Auto News 5

When you look at the specs of the Mercedes S350 Bluetec and see that its diesel engine produces only 240 hp, you might think that the two-ton-plus sedan would feel underpowered. Not so, thanks to a prodigious 455 lb-ft of torque. All that torque means that the power is available even at low revs -- from 1600 rpm, in fact -- which means that the S350 doesn't feel slow or sluggish, especially in city driving. And once at speed on the highway, the S350 wafts along effortlessly, effectively insulating you from the baser elements -- noise, vibration, harshness.

We've always liked the Volvo C30, and, in fact, it made our All-Stars list in 2008. However, we probably sabotaged its chances to ever be cool when we called the little hatchback "cute" in that same issue. Twice.