Mazda 3 2004-09 Passanger Mirror on 2040-parts.com

Consumer Reports gets top vehicle picks mostly right

Despite the publication's uncomfortably broad definition of reliability -- it spans everything from "the engine fell out" to "the touchscreen display shows fingerprints too easily" -- automakers still clamor to get on the Consumer Reports recommended vehicle list. This year's winners cover a broad spectrum of vehicles, and for the most part, we're in agreement with the magazine's editors, with one significant exception at the top of the list. Best overall vehicle went to the Tesla Model S.

Porsche Macan 2.0 litre 4-cylinder coming to the UK – but not Europe

The Porsche Macan 2.0 litre Turbo will be available in the UK Porsche quietly revealed their first car with a 4-cylinder engine in almost a generation at the Beijing Motor Show last month with the arrival of the Porsche Macan 2.0 litre turbo, produced to mop up sale in China. China’s tax system mitigates against thirstier, bigger-engined cars, so a 2.0 litre turbo attracts tax at less than half the rate of the 3.0 litre V6 in the Macan S, so it will be the big volume model for China. But the demand from China for the 2.0 litre Macan means Porsche won’t have the capacity to build it for other left hand drive markets, so Europe won’t be getting the little-engined Macan.

Mercedes-Benz to use Maybach name for range-topping S-class

Mercedes-Benz will be bringing back the Maybach name for the extra-long-wheelbase S-class, which is expected to go on sale by the end of this year. This version of the S-class will be a third bodystyle (out of an eventual total of four), and will be positioned above the V12-powered S600 and its AMG siblings. The Maybach-branded Mercedes-Benz personal limousine will essentially be a replacement for the Maybach 62, and will feature an entirely reworked rear section with new rectangular rear doors and a new rear passenger compartment with first-class seating.