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The latest car to break cover in Nissan's 15-month product onslaught is the 2013 Sentra compact sedan. It follows the earlier debuts of the Altima sedan and Pathfinder crossover, and precedes the updated Versa hatchback. The Sentra is almost entirely new, with a lighter chassis, more efficient powertrain, and a longer list of optional technology. Best of all, the sheetmetal looks considerably more interesting than the current Sentra that has been on sale unchanged since 2007.

The majority of the compact-sedan class has been heavily revised or totally redesigned in the past two years, and Dodge has just rolled out its Alfa Romeo-based Dart, the latest entry in a hotly contested segment. Will the Dart be able to topple the best of the bunch from the top spot?

I adore the Mercedes-Benz C-class because it is luxurious and sporting without drawing undue attention to itself. Our C350 coupe looks great, and it doesn't have any of the frivolous creases or wings or gaping air vents that adorn some of its German rivals. The same is true of the interior: you get a lovely, no-nonsense cabin that is functional and elegant, yet devoid of silly styling flourishes.