MotorMouths

The Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS is one of those cars that frightens other drivers right off the road. And yet this is one of the most civilized supercars around, with all the stunning performance you’d expect from a $200,000 aluminum-spaceframe supercar.

At nearly $70,000, it isn’t cheap. But nor does it shortchange the driver in any way. Fast, handsome and capable, the RS5 is rolling confirmation of Audi’s rising role in the automotive world.

It’s hard to find fault with a solidly built, comprehensively equipped luxury convertible such as the SL. With plenty of space inside, the car provides a welcome sense of privilege along with a palpable impression of mechanical sophistication.

The XTS caters to the Cadillac client looking for a traditional large luxury car. Yet its tidy packaging and intelligent design cleverly understate the car’s size.

The Mazdaspeed3 a wicked weekend plaything that can be driven around at relaxed speeds with little drama or discomfort in an everyday environment. And, of course, we appreciate the amazingly versatile five-door hatch.

As long as you have no issues with the new face of the 3-series, it is clearly a better car than the previous edition. Even the steering assist has done little to diminish driving pleasure. There is technology aplenty, but the driver access to it seems better integrated, and it is friendlier in nature.

Priced at about $25,000, and capable of about 32 mpg in normal use, the 2010 VW GTI is arguably one of the most appropriate performance cars of the times.

Porsches have long had the reputation for everyday driveability, and the 2010 911 Turbo is no exception. It may have 500 hp, but unlike many “super” cars, the Turbo makes it easy to climb behind the wheel and simple to manage in the narrow lanes of small villages. A practical 500-hp sports car? Perhaps.

Wwhatever driving environment you find yourself in, the Mazda5 is pleasant to operate. It’s an altogether charming vehicle. The equipment levels are comprehensive, particularly at the price, and it has all the safety systems you’d require.

Nice as its convenience technologies are, the Altima’s major attraction for us is its performance on the road. We find the Altima an attractive alternative to the other big players in the class.

This latest BMW X3 offers a ride smooth enough to satisfy the strictest critics, and all the latest drivetrain and chassis technologies at BMW’s disposal. Completely redesigned, this latest-generation is roomier than pre-2011 models.

The 2012 RAV4 EV is a powerful-feeling vehicle with excellent responses and a pretty refined sense of integration. The only real downside is its relatively steep price.