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Myriad intriguing technological innovations and new engines and transmissions mark the sixth generation of BMW's 5-series. Developed in parallel with the 7-series, it shares all suspension components, resulting in a switch from struts to a multilink layout in front. Most suspension components, the front fenders, the doors, and the hood are aluminum. The optional active steering uses electric - instead of hydraulic - assistance for additional fuel economy benefits.inline_mediumwraptextright31746612/features/news/1002_2011_bmw_5_series_6_series_four_door_coupe1002_01_z+2011_bMW_5-Series+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

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

Even as the miles wore on during two recent road trips, our Mazda 3 remained comfortable and engaging. During a Thanksgiving trip to Boston, assistant editor David Zenlea found the seats supportive over the long haul while the 3's chassis soaked up bumps and kept the drive lively. Having made the same trip two weeks earlier in our long-term BMW 7-series, Zenlea made the surprising assessment that the 3 was "significantly more enjoyable." His only gripe during the1600-mile drive was the navigation system that failed to warn him about standstill traffic near the Canadian border costing him hours and forcing him into a hotel for the night.inline_mediumwraptextright25452041/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/0912_2010_mazda3_s_sport_5_door_december_update0910_01_z+2010_mazda3_s_sport+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Perhaps it's merely a product of the cold, slick roads around here, which prevent much spirited driving, but I might prefer this base A4 over a BMW 328i. Just approaching the car in the parking garage after a long day's work, I gained an appreciation for the sense of drama and excitement Audi has baked into its mainstream, lower-priced model. Indeed, it really doesn't look or feel any less special than a $45,000 S4 or even a $60,000 A6. And though it lacks the dynamic capabilities of its rear-wheel-drive BMW rival, it won't put you to sleep behind the wheel, either. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder's 258 lb-ft of torque quickly quells any six-cylinder envy, and the handsome, three-spoke steering wheel firms up nicely at speed, though I'd prefer a more natural, progressive build-up of effort.inline_mediumwraptextright31734480/reviews/editors_notebook/0912_2010_audi_a4_20t_mt0912_02_z+2010_audi_a4_20T_mT+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue