These four hatchbacks are up to something, and we aim to find out what. See how these four fiery hatches behave when we bring them together to see who is the hottest. Plus, don’t miss all the other great content in this issue of Winding Road, including:

- 2010 BMW 5-Series GT
- 2010 Aston Martin Rapide
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Honda Fit vs. Smart ForTwo
- Living History: BMW M5 at the Nürburgring
- $40K Alternatives: Hyundai Genesis vs. Acura TL SH-AWD vs. Ford Taurus SHO
- SEMA 2009

This issue is packed with much, much more, so check it out in one of our two formats.

CLICK HERE to read this issue in our online viewer.
CLICK HERE to download an ad-free PDF from NextNewsStand.

And don't forget, you can buy a full subscription to Winding Road by clicking here. One year of ad-free, downloadable PDFs can be yours for the low, low price of only $4.99.

Our Texas team has just taken delivery of a 2010 Chevy Camaro SS; this
one in a very sinister shade of black. Ask you questions through the link below, and
we'll do our best to deliver up answers.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Pros:

• Spacious and practical interior belies modest exterior size

• Fuel economy can be fabulous

• No shortage of amenities and electronic toys

Cons:

• Feels about as slow as any car we’ve driven (as in “Throttle response? What throttle response.”)

• Ride is firm, but also on the harsh side of normal

• Handling is quirky (firm springing + limited roll-stiffness + harsh damping + zero throttle response = not much fun)

Car Summary:

Like the Lexus HS250h, the Toyota Prius offers three operating modes: Power, Eco, and EV (electronic vehicle), which might just as well be labeled Slow, Slower, and Slowest. Although the Prius is lighter and somewhat more nimble than its Lexus counterpart, it exhibits a glacial pace off the line. As it turns out, the car accelerates better than at first seems to be the case, but the throttle response is the opposite of hair-trigger. You really have to get into the pedal to make the Prius move.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this Buyer’s Guide, or browse the rest of our Buyer’s Guides here.

We currently have the 2010 Toyota Prius in our Austin fleet, and we know you have questions about it. Is it nearly as good as it is popular? Ask us, and find out.

See it in the gallery above, then head over to the Ask It page in our forums, and we’ll answer all your questions to the best of our abilities.

Ford's hugely wheeled Edge Sport has arrived at our Austin, Texas
office, and will be on hand for the next week. We're looking forward to
answering all of your questions about the blingy Ford CUV--just don't
ask us why the wheels are so big.

Click through the link below to join the conversation in the NextAutos Ask It Forums.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 Ford Edge Sport

PROS
- Great drivetrain with good power, great shifter, and throaty sound
- Balanced, if somewhat soft, chassis
- Very well-done interior

CONS
- Steering and suspension not very communicative
- Traditional competitors have more power (but aren’t convertibles)
- Not the most refined drive

SUMMARY
he Mustang GT convertible is one of those cars where the parts are good, but the whole really gels into a something better than good. The power is ample, the transmission is a delight to shift, turn-in is good and the handling works well. Even better, this is a genuinely fun car for everyday driving on real roads. Not only that, the Mustang seems special, in part because it is iconic, but even more because the design and materials are so well done.

The Mustang’s direct pony car competitors don’t come in convertible versions. But even if they did, we’d probably prefer the Mustang. That’s because it is more nimble than the Challenger, and better priced. The Mustang has more character than the Camaro, along with better design details.

Click here to continue reading about the 2010 Ford Mustang GT Convertible on the vehicle's buyer's guide page. Looking for more reviews? Click here to search through our NextAutos buyer's guide database.

Pros:

• 2.4-liter engine achieves 32 mpg highway
• Smooth, quiet, comfortable ride
• Designed for practicality

Cons:

• Feels underpowered, particuarly with 2.4-liter engine
• Interior, while attractive and usable, lacks quality in some areas
• Very ordinary overall

Car Summary:

The new Chevrolet Equinox was able to achieve impressive fuel economy numbers, especially the 2.4-liter front-wheel-drive version, which has a 32 mpg rating on the highway. At the same time, the Equinox feels sluggish, as though the quest for mileage totally trumped usable power in its design. And while the 2.4- and 3.0-liter direct-injection engines are great engines, a third, more powerful option would make the Equinox desirable to more consumers.

CLICK HERE to continue reading the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox Buyer's Guide, or browse other vehicles in the NextAutos Buyer's Guide section.

PROS
- Eye-catching, but not too funky, styling inside and out
- Boxy shape yields amazing interior space for a small car
- Driving manners are good

CONS
- Engine power is adequate, but only just
- Some other cars in this class are more engaging to drive
- Not the last word in fuel economy

SUMMARY
The Soul is another in a series of box-shaped cars that neatly combine “make you smile” design with functional sense. We were thoroughly impressed with this Kia, though aggressive drivers will want to look elsewhere.

The exterior design of the Soul is engaging, and many people commented that it seemed like a successor to the lamented first generation Scion xB. Even more impressive is the interior of the Soul, which on our tester was an attractive black and red mix. The attention to design detail flows throughout the interior, the materials are of high quality, and almost all comments were favorable. As we found with the Nissan Cube, the Soul has impressive headroom and legroom for second row passengers. With the rear seats folded, the Soul has a flat load floor and lots of space for stuff.

On the road, the Soul handles well. It has a good ride quality, and handling is balanced. Roll is kept in check pretty well, though once you’re really boiling along there is some lean angle. The driving limitation of the Soul comes in the elusive area of “feel”. The Soul drives well, but simply isn’t doesn’t deliver the so-called go-kart handling of a few competitors.

You can read more about the 2010 Kia Soul on the vehicle's buyer's guide page. Looking for reviews of other cars? Click here to search through the NextAutos Buyer's Guide database.

Pros

• Pleasant handling with firm but supple ride
• Two great engine options
• Nothing else like it on the road

Cons

• Unpopular design
• Lack of usable storage space
• 17-18 mpg combined doesn't really fit with the times

Car Summary

Not everybody will appreciate the styling statement of BMW's car-gone-ute, the X6. A few folks, though, love it, and while looks are always a matter of personal taste, one cannot deny that the X6 provides quality, comfort, and drivability.

As one would expect from a BMW, the X6 responds well to driver input. The steering is direct, throttle response is relatively sharp, and the brakes are firm. Despite its size, it feels confident through corners, thanks especially to the all-wheel drive and stability control. The suspension also inspires confidence, as the X6 suffers from little body roll. At high speeds, it feels planted, smooth, and stable.

Read more about the 2009 BMW X6 on the vehicle's buyer's guide page. Looking for other buyer's guide reviews? Click here to browse through our NextAutos vehicle search database.

PROS
- A brilliant combination of ride quality, steering quickness, and responsive engine
- More rear legroom and headroom than a BMW 5-Series
- The interior is particularly well done with good materials and useful features

CONS
- Full-on power is modest
- Body roll is part of the deal, though the handling is well-balanced
- Trunk space behind rear seats is limited when seats are up

SUMMARY
The Cube is one of those rare cars that every tester seems to love.  Many drivers are surprised once behind the wheel, because they assume that a car with such extroverted styling will be a poseur. But Nissan made a series of artful choices when they did the Cube, and those choices add up to genuine driving fun. The Cube’s package is clearly set up for city driving. So, Nissan started with a pleasant ride quality, in recognition of the marginal condition of most city streets. That’s important for urban fun, because you aren’t deterred from squirting through traffic by constant hammering and pounding. Then Nissan made the steering quick and direct on center. That, along with great visibility, makes the Cube easy to place as you autocross around Camrys and Accords. Finally, the CVT (and we loath CVTs) and engine deliver a little squirt of torque between 2000 and 3000 rpm; just where you need it in town.

The interior also deserves praise.a The seats are comfortable and access is easy in both rows. The design is attractive and doesn’t shout “economy car!” And the space on offer seems positively magical—a Range Rover would be hard pressed to come up with this much legroom.

You can read more about the 2009 Nissan Cube on the vehicle's buyer's guide page. Looking for other buyer's guide reviews? Click here to access the entire NextAutos car search database.

PROS
- Bold, unique exterior. If you love the styling, you really love the styling
- Fun to drive, considering the nameplate
- Minimal, stylish Scandinavian interior with plenty of options

CONS
- Not as entertaining as other small coupes
- MPGs aren't what they should be for a vehicle in this segment
- Price increases quickly with any addition of options -- including a $300 charge for the addition of any option whatsoever

SUMMARY
Simply opening the door to the Volvo C30 goes far in explaining the vehicle's fuel economy -- it's as heavy as anything we've felt in full size luxury sedans. But hey, it's good to know that if a semi jack-knifes you into a brick wall, you'll probably be able to walk away from it. The safety that comes with the Volvo name comes with additional heft; though only six inches longer and four inches wider, the C30 weighs almost 500 more pounds than the Mini Cooper. And despite the T5's 55 horsepower advantage, the C30 drive, though fun, is somewhat mild-mannered when compared to the Cooper S. What it lacks in driving spirit, the C30 makes up for in style points. Especially the R-Design model we enjoyed this last time around; its rear spoiler, body kit, eighteen-inch wheels and other assorted interior niceties gave an already attractive form considerably more curb-appeal. Admittedly, it's a love-it-or-hate-it design, but we happen to love it. The C30 scores points for uniqueness -- especially considering the millions of unique-looking Minis already on the road.

If you're willing to compromise some driving kicks for added safety, excellent styling and some MPGs, the C30 is definitely worth looking into.

Read more about the 2009 Volvo C30 on the vehicle's buyer's guide page. Looking for other buyer's guide reviews? Click here to browse through our NextAutos vehicle search database.

PROS
- C-Class chassis provides agile sporting feel, despite the vehicle's tall-ish stature
- As comfortable as any Mercedes, yet functional both off-road and as a hauler (relatively speaking)
- Bluetec diesel version coming soon

CONS
- G-Wagen inspired, angular exterior takes some getting used to
- Starts to get a bit pricy when the options are tacked on
- Rear cargo area isn't as usable as we would like

SUMMARY
Initially, the GLK's exterior design seemed curious. It's a definite departure from its larger brethren, representing sort of a shrunken hybrid of an ML and a G-Wagen. The sharp, angular lines are unique, though an acquired taste of sorts -- but we applaud Mercedes-Benz for taking chances. They've got to do something to draw attention to their new compact SUV -- since they've all but stood on the sidelines while BMW moved half a million of its X3s into the luxury compact SUV market.

Those who venture a closer look at the GLK wouldn't be disappointed, though. Inside is as comfortable, accommodating and elegant as you'd expect from anything Mercedes -- something that stands in sharp but welcome contrast to the vehicle's performance and capabilities. By the numbers, the GLK has 8 more horsepower, 23 more pound-feet of torque and is 0.7 seconds faster to 62 mph than the X3. With a towing capacity of 4400 pounds, the ability to safely navigate through a foot of water, and fourthcoming "off-road" option packages, the GLK is just about as functional as it is comfortable. Numbers and features can only say so much, though. The GLK is, plain and simple, an enjoyable drive and an excellent option as year-round, multi-function luxury SUV.

Click here to continue reading this review of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. You can also search through our other Buyer's Guide reviews in the NextAutos vehicle database.

PROS
- Attractive design sets it apart from its competitors.
- Peppy (optional) 2.4-liter engine with a choice of five-speed auto or six-speed manual boxes.
- Base 2.0-liter engine is surprisingly good.

CONS
- Not very enthusiastic to drive, even with the 2.4.
- Manual transmission is soupy and not engaging to use.
- Lack of features like navigation sets it down a notch from the Honda Civic.

SUMMARY
The Kia Forte EX shows how far this Korean carmaker has come. From the get go, the Forte impressed us with its solidity, with the intelligent and straightforward placement of key instruments and controls, and with the satisfying firmness of its suspension. Interior materials and surface textures are well chosen, too, and pleasantly harmonized to give a coherent look and feel. There are no hints of the cheapness or cheesiness that marred some Kia efforts in the past. In short, the Forte is in many respects a very well buttoned down little car.

Perhaps the only real disappointment involves the engine/transmission interface, which represents a not very happy marriage on the whole. Our sense was that the 156-horsepower engine was willing enough, but that the four-speed automatic did not (and could not) play to the engine’s potential strengths. As a result, we often had the subjective sense that the car was in the wrong gear and that the engine was therefore audibly laboring to pull the Forte up to speed. Once you arrive at cruising speed, though, the Forte is pleasant place to spend time, and its firm suspension inspires driver confidence.

Click here to continue reading about the 2010 Kia Forte on the vehicle's Buyer's Guide page. For more Buyer's Guide reviews, click here to browse through the NextAutos vehicle database.

Our team down in Austin, Texas just received a brand new Mazda3 s Grand Touring sedan. This is one of our favorite all-around cars because of its low price point, high quality, and the fact that it is immensely fun to drive. Head over to our forum thread and post any questions that you have about the Mazda3 and we'll do our best to respond, as well as post some driving impressions as we add more miles to the 3's odometer this week.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2010 Mazda3 Sedan

Earlier this week, editorial director Tom Martin and WR contributor Rex Roy drove a brand new Tesla Roadster through the winding roads of California, bringing a Lotus Elise SC along for fun (more on that later).

We've created yet another Ask It forum thread about the Tesla, so feel free to drop us a line with any questions that you may have about the electric roadster.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 Tesla Roadster

We just received a Pontiac Solstice GXP roadster into the Austin test fleet. While the death of Pontiac may make this car a collectors item someday, we'll be spending the next week with the bubbly Pontiac and thinking about how it stands up amongst our other favorite roadsters. Head over to our forum thread to post your questions about this car.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP

Winding Road contributor Rex Roy just spent the day driving a 2009 Lotus Elise SC from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Menlo Park, California. Why, you ask? Well, you'll have to wait for an upcoming issue of the magazine to find out. But in the meantime, we thought we'd offer the Elise up for a round of Ask It in our forums. Head over to the forum thread and post whatever questions you may have about the lovely Lotus.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 Lotus Elise SC