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Santa Barbara, CA -- Full disclosure: I own a Subaru WRX, and the following review will make you want to ditch your current set of wheels for this sensible, almost bland-looking affordable supercar.

Yes: supercar.

The 2015 Subaru WRX has discarded much of its quirky design cues in favour of a more traditionally generic body, making current Corolla, Malibu or Tucson invalid options as daily family commuter cars.

The WRX is devastatingly fast, can go practically unnoticed in a car park, and will have you smiling at the very thought of everyday mundane drives. Every kilometre driven will widen the smile on your face and make you worship your new WRX.


What is a Subaru WRX?
The Holy Grail. Subaru's WRX has the same automotive clout amongst enthusiast as the MKI Volkswagen GTI or Ford Mustang. Upon its birth (2002 model year in North America), it instantly became a legend of road, tracks, and not to mention surfaces.

As a high-performance compact sedan with AWD and a lovely turbo, the Subaru WRX is a platform on which nothing is built (because it's that good).

2015 Subaru WRX Price and Specs
The 2015 Subaru WRX (“Impreza” was dropped) leaves showrooms in exchange for $29,995.

The WRX returned to the 2.0L WRC roots it set in the ‘90s. The now twin-scroll turbocharger-equipped 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces 268 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,000-5,200 rpm.

Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive with active torque vectoring is obviously standard. With it comes a 6-speed manual transmission or, alternatively, a Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission with paddle shifters. As further incentive to those opting for the CVT, Subaru throws in SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive.

Driving the 2015 Subaru WRX
Burble, where hast thou gone? A twin-scroll charger, and different exhaust headers means our beloved WRX is now a civilized barnburner of a car.

The new 2015 Subaru WRX may be quieter, but where it really matters (power) the new direct-injected 2.0L really shines. Gone is the lack of refinement. In its place: efficiency and performance. 0-100 km/hr times vary between high 4s to low 5 seconds.

The blast is so smooth that if it weren't for my butt dyno, I'd not believe the numbers. This makes me sad. My '03 WRX kicks me in the groin when boost comes on making for big grins. This new gentleman-like power delivery is too adult-like for me to like it... But I do.

Torque is full-on as of 2,000 rpm, and given there's barely any turbo lag to speak of, 16+ psi of boost are on almost immediately. Rowing through the gears is fabulous; the shifter is heavy and positive in its throws. Heel-and-toe enthusiasts will shift with glee, as I did, with perfect pedal positioning.

At the risk of being called old: The Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission is really damn good. Overnight, this ‘box went from bad (XV Crosstrek Hybrid) to nearly the best. At more than 30% throttle, the tranny shifts like an automatic. Under 30%, it works like a regular CVT. In Sport, it'll give you six gears; in Sport Sharp, eight gears. Many new buyers will be drawn to the car because of it.

Control, and the car's abilities are front and centre on the 2015 WRX. Previously, the driver had more responsibilities, now the car handles more of that burden. Torsional rigidity is up 40% and lateral stiffness by 14% allowing for a stiffer, sportier suspension fitment.

Front and rear suspensions are revised with higher spring rates, thicker sway bars, and added stiffening plates at mounting points. Other than the appreciably sharper ride all around, it's the rear suspension's behaviour that truly made a difference in the car's handling.

The rear is now a true pivot point where the car's tires are perfectly poised for maximum grip to allow for the ideal amount of slip angle when carving corners. Grip is tenacious, but incredibly malleable without giving up feedback and control. There is no comparing the ‘14 WRX to the ‘15 here.

Body roll is reduced by 20% and with the 2015 WRX's quick-ratio electric steering, the car slices and dices through canyon roads with feel and self-assurance. Confidence in the car's handling is sky-high and the brakes emanate good feedback and were infallible on both road and track.

Although far more civil than the previous 2008-2014 WRX, this new car can be just as raw as the older cars were (including mine),but will punish you less on a daily basis.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Subaru WRX
The new 2015 WRX is far more pedestrian and generic-looking. However, the WRX still looks good especially from the front. The blistered over-fenders took a small step back on the car's overall design and appeal and blend more into the strictly Japanese side profile -- but this is still a WRX.

The cabin is essentially carried over from the regular Impreza with the addition of the cool D-shaped steering wheel and sport seats that are too wide proving insufficient laterally, and height adjustment is lacking.

As a four-door sedan (no hatchback, sorry) with a decent trunk, the new WRX can and will serve as a family car.

Comparing the 2015 Subaru WRX
The new WRX has shed some previous-gen rough edges (which I loved), but because the car is now more “polite,” it has never been more in line with a broader range of competitors.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart comes close, very close, but the Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Si are more likely to compete head-to-head with the new 2015 WRX. I love me a GTI or ST, but I'd leave the Subaru lot in a new WRX...

From GMM

Zoran Stefanovich, who tried and failed to enter the sport with defunct Toyota's assets in 2010, is back on the cusp of formula one.

Although it is believed the Serbian has withdrawn his application to put together a brand new team for 2015, Italy's Omnicorse reports that Stefanovich has been in talks to take over the existing backmarker Marussia.

The report said the Stefanovich talks date back to last November, as the interest of current Marussia owner Nikolay Fomenko is waning under the stresses of the more expensive 2014 regulations.

Marussia MR03-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Former Renault chief Flavio Briatore says the cost explosion in F1 is "madness".

"Given the current crisis, it is pointless to set a budget limit at $200 million. It only needs to be 100 million," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport last week.

"It shouldn't be forgotten that 30 per cent of the teams are at risk of not even finishing the season," Briatore claimed.

Rubens Barrichello, the most experienced driver in F1 history who still attends the races for the Brazilian broadcaster Globo, was also linked with the latest Stefanovich rumours.

From GMM

A controversy has erupted after relatives of passengers on the missing Malaysia airlines flight had to change hotels when the Ferrari team touched down for this weekend's Malaysian grand prix.

The media reports, including by the German newspaper Die Welt, said that because Ferrari had reserved the rooms at the Cyberview hotel, the grieving relatives of those on the missing flight MH370 had to move out.

"When the first Ferrari employees wanted to check in, they were told that their rooms were occupied. After heated discussions, the Italians prevailed," read the Welt report.

A hotel spokeswoman confirmed: "It is true that the Chinese families were here, but they are already gone as we are fully booked because of the formula one race."

Welt added that the hotel arranged alternate accommodation near the Kuala Lumpur airport for the passengers' families.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone commented: "I feel very sorry for the families of the passengers, but ultimately the decision lies with the hotels.

"Imagine what would happen if hotel bookings suddenly become invalid?" he added.

Welt newspaper said that hotel rooms for F1's vast travelling circus are booked "months, sometimes even years in advance".

From GMM

The FIA is not closed-minded about making its brave new engines louder and less fuel-efficient, president Jean Todt has revealed.

The low-profile Frenchman made the comments to the Italian broadcaster Rai following fierce criticism of the sport's new 'power unit' era in the wake of the 2014 opener in Australia.

"There should be calm before reaction," Jean Todt is quoted as saying.

However, he indicated that he agrees with those who think the amount of fuel-saving necessary to get to the end of grands prix this year is excessive.

Start of the 2014 Australian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

"I do not want formula one 'economy runs'," said the former Ferrari team boss.

"The permitted amount of fuel, 100 kilograms, was proposed by the teams. For me it is not a problem if they want it to be 100 kg."

But Jean Todt said fuel-saving had nothing to do with the lack of overtaking in Melbourne.

"Instead it is the aerodynamics of the cars and the circuit in Melbourne, for example, has never been very good for overtaking.

"I am convinced that very soon we will see a lot of overtaking," he added. "So let's wait before making judgements."

Jean Todt also indicated he is alert to the shrill criticism of F1's new turbo V6 'power units', which trackside at Albert Park were recently likened to 'sewing machines on wheels'.

"The noise is obviously different now, and if there is a problem with it then if the teams agree we can look at a way to make it noisier," he said, adding that he personally finds the tones of the new F1 era "fascinating".

From GMM

The missing link at Ferrari is Michael Schumacher.

That is the claim of Juan Pablo Montoya, a rival of the great seven time world champion who currently lies seriously injured in a French hospital after a skiing fall.

Schumacher and Colombian Montoya, who raced in Nascar after leaving F1 and is now returning to the IndyCar series, were often fierce competitors.

"We spoke once in the six years that we raced against each other," Montoya, 38, is quoted by the German news agency DPA. "He was a competitor, not a friend. Formula one is very closed -- as a McLaren driver I couldn't just go and sit in the Ferrari motor home."

Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) and Juan-Pablo Montoya (Williams) in Montreal, in 2004. (Photo: WRi2 - World Racing Images)

However, he obviously rated the German very highly, claiming that "The only time Ferrari did well was when Michael was there".

Similarly, he said that if Schumacher's return to F1 with Mercedes was not successful, it was the fault of the Brackley based team.

"He didn't just forget how to drive. It's how it has always been in formula one," Montoya insisted.

Beyond that, he said it is difficult to comment on the current state of the sport, as "For seven years I have not watched formula one. Maybe one or two races a year."

From GMM

Jan Magnussen will be in Malaysia this weekend.

The former McLaren and Stewart driver missed his son Kevin's sensational podium on debut in Melbourne because he was racing a sports car on the other side of the world.

However, the 40-year-old Dane - who became a father at the tender age of 19 - will be at Sepang to watch Magnussen jr, 21, race a McLaren for the second time.

Jan and Kevin Magnussen, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

"Being 6000 miles away watching the race was not a lot of fun. I do not want to do that too often," he admitted.

Jan Magnussen admitted the speed of Kevin's rise to the F1 podium, a feat he never achieved himself in his 25 starts, was surprising.

"He was good immediately but what is most impressive is how he developed and how he keeps getting better and keeps finding ways to improve," he said.

"For the last couple of years he was extremely fast. The biggest change is how he is using his head and making things happen," Jan Magnussen added.

As for this weekend at Sepang, "I can't wait to be there to watch him," Kevin's father admitted.

From GMM

Dietrich Mateschitz has warned that his company, the energy drink Red Bull, is not infinitely committed to formula one.

The Austrian billionaire's comments come as his premier F1 team, reigning world champions Red Bull, challenge the governing FIA over Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification in Melbourne over the fuel flow sensor saga.

"The fact is that the federation's sensor has given inaccurate values since the beginning of the (winter) tests," Mateschitz, who rarely gives interviews, told the Vienna daily Kurier.

"We can prove that we were within the limits" in Australia, he added.

Mateschitz has said before that Red Bull is prepared to leave formula one if the sport no longer gives the company the sort of economic value it is seeking.

Now, he clarified: "The question is not so much about whether it makes economic sense, but more to do with the sporting value, political influence and the like.

"We have had it all but on these things from our perspective there is a clear limit to what we can accept," Mateschitz added.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

He also expressed frustration about F1's all-new era of smaller, greener, quieter and more efficient 'power units'.

"Formula one should be again what it always has been: the ultimate discipline," said the 69-year-old Austrian.

"It is not there to set new records in fuel consumption, or so you can talk at a whisper during a race and the greatest thrill is the squealing of the tyres. I consider it equally absurd that we are going a second slower than last year and that the junior series GP2 is almost as fast as formula one with a fraction of the budget," he added.

But even though he may not like the 'new' F1, Mateschitz said Red Bull is not giving up the fight to catch dominant Mercedes in 2014.

"We are working around the clock with our partner Renault and will make another big step in the next two to three weeks. There are 18 races to go. We will be back," he promised.

Many people will read and feel a huge controversy over tire problems in Sunday's NASCAR race at Auto Club Speedway in California. And they'd be wrong.

What they don't realize is the inconvenient truth that NASCAR officials changed downforce and camber rules that allowed teams to go aggressive on car setups and tire pressures.

As Kurt Busch eloquently explained, "Here's what we have. We have faster cars, more downforce, and NASCAR is allowing us to put whatever cambers we want into the cars, and therefore it's up to the team's discretion if you're going to have a problem or not. 

"I've been in this game 15 years, and normally NASCAR mandates what certain air pressures you have to run and what cambers you have to run not to have a black eye for Goodyear, by no means is this a problem for Goodyear, it's actually a thumbs up for NASCAR allowing the teams to get aggressive in all areas."

NASCAR Sprint Cup start at the Auto Club Speedway. (Photo: NASCAR)

Low pressure in the tires meant cars would go faster, but for how long? Some reports as low as 14 lbs. of air pressure where Goodyear recommended minimums of 22 lbs. for the left front 20 lbs. for left rear.

Some teams struggled with tire pressures on Friday and Saturday. That was like the canary in the coal mine warning teams about their tires. But, due to the other pressure, pressure to win races many teams persisted with a risky gamble.

Thus when a driver had a tire go down it was too easy to blame Goodyear. There may have been a dozen tire-related issues. But the folks who did did it despite the inconvenient truth that not only Goodyear but also even Kyle Busch's Toyota Racing Development recommended a certain, more conservative tire pressure. No surprise the winner didn't have tire related problems in the race.

The changes in the rules this year have made crew chiefs even more responsible than ever. Did Kyle Busch's crew chief like that?

"Yeah, I mean, absolutely," Dave Rogers, said. "You know, this racetrack is great because it has a lot of character.  It's worn out.  The drivers are starting at the bottom and then they move up top.  The car does different things.  There's bumps you've got to negotiate.  There's a lot of character, so you have to have a driver that can move around.  You've got to have a car that can move around.  It's a lot of fun racing out here."

Speaking about low pressure Rogers was amused. "You put 12 pounds in left sides and you're going 200 milesanhour in California, you might have a leftside tire problem.  That's awful low.  That's dangerous."

"It looked like it was fast for a while, though," he said then turned to Busch in the media center adding "I wouldn't do that to you."

Busch smiled and said, "I appreciate it."

And that is the truth.

It's always hard to give up on a classic. And that explains why Audi of America is bringing back the TT rather than pulling the plug on it.

On President's Day last month, about 40 electric-car advocates gathered under the rotunda at the state capitol in Washington state, where a lobbyist for Tesla Motors urged them to rally against a bill that would prevent the carmaker from opening new...

From press release

'Handsome' Chris Mitchell will return to Peterborough Speedway for another championship run in 2014.

After a tremendous 2013 campaign that saw him take part in the closest points battle in recent Peterborough Speedway history, former Ltd. Late Model Autumn Colours Champion Chris Mitchell will return to fulltime competition in 2014 with a retooled program and hopes of attaining his first Late Model division championship.

"The entire 2013 season was some of the most fun I've ever had at a speedway", the Late Model standout explains. "Right from Night 1, we had a fantastic year. The regular season was not without its obstacles, but we overcame them as a team, and ended up second in the year end points championship".

After coming closer than ever before to a track championship, Mitchell displays renewed focus when speaking about his goals for the rapidly approaching season.

"Our push for the championship came down to the last night of racing", says the Peterborough, ON veteran.

"When the last checkered flew we ended up just a few points shy. A one-time fluke mechanical failure around the mid-point of the season was all it took to cost us the points! We're more motivated than ever before, we can't wait to get back to Peterborough. We've put our name on virtually everything there is to win at this speedway except for a Late Model championship and that's going to change this season."

The 37-year old pilot, with the loving support of his partner Nicole and their two children, has diligently restructured his program. Numerous off-season upgrades have been made to a chassis acquired from longtime friend Earl Ireland in preparation for Mitchell's 2014 debut on May 17th

"Our new chassis is only 3 races old, and I've spent a large part of the off-season going over it, making sure we'll be ready for opening night", says Mitchell.

"I've known [multi-time champion and chassis manufacturer] Dan McHattie my entire life, I spend a lot of time bouncing ideas off of him, trying to find the right setup. I'm elated to work with a new car. I feel as though our team had a good idea of what made our old car work, and I'm excited to get to that place with our new chassis. It's just like solving a puzzle."

When asked what his 2014 schedule could include, 'Handsome' Chris contends that his primary concern is balancing racing with the demands of a growing business and a young family.

"I'd love more than anything to tell you that we have a 40-race schedule planned, and that we'll be touring the province on a weekly basis", laughs Mitchell. "But the reality is that we will have our car at Peterborough on a weekly basis and contend for as many wins as I can get".

When pressed about a possible touring program, Mitchell admits he's open to the idea.

"A championship at Peterborough is still at the top of my bucket list. But, should the proper marketing support arrive, I hope to enter a couple Pro Late Model invitationals over the course of the summer".

Chris Mitchell's 2014 season will carry marketing support from Rockstar Energy Drink, Dent Dynamics, Earl Ireland Auto Sales, Triben Entertainment, Dan McHattie Race Cars, Klotz Fuels Canada and Kawartha Metals.

From Lotus

Lotus F1 Team's new deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi is confident his team can still turn its season around, despite a difficult start to the 2014 campaign, last week at the Australian Grand Prix.

Both drivers Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado finished the race on the sidelines with Energy Recovery System (ERS) issues.

"I think it would be right to say that the start of the season has been a tough wake up call for everyone," confirmed Gastaldi, who has been with the Enstone team since the Benetton days.

Provided Renault can solve their own issues with the new turbo V6, he is adamant his team can thrive.

Pastor Maldonado, Lotus E22 (Photo: WRi2)

"I know this team is the best in the paddock, there is absolutely no doubt about that in my mind. We have some of the most committed and experienced personnel around and they all have a winning mentality.

"We need to keep learning and if everything goes as we anticipate, in collaboration with Renault Sport F1, then we will be in a position to continue progressing for Bahrain and when the Championship comes back to Europe in May," he adds.

"(So) I'd say wait and see what we can really achieve with the E22."

From IMSA

Ilker Starck and his wife, Isabel, have spent countless hours the last five years building their business, SportsCarBoutique, one of Canada's leading shops for tuning, performance, racing parts and safety equipment.

The Toronto-based business is thriving, serving numerous customers competing in venues such as Porsche Club Driver Education, Porsche Club racing events and in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge series in the United States and Canada. 

During that span, Ilker Starck tried to juggle running his performance business and race team while continuing to drive a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin as often as possible. But he wasn't happy with his driving results.

So this year, Starck is ready to have fun behind the wheel by becoming a bit more selfish.

Ilker Starck, Posche GT3 Cup car, (Photo: SportsCarBoutique)

Starck plans to compete in the entire Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin series this season in his No. 48 SCB Racing entry in the Gold Class, with continued sponsorship from Toronto Porsche dealer Downtown Porsche. He also plans to field the No. 38 Porsche in the Silver Class for selected races and welcomes drivers interested in that car.

“I think the trigger for me was that this was the fifth year of this business,” Starck said.

“This is not a hobby shop. This is a full-fledged business that has to make profit. Over the past years, I feel like I haven't had my full energy in the race car because I was so focused on building my business.

“I'm hoping I've reached a point where I can just do at least one season where everybody helps me to reach my goals. Before I had the business, I was actively racing, and we were winning and having fun. With the business, it got kind of divided. We started taking care of a lot of people, and I didn't get to race that much. It made me feel like ‘I'm in, I'm out, I'm in, I'm out.' 

“I owe this to myself after so many years of building the business and working hard, being a certified Porsche instructor. I want to do this full season, and I want to give it my best. This year my goal is to go in well prepared, and in good shape mentally and with my skill set, and to win the championship in Gold.”

The 2014 season starts May 17-18 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

From DTM

DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. and the etropolis Motorsport Arena Oschersleben have signed a new deal and consequently, they are going to continue their cooperation at least up to and including 2016.

This means that the most popular international touring-car series is going to race in the Magdeburger Börde region beyond the year 2013. This was agreed upon by ITR Chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht and Thomas Voss CEO of the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben.

“Oschersleben rightly has been an integral part of our race calendar since the birth of ‘new DTM',” said Hans Werner Aufrecht.

Oschersleben (Photo: Facebook)

“We always are cordially received, there, and the fans let us feel that DTM has got a truly extraordinary significance in this part of Germany. In addition, the track operators are very professional and work with a lot of passion. In consideration of these facts it was just logical for us to extend the deal up to and including 2016. We are looking forward to the next years of this partnership.”

“It goes without saying that we are delighted with having succeeded in once again extending the cooperation with DTM, our season highlight, for several years,” replied Thomas Voss.

“This deal grants us a level of planning reliability that is anything but usual, in our business. I'd like to thank the ITR board for the confidence they have shown us and am convinced that we will continue, in cooperation with ADAC Weser-Ems e.V. as sports organizer, to witness thrilling and - first of all - well organized races, in the coming years,” added Voss.

In the 2014 DTM season, the circuit located further in the north of Germany than any other venue on the calendar will stage the second round. The spectacular touring cars will race in the Magdeburger Börde region from 16th to 18th May, 2014.

From WRC

With less than two weeks to go before Rally de Portugal, M-Sport is yet to solve the mystery alternator failure that took Mikko Hirvonen out of Rally Mexico earlier this month. But the British squad has ruled out a link with the Finn's earlier retirement in Monte Carlo.

Hirvonen was third in Mexico when his Fiesta's alternator failed, forcing his retirement on the eighth stage. At the time, the Finn called upon M-Sport to urgently investigate the part, which also failed on this year's opening round.

Since Mexico, M-Sport has been working with its alternator supplier to establish what went wrong. The unit is made by McLaren Applied Technologies, part of the Formula One group, and is believed to be used by other manufacturer WRC teams.

"I don't know what happened," replies Hirvonen (Photo: M-Sport)

“There's a lot of communication at the moment between our guys and McLaren and it's still being worked on,” M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson told wrc.com.

“We also got a test planned next week in the UK where we'll be trying some different things as well. Okay, we have had two or three [failures] over the last couple of years, so it is something that we need to get to the bottom of. Hopefully by the end of next week, between ourselves and McLaren we'll do that.”

Wilson is sure there is no common link to Hirvonen's other retirement this year.  

“The reason Mikko's [alternator] failed in Monte Carlo was to do with the guy going off,” he explained.

“It was a self-inflicted problem due to the car being stationary with everything left on. It was down to Mikko not being familiar with car - it would have happened to anybody. It was a totally different problem to what happened in Mexico.” 


Wilson confirmed that driver-error was also to blame for the failure of the alternator in Elfyn Evans' Fiesta during Rally Mexico Shakedown.

Model: 2005 to 2011 Mercedes M-Class

Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV

The Verdict: The ML is loved for its comfort, style and pedigree more than running costs, reliability and fuel mileage. For maximum confidence, avoid an early ML from this generation unless you can verify that the transmission, front differential and balance shaft sprocket issues have all been addressed through professional repair. A newer model with any extended powertrain warranty available is your safest bet.

Price: Prices for a lower-mileage 2011 model can approach $50,000, depending on miles, features and condition. A high-mileage, earlier ML can be had for under $10,000. Expect plenty of selection between $30,000 and $40,000 on units with moderate miles.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

History/Description: The Mercedes M-Class was the first German luxury on the scene when it hit the market some years ago—and it paved the way for numerous competitors from automakers around the world to join the scene.

For its last complete generation, which ran from 2005 to 2011, the ML was available with gas or diesel propulsion from a range of six or eight-cylinder engines to suit a variety of needs. A model with V6 power should prove adequate for most shoppers.

Standard on all models were 4Matic four-wheel drive, an automatic transmission and a list of luxury must-haves. Feature content for the family-ready posh-ute included rear-seat DVD entertainment consoles, a sunroof, automatic climate control, xenon lights, automatic climate control, climate controlled seats, Bluetooth, and plenty more. Key competitors included the Infiniti FX, Acura MDX and BMW X5.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

What Owners Like: Owners tend to comment positively on the ML's stereo system, solid and planted ride, all-weather traction and powertrain refinement. The ML, when powered by the 5.0L V8, offers pleasing performance and confident towing. The brand pedigree and all-around luxury amenities round out the package. As aluxury SUV package, many owners say this one's hard to beat.

What Owners Dislike: Complaints may include poor gas mileage, a rough ride in units with the up-sized wheels, and expensive maintenance bills.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The Test Drive: If opting for a 2005 to 2008 copy of an ML from this generation, the vehicle's owner community has done a good job of documenting the issues you might expect to surface. Unfortunately, a number of them are fairly serious.

First, ‘listen' to any unusual noise from the front of the vehicle, notably a ‘whirring' or ‘whining' sound. A well-known front differential issue may be the cause, and the whining sounds usually come just ahead of differential failure, which is not inexpensive to remedy.

Warning lights or messages, hard shifting from the transmission, ‘slipping' during acceleration or gearshifts, surging or other unusual behavior from the transmission on an earlier ML from this generation may all be evidence of an issue with the transmission. Talk to the seller and see if any repair work has been performed because of this issue.

Balance shaft sprocket failure, which is expensive and requires removal of the engine for replacement, is another known issue with the 3.5L V6. Determine if the seller has had the issue addressed under warranty, and ask a Mercedes technician for his opinion. If buying privately, a dealer can run the VIN number to see if the work has been carried out.

Note that a ‘check engine' or warning light or message in the instrument cluster can indicate the presence of one or more of these issues. A computer ‘scan' can reveal hidden or ‘stored' problems, which are logged into the computer.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Federal authorities are investigating whether General Motors hid an ignition switch defect when it filed for bankruptcy in 2009, The New York Times reported on Saturday.

Fiat will unveil seven new Alfa Romeo models and push to increase sales of the sports car brand fivefold, a report said.

Fiat will unveil seven new Alfa Romeo models and push to increase sales of the sports car brand fivefold, a report said.

Fiat will unveil seven new Alfa Romeo models and push to increase sales of the sports car brand fivefold, a report said.