2009 Volvo C30, S40, and V50 DRIVe Diesels

While Americans fret about miles per gallon, Europeans take a serious look at how much carbon dioxide (CO2) their vehicles emit. Volvo's done just that with its new DRIVe range, consisting of specially-tuned versions of its C30, S40, and V50 models. All three produce less than 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Powering each of the three cars is Volvo's 1.6-liter turbo-diesel I-4, coupled through a five-speed manual transmission. The powertrain, including the new diesel particulate filter, isn't anything that unusual; it's also offered on other diesel models in Volvo's range.

What are unique to the DRIVe models are a litany of aerodynamic aids, many of which were previewed on the C30 ReCharge concept, shown at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. All three DRIVe models are lowered by 10 mm, use a covered radiator grille, wind deflectors in front of the front wheels, and unique alloy wheels, shod with low rolling resistance Michelin tires. The S40 and V50 also gain a front spoiler from the T5 model, while the C30 wears new underbody panels, a rear spoiler, and an all-new rear bumper fascia.

Volvo's also tweaked some mechanical systems in pursuit of fuel economy. The five-speed manual transmission remains mostly stock, but uses taller gear ratios in third, fourth, and fifth gears. Volvo's also filled the transmission with low-viscosity oil, helping to reduce friction and improve driveline efficiency.

2009 Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima is all-new for the 2009 model year, and this seventh-generation model marks the return of the four-door sports car.

The 2009 Maxima was deliberately built, tuned and aimed at drivers who prefer sporty handling and a firmer ride as opposed to the softer, more luxurious ride associated with many cars in this class.

The Maxima four-door sedan has been part of the Nissan lineup dating back to 1981. Maxima was kicked up a notch when the Altima took over the role as the mainstream sedan and it became the Nissan flagship. This new Maxima now competes directly against sporty upmarket sedans. Among them: Acura TL, Infiniti G35, Chrysler 300, Cadillac CTS, and Toyota Avalon, as well as deluxe versions of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

  Only three months in, and the TL has already amassed over 7000 miles, evidence that its luxurious, feature-rich interior is making more friends than its controversial exterior is making enemies.

"I don't love the busy, awkward exterior cues," says Ron Kiino, "but the interior, with its super-thick-rimmed steering wheel and ultrasoft leather, feels and looks great." With around 6400 on the odometer, the TL's maintenance minder light came on, signaling that the first service was due. So we paid a $92.26 visit to Acura of Calabasas for an oil change, full inspection, and tire rotation. Fuel economy, at 20.2 mpg, has been miserly, especially given the 305-horse V-6 and near-4000-pound curb weight. Photographer Brian Vance, on a trip from Carson City to L.A., even saw as high as 27.1 mpg over a 361-mile stretch along Highway 395.(automotive)

2009 Acura TSX Review

Technology is what sets the new TSX apart. Acura's superb navigation system comes standard and can be operated using voice-recognition. The standard navigation system is the equal of anything in the class, while an optional system displays real-time traffic with congestion re-routing and local and national weather. An airlines display lets you track a flight's progress across the country. The top-line audio system sets a standard for the class, too, with superbly crisp surround sound. Hands-free, Bluetooth cell phone architecture is built right into the car's electronics.

The 2009 Acura TSX is a four-door, five-passenger sedan designed to competed with Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series sedans. It comes with one engine, a 2.4-liter inline-4, and a choice of transmissions, a six-speed manual and a five-speed SportShift sequential automatic. Although horsepower is off slightly, torque is increased by enough to make up any difference in sheer acceleration. Just as important, fuel economy is unchanged with the manual and improved with the automatic. The TSX stays with a front-wheel-drive configuration, whereas true sporty sedans are rear-wheel drive. That said, the TSX is one of the better-handling front-wheel-drive sedans and in its class, hard to beat as an everyday driver that can still be fun on a mountain road.