MotorMouths

Do you ever have those days as a parent when you just wish you had an extra hand or two? If you have a load of bucks to spend, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will not only lend you that hand but do it in total luxury and style.

The XK convertible has sleek, classic Jaguar lines that look equally feminine and powerful. It was responsive and offered enough road feedback for me to feel connected to the pleasure of the sport of driving.

I was pleasantly surprised by this large hatchback’s combination of performance driving ability, smooth ride quality and family-friendly backseat space and functional trunk. The A7 is worth every penny.

The 2011 Jaguar XJL, the long-wheelbase version of the flagship XJ sedan, is luxurious with a capital L.

I still stereotype minivans a bit as oaflike and cumbersome to maneuver, but the 2011 Odyssey is just as easy to handle as a midsize sedan. Where the Odyssey really shines, however, is in its ability to be flexible and customizable.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon it drives incredibly well, has all the ooh-la-la extras you’d want in a $70,000 Benz, but even more importantly, it sports one of the best automotive inventions for families of all times: the rear-facing jump seat. Oh, did I mention it has all-wheel drive?

I’m just not ready to upgrade to a honkin’ huge crossover, SUV or full-size minivan. The Mazda5 might just be the perfect compromise, allowing us enough space for everybody while delivering a bit of Mazda’s legendary zoom-zoom.

The 2011 Ford Explorer is altogether pleasant for the whole family and nearly car-like to drive. It has responsive acceleration, just-right braking and a smooth and surprisingly quiet feel on the road.

Flying through life in a 2012 Audi A6 was pure pleasure — save for a multimedia system as complicated as navigating airport security.

he 2011 Kia Sportage is one of the cutest new cars on the road. It also packs an incredibly powerful punch with the features included for less than $30,000.

After driving the 2011 Nissan Leaf, I could dominate a coffee klatch, raving about its great driving experience and the unexpected emotional enlightenment I got from driving it for the week.

The tiny, fun-to-drive 2012 Fiat 500c fits my imaginary Italian life, and its unique look is a nearly indescribable mix of small and adorable yet suave and Euro-chic.