Just In: Audi A5, Infiniti G37, and Lexus IS convertibles

We recently shook off a spurt of December-like weather here in Connecticut and recent rains that have made it a colder, less pleasant October than normal. That cut into our top-down time with our three new convertibles, as well as our beloved Miata roadster.
 
Lexus IS 250 C
Our Lexus IS 250 C’s 204-hp is outgunned by most competitors, and the small-displacement powertrain has its work cut out for it moving around the 3,845-lb. folding hardtop convertible. (You can get an IS 350 convertible, but we bought the more popular, smaller-engined version.)
 
Our car has the Luxury Package (HIDs, heated/ventilated front seats with memory, wood interior trim), park assist, and a few other options, bringing the total to $44,400. (At that point, a $100 option for headlamp washers seems cheap -- just make them standard, already.)

Like the IS sedan, our first impressions of the convertible are that it’s a very pleasant and well-finished car, but it falls somewhat short of thrilling an enthusiast driver. As such, it is a reasonable successor to the now-defunct Toyota Camry Solara convertible.

See our convertible buying advice, recommended convertibles, and convertible ratings.  

Infiniti G37
The Infiniti G37 convertible comes with only one engine option: a lovely 325-hp, 3.7-liter V6. Ours has a seven-speed automatic transmission; when that gear box appeared last year on the G37 sedan, it improved fuel economy significantly.
 
We also got the Premium Package, which adds a Bose Open Air Sound System, including “front seat personal speakers” in the headrests that work quite well. There are also heated and cooled front seats, driver’s seat memory, power tilt/telescope wheel, and an iPod controller. Also adding “genuine African rosewood trim” put the sticker at $48,715.
 
We’re big fans of the G37; it’s currently our top-rated compact sports sedan. However, the convertible is having a harder time winning people over. The responsive steering, slick powertrain, and comfortable seats remain, but the move to a convertible didn’t help structure or the ride. One nice feature in our car is the standard rearview camera -- convertibles end to suffer from visibility problems with the top up.
 
Audi A5 quattro
Audi has had a history of being something of a bargain upscale brand. But looking at some of their current pricing suggests one of two things: either they’ve been successful at shaking that bargain image, or they’re getting downright audacious. (Maybe a bit of both.) Our $49,300 Audi A5 convertible is one such example.
 
The A5 convertible has a folding soft top, unique in a world of now-common folding hardtops. Our car also has a 211-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Our Premium plus model adds HID headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and an iPod controller. Throw in $400 of “dark walnut wood inlays” and $475 of quartz gray metallic paint and you get a sticker of $49,300.
 
Let’s compare. You can buy a well-equipped Volkswagen Eos, a very well-finished convertible with a folding hardtop and the same engine (making slightly less hp) as our Audi, for $37,290. At the other extreme, a BMW 328i convertible with similar equipment costs $50,900 -- not much more for a car with a folding hardtop and two more cylinders.
 
Our pricing protest is somewhat tempered by Audi offering a unique feature for a convertible: all-wheel drive. BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus don’t offer their all-wheel drive systems on their convertibles.
 
We have found that the lack of a complex folding hard top doesn’t hurt the A5’s livability, and allows for opening and closing the top on the move (it works up to 25 mph or so).
 
All three convertibles are going through break-in miles as they progress through our multi-week test regimen. Look for further coverage and full road tests in coming months. Learn more about buying a convertible.
 
—Tom Mutchler

2009 Annual Auto Reliability Survey: Best and worst models by car maker

It is easy to assume that certain automakers build only reliable cars and others don’t, however, nearly every manufacturer have their share of winners and losers in our annual reliability survey. Each company and even brand product portfolio runs a spectrum of reliability performance, with its own best and worst examples. For some, the range can span from much better than average to much worse than average, whereas other may be centered around average. The key lesson from scanning the data within an automaker is not to make assumptions.

For example, the best Toyota Motor Company model in our reliability survey is the Lexus SC—its predicted reliability score is the second highest out of over 300 vehicles, but the worst is the Lexus GS (AWD), which scores in the bottom 10 percent, and receives a much worse than average rating, and is not recommended in our testing. While it is true that Lexus models tend to be reliable and test well, this is not the case for all Lexus vehicles.

The greatest disparity comes from Volkswagen. The VW Golf (aka Rabbit) is one of the most reliable small cars you can buy, but the Volkswagen Touareg has the lowest predicted reliability score in our 2009 Annual Auto Survey.

In most cases, the best model for reliability is a recommended model and the worst is not. However, Honda’s top reliable vehicle in our survey, the Honda Insight, is not recommended due to low scores in our testing. The least reliable Honda vehicle is the Acura RL, but it has an average reliability score and is recommended. Honda is one of the more consistent manufacturers and has no model that scored below average in reliability.

The two more reliable General Motors products are from two brands that are leaving the GM umbrella. The Saturn Aura (4-cyl.) is newly recommended this year and the Pontiac Vibe will be phased out in the coming months.

Below are the best and worst models in reliability. Models with an * are based on data of one model year only.

BMW
Best: BMW 328i (RWD)
Worst: BMW 535i (AWD)*

Chrysler
Best: Jeep Patriot
Worst: Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan

Ford
Best: Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan (4-cyl.)
Worst: Ford F-250 (turbodiesel, 4WD)*

General Motors
Best: Chevrolet Malibu (V6)
Worst: Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (4WD)

Honda
Best: Honda Insight*
Worst: Acura RL

Hyundai/Kia
Best: Hyundai Tucson
Worst: Kia Sedona

Mazda
Best: Mazda3 sedan
Worst: Mazda CX-7

Mercedes-Benz
Best: Mercedes-Benz GLK*
Worst: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (turbodiesel)*

Nissan
Best: Infiniti M35 (RWD)
Worst: Nissan Versa sedan*

Subaru
Best: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
Worst: Subaru Impreza WRX*

Toyota
Best: Lexus SC*
Worst: Lexus GS (AWD)

Volkswagen
Best: Volkswagen Golf (Rabbit)
Worst: Volkswagen Touareg*

Volvo
Best: Volvo S40 (FWD)*
Worst: Volvo XC90 (V8)*

The main take away from this information is don’t judge a book by its cover. Avoid assumptions and do your research before you buy your next vehicle. It takes just a few minutes to browse the model overview pages, or use the interactive new car selector tool, which sorts and filters by the parameters that matter most to you.

Either path will reveal Consumer Reports recommended models that did well in our road tests, score average or better in reliability, and performs at least adequately if included in government or insurance industry safety tests.

For more details on our 2009 Annual Auto Survey including the full list of most and least reliable new cars by vehicle type, see our reliability report. Also, check out our guide to car reliability for more details on new and used car reliability as well as owner satisfaction.

—Liza Barth 

Recalls: Audi, Infiniti, Nissan, and Pontiac vehicles

A few recalls have been announced recently that affect the Audi A3 and Audi TT and Roadster, Infiniti M35 and M45, Nissan Cube, Murano, and Rogue, and Pontiac Vibe. If your vehicle is listed here, the manufacturer will contact you with information about what to do, or you can use one of the numbers we list below to contact the manufacturer yourself.

2006-2010 Audi A3, 2008-2010 Audi TT and TT Roadster

Volkswagen is recalling certain Audi A3, TT and TT Roadsters manufactured between September 29, 2005 and August 26, 2009 due to a problem with the fuel tank cover. The closing force of the spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve isn’t adequate to hold the valve closed under extreme driving conditions. This could cause fuel to leak and a vehicle fire could occur.

Owners will be notified of the problem and dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation value free of charge. Questions regarding the recall can be answered by calling 1-800-253-2834.

2008-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, 2009 Nissan Cube and Nissan Murano and 2008 Nissan Rogue

Nissan is recalling some 2008-2010 Infiniti and Nissan vehicles sold or registered in certain states due to a problem with the nut used to secure the sensor-transmitter of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The nut may corrode and crack after being in contact with heavy concentrations of road salt. If this occurs the nut may come out of the sensor transmitter and the tire-pressure light may illuminate. If the owner ignores the light and the vehicle continues to operate, the tire will quickly lose air pressure and could result in a flat increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall only affects models sold or registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The dealer will replace the TPMS nut free of charge. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 and Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.

2008-2009 Nissan Rogue

Nissan is recalling certain 2008-2009 Nissan Rogue vehicles due to a screw in the steering gear cover that could loosen and fall out. This could result in loss of steering control and an increased risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect to see if the screw is loose and tighten it if necessary. They will also install a cover plate to prevent he screw from coming out. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 for more information.

2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe

General Motors is recalling certain 2009-2010 Vibe models equipped with the 1.8-liter engine and sold or registered in cold-weather states.

When driving in certain conditions in extremely low temperatures, the intake manifold suction port for the brake vacuum can become locked due to freezing condensation. This could lead to longer stopping distances and a possible crash.

The recall only affects models sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Dealers will modify the brake vacuum line free of charge. Owners may contact Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

Sneak peek: 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid

Infiniti has announced plans to add a hybrid to the M line for the 2012 model year. In what will be Infiniti’s first production hybrid vehicle, the M35 Hybrid will be based on the redesigned 2011 M, and it will join the M37 and M56 six- and eight-cylinder models. Infiniti’s entry into the hybrid market will help the company better compete against Lexus in the premium hybrid market, as well as bolster the company’s green image

The hybrid system will use a twin clutch installed between the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine and single electric motor. The battery pack is a laminated lithium-ion design that Infiniti claims will offer twice the power as a same-sized, traditional Nickel-Metal-Hydride pack. Nissan is hedging its bets on Li-Ion technology with its partnership with NEC, the Renault-Nissan agreement with Better Place, and the upcoming Nissan Leaf pure EV. Details on driving range and performance will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

The current M is one of our top-rated luxury sedans with a powerful engine, agile handling and comfortable ride. We look forward to testing the redesigned 2011 model when it goes on sale in the spring of 2010. The M35 hybrid will hit dealerships a year later.

—Liza Barth  

2011 Infiniti M debut

Infiniti gave a virtual sneak peak into the third-generation M luxury sedan. The vehicle shown was not the physical car, but a 3D rendition of it. The actual vehicle will debut later this year.

The M56 will be powered by a V8 engine that is expected to offer more than 400 hp. The M37 with be fitted with a V6. Infiniti claims fuel consumption will be reduced even with the increase in engine performance. The current generation M gets 19 mpg overall.

The M is completely redesigned for 2011 with a lower front end and sports sedan proportions. In addition, the vehicle will now offer a blind spot intervention system. Available on other upscale sedans like the Volvo S80, Buick Lucerne, and Cadillac DTS and STS, the safety system will alert drivers of the presence of adjacent vehicles if they are intending to change lanes.

In our tests, the M is a top performer in its class. The current generation M35, with its 3.5-liter V6, is quick, strong and agile with a roomy and well designed interior. We’ll see if the next generation M will stay at the top of the class when we put it through our tests.

The 2011 Infiniti M will arrive at dealerships in the spring of 2010. More details will be announced in December.

—Liza Barth 

How I learned to stop worrying and like distance-sensing cruise control

Cruise control. To listen to some people describe it, you’d think it was a scourge put upon us by evil doers. Most naysayers dislike it because they feel the system takes away their feeling of vehicle control. To me it’s a way of saving fuel (and keeping money in my pocket) and making my right foot happy.

I like traditional cruise control of the Ron Popeil variety: Set it and forget it. But the distance-sensing systems? Well they’ve always left me cold, unable (in my opinion) to balance a safe following distance with leaving too much room behind the car in front. They left an open space that literally beckoned other drivers to hop right in. Drivers cutting in then resulted in my vehicle throwing out an anchor and rapidly slowing down, taking away momentum and annoying me and the drivers following in my wake.

After driving our Infiniti FX35 and Volvo XC60, however, I’ve come around to giving the distance-sensing systems less of the Rodney Dangerfield treatment, even if I still can’t embrace them with open arms.

The XC60 treated me well on a long trip from Connecticut to southern New Jersey. It still had its annoyances, particularly when rounding a bend and passing cars. The radar would sometimes sense the cars in the other lane and immediately slow the Volvo, as if it couldn’t recognize steering input and thought I was mindlessly going to plow into them.

But on a limited-access road like the NJ Turnpike, the system worked well. I latched on to the car ahead of me and followed for miles and miles. It resulted in a comfortable trip and better than the alternative of not using cruise control at all.

Our Infiniti had a system I liked even better. It allowed the driver to toggle between both types of cruise. The initial setting was for distance sensing, but holding down the button activated traditional cruise control. This, I feel, is better for roads and highways with more frequent access points. The CT Turnpike has exits every mile (or more frequently) in some parts. The constant merging and dicing of traffic makes distance-sensing cruise frustrating to use in this scenario, where I find using regular cruise control to be comfortable.

While I won’t be running out to buy a car with a distance-sensing system anytime soon, a vehicle with a toggle-type system certainly wouldn’t turn me off.

—Jon Linkov

Car brands: Who owns what?

The auto industry is very complicated these days, with constant change across all corners of the globe. The worldwide economic slowdown dictates widespread cost reductions, inspiring partnerships and changes in ownership. Further confusing the scene are past commitments between companies: For example, the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is based on a Mercedes-Benz platform–even though Chrysler and Mercedes are no longer joined at the hip.

To help clear up some of the confusion, here is a road map to navigate who owns what brands among the major companies that sell in the U.S. car market.

BMW owns: BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce

Fiat owns: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati; Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep–20-percent stake

Ford Motor Company owns: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo (for now), and still owns 13.4 percent of Mazda

General Motors owns: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC. Also owns a controlling interest in Daewoo, as well as Opel and Vauxhall in Europe and Holden in Australia. (Pontiac to be discontinued)

Honda owns: Honda, Acura

Hyundai owns: Hyundai, Kia

Tata Motors (India) owns: Jaguar and Land Rover

Mazda (partially owned by Ford)

Mitsubishi

Daimler AG owns: Mercedes-Benz and Smart

Nissan owns: Nissan and Infiniti (Nissan is owned by Renault--France)

Porsche owns: Porsche and a majority share in Volkswagen

Subaru (A controlling interest of Subaru is owned by Toyota)

Suzuki

Toyota Motor Company owns: Lexus, Toyota, Scion, Daihatsu and Hino Motors, with a stake in Fuji Industries (Subaru’s parent company) and Isuzu

Volkswagen owns: Audi, Volkswagen, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and overseas SEAT and Skoda.

In formal negotiations to be sold:
Hummer: Tengzhong (China)
Saturn: Penske Automotive Group
Saab: Koenigsegg (Sweden)

--Liza Barth

2009 Infiniti FX35: Lessons from a car that drives itself

Cars that can drive themselves are a technology of the future, right?

After driving the latest Infiniti FX35, I can answer the question with a definitive, sort of.

Our FX35 is equipped with forward warning, intelligent cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, and an “around view monitor” to aid parking maneuvers. Unlike similar systems we’ve tried before, the forward-collision warning and lane departure systems can help keep the car on track, push back on the throttle, and even apply the brakes, in addition to sounding alarms inside the cabin. In stop-and-go traffic, the distance-control alert system can even bring the car to a full stop.

Using these systems, the FX35 can brake and accelerate on its own, and it can even provide small steering inputs using the brakes. I tried to leave the systems turned on as much as possible to experience their capabilities and limitations.

Mostly, it all works as advertised. But driving is about a lot more than stepping on the gas and brake, or even turning the steering wheel.

For example, the FX35 won’t stop for stop signs when no one else is around. Neither do many of my fellow drivers, I realize, but it’s still the law.

While the distance control alert can stop the FX35 behind another car in traffic, it doesn’t stay stopped for long. After about a second, it releases the brakes and creeps ahead – then applies the brakes again when it “sees” the car in front still hasn’t moved. If you don’t want to hit it eventually, you’ll still have to hold the brakes.

Before the FX applies the brakes, the distance-control alert system pushes back on the gas pedal to try to get the driver to back off when approaching another car too closely. For better or worse, that means much of the time the driver is fighting extra throttle resistance in suburban cut-and-thrust driving. Worse, when the car in front of you suddenly moves out of the lane or goes around a curve, it can create a disconcerting momentary acceleration as the resistance in the gas pedal is suddenly diminished.

Using the intelligent cruise control allows the car to accelerate to a pre-set speed (by using the cruise-control’s Resume feature). The cruise allows you to set the following distance for between two seconds and three seconds behind the car in front of you. Until I timed it, I found it troubling that I always wanted to use the closest setting. But the system builds in a healthy safety margin.

Infiniti’s lane-departure warning system works in conjunction with the side- and forward-view cameras. It does a good job identifying when the FX35 drifts from its lane. (If you use the turn signals it won’t beep when you mean to change lanes.) Adding lane-departure prevention allows the system to apply the brakes on one side of the vehicle individually to try to pull the vehicle back into its lane. But at highway speeds, the system intervenes too late, and too feebly to really keep you from leaving your lane, much less negotiate a curve. (Other systems, on the Lexus GS and LS can also control the steering, but provide only slight inputs when moving forward, still not enough to negotiate curves.)

Not surprisingly, all these systems seem to be fighting the driver for control at times, mostly to try to get the driver to slow down, not follow so close, or stay in the lane, which might have the potential of keeping more cars on the road. But for most attentive drivers it’s often tempting  to just turn these devices  off. Human drivers are much more coordinated and smoother—so long as they are paying attention.

In reverse, our FX35 displays the car’s surroundings on a split-view screen on the center of the dashboard. (It works going forward at very slow speeds as well.) At first this seemed handy for knowing how close you are to other parked cars, for example. But I soon found I’m not much more coordinated at backing up an actual car by video than I am at driving video games. It was hard to follow a straight line without looking over your shoulder. As soon as you try turning to look, though, you realize it’s a good thing the FX35 has the around view monitor; it’s nearly impossible to see the car’s surroundings through the narrow window slits and around the big rear pillars. The surround video does provide an extra measure of safety, especially if children may be around.

In the end, it’s fun to try the technology of the future. But even with all these systems, you still have to drive the car.

See the complete Infiniti FX35 ratings and road test, available to online subscribers.

—Eric Evarts

Personal Picks: Compact Sports Sedans

We used the word “fun” several times in our recent comparison test of sports sedans. The test group included the Acura TSX; Audi A4 2.0T; Infiniti G37 Journey; and Volkswagen CC. And while few of the available models are actually dull, most tested models fulfill the goal of scoring decently in the fun factor. But they’re not cheap – ranging from around $32,000-$40,000.

If you’re looking for basic, four-door transportation, you can save a lot of money forgoing these sports sedans – and you’ll note that several of us lean toward this. But if fun is on your radar screen (and you’d like a dash of luxury thrown in), look no further than the current offerings of sports sedans.

Which ones piqued our fancy? Here are our Picks from this highly-touted (but expensive) category:

Tom Mutchler: "You know how I always say I’d buy a (Infiniti) G if I needed a car? Let’s face it – I’d never spend that much money on a new car.” Those words from my colleague Jake, spoken during one of our morning coffee sessions, ring true to me this month, especially as the economy tends to waver.

This is a fine group of cars. There are quibbles with each, but not a loser in the bunch. Like Jake, I would definitely gravitate toward the G37 if I were buying a new luxury sports sedan. But as I wrote before in a BMW 135i logbook blog, my arms are short and my pockets deep. Put simply, there are a lot of things I could do with $38K.

So my sports sedan aspirations may be less ambitious, but they’re still very pleasing to me. I’d buy a nice used, first-generation Acura TSX. I’ve been kidded on our forums about how often I advocate this car, but I think it’s an overlooked gem. Super-nimble handling (better than the new TSX), compact dimensions yet roomy enough, a well finished interior, one of the best manual transmission linkages out there, and an engine that loves to rev. All this for easily under $20K.

Gabe Shenhar: Out of this whole category, there’s no question that I’m going with the BMW 3 Series. It’s such a terrific driver’s car that’s thoroughly enjoyable, yet totally livable. In terms of what makes a sports sedan a sports sedan, in my opinion, no manufacturer has yet surpassed the 3, even though several competitors come close, including the Infiniti G37 and new Audi A4.

What makes the 3 Series special? It’s that wonderful steering feedback and response, tied-down ride control, and good compliance that speak to driving connoisseurs and puts a smile on my face.

Unfortunately, BMW chose to equip the non-sports package cars with underachieving Bridgestone Turanza run-flat tires, which cost the car points in our testing in terms of empirical stopping distance and avoidance maneuver speed. To make this car really spectacular, I’d buy the optional sports package, bringing sharper steering response and more grip, yet with a negligible loss of ride comfort. I realize I’d have to switch to winter tires, as the performance tires are not all-season, but I do that anyway.

What I also love about this car is the pull and tractability of the straight six-cylinder engine, which sings a perfect soundtrack -- be it the 230 hp in the 328i or the 300 hp in the 335i. Thankfully, our 328i also delivered decent fuel economy, to alleviate the guilt of how many times I put my foot into it. That awesome powertrain (even with the automatic) and sporty handling, augmented by supportive seats and the innate quality of the interior can really start my day on a good note. Yes, one can nit pick about some unnecessarily complicated controls and a cramped rear seat. But ultimately, when it comes to sports sedans, what matters is which car elicits the biggest grin. And, for me, my smile is never broader than when I’m driving a 3 Series.

Rick Small: In this group, I prefer the G37. It has loads of power, delivers decent economy and is very sporty and is competitively priced. Downside? The G is just a little tight for my 6’3” frame. Considering these tough economic times, I would buy a Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Ford Fusion. All are roomier, have good performance and economy are reliable and much cheaper to own. They offer four-cylinder or V6 engines, and the Fusion Hybrid delivers good performance and excellent fuel economy.

Mike Quincy: Do you ever find yourself rooting for the underdog? You vote for candidates that don’t win, root for movies to get nominated for Academy Awards that don’t have a chance, or you’re a Cubs fan... I think I do this with cars. For some strange reason, I have a soft spot in my heart for beleaguered Saabs. For me, the cars’ many flaws are somehow overcome by their charm and personality. But no more. I’m turning the page and moving on. The company is on the ropes and I’m jumping ship. Instead, I’m getting behind the Lexus IS 350. It’s not as sporty as the edgier G37 or 3 Series, and the IS’s interior is snug. But I love its combination of comfort, reliability and relatively decent cost of ownership. I’d also consider the cheaper IS 250 with a manual transmission (good luck finding one, though). Is the IS still somewhat of a dark horse in this sports sedan derby? Sure, but you never know when an underdog might surprise you. I still like Saabs, but I don’t think enough people share my affection to keep the flame burning bright.

Personal Picks: Upscale sedans, part 1

Considering the state of the economy, some might question the market viability of upscale sedans right now. I keep reading about how fancy-schmancy white-tablecloth restaurants are begging for customers.

Seems like high-priced goods are taking a beating, and austerity, aka spartaneity, is “in.” However, these cars might just be the ticket for mid-winter automotive doldrums: they’re nicer than mainstream sedans but not as flashy as the ultra-luxury cruisers. They also don’t cost as much as a small house.

Here are our Picks from the February issue upscale sedan test group:

Tom Mutchler: You know the expression “The bigger they are, the harder they fall”? Well, that applies to vehicle depreciation, and it can really help if you’re shopping for an upscale or luxury sedan.

No doubt, the Hyundai Genesis is extremely impressive for its $36,000 price tag. Lots of room, plenty of power, well finished interior. But I don’t find it fun to drive at all. On the other hand, the Infiniti G37 is a blast, but the interior is a bit on the small side. Can a car give me the best of both worlds? Sure.

I’d buy a slightly used Infiniti M35x, a top-rated luxury sedan. I’ve put a lot of miles on our various M test cars and enjoyed every one of them. There’s plenty of room in the rear seat for in-laws, the electronics are simple to use, and the car drives like a slightly larger G35 – makes sense, because that’s basically what it is. It’s not as quiet and comfy-riding as a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but reliability has been a whole lot better.

A new Infiniti M35x is $52,000 with navigation, although we’ve seen massive discounts on leftover 2008s recently. But I wouldn’t buy new. I can find a 2006 M35x for $26,500 (asking price) with around 30k on the odometer, including a certified warranty, from the local Infiniti dealer. That’s a lot of car for less than the MSRP of the last Ford Taurus or Honda Accord V6 we tested.

Gabe Shenhar: While the Hyundai Genesis scores big-time points in our tests, for me, there’s still something missing. A car of this size and intent needs to ride better. Yes, in the grand scheme of things, the Genesis rides well enough, but the short, quick pitches on some surfaces are testament to why it is bargain priced.

Among the rest of the sedans we recently tested, there are two that I like driving and would enjoy all day. One is the Pontiac G8. The other car I like is the much pricier Jaguar XF. The new Jag certainly has its share of flaws and some unnecessary gimmicks but it imparts a sense of occasion when you drive it. The XF rides beautifully, is quiet, moves out well and its V8 sounds great. I’m really not someone who would get hung up on the fact that some V6s are more powerful. For me, it’s the feel and the enjoyment that makes or breaks a car. Complementing that is sharp and communicative steering and great body control. This all makes the car a delight when carving through the twisty bits.

Now back to the Pontiac G8: Given that it drives as well as it does, and priced the way it is, perhaps, the best thing to do is to wait for the discounts to get bigger and put a Holden badge on the car. (Watch our tire-squealing Pontiac G8 video.)

See the full upscale sedan road test and videos.