Auto News 5

Chevrolet may have been quick to return to the B-car segment in 2004, but timing isn't always everything. Shortly after the Korean-built Aveo hit the market, competitors -- namely Honda and Nissan -- launched subcompacts that outpaced the Chevy in terms of style and sophistication. GM promises that won't happen with the next-generation Aveo -- and if this Aveo RS concept, which debuts at the 2010 Detroit auto show is any indication, it's dead serious.inline_mediumwraptextright26558858/features/news/1001_2010_chevy_aveo_rs_conceptchevrolet-aveo-RS-show-car-front-three-quarters-passenger.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