The advent of the internet has made shopping for a wide variety of goods and services incredibly quick and easy — and buying breakdown cover online is no exception. Compare how long it would take you to ring around your top five breakdown cover companies and ask for a quote to how long it would take to gain the same information online and it’s like night and day.

To go through the quote gathering process via phonecalls would mean you’d have to go through your details on five separate occasions with five different companies just to get a picture of which deal would suit you best. Heading online to get your quotes, on the other hand, is lightning quick in comparison. With the introduction of comparison websites, users can simply enter their details once and have a whole host of offers in front of them in a matter of seconds.

That’s not to say that comparison sites are the be all and end all, however. Certain providers choose not to display their prices on such sites, choosing instead to deal directly with potential customers and passing on a discount that would otherwise have funded commission for the comparison site. With that in mind, it’s worth writing down the companies you’d like to receive quotes from and then seeking out individual quotes if any of them don’t show up on a comparison summary.

Even if you have a couple of others to check once you’ve run a comparison, the speed with which you can receive individual quotes online still makes using your computer to gather information the way to go. And that’s before you even consider the fact that many companies reserve their absolute best prices for online customers — the discounts available compared to phone quotes can be quite surprising.

With all this in mind, it makes complete sense to head online to get your insurance. If you’re unsure with a mouse and keyboard, enlist the help of a family member or friend who is a little more internet savvy. Checking online for breakdown cover quotes is so quick and easy that you’ll find somebody willing to help without any problems at all.

The 2013 Boxster is quite a departure from previous styling, notably the integrated rear spoiler.

The only thing as sleek, sexy and powerful as a Porsche Boxster is a woman.

Get behind the wheel. Try to deny the allure. Pretend the curves don’t snag the attention. Convince yourself that impressive interior doesn’t turn you on.

Anyone lucky enough to have driven one of these compact power machines knows the Boxster is one of the most innovative, fun rides on the road. And, like having a gorgeous woman on your arm, it makes you look good.

To great anticipation, Porsche is previewing its third generation of the popular Boxster convertible series. The 2013 Porsche Boxster will come in two versions: the original Boxster and the sportier Boxster S. Both will be powered by flat six engines, direct fuel injection with efficiency increased through electrical system recuperation and thermal management, all capped with an engine start-stop function.

With an eye toward the eco-friendly, the manufacturer has promised the latest model will be approximately 15% more fuel efficient than previous models. So roar down the highway knowing you’re both looking good and doing your part for the environment.

From initial released photographs, Porsche has tipped its cap to the classic 911 ducktail with its latest Boxster model. That wouldn’t be the only notable alteration. It would appear there’s been a dramatic change in the overall design theme. The 2013 Boxster looks to have a defined cab forward stance. The windscreen shifts quite markedly toward the front. The detailed, sculpted flanks offer longer doors. The redesigned wheelhouses can now accommodate wheels 20” in diameter.

Though no specifics have been released as of yet, expect Porsche’s latest model to include standards like cruise control, a cargo net, climate control, power seats, a brilliant Bose system with at least 11 speakers and Bluetooth. Standard safety features include cornering lights, front fog/driving lights, stability and traction control, electronic break force distribution and child seat anchors. Telematics will likely include a voice directed navigation system, phone capability and real time traffic.

Owning a car like this doesn’t come without responsibility though. Be sure before hitting the road, it’s adequately insured. For a machine like this, it won’t come cheap. If you are wondering about the cost to insure this elegant machine, visit Kanetix and do a comparison to see which insurance providers offers the cheapest auto insurance quotes. But you’ve already invested in one impressive vehicle. Is it really time to waffle on protecting it and yourself?

Carnology, an enthusiasts dream and a possible challenge.

Many board games come across as just that…boring. But here’s a game that looks downright fun. Although as a car enthusiast, I guess I’m their target market.

Carnology is a game designed to test your car knowledge, with points awarded as you guess car makes and models. According to the game makers, it covers model years as early as the 1900s to modern day, 2012.

The game is price pretty well also. It’s only $39.95, especially when you consider there’s 525 car photos and 6 metal car tokens in the box.

You can check it out on Carnology’s site.

A visual game of car identification, Carnology challenges players to guess the car make, model and year to score points and move around the board.

Can you spot a ’66 Corvette from 100 yards?  Can you tell the difference between a BMW, MGB or TVR?  This fast-paced game quizzes your car knowledge from the 1900s to 2012.  Race your family and friends around the board guessing from nine categories of cars including a challenging “close up” category and identifying cars just by looking at a front headlight, bumper and grill.  The first player to the checkered flag is the winner.

Carnology is available for purchase at select retailers and through Carnology’s website; www.carnology.com  for $39.95.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS was introduced Sunday night at the College for Creative Studies.

With the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C class firmly in their sites, Cadillac introduced the ATS last night at the College for Creative Studies, one of America’s top automotive design schools.

Rather than scavenge an existing platform, Cadillac developed an all-new one, hoping to make the ATS the lightest and best-handling Cadillac’s to date. According to Cadillac, the ATS’ curb weight is slightly less than 3,400 lbs.

“Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac’s portfolio into a crucial global segment,” said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. “For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment’s status quo.”

Getting lighter is always better but intriguing engine choices also help. And it appears Cadillac is going after efficiency as well as performance with ATS power plants.

The base engine will be a 2457cc inline-four with 200 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines will include a 1998cc 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 3564cc V-6 with 320 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. All engines are cast aluminum and redline at 7000 rpm or higher.

Transmissions for all engine choices will include a traditional six-speed torque converter automatic as well as a Tremec six-speed manual. I think the enthusiast minded buyer definitely has to go for the turbo four with the manual transmission. Not that I’m against a 320 horsepower V-6, which would be loads of fun with the six-speed manual. But the four-cylinder will pull better mileage numbers for you but not give up very much when it comes to performance. And we all know that good old fashioned gasoline is only destined to get more expensive as time goes on.

What do you think? With the looks and power options, can this Cadillac truly compete and defeat the Europeans? On the styling front, I think the ATS looks better, especially when compared to Audi’s A4. Audi has decided to take the looks of their cars in the direction of the bland. It just doesn’t inspire when you’ve got an hour long commute ahead of you!

Cadillac’s press release follows…

DETROIT – Cadillac today introduced the 2013 ATS, an all-new compact luxury sports sedan intended to challenge the world’s best premium cars. Developed on an all-new, lightweight vehicle architecture, Cadillac’s entry into the world’s most significant luxury car segment goes on sale this summer.

The rear-drive ATS brings Cadillac’s blend of technologically driven performance, elegance and design to a new audience of spirited drivers. Its sophisticated driving experience is enhanced with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience that merges intuitive design with industry-first controls and commands for information and media data.

“Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac’s portfolio into a crucial global segment,” said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. “For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment’s status quo.”

The Cadillac ATS is a new expression of Cadillac’s Art & Science execution philosophy, built on a foundation of driving dynamics and mass efficiency. It is the most agile and lightweight Cadillac, with one of the lowest curb weights in the segment – less than 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg).

Germany’s famed Nürburgring served as one of the key testing grounds, along with additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe, ATS engineers balanced performance with Cadillac’s trademark refinement. Contributing components and features include:

• Nearly 50/50 weight balance
• Cadillac’s first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
• Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping
• Underbody aerodynamic shields
• Premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
• Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes
• Available all-wheel drive

“More than just another new entry, the ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment,” said Butler. “That is why our approach in all elements of its development is so extensive and focused.”

A broad lineup of engines – including two four-cylinders and a V-6 for North America – delivers strong power to the ATS and capitalizes on the car’s lightweight structure to complement its performance with efficiency. The optional engines include an all-new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 270 horsepower (201 kW) and Cadillac’s award-winning 3.6L V-6, estimated at 320 horsepower (238 kW).

At 135hp/L, the new 2.0T is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. ATS will offer both manual and automatic transmission options, along with rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The ATS will deliver peak highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg.

A spirit of lightness and balance

Making the ATS one of the segment’s lightest cars was a fundamental criterion for and the guiding principle during its development, but it was done in a nuanced manner that ensures a refined driving experience.

“Low weight gives the ATS a more nimble and controllable feel, while also optimizing the performance and efficiency of the powertrains,” said David Masch, ATS chief engineer. “But we were careful to manage the weight while maintaining Cadillac’s signature levels of refinement.”

Optimizing the ATS’s mass was the result of a four-pronged philosophy that included strict adherence to original architectural goals, measured load management throughout the vehicle, benchmarking components to see if lighter solutions were available and an overall culture that “weighed” the mass of every component in the car against all aspects of its development.

An aluminum hood, magnesium engine mount brackets and even lightweight, natural-fiber door trim panels contribute to the ATS’s low overall mass – and reflect the systematic approach of evaluating every gram that went into the car. But some weight was deemed not only beneficial, but essential to the ATS’s driving experience. An example is the cast iron differential: Engineers found they could improve fuel economy with a cast iron differential rather than a lighter aluminum version.

And while the rear suspension is mostly steel, the focus on load management and straight links enabled significant weight savings without using alternate materials. This helps offset the weight of the engine and transmission at the front of the vehicle, helping the ATS deliver its near-perfect 50/50 weight balance, while also contributing to lower noise and vibration. A similar approach was taken on the wheels, where extra structural aluminum was strategically added to further reduce vibration.

“We approached development by counting all the grams in the ATS,” said Masch. “We minimized them where we could and put them to the best use where they were needed.”

Tailored design weaves in signature style and refinement

The 2013 Cadillac ATS interprets Cadillac’s Art & Science design language in a new proportion, tailoring the signature styling and refinement cues for the most compact Cadillac while upholding – and advancing – the exemplary attention to detail and technological elements for which the brand is known.

A long, 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase and wide front/rear tracks are the cornerstones of the ATS’s firmly planted stance, which is enhanced by short overhangs and taut sheet metal that appears to wrap tightly around the tires. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard and 18-inch wheels are available.

Bold vertical lighting elements – including new LED front signature lighting detail – as well as illuminating door handles and active grille shutters lend technologically advanced style and function to the ATS. The grille shutters close at certain highway speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance fuel economy.

A driver-focused interior with integrated technology and crafted materials complements the exterior elements and supports the ATS’s driving experience. Everything from the placement of the pedals to the position of the shifter is designed for effortless and intuitive performance driving. Available performance seats have power-adjustable bolsters to optimize lateral support during high-load cornering.

Contributing to the interior’s intuitive feel is an instrument panel that wraps into the doors and a center stack in the mid-instrument panel that flows into the center console. LED lighting for the bold gauge cluster enables clear, at-a-glance viewing in all lighting conditions, while ambient lighting accents functional elements of the console and doors.

Real wood, plated metal plating and carbon fiber trim and Cadillac’s cut-and-sew instrument panel, console and doors enhance the emotional connection to the ATS. Choices of many interior color themes, each with unique accent trim material, cover a wide range of flavors – from light, open and warm to black and serious, to bold, technical and sporty.

CUE and ATS technologies

The ATS is offered with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle experience that merges intuitive design with auto industry-first controls and commands for information and entertainment data. It is designed to be unique for each consumer, from the “simple user” to the fully connected “super user.”

CUE, which stands for Cadillac User Experience, pairs entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. For example, most of today’s luxury cars have around 20 buttons controlling the radio and entertainment functions. CUE has only four.

The heart of CUE is the eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, seamlessly integrated into the top of the central instrument panel and a motorized fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. The vibrant LCD screen displays CUE’s home page, which resembles a smart phone’s screen by using large, easy-to-target icons to execute commands. Capacitive technology refers to using electrodes to sense the conductive properties of objects, such as a finger.

In addition to CUE, the ATS is offered with other technologies, including:

• Bluetooth phone connectivity with voice recognition
• USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription
• Keyless access and keyless push-button start
• Reconfigurable 5.7-inch instrument panel cluster display
• Full-color reconfigurable heads-up display.

The ATS is offered as a well-equipped standard model and in Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections. A Bose® Cabin Surround audio system is offered on the standard model, as well as Luxury and Performance Collections. It is standard with the Premium Collection. A navigation system is also available with Luxury and Performance Collections and standard with the Premium Collection.

‘Control and alert’ safety strategy

Safety in the ATS is based on Cadillac’s “control and alert” strategy that employs advanced technologies – including radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors – to help prevent crashes.

The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and intervenes to help the driver avert potential crashes. In some cases, Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems will act without the driver, such as automatic braking, which will activate based on information indicating potential hazards.

Among the most sophisticated of the features is Front and Rear Automatic Brakes. This relies on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.

Optional advanced safety features include:

• Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
• Intelligent Brake Assist
• Forward Collision Alert
• Brake Pre-Fill Automatic Collision Preparation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines
• Adaptive Forward Lighting
• Hill Hold/Start Assist (Standard, manual transmission)

The advanced technology safety features complement the ATS’s roster of other safety features, including eight standard air bags (10 with optional features), safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS.

ATS also features OnStar standard for one year. It can use GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash. OnStar service also includes myCadillac and OnStar myLink mobile apps, whichoffer vehicle information, controls and OnStar services via the customer’s iPhone or Android smart phone.

The cover, "European Style with American Muscle."

As enthusiasts, we like to think we’re experts about cars and the industry. That, of course, is impossible.

Case in point. How many of you know the historical record of European cars that ran American hardware under the hood? I hear a few of you now frantically tapping your keyboards searching Google or whatever fact checking machine you prefer to dig up past car history.

The very beautiful Iso Grifo.

Fair enough, but you could easily also pick up Mike Gulett’s, “European Style with American Muscle”. Mike’s book is a clear summation of a market segment under reported yet should be for the sake of automotive history. A tip of the hat is clearly in order for Mike who does an excellent job of recording that history.

Mike owns an Iso Rivolta, an Iso Grifo, a Bizzarrini and a Porsche. He shows both the Iso Grifo and Bizzarrini at Concours events up and down the California coast.

First off, all of the cars in “European Style with American Muscle” ran some form of American power plant.

Whether is was a Ford V8 stuffed in an AC Ace by Carroll Shelby in 1961 or a Chrysler 5.4 liter V8 in a Trident Clipper, all of the cars are clearly of European design. But rather than develop their own engines, the manufacturers chose to use American motors, many times choosing a powerful V8, no doubt wanting to compete with their “all” European counterparts but at a lower build price.

And to be honest, many of the cars in Mike’s book are worthy of your enthusiasts desire. The clearly Italian-esque styling and exotic car looks are linked to some of the most well known Italian design shops of the day, including Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone and Ghia in Turin, Italy.

Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada page from the book.

“European Style with American Muscle” covers 25 marques and has 117 Pages and more than 100 photos. The book can be purchased from Mike’s site at the MyCarQuest.com or from Amazon. It is also available in all eBook formats.

It’s definitely worth picking up to learn about some beautifully styled cars with American muscle.

Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara made their debut as Top Gear USA hosts.

Right off the bat, I have to admit something. Being a huge Top Gear UK fan, I was a bit skeptical when I heard about Top Gear USA. The UK version has been around for several years. Well, to be exact, it’s been around since 1977. Yes, that’s 34 years. Although, it’s been in it’s current form since a relaunch in 2002.

My two biggest concerns in the lead up to Top Gear USA were the inevtiable comparisons to the UK version and who would host it. Arguably, one of Top Gear UK’s biggest successes are the hosts. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May work well together and feed off eachother’s, lets say, oddities. It just works. But some of that comes from working together for so long.

Who would host the US version of the show and not cause die hard viewers to cringe in embarrassment? As we soon found out, pro driver Tanner Foust, comedian Adam Ferrara, and racing analyst Rutledge Wood were chosen to host the show. Admittedly, I didn’t know anything about Ferrara or Wood. But I don’t pay much attention to Hollywood or NASCAR. If you’re a car fan of any sort, you’ve encountered Foust in one form or another. He’s made a name for himself in drifting and rally driving as well as the X Games. In addition, he’s hosted his own show, SuperCars Exposed and cohosted the original NBC pilot of Top Gear USA before the network decided against it.

One thing was apparent when the show debuted on the History channel…a recognizable production value. Again, Top Gear fans are used to fantastic imagery, unique camera angles and audio teasers that are second to none. Fortunately, Top Gear USA didn’t disappoint. But when you have an established brand such as Top Gear, why dilute it with new versions? Your brands look and feel should remain constant for easier fan recognition.

Here’s an excellent example. Tanner Foust traveled to the UK to test drive the Morgan Aero SuperSports. The car is fascinating, unique, fast…perfect for Top Gear viewers. The quality of the camera work and Foust’s dialogue rivals similar segments on the UK version of the show.

But I guess the simple question here is whether or not the DVD of the first season of Top Gear USA is worth your hard earned dough. For those of you who don’t know, the DVD is available today. You can own it on Blu-ray as well. In short, my recommendation is buy it. Yes, it’s the first season and maybe it’s a little rough around the edges. But for that reason alone and because enthusiasts like us simply want to watch a car show whenever we want makes it an investment worth considering. The show is fun to watch, humorous and has compelling car segments we enjoy. Exactly what we crave.

The press release follows…

Top Gear: The Complete First Season, produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, includes all 10 episodes and exclusive DVD extras.  The debut 3-disc DVD set features comedian Adam Ferrara, champion rally car and drift racer Tanner Foust and racing analyst Rutledge Wood.  The intrepid trio packs the first season with super-cars, extreme stunts and challenges, car reviews, celebrity interviews and, of course, the Stig, Top Gear’s silent and mysterious racing driver. The show is chock-full of high-adrenaline action entertainment as it tracks the colorful history of the automobile as well as the eccentric adventures of its hosts with Top Gear’s customary wit and humor.

Top Gear USA: The Complete First Season

In this series, Ferrara, Foust and Wood take on extreme challenges including a moonshine run along a Prohibition route in the Deep South, teaching a blind man to drift a Nissan 370Z and racing a HALO jumper in a Hennessey VelociRaptor across the Arizona desert.  The Stig also appears to set definitive “Power Laps” and the team tests some of the world’s fastest cars including a Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, a Porsche Panamera Turbo, an Aston Martin V12 Vantage and more.

Celebrity guests take the wheel in the “Big Star, Small Car” segment including astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actors Ty Burrell (Modern Family) and Dominic Monaghan (Lost), musician Bret Michaels and skateboarder Tony Hawk.  Arriving in stores on July 19, Top Gear: The Complete First Season is fully loaded with special features including audio commentary, webisodes and more.

The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi has been named a Consumers Digest Best Buy.

Suzuki got a dose of good news after Consumers Digest named their Kizashi sport sedan a Best Buy.

To earn a Best Buy designation, cars must score well on behind-the-wheel assessment, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities, safety ratings, warranty, ownership costs and price. All of this matters when Consumers Digest considers a car an exceptional value.

I’m guessing Suzuki is feeling pretty good about this since the Kizashi was one of the 250 2011 models the consumer magazine took into account for the award.

Suzuki has come a long way, with the Kizashi styling taking leaps and bounds over previous cars from the auto maker.

Suzuki’s press release follows after the jump.

BREA, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2010) – Highly-acclaimed for its sporty yet comfortable handling, near-luxury exterior and interior design without the premium price point and backed by America’s #1 Warranty, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi was named a Consumers Digest Best Buy, adding to the sport sedan’s impressive collection of accolades since its introduction last year. The Best Buy designation, which is based on behind-the-wheel assessment, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities, safety ratings, warranty, ownership costs and price, reflects Consumers Digest’s view of which 2011 vehicles offer exceptional value for the money.

More than 250 total 2011 models were reviewed in 12 categories before the 2011 Consumers Digest Best Buys were announced on Nov. 1. The Kizashi, which was described as a “home run” and a “family car for the sports-car addict,” was named a Consumers Digest Best Buy in the “Family Cars” category.

“We are extremely pleased with the recognition of the 2011 Kizashi as a Consumers Digest,” said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “This acknowledgment from Consumers Digest shines a spotlight on the Kizashi as a safe, reliable and affordable vehicle for U.S. consumers seeking a stylish alternative to the ordinary family sedan.”

The Kizashi, Suzuki’s first available all-wheel-drive sport sedan, delivers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes, premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in the high-volume midsize category. The Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan and moves the Suzuki brand upscale without abandoning Suzuki’s traditional emphasis on content and value. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is augmented by the vehicle’s overall mission to provide strong yet refined street performance.

Looking to buy a Suzuki? Check out Gumtree.com.au for Australia’s largest used car classifieds. For used cars in Melbourne or used cars in Brissy, Gumtree comes in really handy.

Dueling personalities
Jekyll and Hyde move over. What you see before you is truly a car of two personalities. You would think I’m referring to MINI’s drop top. But you would be wrong. This car’s twin psyche comes courtesy of tuning of John Cooper Works.

The dueling temperament’s of this MINI transform this car into a mini (no pun intended) fire-breathing econo-box courtesy of the Sport button at the base of the six-speed shift lever. That sport button completely changes the car’s character. In some ways this is good, in others, not so much.

Convertible fun
First things first. This MINI is a convertible. Drop the top, don yourself in some chic designer sunglasses and cruise the beachfront. This car will get you more looks than a standard MINI because of its ability to go topless…if you’re into that sort of thing. Getting attention, I mean.

One slick characteristic of the convertible top is it’s sunroof feature. Or maybe it’s more akin to a targa top. The leading section over the two front seats will slide back allowing the two occupants to catch some sun without putting the top down completely. It, of course, is a little less windswept as well.

Does performance equal driving fun?
Maybe I should word the question, “Does HIGHER performance equal driving fun?” This may be an odd question but stop and think about it. A car’s drivability can suffer when the idea of performance trumps comfort in the name of better track numbers. This argument may bring out the MINI faithful as I think the enhancements made to this MINI are too much. Don’t get me wrong. This car was a blast to drive. And I think the market that BMW is targeting will be very happy with this car. They are the MINI faithful, the diehard fans of the brand, that are looking for more performance from their favorite car. They are true enthusiasts. Most of the auto buying public has no idea who John Cooper is, let alone why his name is on the back of this car. Those who do know will love this car.

For those who don’t get it though, this car’s ride is quite harsh. Some of it is the product of a car with a short wheelbase. The time I spent behind the wheel of the MINI Clubman was in some respects better. With the Clubman’s longer wheelbase, it just felt a little smoother on the road. Some of the Convertible’s ride characteristics may be attributed to chassis stiffening as a result of removing the cars roof. There was definitely some cowl shake especially on rough roads. But I think this is to be expected.

That SPORT button…
The John Cooper Works version of the MINI Convertible is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder power unit complete with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. Maximum output is 211 hp, which comes on at about  1,850 on up to 5,600 rpm, with peak torque of 192 lb-ft increasing briefly in the Overboost mode to 206 lb-ft. The Convertible tips the scales at 2,877 lbs. with a weight distribution of about 60/40.

In spirited driving, the MINI tracks well and will take to your favorite twisty back roads quite nicely. Keep your eye on the apex though because if you brake too late the car will understeer. But so do most cars. Get off the gas and the nose will tuck back in easily enough.

From a standstill, the MINI JCW Convertible accelerates to 60 mp/h in about 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 146 mph.

The MINI’s six-speed manual transmission I found easy to row, even during spirited driving. Another tester thought it was a bit rubbery and not as precise as he would like. His daily driver is a Honda S2000 though which has a manual not unlike a bolt action rifle. No sloppiness there.

As I mentioned at the top of the article, the Sport button is a game-changer. It transforms a relatively tame economy car into Mr. Hyde. Steering becomes more precise, throttle response much quicker, setting your sensory perceptions of the car into overload. This is fun…too much fun. Watch for the cops and speed cameras because you’ll get nicked if you’re not paying attention.

Unfortunately, something else to pay attention to is torque steer. Don’t get on the gas without a firm hold of the wheel while Sport mode is on or it will be wrenched from your hands. Many auto makers tangle with this problem. Maxing out horsepower in combination with front wheel drive means a battle with physics.

The MINI interior
MINI’s interiors are in a word, quirky. I understand the desire to be different. I even understand the need to match the car’s ‘cute’ exterior with something unique on the inside.

For example, I’ve never understood the pie-sized speedo other than it incorporates the display for the various audio controls; i.e., stereo, bluetooth, etc. In a word, it’s huge. And with it mounted in the center of the dash, I found myself wanting to lean over to check my speed. Fortunately, the MINI’s cruise control includes a digital display behind the wheel making it easy to set a speed and forget it.

The front seats are reasonably bolstered, comfortable and do a good job of holding you during agressive driving. The back seat functions well as a parcel shelf but really shouldn’t be used for people. Quite simply, there’s no leg room back there, especially with tall drivers and front passengers. Small children will love sitting back there, especially when the top is down, but will need to sit cross-legged to get their feet off the floor.

MINI competition is growing
With the economy such as it is and the demand for smaller cars in the U.S. steadily growing, competition for the MINI is building. Fiat will be sending their 500 stateside later this year. In fact, it would be loads of fun to do a comparo between this MINI and a Fiat 500 Abarth SS. Maybe at some point we’ll get that chance once the 500 hits our shores.

The new Ford Focus looks promising as well, looking sporty as ever and should be a little roomier than the MINI. And it should be priced better as well.

The MINI faithful
I would love to hear from MINI owners regarding this or any of the MINI models. Ridestory readers would be interested in knowing what you think of the car. Do you like it more or less after driving it for a while? Do you recommend the car to friends and family? Let us all know in your comments below.

Yes, this is the diesel
Let me begin my review of the X5 Diesel with this: I’m not much of an SUV driver. I’d much rather drive a car, preferably one with a sporty nature. But I don’t think I’m an atypical enthusiast. You know what I mean. It’s much more fun to drive a car, even with just a hint of performance, rather than a truck or SUV.

The American market has struggled to accept diesel’s, unless it’s a pickup truck. The low-end torque makes diesel power ideal for towing trailers and hauling loads.

But when I heard I’d have access to a BMW X5 for a few days, I hate to admit it but I got excited. I have, of course, read a lot about the X5 and BMW’s take on the world of SUV’s. But I have never driven one, plus this was a diesel. Would driving a diesel be any different than a gasoline powered car or truck? What about the noise? And just how “green” would it prove to be?

What about today’s diesels?
Some years ago, U.S. auto makers introduced buyers to diesel-powered cars with mixed results. Those 70′s era Oldsmobile’s and Cadillac’s emitted such a clatter that it startled most potential buyers to dash the thought of better mileage for smoother running and quieter rides. Still land yachts, just not so noisy.

Any previous opinions I held regarding today’s diesel vehicles were quickly dashed with this X5. Diesel engines have come a long way and BMW has done much to quell consumers fears about engine clatter and smelly exhaust.

Can you tell its a diesel? Well aside from the X5′s graphics, you can when accelerating from a standing start. But the engine is at full grunt doing the job of getting the car up to speed. But standing outside the X5 as it idled or when at cruising speed, it was quiet and smooth.

The diesel X5 comes in two forms, the xDrive 30d or 35d. Each is powered by a turbocharged 3-liter in-line six, with the 35d bestowed with twin-turbos. The 30d has 235 horsepower and the 35d with 286.

BMW’s diesel produces a hefty 425 lb-ft of torque at a low 1750 rpm. It accelerates to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, impressive for a 5111-lb SUV. For those wondering about mileage, the EPA rates the diesel X5 at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. I easily achieved these numbers, particularly on the highway where my local freeways are relatively flat.

The X5′s handling easily rivals many “sports” sedans and is a ball to drive. The low end torque powers it through corners quite nicely and makes you think you’re driving something other than a heavy SUV. Fun, yes, but the weight will catch up with you with a nod to understeer that is easily controlled and expected.

Electronic gadgetry
Hallelujah, I was able to pair my iPhone with iDrive! Or, more specifically, with the Communications center of BMW’s disputed entertainment hub. I wasn’t so successful with the 3 Series I tested not long ago so I was pleasantly surprised by my success this time around.

What I was disappointed with was the quality of the system itself. The iDrive control knob is nicely weighted and feels like it should be linked to a grade-A entertainment system. Unfortunately, the expected BMW quality ended there. The other buttons used to access the system were a hard plastic that didn’t mesh well with nearby surfaces. The BMW standards guide may need a revisit.

I did find the iDrive system easy to navigate. BMW has taken much heat over the system since it was introduced and has simplified it. To those ends, they may have let the on-screen graphics suffer. A visual update is needed, especially in the age of computer gamers and hybrid “greenness” measuring dash displays.

How about the competition?
You can see how the diesel X5 faired against it’s competition in this comparison published by Motor Trend. Based on their results, Motor Trend favors Volkswagen’s Touareg TDI.

You benefit from German engineering in both the BMW and VW, but the Touareg seemingly wins out with a better designed interior. You want your time behind the wheel to be a great experience, not only in driving dynamics but in the quality of the environment. BMW may be lacking here, but first hand experience will be your best guide.

Any true-blue BMW fans out there? What do you think of a diesel BMW, particularly an SUV? Is it high time American buyers accept diesel, particularly with its miles per gallon advantage? Or will the higher showroom sticker price turn buyers away, not to mention the higher cost at the pump? Let me know what you think, especially if you are an X5 owner.

I just finished another long term test, this time in BMW’s latest version of the MINI, the Clubman. Since BMW took over MINI, the car has taken on a new life, building on an already unique brand and creating an all new following. The Clubman version of the MINI expands on it even further. With an extended wheelbase and split rear barn doors, the Clubman gives MINI buyers another choice at being just a little different.

Where’s the nearest track?
I was expecting the MINI to handle like a go cart but I thought it would come at the expense of a smooth ride. I was wrong. BMW has done an excellent job of tuning the Clubman’s suspension. When you’re tackling your favorite back road, this MINI corners flat and quick, with minimal body roll.

But when you’re simply in a get to point A to B mode, be it city streets or the freeway, this MINI is quite smooth. It absorbs the majority of road irregularities, with the occasional thump from rough city streets. I haven’t driven a standard size MINI Cooper to compare it to the Clubman. To be fair, the Clubman’s ride may be benefiting from its slightly longer wheelbase.

Performance in a small package
MINI has developed an all-new 16-valve 4-cylinder for their cars, with the ‘S’ models outfitted with twin-scroll turbos and direct injection. The motor puts out 172 HP and 177 lb/ft of torque. I noticed after driving it for a short time that the turbo does take a moment to spool up but when it does, the Clubman accelerates quickly with a nice rasp from its twin tail pipes.

BMW decided to use Getrag to build their MINI manual transmission and it appears to have been a good choice. Not quite as smooth as the manual in the BMW 3-series, the Clubman’s six-speed is sweet. Shifts are crisp with nary a doubt as to which gear you’re in. It took me a moment to get used to the “slide left and up” for reverse (my daily driver is a five-speed) but once past that, it’s fun to find the right gear for the moment, keeping that little buzz saw under the hood in the power band.

Qubic’s (@qubicmx on Twitter) opinion of the Clubman? He gave me a thumbs up for this MINI.

“The S Clubman’s performance and handling was fabulous,” he said. “Cargo space definitely makes this sporty car a little more functional.” That pretty much sums it up.

Efficiency in size
One thing I found I had to get used to was the car’s size. I really can’t compare the MINI’s size to any other cars I’ve driven. Well, except maybe the ’71 VW Beetle I drove while going to school. Nevertheless, its been a long time.

Some quick tips for potential MINI owners. First, back very slowly out of any parking space. Or avoid parking between anything larger than you. Don’t assume the soccer mom cruising the lot in her SUV or minivan can see you. Because she can’t. Park out of the way, even if you have to walk further. Think of it as a little extra cardio.

Second, get used to the Clubman’s square-ness. The car is boxy, with a very upright greenhouse. Now, this may be a characteristic that attracts you to MINI styling. It certainly contributes to the feeling of roominess inside the car. Because of its shape, I initially felt like I was driving a small truck. Even though the glass is expansive, the windshield feels short. I was ducking slightly at intersections to get a look at the traffic light above, waiting for it to turn green. This isn’t a criticism. It’s just part of the MINI mystique.

And at the pump
With so much attention today being placed on fuel efficiency, the MINI models have it covered in spades. EPA estimates on the Clubman’s sticker will tell you it’s capable of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway. When I drove in a less “sporty” manner, I was easily seeing these mileage predictions and even better. Quite simply, this car sips gas. The downside to many turbocharged engines is the need for premium fuel. You’ll always be paying more per gallon than lesser, non-compressed cars. Will the cars fuel efficiency make up for the higher priced gas? Probably not.

Interior will appeal to a unique few
I’ve taken a close look at MINI’s before, usually at your friendly neighborhood car show. And the one thing that has always rubbed me the wrong way is the interior.

But I’ll talk about the best first. The seats are awesome. Now, you do need to be prepared to drop into this car. Your rear end isn’t far from the tarmac. But once you’re in, these seats are comfortable and very supportive during “spirited” driving. You’ll appreciate these buckets hip hugging ability when you’re carving it up or hanging a quick right-hander into your local grocery store.

The downside to the interior? It seems disorganized, or better yet, things are not where you expect it. First of all, does that speedometer double as a pizza pan? It’s huge, dominating the dash and seeming a little outlandish. And you think it would be easy to read and it is. But since its not in front of you, you’re constantly glancing right to check it. And you have to do that because it’s easy to exceed the speed limit very quickly.

The center stack continues the almost cartoonish theme, with the CD player below the speedo, the climate control next, followed by the various switchgear for the power windows, fog lights and door locks, the latter being chrome toggle switches. With the shifter and two cup holders at the base of the stack, getting at those chrome toggles turns into a bit of a hassle as you hunt for the right one. Not something you want to be doing while driving.

A nice option in my test car was the dual pane panoramic sunroof. With this, both front and rear seat passengers have a view skyward, each with separate expanses of glass. Your kids will especially enjoy the night-time sky. Each pane has its own pull-out sun screen and will pop-up for added ventilation.

MINI’s Clubman, a nice option
If you’re in the hunt for a small, yet sporty ride, make sure you take a look at the various MINI models. BMW has done a nice job renewing the brand and their conscience effort at quality shows. The car may be small but it’s rock solid. Be prepared for a bit of sticker shock though. My test car was well optioned and topped $32,000. Expensive when compared to other cars in its class. But competitors will have trouble matching build quality. German engineering does demand a premium.

Have you had any experience with any of the MINI models that you would like to share here on Ridestory? Just leave your comments below. I, as well as others, would like to hear from you.