Booming interest in trucks and SUVs, fueled by low gas prices, resulted in a record high 17.47 million light-vehicle sales in the U.S. last year.

The Ford F-series led truck sales for the 40^th consecutive year, Toyota Camry was atop car sales for the 19^th time in 20 years, the Honda CR-V for the fourth consecutive year was leader of SUV/crossover sales, and Toyota Sienna succeeded Chrysler Town & Country as minivan sales champ.

Sales of new Jeeps soared to 865,028 in 2015 from 692,348 the previous year, a rise of 25 percent.

The biggest jump in total sales by individual model during 2015 was 88,000 units by Nissan’s sharp-looking compact crossover, the Rogue, which increased from 199,199 the year before to 287,190 last year. Other big gains were 71,000 by the Chevy Silverado, 60,500 by the Chrysler 200, 48,000 by Toyota RAV4, 42,000 by Jeep Cherokee, 40,000 by Ford Mustang and 39,000 by Ford Explorer.

Following are sales of new cars, SUVs/crossovers, trucks and vans in the U.S. in 2015:

CARS

• Toyota Camry 429,355
• Toyota Corolla 363,332
• Honda Accord 355,557
• Honda Civic 335,384
• Nissan Altima             333,398
• Ford Fusion 300,170
• Hyundai Elantra 241,706
• Chevrolet Cruze 226,602
• Hyundai Sonata 213,303
• Nissan Sentra 203,509
• Ford Focus 202,478
• Chevrolet Malibu 194,854
• Toyota Prius 184,794
• Chrysler 200 177,889
• Kia Optima 159,414
• Kia Soul 147,133
• Nissan Versa 144,528
• BMW 3&4 series 140,609
• Volkswagen Jetta 131,109
• Ford Mustang 122,349
• Chevrolet Impala 116,825
• Mazda3 107,885
• Nissan Impreza 100,519
• Dodge Charger   94,725
• Dodge Dart   87,392
• Mercedes-Benz C class   86,080
• Kia Forte   78,919
• Volkswagen Passat  78,207
• Chevrolet Camaro   77,502
• Dodge Challenger   66,365
• Volkswagen Golf   65,308
• Lexus ES   64,969
• Chevrolet Sonic   64,775
• Ford Fiesta   64,458
• Hyundai Accent   61,486
• Nissan Legacy   60,447
• Toyota Avalon   60,063
• Mazda6   57,897
• Chrysler 300   53,109
• Honda Fit   52,724
• Mercedes-Benz E class   49,736
• Ford Taurus   48,816
• Acura TLX   47,080
• Lexus IS   46,430
• BMW 5 series   44,162
• Buick LaCrosse   42,035
• Mini Cooper S   41,828
• Nissan Maxima   40,359
• Audi A3   35,984
• Chevrolet Corvette   33,329
• Chevrolet Spark   32,853
• Buick Verano   31,886
• Hyundai Genesis   31,374
• Lincoln MKZ   30,901

SUVs

• Honda CR-V 345,647
• Toyota RAV4 315,412
• Ford Escape 306,482
• Nissan Rogue 287,190
• Chevrolet Equinox 277,589
• Ford Explorer 249,251
• Jeep Cherokee 220,260
• Jeep Wrangler 202,702
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 195,958
• Subaru Forester 175,192
• Toyota Highlander 158,915
• Subaru Outback 152,294
• Honda Pilot 136,212
• Ford Edge 124,120
• Chevrolet Traverse 119,945
• Jeep Patriot 118,464
• Hyundai Santa Fe 118,134
• Kia Sorento 116,249
• Mazda CX-5 111,450
• Dodge Journey 105,400
• Lexus RX 100,510
• Toyota 4Runner 97,034
• GMC Acadia 93,393
• Subaru XV Crosstrek 88,927
• Chevrolet Tahoe 88,342
• Nissan Pathfinder 82,041
• Cadillac SRX 68,850
• Buick Encore 67,549
• Jeep Compass 66,698
• Dodge Durango 64,186
• Hyundai Tucson 63,591
• Chevrolet Trax 63,030
• Nissan Murano 62,907
• Buick Enclave 62,081
• Jeep Renegade 60,946
• Acura MDX 58,208
• BMW X5 54,997
• Kia Sportage 53,739
• Audi Q5 52,006
• Acura RDX 51,026
• Chevrolet Suburban 50,866
• Lexus NX 43,764
• GMC Yukon 42,732
• Honda HR-V 41,969
• Infiniti QX60 41,770
• Ford Expedition 41,443
• Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 36,966
• Volkswagen Tiguan 35,843
• Mercedes-Benz M class 32,550
• GMC Yukon XL 31,334
• GMC Canyon 30,077
• Nissan Juke 27,121
• Volvo XC60 26,134
• Lexus GX 25,212
• Lincoln MKC 24,590
• Lincoln MKX 22,199

TRUCKS

• Ford F-Series 780,354
• Chevrolet Silverado 600,544
• Ram 451,116
• GMC Sierra 224,139
• Toyota Tacoma 179,562
• Toyota Tundra 118,880
• Chevrolet Colorado 84,430
• Nissan Frontier 62,817
• Nissan Titan 12,140

VANS

• Toyota Sienna 137,497
• Honda Odyssey 127,736
• Ford Transit 117,577
• Dodge Grand Caravan 97,141
• Chrysler Town & Country 93,848
• Chevrolet Express 63,382
• Ford Transit Connect 52,221
• Ford E-Series 50,541
• Ram ProMaster 39,469
• Kia Sedona 36,755
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 29,889
• GMC Savana 21,992
• Nissan NV200 17,317
• Nissan NV 16,958
• Nissan Quest 11,018

Two enjoyable drives in class-leading automobiles during the extended holiday season were those in the 2016 Honda Civic and 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic sedan.

The Civic, year after year, has been among the four or five best-selling cars in America, and the wonderfully finished S550 has long set the standard for luxury sedans. There is little to link the two, though – they’re separated by 2 feet in length and 100 grand in price.

The new Civic showed up with 3-inch-longer body (182.3 inches), a noticeably roomier interior, curb weight still under 3,000 pounds and, Honda said, its first-ever turboed engine in a U.S. Honda car. All that, and a window sticker of $27,335.

The grand four-door known as the Mercedes S550 stretches to 206.3 inches in length, weighs in at 4,773 pounds and gets its go from a twin-turbo, 449-horsepower V-8 engine. Its sticker price: $128,935.

As for the Honda compact, the 10^th-generation model is arguably the best-looking, most-stylish exterior ever seen on the Civic, with a bolder front end and a sleeker and sharply sloped roofline.

Its new look, roomier interior and better performing powertrain have already earned attention – the Civic was named  “car of the year” at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jan. 11-24.

The Touring model I drove performed impressively with its 174-horsepower, 162 torque, 1.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. While it carries a high EPA rating of 31/42 miles per gallon, my overall average was 34.3. Honda said it is the most powerful engine ever offered on a non-Si Civic in the U.S.

The turbo 4 is mated to an improved continuously variable transmission (CVT); a switch of the Civic into Sport mode boosts the power level and eliminates much of the CVT whining associated with power trains of the past couple years.

Base models of the Civic are fitted with a 2-liter, naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower; it can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The CVT is the only transmission available with the turboed engine.

Occupants of the Civic gain a smoother ride from a chassis featuring improved torsional rigidity, revamped strut front and new multilink rear suspensions.

Well-cushioned leather seats and lots of storage with a bin up front on the center console and one beneath the center stack are interior highlights. Trunk capacity is 14.7 cubic feet, narrowed a bit from base models by a trunk-mounted speaker.

The Civic Touring model’s $27k price tag included a sunroof and even heated rear seats. Added also are remote engine start, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and rain-sensing wipers. Its 7-inch display for the navigation setup also accommodated rearview camera and premium audio with 10 speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth, USB audio interface, Pandora and SiriusXM satellite radio.

As for the German-built Mercedes S550 four-door, it is perhaps the finest of Colorado Drives in level of comfort. Most superlatives are used up long before the drive concludes.

The security of 4Matic all-wheel drive enhances the performance capability of a 4.7-liter biturbo V-8 (449-hp, 516 lb.-ft. torque) and 7-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles.

Let the sedan wander toward the side of the road, with the wheels touching the white line, and the Mercedes is instantly slowed and guided back into the driving lane. Remove one hand from the steering wheel during less-than-straight, down-the-road driving, and a safety-alert icon pops up on the display screen suggesting both hands on the wheel.

Night-vision assist lends a black-and-white view of the area in front of the car during nighttime driving; it identifies and highlights pedestrians along the road before the driver is able to spot them.

To open up access to a cigarette lighter and ashtray was a surprise to me; they were some years ago removed from most cars. It was interesting to see, though of no use, for I’ve not smoked since I was 12.

Did I mention the Nappa leather, softer than in the past, and so attractive with wood trim.

The big Mercedes carries an EPA estimate of 16/26 miles per gallon of premium fuel. My overall average was 19.5; it will cruise the highways at 22 or higher.

A few standouts among the long list of optional equipment that raised price from $97,400 to $128,935 are power rear side-window sunshades, front-seat massage, power outboard rear seats, power right-rear-seat footrest, ventilated front and rear seats, surround-view camera, heated steering wheel, head-up display and 20-inch wheels.

The S550 is one of the world’s best-built automobiles.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Honda Civic Touring:

• Wheelbase 106.3 inches
• Length 182.3 inches
• Width 70.8 inches
• Height 55.7 inches
• Curb Weight 2,923 pounds
• Track 60.9 inches front, 61.5 rear
• Ground Clearance 6.7 inches
• Turn Circle 35.7 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 174/162
• Transmission continuously variable
• Steering electric power
  Fuel mileage estimate 31/423
• Fuel mileage average 34.3
• Fuel Tank 12.4 gallons, regular unleaded
• Wheels 17-inch
• Tires Firestone 215/50R17
• Cargo Volume 14.7 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra

Assembly Plant Greensburg, Ind.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 70%

Base Price of Lowest Model $18,640; Base Price of Review Model $26,500; Destination Charge $835; Sticker Price $27,335.

Handling heavy-duty maneuvering in the deep snow and icy streets through the Christmas holidays was the 2015 Infiniti QX60 all-wheel-drive crossover.

The big and roomy QX60, in response to wheelspin and throttle position, can divert up to 50 percent of available power to the front wheels for improved traction and control in adverse situations. Under normal conditions, 100 percent of power goes to the rear wheels.

Though it is third in order of Infiniti’s alphanumeric SUV crossover designations – QX80, QX70, QX60 and QX50 – it is actually second largest. The QX60 is built upon an unusually wide track, 4 ½ inches wider in front track than the QX70. The QX60 is 5 inches longer than the QX70, 3 inches longer in wheelbase and 200 pounds heavier. The QX70, though, is sportier. Infiniti’s biggest SUV crossover is the huge, strong QX80; its smallest is the QX50.

Equipped with Bridgestone Dueler 235/55R20 tires, the QX60 provided lots of stability in the snow and cold.

The constant cold and the oftentimes deep snow in the streets took their toll in fuel mileage; the QX60 averaged only 18.1 miles per gallon and that included a highway drive to Flatirons Shopping Center at Broomfield. EPA estimate for the crossover is 19/26 mpg. My drive last spring of the QX70 was 17.6, a bit lower than the QX60; the QX70 operates with a 7-speed automatic transmission rather than the CVT of the QX60.

A 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine is beneath the hood of the 60. With the CVT, throttle response and shift points can be adjusted to driver preference with rotary dial control for standard, sport, snow or eco.

A small sunroof over the front-seat occupants adds appeal to the interior, with a large fixed-glass roof over the two rear rows.

For accesing the third row of seating, the second-row seats fold and slide forward; the third-row seatbacks lift up into place for somewhat limited seating space. This leaves a small cargo area of 15.8 cubic feet at the rear. Fold the third-row seatbacks down and the cargo space amounts to almost 41 cubic feet.

A base price of $43,800 for the QX60 swells to $56,090 with the addition of maple interior accents, backup collision intervention, blind-spot and lane-departure warning, intelligent cruise control, Bose Cabin surround-sound system, Infiniti hard-drive navigation with 8-inch touch-screen, heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, remote start and around-view monitor.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Infiniti QX60:

• Capacity 7-passenger crossover SUV
• Wheelbase 114.2 inches
• Length 196.4 inches
• Width 77.2 inches
• Height 68.6 inches
• Curb Weight 4,524 pounds
• Track 68.9 inches front, 65.7 rear
• Ground Clearance 6.5 inches
• Turn Circle 38.7 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.5-liter V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 265/248
• Transmission continuously variable
• Steering speed-sensitive power
• Suspension struts and coilds front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 19/26
• Fuel mileage average 18.1
• Fuel Tank 19.5 gallons, premium
• Wheels 20-inch
• Tires Bridgestone Dueler 235/55R20
• Cargo Volume 15.8 cubic feet
• Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles basic, 6/70,000 powertrain

Competitors Lexus GX, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Land Rover LR4

Assembly Plant Smyrna, Tenn.

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $43,800; Base Price of Review Model $43,800; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $56,090.

A Volvo V60 frequently beeping my iPhone, wherever I was, to message me with this or that, and the most powerful American production car ever built dumping a crankcase of oil as I quickly shut it down were memories of 2015 I’ll not soon forget.

There were other highlights – unveiling of the Bentley Bentayga, Ford’s aluminum-bodied pickup, the return of Alfa Romeo, and many more – but the Volvo and Dodge Charger Hellcat spiced the year for me.

On a cold, late night in January, I parked the Volvo V60, got out and helped push the wife of a Weld County commissioner in her front-wheel-drive Hyundai from deep snow along the side of the street. A VolvoOnCall app, downloaded earlier into my iPhone which was left at home with Jan, beeped the phone and showed her on a map where the V60 was parked. Walk away from the V60 without locking its doors and an alert will sound in the phone. The V60 can also be started with a signal from the phone’s app.

I dropped by McDonald Automotive Group dealerships one morning last week to visit with owner Doug McDonald about the amazing Volvo app. Doug had departed to warmer climes for a couple of weeks; Will Routon, general manager of the Volvo store, discussed with me the phone app’s many capabilities.

Doug McDonald 50 years ago got into the car business in Denver, opening a Volkswagen dealership. Today, with his sons’ involvement, he oversees the sales of five brands, having added Audi, Volvo, Mazda and Hyundai.

“Well, hell’s bells,” I muttered on an evening in April when my longed-for time in the Hellcat version of the Dodge Charger in reality lasted five hours. The ‘Cat is the powerful beast with a 707-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V-8 engine and 8-speed transmission.

Dale, Sandy, Jan and I were only 15 miles away from a Johnstown restaurant when prompting from the driver info center indicated an oil leak. I quickly shut down the engine as oil ran from the crankcase drain hole, which had lost its plug.

Chrysler execs reclaimed possession of the Hellcat, sent it to Detroit for a once-over, soon returned it, fine as could be, and I enjoyed an exciting few days in the awesome sedan.

Among other bests (and worsts) for my drives in 2015:

Car of the Year – The practical side of me will overlook the wonderful six-figured Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic sedan and Jaguar F-Type R convertible in favor of the made-over 2016 Honda Civic. The 10^th-generation Civic finally has some exterior style, along with roomy interior, well-cushioned seats, a small turboed engine and continuously variable transmission very responsive with not a lot of whining and slipping. It outperforms most other CVT transmissions.

Truck of the Year – The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Sport AWD crossover, with 175-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmsission. It climbed the hills around Vail in outstanding fashion.

Most powerful – That Hellcat with 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, followed by the 2015 BMW X6 M that develops 567 horsepower and 553 torque from a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 with direct injection and variable valve control.

Lowest priced – The ’15 Nissan Versa Note at $19,180, including a backup camera. Another reasonable price was $20,810 for the ’15 Volkswagen Jetta TSI 1.8T SE.

Most expensive – The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic Sedan, driven just before Christmas, topped out at $128,935, just ahead of the 2016 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible at $121,345 and the ’15 Range Rover Supercharged LWB SUV at $118,501.

Best party – The annual Christmas gathering of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press, at which David Muramoto was recognized as incoming president, succeeding Andre Smirnov. The gathering was in the Bud Wells Board Room of the Colorado Automobile Dealers’ Bill Barrow Building at Speer and Grant.

MPG – 36.3 by the Nissan Versa with 1.6-liter engine and CVT, and 34.3 by the new Civic.

Hybrids – 39.8 by the ’16 Hyundai Sonata and 38.5 by the Toyota Camry.

Diesels – 38.9 by the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen TDI; well, scratch that!

Guzzling – 14.4 mpg by the ’15 Nissan Titan, the same model which was lowest a year ago; the Titan is represented by a much-improved product for 2016.

Oh those e-mails! – I enjoyed your review of the Alfa 4C a lot and it brought back memories of the Alfa we owned in New Jersey for three years prior to 1992. The car was beautiful, and just the right size for my wife, Betty Sue, who came home with it one day and announced she had purchased a new ride for herself. Fun to drive, though odd things happened with it; horn fell out of the steering wheel, window crank fell off, trunk cable broke. I consider all the cars you reviewed, though, outclassed by my BMW Z4 Roadster – roomy cockpit, heated power seats, 27 mpg on 85 octane fuel, and a great combination of styling, comfort and functionality. – Ernie T. Harris, Broomfield.

Fresh face – Aleks Vekselberg, 27, new owner of Denver Bentley, Ferrari and Lotus. Three years ago he was a student at Yale University. His father, Viktor Vekselberg, has been called the richest man in Russia, with estimated worth of $18 billion.

Welcome back – The Italian-based Alfa Romeo is back in the U.S. after a 20-year absence, with the 4C Spider. Accessing and exiting the low-slung sports car are difficult.

Jan’s favorite – The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport sedan.

Best greeting – Happy New Year!

As I shout “Merry Christmas” from the open window of an all-wheel-drive sedan, I’m eager as a longtime automotive journalist to promote the added safety and security of AWD in a full-size, four-door automobile.

We in Colorado, where winter weather surprises sometime border on treachery, have become accustomed over the past 20 years to four-wheel drive and AWD capability in virtually all the SUVs and crossovers and majority of pickups delivered into the state.

Not so for the large sedans, though; for a number of years many drivers to respond to winter perils were faced with choice of trading in the comfort of a sedan for an SUV or truck, or adding an alternate vehicle to the stable.

Chrysler, when it redesigned its 300 model into a full-size, rear-drive four-door for 2005, offered optional AWD. It caught on quickly around here. The Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse have followed in its tracks. Other popular big cars, such as the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima and Chevrolet Impala, retain their front-wheel-drive-only setup, missing increased sales with AWD.

Nine inches of snow was on the ground and blowing one day last week when we backed the 2016 all-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 sedan from the garage and headed for Jan’s doctor appointment. The 300 maneuvered somewhat predictably and maintained fairly good grip, even on deep-snow and icy inclines.

How successful in these parts has been Chrysler’s offering of AWD for its 300?

I’ve suspected it’s been a dominant force in sales, and asked Kelley Enright, a FiatChryslerAutomobiles communications executive in Chicago, about it. Within an hour, she responded with confirmation of my impressions:

• Of Chrysler 300 sales nationally during the past year, 27 percent are equipped with all-wheel drive;
• Of Chrysler 300 sales in the Denver/Colorado region, 77 percent are equipped with AWD.

Many of those who venture out in the worst of conditions embrace the benefits of all-wheel control. Driving skill is primary; the AWD is a secondary edge that increases security in this tough-driving part of the country.

The model I drove last week was a ’16 Limited with 300-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission shifted with a rotary dial on the center console. Its AWD system engages at any speed, splitting torque between front and rear wheels for optimal traction; a fuel-saving feature is a front axle-disconnect function.

The Chrysler also carried Jan and me on a less-cold evening to Denver, where we helped recognize David Muramoto as new president of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP), succeeding Andre Smirnov. It was the annual RMAP Christmas party, in the Bud Wells Board Room of the Colorado Automobile Dealers’ Bill Barrow Building at Speer and Grant.

The 300 carried a sticker price of $38,385, including a preferred option package of GPS navigation, 8.4-inch touchscreen display, USB ports and integrated voice command with Bluetooth, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and remote start.

It’s Italian-built with an all-American name and a nose like a Chinese pug.

The 2015 Jeep Renegade was waiting for us at Denver International Airport on our return from Seattle.

It is the newest model for the fast-growing Jeep brand, competing in the new subcompact crossover category against the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Chevy Trax and Buick Encore.

It’s a near-twin of the Fiat 500X. Both the Renegade and 500X come off a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles assembly line in Melfi, Italy.

An optional 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine and 9-speed automatic transmission pushed the sticker price of the model I tested, the Renegade Latitude 4X4, to $26,980.

It wouldn’t be a Jeep without some form of four-wheel prowess and that came in the selec-terrain system, which dials capability in normal going, or in snow or sand or mud. It also offers 4WD Lock for adverse conditions. It is the most capable four-wheel-drive setup among the small crossover competitors.

The Jeep is also equipped with push-button start and remote start, backup camera, speed control, automatic headlamps and a 5-inch touchscreen display for audio, with Bluetooth voice command.

The Renegade delivered an average of 23.5 miles per gallon for my travels; it is EPA rated at 21/29.

Decent-sized cargo space of 18.5 cubic feet comes at the expense of rear-seat legroom, which is tight. There is no spare tire and the compact air canister and sealant kit leave storage space beneath the floor of the cargo area where the spare would have been.

Jeep’s been part of American four-wheeling for 75 years, as evidenced by the “Since 1941” script above  the display screen in the front dash.

The Jeep rides on Continental CrossContact 215/60R17 tires.

Most impressive in style at the Denver Auto Show last spring, in my observation, were the Nissan Maxima and the new Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe.

The Spider (roadster) version of the Alfa Romeo came my way recently and provided one of the most fun drives of the year.

The Spider was the fourth consecutive rear-wheel-drive model on my schedule, following the Mazda Miata, Cadillac ATS and the Infiniti Q50 in Seattle. More than 90 percent of the cars I review are front-drive or all-wheel drive.

The 2015 4C Spider and Coupe are the first Alfa Romeos sold in the U.S. in 20 years. I last drove one in 1995, the 164 Saloon (sedan), a heavy four-door with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

The Alfa 4C is small and light and exciting to drive. What it lacks in comfort (it is a rough ride) and power, it compensates in style – it is one of the world’s best-looking sports cars. It sits low, with wide, muscular rear haunches.

A mid-engine, 237-horsepower, 1.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission send the Spider 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds; it has been tested at 160 miles per hour tops. It is rated at 258 lb.-ft. of torque, a fact loudly proclaimed by the racing exhaust setup. Large Brembo four-piston brake calipers lend great stopping power.

It has no power steering, which removes much of the oversteer tendency in performance maneuvers. An attempt to turn the wheel, though, from a dead stop can become a test of muscle power.

Throttle response and quickness of shifts can be adjusted with switches between natural, all-weather, dynamic and race modes.

Cruise moderately and the 4C will deliver high fuel mileage. It is rated at 24/34 miles per gallon; my overall average was 25.3.

The Alfa Romeo 4C, part of the Fiat and Chrysler Group, is built in the Maserati plant in Modena, Italy.

Alfa Romeo has capacity to build only 3,000 of the 4Cs per year. Only 1,000 per year will be sold in the U.S.

The two-seater Spider’s tight cabin is tough to access and exit, compounded by the very high side sills.

Though its wheelbase is only 2.5 inches longer than the new Mazda Miata, the Alfa’s turn circle is over 40 feet, 10 feet wider than the Miata. Sport suspensions take a toll.

The Alfa features a roll-up targa-type top, which can then be stowed in a small 3.7-cubic-feet trunk, directly behind the engine. Of course, with the top on, it is difficult to see out the back, and there is no rearview camera.

A carbon fiber monocoque adds to stiffness of the Alfa’s body; aluminum is used in the front and rear frames. The Spider weighs only 2,487 pounds.

A sticker price of $77,195 included rosso (red) tricoat exterior finish, sport seats, Pirelli racing tires, racing exhaust, red brake calipers and Spider track package.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider:

• Capacity 2-passenger
• Wheelbase 93.7 inches
• Length 157 inches
• Width 73.5 inches
• Height 46.6 inches
• Curb Weight 2,487 pounds
• Track 64.5 inches front, 63.2 rear
• Ground Clearance 4.4 inches
• Turn Circle 40.7 feet
• Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive
• Engine 1.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 237/258
• Transmission 6-speeed dual-clutch automatic
• Steering manual
• Suspension double-wishbone front, MacPherson strut rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 24/34
• Fuel mileage average 25.3
• Fuel Tank 10.5 gallons, premium unleaded
• Wheels 18-inch front, 19-inch rear
• Tires Pirelli 18×7 front, 19×8.5 rear
• Cargo Volume 3.7 cubic feet
• Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, powertrain

Competitors Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette, Lotus Elise

Assembly Plant Milan, Italy

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $63,900; Base Price of Review Model $63,900; Destination Charge $1,595; Sticker Price $77,195.

A more muscular and sporty exterior is a noticeable highlight for the redesigned Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible for 2016; of more consequence, though, is a 25 percent boost in fuel mileage.

The pleasure of testing a Grand Touring version of the new Miata was enhanced by performance from a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.  The stick does upshifting or downshifting very quickly and smoothly. With its small size, the Miata probably seems faster than it might be from its 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It’s the same power as used in the popular Mazda3.

The rear-drive Miata has long been a favorite; it more closely than anything else took the places of the long-loved MGs and Triumphs of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

This review model displayed a soft top, which seems to better suit the looks of a Miata than does a hardtop. The black cloth looks good with the blue reflex (a new color for Mazda) exterior.

The Mazda does not offer a rearview camera, and with the soft top in place, it is difficult to see all areas to the rear. Of course, with the top down, the camera is of no great need. Regardless, the matter will soon be taken care of, for federal standards call for all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds to have backup cameras by mid-2018.

The top is easily dropped. Unhook a latch at the windshield header and push the cloth top down into the area behind the seatbacks, where one more good push latches it into the recessed area behind the small cabin space. The top fits down into the well behind the seats, preserving a precious 4 cubic feet of space in the trunk.

The new Miata sits low and has shed considerable weight, a couple hundred pounds, and now tips the scales at a fairly light 2,332 pounds. That adds to improved fuel mileage.

With the SkyActiv engine and lighter structure, the Miata carries an EPA rating of 27/34 miles per gallon, compared to 21/28 a year ago. My overall average in a 50/50 split of city/highway running was 31.8.

To enjoy a cup of coffee while driving the Miata, place it either between your legs or in one of two cupholders that sit between the seatbacks far behind the driver. To retrieve it from the cupholder, the driver must wrap the left arm around the body to the center between the seatbacks or lean forward and twist the right arm underhanded and fish for a grasp of the cup.

The Grand Touring trim pushed sticker price on the Miata to $31,015. This includes navigation with 7-inch display screen, Bose AM/FM/CD with nine speakers, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, two USB ports and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Other niceties include heated leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push-button ignition, cruise control, trip computer, automatic air conditioning, blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Mazda Miata convertible:

• Capacity 2-passenger
• Wheelbase 90.9 inches
• Length 154.1 inches
• Width 68.3 inches
• Height 48.8 inches
• Curb Weight 2,332 pounds
• Track 58.9 inches front, 59.17 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.32 inches
• Turn Circle 30.8 feet
• Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive
• Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 155/148
• Transmission 6-speeed manual
• Steering electric power-assist rack-and-pinion
• Suspension double-wishbone front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 27/34
• Fuel mileage average 31.5
• Fuel Tank 11.89 gallons, premium unleaded
• Wheels 17-inch
• Tires Bridgestone Potenza 205/45R17
• Cargo Volume 4.59 cubic feet
• Warranty 3years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Mini Roadster, Ford Mustang, Audi TT, Nissan 370Z, BMW Z4

Assembly Plant Hiroshima, Japan

Parts Content Japan 95%

Base Price of Lowest Model $24,915; Base Price of Review Model $30,065; Destination Charge $820; Sticker Price $31,015.