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We have just had a handful of laps on a damp racetrack in the new BMW 335is, but it only takes one trip around the Estoril circuit in Portugal to recognize that this car is no poseur in the shadow of the grandstands. The "s" that's been appended to the 335i tag stands for sport, and BMW has made adjustments to the powertrain and suspension to back that up. With the 414-hp M3 and the dynamic 335i already in BMW's lineup, though, the 335is certainly needs to make a case for itself since it's bracketed by such capable cars.inline_mediumwraptextright27864952/reviews/driven/1001_2011_bmw_335is1001_03_z+2011_bMW_335is+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

The CX-9 is a nice vehicle, but it's hardly a Mazda. The entire package feels like it could be another one of the General Motors Acadia/Enclave/Traverse crossover trio from the size, to the driving dynamics, to the styling. That's not really a slam; the GM crossovers are fine vehicles-it's just that I expect more character from a Mazda.inline_mediumwraptextright31948248/reviews/editors_notebook/1001_2010_mazda_cx9_grand_touring1001_06_z+2010_mazda_cX-9_grand_touring+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue