If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The second-generation 2007-’13 Outlander was a big step above the original and provided more passenger space, comfort and, with the V-6 option, more power for hauling and towing. The optional all-wheel-drive was one of the better systems available and could direct up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, which it did when accelerating from rest. The AWD could also be locked in at any speed or road condition to aid grip in the turns.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

Mazda turned the sports-car world on its ear when the cute-and-sassy Miata arrived in the fall of 1989. The two-seat roadster, which was reminiscent of a 1960s-vintage Lotus Elan, boasted a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine along with a five-speed manual transmission. The available four-speed automatic was a rarely ordered option. In 1994, the Miata’s engine grew to 1.8 liters and horsepower crept up to 128 from 116. A larger and more-powerful Miata replaced the first-generation car for 1999, which continued until Mazda’s third-generation two-seater was launched for the 2007 model year.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The original Mini Cooper delivered plenty of driving fun and the newer models have continued that tradition. The carʼs low center of gravity and wide stance minimized body lean while cornering. Steering was ultra-quick and responsive. Likewise, shifting the standard-issue six-speed manual transmission was a treat (it was designed by BMW, after all). A six-speed automatic was optional.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

Toyota’s youth-market division was launched in 2003 specifically for the North American market. The well-equipped xA hatch and xB wagon were joined for the 2005 model year by the sporty tC hatchback coupe. Initially, the car came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that made 161 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. For 2011, those numbers jumped to 180/173 with the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The X6 was based on BMW’s successful X5 sport utility vehicle, but the X6’s hatchback meant there was no confusing the two. Original powertrains included 300- and 315-horsepower inline six-cylinder engines for the xDrive35i. Optional 400- and 440-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-8 engines (depending on the year) came in the xDrive50i. For 2010, BMW added the more potent 550-horsepower X6 M as well as the 480-horesepower ActiveHybrid X6. An all-wheel-drive system that could vary torque front-to-back as well as side-to-side was standard issue on all X6s.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

Nissanʼs funky front-wheel-drive box on wheels was originally introduced to the Japan market in 1998. The third-generation model was brought to Europe and North America for the 2009 model year, by which time it displayed a unique (some would say youthful) styling. The Cubeʼs sole engine option was a 1.8-liter four-cylinder (the same one given to the Versa hatchback) that produced 122 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The second-generation 2009-’13 Mazda6 did a decent job competing against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu, et al. Of particular note was the sharp styling and generously sized and appointed interior. Both front and rear seats were particularly supportive. The 6ʼs sport-tuned suspension and steering made it more fun to drive than many of its sedan competitors, but it still delivered a comfortable ride.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The Venza’s key strength was its ability to transport up to five people and carry more than twice the amount of cargo than the Camry. As well, the Venza’s taller body and greater ride height made for easier entry and exit. Ride comfort and steering precision/handling were also strong points. Both the four- and six-cylinder engines could be specified with all-wheel-drive, which made the wagon an ideal all-weather workhorse.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

For people — most people, actually — who travel short distances in an average day, the 40-mile battery range meant the Volt would use no gasoline unless longer trips were planned. With a built-in gasoline generator to power the electric motor after the batteries ran down, drivers never had to worry about running out of juice by the side of the road, as they might have with battery-only electric vehicles. Recharging the batteries took a reasonable six hours when hooked up to a 240-volt power source, but about 15 hours at 120 volts.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

As with previous models, the ES 350 arrived with plenty of upscale touches that separated it from the rest of the entry-luxury pack and, of course, the related Camry. The low-key styling was spiffed up compared with the previous ES. The suspension was also calibrated for a more luxury-oriented but well-controlled ride, with one auto magazine calling it “as soft as a goose-down comforter.”

 Please contact us to order this feature.