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The 2.0 TDI engine is the new optional powerplant for the A3, Audi's small-car offering that first arrived here for 2006. The TDI certainly makes a lot more sense than the 3.2-liter V-6 (which has been dropped) as the alternative engine offering in this car, particularly as the latest version of the A3's standard, 2.0-liter turbo four boasts the drivability of a V-6. Indeed, only a small fraction of buyers chose the V-6, but Audi expects the TDI -- which just went on sale in December -- to account for 40 percent of A3 sales.inline_mediumwraptextright26938154/green/reviews/1002_2010_audi_a3_tdi1002_02_z+2010_audi_a3_tDI+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

This fall at the Paris auto show, we'll see the follow-up to the BMW X3. Its dimensions are very close to those of the first-generation X5, but its sheetmetal is adorned with a farewell selection of "flame surfaces" one can attribute only to recently departed chief designer Chris Bangle.

Inside, we're promised a major cabin upgrade. Look for an integrated, rather than pop-up, navigation screen, BMW's joystick transmission lever, and the latest iDrive controller. New options will include active steering, radar-based cruise control, a head-up display, night vision, and lane-departure warning. The cargo volume increases only marginally, from 55.1 to 56.5 cubic feet, but that's enough to keep rivals such as the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK at bay. What about the X3's greatest current weakness, its subpar ride quality? Klaus Draeger, board member in charge of research and development, responds: "Although the new X3 is even more competent and rewarding to drive, we also made sure that the ride comfort is up to scratch. The revised suspension is more progressive, more responsive, and more compliant overall."inline_mediumwraptextright32091177/features/news/1003_new_bmw_x31003_07_z+bMW_x3+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

I was one of the first journalists to drive the ZDX, and I enjoyed my entire experience. I was, let me say, up around Monterey and Carmel in California, enjoying a fabulous couple of days of sightseeing, dining, and staying at the wonderful Post Ranch Inn. It was a luxurious vacation experience in the lavishly appointed and trimmed ZDX, a car that follows in the design shadow of the ungainly BMW GTs, cars I find grotesquely unattractive. The second I set eyes on the ZDX, I gasped audibly. But on second glance (when I opened my scrunched eyes), the ZDX was definitely more shapely and better proportioned. And I quickly got used to driving it on the twisty narrow roads around Carmel Valley and south on Highway 1.inline_mediumwraptextright32354727/reviews/editors_notebook/1002_2010_acura_zdx1002_04_z+2010_acura_zDX+rear_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

By our count, there are only eight days until Audi unwraps its RS5 sport coupe at the Geneva motor show, but that’s not stopping the automaker from spilling the beans on its latest model.inline_mediumwraptextright32380389/features/news/1002_2010_audi_rs51002_03_z+2010_audi_rS5+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Wow, Audi's acoustic roof really makes this car quiet on the highway. It may be a bit odd, but I think the highlight of this convertible is the top. It's every bit as quiet as a folding hardtop convertible and you don't have to give up the entire trunk to retract the top. Aside from the potential security issues a soft top entails, why in the world would anyone choose an A5 coupe over the cabrio? I'd opt for the coupe if I were thinking of an S5, though.inline_mediumwraptextright32349771/reviews/editors_notebook/1002_2010_audi_a5_cabriolet_tiptronic1002_01_z+2010_audi_a5_cabriolet+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Audi will debut its small A1 hatchback at the Geneva motor show in March, but has released details about the Mini competitor prior to its public debut.inline_mediumwraptextright32338941/features/news/1002_2010_audi_a11002_02_z+2010_audi_a1+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue