Toyota Outlook

Toyota Motor Corp expects industry-wide U.S. light vehicle sales to range between 10.3 million and 10.4 million units on an annualized basis in 2009, and top 11 million in 2010, the automaker's U.S. brand chief told Reuters on Monday.

Speaking at the annual Reuters Autos Summit, Bob Carter also said he expected October U.S. industry-wide vehicle sales to come in between 10.3 million and 10.5 million units on an annualized basis. Toyota's overall sales for the month are pacing down slightly from a year earlier, with its retail sales down "a few single-digit percentages," he said.

Automakers are expected to release October U.S. sales figures on Tuesday, when analysts expect to see the strongest results of the year with the exception of July and August, when vehicle sales received a short-lived boost from the U.S. government's "cash for clunkers" trade-in incentives.

Auto sales, a key measure of consumer demand, have been hurt in the past year as customers tightened purse strings amid a weak economy. The economic meltdown came on the heels of already-weakening vehicle demand amid record-high gasoline prices last year.

"We are seeing some mild but steady progressions," Carter told Reuters of demand for U.S. vehicles. "In the month of August, with the government stimulus and 'cash for clunkers,' that gave the industry a shot in the arm." This, he added, created inventory shortages across the industry.

http://www.reuters.com/article/Autos09/idUSTRE5A13K1200911

Gloomy Forecast from Parts Maker

 The U.S. economy is set for a double-dip recession that will keep unemployment high and could pressure auto sales into the middle of the next decade, the head of Dura Automotive Systems told Reuters on Tuesday.

"We're planning on a double-dip for a couple reasons," said Tim Leuliette, chief executive of the privately held auto parts maker.

Current forecasts for moderate economic recovery do not give employers across many sectors of the economy any reason to start adding jobs, Leuliette told the Reuters Autos Summit in Detroit.

"A 2 to 3 percent-type of growth for our business is really a zero employment growth environment," Leuliette said. "We see further headcount declines, employment declines. And so at some point even those that are forecasting some growth, I think, we are going to see start to dissipate."

The full text of the story is on Reuters.com at:

http://www.reuters.com/article/Autos09/idUSTRE5A23SD20091103

Ford's Focus Shows Why the Blue Oval is Back

The 2010 Ford Focus is better than ever, with new features that make the car a compelling value and the outstanding fuel economy extending that value by allowing you to visit the gas pump infrequently.
The Focus comes in six models - two coupe models and four sedans, including the Coupe SE and SES and the Sedan S, SE, SES and SEL models.
If you seek a few more amenities, try the Moon & Tune Package, which features a power moonroof and premium sound system with eight speakers and was included on our tester.
The Focus seats five and has a customizable interior that ranges from cloth seats to upgraded leather trimmed seats. The instrument panel is very sharp and clean and lights up with ice blue backlighting.
Standard on the SES and available on the SE models is Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC technology, a fully integrated in-vehicle, voice activated communications and entertainment system that allows people to use their Bluetooth enabled digital media players and cell phones.
The Focus has a front and rear fascia design that is reflective of Ford's new commitment to getting away from its previously functional but dull styling trends.

The Focus, just like its Fusion and Taurus siblings, is much sportier now.

The Focus SES series now features a new roof-line spoiler and 17" aluminum wheels.
The Focus utilizes a 2.0L Duratec I4 engine that when combined with the 5-speed manual transmission achieves an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 city / 35 highway mpg. Also available for the Focus is a 4-speed automatic transmission with an estimated 24 city / 33 highway mpg rating.
Ford says the Focus SES Coupe delivers a throatier sound and more horsepower thanks to its new sport-tuned exhaust.
We'd love to give that a try.

Standard safety features on the Focus are antilock brakes and electronic stability system, as well as dual stage driver and front passenger air bags, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for first and second row, LATCH anchor system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, front row passenger occupant classification system, remote keyless entry and SecuriLock antitheft system.
Increased horsepower on 5-speed manual versions and quicker acceleration - thanks to a new final drive ratio on models with four-speed automatic transmissions - allows increased power without compromising the 35-miles-per-gallon fuel economy rating.

But in addition to not having to pay a lot at the pump, you also won't have to pay a lot at the dealership.

The Focus ranges in price from around $16,000 to just under $18,500.

The blue oval brand is on a roll right now - in better shape by far than its two U.S. rivals. You've got to give Ford credit for focusing (no pun intended) on delivering quality vehicles.

Buick LaCrosse Doing Well in China

While General Motors' total U.S. sales have been hard hit this year, the redesigned Buick LaCrosse is seeing explosive growth in China since launching this summer -- demonstrating the importance of the 106-year-old Buick brand in GM's portfolio.
Sales of the LaCrosse sedan jumped almost threefold in China during the first two full months of sales of the redesigned large sedan compared with last year.
GM sold more than 20,500 LaCrosse sedans in China during August and September, compared with about 7,000 during the same two-month period a year ago, according to company figures.
Those monthly totals are the highest the LaCrosse has had since being introduced to the Chinese market in 2006.
The redesigned LaCrosse has been widely praised by industry analysts but still faces an uphill fight in the United States, where the Buick brand has not been as well received.
In China, however, the brand is considered a premium player and its sales also are helped by a blazing overall sales market.
"You've got a great brand, and you've got a marvelously executed vehicle," said industry analyst Erich Merkle, president of Autoconomy.com. "It's like fire and gasoline, you can get a great explosion out of it."
U.S. sales of the LaCrosse, while down for the year, are also picking up compared with earlier in the year.

GM Getting Back on Track on the Balance Sheet

For the first time in 21 months, General Motors is on track to see its first monthly sales increase compared to the same time period a year ago, the company said.
While official results will be announced next week, all signs point to a good month, according to Mike DiGiovanni, GM's executive director of global market and industry analysis.
“We’re really having a good October,” he said.
DiGiovanni added that about 95% of the sales for the month are coming from the company’s four core U.S. brands — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. A year ago, those brands comprised about 85% of the company’s sales.
GM is in the process of winding down Pontiac and Saturn and selling off Hummer and Saab after emerging from bankruptcy in July.
“We’re clearly getting behind us the brands we’re phasing out,” he said.
GM sold 168,719 vehicles in October 2008, which was a 45.1% decrease from the same month in 2007, according to Autodata Corp.

Mazda3 Still Makes Great Sense

The 2010 version of Mazda's hugely popular Mazda3 sedan seems to smile at its front end, which is fitting, because you're sure to smile if you drive this machine.

There are two four-cylinder engines to select from, and the fun, darting driving qualities that the car has been known for over the years are still present.

In addition to the sedan, the Mazda3 still is available as a five-door hatchback.

Both have front-wheel drive.

The latest version has a new five-point grille that Mazda calls its new “global face.”

The look is handsome, upscale and has a sportscar wedge to its profile and the smile in front. Inside, the cockpit has gotten more sophisticated and plush, with refined shapes and expansive pieces of black and toned plastic.

The entry-level Mazda3 “i” is equipped with a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The sportier “s” model comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that the Mazda6 has and that pumps out 167 horsepower. The larger engine gets a six-speed manual transmission as standard and the same optional five-speed automatic as the base car. The base engine does a competent job of producing commute-worthy power, and with the five-speed automatic, it's reasonably swift for lane changes and highway passes.

The 2.5-liter four picks up nicely in most gears and feels very refined. Both trannies are good, but the automatic's manual shift mode really lets the car fulfill its intended purpose.

Fuel economy rates from 25/33 mpg for the smaller engine with the manual gearbox, to 22/29 mpg for the larger engine with the automatic-- very impressive.
The Mazda3's athletic suspension delivers the promise of “zoom zoom” from behind the wheel. The engineers seem to have made the new car more resilient.
Mazda calls the 3 a five-passenger car, but in reality, it is more comfortable with only four onboard.

Ingress and egress are good, and with fold-down rear seats, the trunk capacity grows considerably. The lift-over height is high, though, and the opening to the trunk is a bit narrow. Interior headroom is a major issue for tall backseat passengers--and if you order the sunroof, drivers will need to ratchet the front seat down to avoid bumping the Mazda3's headline.
The Mazda3's crisp, responsive handling and standard anti-lock brakes go a long way toward avoiding a crash.

Six standard airbags, active head restraints, and carefully engineered crush zones help you survive an accident when the handling can't help you avoid it.

Optional dynamic stability control and traction control are standard on higher-end models of the Mazda3 but not offered on base versions.
The original Mazda3 sets itself apart from its competitors in many ways, one being the availability of features that you can’t find in other compacts.

The 2010 Mazda3 continues this trend with first-in-class bi-xenon adaptive lighting standard on the Grand Touring model.

A three-position memory function has been added to cars equipped with power seats—another first for the segment and not offered on any competitor's compact car.

A navigation system is available.

Other available features include a Bose 10-speaker premium surround sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones and portable media players, a dock for iPods, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

An advanced keyless entry system includes push-button engine starting. The Mazda3 options list also includes rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated seats and side mirrors.

Our tester, which had manual transmission, had a very reasonable sticker price of $18,965.

The Mazda3 is a great buy for those seeking a bit of luxury and driving enjoyment, and a not too expensive price.

A Legacy of Value: Subaru Still a Leader

Its looks say middle-class and mid-size.

But the value, quality and fuel economy say the 2010 Subaru Legacy is at or near the head of its class when it comes to the competitive sedan market.

Subaru has enlarged its five-passenger Legacy for this model year. But it has given it a starting sticker price of around $20,700, which ranks it as the lowest-priced all-wheel drive sedan on the U.S. market.
The 2010 Legacy can also score points in fuel economy, with its 23 mpg city/ 31 highway ratings (with the continuously variable transmission, which boosts the base price by about $1,000).
Subaru says that those numbers are also best in class.

Subaru has always been known for building quality vehicles, and the Legacy has always been known as a good sedan.

Problem was the Legacy was a little too smallish for people who needed to haul around other people and maybe a few items.

Not anymore.

The latest Legacy's wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer, and the body is 3.2 inches taller and 3.6 inches wider.

But the growth is managed efficiently.

The body parts that go beyond the front and back wheels barely grew, making overall length only 1.4 inches longer than the previous generation.

But inside, there are four more inches of rear-seat legroom, so it's now up to 37.8 inches, thanks to improved engineering.

Front seat legroom remains a robust 43 inches.

Those of us who are on the tall side also appreciate the Legacy's rear-seat headroom of 37.5 inches.

Subaru says shoulder room is better too.

But people also carry stuff, and they can do so with Legacy's bigger trunk -- now 14.7 cubic feet.

Interior styling improves nicely, with the tester having very comfortable and attractive fabric seats and a quality plastic trim on the inside of the doors.

Interior noise is minimal, and the comfort and convenience make it pleasant for driver and passenger.

Subaru offers three all-wheel drive systems for the Legacy, including a 2.5i Premium with base, 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and CVT. The all-wheel drive system is such that the continuously variable transfer clutch was electronically managed to distribute power among the front and rear wheels as driving conditions determined.

The Legacy offers its highest torque of 170 pounds-feet, and power overall is certainly adequate and steady.

Subaru changed the engine a bit for this model year and with its new Lineartronic CVT, the powertrain efficiently supplies power and strong fuel economy.

In a weeklong test drive with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, my fuel economy was about 23 mpg in city and highway driving.

Plus, Subaru says you can go almost 500 miles before needing a fill-up in the Legacy with four-cylinder engine and CVT, thanks to the larger fuel tank.

The CVT optimizes mileage by manipulating without set gears and giving variability among gear ratios.

The Legacy has standard paddle shifters on the steering wheel if you wish to get a more spirited feel from the shifting.

And while you might not think you need all-wheel-drive, it's nice to have not just on snowy roads but also rainy roads where you need more traction.

The tester carried a sticker price of $29,141, including satellite radio and premium audio system.

The Legacy of great quality and value carries on.

Chrysler Divides Dodge into Car, Truck Groups

Chrysler's new Italian management on Monday announced a surprise shake-up of the automaker's executive team, saying two recently appointed brand CEOs have left and that it was splitting Dodge into two groups, one focusing on trucks and the other on cars.

The moves marked the second management reorganization since Fiat took control of Chrysler on June 10 when it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Peter Fong, president and CEO of the Chrysler brand and the company's top sales executive, and Michael Accavitti, president and CEO of the Dodge brand, abruptly left the company, Fong for personal reasons and Accavitti to pursue other interests, Chrysler said in a statement.

Sales of Chrysler Group LLC vehicles, which consist of the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands, are down 39 percent for the first nine months of the year. Chrysler also was caught unprepared for the government'sCash for Clunkers program and had too few small vehicles on dealer lots to benefit much from the rebates.

READ MORE:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091005/ap_on_bi_ge/us_chrysler_personnel;_ylt=AuURTAG8M.o2wtHZuLlMoZGs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTFmYmpmc2xwBHBvcwMxMDQEc2VjA2FjY29yZGlvbl9idXNpbmVzcwRzbGsDY2hyeXNsZXJzcGxp

Technology, Luxury Blend Nicely in the Acura TL

The latest version of the Acura TL offers a selection of a pair of engines and an all-wheel-drive system that boosts performance on all kinds of roads.

This premium mid-size sedan also has a more dramatic exterior design, which for years was not found on Acura products.

Now the TL has a strong presence when it comes to looks, performance and technology.

The TL's design is similar to that of the Honda Accord. 

The base model has a 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 engine with front-wheel-drive and a starting price of around $35,000.

But optional is the all-wheel-drive model, which we tested. It's starting price is around $39,000 and it has a 3.7-liter V-6 that makes a hearty 305 horsepower.

The 3.5 liter's fuel economy numbers are 18 mpg city and 26 highway.

Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift feature that includes shift paddles on the steering column, which brings you a more spirited driving experience should you choose to use it. 

The all-wheel-drive system comes only with the larger engine, which gets 17 mpg city/25 highway.

The front-drive TL has an optional Technology Package that features a navigation system with voice recognition, AcuraLink real-time traffic and weather-radar mapping, an ELS 440-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, a keyless access system with pushbutton ignition, a backup camera system that displays on the dash-mounted navigation screen, and premium Milano leather upholstery. The sound system includes DVD audio playback, a 12.7-gigabyte hard drive, and XM satellite radio. The backup camera is built into the rear deck-lid spoiler.

Our tester, with the all-wheel drive and Technology Package, was around $43,000.

The TL comes standard with a power moon roof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat, and an eight-way adjustable power front passenger seat.

The base audio system has eight speakers, 276 watts, a six-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM, Bluetooth audio, a USB port and an auxiliary jack for an iPod or other device.

The Super Handling-All Wheel Drive models come with 18-inch alloy wheels (unless the summer-tire package is added), along with quad exhaust tips and a special SH-AWD badge

The TL seats five fairly comfortably. 

Trunk space is 13.1 cubic feet, which is about adequate for a car this size. 

There are plenty of safety features on the TL, including Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering front body structure, designed to match the bumpers of other vehicles on the road; electronic stability control with traction control; four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; a tire-pressure monitoring system; active front head restraints; front seat-mounted side air bags; roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows; child-seat anchors and tethers; front fog lights; break-away rearview mirror; emergency trunk interior release; and high-intensity-discharge automatic headlights.

With so many great features available, the Acura TL truly delivers technology and luxury, and it's not too hard on the eyes, either. 

Honda Odyssey Still a Minivan Leader

Honda has long been known for making quality-filled, practical vehicles. One of the key models that helped it earn this reputation is the Odyssey minivan. 

And while it's true that the minivan market has shrunk significantly over the past few years thanks to SUVs, crossovers and lately even small station wagons, it's still an important market segment.

And seemingly, as long as moms and dads need to haul kids around, and as long as retirees (another key buyer of minivans) need an easy-to-enter-and-exit vehicle that lets them haul stuff, Honda will keep making the Odyssey, one of the best.

Women buyers are said to love the Odyssey because of its great reputation for safety and dependability. Honda's "Safety for Everyone" policy, found throughout its lineup, means that important safety features are standard, rather than optional.

Buyers of both genders like the Odyssey’s fuel economy, up to 17 mpg city/25 highway for the model we tested, numbers that are nearly as good as and sometimes better than those popular crossovers. 

Plus the Odyssey has bona fide eight-passenger capability, unlike some of those crossovers that throw in a third row of seating that sometimes is only good for someone the size of a horse-racing jockey. 

Honda's fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which has a Variable Cylinder Management system, gets some credit for the good fuel economy.

Drivers and passengers like the premium features in this minivan, including a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a four-way power passenger seat, a rearview camera with display in the rearview mirror for models without the optional navigation system, and side mirrors with memory and reverse tilt-down.

On the inside, spiffs include a new instrument panel, optional leather seats, or if you get cloth seats premium fabric.

Honda has a power-operated tailgate on its EX-L model as standard equipment.

If you don't need to haul eight people, you can get captain's chairs in the middle row.

Or if you only need to haul yourself and one other adult, fold the seats down and experience the cavernous cargo space that exists.

The only beef we had with our tester was that the automatic side sliding doors worked very inconsistently. Might have been just a flaw on this particular model, but I'd still prefer the manual sliding doors.

 Prices start at $27,015 for the base LX model, and run a little over $41,000 for the fully equipped Touring model, which comes with such extras as leather seats, rear-seat DVD entertainment, premium audio, and a navigation system.

So maybe you're not ready to join the minivan set yet, but when you are, it's sure hard to beat the Odyssey.

Is the Phaeton Coming Back to the U.S.?

Were you one of the eight or so people in the U.S. who bought a Volkswagen Phaeton when it was sold in this country from 2004 - 2006?

Didn't think so.

But anyway, it was VW's attempt to enter the ultra-luxury market in this country.

With its 12-cylinder engine and price tag that was just south of $100k, it never caught on.

But now, there are reports that VW is going to give the Phaeton another go in the U.S. 

Why, you might ask?

Maybe they've figured out how to make it a viable seller this time.

Check it out:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/vw-reconsiders-phaeton-for-us/

Hyundai Genesis: Nice Luxury, Excellent Value

If a few years ago, Hyundai had tried to launch a luxury sedan, it probably would have been scoffed at, perhaps even laughed at, by auto industry observers.

No one is laughing at Hyundai now.

It has proven itself to be quite capable of making a full range of excellent vehicles, and now the Genesis adds a tally in the luxury sedan column.

The Genesis is fully capable of competing with Lexus, Acura and BMW models in mid-size sedans, but Hyundai adds the element of being more competitive when it comes to pricing.

The Genesis was named 2009 North American Car of the Year – a first for Hyundai - and when you drive it you'll see it's a well-deserved honor. 

Also on the market now is the Genesis Coupe, which hit showrooms this year as a 2010 model. 

That sporty model starts at around $22,000, and while it doesn't offer the same level of luxury as its sedan sibling, has great power and driving characteristics. 

The Genesis sedan, meanwhile, really reminds you of mid-size sedans made by European brands, until, that is, you get a gander at the sticker price.

Starting at around $32,250, you get a base 3.8 model, which features the 290-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine.

Move to the high end and you get a 4.6-liter V-8 model that makes 375 horsepower.

Starting price for that is around $37,250.

We tested the 3.8, which Hyundai expects to be the choice of most buyers, and even though it was fairly loaded up with goodies, the sticker price was right around $39,250.

Options available include the Premium Plus package, containing 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped door and dash, power sunroof, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, rain-sensing wipers, and more.

Opt for the Technology package and you'll have a 528-watt Lexicon audio system, integrated with a navigation system, with HD radio, XM satellite radio, and XM NavTraffic; a rear backup camera; adaptive headlights; front and rear parking assist; and cooled front seats.

The Genesis has a rear-wheel-drive platform with an advanced five-link suspension that provide the handling and ride that you would get from the aforementioned luxury brands.

Both engines are linked to six-speed automatic transmissions, although the gearboxes are different for each model.

With premium fuel, the V-8 makes 375 horsepower, but you can also use regular gas, which provides the owner even more value. Sure, the horsepower falls to 368, but that's OK with me to save a few dollars each time I fill up. 

But even the V-6 offers more power than you'll usually need, and certainly enough to have fun with.

The ride is quiet and silky smooth, even on the highway.

Also, on twisty roads, the Genesis offers precise steering and a stiff ride.

The Genesis has impressive EPA fuel economy numbers for a car with this much power -- 17 mpg city/25 highway for the V-8 and 18/27 for the V-6. That's better than many V-6 engines in smaller midsize cars.

Standard on the V-6 model are electronic stability control with traction control, antilock brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear seat-mounted side air bags, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags, the electronic front head restraints, fog lights, automatic headlights, dual power/heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, heated leather seats with power adjustment up front, cruise control, white and blue interior lighting, keyless entry with pushbutton start, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, dual front fully automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with universal garage opener and compass, AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM audio system with iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and floor mats.

The V-8 models come with most of the features of the V-6, plus 18-inch silver alloy wheels, chrome lower body side moldings, upgraded leather seats, leather-wrapped dash and door trim inserts, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, Lexicon 15-speaker surround -sound audio system, six-disc CD changer, illuminated scuff plates, wood-trimmed leather steering wheel, power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers with auto-defogger windshield.

The car seats five, and as a full-size sedan, it’s quite roomy for both front and rear passengers, with lots of rear legroom even when the front bucket seats are pushed all the way back on their tracks.

The car comes with Hyundai’s great warranty, which includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, along with 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain coverage, seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation protection, and 24-hour roadside assistance for five years with no mileage limit.

Towing, lockout service and trip-interruption expenses are included.

Buy Your Car Like a Pro

Need tips on how to handle the car-negotiating process? Check out what this former sales manager does now that he works as a representative for buyers. He offers valuable advice.

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1056/secrets-of-a-professional-negotiator/

Make Your Own Mustang

Have you ever wanted to build and customize your own Ford Mustang?

Now you can. Check it out.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/the2010mustang/

Mazda 6 Remains a Spirited Mid-Size Sedan

For a few years now, the Mazda 6 has been one of the most spirited mid-size sedans on the market, thanks to its great driving characteristics and its handsome appearance.

For the 2010 model year, the Mazda 6 gets a little bit bigger and takes on some revisions to its design. 

The results, though, are still favorable; the Mazda 6 remains one of the best non-luxury brand mid-size sedans you can buy.

The Mazda 6 has styling cues that are similar to its Rx-8 coupe sibling, noticeable especially at the front fenders.  

The fast rear roofline and backlight suggest speed, and the sheet metal is wrapped tightly around the 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. 

But beauty is present beyond just the exterior. 

The Mazda's all new interior design is clean and elegantly simple, enhanced by quality materials.

The major gauges, with their pulsing blue halos, have a really cool look. 

And we were pleasantly surprised that the bolstering on the front seats was slightly aggressive, nicely matching with the sporty message conveyed by the exterior.

On the other hand, the Mazda has a nifty touch we haven't seen anywhere else in this class: a three-position switch for adjusting headlight level ideal for occasions when you've filled the trunk with heavy stuff such as cement bags or your mother-in-law.

The Mazda's standard transmission is a six-speed manual, which is a satisfying piece of equipment with short throws and positive engagements. 

The Mazda's four-cylinder is 2.5 liters and 170 horsepower, up from 2.3 liters and 156 horsepower.

The Mazda 6 posts an impressive sprint time: 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds.

Fuel-economy estimates stand at 20 mpg city/29 highway and 23 combined for four-cylinder models with the manual transmission, while the five-speed auto improves the four's numbers to 21 mpg city/30 highway and 24 combined. These are class-competitive numbers.

 However, if you opt for the V6, estimates drop to 17 mpg city/25 highway and 20 combined, which is about as bad as it gets in this segment.

We can honestly say that the all new 6 showed that the handling and aggressiveness hasn't been diminished by the increase in size over the previous model. There are subtle distinctions over its predecessor, and they are all good. Brake pedal feel was impressive in comparison to its competitors. The Mazda turned in readily, with responsive handling. 

The Mazda's freeway ride was good. Pavement imperfections barely ruffle the 6's composure, even when it's equipped with the optional 18-inch wheels.

 Its suspension tuning was more overtly sporty than the competition.

 A notable amount of road noise filters into the 6's cabin at speed. 

The five-speed automatic provides remarkably refined shifts. 

The big 3.7-liter V6 feels and sounds muscular, yet it's a smooth operator, even at higher engine speeds. 

Handling is impressive for a big family sedan, and it even tosses pretty well in corners.

Pricing remains quite reasonable, starting at around $20,320 for a base four-cylinder, ranging to around $28,390 for the highest end model.

There's probably enough zoom in this chassis to placate those who like to drive, while the average shopper will appreciate the 6's reasonably compliant ride.

 If styling is a high priority, the 2010 Mazda 6 looks like a winner. And we don't think there's much chance that it would disappoint its owners in matters of fun to drive.