MotorMouths

Judging the overall package based on the test cars, we’d have to say that the 2011 Jetta will be VW’s best car. If it’s reliable, it could slam into the compact sedan market like an angry rhino.

The Eco version of the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan is the fuel-mileage special, with space, style, satisfaction and strong mpg for a modest price. Watch out, hybrids.

The TSX eschews the complicated-is-good theme of electronic gadgetry, and the over-accessorized engines and gazillion-speed transmissions that reign today. We applaud that, and credit it for much of what made the TSX sport wagon test car a delight every mile.

The 535i turbocharged six-cylinder with six-speed manual transmission, drove very well — expected from a BMW, but an attribute that shouldn’t be overlooked. The options list on the tester ran to $15,700 (enough to buy a Mazda2 subcompact).

The 2013 RDX is bigger, softer-feeling, smoother-driving. All worthy. But it’s also a bit dumbed-down from Acura’s historic high-tech/high-class approach. On the other hand, it works fine and probably will suit most people most of the time.

That’s more like it. The Scion tC makeover for 2011 results in a crisp, purposeful, comfortable, good-driving coupe. The previous car was slightly underpowered, and its older transmissions didn’t bring out the engine’s best.

Most of the time, you drive the Volt on battery power only. Some of the time, you burn gas to keep the juice flowing. No place to plug in to recharge? No problem. Fill the gas tank and drive on. How, exactly, is that anything but genius?

If you go by the numbers, the redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza is a couple of steps back. The marquee matter, though, is that the 2012 Impreza fuel-economy ratings are from 5 to 10 miles per gallon better than the 2011’s.

No modern car really is simple, but the Mazda5 tester lacked the electronic artifice becoming common. That made it less distracting, less tiresome and much more fun to drive. Mazda deserves applause for holding onto the “zoom, zoom” sporting personality in a minivan.

The most exciting car yet from South Korean automaker Hyundai is the 2012 Veloster. Plenty of standard features mean you’re getting not only an unusual car but also a nicely appointed one, with unexpected highway composure.

Infiniti’s 2013 JX 35 is a big crossover SUV that breaks the brand’s self-imposed rules and gets by with the transgressions. It’s not cheap, but buyers would do well to knock on JX 35’s door and ask to come in.

The Kia Soul gets drivetrain updates for 2012 and a few filigrees that make it more desirable without compromising its funky appeal or the plain, old usefulness of a car shaped like a box.