Audi is a German company known for its innovations and technological advances in the field of vehicle manufacturing. As part of the Volkswagen group, Audi is responsible for various vehicle models such as cross over SUV’s and compact cars. As such, the company always makes it a point to set the standards and break the limits of the automobile world.

Exterior & Interior

The Audi Urban concept is the brand’s attempt at designing the future look of urban vehicles. Moreover, this concept creatively combines the features of sports cars and recreational vehicles into one distinctive design. The Audi Urban is not based from any previous model and creates an entire class of its own.

Featuring a sleek body, the Audi Urban will have freestanding wheels that are adorned with protective plates with strips of LED lights. Inside, the Audi Urban is designed to fit two people with their position in a slightly staggered low level. Moreover, the driver will have the option of adjusting the steering wheel and foot pedals for personal preference.

The cockpit of the Audi Urban is made out of carbon fiber reinforced polymer that efficiently integrates the undercarriage of the seats in the car. With a 21-inch diameter wheelbase, the ultra-lightweight construction efficiently showcases the technological capabilities of Audi.

Power

As for the Audi Urban’s under-the-hood specs, there are 2 e-tron electric motors that provide the needed propulsion that allows the vehicle to quickly accelerate. Moreover, a lithium-ion battery will supply the needed electrical charges needed for casual city driving.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Concept

Est. Base Price: £ 8,800.00

Dimensions

Length: 120 in. (304.8 cm)	Width: 67 in. (170 cm)
Weight: 1100 lbs (499 kg)	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 2 Electric Motors	Power: 7.1 kWh Li Ion Battery
Horsepower: 40 HP	Torque: 71 lb-ft
Transmission: Push Button Automatic	0-40 mph: 6.5 seconds

For those who have seen the previous Kia Sorento and were left unimpressed – watch out for the 2011 release of this vehicle. The 2011 Kia Sorento release is so much better than the previous generations with practically everything changed except for the name it carries. The 2011 Sorento features an excellent combination of design, performance and reliability. The Kia Sorento is available in four trim levels. There’s the base, EX, LX and SX.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV	Base Price: $23,150.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68 liters)	MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 183.9 in. (467 cm)	Width: 74.2 in. (188 cm)
Height: 67.3 in. (170 cm)	Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Curb Weight: 3845 lbs (1744 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.5 in. (19 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 37 cu ft (3rd row down)	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 2.4L 16-Valve DOHC Inline-4	Displacement: 2359 cc
Horsepower: 175 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 169 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic w/ OD
0-60 mph: 10.0 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 1650 lbs (748 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Sorento EX FWD	MSRP: $25,950; MPG: 22 city / 32 hwy
Option:Sorento LX V6 FWD	MSRP: $24,950; MPG: 20 city / 26 hwy
Option:Sorento EX V6 FWD	MSRP: $27,950; MPG: 20 city / 26 hwy
Option:Sorento SX V6 FWD	MSRP: $33,150; MPG: 20 city / 26 hwy

Exterior & Interior

First of all, the Sorento is very different from earlier generations in terms of design. At first glance, some people may even mistake it for an SUV thanks to the flawless shapes and curves of the vehicle. The new design doesn’t carry any of the old styles from other Kia vehicles, putting the Sorento in a class of its own. This model from Kia comes in several colors from gray to white, allowing buyers to choose the color they like the most.

The Interior of the Sorento is also impressive with its 7-seating capacity, an improvement compared to last year’s 5-seater. It actually comes with some standard features like the Bluetooth as well as a functional navigation unit and an iPod interface. The seats are made with quality materials, providing comfortable seating for users. The design and materials used for the Sorento are actually chosen more for the comfort of the users rather than economy. However, this doesn’t lessen the unit’s attractiveness from the inside. The Sorento also comes with a cargo room totaling to 72.5 cubic feet. Compared to other midsize cars, the Sorento is only rivaled by the Toyota RAV4 at 73 cubic feet.

As mentioned, the 2011 Kia Sorento comes with four trims. The EX with four cylinders and LX trims come with an optional third row split-folding seat while this feature is a standard in the SX and EX V6.

Performance

The Sorento is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, boasting about 175 horsepower. On the other hand, the EX trim has around 276 horsepower thanks to its 3.5 liter V6. According to Kia, the AWD based model would be around 21/27 mpg while the FWD would range around 21/29 mpg. On the other hand, the FWD V6, it would be around 20/26 and 19/25 for the AWD

Safety & Reliability

The Sorento’s offering on safety is probably one of the best in the market today with some reviewers offering it a perfect 10. The insurance industry actually provides an excellent feedback on the Sorento’s ability to keep its passengers safe while the federal government also provides its stamp of approval.

Pros & Cons

The Sorento clearly has a lot going for it. However, it isn’t perfect yet. The innovative design and excellent cargo capacity is definitely a plus on its side, not to mention the horsepower. The fact that that there are two engine options gives people the chance to choose whether they want the 100+ horsepower or the 200+ engine made for cruising along roads. Braking performance is also excellent with the warranty definitely being better than most similarly priced models today.

However, those who are thinking about installing the third-row seat might want to think twice as it isn’t comfortable for adults. Interior materials are a bit coarse to the touch but otherwise look good.

The Competition

All in all, the 2011 Kia Sorento falls ahead most of its competitors in the crossover department. Among other makes that compete with the Sorento are the Chevrolet Equinox (MSRP $24,970; 22 city / 32 hwy), Ford Edge (MSRP $27,640; 19 city / 27 hwy), and the Toyota RAV4 (MSRP $22,475; 22 city / 28 hwy). This midsize vehicle boasts of an excellent rating in terms of performance, reliability, safety, design and interior. The different options provided for buyers also put an added edge to this Kia masterpiece.

Overall Rating
80 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Kia Sorento takes a right turn in its transition from off-roader to all-weather wagon: It’s sized right, timed right, and packaged right.”Car Connection

“The steering provides reasonable feedback, and body lean is well controlled in fast turns. Sorento’s exterior dimensions are tidy for the class, providing good maneuverability in close quarters.”Consumer Guide

“With the Sorento, Kia comes up with a winner for the hot crossover market.”MSN Auto

“Plentiful standard features; decent-sized third-row seat; sporty handling; punchy optional V6; long warranty.”Edmunds

“A comprehensive ground-up remake moves this bigger, better and decidedly more capable 2011 Kia Sorento into the most desirable part of an increasingly popular market segment.”KBB

Ranked 4th out of 21 midsize cars is the 2011 Infiniti G. When compared to other upscale midsized cars, the Infiniti G would be at the top. The G series is available in different body styles – the convertible, sedan, and coupe. Though many people see the G performance vehicle, it is still ideal as an everyday ride that is comfortable and luxurious. A plus factor of the G is its breathtaking interior.

Performance

The G25 of Infiniti has a V6 2.5 liter engine that generates 218 horsepower of power while G37 has a V6 3.7 L that can produce 330 horsepower. Even if the G25 produces less power, it can almost equal the G37 in terms of speed. When the G37 is compared to others in its class, it rates as average but many love the way it growls. The Infiniti G37 is driven by a six speed manual transmission. The G37 sedan and coupe has an optional rear-wheel drive that can manage 19/27 mpg if coupled with the automatic transmission. If with the manual transmission, it can manage 17/25 mpg. If the sedan and coupe is an all-wheel drive it can obtain 18/25 mpg.

Exterior

The shape of the 2011 Infiniti G is sharp and curved with a certain flavor. The coupe has a sportier look. With the looks that coupes frequently offer, the convertible model of the G can’t be equaled by other convertibles. The car looks gorgeous with its chiseled hood that is wave-shaped.

Interior

One of the most elegant interiors is that of the Infiniti G. The designs are made such that drivers are provided with great comfort while passengers enjoy the ride. It has a dashboard that is curvaceous and wraps the driver and passengers. It’s easy to spot where the knobs and gauges are because it is backlit in blue. Drivers will be comfortably seated but the rear passengers will be a bit uneasy because the convertible and coupe rear seats of G have limited space.

The interior is packed with an optional navigation system. The driver can keep track of traffic with a real time traffic system. The Infiniti G doesn’t have a control for the audio or climate systems in the car but many reviewers find it as an advantage of G. Many reviewers praise the G for not having this control system because it can only make the simple controls complicated. For the G convertible models, conversations between the occupants of the front seat and the rear seats is not a shouting bout because the speakers mounted on the headrest can be adjusted to a proper volume when the top is down.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has already performed a crash test for the front and side protection. In this test, G received the top rating “Good”. The test for the strength of the roof is graded “acceptable” by the IIHS. The sedan and coupe model of G is constructed with six air bags to secure the safety of the passengers. There are anti-lock brakes that are four-wheel and a control system for the traction. Also incorporated is the head restraint that has an active anti-whiplash. Other modern safety features are integrated in the Infiniti G.

Reliability

Like all other Infiniti cars, the G comes with a basic four-year warranty or 60,000 miles. A power-train warranty is a six-year or 70,000 mile warranty on the G. Infiniti also offers a program that is not included in any traditional warranty – the Total Ownership Experience. If your G car needs a warranty repair, Infiniti offers a complimentary loaner. If there is a case that the car encounters some problems and is 100 miles far from the residence of the owner, a Trip Interruption benefit can be enjoyed. Most of the ratings received by the G in its overall quality are mostly above 3 out of 5 stars.

The Competition

There are many midsize SUV in the world of cars but if you plan to purchase Infiniti G but wished for a better performance that the G series can offer, the BMW 3 series sedan (MSRP $34,600; 18 city / 28 hwy) would be a good option. It also offers different options for the styles, drive-trains, and motors that would surely suit your tastes. The Audi A4 (MSRP $32,300; 23 city / 30 hwy) sedan is also comparable but with less power to the Infiniti G.

The only downside with series 3 is it will cost you more than the Infiniti G. The additional cost is only reasonable because it comes with packages that are expensive. Another competitor of the G is the Lexus IS 250 (MSRP $33,595; 19 city / 28 hwy). This car model is also packed with numerous options and advanced styles and the ride is not that harsh compared with G. Several reviewers claimed that riding Lexus IS is more comfortable but it has a tight cabin. Also, Infiniti G has a larger trunk to that of IS.

Pros & Cons

The Infiniti G is the perfect choice as an everyday ride. It could also become ferocious when pushed. There are available coupe models of this car and its exterior designs look sexy and elegant. Another plus factor of Infiniti G is its interior features and designs that are chic and sparkling. It also offers good performance and great handling.

The only disadvantage of Infiniti G is the petite backseat for their convertible and coupe models. The cargo space is limited.

Overall Rating
78 out of 100

What others say:

“Without popping the hood, you’d be hard-pressed to find the visual differences between the new Infiniti G25 Sedan and the existing G37 Sedan. They both sport the same design inside and out—including the clean, nicely tailored sheetmetal, cockpit-like interior, and snug sport seats.”Car Connection

“Good overall room. Cushy seats are comfortable and supportive. The seats in Sport Package models have additional side bolstering to keep occupants planted in fast cornering.”Consumer Guide

“The G is quick, sporty, and pleasant. Handling is agile and predictable, with a taut yet compliant ride.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Road noise; engine noise with G37; interior not as luxurious as European rivals.”Edmunds

“Those who don’t think you should have to sacrifice a comfortable ride or creature comforts in order to enjoy exhilarating performance and handling will be quite happy behind the wheel of a G Sedan.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $32,400.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75 liters)	MPG: 20 city / 29 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 187.9 in. (477 cm)	Width: 69.8 in. (177 cm)
Height: 57.2 in. (145 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm)
Curb Weight: 3534 lbs (1603 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (13 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.5L DOHC 24-valve V6	Displacement: 2496 cc
Horsepower: 218 HP	Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 187 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic with ASC (adaptive shift control)
0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds	1/4 Mile: 15.8 seconds

Available Trims & Engine

Option:G25 Journey	MSRP: $33,800; MPG: 20 city / 29 hwy
Option:G25x AWD	MSRP: $35,400; MPG: 19 city / 27 hwy
Option:G37 Journey	MSRP: $36,200; MPG: 19 city / 27 hwy
Option:G37x AWD	MSRP: $37,800; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:G37 Sport 6MT	MSRP: $40,600; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Option:G Coupe	MSRP: $37,150; MPG: 19 city / 27 hwy
Option:G Coupe IPL	MSRP: $48,900; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Option:G Convertible	MSRP: $45,750; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy

If you have a family who prefers cute things and smooth to handle cars, the 2011 Mazda2 would be great for you. In ranking 32 affordable small cars, it ranks 13. Though the Mazda2 would not turn out as the #1 in its class, it is not also the last. It is not on the top when it comes to performance rating but it has decent interior design and has acceleration and handling adequate for the installed engine. In overall rating, the Mazda2 is an average small car.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact Hatchback	Base Price: $14,180.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.3 gallons (43 liters)	MPG: 29 city / 35 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 155.5 in. (395 cm)	Width: 66.7 in. (169 cm)
Height: 58.1 in. (147.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 98 in. (248 cm)
Curb Weight: 2306 lbs (1046 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (13 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 1.5 Liter 16-valve DOHC 4 cylinder w/ VVT	Displacement: 1498 cc
Horsepower: 100 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 98 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual w/ OD
0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds	1/4 Mile: 16.6 seconds

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Mazda2 Touring

MSRP: $15,635; MPG: 29 city / 35 hwy

Performance

Many of the test drivers remarked that the Mazda2 is great. A four-cylinder 1.5L engine that can generate 100 horsepower can be coupled with either two transmission – the manual 5-speed transmission or the 4-speed transmission that is automatic. If you prefer that the 1.5L engine is paired with the automatic transmission, you will need to add it as an option. But many reviewers said that the manual transmission is better because riding it is fun and the shift is smooth. With the 1.5L engine, the Mazda2 can’t be on top of its kind because it can’t generate more power for a powerful or fast ride but it has good fuel economy.

Most of the test drivers also commented that the steering system of the Mazda2 is powerful. The transmission is very responsive and precise – these are qualities that are not common in small cars that are affordable. With the Mazda2, braking is easy to cope with. You can easily learn when to brake so that you are just on an exact safe distance.

Exterior

The Mazda2 has a sporty exterior design, with an air dam that is lower and it has unified elements of art design. The plastic garnish of the air dam looks like it is smiling. The body is greatly defined with the front fender that bulges and the shoulder line.

Interior

The interior design of the Mazda2 is great and the materials used are all of good quality. The overall design and materials may not be the most expensive and elegant but it is above average. Unlike other small cars, the cabin of the Mazda2 is very quiet. The interior is very pleasing to look at but the interior features are only limited. The included features are the keyless entry, air conditioning, the stereo (AM/FM/CD/MP3) with four speakers, the auxiliary jack design for MP3 players, and the locks for doors and windows.

Safety

The insurance industry had already tested the Mazda2 for the crash test for the roof and front and it if given with a “Good” remark. While the test for the side and rear impact crash, the Mazda2 received a remark of “Acceptable”. The included safety equipment that is standard for small cars are the traction control, the stability control, and the brakes that are anti-lock.

Reliability

J.D. Power had given a score of 6 out of ten for the reliability rating that is only predicted. The rating is based on the three previous years of J.D. power’s data on dependability and the initial historical quality of the previous models.

The Competition

If you want to buy a small car, you are lucky because you have many cars to choose from. One competition of the Mazda2 is the Mini Cooper (MSRP $19,400; 29 city / 37 hwy). Mini Cooper has better performance over Mazda 2 but the starting price is more than The Mazda2. You can also compare the Mazda2 with Smart Fortwo (MSRP $12,490; 33 city / 41 hwy) but the Mazda2 is much better because it can accommodate five occupants while Fortwo can only seat two. Another car comparable to the Mazda2 is Ford Fiesta (MSRP $15,500; 28 city / 37 hwy). Both cars can seat five but Ford Fiesta can provide more luxury and gadgets given you add more money.

Pros & Cons

The first characteristic of a Mazda that might catch your interest is the cute styling. The exterior and interior designs are all well-thought of. The occupants on the first row can also sit comfortably because there is enough space. The driver can definitely experience great handling and excellent braking.

With automatic transmission, the Mazda2 would be great even within the city. Others think that having an average fuel economy, Mazda has this downside. One drawback of the Mazda2 is its small allotted area for the cargo. Another disadvantage of the Mazda2 is it is not equipped with modern gadgets and technology. Compared with other rivals, the Mazda2 is slower.

Overall Rating
66 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Mazda2 is fun to drive in a way that few other inexpensive econocars are.”Car Connection

“Among the best in class, 2 stands out for its well-controlled body lean and excellent steering feel. The 2 utilizes an electric power-steering system, which is designed to improve fuel economy. ”Consumer Guide

“Handling is quite nimble and the ride is tolerable. Rear seat room is relatively good.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports /

“The 2011 Mazda 2 keeps the fun alive as an economical hatchback, but comes up a bit short when compared to the competition.”Edmunds

“If you’re looking for a small car with sporty driving dynamics, simple packaging and a budget-friendly sticker price, the Mazda2 is worthy of consideration.”KBB

Auto industry concerns about emission reduction has led to vehicles that meet better standards. The Nissan e-NV200 Concept, made its debut in the Auto Show in Detroit, is a concept car which helps affirm Nissan as one of the leaders in this segment.

Environment Friendly

The power train is similar to that of the Nissan Leaf, requires no gas, has no exhaust pipe and does not have any emissions. This ensures that you get a quiet, comfortable and smooth ride. The inside is functional and is contained within a compact overall body length.

The generous cargo space in the car will make it ideal as a Taxi. It can comfortably seat four passengers and has sliding doors which facilitate entry and exit. It has passenger controlled air conditioning and heating, with a filter to make the cabin air cleaner and healthier.

Attractive Inside & Out

The e-NV200 has a pleasing look. It has a wide hood with sweeping headlights and has illuminated accents. The front window is large and along with two large glass roof panels, they provide for an airy interior. The color of the exterior is customized to enhance its environment friendly image.

The inside of the car is very functional that includes EV meters, blue colored accents and a bright interior color palette. The e-NV200 uses advanced telematics and has a flat C-cluster which can be given inputs like a tablet computer.

Performance

Under the hood is a lithium-ion battery which delivers power to a highly efficient 80 KW AC synchronous motor. The motor develops a torque of 207 lb-ft and unlike a conventional IC engine; the motor develops 100 % of its torque instantly. The acceleration is smooth without time lag and this translates into a comfortable and smooth ride.

The e-NV200 offers an excellent fuel economy, which is a critical factor if the car is used in commercial applications. The e-NV200 is undergoing testing around the world and the feedback is being used to improve the car and develop future models.