Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

What is it? The seventh-generation of Volkswagen’s iconic hatchback is slightly larger, yet lower and lighter than the outgoing model. VW says it’s also more aerodynamic and will get 15 percent better fuel economy.  The increased dimensions translate into 0.6 inches more rear legroom, a little more shoulder and elbow room front and rear, and more cargo space.
VW has mercifully dropped the base 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine in favor of a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 170 hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices for this engine have not been specified. The Golf TDI gets an all-new 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces a little more power than before: 150-hp and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The GTI gets VW’s established 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo, now made in Mexico. Both the GTI and the TDI will be available with a choice of six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. All Golfs get the limited-slip differential, previously optional in the old GTI.
What is new or notable? Infotainment systems include 3D navigation and a touch screen that uses swipe controls like a smart phone and has a proximity sensor that can detect when your hand is near. (Sounds clever, with shades of the tricky Cadillac CUE system.) And unlike other recent Volkswagens designed specifically for North America, Volkswagen promises this Golf will continue to have high-quality soft-touch plastics through out the interior.
CR’s take: With the possible exception of the proximity sensing touch-screen radio, this sounds like a thorough improvement on the practical Golf. The Golf has a lot going for it as a do-everything all-around car. It offers hatchback practicality, compact efficiency, and luxury car features for a relatively affordable price. Somehow, Americans remain hesitant to embrace a car form that is so popular in Europe.
When will it be available? Early 2014.

Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

What is it? This four-door, five-passenger hatchback marks Mitsubishi’s return to the subcompact market, and with it the revival of the Mirage model name.
Power is supplied by a 74-hp, 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engine with either a five-speed manual or a CVT.
Standard equipment will include seven airbags, keyless entry, a USB/iPod input, and automatic climate control. Upmarket models add Bluetooth and push-button ignition. A nav system with rear-view camera, parking assist, and LED interior illumination will be optional.
What's new or notable? Mitsubishi says that with the continuously variable transmission the Mirage will get 37 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined, although these are projected and not EPA-certified numbers.

Mazda3

Mazda3

What is it? The all-new Mazda3 sticks close to its established formula, with slight dimensional changes that promise more interior space, upgraded infotainment, efficient four-cylinder engines, and a weight reduction.
As before, available as a hatchback or sedan, the new 3 rides on a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, and it is both lower and wider. The result is a claimed improvement in passenger space, especially in the back seat. Part of the gain in rear legroom is from a revamped seat design that carves mass from the front seats. Improvement there is welcome, given that the current 3’s rear seat is pretty snug.
What's new or notable? Mazda is focused on a “heads-up” approach to displaying driver information, with a clear panel above the instrument cluster to show vehicle speed, navigation directions, and other information. There is also a pop-up screen in the dash center for the infotainment system. That system connects to a smart phone via Bluetooth, enabling Internet-based functionality, such as Aha, Facebook and Twitter feeds (read aloud), and text messaging. The stereo provides the typical combination of AM/FM radio, Sirius satellite radio, and CD player, along with USB and auxiliary inputs. Hopefully this new system improves on some of Mazda’s recent mediocre electronic systems.
The engine lineup includes Mazda’s corporate 155-hp, 2.0-liter or the 184-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, both paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and equipped with Mazda’s Skyactiv suite of technologies aimed at increased fuel economy.
These engines have provided decent power and miserly fuel consumption in our previous tests of the Mazda6 and CX-5. The redesigned Mazda 3 builds on this with regenerative brakes that can capture kinetic energy, store it in a capacitor, and improve gasoline consumption by supplementing the alternator to power accessories, thereby reducing parasitic drag.

Mazda’s Skyactiv philosophy also involves reducing vehicle weight to improve efficiency. That’s impressive, given that the Mazda3 was already a fairly light car. We just hope that despite the weight reduction, Mazda wasn’t stingy on noise isolation; recently tested Mazdas have all had high levels of road noise.

Unusual for the class, the Mazda3 will offer automatic high-beam control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, city brake support, and active cruise control.

CR’s take: At a glance, the 2014 Mazda3 looks both familiar and fresh. The outgoing model performed well in our testing, and it impressed our team with its balance of fun and efficiency. The new 3 builds on that, boasting increased interior space, intriguing display concepts, and better performance. Sounds good.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Toyota launched its first hybrid SUV in 2005. The Highlander Hybrid is the top-selling hybrid SUV. The RX400h, made by Toyota's sister company Lexus, is the most similar car. They have the same hybrid system, horsepower, performance, fuel economy, and were created by the same chief engineer. Their price tag differs by about 10 grand with the Lexus on top. Here are the stats for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV:



33/28 MPG (2wd)
31/27 MPG (4wd)
Price: $32,490 base to $36,550 Limited with third row
Approx. $5,000 more than the Highlander non-hybrid
2008 models have an EV button that allows the driver to operate on battery power only up to 25 mph.
All hybrids are a V6
Hybrid system net power: 268 hp
Available Third row- this is a huge selling point for us as the Lexus hybrid doesn't offer the third row.

Highlander Hybrid with Third Seat Down

Steering Wheel Audio Controls