If put to a real-world test, which of these cars would get the best fuel mileage? That's the question we intended to answer with our test of a 2008 Ford Focus, 2005 (certified used) Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 2008 Toyota Prius and 2008 Smart Fourtwo.

So we ran each of them through an identical test loop of close to 1,000 miles. The loop included everything from highway travel and constant speeds to stop-and-go driving in one of the most congested towns on the planet (not L.A.) to medium speeds on deserted two-lanes. When you put a diesel (Jetta) up against a hybrid (Prius) up against a traditional economy car (Focus) up against a...a -- well, whatever the Smart car is -- what do you get in terms of fuel mileage and fuel costs?

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I've always generally liked the VW Touareg. This is despite the cumbersome name, questionable styling and quirky controls. It's generally more attractive than its platform-mate, the Porsche Cayenne (another vehicle I like despite styling issues), and both of them are exceedingly confident off road due to a capable all-wheel drive system and advanced, adjustable air suspension. Basically, it's a real SUV that happens to offer excellent on-road manners and passenger comfort. Sort of like a Land Rover that doesn't break down.

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I had an opportunity to drive a Volkswagen Jetta TDI last night. This isn't the first time I've driven a diesel VW. Back in 1998, when I first joined Edmunds.com, the "brand new" long-term car was a bright yellow 1998 New Beetle TDI. I only drove it a couple times, and I distinctly remember a frantic search for a diesel fuel pump in West L.A. as the gas gauge dropped to "E" and below. But I also remember liking the low-end torque and high fuel mileage. I've driven a few other TDI test cars in the years since, but it's been awhile.

Driving this Jetta diesel brought back memories of just how much sense these cars make. I know BMW will be showing a diesel X5 in Detroit in about a week. Mercedes is also preparing their 50-state legal system, and Honda should have diesel-powered models in showrooms in the next year. This Jetta reaffirmed my thinking that it's about time!

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Usually, being "the Cadillac" of something is good (well, it hasn't been all good all the time, but over the past few years it's gotten much better...). In this case, however, referencing a luxury brand known for its large size, heavy weight and cushy ride seems a bit contradictory to the Sport Compact segment -- which is why it makes perfect sense when discussing the 2008 Volkswagen R32.

Here you have a car with a bevy of luxury items as standard equipment, a luxurious interior with comfortable seats (at least by pocket rocket standards), a hefty curb weight and a high price tag. Problem is, most of these traits aren't what the typical sport compact customer is after. These shoppers typically want light, lean and low cost, leading me to question exactly who Volkswagen is targeting with the R32.

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Here's the follow-up to our look at Europe's future product as predicted by Automotive News. Yesterday we hit Alfa Romeo through Maybach, so today we'll start with Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz: Lots of activity for 2008, most of which we've already seen (SLR Roadster, S65, all-new C-Class, etc.). Next year we get the C63 (457hp), a CLK convertible, an E-Class update, an SLK restyle and an SL freshen. In 2009 we get a CLS freshen, an AMG E-Class, an S-Class convertible and -- believe it or not -- a small crossover called the GLK.

Mini: The Clubman just debuted in Frankfurt, and we'll see how the small-car brands fares with a larger model. The new John Cooper Works model looks cool (and makes 207 horsepower while weighing 66 pounds less) and the convertible gets a full redesign, to catch up with the coupe, for 2009.

Porsche: Both the Boxster and the Cayman get freshened next year, while the titanic 911 GT2 debuts with 530 turbo-charged horsepower. A full redesign of the Cayenne happens in 2009, while Porsche's first sedan, the Panamera, hits town in 2010 (and yes, the company will still have a "soul" -- along with a stronger bottom line).

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I just drove the "new" Volkswagen Rabbit, but I didn't learn anything new. Let's see: comfortable seats, upscale interior materials, communicative steering, capable (if a bit floppy) handling. Yup, it's the same four-door hatchback Volkswagen has been selling for years in this country. And if you want to make the "don't fix what ain't broke" argument, this vehicle proves your case. It's interesting that while all the same things I like about the Golf- er...Rabbit, have stayed the same, all the things I don't really like remain as well. I wish the suspension were just a bit stiffer, even though it's the non-performance (GTI) version. For instance, even the base Civic doesn't feel this tippy, though the VW's higher seating position undoubtedly adds to this effect. The engine felt a bit weak down low, but came alive after around 3,000 rpm. It actually had me thinking it was a turbo at first, but VW's (and Audi's) direct-injection turbos have become so good (in terms of having a broad torque band) that I should have known the 2.5-liter, 150 horsepower engine was normally aspirated. As such, it should have a bit more of-the-line punch in my opinion.

One other aspect of the Rabbit was also very VW-like, but not in a good way. The 12-volt power point didn't work in our test car, and there was only one to choose from in the passenger area (there's another one in the cargo area). That, along with the somewhat cryptic rear-hatch-release system had me grinding my teeth after driving the car.

But it's still a Golf at heart, and that is (overall) a good thing.

   Volkswagen...does it again (anyone remeber that ad line?). The Eos is just what the doctor ordered to help cure VW's woes. It takes everything VW has nailed down (great steering, comfortable seats, upscale interior appointments and a pumpin' sound system) and combines them with the latest trend in drop-tops -- a power-retractable hardtop. But the Eos goes one better by offering a sunroof within the retractable hardtop -- an industry first I believe (though cars like the Qvale Mangusta have had a similar, "targa" setting in-between roof up and roof down mode). My older brother used to always say "Sunroofs are the wimply man's convertible." That probably colored my young, impressionable mind, as I've never been a huge fan of sunroofs. But my brother probably never imagined a car that offered both in one package, which is pretty slick. Of course the 2.0-liter, 200 hp engine is a sweetheart in terms of power and refinement, though turbo lag can be an issue unless you stir the six-speed manual appropriately (easily done, though the shifter has that subtle, trademark VW "rubbery-ness" to it). Speaking of squishy-ness, the Eos' suspension, at least in 2.0T form, is a bit soft. The car still offers a compelling mix of confidence and tossability on twisty roads, but larger bumps do threaten to upset its composure. Perhaps the 3.2-liter version is more buttoned down.

The suspension is a minor issue, particulary for this car's target audience. The price, on the other hand, my be a sticking point. At over $36,000, as equipped, this is no Sebring (or Eclipse or Mustang or even G6) competitor. That's getting awfully close to 3 Series/Crossfire/350Z pricing. I really like the Eos, but viewing it as a really cool "secretary's car" may be unrealistic with a sticker approaching $40K. An integrated sunroof feature isn't that cool (just ask my brother).

I drove a Volkswagen Passat recently and took special note of the car's blue-purple gauges. Some people like this Jimi Hendrix-like shade for dash lighting, while others prefer the more traditional cool white or light lime color. Then there's Pontiac's (and Mazda's) neon red gauges that, one might argue, could potentially contribute to road rage. So what is the best gauge color?

Me? I like the washed-out, pea green haze that spills down on the gauges in old Mopar muscle cars. (not really)

Recent news out of Volkswagen says the 2007 Eos will start at $27,990. We just had a Pontiac G6 convertible in our test fleet last week (look for the road test to go live soon) and the Pontiac folks were delighted to point out how their car would be the cheapest retractable hardtop on the market -- starting at $28,490. We asked them about the upcoming Eos, and they told us, "Oh, that car will start around $30,000." Both of these prices are for the base models, with the upgraded G6 GTP convertible and 250hp V6 Eos jumping well into the 30s (before adding options), so the price will be close for both models either way. But VW has one other card to play that Pontiac can't match  -- DSG. Check our Forums section for the latest Eos and G6 Convertible discussions. There seems to be plenty of interest in both, as I believe retractable hardtops will be de rigueur in a few more years (except for maybe truly low-priced and/or super sporty models, i.e. Miata).

You've already heard the reaction to this car (if not, read our full test). Our feeling is that the new Jetta is a fine car, but it's no longer the benchmark-setting, class leading economy car it once was. Complaints have ranged from its Toyota-like styling to its lackluster drivetrain to its mediocre driving dynamics. I personally agree with all of these assessments, and feel the car has been transformed from a premium, semi-sporty sedan into a blatant Corolla knock-off. Correction -- an expensive Corolla knock-off. It still has a very upscale interior, but that's its only claim to greatness these days. The electric steering is fine, but far from inspiring. The same could be said of the drivetrain and suspension tuning. The real problem faced by the new Jetta is that it's barely better than the car it replaces, but everyone else has gotten much better. Where once the Jetta was a standout in this segment, now it's just another small sedan -- and a pricey one at that. You can read more in our long-term coverage of the car, but suffice to say I won't be encouraging people to rush out and test drive the new one. Something I did regularly for the old one...