MotorMouths

In addition to its handsome stance and profile, the new middle-class oriented Sonata follows the successful Korean model of offering more standard equipment and a lower price than competitors. Moreover, it has markedly improved quality and resale values.

The 2011 Kia Sportage is a credible and stylish alternative to the leaders and stands stoutly on its own.

The Ford Fiesta’s designers paid scrupulous attention to the interior. Surroundings have a quality look and feel and not surprisingly, the hatchback has a quicker, more nimble handling feel than the sedan.

Usually when you push a high-performance luxury sedan, it responds eagerly. The 2011 Infiniti M pushes back. However, it only does that if you want it to, and only if you’ve paid extra for an options package that amounts to a technology tour de force.

Suzuki’s 2010 SX4 Sportback is as capable as it is inconspicuous. It’s a box on wheels with rounded corners, four doors and a hatchback, so it neither turns heads nor inspires automotive lust. The styling could be said to evoke that of a well-designed refrigerator.

With the easy-shifting, nicely-calibrated six-speed automatic transmission and just 3,382 pounds to move, the 176-horsepower engine feels strong off the line and merging into traffic. However, the Tucson is not likely to win too many stoplight drag races.

The Toyota Sienna’s ride suffers compared to other models, but it’s a good compromise for people seeking a bit more driving involvement. Also, Crossovers and sport utility vehicles notwithstanding, the minivan still is the most useful vehicle on the planet.

The Acura ZDX comes from the same design dish as the BMW X6, though with significant differences. It is unabashedly luxurious and moderately expensive. But it is neither as porky nor as expensive as the 4,894-pound X6.

Some drivers like to go stealthily into the traffic. Others have egos that demand a scream. The 2010 Audi S4 can satisfy both, substantively or graphically. But t’s a combination that demands restraint.

The Jetta is all new, with a lower price, and has been reconfigured to go fender to fender against everything that the lucrative and competitive compact family sedan class has to offer