High Anxiety in Search of Higher Mileage By JAMES G. COBB

December 27, 2009
Car Critic's Picks
High Anxiety in Search of Higher Mileage By JAMES G. COBB

In a year of high anxiety, at least on the economic front, car enthusiasts could take some comfort in going back to the basics. When unemployment is in double digits, do you want to roll by the soup kitchen in a Rolls Phantom?

The public's new attention to emissions and fuel economy is coinciding with a realization in automakers' executive suites that the business of green can be good business. And so in the last year I've tested two hybrids — the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Lexus HS 250h — that feel pretty much like conventional cars. I've also driven some impressive clean diesels that deserve more consideration by consumers.

1. Ford Fusion Hybrid

Several of the latest Fords have surprised me with their newfound polish and refinement, including the workaday Fusion with gasoline engines. The Fusion Hybrid takes this to another level, with a smooth, seamless gas-electric powertrain, impressive fuel economy and a reasonable price. Finally, here's a hybrid that requires no compromises.

2. Mazda 3

I could do without the smiley-face grille, but from the driver's seat the view is a thrill. There's simply no other car out there that packs so much fun, so much versatility and so many features into such a sensibly sized, fairly priced (roughly $16,000 to $25,000) package.

3. Audi R8 5.2 V-10

The R8 was already the coolest car this side of Italy, but the arrival of a new engine, shared with Lamborghini, gives it a new sense of urgency — without making the R8 any less friendly to drive to the grocery store.

4. BMW Z4

BMW has long been the master of the sport sedan, but its recent attempts at roadsters fell flat. The Z3 felt chubby and the first-generation Z4 seemed cold and impersonal. But the new Z4 is handsome, sharp-edged and exciting, a worthy challenger to the great Porsche Boxster.

5. Kia Soul

I am not sure why I found this self-consciously cute Korean so appealing, but somehow it just clicks. The styling is not quite like anything I've seen before. The interior lighting is fun — even the speakers pulse in color. And for a sub-$20,000 econobox, the appointments and equipment seem decidedly high-line.

6. Volvo XC60

Of all the pretty-good new crossovers out there (Audi Q5, Mercedes GLK, etc.), the XC60 is hands-down the most stylish and engaging.

7. Toyota Prius

The first two generations of Toyota's pioneering hybrid were a little too geeky for me. But the 2010 model is not just impressively fuel-efficient — 51 m.p.g. in town! — it is much more refined. It doesn't even look like a nerdmobile anymore.

8. BMW 750Li xDrive

There was a time when the big BMW sedan was everything I could wish for a big German car. But then the last-generation 7 Series arrived, with its big rump, perplexing controls and sterile feel, and I found the Audi A8 more to my liking. The newly redesigned 7, however, may win me back. It's fast, plush and, with variable suspension settings, capable of a range of demeanors, from plush to hard-edged.

9. BMW 335d

Tremendous torque and terrific mileage show the 3 Series' fundamental greatness to best advantage. No wonder Europeans are in love with diesels.

10. Toyota Venza

I didn't get it until I drove it: this comfortable high-set wagon is the new Country Squire. And if you want to see Toyota at the top of its game, examine the Venza's execution and attention to detail.

Beyond the Top 10

Most missed: Pontiac G8 GXP, perhaps the best all-round car G.M. ever made, and it lasted for only a few months. Also, let's bow our heads in tribute to the terrific Honda S2000 roadster. R.I.P.

Most underwhelming powertrain: Cadillac SRX with a 3-liter V-6 and 6-speed automatic. Not my idea of luxury performance.

Coolest new design: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, the best rendition yet of Cadillac's school of knife-edge design.

Best design revival: Chevrolet Camaro SS, a real head-turner, true to its roots.

Most improved: Ford Mustang GT, which has been upgraded more than you'd guess by looking at it.

Biggest missed opportunity: Ford Taurus, a transformation in which a big car with a formerly cavernous interior now manages to feel pinched on the inside.

Most unexcused absences: Chrysler Group, which in terms of new products pretty much sat the year out.

Most mystifying front end: Mazda 3, Acura TL, Acura ZDX (a three-way tie)

Most unappealing rear end: Porsche Panamera

Prettiest coupes: Audi A5 and S5

Most creative use of boxes: Kia Soul, Nissan Cube (tie)
Car Critic's Picks - High Anxiety in Search of Higher Mileage - NYTimes.com (28 December 2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/automobiles/27cobb-best.html?ref=automobiles&pagewanted=print
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