Automotive Trends

Back in the 1960’s, the Beetle was a car at the bottom of the automotive food chain.  If one wanted a cheap and reliable car the Beetle was an obvious choice.  Problem was, the Beetle offered very few comfort and convenience features.  VW replaced the Beetle with the highly successful Golf (known for a time as the Rabbit in the States).  When the New Beetle hit the roads in the late 1990’s it was fully modern in features and retro in style.  Problem was, it wasn’t the most manly of cars.  VW decided to replace the New Beetle with a more macho car, one that had finally grown up.  Indeed, this car is far more civilized and comfortable than any of its forbearers.  The question remains, has it improved enough in the last decade and a half to remain relevant? Read more…

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder…

      …And this auto scribe thinks someone whacked the 2010 Mazda3 with an ugly stick! But regardless of what I think of the wrapper the real measure is whether or not the 2010 3 follows the formula that Mazda patented with the original. That is to pack this entry-level compact hatch with as much content as they can squeeze between the sheetmetal and offer it at a value you just can’t resist. Read more…

        Volkswagen executives must have looked at the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evolution before coming to a conclusion: “We want one of those!” Read more…