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Waiting for a new take on the M roadster? You’ll have to make do with the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. It may not wear that fabled “M” badge, but the new range-topping Z4 model is faster than the last Z4 M models produced.inline_mediumwraptextright26446085/features/news/0912_2010_bmw_z4_sdrive35is0912_03_z+2010_bMW_z4_sDrive35is+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

The Mini Beachcomber Concept is the brand’s latest concept that will be shown at the Detroit auto show. But unlike its last two concepts, this one is unlikely to ever see production.inline_mediumwraptextright26444258/features/news/0912_2010_mini_beachcomber_concept0912_07_z+2010_mini_beachcomber_concept+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

This car still speaks to the core audience that made the 4Runner such a famous brand name for Toyota. It is distinct in character from Toyota's other midsize SUVs such as the Highlander although it does cross paths with the FJ Cruiser. The 4Runner's days may be limited, like the days of all rough-and-tumble off-roaders, but for now I suspect there are sufficient buyers, especially given its solid-gold reputation among outdoor adventure types.inline_mediumwraptextright31857777/reviews/editors_notebook/0912_2010_toyota_4runner_sr5_4x4_v60912_04_z+2010_toyota_4Runner_sR5_4x4_v6+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

I'll admit this Kia has grown on me. When it first debuted I dismissed it as a generic version of Japanese box cars, namely the Nissan Cube. That's still true -- the Soul won't turn heads or make the statement that Nissan's rolling washing machine does - but it also happens to be a better car. This holds particularly true inside. The Soul has its share of cute/annoying gimmicks, including houndstooth seats (cute) and mood lighting (annoying), but it also makes a genuine effort to accommodate the driver with interesting textures on the dash, comfortable chairs, and better fit and finish overall than I recall on the Nissan. It's quite a testament to the maturity of this Korean automaker.inline_mediumwraptextright27658513/reviews/editors_notebook/0912_2010_kia_soul_at0912_03_z+2010_kia_soul_aT+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Close readers of our magazine will be forgiven for experiencing a bit of déjà vu. For the second time in three years, the Volkswagen GTI is our Automobile of the Year, and for the second time in three years, one is joining our Four Seasons fleet.inline_mediumwraptextright26435348/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/0912_2010_volkswagen_gti_introduction0912_02_z+2010_volkswagen_gTI+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Months in fleet: Two
Miles to date: 5935inline_mediumwraptextright27665596/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/0912_2010_audi_q5_32_quattro_tiptronic_december_update0912_02_z+2010_audi_q5_32_quattro_tiptronic+front_view.jpgTrue