Gear Patrol

In the States, we know that size still matters. And just like dinner portions, Americans love their bigger cars and trucks. But times, they are a changin’, and the current crop of hatchbacks just goes to show that manufacturers are putting in a lot more thought, time and money into developing small cars that work big. Driving a hatchback no longer makes you look like you were holding the door when they were handing out real cars. The combination of solid styling, creature comforts and great fuel economy (and, sometimes. wickedly good performance) has young and old alike turning to 5-doors options. We drove five of the best for a month and came away with a new appreciation for the hot hatch.

As nearly every auto show evidences, status quo just doesn’t cut it — and concept cars, as crazy as they can sometimes be, give us a glimpse into the realm of automotive possibility. The concepts of NAIAS 2013 were no exception. Some were radical new designs for existing models and others are new to the…

The original Hyundai Azera wasn’t exactly sure what it wanted to be, despite Hyundai’s goal of slotting it between the Sonata and Genesis sedans. The placement made sense, given the huge gap in pricing between the two aforementioned cars. And though the Azera was a practical bargain with its roomy interior and V6 engine, it…

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Hyundai is making some serious waves in the automotive industry. With a new design language pervading the lineup and cars that compete in just about every segment (Hyundai pickup truck, anyone?), Hyundai is seeing monumental growth. Last year, the Korean automaker came out with the radically styled Veloster; now they’ve…

A number of years ago, a Hyundai Motor Company executive was quoted as saying something along the lines of, “We want Hyundai to make the kind of car you want to buy, not the kind of car you have to buy.” As a teen, I distinctly recall the emergence of the South Korean automaker’s first…

We covered the handsome 2012 Hyundai Veloster at the beginning of last year. And though we are fans of the aggressive hot hatch look, this hatch has been less than hot in the performance department. Well, Hyundai listened and has just revealed the 2013 Veloster Turbo. Even though it’s a mere 1.6 liter displacement engine,…

The Frankfurt Motor Show is just around the corner, and we’re pretty psyched about it. More toys, more power, more everything. But sometimes, less is more. For example, the all new 2012 Hyundai i30. What you see above you is an early reveal of what the production car should look like, and we’re chomping at…

Not long ago, the president of Hyundai North America stated, “We want Hyundai to be the kind of car you want to buy, not the kind of car you have to buy.” Well, with the release of the Genesis, Genesis Coupe and the new Sonata, Hyundai can claim both improved quality AND eye-catching design. Their…

By Mike Solowiow | The Truth About Cars In comparison to the Genesis sedan, the Genesis Coupe has appeared on dealer lots like a Stealth bomber sliding into Whiteman. Either Hyundai thinks their new two-door makes such a strong impression it doesn’t need a huge marketing campaign to jump-start the public imagination, or they blew…