Car of the Month
Each month, MotorWeek host John Davis selects a vehicle to highlight that has the potential to be a game-changer, sets a new benchmark in its class, or exemplifies the latest trend in the automotive world.
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid 8.01.2014
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is the brand’s first attempt at a hybrid. Given its compact size and tough personality, it makes a lot of sense that Subaru chose this model for its initial foray into the world of gas/electric hybrids. Despite Subaru’s corporate connection with Toyota, the drivetrain is all their own. While short of being a Prius-like… Read More
2014 Mini Cooper Hardtop 7.01.2014
The 2014 model year sees the arrival of the 3rd generation of the “new” Mini Cooper, and it has undergone it’s most extensive redesign since the Cooper drove into the modern age for 2002. Like virtually all reworks these days, the Cooper has grown, especially in overall length. But, the classic shape remains. However, diehard fans will instantly notice the… Read More
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 6.02.2014
There is one thing for sure about Volkswagen: They definitely know how to build iconic cars -- From the Beetle, to the Microbus, to the Rabbit…which was actually just the American name for the first edition of the bestselling VW of all time, the Golf. Now after 40 years, and managing nearly 30 million in sales, the 2015 Golf is again all-new. While it has… Read More
2015 Subaru WRX STI 5.02.2014
MotorWeek awarded the Subaru WRX its Drivers’ Choice Award as Best Sport Sedan for 2014 based on how much more fun it was to drive, and how much less it cost compared to other four-door performance rivals. Still, even while handing out the honors, we knew that another shoe from Subaru was about to drop in the guise of an all new WRX STI, the brand’s… Read More
2015 Honda Fit 4.02.2014
Following a strong year, Honda looks to stay in fighting trim with an all-new generation of the Fit sub-compact hatchback. With far more intense small car competition these days, it’s no surprise that the Fit has received a total overhaul for the 2015 model year. The latest Fit is both shorter and wider than before, although wheelbase as increased by over an… Read More
2014 Audi Q5 TDI 3.04.2014
Americans have been slow to warm to the idea of economical diesel power for everyday passenger vehicles. Memories of failed diesels in the past, the specter of smelly truck stops, and the premium price of both the powertrain and fuel, have pretty much stopped widespread diesel adoption. That’s despite the fact that a straightforward turbo-diesel powertrain… Read More
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S 2.03.2014
2014 is the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911, and for much of that time it has served as the global benchmark of sports cars. Part of that reason is that Porsche never lets the 911 sit back and enjoy its accomplishments, at least not for very long. Porsche designers are constantly working towards an ever higher performance goal for the 911. So, it is… Read More
2014 Chevrolet SS 1.08.2014
One of the more interesting aspects of the post bankruptcy General Motors is their efforts to field new products that have few direct competitors, either from hometown domestic or import brands. Their new mid-size pickup trucks from Chevrolet and GMC will go up against only a pair of contenders, and both of those import brand haulers are quite long in the… Read More
2014 Mazda3 12.02.2013
The 2014 model year marks the 10th anniversary of the Mazda3 compact series. And in that brief time it’s not only become one of our favorite small cars, but Mazda’s biggest seller. For its 3rd generation, it undergoes the most changes in its brief history, being all new from the ground up. For starters the Mazda3’s wheelbase is over 2-inches longer than… Read More
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid 11.01.2013
The Honda Accord has long been a favorite for families looking for a comfortable, safe, reliable, yet reasonably priced mid-size sedan. Now those same fans can add ultra-fuel efficient to that mix of attributes with the arrival of the 2014 Accord Hybrid. The latest Accord Hybrid is not a rehash of the disappointing V6 Accord Hybrid we first tested during… Read More