Range Rover Evoque

Somewhere in an Austrian Alpine forest, a gravel track winds upwards. It's about one-in-five steep, and this afternoon a few inches of fresh snow have fallen. We're in an Evoque, and every so often there's a blink from the traction-control light, but our progress up the mountain remains steadfast. So far, so Range Rover.

But this is a bit different, because only the front wheels are connected to the engine. This is the new 2WD economy Evoque: simpler, lighter, more economical. But very nearly as good.

There are now three versions of this 2.2-litre diesel engine. The eD4 is the 2WD, with manual transmission only, and it makes 150bhp. The TD4 is also 150bhp, for 4WD, and gets a little more mid-range torque. Then there's the 190bhp SD4, which is the one we've driven in our previous Evoque diesel stories.

At low-to-medium speeds, the eD4 feels pretty well as sprightly as the 190 4WD auto. I'm confident of this judgement by the way, because I jumped straight out of one into the other. After all, the lower-powered car is usefully the lighter. By shedding drive to the rear, it does without a front take-off from the gearbox, a propshaft, a rear diff and rear halfshafts, plus one or two other bits. That takes the weight drop to 75kg. It's only above 60mph, for motorway hills and main-road overtaking, when power starts to be needed to overcome aero drag, that the SD4's extra kick shows up. Sadly the eD4 is a bit of a slug in those situations.

It's still a lot of automotive desirability for a small amount of company-car tax. With the efficiencies of a manual gearbox, idle-stop and lighter weight, the three-door Evoque eD4 gets in a 129g/km. Now just look at the design, and cast your eyes around the interior. Even in basic Pure spec (£27,955 for the five-door, another grand for the Coupe), it's hardly spartan.

OK, what else do you lose along with the drive to the back wheels? Well, the handling is still mighty impressive and controlled, and the ride still supple. But it denies you the option of MagneRide damping, which means it's both a little foggier in bends and a little less plush on straights compared with the 4WD with that option.

Ah, well, if you aren't spending on mechanical goodies, that gives you more in hand for trim and entertainment add-ons. I suspect that given the 2WD looks the same and drives largely the same - in the suburbs at least - as the 4WD one, means it's very well targeted for most people's needs 50 weeks of the year. And, as I've just found out, if it's wearing winter tyres, it'll likely get them up to the ski village for the final two weeks.

Audi A4

At the risk of undermining the very principle of a car review and sending this magazine into a self-consuming spiral, is it possible for a car to be too competent?

Case in point: the superfrugal, eco-tastic new Audi A4 2.0 TDI. If you're after an efficient, premium, mid-size saloon, we can offer few reasons not to buy this entry-level diesel. But, at the same time, we'd sort of prefer it if you didn't. Not because we hate the polar bears and wish to see their natural habitat destroyed (though Frozen Planet's depiction of the fluffy white gimmers as evil seal-murdering bastards has damped our ice-cap-saving instincts) but because, like a goody-two-shoes teacher's pet, the A4 is so irritatingly correct.

For starters, it's so frugal that, with careful driving, filling the tank once should last you until old age. The A4 officially returns 112g/km of CO2 and a freakish 66mpg: until the new 109g/km 320ED arrives in February, that, at least, gives Audi something to boast about.

It doesn't feel like a wheezy asthmatic, either. The diesel is strong and broad, easily capable of hauling the A4's bulk, and smooth with it. If we're nitpicking, the A4 - though a sight better than older Audis - still doesn't ride with a Jaguar's lightness of touch, nor offer the fingertip engagement of that pesky BMW. Most will see the Audi's class-leading, gadget-laden interior and fine motorway refinement as a fair trade-off for a few microns of dynamism.

But the A4 is so coldly, rationally competent in just about every department that it's in danger of turning Audi into the Toyota of the exec sector: a purveyor of cars as white goods: objectively excellent, emotionally cold. OK, so the A4 would be a brushed-steel fridge-freezer not an off-white washing machine, but, even so, it's a machine bigger on function than fun.

Clearly, the diesel A4 will sell in droves, proving that, no, it is not possible to be too competent, and that we are being unreasonable: a shortage of drama is a damning fault in a supercar, but in a diesel schlepper it's probably a bonus. But we never claimed this reviewing process was reasonable or selfless. To keep our roads vibrant and diverse, we'd love you to buy a Chrysler 300C, an Alfa 159 or even a Suzuki Kizashi, inferior though they are. We'll understand if you don't.

2006 BMW Sports Cars

BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke has long been conceived all over the world as "The Ultimate Driving Machine." The company has proven this statement true in the past years.

The current models of BMW sports car will attest to that statement.

Here are some of the current models of BMW, with their corresponding characteristics.

                                                                -BMW M3 2006

Engine specifications:

BMW M3 has an in-line, 3.2 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 11.5. It has four valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 248 KW power and 333 HP at 7900 rpm (SAE).

Brake Features:

The car has electronic brake distribution, brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated disks, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.

Handling Features:

BMW M3 is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction.

Aerodynamics Exterior features:

The car has 0.35 drag coefficient, body side moldings, and 3771 lbs. curb weight.

                                                                 -BMW M5 2006

Engine specifications:

The BMW M5 2006 car has a V10, and 3.2 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 12.  It has four valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 373 KW power and 500 HP at 7750 rpm (SAE).

Brake Features:

The car has brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated disks, electronic brake distribution, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.

Handling Features:

The BMW M5 is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction. It is also equipped with a responsive suspension.

Aerodynamics Exterior features:

The car has 0.31 drag coefficient and 4012 lbs. curb weight.

                                                                 -BMW 6-Series

Engine specifications:

The BMW M5 2006 has a V8, 4.8 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 10.5. It has four valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 268 KW power and 360 HP at 6300 rpm (SAE).

Brake Features

The car has electronic brake distribution, brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated disks, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.

Handling Features:

BMW M3 car is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction. It is also equipped with an adjustable responsive suspension.

Aerodynamics Exterior features:

The car has 0.3 drag coefficient, and 3814 lbs. curb weight.

With all the features these cars have, BMW truly is the "Ultimate Driving Machine."

Sports Car Brands

There are many top of the line sports cars in the car market that are available in different price ranges. The prices range from $20,000 for a compact car up to the $1,250,000 price of the Bugatti Veyron that can perform as a luxury car or for racing as well.

Since the sports car was introduced in the world of automobiles, the sports car has become one of the best sellers of every car manufacturer that produces any version of its kind. The sports car is still the hottest seller and one that many car enthusiasts want to own. The desirable appearance and extravagance it portrays makes every sports car stunning in the eyes of any driver. Here are some models that are ‘top of the line’ in the category of sports cars:

1. The Aston Martin DB9 Volante has features similar to the Jaguar, especially their external appearance. There are some similarities between the cars but the DB9 is more classical and the Jaguar XKR can be more handsome if you look at the details very closely. The DB9 comes with a 6-liter and 450-hp V12 engine that can satisfy every driver’s need for speed.

2. The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is capable of reaching 400-hp with smooth steering wheels and track-ready handling. It is affordable with its price of $50,000. The pricing is low compared to other sports cars that have similar features and performance. The current release of the Corvette is still the fastest in its class and to previous Corvettes that were released.

3. The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Roadster comes with a power ignition hardtop, which is a modification from the previous SL design. It is probably the most extravagant aspect on the design. However, the most awesome feature in this car is its mechanical features that come with a V12 engine and produces 604-hp. The car can blast you away in a glimpse because of its speed.

4. The Jaguar XKR Convertible is a ‘looker’ with its external appearance. Its awesome look does not end there. The mechanical features resemble the other great features of the car. Compared to other versions of the Jaguar, the XKR is highly tuned and has a 390-hp V8 engine that generates the great performance of the sports car.

There are far more sports cars that can be categorized as ‘top of the line’ in their class and in their price categories. Other sports cars that can be classified as super exotic cars include the Ferrari F430, Porsche Carrera GT, Cadillac XLR Star Black Limited, BMW 645Cic, and the Lexus SC 430.

cars Convertible Incredible

What can be more appealing than driving a convertible? Convertible sports cars, with their sleek and sophisticated looks, are much in demand in the market. For someone who is hoping to snag his own top-down, here are some of the models he needs to consider:

                                                                     2005 BMW Z4

Sure, this baby is expensive - hey, it's a BMW - but its dynamics and features pretty much explain the price. This German sports car makes a statement as it speedily cruises along the highway.

                                                                        2005 Audi TT

High-performance, power-engined and invigorating, the 2005 Audi TT always garners an excellent rating in car reviews. With its awesome windscreen, roll hoops and headlamps, the driver cannot go wrong with this one.

                                                                2005 Chevrolet Corvette

Over time, Chevrolet Corvette has proven itself with its remarkable power. Now in its sixth generation, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is smaller than its older counterparts, but better. With a horsepower of 400, it can go from zero to 60 mph per hour in four seconds. Unbelievable! This makes the Corvette a staple in any summer.

                                                                  2005 Lexus SC 430

The Lexus SC 430 is inspired by, no less than, the French Riviera. This car can go from coupe to a raging roadster in a span of 25 seconds. It is stylish, glamorous and powerful.

                                                                     2005 Mazda Miata

This model is pretty affordable for its look and power. This is very dependable and dynamic and it will knock the driver ‘off his feet’. With its reactive suspension and immense horsepower, this convertible sports car is one for the books.

                                                            2005 Volkswagen New Beetle

Charming and cute like any other Beetle, this monster-engined convertible promises an adventurous ride on those lazy summer afternoons.

                                                                Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Great design, awesome interior, and technologically-advanced, this convertible can bring out the best in every driver. Its speed can go up to 155 mph per hour and the acceleration? Zerp - 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. Now that's truly incredible!

                                                                   2006 Cadillac XLR

This is a top-of-the-line convertible sports car, which promises "capacity like no other." It is almost $78,000 but who cares? This is probably the best in the market now.

                                                         2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster

Test drive this car and see that it is more amazing than its previous version.

All these convertible sports cars are undeniably worth the money and the effort to maintain them.

Aston Martin DBS

The irony of ‘special edition' supercars is that you end up with a car less special, statistically at least, than if you'd specced it yourself.

To wit: simply sticking to visual options - wheels, paint, leather, - there are some 31 billion possible combinations (we've done the maths) should you choose to configure your DBS to the last detail. Many do, some with disastrous consequences. For better or worse, you can be fairly sure your magma red DBS with cream-on-purple seats is unique.

The DBS Carbon Black is not unique. It is, however, rather stunning. Maybe it's a ploy by Aston Martin to save taste-challenged DBS owners from themselves.

See more pics of the DBS Carbon Black

Though mechanically identical to the, ahem, normal DBS, the Carbon Black gets an enormous amount of very shiny black stuff as standard: a bespoke black paint job with a ‘metallic twist', black gloss wheels, a black-on-black-on-black interior, and side strakes rendered in carbon fibre.

The effect is magnificently sinister. If you find the DBS over-jewelled, with too many bells and whistles ruining the elegance of the DB9's original lines, step this way. It looks like a stealth jet, although this quality is impeded somewhat by the cortex-shattering V12 soundtrack.

Don't trust yourself to do a decent job of speccing your DBS? The Carbon Black provides a vital service. But be prepared for the day you pass an identical DBS on the street. Oh, the shame!

Mazda 3 MPS

This is the facelifted Mazda 3 MPS. And it has heated seats. Which seems a little unnecessary, because it's quite possible you'll create your own warming matter involuntarily.

It's not the naked speed that'll cause it. It's more the traits familiar to anyone who has ever driven the 260bhp, FWD MPS: a distinct reluctance to respond to changes in direction or velocity with much composure.

OK, this is old news: the MPS has always been a bit of a handful. Even though it manages 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds, there's far too much power running through the front wheels. 256bhp from a 2.3-litre turbocharged four cylinder, to be precise.

In its latest guise - the facelifted second-gen model, which arrives in the UK early next year - Mazda's done its utmost to ensure that those rather large numbers are turned into something other than noise and tyre smoke. There's a stiffer bodyshell, improved aero and re-tuned dampers, which are specially tailored for European roads.

None of which have made much difference. Once it gets to 3000rpm (not a lot happens before) you'll have to relinquish some control. Just like the last one.

Firstly, it torque-steers tremendously. Possibly because there's 280lb ft of it. Then there's the understeer - even with the traction control on you're afforded just enough slide to get yourself alarmingly close to the nearest ditch. Finally, there's tramlining. Lots and lots of tramlining. The combination of which means it claws itself down the road on its own psychotic terms.

That said, if you don't drive it like an ape, it's actually a pretty composed thing. Because it's The Sporty One, the suspension's a bit lower and it's been stiffened, but it still rides smoothly, the seats are relatively comfortable and there's room for four actual humans. Sober black plastics - all of which feel excellently nailed down - and a snazzy Bose sound system feel incongruously grown up, too.

It looks pretty respectable as well - the only visual differences from the standard 3 are a bonnet scoop, 18-inch wheels, some chrome trim rings around the fog lights, a slightly larger rear spoiler and concepty slatted grill.

But it isn't respectable. It's mildly terrifying. And that actually makes it quite appealing. OK, so it's not artfully tailored to smashing lap records at the Nürburgring and it'll be a bit hopeless on track. But it'll manage boring stuff superbly, you won't look like a buffoon driving it and it has the power to make you want to soil yourself. We can't really recommend you buy one in this hot-hatch era of Corsa VXR Nürburgrings and Clio 200s, but we won't blame you if you do.