Just when the Kona thought it had the small end of Hyundai’s SUV lineup all to itself in comes its just born little sibling;  the all-new 2020 Venue.

This entry-level utility vehicle gives Hyundai a total of 7 from which to choose and the Venue will be the most affordable when it arrives at dealerships this fall.  Hyundai says this one is “for those constantly on-the-go”, accommodating busy lifestyles in a fast-paced urban environment.

Knowing fuel economy is an important consideration for customers in this segment, the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is estimated to deliver up to 33mpg in combined driving mated to either Hyundai’s excellent CVT or even a 6-speed manual – both driving the front wheels.  No all-wheel drive option here.

Providing interior volume not too dissimilar from the Kona, the cabin has been designed for “adequate space for the versatile urban commuter, making it an ideal alternative to a subcompact car, according to Hyundai.

And because it’s Hyundai you know they won’t skimp on “stuff” and indeed a suite of advanced safety features, connectivity and multimedia systems are offered.

Affordable, fun and frugal; the GLI has been fitting that bill now for a number of years. And even though this model is all-new the GLI continues to deliver on that heritage. Getting into a VW is like going to visit your grandparents; familiar, welcoming, but kind of stuck in time. You know exactly what you’re going to get and that’s not necessarily a criticism because VW’s formula for building fun to drive cars simply works. The GLI still offers a stick shift and it’s as easy as Sunday morning, the flat cowl provides excellent forward visibility and the turbo adds zip. It’s not groundbreaking stuff but put it all together and it just feels right. Spacious, efficient, reasonably priced and dialed in the GLI is the right Jetta for the driver who wants a little more.

While the compact and 3-row SUV segment has been growing by leaps and bounds, this 5-passenger midsize type has been getting squeezed out. But with our insatiable appetite for utility vehicles these too are on the comeback. This is the all-new Blazer.
Similar in length, wheelbase and ground clearance to the TrailBlazer before it, the new Blazer is marked by daring design and robust levels of technology.  This one here is the sporty RS trim with a host of distinguishing traits and blacked-out features that lend it a Camaro-like persona.  Not for the introverted, the Blazer RS is a visually stunning specimen with a futuristic patina and crazy 20” Dark Android wheels.  So you see it and think it’s going to be all spicy and sonorous, but in reality it’s soothing and serene.
Bigger than the Equinox and smaller than the Traverse, the Blazer fleshes out Chevy’s SUV lineup with a boldly-styled yet quietly composed midsized comeback.
The Blazer’s design says racy but this SUV is more of a teddy bear, with the headline being quiet and soft.  This RS trim is all about style and the V6 is very strong but the Blazer coddles its occupants with automatic everything and technology that doesn’t fight you.

While the Germans are boring us to death with their spiritless designs, the Asian automakers have become a bastion of audaciousness.  Now, you’re not going to like them all but give credit where credit is due for originality.  However, this one from Infiniti is inarguably gorgeous.  The Q60 Red Sport 400 is as sexy a coupe as you’ll see on the road today. I’ve often said that I don’t spend a lot of time on design in my reviews because you like what you like and vice versa so who cares but with an enchantress like this, attention is required. Thirteen-year-old me would have picked up this poster at Spencer Gifts back in the day it’s that worthy.  And there are some real great reds on the market right now from Mazda, Ford and Land Rover but this Dynamic Sunstone Red from Infiniti doesn’t play second fiddle to any of them.  It’s a head turner with sporty elegance.  Bolt on the optional sport exhaust and you’ve also got one of the snarliest sounding rides going.  The Q60 Red Sport is beautiful, it’s fast and it’s loud and that combination can overcome just about any warts.
With options like blind spot warning, an around view monitor with dedicated switch, cargo package and copious amounts of carbon fiber, this Q60 Red Sport 400 AWD stickers for $65,628.  On premium gas, mileage is about 21 mpg.
So for those who yawn at the sight of another BMW, Infiniti’s Q60 Red Sport is a 2-door ready to please.

VW pulled the wraps off of this one over 2 years ago which is why it already feels somewhat familiar, despite the fact that it’s just gone on sale here in the U.S. Following the tradition of difficult to pronounce names, this is the all-new 2019 Arteon.
With competitors such as the Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50, Kia Stinger and Nissan Maxima in its sites, the 2019 VW Arteon is an amalgam of gotta have it styling and capable dynamics.