Traffic through the Buick display space at the Denver Auto Show last week revolved around the 2016 Cascada, the first convertible for the brand in 25 years. The big show ended Sunday, April 12, at the Colorado Convention Center.

The sleekness and newness of the Cascada overshadowed other Buick models, including the 2015 Regal AWD GS sedan, which I drove during the week leading to the car show.

With its all-wheel-drive grip and responsive handling, the Regal GS is well-suited to Colorado. The Cascada will share a front suspension with the Regal – HiPer Strut, which reduces torque steer and improves steering feel.

We found opportunity to test the Regal’s AWD setup, a Haldex system with electronic limited-slip differential; it can send 90 percent of torque to the rear axle for improved grip and cornering in adverse conditions. Snow and cold greeted us on a nighttime drive to Johnstown for a performance of “Always, Patsy Cline,” at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre with Dale and Sandy Wells. Yes, I used the heated steering wheel. No, I didn’t use the heated driver’s seat, never do; Jan did, of course.

The Buick’s performance is adequate with a 259-horsepower, 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, with manual mode that can be tapped up or down for quickened shifts. There are no paddle shifters. Very little bragging emerges at the fuel pump; I averaged 23.9 miles per gallon and its EPA estimate is 19/27.

Unexpectedly flashing on the instrument panel’s display screen while driving home from church on Easter Sunday morning was “WARNING,” with this message: “Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often while using this system could cause a crash, resulting in injury or death to you or others. Focus your attention on driving.”

“Well, thanks, now I’ll refocus on my driving,” I thought, after reading the screen. It was a lighter moment in an auto that is equipped with some serious safety innovation, including adaptive cruise control, automatic-collision preparation, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-zone alert and rearview camera.

With the AWD, turbo engine and lots of amenities, the Regal’s sticker price climbed to $43,970.

The Regal offers well-bolstered front seat cushions and seatbacks. Headroom and legroom are tight in the rear seat; there is no spare tire, instead, in its trunk is an inflator kit.

The Denver Auto Show featured most every imaginable car and truck configurations, from the little Alfa Romeo 4C, with 93-inch wheelbase, to the Cadillac Escalade ESV at 130 inches.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Buick Regal AWD GS sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 107.8 inches
• Length 190.2 inches
• Width 73.1 inches
• Height 58 inches
• Curb Weight 3,725 pounds
• Track 62.4 inches front, 62.5 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.9 inches
• Turn Circle 38.1 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 259/295
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering electric rack-and-pinion
• Suspension Hi-Per strut front, rear H-arm
• Fuel mileage estimate 19/27
• Fuel mileage average 23.9
• Fuel Tank 18 gallons, regular
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Goodyear Eagle P245/40R19
• Cargo Volume 14.2 cubic feet
• Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 6/70,000 powertrain

Competitors Chrysler 200 AWD, Lexus IS250 AWD, Audi A4 quattro, Acura TLX

Assembly Plant Oshawa, Ontario,  Canada

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 62%, Mexico 16%

Base Price of Lowest Model $29,900; Base Price of Review Model $39,810; Destination Charge $925; Sticker Price $43,970.

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.