The patron saint of gearheads must be smiling upon us. Hot on the heels of the announcement that we’ll be able to buy the Fiat 500 by the end of the year comes word that Alfa Romeo is planning a return to these shores.

Download Alfa Romeo Returning to the U.S.

Peugeot has unveiled the new 3008 HYbrid4, the world’s first diesel "full hybrid" vehicle. The new model’s hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0 liter 163 bhp HDi diesel engine and a 37 bhp electric motor.

Download 2011 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

In what is apparently becoming an annual celebration of their partnership with the French National Rugby Team, Renault has once again released a special edition line of their Clio and Megane vehicles, which they’ve been calling the "XV de France" Editions.

Download 2011 Renault Megane and Clio "XV de France" Editions

Freshly equipped with new styling and a more robust powertrain, the 2012 Mazda5 is ready to take on... Er, let's see. The Kia Rondo was discontinued, right? So, the 5 has no real competition, at least until Ford's new C-Max shows up later this year. Sized like a crossover with the seating of a minivan, the Mazda5 is a mix of both, with wagon and hatchback parts thrown in. It's an automotive platypus. And despite occupying a nonexistent segment, it has been successful. The 5 is, coincidentally, Mazda's fifth-best-selling vehicle.

Download First Test: 2012 Mazda5

The Tucson continues to show its potential as a viable alternative to the ubiquitous Honda CR-V, what with its roomy interior, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy all wrapped in an attractive, affordable package. There have been some complaints about the Tucson's lack of power, but the crossover's 176 horses are comparable to that of the CR-V (180).

Download Long Term Update 3: 2010 Hyundai Tucson

As "new" cars go, they don't get much newer than Chevy's extended-range electric Volt. So much is different about the first production plug-in hybrid that we have loads of questions: How do you "break in" an engine that may serve only occasional use? (Succinct owner's manual answer: "The vehicle does not require a break-in period.") What's its real-world battery range? (So far: 22-30 wintry miles.) How does its climate-control system work in extreme temperatures? (Better dress for the weather.) Is it worth the money? (Not if you crave only net cost savings.)

Download Arrival: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

The 45th Moab Jeep Easter Safari is set to open on April 19, 2011 and as has been the case in recent years, Jeep and Mopar will be on hand to present a number of new customized vehicles for the attending public to swoon over.

Download 2011 Jeep Cherokee Overland

The current Maserati line-up includes the Quattroporte, the GranTurismo, and the GranCabrio, but things are about to get a little more populated with addition of a new sedan and a new SUV. The company has already begun developing these models and we should start see the fruits of their labor sometime in 2012, with the last model - the SUV - arriving in 2014. Before that, a new generation Quattroporte will be coming off of the production block, followed by a smaller model that will take on the likes of the BMW 5-Series.

Download Maserati will expand line-up to five models

Let's get sexist. Let's get politically insurrect and start drilling beneath the surface of the 2006 Ford Explorer. Although it doesn't qualify as an all-new model — there's still enough 2005 Explorer in the mix to prevent that distinction — the 2006 Explorer has had a heck of a lot more work done on it than just a face-lift (that's not the sexist part — the sexist part's still coming).

Download First Drive: 2006 Ford Explorer

After living in the city for four years, I finally decided to grow up and buy a house. I pooled every nickel and dime I could find, and bought a quaint little fixer-upper in the heart of suburbia. There are many hipsters littering the cafes in my new 'hood, but that doesn't mean I have to turn into Mr. Wilson. After all, my inner Dennis the Menace is still in total control.

Download Full Test: 2006 Ford Fusion

Why We Bought It
We were blown away by the Hyundai Sonata's performance in our comparison test against the best-selling Honda Accord and Toyota Camry midsize sedans. With a self-imposed $22,000 price limit, we were able to ramp up a Sonata with a more powerful engine and a long list of standard features, including a premium stereo package. For the same money, the Accord and Camry could only offer four-cylinder versions with cloth interior.

Download Long-Term Test: 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX

Morgan, a company perhaps best known for not introducing new cars, showed off a new car just outside the Pebble Beach Concours and promises to bring a new car to market every two years. At this point the Morgan EvaGT is a concept, but the production version will be the first of Morgan’s ambitious product push. Morgan is even taking orders for the 2+2 sports car, and says it will enter production in 2012.


Download 2013 Morgan EvaGT - Car News

Holden has released details of the new Commodore ute and GM execs are looking hard at whether this car-based unibody pickup could be added to its U.S. lineup.

Download El Camino, For Real