USA - The Honda Accord Sport has been named the 2017 Best Sedan by Good Housekeeping.

Good Housekeeping has announced the winners of their Best New Car Awards for 2017, and the 2017 Honda Accord Sport was named as the Best Sedan. The winners appear in the February issue, on newsstands now.

The Good Housekeeping Institute worked with Car and Driver, the leading authority on all things automotive, to screen more than 100 new vehicles, narrowing it down to the top 25 for further scrutiny.

After driving over 1,200 miles on test tracks and open roads, engineers from the GHI Labs and consumer testers rated cars on value, safety, smoothness, handling, interior design and comfort and onboard technology.

The Accord Sport was named the Best Sedan due to its roomy interior, superior gas mileage and perfectly placed steering wheel buttons. In addition, Good Housekeeping cited the availability of the Honda Sensing™ suite of driver assist technologies, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS).

BMW wins awards for the M2 and X1 from Car and Driver's 10Best awards.

• The BMW M2 and the BMW M240i win 10Best in the compact-sport sedan genre

The BMW X1 receives Car and Driver’s first-ever 10Best Truck and SUV for 2017 in the Subcompact Luxury SUV category. The BMW M2 and the BMW M240i make the annual Car and Driver’s 10Best list of the best automobiles for sale in the U.S. BMW will accept the awards at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, January 2017.

Although the 10Best award has been issued for over three decades, the 10Best Trucks and SUVs is a new addition to the yearly Car and Driver evaluation and BMW is pioneering in this first-ever category with the new BMW X1.

 

The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine from BMW’s new family of modular engines with maximum output of 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, makes the new BMW X1 the most powerful entry model in the segment. 

An efficiency-optimized version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology all help to enhance driving dynamics and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model. 

The all-new BMW X1 also showcases its exceptional versatility with increased cargo area and greater interior room with more headroom than before.

The interior offers harmonious balance between driver focus and elegance befitting the classic style of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. 

The iDrive operating system’s Control Display comes in the form of a high resolution 6.5-inch or, optionally, 8.8-inch freestanding display screen. The interior trim and accent strip extend through the door panel trim, with the effect that occupants in all seats are surrounded by premium surfaces with a uniform material and color structure. 

Standard interior features include: Power front seats with driver-side memory, standard power tailgate, Anthracite headliner, storage package and multifunction sport leather steering wheel.

The optional 360-watt Harman Kardon HiFi system, complete with 12 loudspeakers, provide an outstanding audio experience. 

Innovative connectivity featuring a standard 6.5 inch infotainment system with optional enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone integration, Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Driving Assistant including forward collision warning with automatic braking capability.

The BMW X1 is available at US dealers starting at $33,100 plus D&H.

The BMW M GmbH latest member of its product family, the first ever BMW M2, joins the M235i (2015; 2016) and M240i as Car and Driver 10Best winner, which makes the BMW 2 Series a 3 times consecutive victor. 

The vehicle combines top sporting prowess and classic rear-wheel drive with the precision and agility of a modern M automobile. Characteristic front and rear aprons optimize air flow and aerodynamics. 

With an output of 365 hp at 6,500 rpm and maximum revs of 7,000 rpm this all-new BMW M2 is more powerful than its predecessor: the iconic BMW 1 Series M Coupe. 

The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline engine’s peak torque also leads the way; a full 343 lb-ft is on tap between 1,400 and 5,560 rpm, with the overboost function raising this figure to 369 lb-ft, the M2 sends the torque to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission. 

The M developed chassis and suspension paired to the powerful M TwinPower Turbo technology engine ensure breathtaking performance.

The BMW M2 is available at selected US dealers starting at $51,700 plus D&H.

The M240i is a returning winner of Car and Driver 10Best with a totally new modular engine resulting in a 15 hp increase, honoring the 2 Series M Performance Automobile model 3 years in a row. 

The new 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine generates a maximum output of 335 hp and has an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque, 39 lb-ft more than before yielding a 0-60 mph time in as little as 4.2 seconds. 

A key element in the new engine’s ability to serve up thrillingly dynamic acceleration is the pulling power that comes on tap early and is maintained over a wide rev range.

USA - Mazda takes two spots on Car and Driver 10Best list.

- Mazda Makes the Top Ten List for 13th Consecutive Year -

The 2015 Mazda3 and 2015 Mazda6 have been named to Car and Driver's 2015 10Best Cars list, marking the 31^st and 32^nd times a Mazda vehicle has been awarded a spot on the long-running, highly coveted Top Ten list.  

This also records the brand's 13^th consecutive annual appearance.  Mazda is the only company to have two cars named to the list.

Completely redesigned last year, both Mazda3 and Mazda6 feature the full suite of efficient SKYACTIV®^[1]technologies and wear the handsome character lines of the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language.  

Both vehicles also feature a slew of technology with the safety-first i-ACTIVSENSE, capacitor-based regenerative engine braking i-ELOOP system and MAZDA CONNECT™,  a next-generation, driving-focused in-vehicle connectivity system. 

"Mazda is honored to again be part of Car and Driver's 10Best list, a distinction which proves that the best cars don't have to be the most expensive, most powerful and most out-of-reach for consumers," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  

"Both recently redesigned, Mazda3 and Mazda6 entered their respective segments as already established dynamic-driving benchmarks but also surpassed expectations to lead the way in fuel efficiency, safety and in-car technologies."

The 10Best nomination process has three official restrictions: the vehicle cannot exceed an $80,000 price tag; a sample vehicle must be available for testing by mid-September of the current calendar year; and the vehicle must be on sale to the public by January of the following calendar year. 

"10Best list is made up of vehicles that offer the most value, that elegantly and comprehensively fulfill their missions, and that engage their drivers in spirted conversation," said Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver Editor.  "Since their introductions as all-new 2014 SKYACTIV models, the Mazda3 and Mazda6 embody this spirit and made the list for the second year in a row."

Dynamic, desirable and dents wallets only slightly, Mazda's best-selling vehicle worldwide, the 2015 Mazda3 compact car is available in two's: body styles – four- and five-door; transmissions – six-speed manual and automatic; and engines – SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter. New-for-2015 is the added availability of the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission for the larger engine, which offers consumers the choice of eight different model configurations. 

Also, regardless of vehicle build, Mazda3 offers high fuel economy – up to an EPA-estimated 41 highway mpg for sedans and 40 highway mpg for five-doors – when outfitted with the 2.0L engine.  The brawnier 2.5L offers an estimated 40 highway mpg for sedans while five-doors are EPA-rated at up to 39 highway mpg (with available i-ELOOP).  Pricing for the 2015 Mazda3 starts at $16,945[2] MSRP.

The 2015 Mazda6 continues to push the vanilla-flavored envelope of the mid-size sedan segment with its grin-inducing driving dynamics, chiseled-chin design, award-winning safety and best-in-class highway fuel economy (40 mpg[3]).  Starting at $21,190 MSRP, Mazda6 is currently fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine, which can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. 

Both vehicles have earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and received a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

USA - VW announces that it has earned its place in the Car and Driver 10Best list.

This marks the ninth consecutive year that vehicles from the Golf lineup have earned a prestigious “10Best” award

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is pleased to announce today that Car and Driver magazine has named the Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI to its 2015 “10Best” list. Taking home a ninth consecutive “10Best” award in a competition against 60 vehicles, the Golf and Golf GTI were praised for exceptional versatility, dynamics and value. 

“The Volkswagen Golf is the Swiss Army knife of enthusiast transport. 

No matter your preferences in price, practicality, and performance, there’s a Golf that will take your money without giving up much in any other direction,” said Car and Driver. “The gasoline TSI® models perhaps represent the paring knife. The practical diesel TDI® models represent the screwdriver. And that spear-like awl is the sharp-edged GTI.”

“We are honored that Car and Driver has named the Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI to its 2015 ‘10Best’ list,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Earning this award for the ninth consecutive year validates the Golf and the Golf GTI models’ consistency in delivering unmatched quality and performance at a competitive price point.”

The Car and Driver annual “10Best” list features 10 of the magazine’s most favored new vehicles. Cars are judged on value, performance and the ability to satisfy the comprehensive driving needs of the consumer.  

All production vehicles for sale in the current calendar year are considered, with the following restrictions: the vehicle must be on sale by January; it must be priced below 2.5 times the average car price for that year; the manufacturer must provide a vehicle for testing; and only substantially changed vehicles and the past year’s “10Best” winners are nominated.

The seventh-generation version of Volkswagen’s best-selling model is bigger, lighter, more fuel-efficient, and even more versatile than its predecessor. The all-new model features a host of newly-available driver assistance features and excellent EPA estimated highway fuel economy. 

Based on the new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture, the 2015 Golf lineup includes the fun-to-drive Golf 1.8T, fuel-efficient Golf TDI Clean Diesel, and sporty Golf GTI.

With a starting price of $17,995 for the 2-door Golf S model, the 2015 Golf family offers advances in interior refinement, exterior styling, and a wealth of new equipment at even the lowest trim lines.

Starting at $24,395 for the S model, the 2015 Golf GTI features Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine, providing 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is 10 hp and 51 lb-ft higher than in the previous generation.

The Golf and GTI will be featured in Car and Driver’s January 2015 “10Best” issue.

USA - Ford Mustang GT added to car and Drivers 10 best cars list for 2015.

•  Ford Mustang has appeared on Car and Driver’s 10Best list nine times since 1983
•  With three available engines, each producing more than 300 horsepower, and a new independent rear suspension, the 2015 model is the best all-around Mustang ever built
• Car and Driver editorial staff compares driving the 2015 Mustang through aggressive turns to “wearing wheels;” reminds readers that “driving a great car can be play”

The all-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT has been named to Car and Driver’s 10Best cars list for 2015 – the ninth time Mustang has made the list since the award’s inception 33 years ago.

Car and Driver’s 10Best list recognizes the best new cars available in the United States for under $80,000. Mustang has been honored four of the last five years.

“Dive into a series of challenging turns in the Mustang and you're not driving a car, you're wearing wheels” Car and Driver commented.  “It reminds us that driving a great car can be play, something that even grownups enjoy.”

“It’s a huge honor to have the Mustang GT recognized on Car and Driver’s 10Best list,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The substantial amount of time and effort our engineering team put into Mustang has paid off; we’re hopeful that the car has a substantial presence on the 10Best list for years to come.”

When Mustang made its first appearance on Car and Driver’s 10Best list in 1983, editors praised the pony car’s performance and styling, saying, “[E]verybody we know who’s bought one thinks it’s the greatest thing since draft beer.” 

“With the vast improvements we’ve made to the 2015 Mustang GT’s powertrain, suspension and styling, we hope Car and Driver editors and our customers feel the same way this time around,” said Pericak.

50 years of Ford Mustang

More than 9.2 million Mustangs have been sold since the car’s 1964 debut.

With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V8 in Mustang GT – now delivering 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque – is joined by a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost uses direct injection, variable cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect, with an output of 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.

In addition to being the most-liked vehicle on Facebook, with 8 million likes, the all-new Mustang is turning on U.S. dealer lots in an average of six days.