Auto News 5

The old Mazda 3 was already one of our favorite small cars. Twice an AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE All-Star, the previous 3 was a cut above its contemporaries. When Mazda's highest-volume car went in for a redesign for the 2010 model year, it emerged with a more powerful engine (in the "s" models, at least), an additional gear for its manual and automatic transmissions, a plethora of new luxury features, and new styling led off by a front end that West Coast editor Jason Cammisa described as "an anime gremlin wearing an I've-been-naughty grin."

Acknowledging the fact that it's difficult to remain an adolescent forever, Mini expanded its lineup with a longer wheelbase Clubman model for the 2008 model year. A longer wheelbase, a third entry door, and what Mini USA calls rear barn doors are the key features. As with other Minis, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available with two 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engines: the standard Cooper Clubman is normally aspirated, the Cooper S is turbocharged and intercooled. For 2011, a mid-cycle refresh applies to the whole family of two- and three-door Minis.