Might there be anything more exciting than gripping the heated leather-and-wood steering wheel of one of the world’s finest extended-length luxury sedans, the 2015 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD four-door?

As a matter of fact, yes; the topper this week is leaving the Jag curbside at the Colorado Convention Center, walking inside and seeing 500 of the newest and flashiest models available to the motoring public.

The annual Denver Auto Show is in full swing, running from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

It is the biggest car show in the Rocky Mountain region and offers a first peek at many 2016 models, including the Buick Cascada luxury convertible, the redone Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup, Ford Explorer and BMW’s i8 plug-in electric sports car.

To drive the XJL during the week preceding the auto show was excellent timing. Only a year ago, the big sedan was fitted with all-wheel drive for the first time to make it more suitable for year-round use in Colorado. The AWD feature will be spotlighted in the Jaguar section on the show floor.

The Jaguar XJL’s overall length of 206.8 inches is exceeded only by the Audi A8L’s 207.4 inches among luxury sedans. It is slightly longer than the Mercedes-Benz S550 and the Lincoln MKS.

Even at that length, the Jaguar exudes an almost lithe feel, softened by its advanced 3.0-liter, supercharged V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. A very wide turn circle, almost 42 ½ feet, is the price paid for the extreme length. The XJL model has 5 inches of added length over the regular XJ, all of it benefiting the rear-seating area.

Sharing space with the impressive XJL and XJ models for Jaguar at the auto show are lesser-sized XF sedans, F-Type convertibles and coupes and XK convertibles and coupes.

The XJL’s beauty begins with its bold chrome wire mesh grille; the elongated body adds to its sleekness and fastback appearance.

Open the driver’s door, step over an illuminated stainless steel door-sill plate and settle into the soft, perforated leather seating finished in light cirrus mineral with contrasting dark piping. Sure, it will massage your back (an $800 option). Up front are heated and cooled cupholders, with vanity mirrors for the rear-seat passengers and digital heat controls for the rear, also.

Supercharging nets 340 horsepower from the relatively small 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which mates very smoothly with the 8-speed automatic transmission, even when kicking down a couple of gears for testing the highway’s passing lane; midrange torque is strong. Paddle shifters offer increased involvement from the driver; the shifter is a rotary dial in the center console. Shifts can be quickened with use of a dynamic mode, and a winter mode, coupled with the AWD setup, will slow startup acceleration for less spinning of the wheels in snow.

Aided by a run into Denver and back, the XJL averaged 23.8 miles per gallon of premium fuel. The Jag is equipped with a self-leveling rear air suspension.

The all-wheel-drive option, panoramic sunroof, adaptive front lighting and Meridian sound system raised sticker price on the XJL to $87,275.

Look for the big sedan at the car show. See you there.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Jaguar XJL AWD luxury sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 124.3 inches
• Length 206.8 inches
• Width 74.6 inches
• Height 57.4 inches
• Curb Weight 4,151 pounds
• Track 64 inches front, 63.1 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.6 inches
• Turn Circle 42.3 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.0-liter supercharged V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 340/332
• Transmission 8-speed automatic
• Steering speed-proportional power
• Suspension Air
• Fuel mileage estimate 16/24
• Fuel mileage average 23.8
• Fuel Tank 21.7 gallons, premium
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Pirelli P245/45R19 tires
• Cargo Volume 15.2 cubic feet
• Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 4/50,000 powertrain

Competitors Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic, BMW 740Lxi, Audi A8L, Porsche Panamera, Lexus LS460L AWD,

Assembly Plant Castle Bromwich, England

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 1%, Germany 55%, United Kingdom 35%

Base Price of Lowest Model $75,125; Base Price of Review Model $84,700; Destination Charge $925; Sticker Price $87,275.

The Subaru Impreza so dominates the compact all-wheel-drive sedan market, many consumers believe it is the only choice.

There is one other, though – the Mitsubishi Lancer SE 2.4 AWC.

Its electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is known as AWC, for all-wheel control. The push of a button will lend the driver a selection of two-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive automatic or four-wheel-drive lock.

Priced at $23,505, the Lancer AWC offers a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable transmission, power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate premium sound system including a 10-inch subwoofer, heated front seats and rearview camera. Demand some heavy acceleration of the Mitsu and its CVT becomes recognizable for its frequent drone.

The 2015 model’s fuel-mileage estimate is 22/29 miles per gallon; I averaged 24.6 in overall driving.

The four-wheel-drive addition makes the little Lancer well-suited to this part of the country. The Lancer lineup, though, is best-known for the turbocharged, 291-hp Evo performance version of the sedan.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer AWC compact sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 103.7 inches
• Length 180 inches
• Width 69.4 inches
• Height 58.3 inches
• Curb Weight 3,142 pounds
• Track 60.2 inches front, 60.8 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.8 inches
• Turn Circle 32.8 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 168/167
• Transmission Continuously variable
• Steering hydraulic power
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 22/29
• Fuel mileage average 24.6
• Fuel Tank 14.5 gallons, premium
• Wheels 16-inch
• Tires Yokohama P205/60R16
• Cargo Volume 12.3 cubic feet
• Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza

Assembly Plant Kurashiki, Japan

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 1%, Japan 97%

Base Price of Lowest Model $17,395; Base Price of Review Model $20,995; Destination Charge $810; Sticker Price $23,505.

Thirty-seven car and truck brands, from Acura to Volvo, will display more than 500 new models at the 2015 Denver Auto Show, which opens Wednesday, April 8, at the Colorado Convention Center.

Tesla, the much-ballyhooed electric auto, won’t be there.

“Tesla Motors is not able to attend all the regional shows, and will not be at the Denver Auto Show this year,” said Jamee Hawn, product communications, Tesla Motors, in confirming that the company will not be represented. “We look forward to attending more shows in the future.”

Tesla displayed its Model S electric four-door sedan in a small space at last year’s show.

BMW’s new i8 electric, the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and more than 20 other electrics and hybrid electrics will be shown.

The annual show, presented by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, will run from Wednesday, April 8, through Sunday, April 12.

Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

A highlight will be announcement of Car of the Year, Truck of the Year and SUV of the Year as chosen by members of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Selections will be announced on Tuesday night at the Charity Preview Party, and will be prominently displayed through the duration of the show.

Auto show tickets can be purchased online at www.denverautoshow.com or at the door. Prices are $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6 through 12, those younger than 6 are admitted free.

Wednesday is Military Day, when active and veteran personnel with appropriate military ID (white active duty or blue retired military cards) will be admitted free. Thursday is Senior Day, when anyone 65 and older is admitted for $5.

For more information, call 1-800-251-1563 or visit www.denverautoshow.com.

On its introduction to the U.S. market 12 years ago, the Nissan Murano surprised, even shocked, automotive followers with two innovations – the most futuristic styling ever seen in the SUV/truck segment and the unheard-of installation of a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle of its size.

Some questioned the wisdom of such a break from the traditional look and performance of a midsize model.

It has prevailed, though, and for 2015, the Murano rolls even deeper into its forward express, with sculpted fin-like rear quarter panels, “v-motion” front end and floating-roof appearance.

And the CVT tranny? It has undergone improvements and its whining and droning on hill climbs has been quieted; so, too, have many of the detractors stopped their whining over its shiftless feature.

The Murano’s new design will draw attention at the upcoming 2015 Denver Auto Show week after next. The five-day event will run from Wednesday, April 8, through Sunday, April 12, at the Colorado Convention Center.

I’ve recently driven two other Nissans, the Rogue compact crossover and the Versa Note subcompact hatchback. While the midsize Murano performs with a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the Rogue uses a 170-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and the Versa does it with a little 109-hp, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. All three are tied to CVTs in the name of better fuel economy.

The Rogue, a strong competitor to the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape, is roomy with lots of cargo space and provides a relatively comfortable ride among the smaller crossovers. A third row of seats is available, though is cramped in space and steals away most of the cargo capacity. The ’15 Rogue SV all-wheel-drive model provided to me (a five-passenger) carries an EPA fuel-mileage estimate of 25/32; I averaged 26.8 miles per gallon. With the SV package of navigation, around-view monitor and power liftgate, its sticker price was $28,500.

The Versa Note, with a somewhat odd-looking hatchback style in metallic peacoc teal exterior finish, has an attractive interior with orange striping down the middle of the black-fabric seatbacks and cushions. Front-seat occupants must make do with very small sun visors; handy are dual glove compartments, the upper one chilled. Though lacking strong performance, the little Versa delivers excellent fuel mileage (EPA estimate 31/40); I averaged 36.3 mpg. Sticker price on the ’15 Versa Note SR was $19,180, including rearview camera, streaming audio via Bluetooth and multifunction trip computer.

As for the stylish five-passenger Murano, it is very competitive with the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Ford Edge, and even the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

While I prefer a regular transmission to the continuously variable type, the Murano’s CVT does little droning under hard acceleration and performs most closely, of any I’ve driven, to the traditionals.

The Murano is a good handler, with fairly precise and quick steering.

Inside is a nice leather finish with chrome accents. A leather hood over the instrument panel is unusual. Seating comfort is a plus for the Murano and added insulation has quieted the ride. Its cargo space is among the best in its class.

Even with curb weight of close to 4,000 pounds, the Murano earned an EPA fuel-mileage estimate of 21/28; my average was 23.7 mpg.

The review model was the Murano SL AWD, with base price of $38,550 and sticker of $41,905. Only option on the loaded-up SL was a technology package of panoramic moonroof, intelligent cruise control and forward-collision warning.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD:

• Capacity 5-passenger crossover SUV
• Wheelbase 111.2 inches
• Length 192.4 inches
• Width 75.4 inches
• Height 66.5 inches
• Curb Weight 3,977 pounds
• Track 64.6 inches front, rear
• Ground Clearance 6.9 inches
• Turn Circle 38.1 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.5-liter V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 260/240
• Transmission continuously variable
• Steering rack-and-pinion power
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 21/28
• Fuel mileage average 23.7
• Fuel Tank 19 gallons, regular
• Wheels 18-inch
• Tires Michelin Latitude 235/65R18 tires
• Cargo Volume 39.6 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Jeep Grand Chereokee, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot

Assembly Plant Canton, Miss.

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $31,160; Base Price of Review Model $38,550; Destination Charge $885; Sticker Price $41,905.

Another 2016 model, the Mazda6 midsize sedan carrying an EPA estimate of 40 miles per gallon on the highway, has been sent my way.

It follows last week’s 2016 Kia Sorento crossover SUV. Both will be seen at the 2015 Denver Auto Show, scheduled Wednesday, April 8, through Sunday, April 12, at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver.

A bolder-looking grille and new LED headlamps refresh the front-end for the sleek, front-wheel-drive ’16 Mazda.

With the 40-mpg rating in mind, Jan and I in the Mazda6 left home Saturday morning on a 110-mile roundtrip drive to Aurora. Our destination was the Knights of Columbus Hall on E. Bayaud Avenue for an 80^th birthday celebration for Wally Dermer. Dermer, a standout wrestler years ago at Sterling High School, has been an Aurora resident with his wife Janice (Ashby) for more than 50 years.

The Mazda6’s 2.5-liter, SkyActiv direct-injection 4-cylinder engine performed smoothly on U.S. 85, with numerous stoplight slowdowns. It delivers only 184 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque, yet the 4-cylinder is surprisingly strong in low-end acceleration. A button on the console engages Sport setting, which quickens throttle response and shifting with the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel-mileage average for the round trip was 34.2. A year ago, with the same type engine, I averaged 33.7. The car will consistently post 29 to 35 mpg averages; during the week I drove the 2016 model, the overall average was 32 mpg.

White parchment leather seats (perhaps overly firm) and trim and a sunroof create a bright interior. A redesign of the dashboard includes a larger 7-inch display screen for the MazdaConnect infotainment system. Rear seating area is roomy and a long trunk space measures 14.8 cubic feet.

Mazda6 uses a regenerative braking system on deceleration which converts kinetic energy to electricity through use of a supercapacitor, reducing some need for alternator output to power electrical accessories.

Sales of the Mazda continue on a steady rise which began with a major restyle two years ago. Still, though, the totals pale in comparison with other midsize models, such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata and Chrysler 200.

A head-up display for the driver, radar cruise control, active grille shutters and a lane-departure warning system are features which pushed sticker price of the new Mazda6 to $33,395. Blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, dual front/front side-impact airbags and front and rear side air curtains are included.

Among other amenities are heated front seats, rearview camera and Bose 11-speaker sound system/Bluetooth/USB audio input.

Here are the specifications for the 2016 Mazda6 midsize sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 111.4 inches
• Length 191.5 inches
• Width 72.4 inches
• Height 57.1 inches
• Curb Weight 3,214 pounds
• Track 62.4 inches front, 62 rear
• Ground Clearance 6.4 inches
• Turn Circle 36.7 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 184/185
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering power speed-proportional
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 28/40
• Fuel mileage average 32
• Fuel Tank 16.4 gallons, premium
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Dunlop Sport P225/45R19
• Cargo Volume 14.8 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chrysler 200, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata

Assembly Plant Hofu, Japan

Parts Content Japan 95%

Base Price of Lowest Model $22,315; Base Price of Review Model $30,195; Destination Charge $820; Sticker Price $33,395.

By Bud Wells

Already rolling into Colorado are several 2016-model cars and trucks, still a month ahead of the 2015 Denver Auto Show.

The ’16 Kia Sorento SUV is the first I’ve driven. It’s 3 inches longer than last year’s edition and filled with refinement. So filled, in fact, the SXL all-wheel-drive Sorento carries a sticker price of $45,095. Wow.

A new, turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission, impressively moved the 4,000-pound Kia sent my way. Standard is a normally aspirated 2.4-liter 4-cylinder of 185 horsepower and also optional is a 290-hp, 3.3-liter V-6. The turbo, though out-towed by the V-6, 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, seems the better choice in responsiveness and fuel mileage.

The turboed 4-cylinder, after a momentary lag, delivers torque in strong fashion in low-end and midrange acceleration. Pushing a button on the center console will alter the drive mode; before getting to the sport setting, though, it rests briefly on the eco set, and shift points between eco and sport are immediately noticeable. With most of my driving time split between normal and sport modes, the Sorento averaged 21.4 miles per gallon. Suspension is firm, with little harshness.

The third-generation Sorento features a large, upright grille, redesigned headlights and LED foglights and power-folding side mirrors. Its exterior pales in comparison to several more stylistic competitors, including the new Nissan Murano.

Inside, though, its upgrades are eye-catching, from its soft-touch dashboard to a 39-cubic-foot cargo area, one of the largest in its class. The cabin, a five-passenger with two rows of seats (a third row is optional), is especially roomy and premium Nappa leather seats are appealing and comfortable. The front seats are heated and ventilated and the steering wheel is warmed, too.

With the Sorento’s doors locked, walk up behind the rear liftgate with the smartkey in pocket, the taillights will flash, then momentarily the liftgate begins to open. Very handy for grocery shoppers.

A panoramic sunroof, Infinity surround-sound, navigation, Bluetooth, lane-departure warning, 19-inch wheels, rearview camera with additional surround view, electronic park brake and smart cruise control pushed the price to the $45k mark.

Kia is also making a move with its redesigned 2015 Sedona minivan, which hopes to lure a few sales away from the competition’s Big Four of Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

I’ve driven the big Sedona, which is a bit longer in wheelbase than the Odyssey and Sienna and is only an inch shorter in overall length than the Town & Country and Grand Caravan.

It did some slipping on the icy streets of late February, though is generally an above-average handler with its front-wheel drive powertrain of 3.3-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Overall fuel-mileage average was 19.8.

The seven-passenger Sedona has three rows of seats; the middle row seats recline with footrests and slide horizontally for added cargo space.

Addition of xenon HID headlights, lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems, surround-view monitor and smart cruise control boosted sticker price to $43,295 from a base of $39,700 for the Sedona SXL.

Contact Bud Wells at [email protected].

Here are the specifications for the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD SUV:

• Capacity 5-passenger crossover SUV
• Wheelbase 109.4 inches
• Length 187.4 inches
• Width 74.4 inches
• Height 66.3 inches
• Curb Weight 4,004 pounds
• Track 64.3 inches front, rear
• Ground Clearance 7.3 inches
• Turn Circle 36.4 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 240/260
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering power speed-sensing rack-and-pinion
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 19/25
• Fuel mileage average 21.4
• Fuel Tank 18.8 gallons, premium
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Michelin 235/55R19
• Cargo Volume 39 cubic feet
• Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Jeep Grand Chereokee, Nissan Murano, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot

Assembly Plant West Point, Ga.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 53%, Korea 47%

Base Price of Lowest Model $24,900; Base Price of Review Model $41,700; Destination Charge $895; Sticker Price $45,095.

What’s preferable for power-boosting – supercharging or turbocharging? The difference, of course, in the added air-induction system into the cylinders is that a supercharger is belt-driven, a turbocharger is exhaust-driven.

As for which is the better process, Volvo says that is a moot point in its new 2015.5 S60 T6 Drive-E sedan. The Swedish auto firm has installed both supercharging and turbocharging in its 2.0-liter, direct-injection 4-cylinder engine.

That’s right, a 4-cylinder, though the T6 designation might lead to other assumptions.

With the dual power-boosters at hand, the small block kicks out an astounding 302 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque tied to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The supercharger is working from the initial takeoff and is effective for low-end thrust, then goes into idle mode as the exhaust turbines force the turbocharger into action all through the higher rpm.

A benefit beyond the high-power net is that, with only 4 cylinders at work, the S60 midsize four-door rolls up fuel mileage figures into the 30s. I averaged 31.3 miles per gallon with an S60 review model, even while enjoying the super/turbo perks. The car’s EPA estimate is 24/35.

The charged-up 4-cylinder with the 8-speed transmission is available for now in the S60’s front-wheel-drive sedans; the all-wheel-drive models still rely on power from the Volvo’s 5- and 6-cylinder engines. Eventually, the 4 will be under the hood of both configurations.

The fact this model is known as T6 Drive-E is confusing; it gets its 4-cylinder power from the super/turbo chargers, while another version called the T5 Drive-E has the 4-cylinder with only turbocharging.

The performance of the duo-boosters will sell the S60, even though, occasionally in sport mode at midrange the power seems to linger and jump back and forth momentarily.

A Platinum options package added a Harmon Kardon premium audio system with excellent speakers and boosted sticker price to $47,575. The rearview camera can be switched from full view to a closeup of the right side for parking the vehicle.

For years, the S60 four-door has been a bit short on legroom, and trunk space measures only 12 cubic feet.

Here are the specifications for the 2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E:

• Capacity 5-passenger sedan
• Wheelbase 109.3 inches
• Length 182.5 inches
• Width 73.4 inches
• Height 58.4 inches
• Curb Weight 3,472 pounds
• Track 62.1 inches front, 62 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.4 inches
• Turn Circle 37.1 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.0-liter supercharged, turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 302/295
• Transmission 8-speed automatic
• Steering electronic power rack-and-pinion
• Suspension MacPherson strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 24/35
• Fuel mileage average 31.3
• Fuel Tank 17.8 gallons, premium
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Pirelli Cinturato 235/40R19
• Cargo Volume 12 cubic feet
• Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, powertrain

Competitors Cadillac ATS, Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport, Audi A4, Lexus IS250

Assembly Plant Ghent, Belgium

Parts Content Belgium 32%, Sweden 21%, U.S./Canadian 1%

• Base Price of Lowest Model $33,300;
• Base Price of Review Model $39,000;
• Destination Charge $925;
• Sticker Price $47,575.

There’s not a lot of glamour associated with the 2015 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE hatchback, yet I seemed, over and over, to look for reasons to get into its driver’s seat and maneuver it all over town.

This allure might explain its surprising choice as car of the year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The little Golf beat out a couple of hot-shot finalists – the Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis – for the honor.

The new Golf, a five-passenger compact, sits an inch lower, is 2 inches longer and looks a bit sportier than last year’s model. It shows refinement inside and, with the small turbocharged engine, is fun to drive (except for the turbo lag on takeoff). Its sticker is just over $25,000.

Another Volkswagen I drove recently which might be an even better value is the ‘15 Jetta SE four-door.

It doesn’t have a backup camera and there is no navigation screen. Let me tell you what the Jetta does have – the 1.8 turbocharged engine and manual transmission producing fuel mileage into the 30s, heated front seats, SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity. That for a sticker price of $20,810.

While the Golf’s wheelbase is only an inch shorter than that of the Jetta’s, it is 16 inches shorter in overall length. At 3,023 pounds on a wheelbase of 103 inches, the Golf is a superb handler; the German engineering is appreciated.

The front-wheel-drive configuration performs well with the 1.8-liter turbo 4-cylinder developing 170 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque and tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It has strut front and multilink rear suspension and rides on Continental ProContact 225/45R17 tires. The Golf averaged 31.2 miles per gallon in overall driving.

Small, inconspicuous paddle shifters are easy to touch and use with the transmission’s manual mode. The Golf’s out-of-the-way touch-shifters contrast in appearance with the 6-inch-long magnesium paddles on the Infiniti QX70 which replaced the VW in my driveway.

Inside the VW are firm, supportive perforated leather seats (heated in front), a 5.8-inch touchscreen display with small but clear-imaged backup camera and flat-bottomed steering wheel. The rear-seating area has added legroom and headroom and the cargo space behind the rear seats has grown from less than 16 cubic feet to more than 22.

As for the Jetta, few cars in that price range will handle better than the German product (built in Mexico) from VW. Rural roads with their bends and knolls and short-stretch straightaways brought out the best in the front-wheel-drive Jetta. It exhibits precise steering. The Jetta is Volkswagen’s best-selling model, ahead of the Passat and Golf.

I reviewed the first Jetta, an ‘80 model, 35 years ago; it was 15 inches shorter than today’s sedan and weighed only 1,900 pounds.

The 2015 Jetta weighs 3,000 pounds on a wheelbase of 104.4 inches and overall length of 183.3 inches. The added size gives it a roomy interior and a nice-sized trunk of almost 16 cubic feet. The driver’s side sun visor can’t be swung completely around to the side window because of obstruction by the overhead grip handle, and is left hanging at an awkward position.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE:

• Capacity 5-passenger hatchback
• Wheelbase 103.8 inches
• Length 167.5 inches
• Width 70.8 inches
• Height 57.2 inches
• Curb Weight 3,023 pounds
• Track 61 inches front, 59.8 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.4 inches
• Turn Circle 35.8 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 170/200
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering electromechanical power
• Suspension Front strut, rear multilink
• Fuel mileage estimate 25/36
• Fuel mileage average 31.2
• Fuel Tank 13.2 gallons, regular unleaded
• Wheels 17-inch
• Tires Continental 225/45R17
• Cargo Volume 22.8 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Ford Fiesta hatchback, Subaru Impreza Sport, Honda Fit, Mini Cooper Clubman, Fiat 500L

Assembly Plant Puebla, Mexico

Parts Content German 25%, Mexico 21%, U.S./Canadian 7%

Base Price of Lowest Model $18,815; Base Price of Review Model $24,895; Destination Charge $820; Sticker Price $25,715.

Hyundai sticks with 4-cylinder power, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, as its seventh-generation 2015 Sonata midsize sedan attempts to move up from its 10^th place position in car sales in this country.

The Korean maker is betting on its smaller-block power, though most competitors offer an optional V-6 engine.

Dressed up in white pearl exterior and black leather sport seats with orange piping, the 2015 Sonata Sport four-door sent my way was equipped with a 2.0-liter, twin-scroll turbo and 6-speed automatic transmission. The ride was quieted through increased use of sound-deadening materials in the dashboard, and enhanced the finely detailed interior.

One of the most attractive colors I’ve seen in the new year, canyon copper, adorned another Hyundai driven recently, the 2015 Santa Fe Sport AWD. This color is striking enough to steal away some looks from, say, a silver-finished Toyota Highlander.

The Sonata sedan and Santa Fe crossover are two of Hyundai’s three most popular models. Only the Elantra compact outsells them.

The sleek style introduced by the Sonata in 2011, known as “fluidic sculpture,” has been softened somewhat in the new look for 2015. The Sport version features a low-slung exterior with sharply raked windshield and rear window.

Though horsepower and torque have been lessened in the Sonata’s 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine, the sport setting in drive mode choice with paddle-shift use will increase response and tighten steering feel for a more satisfactory performance level. The drive mode’s normal set offers smoother shifts and acceleration; a mild-mannered eco mode is available for ultimate fuel mileages. The turbo’s horsepower has been reduced to 245 from last year’s 274 and the torque drops to 260 lb.-ft. from 269. The Sonata’s base engine is a 185-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.

The front-drive Sonata Sport with the turbo power carries an EPA estimate of 23/32 miles per gallon; my overall average was 24.7.

Highlighting the interior, in addition to the orange piping on the seats, is a panoramic sunroof, a high-tech center stack angled toward the driver for easier-accessed controls and a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel. The front seats are heated and ventilated and power control has been added to the passenger side; for years, Hyundai has caught grief for a low-positioned front passenger seat without height adjustment.

Good headroom and legroom add comfort to the rear-seating area, where the flat-cushioned seats are heated. Manual sunshades are part of the rear side windows.

Price of the Sonata Sport jumped from $28,575 to $34,460 with the addition of an ultimate package, including such items as the sunroof and navigation, Infinity audio speakers with subwoofer and amplifier, electronic parking brake and a safety group – smart cruise, lane-departure and forward-collision warning, blind-spot detection and rearview camera.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport all-wheel drive delivers 264 horsepower; there is some lag in low-end acceleration. The 6-speed automatic transmission offered no paddles. The 3,600-pound Santa Fe averaged 23.2 miles per gallon; its EPA rating is 18/24.

A button on the steering wheel moves steering feel through normal, sport and comfort levels.

Perforated leather seats are part of a well-designed interior, contrasting light and dark finish with wood trim. A power liftgate at the rear opens up 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space; the spare tire is underneath the vehicle.

Navigation, 12-speaker Infinity audio, panoramic sunroof, heated seats and power liftgate pushed sticker price of the Santa Fe Sport to $38,350.

The Santa Fe Sport is 9 inches shorter and 300 pounds lighter than the bigger Santa Fe.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T:

• Capacity 5-passenger sedan
• Wheelbase 110.4 inches
• Length 191.1 inches
• Width 73.4 inches
• Height 58.1 inches
• Curb Weight 3,575 pounds
• Track 62.9 inches front, 63.1 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.3 inches
• Turn Circle 335.8 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 245/260
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering electric-assist rack-and-pinion
• Suspension MacPherson strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 23/32
• Fuel mileage average 24.7
• Fuel Tank 18.5 gallons, regular unleaded
• Wheels 18-inch
• Tires Kumho Solus 235/45R18
• Cargo Volume 16.3 cubic feet
• Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, VW Passat TSI Sport, Chrysler 200, Mazda6

Assembly Plant Montgomery, Ala.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 41%, Korea 51%

Base Price of Lowest Model $21,150; Base Price of Review Model $28,575; Destination Charge $810; Sticker Price $34,460.