hi-fi

We used to think that if we wanted speed, we had to sacrifice fuel economy. But we still held up as an ideal a fast car that wouldn't drain its tank after 200 miles. Audi comes the closest we've seen to date with the new S4.

Using a supercharged 3-liter V-6, the S4 easily averages more than 20 mpg, while at the same time hitting 60 mph in less than five seconds. OK, it's not as fast as a BMW M3, but we found its performance thrilling and excellent for throwing around winding country roads, its Quattro … Read more

As members of the media, we like to get attention; however, the extremely boxy styling of the Nissan Cube proved even a little too much for us. When we got out of the car, we took pains to explain to any onlookers that it wasn't actually ours, just a loaner from Nissan. But more serious attention seekers, or those who don't give a damn what anyone thinks, could live with the Cube's design.

And we had no problem with the extremely practical interior space, with headroom that would make the 7-foot  7-inch tall Manute Bol feel … Read more

Jaguar isn't the first name that comes to mind when sports cars are mentioned, as the brand is more heavily associated with luxury. But Jaguar maintains its own tuner brand, appending an R to its fastest cars. And even though the XF is the least ostentatious of its cars, it still gets the R treatment, which includes a 510-horsepower supercharged V-8 and high-tech active suspension gear.

And though the stereo sounds great, it's too bad about that navigation system.

Read our review of the 2010 Jaguar XFR.

A 2010 model update gives Acura's MDX only minor styling changes but serious new tech. We enjoyed the upscale cabin on this crossover SUV, along with adaptive cruise control for effortless freeway driving. Voice command for iPod playback is a new and welcome feature, and the ELS audio system delivers on the sound.

Our biggest surprise was the new suspension technology. In Sport mode and coupled with the smart all-wheel drive, the MDX cornered like a sports car.

Read our review of the 2010 Acura MDX.

It's no surprise we spend money on the things we value. So the question is, how much would you invest in a decent hi-fi or sound system? Bear in mind that a good quality system will last a long time, so amortizing the investment over a period of five or even 10 years should be factored into the expense. The coffee's gone in a matter of minutes.

Let's see, at $4 a day, a $20-a-week Starbucks expense works out to $1,000 a year. You're not going to stop anytime soon, so Starbucks, or any daily … Read more

Sonus Faber may be a small Italian speaker company, but you can literally see its influence in the curvy look of various B&W, KEF, Magico, Tannoy, Wharfedale, and countless other speakers. Thanks to Sonus Faber, the box is out and round is in.

Looking straight down on the top of the Liuto's cabinet, you can't help but notice its curves mimic those of a classical lute (liuto is the Italian word for lute). The shape has graced a number of Sonus Faber speakers, but instead of the company's traditional solid-wood cabinets, the Liuto's is … Read more

Audi follows in parent company Volkswagen's footsteps by bringing a car to the U.S. with a TDI diesel engine. Using the same turbocharged 2-liter diesel engine as the VW Jetta, the A3 TDI offers the same stellar fuel economy as its lesser German cousin, and it has better cabin tech, including a good iPod connection and Bluetooth phone system. However, Audi lets the A3 TDI simmer with an older version of its navigation system that's not quite on par with its latest technology.

Read our review of the 2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI.

The S-class is a tech-lover's dream, loaded with seats that massage, radar that keeps set distances from other cars, mirrors that warn about cars to either side, and a speedometer that turns into a night vision camera. We were in seventh heaven riding around on its plush seats, listening to music from an iPod over its sweet-sounding Harman Kardan audio system.

And while previous S-classes left us with a little green guilt, or at least range anxiety, as the engine gulped down the gas, the S400 Hybrid has a more reasonable appetite. It is far from Prius territory, but … Read more

Honda dumbfounded the motoring press with the strange body style of its new Accord Crosstour, but after getting up close and personal with the car, we understand it. The body style is certainly unique and hard to get used to, but the practicality of the rear hatch/trunk is undeniable.

Underneath and inside, it's all high-trim Accord, with the addition of all-wheel drive. In that respect, it should give Subaru, a company that did excellent sales during the recession, a run for its money.

Read our review of the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L.