmission itself isn't the very best. It feels a little.. "cheap" . Something hard to explain. But again, it's just fine.
After all, my test car was a loaded SL model which included leather, sunroof, navigation and an amazing stereo system. It drives great and has a smooth and powerful 188hp engine. And it retails for $24000.
Even though it is small, it is a lot of car for the money.
A sporty, roomy ride that stands out in a crowd at a good price.

A winner in my book.

2013 VW Beetle Convertible

Looking exactly like you would expect...

Engines are the same as in the coupe, 2.5, 2.0Turbo and Diesel.
But the 2.5 is automatic only. Too bad. Although this will surely be the most popular combo.

The loud 2.0 and the horrible DSG combo is back.
The diesel option sounds really interesting. 

Chevrolet Spark's app

This is a really clever feature. Easily explained in the commercial.

And something that just a few years ago would have been described as Science Fiction.
Amazing....

More pictures of the new 2 door VW Golf

I know most people will favor the 4 door.
But the 2 door reminds me a bit more of the original design from the 1st generation.
Which, I think, is a nice touch.