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.

Powertrain enhancements are the keys for the 2016 Cadillac ATS in its reach for more market share against entry-level European luxury sedans.

A new 335-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine with stop-start technology and cylinder deactivation, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission (replacing the old 6-speed), have noticeably improved performance.

It is a smoother operation with the eight speeds, other than an occasional harshness in downshifts while braking, yet offers greater midrange thrust.

The new 3.6 is rated at 14 more horsepower than last year’s V-6. Optional engines for ’16 are a 202-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a 272-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.

The shutdown of the V-6 engine at stoplights (with instant restart when pressure is eased on the brake pedal) and its ability to cruise on three cylinders instead of six has raised its EPA estimate to 20/30 miles per gallon from last year’s 19/28. Lots of in-city driving resulted in an overall average of 22.1 for my time with the ATS.

With a 4-inch shorter wheelbase and 9-inch shorter overall length than the Cadillac CTS, the ATS is in direct competition with the BMW 3 series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Audi A4 and A3, and two new entries, the Acura ILX and Lexus RC sedan.

The Cadillac overall length of 182.8 inches compares with 182.5 for BMW, 180.7 for Mercedes, 185.1 for Audi A4, 181.9 for Acura and 184.4 for Lexus.

Ride comfort in the rear-wheel-drive ATS doesn’t quite measure up to the bigger Cadillacs; its handling, though, is superb, very crisp. Rear-seat legroom and cargo space are somewhat tight.

The trunk space is only 10.4 cubic feet. We pushed and squeezed a bit to fit four bags and a laptop into the Cad’s trunk for a recent drive to DIA and a flight to Seattle. Even the new Acura ILX, which is smaller in overall measurements, has more luggage room than that.

An updated Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system is easier to use; still the touch slide bar for audio volume is prone to difficulty in lowering or raising the sound by a degree. Navigation and Bluetooth streaming are well-done.

The ATS review model was not equipped with the optional all-wheel-drive system. A performance version, the ATS-V, is also available.

The ’16 ATS rear-drive sedan jumped in price from a base of $48,110 to a sticker of $55,430 with the addition of adaptive cruise control, head-up display, front and rear automatic braking, leather seating surfaces with sueded microfiber seatbacks, power sunroof, heated front seats and heated steering wheel.

Among standard items are magnetic ride control, Brembo performance brakes, 18-inch wheels, Bose surround sound, rainsense wipers and rearview camera.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Cadillac ATS 3.6L Sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger
• Wheelbase 109.3 inches
• Length 182.8 inches
• Width 71.1 inches
• Height 55.9 inches
• Curb Weight 3,461 pounds
• Track 59.5 inches front, 60.9 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.4 inches
• Turn Circle 36 feet
• Drivetrain Rear-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.6-liter V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 335/285
• Transmission 8-speed automatic
• Steering variable-ratio electric power
• Suspension performance, strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 20/30
• Fuel mileage average 22.1
• Fuel Tank 16 gallons, regular unleaded
• Wheels 18-inch
• Tires Bridgestone Potenza 225/40RF18
• Cargo Volume 10.4 cubic feet
• Warranty 4years/50,000 miles basic, 6/70,000 powertrain

Competitors Audi A3, Acura ILX, BMW 2 series, Mercedes C Class, Lexus RC

Assembly Plant Lansing, Mich.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 60%, Mexico 17%

Base Price of Lowest Model $33,215; Base Price of Review Model $48,110; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $55,430.

Give me a week in and out of a well-equipped Subaru and, it seems, I walk away from it with improved EyeSight.

The 2016 Forester 2.0XT Touring model, in a quartz blue pearl finish, was the subject of my attention.

It didn’t actually enhance my vision, I simply appreciated Subaru’s EyeSight Driver-Assist System, which maintains selected distance from the car out front, alerts driver of straying out of the driving lane, is capable of applying full braking force in emergencies, and can reduce power from the engine to minimize possible impacts.

While other makes warn of lane departures with buzzing, chiming, shudders in the steering wheel and nudges in the thighs, the Subarus flash “Lane Departure” on the screen in front of the driver and quietly chirp.

Two “eyes” peering out from the top of the windshield are cameras which aid in the effectiveness of the  EyeSight.

It is but one of the upgrades for the Forester XT Touring model.

It also boasts a turbocharged engine mated to its continuously variable transmission (CVT), along with navigation, leather and panoramic moonroof. I’ve driven numerous Foresters over the years; this is the first at the $36,000 level.

I remember my first drive in a Forester, the 1998 model 18 years ago in June of 1997, to Georgetown. It was a week ahead of the showroom introduction of what then was a little sport ute. It was of 99-inch wheelbase and 175-inch overall length, with curb weight of 3,058 pounds.

Its boxer engine back then developed 165 horsepower, and I wrote, “Heading up I-70, the Forester is a middle-lane sport ute; in the left lane climbing toward Georgetown it risks getting run over by V-8-powered Grand Cherokees and Suburbans.”

Today it has grown some (5 inches longer and 600 pounds heavier) and is much stronger with a 250-hp turbocharged boxer engine.

The 2.0-liter direct-injected, intercooled, turboed engine offers a nice blend of smooth acceleration and CVT performance.

The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system lends reassurance for wintertime driving duties. And if the going gets really tough, the push of a button on the center console at any speed up to 13 miles an hour engages X-Mode, which increases traction by reducing wheelspin where needed and adding low-end torque. It remains effective until either the button is pushed again or speeds reach 25, when it automatically disengages. The Forester features a relatively short turn circle of 34 feet, 8 inches.

The Forester compact crossover, Subaru’s best seller, ranges in pricing from a base around $23,000 to the XT Touring’s $36,250.

Adding appeal to the review model are its optional sport-mode drive setting, dual-zone climate control, Subaru Starlink navigation and audio with Harman/Kardon amplifier and speakers, Bluetooth and rearview camera, leather seats (heated in front), power rear liftgate and push-button start.

Overall fuel mileage for the Forester was 23.5 miles per gallon.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring:

• Capacity 5-passenger
• Wheelbase 103.9 inches
• Length 180.9 inches
• Width 70.7 inches
• Height 68.2 inches
• Curb Weight 3,651 pounds
• Track 60.9 inches front, 61.1 rear
• Ground Clearance 8.7 inches
• Turn Circle 34.8 feet
• Drivetrain Symmetrical all-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.0-liter turbo boxer 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 250/258
• Transmission continuously variable
• Steering electric power-assist
• Suspension strut front, double wishbone rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 23/28
• Fuel mileage average 23.5
• Fuel Tank 15.9 gallons, premium unleaded
• Wheels 18-inch
• Tires Bridgestone Dueler 225/55R18
• Cargo Volume 31.5 cubic feet
• Warranty 3years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Cherokee, Chevrolet Equinox

Assembly Plant Ota, Gunma, Japan

Parts Content Japan 85%

Base Price of Lowest Model $22,395; Base Price of Review Model $33,795; Destination Charge $850; Sticker Price $36,250.

The shapely 2016 Fiat 500X, finished in Italian rosso (red), carried us south toward the city one evening last week. From somewhat of a pug nose and two bulging eyes (headlights) in front, the little hatchback slopes out nicely at the rear with a spoiler and big rectangular taillights.

The 500X and its sister car Jeep Renegade, both built in Melfi, Italy, are entries in the emerging subcompact SUV crossover category.

The Fiat, with wheelbase of only 101 inches, picked its way through Denver rush-hour traffic to East County Line Road, up a short, steep hill where we were surrounded by four young men ready to valet park it. A special event was at hand and bright lights shined from Bentley of Denver, where soon to be unveiled was the world’s most luxurious SUV, the Bentley Bentayga.

“This is not a Bentley,” I told the valet crew of the 500X. They seemed amused; Jan seemed embarrassed.

The Fiat front-wheel-drive model proved a great handler in the 65-mile drive to Bentley and back home later that night, and a twist of a dial to sport mode improved performance from its 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. While in normal mode it cruises 50 miles per hour in 7^th gear, in sport mode at 50 it remains in 5^th gear, with stiffer steering and more aggressive shifts.

Too bad, I thought, that Fiat execs would send a front-drive 500X here, rather than an all-wheel drive. This, of course, is AWD country and when you consider that last month the Jeep Renegade outsold the Fiat by a 7-to-1 margin (7,924 to 1,133), an AWD review it seems might help bring the 500X to a more competitive level.

Contrasting the reasonably priced Fiat 500X ($25,300) was the unveiled Bentley Bentayga, which will begin at $229,100 and go up from there. The Bentayga, expected to go on sale in January, boasts a 600-hp 12-cylinder engine, with permanent four-wheel drive.

Bentley’s introduction of the Bentayga will open the doors into the ultraluxury SUV market, to be followed by several other makers. Lamborghini has  pegged 2018 as its launch year for an impressive SUV, and Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati and Jaguar all have plans to join the SUV market.

Prior to the unveiling, I was introduced by Rod Buscher, longtime Colorado auto dealer, to 27-year-old Aleks Vekselberg, who last year bought the Denver Bentley, Ferrari and Lotus dealerships from Bill Stewart. Vekselberg, who three years ago was a student at Yale University, also  bought the Ferrari of Philadelphia store about the same time as the Denver purchases. He is based out of New York.

Vekselberg’s father, Viktor Vekselberg, has been called the richest man in Russia, with estimated  worth of $18 billion, much of it made in oil and gas investments.

The beautiful Bentley Bentayga, built in Crewe, England, featured magnificent leather and hand-crafted stitching. Its performance claims include 187 miles per hour and 4.1-second 0-to-60 time.

“The Bentayga is pushing the boundaries of what an SUV can represent,” said Aleks Vekselberg following its unveiling. “While nothing can take away from the Bentayga’s status as a pioneer in the ultraluxury SUV sector, I think the car also represents an important turning point that will usher Bentley into a new era.”

The Fiat 500X which carried Jan and me to the Bentley gathering was the Trekking model and included heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, remote start, Sirius satellite radio with integrated voice command with Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and leather-wrapped shift knob. Its audio display screen is smalll, and it has no navigation or rearview camera; those are optional.

The seats are of very durable cloth material. With second-row seats in place, cargo space amounts to 18.5 cubic feet. There is no spare tire; an air inflation kit is provided.

The 500X averaged 26.9 miles per gallon of fuel.

Other versions of the 500X are the low-end Pop, Easy, Lounge and Trekking Plus.

The 500X and Jeep Renegade compete with the new Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax.

You can contact Bud Wells at [email protected].

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Fiat 500X FWD crossover:

• Capacity 5-passenger
• Wheelbase 101.2 inches
• Length 168.3 inches
• Width 70.7 inches
• Height 64 inches
• Curb Weight 3,095 pounds
• Track 60.9 inches front, 61 rear
• Ground Clearance 7.0 inches
• Turn Circle 35.3 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 180/175
• Transmission 9-speed automatic
• Steering electric power
• Suspension MacPherson strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 22/31
• Fuel mileage average 26.9
• Fuel Tank 12.7 gallons, unleaded regular
• Wheels 18-inch
• Tires Continental ProContact 225/45R18
• Cargo Volume 18.5 cubic feet
• Warranty 3years/36,000 miles basic, 5/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Jeep Renegade, Buick Encore, Nissan Juke

Assembly Plant Melfi, Italy

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 29%, Italy 52%

Base Price of Lowest Model $19,900; Base Price of Review Model $23,100; Destination Charge $900; Sticker Price $25,300.

In the face of the continued dwindling minivan market in the U.S., Honda Odyssey sales have held steady this year, boosted most recently by introduction of a new SE model for 2016.

The value-based SE trim features a DVD rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch display screen and HondaVac, a built-in vacuum cleaner in the cargo area with hose that stretches throughout the van to clean up after the kids.

Sticker price on the ’16 Odyssey SE I drove recently was $34,255 and included also push-button start, trizone automatic climate control, dual power sliding side doors and AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB and Pandora internet radio interface.

The Odyssey is 202.9 inches long. Barely edging it out in overall length are the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan, each at 203 inches. A bit shorter than the Odyssey are the Kia Sedona at 201 inches and the Toyota Sienna at 200.2 inches.

These five models make up the bulk of minivan sales, which continue to slide against the deluge of new crossover offerings. The minivan market may fall below 500,000 sales this year; it traditionally generated well over a million sales yearly until recent years.

Once inside the new Odyssey, in spite of its disjointed exterior appearance at the rear quarters it all fits together nicely and provides plenty of accommodation.

The variable cylinder management of its 248-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-Tec V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission help it attain relatively high fuel-mileage readings on highway drives. Though it earned a 19/28 miles-per-gallon estimate, we averaged 21.7 mpg in overall driving. On flat highway cruises the engine cuts back to use of only three cylinders. The Odyssey’s dash-mounted shifter is short and easy to grip.

The screen used for the rearview camera also, when the right-turn signal is engaged provides a nice view along the right side of the van for added safety.

The beige finish of the cloth seats falls short in the level of attractiveness. Easy-to-use power controls for opening and closing of side doors are positioned on the dash at the left of the driver, in the key fob and at the doors. Controls for the rear heat are above the sliding door on the passenger side.

The Odyssey opens up 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats. Only the Toyota Sienna tops that, barely, among minivans. The third row will fold flat into the cargo area behind, but the second row seats, which are relatively heavy, must be removed for opening up more cargo space.

The SE level falls between the EX and EX-L models for the Odyssey.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Honda Odyssey SE minivan:

• Capacity 7-passenger
• Wheelbase 118.1 inches
• Length 202.9 inches
• Width 79.2 inches
• Height 68.4 inches
• Curb Weight 4,528 pounds
• Track 68.1 inches front, 68.2 rear
• Ground Clearance 4.5 inches
• Turn Circle 36.7 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.5-liter V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 248/250
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering electric power-assist
• Suspension MacPherson strut front, multilink double wishbone rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 19/28
• Fuel mileage average 21.7
• Fuel Tank 21 gallons, unleaded regular
• Wheels 17-inch
• Tires Michelin P235/65R17
• Cargo Volume 38.4 cubic feet
• Warranty 3years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan, Kia Sedona

Assembly Plant Lincoln, Ala.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 75%

Base Price of Lowest Model $29,275; Base Price of Review Model $33,375; Destination Charge $880; Sticker Price $34,255.

“Is it snappy,” someone asked of the 2016 Acura ILX sedan. No, not really, kind of average.

Snazzy, though, it is, with its sharply styled front end. It shapes up somewhat along the lines of the crisply finished Cadillac ATS, a competitor of the ILX. Both have distinctively designed grilles.

Jan and I drove the new Acura to Sterling the first weekend of this month for the 60^th reunion of the Sterling High School Class of ’55 – a Friday night gathering at the Plainsmen Grille and Saturday night at the Ramada Inn.

Of more consequence, however, was delivery to me of the highly touted 2016 Hyundai Tucson Sport AWD, which took us earlier this week to the higher country for a four-day visit to Vail.

An indirect route home lent credence to the capabilities of the new Tucson; to Leadville, Buena Vista, Fairplay, down U.S. 285 to Denver and on to Greeley.

The twists and turns and climbs on U.S. 24 from Minturn, over Tennessee Pass and on to Leadville, are better testing roadways than anything offered via the shorter I-70 route home.

The Tucson’s small 175-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is mated to a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and this source provides power for climbing the hills with no hesitation. A more responsive Sport mode eliminates a bit of turbo lag noticed in Normal mode, and, if economy is of prime concern, an Eco mode slows down shifts and torque. Smoothest operation overall, though, is in Normal mode. A button will lock the system in four-wheel drive.

The new model rides more quietly than previous versions, handling is impressive and body motion has been reduced, with excellent grip on the mountain curves. A month ago, I drove one of the first ’16 Tucsons near Tabernash in the company of Lori Scholz, public relations manager for Hyundai, and Trevor Lai, manager of product planning, and within 2 minutes I could tell the Hyundai was of longer wheelbase and improved structure. Even with that, turning radius is a relatively short 35 feet.

A big plus, also, with the new one is its cargo capacity has been expanded to 31 cubic feet, compared with 25.7 for last year’s Tucson. The 2016 model, built in Korea, is 3 inches longer than last year, 1.2 inches longer in wheelbase and 1.1 inches wider. It competes in the compact SUV market against such standouts as the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester.

A hexagonal grille adorns the front end, but the nose is so blunt it lacks attraction. What saves the front view are the 30-inch-long angular headlights. The review model is finished in a chocolate color, very pretty, which Hyundai has labeled “mojave sand.” It looked good sitting out front of Doc’s Eat & Drink barbecue stop in Leadville.

Walk behind the Tucson with the key fob in pocket, stop for a couple seconds, the large taillights flash and the power liftgate opens. When opened, the uppermost edge of the liftgate is 80 inches high.

The wide cargo area extends to the regular cabin portion of the interior, with roominess in both front and rear seating areas. “It’s just fine,” said realtor friend Ted King, 6-foot-5, of front-passenger seat headroom while enroute to Kenny’s Steakhouse in Greeley. A hard-plastic appearance and feel of the dashboard area detract from an otherwise bright, comfortable interior.

We logged 450 miles in our four-day run to Vail and back, and averaged 26.9 miles per gallon, with an EPA estimate of 24/28. A Tucson I drove two years ago, with a 2.4-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder, carried an EPA rating of 20/25.

The Tucson Sport’s price tag is a reasonable $28,570, lowered some by the fact there was no navigation installed. That’s about all it lacked, for it as equipped with rearview camera, heated front cloth seats, USB port, Bluetooth, satellite radio, the power liftgate, 19-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and push-button start.

The Sport model is just below the Limited in pricing. Cheaper versions of the Tucson are SE and Eco.

2016 ACURA ILX

The ’16 Acura ILX is in its fourth year as a front-wheel-drive luxury compact sedan.

Its 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine, connected to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, develops 201 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. Its small, inconspicuous paddleshifters are likable; they’re easy to handle and don’t get in the way of normal use of the steering wheel.

It excelled in fuel mileage, averaging 32.6 mpg in its drive to Sterling and back. The reunion was for all persons who attended or graduated from Sterling High 50 years ago or more. Keeping watch over the “kids” as master of ceremonies was Jim Weatherill, a ’62 grad and former superintendent of schools of  Littleton.

The Acura, like several Honda models, uses a dual set of infotainment screens at its dash, one over the other. They’re somewhat distracting.

With voice-recognition navigation, multiview rear camera, active cruise, lane-keeping assist, leather sport seats, power moonroof and jewel-eye LED headlights, the ILX’s sticker price reached $33,820.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Hyundai Tucson Sport AWD:

• Capacity 5-passenger
• Wheelbase 105.1 inches
• Length 176.2 inches
• Width 72.8 inches
• Height 64.8 inches
• Curb Weight 3,505 pounds
• Track 63.1 inches front, 63.6 rear
• Ground Clearance 6.4 inches
• Turn Circle 34.9 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 175/195
• Transmission 7-speed dual-clutch
• Steering electric power-assist
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 24/28
• Fuel mileage average 26.9
• Fuel Tank 16.4 gallons, unleaded regular
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Hankook Kinergy 245/45R19
• Cargo Volume 31 cubic feet
• Warranty 5years/60,000 miles basic, 10/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Forester

Assembly Plant Ulsan, Korea

Parts Content Korea 93%

Base Price of Lowest Model $22,700; Base Price of Review Model $27,550; Destination Charge $895; Sticker Price $28,570.

In its 15^th model year, the Toyota Highlander has steadily grown into one of the top-rated midsize crossovers with three rows of seats.

It was the newest sport ute in the country in April 2001 when the ’01 Highlander carried Jan and me, Dave and Norma Wagner into northeastern Colorado for the 100^th anniversary celebration of the First Christian Church of Wray.

The first one was noted for a smooth, carlike ride; today’s Highlander has retained that asset while increasing wheelbase by 2 ½ inches, overall length by 7 inches, width by 4 inches and has gained 600 pounds. It has shed a very boxy rear end for a sleeker look.

The Highlander, since its introduction, has offered a quiet cabin and well-damped, comfortable ride; it’s a good highway cruiser. Jan and I drove it in to Denver one afternoon to attend the memorial service for Bill Barrow, the former longtime head of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.

More miles were added to the Toyota early the next morning when I drove it to Tabernash (near Winter Park) and the Devil’s Thumb Ranch for test-driving several 2016 cars and trucks.

Toyota’s 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, in moving the 4,400-pound Highlander, isn’t overly powerful, but it gets passing marks for climbing the hills and in getting around slower-moving traffic, and doing it fairly economically. For the week I was with the Highlander, it posted an overall average of 21.8 miles per gallon; its EPA estimate is 18/24.

Its improved all-wheel-drive system, from normal front-drive mode at any hint of slip varies torque distribution up to 50/50 front-to-rear. With push of a button, the continuously varying distribution can be locked into an even divide between front and rear wheels.

Much of the Highlander’s popularity is based on the fact it offers the three rows of seating. Raise the lever on the seatback in the second row and the seat will slide forward, lending limited access to the far-back seats, which are fairly tight in legroom and headroom. The third row is not as roomy as that in the Chevrolet Traverse, and it leaves little cargo space, only 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row.

A swooping design across much of the dashboard creates a tray for holding small items such as phones or key fobs or billfolds or Starbucks cards. Visibility has been improved with slightly larger glass openings and repositioned pillars.

Highlighting a long list of optional items, which boosted sticker price of the Highlander to $47,812, are automatic high-beam headlights, running boards, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, radar cruise control, lane-departure alert and remote engine start.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Toyota Highlander SUV crossover:

• Capacity 8-passenger crossover
• Wheelbase 109.8 inches
• Length 191.1 inches
• Width 75.8 inches
• Height 68.1 inches
• Curb Weight 4,464 pounds
• Track 64.4 inches front, 64.2 rear
• Ground Clearance 8 inches
• Turn Circle 38.7 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.5-liter V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 270/248
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering electric power
• Suspension front strut, rear double wishbone
• Fuel mileage estimate 18/24
• Fuel mileage average 21.8
• Fuel Tank 19.2 gallons, regular
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Bridgestone Dueler 245/55R19
• Cargo Volume 13.8 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder

Assembly Plant Princeton, Ind.

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $32,530; Base Price of Review Model $41,300; Destination Charge $885; Sticker Price $47,812.

“What a looker,” some might say of this new automobile.

While its 550 horses make it a superstar and six figures ($121,000) give it elite status, a mere three letters on its rear (AWD) lend it added appeal in the Mile High City and hills to the west.

It’s the 2016 Jaguar F-Type R convertible, which was recently voted the favorite on-road driver by automotive journalists at an event at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in the mountains near Tabernash. Forty new cars and trucks were included in the display and drive, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Winner of favorite off-road driver was the ’15 Ram 1500 Rebel pickup.

I spent a week with the low-slung, two-seat Jaguar prior to the event at the Tabernash ranch. Finished in glacier white, it is of long, sloping hood and big nose out front. With the soft top retracted into the trunk, the red leather header and performance seats are inviting.

Packed tightly beneath the reverse-opening hood is the 550-horsepower, 5-liter V-8, supercharged and direct-injected for more efficient combustion. An awesome 502 lb.-ft. of torque will shoot the Jag to 60 miles per hour in about 4 seconds. Few competitors develop more horsepower than this one.

The Jag, in those 0 to 60 tests, screams its way down the track (well, actually, it roars and cackles). The driver not only controls the throttle, but also, with an “active exhaust system,” controls the level of decibel-blast out the quad pipes at the back.

The V-8 is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with near-imperceptible shift points. The choice of gears can be quickened with paddle shifters in dynamic mode (also of choice is use of the other end of gearing performance for rain/ice/snow conditions.

In a plus for Colorado drivers, all-wheel drive has replaced rear-wheel drive in the F-Type R convertibles, pleasing those who venture out onto the roads all winter long. The Intelligence Driveline Dynamics system, which normally sends 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels, will, in an instant of treacherous conditions, redirect as much as 50 percent of torque to the front wheels. The stunning F-Type convertible, in its third year or production, was introduced in these parts at the

Denver Auto Show in 2013 by Jack TerHar, longtime Broomfield car dealer. “I learned of plan for the roadster back in 2004 in a British pub in England,” he said at the car show. “My tablemate, Ian Collum (Jaguar stylist), sketched it on a napkin while we drank beer.” Plans for its conceptual stage began to circulate the following year.

Built in Castle Bromwich, England, the ’16 F-Type R convertible carries a sticker price of $121,345, when equipped with the aforementioned features, along with Meridian sound system, climate pack with heated seats and steering wheel, touchscreen navigation, backup camera, blind-spot monitor, illuminated treadplates and 20-inch wheels with Pirelli 255/35/ZR20 tires.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Jaguar F-Type R convertible:

• Capacity 2-passenger convertible
• Wheelbase 103.2 inches
• Length 176 inches
• Width 74.2 inches
• Height 51.7 inches
• Curb Weight 3,847 pounds
• Track 62.9 inches front, 64.9 rear
• Ground Clearance 3.9 inches
• Turn Circle 37.8 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 5.0-liter supercharged V-8
• Horsepower/Torque 550/502
• Transmission 8-speed automatic
• Steering electric power
• Suspension sport, double wishbone
• Fuel mileage estimate 15/23
• Fuel mileage average 21.4
• Fuel Tank 18.5 gallons, premium
• Wheels 20-inch
• Tires Pirelli 255/35/ZR20
• Cargo Volume 7 cubic feet
• Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Mercedes-Benz SL550, BMW M6, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Assembly Plant Castle Bromwich, England

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 3%, Germany 51%, England 43%

Base Price of Lowest Model $106,450; Base Price of Review Model $109,450; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $121,345.

Liken it to a bruiser of a heavyweight hitting harder with a smaller fist – it’s the refreshed third generation of the Ford Expedition EL. Gone is V-8 power, replaced with the awesome EcoBoost V-6.

By virtue of its size, the 2015 Expedition is the reddest of a string of red vehicles I’ve been driving recently. The Ford’s ruby red finish is actually a deeper red than the others – the flame red of a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, the tornado red of the Volkswagen Sportwagen, the Melbourne red metallic of the BMW X6M, the milano red of the Honda HR-V and the rally red of the Mitsubishi Outlander.

None of those compare with it in size.

Based on the Ford F-150 pickup, the full-size SUV was introduced in 1996, then the extended-length EL was added in 2007 to replace the big Excursion, which had been discontinued two years previously.

The Expedition is in demand this summer; its sales increased 46 percent in July and the larger EL represents 44 percent of overall Expedition sales, according to Mike Grammes, Ford sales operations manager for the Denver region.

The 2015 Excursion EL, on a wheelbase of 131 inches, is 220.8 inches in length, stands almost 78 inches in height and weighs a whopping 6,103 pounds. And it rides high on 22-inch wheels, with Pirelli Scorpion 285/45R22 tires.

So, it is big. Open the huge hood, though, and there sits a relatively small V-6 engine in the wide-open underhood space.

Armed with the direct-injected, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine churning out 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, Ford discontinued Expedition’s use of the 5.4-liter V-8, which generated lesser ratings of 310-hp and 365 lb.-ft.

Only a moment’s hesitation precedes the thrust of EcoBoost power that so adequately carries the three-ton SUV to greater heights. The huge gain in torque reading registers higher-gear cruises. The V-6 is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The Expedition EL averaged 17 miles per gallon and on a straight highway run will approach 19 or 20. A few months back, I averaged 17.3 with the like-sized Lincoln Navigator, equipped with a similar EcoBoost V-6.

The new Expedition uses fewer amounts of chrome in its restyled headlamps, grille and front bumper.

Inside, the modern, comfortable cabin boasts roominess, even in its third-row seating. Ford’s voice-activated Sync system lends opportunity for calls, music and driving directions, with Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, CD player, satellite radio, iPod/USB and rear audio controls.

The body-on-frame SUV offers up to 9,200 pounds of tow capacity.

A sticker price of $68,090 is an indication of how well-equipped is the Platinum edition of the Expedition EL. A few of the long list of plush accommodations are the 22-inch wheels, power running boards, power moonroof, navigation, heated front and second-row seats and cooled front seats, rearview camera, power liftgate, blind-spot information system and dual-zone electronic automatic climate control.

Ford dealers in the Denver region last month recorded their best August sales in nine years on strong demand for F-series trucks, SUVs and crossovers.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Ford Expedition EL 4X4:

• Capacity 8-passenger crossover
• Wheelbase 131 inches
• Length 220.8 inches
• Width 78.8 inches
• Height 77.7 inches
• Curb Weight 6,103 pounds
• Track 67 inches front, 67.2 rear
• Ground Clearance 8.3 inches
• Turn Circle 44 feet
• Drivetrain Four-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 365/420
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering electric power-assist rack-and-pinion
• Suspension independent coil-over-shock front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 14/20
• Fuel mileage average 17
• Fuel Tank 33.5 gallons, regular
• Wheels 22-inch
• Tires Pirelli Scorpion 285/45R22
• Cargo Volume 42.6 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Chevrolet Suburban, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia

Assembly Plant Louisville, Ky.

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $56,830; Base Price of Review Model $64,320; Destination Charge $1,195; Sticker Price $68,090.