It seemed like summer weather would never arrive but it’s finally here which means it’s convertible season. And which brand sells more top down models than any other? That’s right; Mercedes. And this one here is one of their most affordable. The refreshed C-Class Cabriolet. MSRP as-tested: $70,725. But instead of spending $70,725 on this one I’d step up to the AMG C 43 with its 385hp engine and a starting price in the mid-$60s. And for the real crazies, there’s the C 63 S Cabriolet with over 500 horsepower for about $85,000. 

For the mountain biking, granola-eating, Vermont maple syrup aficionado the new Forester continues to adroitly facilitate the stereotypical Subaru lifestyle.  And for that it’s a very good choice.   Better than any other automaker, Subaru knows its customers and brilliantly markets their products based on warm and fuzzies like kids, dogs and the great outdoors. Their vehicles definitely aren’t for everyone but for those of a particular mindset the combination of legendary all-wheel drive and fuel efficient powertrains is just what they’re looking for. Like this all-new Forester.

When it’s time for a six-figure executive sedan where will you turn? One of the German stalwarts? Lexus, perhaps? Or maybe you want something more exotic, something Italian. Well, that’s where the Maserati Quattroporte comes in with its Ferrari-born soundtrack. Its look is understated elegance; sound: high-performance.  But the MSRP is served like overcooked rigatoni. According to insiders, an all-new Quattroporte is another 3 years away.

There are pickup trucks and then there are pickup trucks. I’m talking about ones with dual rear wheels, diesel engines that push up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque and that can tow over 33,000 pounds.   Well, that’s exactly the resume of this all-new Ram 3500 Heavy Duty.  And on top of that, it can be optioned like a luxury sedan. 

The 3500 is the biggest, most capable truck that Ram sells and for 2019 it brings with it many of the polished innovations first seen on the all-new 1500; fusing the brawniest mechanical elements with those of a luxury rig.  Like all trucks, Ram’s Heavy Duty series can be configured in a multitude of cab, box and engine layouts in both 2500 and 3500 payload capacities.  But they don’t get any bigger than this one – the 3500 Mega Cab 4X4 dually weighing over 4 tons and measuring 21’ long with a 6’4” box. Payload: 5,420 pounds.  Max Trailer Weight Rating: 33,020 pounds, thanks to the twisting force of Ram’s newest high output turbo. The 3500 Laramie 4X4 Mega Cab starts at about $55,000 and totals $83,670 as-tested.  Made in Mexico, this new Heavy Duty is for the ranch or business owner who doesn’t sacrifice comfort for capability.        

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.