Unique vehicles are hard to find, but the Kia Cadenza is a unique vehicle in a couple of ways.

First, it’s a full-size sedan; and there aren’t many of those left for sale.

Second, it’s an attempt by a non-luxury brand (Kia) to create a vehicle that’s designed in a luxurious way to compete with the luxury models.

I recently had a chance to get behind the wheel of a Cadenza, and I’m back with a full report on what it offers and who might want to give it a look. (Note: I tested a 2017 Cadenza, but the 2018 model has only minor changes)

Hyundai has added the 2018 Plug-in Hybrid model to its Ioniq line-up for the 2018 model year, along with new features for Ioniq hybrid and electric models. The growing eco-focused Ioniq line-up is the first to offer three distinct electrified powertrains on a single, dedicated vehicle platform. The Ioniq Plug-in hybrid is priced starting at $24,950.

Powertrain choice
Developed for high-energy efficiency without compromising driving performance, every Ioniq powertrain represents a unique and uncompromising solution towards a cleaner means of mobility.

The new 2018 Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid provides an all-electric range of more than 29 miles, 119 MPGe in EV mode and 52 MPG in hybrid mode based on EPA estimates, powered by a potent 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid features a new Kappa 1.6L direct-injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with a  thermal efficiency of 40 percent and delivering an estimated 104 horsepower and an estimated 109 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine has been specifically tailored to the hybrid application and is combined with a quick-shifting six-speed double-clutch transmission – differentiating Ioniq from its key competitors with a more dynamic and engaging driving experience. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid’s estimated 45kW (60 horsepower) electric motor is coupled with a 1.6-liter direct-injected Atkinson four-cylinder Kappa engine. The high-efficiency electric motor can operate at speeds up to 75 MPH and delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds.

Volkswagen has unveiled its 2019 Jetta in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. First sold in 1979, the Jetta has sold more than 17 million models sold worldwide, 3.2 million in the United States. Updated for 2019, the new Jetta offers more space inside than the outgoing model and of course new technology. Price is an affordable $18,545, less than the outgoing base model.

“The Jetta has long been Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle in the United States,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen, “and we expect that this all-new car will continue to resonate with buyers in the compact sedan class. With its combination of great technology, fuel-efficient drivetrains, sporty styling, upscale interior and amenities, and fun-to-drive nature, we expect that the Jetta will make a huge splash in the compact sedan market when it goes on sale.”

Compared with the current car, the new Jetta has a longer wheelbase by about an inch, and is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model.
Inside, the 2019 Jetta features new fabric colors and seat designs, plus available heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory functionality, leather seating surfaces, and dual-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control. A new center storage console is 5-liters—large enough to fit a standard iPad.

All Jetta models offer standard Driver Personalization with up to four driver settings. Customizable features include: driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement (if equipped), ambient lighting color, radio presets, navigation view, and more.
Power is from a 1.4-liter turbo engine (147 horsepower), and it comes in both manual and auto transmissions. The People First Warranty provides coverage for six-years or 72,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and the warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout the remainder of its duration.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta should arrive to dealers in the second quarter of 2018.

Every brand has its calling card.

For some in the auto world, the focus is all about safety (i.e. Volvo); For others, it’s power (see: Dodge); For some it’s about reliability (Toyota, for one).

And then there’s Mazda, a smaller brand but one with many diehard fans -- and for a very good reason. They have perhaps the best calling card of all -- their vehicles are a blast to drive. Period.

They’re not the most powerful brand, wouldn’t win a drag race, and are far from the fanciest or most high-tech. But the overall experience of driving the Mazda lineup ranks well against any of the competition in the non-luxury segment of modern vehicles.

While their lineup comes in many sizes -- from Miata sports car up to CX-9 three-row SUV, in this review I’m going to focus on a couple vehicles on the smaller side of their lineup that I recently got to spend some time in -- the 2018 Mazda compact sedan, and the 2018 Mazda CX-3 subcompact SUV, which is essentially a raised-up version of a Mazda2 sedan.

It’s been nearly a decade, but the Chevy Traverse is at long last getting an overhaul.

Lower in annual sales that most of its three-row SUV competition, it’s made some needed changes (slimmer weight, boosted power, tech upgrades) to help catch up to the many vehicles in a class that only continues to grow (Its competitors include the new Volkswagen Atlas; Ford Explorer; Dodge Durango; GMC Acadia; Honda Pilot; Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9).

I recently spent some time in a 2018 Traverse and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up.

Luxury car buyers are very picky, but also very loyal. If you get them to be a fan of your brand, the key is to not mess things up so they’ll stick around and not jump ship.

In the case of the Audi A5 coupe, which I recently tested, the vehicle has been updated for 2018. This competitor in the luxury coupe segment keeps most of its heritage but also sees key improvements; Will it be enough to keep buyers loyal and not have they sway over to BMW or Mercedes or other Audi competitors?

LOOKS

With Audi generally more focused on what’s under the hood, exterior design on the A5 is attractive (including the instantly recognizable Audi grille and four-ring logo up front), but not overall showy or gaudy like some of the competition. The A5 features sharp-looking 18-inch 10-spoke wheels and all-season tires, with options to upgrade to 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.