2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro MT6 Coupe

 Ever since the Audi A5 coupe model was unveiled back in 2007, it has drawn quite a bit of attention for its style, design, and 258 lbs of torque.  It has 211 horsepower, but don't let that number fool you.  This car has powerThe A5 coupe we tested was a 2.0 TFSI quattro with 6-speed manual transmission.  As much as we were tempted to take it to the 180 mph limit, we had to restrain ourselves and cruise at 80 mph.   The ride was cool and smooth like vanilla ice cream going down your throat on a summer day.
The Interior
 Even in a coupe model, Audi ensured that no detail was overlooked.  Being in a car like this makes you feel stylish and sleek even if you're just wearing sweats and heading to the grocery store.  But you may not want to wear sweats because heads will turn and people will stop you in parking lots to ask you about the car.  Don't say we didn't warn you.
 The leather 8-way power seats with driver lumbar and aluminum "hologram" interior trim throughout definitely made an impression.  The dark walnut wood inlays are an extra, but added even more style to an already stylish interior.  Can you say luxurious?

Being a coupe model, it was to be expected that tall people were not allowed in the back seat, and if a tall person was driving the car, only one person could sit in the back.  However, the interior comfort that is likened to a luxury sedan more than made up for the lack of leg room.
 Surprisingly, though, the trunk has plenty of space if two people want to take a weekend road trip to say, Las Vegas, like we did.  We were able to fit a big keyboard, two medium-sized bags, and a few laptop bags in the trunk.

2011 Audi A3 TDI FWD S-Tronic

In my idea of a perfect world, everyone would be driving cars that get excellent fuel mileage. Until that time comes, thank goodness for the Audi A3 TDI.
 Before I had the opportunity to test drive the A3, I kept wondering if the U.S. was ready and willing to pay for a compact luxury car. The model I tested has a base price of $30,250.00, which features four-wheel drive and a S-Tronic transmission. When I asked a friend if she was would pay that much for a compact car, she told me that if she was single without kids she could picture herself in an A3. However, for $30K, she’d much rather buy a van.

WantAnR8 Campaign

It's time to summon up the creative energy, Audi R8 fans. The twitter campaign that made dreams come true for a few R8 enthusiasts has made its way back to Twitter land. According to Audi, the Twitter hashtag #WantAnR8 has been used over 75,000 times. We probably think it's much more.

Volkswagen CC

Anyone around the office that’s known me for any length of time knows that the less-than-stellar quality experience I had with my fourth-gen GTI left quite an impression on me. So, I’m still an admitted VW skeptic. But I have to admit I was a big fan of the original CC’s styling. When I first saw photos of the 2013 restyle, I thought VW had “ruined” the CC by trying to rigidly apply its new, more conservative corporate design language to this formerly flamboyant, stylish four-door coupe. Thankfully, the restyle looks much more coherent in person. Another added bonus as part of the restyle is the optional addition of a middle seatbelt in the back row, making it a snug, but useable five-seater. I think this will do a lot to expand the CC’s appeal, even if the extra seat is never actually utilized. I still think my Sonata is nearly as stylish as the CC, and infinitely roomier and more practical, but kudos to VW for a tasteful update.

Range Rover Evoque

I don’t think I’d personally own one of these, and feel it’s a little overpriced for what it is. Yes, yes, I know it just won our Sport/Utility of the Year award, but that doesn’t make it an instant personal purchase prospect. Okay, if I’m seemingly so ambivalent about it, why is it on my “favorites” list? Because Land Rover had the cojones to introduce a 2-door compact SUV when nearly everyone else, with the exception of the Jeep Wrangler, has given up on the narrow niche. Granted, just about the only thing the Wrangler and Evoque have in common are four wheels and headlights, but I can appreciate that Range Rover wanted to make a style statement with the Evoque. In both two and four-door form, I’d say it succeeded.

Ford Focus/Fiesta ST

I would gladly take either of these hot-hatch specimens. Having previously owned a Mazda Protege 5 and a VW GTI, I was instantly attracted to this duo. At this stage in my life, I’d probably go for the slightly larger, plusher Focus, but would not sneeze at the Fiesta. Both are solid efforts and show beyond a shadow of a doubt that Ford is intent on being top-and-center on enthusiast shopping lists.

Ford Shelby GT500

Speaking of American attitude, Ford showed it big time with the in-your-face 650 horsepower Shelby GT500. As if more power was what last year’s comparatively tame 550-horse model needed. I guess when your cross-town rival is packing 580, you’d better bring the heat.