Test Drive: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro The new A4 offers plenty of cargo space. With a trunk capacity of 16.9 cubic feet, we fit a large suitcase, a set of golf clubs and various smaller bags and backpacks without a problem. With the 60/40-split-folding seats down, we had a full 34 cubes available, which means we could have stuffed in a second set of golf clubs and another couple of bags.

Test Drive: 2009 Acura RL Design/Fit and Finish There's a pleasing symmetry to the 2009 Acura RL's interior. It's plush without being ostentatious and much of it comes off like quality home furnishings. For example, the center stack that houses much of the car's secondary controls looks like a high-end bookshelf stereo system, like something you might find at the Sharper Image. The leather that covers the seats is quite soft but seems to have an underlying durability that should stand up to transporting kids. Most switches and buttons are covered with soft-touch plastic or have a rubberized texture. Although the Hyundai Genesis has an attractive interior, too, the Acura's execution is far better, far classier. In fact, the RL's interior is more inviting and has a warmer feel than both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. Even the plastic bits in the Acura look nice and fit well.

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Ford Edge Limited Design/Fit and Finish The success of the Edge's eye-catching front end is underlined by the new Toyota Venza's snout, which is a good example of the sincerest form of flattery. Otherwise, the Edge's exterior shape is pleasant and modern but not especially memorable.

Honda Pilot 4WD Touring Function With 55 buttons and/or knobs, our fully loaded Pilot Touring with rear entertainment system looks as if its dash has been lifted from the space shuttle Discovery. Despite some initial shock, though, the audio and navigation systems' controls quickly become intuitive, with a number of different ways to do any single task — dedicated buttons, multipurpose control knob or voice commands. The climate controls are needlessly busy, however, and the rear entertainment controls certainly don't help the clutter. Get a non-Touring Pilot, and you can drop 20 buttons.

Lotus Elise SC Performance Strip away the facts and figures, and the Elise — especially on Southern California's winding canyon roads on a sunny Sunday morning — easily confirms its place as a pure wind-in-your-hair driver's car. When the pavement and weather conditions are pristine, the Elise responds quickly and smoothly, its steering giving you fantastic feedback. You'll think it's your best friend. But on average, rougher roads littered with cracks, gravel and railroad crossings, the Elise gets cranky, and there's no stability control to save your bacon if the car gets out of sorts. Some members of our team also found the shifter's action to be occasionally clunky. So although the roadster drives beautifully in optimal conditions, alas, such conditions these days are increasingly difficult to find.



Dodge Challenger SRT8 Performance The SRT8's large Brembo disc brakes, along with its sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar high-performance tires, enabled a short 119-foot stopping distance from 60 mph at the test track. Furthermore, there was no fade to speak of after repeated hard stops, and pedal feel, though on the soft side, remained consistent. The SRT8's handling is downright impressive for a 4,140-pound bruiser, as this heavyweight hustled through the curves with eager turn-in and a flat, unwavering cornering attitude.

Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV Sport: Design/Fit and Finish The Maxima is one of those cars that looks striking from certain angles and awkward from others — particularly the unique headlights that drew mixed reactions from our editors. Nevertheless, the Maxima looks much better in the steel than on the screen.























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