Buick LaCrosse CXS

Following the update of Pontiac’s related Grand Prix by a year, platform-mate Buick Regal gets a new look and name. The pushrod 3.8-liter V6, 4-speed automatic, and much of the redesign carries over. The CXS model gets a much more modern DOHC V6 with 240, but otherwise, most of the Regal is status quo. The new interior is pretty classy.

2005 Acura RL front

For the company 19th birthday, Acura has gotten its second car. Save for the exotic NSX, every Acura since 1986 has been heavily reliant on existing Hondas. Not so here. Don’t be misled by the familiar face; everything about the 2005 RL is new, better, and hopefully, representative of future thinking at the company. Horsepower leapfrogs to 300, giving Acura the most powerful engine in its history and strongest V6 engine in its class. All RLs are now all-wheel-driven, and the “SH” (Super Handling) system from the late Honda Prelude finds its second application here, redirecting power to the left or right wheels to enhance handling further. Making advances in luxury as well, the RL stands alone at the next level of automotive audio with an 8-channel, 10-speaker BOSE DVD-A stereo. Navigation is, of course, standard, but the RL’s features voice recognition, and well as real-time traffic info to instantly redirect its driver to less congested routes.
At $49,470, the RL is priced dead center in the mid-size luxury class. Since it’s fully loaded as it is, there are no options. Making advances in luxury as well, the RL stands alone at the next level of automotive audio with an 8-channel, 10-speaker BOSE DVD-A stereo. Navigation is, of course, standard, but the RL’s features voice recognition, and well as real-time traffic info to instantly redirect its driver to less congested routes. At $49,470, the RL is priced dead center in the mid-size luxury class. Since it’s fully loaded as it is, there are no options.

What's NSX?

The axe has finally fallen. After 15 years as Japan's finest sportscar, Honda is finally pulling the plug on its NSX. The mid-engined Ferrari challenger and Japan's first real supercar first burst on to the motoring scene in 1990. The NSX was co-developed by Honda engineers along with the legendary Formula 1 driver, Ayrton Senna. Even though the NSX always had the makings of a proper super car – a mid-engined V6, rear-wheel drive, all aluminium body, looks to rival cars from the prancing horse stable – it was never really considered one. Partly because of the badge and partly because it was almost too perfect. The NSX came with all the practicality of a daily run-about, something that was actually looked down upon by the purists.
Yet it had its own fan following. Since its launch, over 18,000 cars were sold. Honda is currently said to be working on a successor, that could be based on the Honda HSC – the concept car that debuted at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. Despite this, the NSX will be missed and remembered as a perfect example of a car that was too good for its own good.

Maruti Swift...

If you want a fun and funky new supermini, then it might be time to nip out for a Swift one! Suzuki's latest offering is a far cry from the lacklustre car it replaces, and the company claims the urban runabout will be as good to drive as it is to look at.

When the newcomer goes on sale next month, buyers will have a choice of two petrol engines: a 90bhp 1.3-litre and a 100bhp 1.5-litre with variable valve timing. Diesel powerplants will join the line-up later this year, while all models come in three and five-door bodystyles.

Although the larger petrol engine's output hardly qualifies the Swift for hot hatch status, its punchy, willing performance combines with the slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox to make the new model both engaging and enthusiastic.

The steering deserves particular praise. It's direct and offers a decent amount of feel, allowing the Suzuki to be placed accurately in corners - ideal for both city and country roads. At urban speeds, the Swift's ride is quiet and easy-going.

Inside, the cabin is attractive and well built, and the high roof means there's plenty of headroom. Although the front seats are supportive and generously padded, drivers are forced to adopt an overly upright stance - blame the lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel for that. Nor will rear passengers enjoy long trips; while there's decent room for two, the backrest is simply too soft.

Luggage space in the new Swift is tight. The flat-floored boot will swallow a decent-sized suitcase and the hold will be fine for most shopping trips, but at least one section of the 60:40 split rear bench needs folding forwards to carry anything large.