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There's almost no reason to review this car. Volkswagen fanboys probably bought every Golf R within a few days of the announcement that it was coming to the States. Car guys who don't like VW products will complain that the Golf R is way too heavy and expensive. Both groups made up their minds as soon as the specifications were announced, and it's unlikely driving impressions will convert the nonbelievers.

If there's a water cooler at your place of business, the people who gather around it are probably talking about the price of gasoline. We don't blame them. The average price of a gallon of regular gas sold on February 5th was $3.43 but came in at $3.92 two months later. In many areas, it's now over $4 a gallon.

Since its debut, the Mazda 3 has been one of the best choices for enthusiasts on a budget. The 2012 3 has lost some of the previous car's character but it makes noticeable gains in refinement. In the cabin, the central console is still dominated by hard plastic, but its shiny finish has been toned down slightly and the new HVAC controls are easier to use by feel, so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. The overall design is also more cohesive and the look is more upscale, especially in the two-tone color scheme in this tester.

Ford has done a great job with the exhaust note on the 6.2-liter engine. There's an authoritative rumble when you fire it up and it walks the line between annoying drone while cruising and emitting a deep growl while accelerating. The soundtrack fits the Harley-Davidson theme of this truck particularly well.

Goldilocks wants a new compact crossover. As circumstances would have it, she's in luck. She's interested in a segment chock full of nice vehicles from just about every carmaker you can think of -- from Kia to Range Rover and every manufacturer in between.