Every three or four years, Mercedes-Benz offers to send an SL roadster my direction; I never decline the opportunity to drive one, for it’s long been a favorite of mine.

The 2017 model, finished in cardinal red, is of added interest through its 362-horsepower, 3.0-liter biturbo V-6 engine. Those I’ve reviewed in past years have been of V-8 power.

The new Mercedes SL450 (V-6) showed up with a price tag of $108,385; that’s $20 grand below the sticker on an SL550 (V-8). Pricing tops out at $200,000 for the AMG SL65 (V-12).

After a midweek drive to Denver, I added miles over the weekend with a short drive to the south Friday for the first Taste of Johnstown, then on Saturday to Strasburg for the 6^th birthday party for great-granddaughter Ava Zink.

On our return drive Saturday, heading north on Strasburg Road, heavy rain washed over the roadway and, at one point, the roadster’s message center read, “Radar sensors dirty,” and the Mercedes’ Distronic cruise disengaged on its own.

So, at the intersection of Strasburg Road and E. 144^th Avenue, with only light rain falling, I pulled off the highway, got out and walked to the long-hooded front of the SL. With a handkerchief, I wiped off the two front eye sensors, got back in the car, headed down the road and the cruise worked just fine.

The SL450 and the 550 are equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions, which can be driven in modes from comfort, to sport, to sport plus, to individual to eco. The 450 can’t match the powerful pace of the 550, though with the V-6 in sport mode and use of paddle shifters, it is quick to respond and fast enough.

The rear-drive roadster, as I’ve written in past SL reviews, corners exceptionally well and is strong in braking from 14.2-inch front rotors and its Brake Assist boost. Lane-keeping assist is in its fifth year of added safety for the SL.

The weekend’s highway drives boosted the Mercedes’ overall fuel mileage to 26.3 miles per gallon. The EPA estimate for the two-door is 20/28.

The distinctive SL look – long hood and short rear deck – is complemented with a new front grille that is a throwback to the SL300 Gullwing coupe of the mid-1950s. The first roadster was added to the SL line in 1957.

The 2017 model’s retractable top can be precisely dropped in 18 seconds, and a power windblocker raises behind the two seats with push of a button. Also at the push of a button, with the top in place, a MagicSky system allows the darkly tinted glass roof to turn clear.

With top down on a cooler day, an AirScarf vent in the headrests will blow hot air onto the necks of driver and passenger.

An interior highlight, in addition to the deep white nappa leather, is the $5,400 Bang and Olufsen BeoSound audio system with two front bass subwoofers raised and lighted at the corners of the dash.

A split infotainment screen can provide navigation mapping for the driver, while entertaining the passenger with a movie.

Last, and probably least, there is a removable ash tray rolling around in the glove compartment; if needed, pull it out and drop it into a cupholder and the cigarette lighter will be found beneath a lid of the center console.

Guiding the Alfa Romeo Giulia luxury sport sedan over Cameron Pass and down to Walden proved particularly special among this summer’s numerous driving delights.

The Giulia is a new player from an old family, based in the hills of Italy; yet to its liking is the spirited mountain driving of the Colorado Rockies.

If I remember correctly, the last four-door Alfa I’ve driven was back in 1995, the 164 Saloon, a heavy sedan with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine. In December 2015, I tested the Alfa 4C Spider.

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia is of all-wheel-drive configuration, a midsize competitor with the Audi A4, BMW 3 series, Mercedes C Class, Jaguar XE, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS and Volvo S60. Alfa Romeo Automobiles is a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

The Giulia was put together in Italy for driving in the U.S.’s tougher terrain such as Colorado’s. It was perfectly suited for the drive on Colo. 14 up Poudre Canyon, from the moment the starter button on the steering wheel is depressed to the stopping power of the four-wheel Brembo disc brakes (13-inch rotors in front).

Performance for the Giulia Base AWD model is from a 280-horsepower, 306 lb.-ft. torque, twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, with quick-burst passing power on the two-lane roadway. Pushing a switch will upgrade its normal drive mode to dynamic, with improved throttle response and shift patterns.

Handling is excellent from double-wishbone front suspension, with multilink rear and coils all around. Tires are Bridgeston Turanza 225/45R18.

We breezed in to Walden for lunch at the River Rock Café in the Antlers Hotel. The remoteness of Walden in North Park and the friendliness of its 600 townspeople have reminded me of the fictional Cicely, Alaska, in the Northern Exposure tv series of 20 years ago or so.

The Giulia carried us northward on Colo. 125 past Cowdrey, on to Laramie, Wyo., then back down U.S. 287 to Fort Collins and home to Greeley.

On descents in the mountains, I use paddle shifters; many drivers don’t. I prefer the paddles for keying on a couple of lower gears to avoid most use of the brakes. Contrasting the Ford Fusion Sport I drove recently with tiny, though so convenient, paddles tied to the steering wheel, are the Alfa’s 6 ½-inch-long aluminum paddles locked to the steering column. They’re prominent enough to impress young drivers; also, though, to hinder some access to other stalks for high beams/turn signals/wiper controls.

With the 2.0-liter, turbo 4 power, the Alfa carries an EPA highway estimate of 31 miles per gallon of premium fuel. Overall average for my tests was 28.2 mpg. Fuel tank is 15.3 gallons. Among more powerful engines available for the Giulia is one of 505-horsepower, a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6.

The Alfa Romeo is rear-wheel-based, with measurements of 111 inches for wheelbase, 182.5 for overall length, 73.7 width and curb weight of 3,805 pounds.

A pretty Montecarlo  blue metallic finish enhances the new Alfa Romeo. Its leather interior is classy, though rear seating is very firm and tight in legroom and its trunk capacity of 12 cubic feet is shy of most competitors.

With its all-wheel-drive setup, the Giulia sport sedan is priced at $46,490. Base price is $39,995 and among a long list of optional equipment are heated front seats/steering wheel/washer nozzles, leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and custom-painted brake calipers.

Upgraded variations for two old, established models added interest to hot summer drives.

Stunning power of the Sport edition of Ford Fusion and the toughened Trailhawk look for the Jeep Compass have lifted both a bit in ratings.

The sleekly styled Ford Fusion Sport sedan showed up in ruby red finish, with dark-painted wheels and spoiler at the rear.

No Fusion has ever performed quite as strong as the new Sport with the 2.7-liter, twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine boasting 325 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. With a dial shifter and small, easy-to-access paddles on the steering wheel, the 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive send the Sport on its way in good fashion.

An “S” button (for Sport) in the middle of the dial shifter can be pushed for improved throttle response, steering effort and stiffened suspension.

Sporty front seats, particularly seatbacks, are especially supportive, in a combination of leather and suede. Rear seating is roomy and trunk capacity is 16 cubic feet.

Turbo use kept fuel-mileage average in the middle of the car’s estimate; 21.9 in an estimate of 17/26. The EcoBoost calls for premium fuel. The four-door rode on Continental 235/40R19 tires.

Safety innovations, such as reverse sensing system, enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise with stop and go, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert boosted sticker price of the Fusion Sport to $41,675 from a base of $33,605.

Among a long list of standing equipment were rearview camera, remote start, capless fuel filler, aluminum sport pedals, rear air and heat ducts, SiriusXM satellite radio and intermittent wipers.

Here are the specifications for the ’17 Ford Fusion Sport AWD:

Capacity 5 passenger; Wheelbase 112.2 inches; Length 191.8 inches; Width 72.9 inches; Height 58 inches; Curb Weight 4,123 pounds; Track 62.7 inches front, 62.4 rear; Turn Circle 37.6 feet; Drivetrain All-wheel-drive; Engine 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6; Horsepower/Torque 325/380; Transmission 6-speed automatic; Steering electric power-assist; Fuel mileage estimate 17/26; Fuel mileage average 21.9; Fuel Tank 17.5 gallons, premium; Wheels 19-inch; Tires Continental 235/40R19; Trunk Volume 16 cubic feet; Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain; Competitors Buick Regal, Dodge Charger, Subaru Legacy, Volvo S60; Assembly Plant Hermosillo, Mexico; Base Price of Review Model $33,605; Destination Charge $875; Sticker Price $41,675.

New Jeep Compass

The new 2017 Jeep Compass replaces the former Compass and Patriot compact crossovers; its 4-cylinder horsepower has been increased by 22 to 180, it is improved in handling and ride.

In the Trailhawk edition, the Compass engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive and stop/start capability at stoplights.

Still, the acceleration and performance of the 4-cylinder MultiAir engine is on the sluggish side, compared with competitive all-wheel-drive compacts. In addition to the Compass’ all-wheel drive, it can be shifted to 4WD lock or 4WD low in tough weather.

Jeep continues its bright color splash, this one with a blue laser exterior finish and red tow hooks at the front and rear bumpers. A dark interior is trimmed in orange. The cabin is improved in quality and features a panoramic sunroof and a rugged rubber mat in the cargo area, accessed by power liftgate.

The Jeep averaged 23 miles per gallon of regular fuel; its EPA estimate is 22/30. It rides on Falken 215/65R17 tires.

Among features in the Compass’ sticker price of $33,815 are remote start, rain-sensitive intermittent wipers, GPS navigation, dual-zone air conditioning, offroad suspension and skid plates.

Here are the specifications for the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk AWD:

• Capacity 5 passenger;
• Wheelbase 103.8 inches;
• Length 173 inches;
• Width 73.6 inches;
• Height 64.8 inches;
• Curb Weight 3,633 pounds;
• Track 60.7 inches front, 60.3 rear;
• Ground Clearance 8.5 inches;
• Turn Circle 35.3 feet;
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive;
• Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder;
• Horsepower/Torque 180/175;
• Transmission 9-speed automatic;
• Steering speed-sensitive electronic;
• Suspension struts all around;
• Fuel mileage estimate 22/30;
• Fuel mileage average 23;
• Fuel Tank 13.5 gallons, regular;
• Wheels 17-inch;
• Tires Falken 215/65R17;
• Cargo Volume 27.2 cubic feet;
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain;
• Competitors Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Rogue;
• Assembly Plant Toluca, Mexico;
• Parts Content U.S./Canadian 27%, Mexico 62%;
• Base Price of Review Model $28,595;
• Destination Charge $1,095;
• Sticker Price $33,815.

Yep, the road’s open to Glen Haven (and Estes), and it seems shorter than before the winter closing.

The road hasn’t been shortened, it only seemed that way in the powerfully quick 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 4X4 I drove there.

Traffic was heavy in the Big Thompson Canyon and continued so after the turnoff to Glen Haven. “We’re having July business in June,” said Steve Childs, longtime owner and operator of the New Haven General Store, referring to the busy early-season pace in the normally quiet community.

The Grand Cherokee SRT is a performance-oriented SUV, built to compete with higher-end models, such as the Range Rover Sport Supercharged, BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The Jeep is equipped with a 475-horsepower, 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and sport-stiffened suspension.

Those many, many twists in the road once I departed U.S. 34 at Drake and headed up the Devil’s Gulch Road for 8 miles to Glen Haven are ideal for the manual-mode-shift-capable Grand Cherokee. I used 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and occasionally 6^th in manual-mode both going to Glen Haven and descending back to Drake. To have remained in automatic-shift mode, the Jeep’s 8-speed transmission would have opted for higher gears and required considerable braking.

Jan recognizes the advantage of lower-gear choice in curvy mountain driving to save heated brake wear; the only request she made was for use of the Comfort setting for a bit of softness in the built-firm suspension setup.

At the general store, we enjoyed one of the famed homemade cinnamon rolls, for which Childs’ wife, Becky, is famed, and visited with Ron Holzschuh, who had driven from Loveland to the store for his birthday.

Since its introduction in 1993, the five-seat Grand Cherokee has been a favorite among sport-utility vehicles. Only the Ford Explorer outsells the Grand Cherokee among midsize SUV/crossovers. Five-month sales totals are 111,266 for Explorer, 96,203 for Grand Cherokee, 82,378 for Toyota Highlander, 57,846 for Ford Edge, 53,098 for Toyota 4Runner, 47,426 for Hyundai Santa Fe, 44,946 for Honda Pilot and half a dozen others follow.

The Grand Cherokee is sold in six trims levels – the Laredo, Limited, offroad-special Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and performance-special SRT. Beginning price for a Laredo 4X4 is around $34,000.

The SRT is, by far, the highest-priced Grand Cherokee, with a base price of $66,795. Adding high-performance braking, 19 Harmon Kardon speakers with subwoofer, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, rear-seat dual-screen Blu-Ray DVD player and trailer-tow group pushed the sticker total to $78,335. Jeep points out that is considerably lower than a Range Rover Sport Supercharged.

Behind the Grand Cherokee’s two rows of seats are more than 36 cubic feet of cargo space. The Jeep, 191 inches in overall length on a wheelbase of 114.8 inches, weighs a heavy 5,104 pounds. It rides on Pirelli 295/45ZR20 tires.

An interior highlight is its deeply bolstered seats of suede and leather, finished in a lighter sepia color.

A Lane Sense safety addition will add torque to the steering wheel in an effort to turn the vehicle back into its driving path when it ventures to a highway line without its turn signal being engaged.

All that excess Hemi power cost the Jeep in fuel mileage, 17.4 overall. Its EPA estimate is 13/19.

The Grand Cherokee is built in Detroit.

The highway up Big Thompson Canyon was closed all winter for repairs from damage in recent years’ flooding. Plans are for closing the road again next winter.

The 2017 Toyota 4Runner looked at home making its way slowly down the dirt road along meandering Crow Creek in the pastures spreading to the east in the huge Wyoming Hereford Ranch, east of Cheyenne.

With old-fashioned body-on-frame construction, the new 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium 4X4 is one of the more rugged sport-utility vehicles available. To slip into a rut or hit a dip in the road is to feel the tremendous solidity and tightness of the Toyota body and underpinnings.

Passing several extreme offroad opportunities, Jan and I drove the 4Runner to the beautiful setting of the WHR, where I hadn’t visited for several years. It’s been one of the nation’s most prominent Hereford ranches for 130 years, where burial monuments honor Prince Domino, the greatest Hereford sire, and Lerch, the most dominant sire 50 years after Prince Domino.

Steve Anderson, a ranch manager, gave us the run of the place (owners since 1978 are Sloan and Anna Marie Hales). After a couple of photo stops, the Toyota was at its best covering the big spread via the dirt roads.

The 4Runner has a step-in height of 22 inches, indicating it is structured for heavy-duty service, with over 9 inches of ground clearance.

The ride of the 4Runner is okay, though probably doesn’t compare with the sleekness and quality of the many crossover vehicles with unibody design. And it doesn’t compete with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi in performance.

The Toyota’s 4.0-liter V-6 engine, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, puts out 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the same power configuration as was in the 2010 model I tested seven years ago; most competitors have moved to 6-, 7-, 8- and 9-speed transmissions. Though not quick on low-end acceleration, the 4.0-liter has performance aplenty to move the 4,750-pounder up and down the hills.

For engaging four-wheel drive, the transfer case’s mechanical lever sits on the floor just ahead of the transmission shifter. The lever’s normal position is H2 for rear-wheel drive and can be shifted into H4 for four-wheel control at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. An L4 gate offers low-range gear for really tough going.

A dial control for the accommodating terrain settings is placed, awkwardly for the driver, in the overhead console. It alters throttle, gearing and braking for tackling snow, mud, rock and ridges. Normal placement of the terrain dial is on the center console.

Even with some in-town driving at Greeley and Cheyenne and a bit of offroad maneuvering, 220 miles of highway-type travel resulted in an average of 20.5 miles per gallon for the 4Runner. Its EPA estimate is 17/20.

The TRD Off-Road Premium model carried a sticker price of $43,922. A $1,750 option is kinetic dynamic suspension, a hydraulic system that varies the damper rates and sway-bar firmness in offroad situations. Among other options are power moonroof at $850, remote engine start at $499 and paint-protection film at $395.

A survival bag in the cargo area contains gloves, jumper cables, flashlight, tire gauge and bungee cord. Lending easy access to the cargo area, a cavernous 46 cubic feet in size, is a sliding rear deck which can support up to 440 pounds.