We auto writers are a fortunate few.

We drive all sorts of wonderful cars  and trucks with all kinds of whiz bang gadgets, out of this world styling and performance that makes your head spin.

But every so often, you get tired of that, and all you want is a normal car, with normal features, normal controls and predictable handling. Or at least that’s true for me.

And that’s pretty much what the 2012 Dodge Avenger is.  A normal car. No fuss, no muss.  And we should tell you that it’s far better built, far better equipped and even better looking than it was before. We even got a few glances and questions while we drove around ii it.

But we don’t mean to imply that this car doesn’t have some state-of-the-art technology to boast about; it does.  Standard equipment includes a media center with CD/DVD/and HDD.  There’s a 40 GB hard drive with 28 GB available, a 6.5 inch touch screen display, and Sirius XM Satellite radio, all standard equipment.  And the optional package on our car included a 73N CD/DVD/ MP3/HDD and Navigation system, and UConnect voice command with Bluetooth, and a Sirius XM  Travel  Link system too.

At any rate, all the tweaking, fixing and refining that Chrysler did during  the bailout days has paid off in a much better product.

It shows up in little things.  Remember how mundane and cheap looking some Chrysler  interiors were not so very long ago?  Forget  about. No more. The steering wheel, for instance, is more substantial, with a nicer feel and a richer look.  There’s well-done stitching and more durable, richer looking seating material, too.  The dashboard has tasteful trim here and there, with logical controls and systems.

The ride is much smoother, quieter and well-mannered. The luggage compartment is nicely finished off, and we didn’t notice any exposed metal,  loose threads or traces of glue anywhere in the car interior where that used to be an issue.

And the new 3.6 liter V-6 proved to be smooth, powerful and quieter, turning the Avenger into a pretty comfortable, quiet car, too.

Our SXT Plus (That’s the snappier R/T in the picture, however)  had a base price of $25,440.  that price included side, front and rear airbags, stability control, traction control, a six spered automatic transmission, all the features I mentioned earlier in our review, full power accessories, climate control, cruise control, aluminum wheels and more.

The final price, with options, was $25,440.

The 283 horsepower 3.6 liter V-8 is at the top of the pack for family size intermediate sedans, the field that the Avenger competes in, it gets 19/29 miles per gallon.  Annual fuel costs are $2,525, based on 15,000 miles of driving at $3.70 for a gallon of gasoline.  There’s a four cylinder rated at 21/30, but that’s about average for the field, nothing to shout about.  And given the performance rating of the V-6–it gets to 60 in about 6.5 seconds–the mileage advantage for the four isn’t that great.

The mileage rating for the V-6 is pretty good, although that figure is of course, on the low side for the non-hybrid intermediates which mostly get two to three miles per gallon in more in highway and city driving. And the Avenger, which doesn’t have a hybrid version, is at a huge loss when compared with admittedly much more expensive hybrid intermediates.

The biggest problem that Avenger has is that, in these appearance conscious times, it looks dated.  It’s smaller than other mid-sized cars, and that shows up in things like rear seat room.  And it doesn’t have some of the other features now found on its competitors.  In other words, it needs either a serious update or a total replacement, and soon.

Still, it’s  a pleasant, much improved car, and worthy of consideration for purchase.

Take a look at the 2012 Kia Sorento–a good look.

So what price class would you say the Sorento competes in among SUVs and crossovers?  Entry level luxury? Mid level luxury?
If you’re looking at a really loaded one painted in a nice dark color like Dark Cherry with chrome wheels, would you even venture that the Sorento competes at the top end of the crossover market?

Take your time. Guess.  Oops, there’s the buzzer. And we bet you guessed wrong!

The Sorento doesn’t compete in any of the luxury end of the SUV/crossover market segment at all. And that’s likely to come as a big surprise when you drive one.

The Sorento’s ace in the hole is that, with its gorgeous interior spilling over with really rich materials, the expensive looking dashboard, and the quiet, solid ride, it’s competing in the mid- price segments in the SUV/crossover market.

It’s high on value and content, as are most Kia products, and it’s also high on style with a classy, handsome profile and features–also getting to be a Kia trademark.

Our tester was a Sorento EX witih all wheel drive, with a base price of $27,650.  It was equipped with a 2.4 liter, 175 horsepower four cylinder engine, backed by a six speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic.  Fuel mileage rating is 21/28 miles per gallon, with an annual estimated fuel bill of $1,958 based on 15,000 miles of driving at $3 a gallon.  And in case you were wondering, it’s built right here in the US of A.

Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, climate control, full power accessories, anti lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, downhill brake/hilll start assist control, satellite radio, adjustable power driver’s eat with lumbar support, 60/40 split folding and reclining rear seats, cruise, tilt and telescoping steering column, ecominder indicator, interior accent illumination, privacy glass, rear spoiler, and on and on.

Options included a premium package that included heated front seats, leather seats in the front and rear row, a avigation system with Sirius traffic, Infinity surround Sound Audio system and other features.

Equipped with the package and destination charges, the final price on our tester was $32,300.

As  we mentioned earlier, the Sorento was nothing if not quiet and stable. There are no histrionics, steering problems or excess body leans with the Sorento. Visibility is excellent all the way around, which is a rarity these days among cars of all types.  That’s all thanks to the rather squarish profile of the Sorento.

But have no fear. We don’t mean to suggest the Sorento is square and boring with no styling interest.  It’s conventionally elegant, low-kewyed and contemporary looking, especially with the nifty new Kia family grille ltht it shares with other brand products.

Inside, there’s all kinds of room up front, and in the second row, too.  But things get tricky with the third row seat.  It’s narrow and small, and getting to it is a pain on the passenger side of the Sorento.  That could be an issue with the third row being used for small children  who you’d rather not load up on the driver/street side of the car. And when you get into the third row seat, leg room is almost non-existent and your knees end up in your chest.

Performance wise, we’d suggest you take a close look at the  3.5 liter, 276 horsepower V-6, which gets gas mileage almost as good as the four.  For our purposes, the four proved to be sluggish, slow to accelerate and a real challenge for hills in Pittsburgh, Automobile Journal’s hometown.

On the positive side is Kia’s dynamite warranty package, with a 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 5 year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, and 5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance program.

The Sorento is a terrific product, and one that will impress your neighbors, who will likely think you spent a bundle on it!

By Don Hammonds

What’s your idea of luxury in a car?

Is it flash and bling?   Aggressive-looking beauty?  Understated elegance?

How about architectural drama, subtlety and contemporary flair?

If you have an eye for Scandanavian modernity, striking profile, and a complete absence of bling, we have your next luxury crossover: Volvo’s 2012 XC60 T6 All-Wheel Drive.

With lines and styling elements that would be just as at home in a contemporary art museum as on the road, stunning acceleration and muscle, along with plenty of practicality and safety features, it’s a tough one to beat. It’s so good in fact that we at Automobile Journal think it’s squarely in the top tier of luxury crossovers. It appears we’re not alone in our view: Consumer Reports places it in its highly coveted recommended category to consumers.

Our test model  had a base price of  $43,700, a price which included special R-Desigined features like 20 inch  five spoke wheels with all season tires, R-Design sport chassis, silk metal chrome plated skid plate and dual tailpipes, color-matched lower body moldings with matte finishes,  R-design leather seats with accent inserts, grille with R-Design logo, “Blue Watch” Dial instrument cluster, R-Design  aluminum  inlays and aluminum sport pedals and a perforated leather sport steering wheel.

Other standard features include a lusty 3.0 liter, 325 horsepower, turbocharged six cylinder engine, with continuous variable valve timing and a twin scroll turbocharged system. The engine has 364 pound/ feet of  of torque, and it’s  backed by a six speed automatic with adaptive shift logic.

The standard equipment list also includes stability control and traction control, independent front and rear suspension, and a ” Ready Alert”  braking system.

The optional equipment on our car included the XC60 Platinum package with a voice controlled navigation system, a premium sound system, rear parking assist camera, keyless drive, power operated tailgate, HomeLink, grocery bag holder, and lots of other features.  There also was a climate package and techonology package with heated front and rear seats, rain sensor for the wipers, interior air quiality system, adaptive cruise control with queue assist, collision warning system with full auto brake,  pedestrian detection with full auto brake, distance alert, driver alert control, lane departure warning system and other items.

With options, the price of our car was $52,675.  Expensive, yes.  But worth every penny. There’s not a single thing that you need or want that isn’t either standard or available at extra cost.

Those who are familiar with Volvo and its history and traditions know that the brand is best known for its emphasis on safety.

The standard City Safety feature alone is worth its weight in gold.  It allows the XC60 to, independent of the driver, put on the brakes if you’re moving below certain speeds, to avoid an accident or at least lessen  the damage allows the XC60 to autonomously apply its  brakes below certain speeds to prevent or lessen damage if you’re unable to avoid an accident.

We’d like to give a “shout out” to the optional Collision Avoidance package. It gives you a lane-departure warning  system, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control and other forms of assistance, all valuable to have.

Our test car validated its safety prowess over and over. If somebody in front of us stopped suddenly, we were instantly alerted via flashing red lights and a warning buzzer as the car automatically braked for us.    If a car was approaching us too closely–a common problem in crowded, narrow-streeted Pittsburgh– we were warned about that, too, via the car’s amazing safety systems.

And the seats were designed in a way that the head restraints were not uncomfortable, and looked terrific. As  you can surmise, the  safety equipment is extensive, and includes things like an adaptive steering wheel column safe approach and Home Safe Perimeter lighting system, intelligent driver information system, rear foglight and LED accent taillights.

Now more about those seats, and interior comfort.

The interior is truly something to behold.  No wonder Volvo has won so many awards for interior design.  Check out the slender, eye-catching floating center stack. Or look around at the expensive looking metal trim and classy looking side profile of a human being that’s used as part of ther climate control system.

The XC60 is a superb long distance traveler, and is equipped with seats adorned with buttery soft leather that you can sink into and feel like you’re in your favorite easy chair.  There’s stretch out room up front for everyone, and this car is one of the very few–trust us on this one, VERY few cars–in which you actually have plenty of room to buckle car seats for the kids without busting your knuckles, wasting time, uttering curse words or setting off World War III with recalcitrant, “mad as hell” kids who loathe being buckled in.

Now about performance.  The XC60 T6 R-Design feels like a solid, heavy automobile. Until you hit the accelerator. The engine immediately reacts, and you’d best hold on. Learning modulation on the accelerator is a must with this one. Published reports suggest a seven second zero to sixty time, and we wouldn’t doubt it. The muscle’s all there.

Fuel economy is just “meh,” however.  Though it’s rated at 17/23 with a combined city/highway rating of 20 mpg, we got a bit less with ours, and there are competitors that do better on this score. The federal government says that the annual fuel cost is $2,800, and adds that you’ll shell out $1,300 more  in fuel costs over five years.

A couple of other issues:  The navigation system isn’t especially intuitive, and it took several tries to get it to do what we wished. The graphics on the cruise control system when you engage it are puzzling and, like the navigation system, you should not fail to read the owners manual to make sure you understand everything.  We know a lot of owners that don’t spend the necessary time with the manual, and this is one car  where that is not a good thing.

But over all, this one’s a big-time winner. It’s beautiful, safe almost beyond reason, and plenty powerful too.

You’ll be had pressed to do any better elsewhere.

A concept version that very closely duplicates the production car has been introduced at the New York Auto Show, and we expect it to be a much more viable flagship sedan for the brand than the outdated RL that is languishing in the showrooms.

Technology always is a hallmark of Acura, and the RLX is no exception. New  technologies will include the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, in combination with “sophisticated styling and smart packaging to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort,” Acura said in a news release. “Utilizing highly efficient packaging, the RLX Concept delivers the interior space of a large luxury sedan with the footprint and agility of a midsize luxury sedan.

Power on the concept was a 3.5L direct-injected VTEC® V-6 engine and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, with three electric motors, combine to generate more than 370-horsepower, and are paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and lightweight body to deliver V-8 acceleration with four-cylinder fuel economy—with an estimated EPA (city/highway/combined) rating of 30/30/30 mpg.

“We have created a true luxury sedan based on our Acura DNA,” said American Honda president & CEO, Tetsuo Iwamura. “This means achieving advanced performance through engineering efficiency to create a unique synergy between the vehicle and its driver. Inside and out, on the open road or city streets, the sophisticated and elegant Acura RLX will offer a level of connectivity, comfort and advanced performance demanded by today’s luxury buyers.”

But Acura also said the production RLX will be offered in a 310-horsepower, front-wheel-drive version, which will “also deliver superior handling performance through the application of another new Acura technology— Precision All Wheel Steer,” Acura says.

The RLX Concept styling” builds on Acura’s ‘Keen Edge’ design motif with its taut and aerodynamic shape, carefully tailored proportions, and sophisticated and distinctive detailing.  Its athletic stance is accented by 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and 255/35 R20 high-performance tires.  Dimensionally, the RLX Concept is approximately the same length as the current RL, but with a two-inch longer wheelbase and two-inch shorter front overhang. Both the track and vehicle width increase by approximately two inches,” a company news release said.

A key feature upfront will be Acura’s exclusive new Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps debut on the RLX Concept. The Acura signature Jewel Eye™ headlamps use a dual-stacked array with a total of ten separate high-intensity LED lamps, with ultra-reflective optical lenses and high-gloss trim, to provide powerful down-the-road illumination while simultaneously giving the RLX a “highly distinctive and bright-eyed look in both daytime and nighttime conditions,” Acura said.

Front-wheel-drive versions of RLX will utilize Acura’s all-new Precision All Wheel Steer™ system. This system provides for independent control of the steering (toe) angle of the right and left rear wheels by utilizing electrically controlled actuators. Precision All Wheel Steer™ works in tandem with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering to deliver an extraordinary level of cornering control and steering precision.

All-wheel-drive RLX models add even more handling performance with Acura’s highly advanced Sport-Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive), recently introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show on the NSX Concept. The performance hybrid system utilizes a front-mounted electric motor, located within the dual clutch transmission, and a unique dual electric motor drive unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system to instantly generate negative or positive torque to the rear wheels during cornering. This provides a new level of agility and confidence to create an “on-the-rails-cornering” experience, Acura said.

The Acura RLX will offer an extensive array of passive and active safety features. These include a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and the first application of Acura’s Lane Keep Assist System.  In addition, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning will be offered as standard equipment on the RLX.

Passive safety features will include front, side and side-curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, and a driver’s knee airbag. The RLX also incorporates the second generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, with reinforced front frame members for further enhanced frontal crash energy management. The RLX is expected to achieve a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and TOP SAFETY PICK status from IIHS.

Advanced telematics will be part and parcel of the production RLX.

Dual LCD screens (8-inch display and 7-inch touch screen) will provide easy and direct one-touch access to key functions — including audio, heating and cooling, navigation and voice-to-text SMS text message function.

The RLX will also feature the first application of the next-generation AcuraLink® Communication System, which incorporates built-in two-way cellular communication to deliver an array of new convenience features, including airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm notification and concierge service.

An all-new, 14-speaker ultra premium audio system will be offered in addition to Acura’s award winning ELS Surround sound system. Both audio systems provide MP3 connectivity via USB along with integration of HD radio, Pandora® internet radio interface and Aha Radio interface via Bluetooth® smart phone pairing.

Using Aha, RLX drivers  can choose from thousands of web-based audio stations, including music, live news, podcasts, audio books, personalized points of interest, and audio newsfeeds from Facebook and Twitter. In addition, a new Acura-exclusive smart phone application integrates smart phone functions (such as email, text messaging and contacts) into the RLX’s on-demand touch screen functions. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® calling and pre-loaded text message replies provide for easy two-way communication.

The RLX also will be available with Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. This innovative system offers the driver a wide range of search options including Bing™ search functionality and the option for an AcuraLink® concierge to send a destination to the vehicle’s navigation system. In addition, the RLX navigation system will feature AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ for both highways and surface streets.

The all new 2013 Viper recently was introduced to the media at  the New York International Auto Show, thus fulfilling  the dreams of many an auto enthusiast who thought they’d never see another new Viper again.

This time, Dodge’s “Snake comes in two  new models, SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS and under the hood, here’s an all-aluminum, mid-engine 8.4-liter V-10 putting out 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – which  Dodge says is the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world.

Dodge fortified the new Viper too with a 50 percent improvement in torsional stiffness, a big triple digit weight reduction that results in Viper’s best power-to-weight ratio, ever, and an all-new interior that has significantly upgraded materials.

By the way, Dodge hasn’t ignored safety issues.  Quite the contrary. The new Viper how has electronic multistage stability control, traction control and new 4-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS).

There are triple-paint-finished Gun Metal appliqués on the cluster bezel, HVAC outlets, window switch bezels, shifter base, park brake bezel and the integrated passenger grab handle on the center console. Standard high-performance racing seats from Sabelt feature a lightweight Kevlar/fiberglass shell created by a state-of-the-art resin transfer molding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability. Designed specifically for the 2013 SRT Viper, the new 7-inch, full-color, customizable instrument cluster display uses a full-time analog tachometer readout in the center to confirm the performance driving feedback philosophy of the Viper.

Drivers have a wide range of custom and personal options such as an additional digital speedometer readout just below the tachometer. The vehicle information is clearly communicated with easy-to-understand icons. Intuitively controlled through a simple four-way steering-wheel control, the driver can configure the screens to display the information they desire, easily mixing and matching information.

The 2013 SRT Viper lineup includes the new, next generation Uconnect® Access in-vehicle connectivity system that provides drivers with access to more information, emergency services, more entertainment and improved graphics. Viper customers can choose between two Uconnect Media Centers, RA3 and RA4, which provide a range of new features and multiple ways to control media in the vehicle. The system includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen along with a set of hard keys for commonly used functions, including traditional knobs for tuning the radio bands and radio volume.

Touchscreen buttons along the bottom of the screen allow drivers to easily access the radio, climate controls, navigation, phone, and new, select, certified applications. The new, highly sculpted steering wheel has a host of finger-tip mounted controls for audio, Uconnect, cruise control (first application) and launch control. SiriusXM Travel Link also is available with Uconnect, providing premium data services and information to make every trip more efficient. SiriusXM Traffic works with the vehicle’s navigation system to display traffic speed and traffic flow information along with accident information to assist drivers in routing around congested areas.

An expanded SiriusXM channel lineup includes exclusive programming, including the new SiriusXM Latino channels, an auto industry first. A range of Harman Kardon® surround-sound systems are available across the SRT Viper lineup that feature the latest in audio system technology. All Harman Kardon audio systems include a high-voltage class D amplifier with tracking power supply and up to 11 channels of amplification.

The Harman Kardon system with exclusive Logic 7 surround-sound processing is available in the Viper GTS model with a total of 18-speakers, including four subwoofers located behind the seats. All Harman Kardon systems in the 2013 SRT Viper lineup include high-performance, high-efficiency GreenEdge technology loudspeakers that are extremely light and include rare earth magnets. The magnets inside each speaker ensure efficient speaker operation and enhanced performance. The audio systems operate on 32 volts – so the new and improved sound system achieves more than double the acoustic power of the current system.

There’s much that’s familiar, as well as much that’s new for the new Viper’s exterior appearance.

It features  an all-new carbon-fiber hood, roof, decklid and aluminum door panels, which are firsts for SRT Viper models, giving it significant weight reduction, improved high-speed stability and a slippery .364 drag coefficient.

The forward-hinged hood carries the redesigned Viper badge – aptly named “Stryker” by the Viper Club of America – positioned in the center; and offers unobtrusive access to several service points and the SRT-engineered V-10 powerplant.

The classical low-stance and the extreme cab rearward proportions that have become the unmistakable silhouette of  Viper,  are  on the 2013 SRT Viper models along with the dramatic fender “gills” – another traditional Viper design cue that helps to extract heat from the engine compartment.

Dodge says the  2013 Viper models feature a contemporary take on the traditional “double-bubble” roof configuration that maximizes headroom for the driver and passenger while maintaining a low frontal area – allowing additional room for helmets during recreational competitive driving. Dual-function, bi-xenon projector headlamps are tightly packaged with white light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lamps and LED turn signals in a sinister “snake eye” configuration.

Functional “blisters” incorporated into the 70 mm projector headlamp lenses create a three-dimensional view that gives Viper a distinctive glare. The lower-front grille is purposefully designed as an evolution of the traditional Viper low-profile cooling opening configuration and discretely carries a refined V-shape structure.

The exhaust system continues to exit forward of the rear wheels and now carries further refinement with cast aluminum, sill-mounted exhaust bezels. For the first time, the 2013 SRT Viper models carry LED taillamps that integrate stop-and-turn illumination in one element. Snakeskin texture in the lens carries the surface work seen in the gills and hood textures. With dark-masked lenses, the horizontal lamps appear dark until the LED elements fire.

Each lamp carries 50 LEDs that provide a unified “crystallized” illumination effect. The five-spoke, forged-aluminum “Rattler” wheel design on the 2013 Viper model is available with fully polished (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black finishes.

The Viper GTS has a split six-spoke forged-aluminum “Venom” wheel design with three available finishes, including polished face with graphite-painted pockets (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black. Available SRT Track Package wheels are ultra-lightweight, track-ready wheels in Hyper Black or matte black finishes.

I like small.

Always have, always will.  But I like my small cars to be distinctive, quick, practical, and wouldn’t mind at all if they were also sexy too.

Well, I think I’ve found a car that meets most of my needs: 2012 Kia Soul!  By the way, that exclamation point is actually the model name.  It takes a while to understand Soulspeak, but hey, it’s cool. And all good. No worries.

And in case you don’t know, Kia is just about the gold standard when it comes  stylish, affordable, unique small and mid-sized cars. And don’t even THINK of buying a car until you’ve at least looked at them. Fit and finish, durability, value and content are now Kia bywords, and have been for some time now.  So get with the program!  Enough said.

The big news for this model year is additional horsepower for the Soul.  I remember when the Soul was introduced, a lack of power was just about the only thing any of  us auto writers complained about.

If you get the entry level Soul, you’ll get a 138 horsepower 1.6 liter four cylinder engine that’s all-new, and it has a rating of 27/35 or 29/36 if you get an Eco  package with different tires and auto stop/start.

Meanwhile, if you spring either for the Soul + or ! models, you get that 2.0 liter four with 164 horsepower, up by 22 horsepower, I’m told.

You also have some big improvements in interior materials and presentations for 2012, and fancier lighting in the Soul !

The Soul is, of course, nothing if not unique. It’s shape is tall, it’s got some unusual character lines and stylistic touches that catch the eye, and there’s not a wasted bit of space anywhere. Every  inch is used for something, thus making the best use of the car itself.

We especially liked the interior because it was pretty room, colorful, and interesting to sit in without a lot of dull, cheap looking materials. Kia has managed to make an interior that looks more expensive than it is, thus allowing consumers on modest budgets to get an ego boost sitting inside the Soul.

Our test model had a base price of $19,600, and not a single option in sight. Didn’t need any. It had everything as standard equipment.

Here’s what you get at no charge:   The  2.0 liter four cylinder with a six speed  automatic transmission  I mentioned, a combo which nets 26/34 miles per gallon, and has an annual estimated fuel cost of $1,553 based on 15,000 miles of driving at $3 a gallon. Electric power steeering, alloy wheels, front seat mounted a side airbags, full length side curtain airbags, front antilock brakes, traction and stability control, vehicle stability management AND hill-start assist control. All standard.

And there’s more. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM /CD/MP3 audio system, UVO In-vehicle infotainment system, cruise control, 60/40 split rear seats. Bluetooth wireless technology. Tilt and telescopic steering column.  Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. Power tilt and slide sunroof.

And we’ve just scratched the surface.  The list is almost inexhaustable.

But for many people, the warranty story will be the clincher. The Soul comes with a 10 year/100,000 mile limited warranty on the powertrain, five year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, anbd a five year,60,000 mile roadside assistance program.

So why do I think the Soul is so perfect for me?  It’s all about the lifestyle, baby.

I have four kids. Active, messy ones. we live in Pittsburgh, a lively, but crowded and space challenged city with lots of curves, hills, snarled traffic but also lots of amenities like stores, restaurants, culture and libraries within five or ten minutes of most residents because they are all over the place. No part of town is without them.

As a result, we make lots of short trips, scooting around town and dealing with traffic jams daily. So my family likes our cars small and urban savvy, but we don’t like boring. You’ll never catch my family in some dull, lifeless box. After all, my personal car is a Mini Cooper Convertible.

So the Soul was right on time and just right for me, and my 18 year old son fell in love with it instantly, and loved the UVO infotainment system and the way it worked, with voice commands allowing you to use your cell phone, IPod and whatever.

And I loved the way it looked and worked.  Entry and exit is a snap.  I could get the little ones in the back seat and snapped with no fuss and bother. There’s no steep liftover when you load groceries and packages in the back hatch.

Visibility is a big bonus, so this is a great car for folks like me who are short.

I really found nothing at all to carp about with the Soul, though some people think it can use some more cargo space in back—it was fine by me–and others think it has a sometime bumpy ride–but I LIKE cars that have a sportier, more responsive ride setup like the Soul.

We’re planning to buy at least one small car, maybe two in the next year or so, and the Soul will definitely be on our shopping list.

In fact the car is so different from anything ever seen with an Avalon nameplate that Toyota is calling it a complete reconception of the nameplate.

“The new Avalon is re-conceived for the premium mid-size sedan segment with a progressive and emotionally styled exterior design,” a Toyota news release says.” When it arrives to dealerships late this year, the new Avalon will offer improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.”

The release adds, “ The new 2013 Avalon is the result of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan’s dramatic exterior and interior design was conceived by a youthful and talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc. facilities in Southern California and Michigan. The car’s engineering development was principally led by a passionate and dedicated group based at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. ”

“Continuing a North American focused theme, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at Toyota’s facility in Georgetown, Ky.  True to the future product mission set forth by Toyota Motor Corporation President, Akio Toyoda, the new Avalon’s more stylish, bold, sporty exterior design and luxurious interior styling are matched by an enhanced dynamic package, a combination that foreshadows the more compelling and passionate nature of future Toyota products.”

Toyota has basically revamped the car from top to bottom. The company says that special attention was paid to ride quality, straight-linbe stability, and handling. The body itself is stronger because of new, strategically placed welds, and drivers should also notice a stiffer body and better suspension performance, the company says.

Those who have been critical of the current generation Avalon’s overly assisted steering and tendency to require steering corrections while driving will be happy to know that the Avalon’s electric power steering system came in for special attention  and revised to ”help deliver enhanced controllability and vehicle agility while also realizing superior linear stability,” Toyota says.

The new Avalon has  three drive modes that help tailor dynamic performance to the driver’s needs. The drive modes – Normal, Eco, and Sport -are made available through driver-selectable switches. In Sport mode, throttle response is enhanced and steering effort is weighted from center to offer a sportier character.

Eco changes throttle response and A/C power usage to help improve fuel economy. Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters help provide a sportier drive while in the D or S Mode, where the revised throttle helps improve shift response to help maximize engine power and vehicle performance.

  As for styling, “The new Avalon’s dynamic exterior styling defines a sleek and expressive profile that helps communicate a sense of motion for the vehicle even when it is at rest. The beltline has been lowered to accentuate a strong stance.  Compared to its predecessor, the new Avalon is a bit more compact yet displays better proportions with a longer, sloping roofline, flared front fenders, and reduced front and rear overhangs, lower vehicle height, and reduced body-to-tire gap. New 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel and tire combinations fill the wheel well to enhance the vehicle’s dynamic exterior expression,” the Toyota news release says.

Inside, you’ll see  a new concave dash panel design in front of the passenger, aimeed at giving a feeling of more spaciousness and airiness.

Leather is found on the steering wheel, shift knob, and seat upholstery,  with hand-crafted, decorative stitching used for the steering wheel, and soft-touch materials on the dash panel and door trim.

Smoked chrome-metallic accents are applied to the instrument panel, center console, door panel, and steering wheel surfaces, and available push-button controlled soft white ambient lighting illuminates key regions of the interior.

The new Avalon’s console area is equipped with a USB port, AUX input terminal and three 12-volt power outlets to help facilitate device interface and charging.
The new Avalon will offer technologies such as advanced capacitive touch switches with positioning and sensitivity that makes them ideal for vehicle system controls.

Other in-car technologies include three color display screens that support the multi-information display, the audio/navigation interface, and the climate control panel.  An easy to use Display Audio system with 6.1 inch touchscreen is standard on the new Avalon; while a JBL Synthesis Premium Audio system, HDD Premium Navigation with 7” screen, dynamic radar cruise control, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a three-zone air conditioning system are also on the list of available features and equipment.
The new Avalon will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

The new Avalon protects customers with a 10 airbag system. A Pre-collision system is also available that is designed to “sense” an impending frontal collision and can help mitigate damage.  A variable ratio brake pedal is adopted that varies the initial and final pedal effort ratios to help realize excellent brake pedal feel.
In addition to a rearview monitor, Avalon offers an available Blind Spot Monitoring system which is designed to help detect vehicles behind the outer mirrors and to help alert drivers in addition to a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) that can alert drivers of cross traffic when they are backing up.

Nissan, without a doubt, did that with the introduction of the 2013 Nissan Altima, a car that represents a huge, dramatic departure from the current model.  It’s making its debut at the press days event this week at the New York International Auto Show.

In addition, the Nissan Pathfinder Concept, a preview of the next-gen Nissan Pathfinder SUV, makes its New York debut at the show.

The new 2013 Altima and another show-stopper, the next generation Nissan Pathfinder SUV, are the first of five all-new models Nissan is launching in the next 15 months.  Both are important models with significant shares of Nissan’s sales pie, and Nissan says that 2011 was the sixth consecutive year of market share gains for Nissan in the U.S., with the Altima ranking as the second best-selling car in the U.S.

The Altima goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July at a starting M.S.R.P. of $21,500.  The new Pathfinder launches later this fall.

Nissan says that the Altima has been designed to be a ” targeted best-in-segment fuel economy model getting 38 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine), ” and the company says the “new premium exterior styling” has a “strong presence and excellent aerodynamics, an upscale interior with premium materials, and an outstanding balance of ride comfort, stability and a fun-to-drive demeanor with projected best-level acceleration.”

Standard equipment will include standard Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®. Also available are NissanConnectSM and NissanConnectSM Navigation with a suite of Bluetooth® phone connectivity features, including hands-free text message integration, Pandora® playback, real-time Google® POI search and more; along with Easy Fill Tire Alert, and next-generation Safety Shield Technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems.

Style-wise, although the new Altima is the latest in a series of streamlined, semi-fastback mid-sized sedans that include the all-new Ford Fusion, the Hyundai Sonata, and Buick Regal, the Altima arguably is the most elegant of the group, though it resolutely maintains its sport sedan image.

Meanwhile, inside, “The premium interior design looks and feels a class above, with new NASA-inspired “zero-gravity” front seats, available leather appointments, and a new standard Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display in the center of the instrument cluster that integrates key information – including available navigation, text messaging notification and audio data – right in front of the driver.”

The engine lineup for the 2013 Nissan Altima includes a redesigned 182-horsepower (est.) 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or a 270-horsepower (est.) 3.5-liter V6, with both engines matched with standard Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Handling is still a priority with the Altima, and it will have a redesigned 4-wheel independent suspension features segment-first Active Understeer Control for refined feel and responsive handling.

The 2013 Nissan Altima will be available in seven  models and be assembled in the United States.