MotorMouths

We think both the dudes and the dorks can find a lot to love about this little car. The Honda CR-Z proves that we’re officially past the point where hybrids have to be nerdilicious, single-purpose fuel-economy machines.

The Kia Optima is now a fully competitive car in a very competitive segment. Each new model from Kia shows that this ambitious car company is quickly catching up to the best. In terms of styling, though, it’s safe to say that Kia is now clearly out front.

We see the Nissan Juke as a distinctively styled, quick, fun-to-drive alternative to the Suzuki SX4, but we definitely won’t be recommending it to any twentysomething young dudes who are considering a used sports coupe.

The manual-transmission Honda CR-Z is the least hybrid-y hybrid ever. Even the brake feel is excellent, with no obvious point of transition between regenerative and friction brakes.

The Lexus HS 250h could just be the perfect combination of smug, snooty, and dorky that well-heeled potential Prius buyers are looking for.

The Murano CrossCabriolet isn’t the no-compromise convertible that we were promised — it’s the all-compromise crossover. Don’t expect it to be much more useful than any other convertible, and it is certainly no substitute for a conventional crossover.