Buick prices LaCrosse four-cylinder model, due early next year

The Buick LaCrosse will get a four-cylinder engine that could get up to 30 mpg early next year. The LaCrosse, Buick's highly touted new sedan, will start at $26,995 with this powerplant. The direct-injection 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder makes 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.

IIHS names safest cars for 2013

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the safest cars for 2013, including 13 midsize sedans that qualify for a new “top safety pick+” designation. The designation is given to vehicles that earn “good” ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five tests, with no less than “acceptable” in the fifth test. A new test -- the small overlap test -- was added to assess how the vehicles perform during a front-corner collision with another vehicle or object, such as a utility pole.

Honda Vezel Compact SUV goes on sale in Japan

Honda Vezel Compact SUV (pictured) goes on sale in Japan The Honda Vezel – the production version of the Honda Urban Concept – arrived at the Tokyo Motor Show last month as Honda’s take on the Nissan Juke, and it’s now gone on sale in Japan. Honda are claiming to cover allk the bases with the Vezel, stating it offers “the dynamic qualities of an SUV, the elegance of a coupé and the functionality of an MPV”. A car for every man (and woman), no less.