National Motorists Association Blog

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist The latest Beetle (new but no longer “New”) is more than an economy-minded car. It got bigger last year — as well as sportier and more luxurious. Sexy, even. And now the TDI diesel engine — absent from the roster since 2006 — has been reintroduced for 2013.

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist The earth is round — and goes around the sun. No big deal. Everyone (ok, almost everyone) knows it and accepts it as a given. But there was a time when these were revolutionary — even heretical notions. Kind of like the 1999 Lexus RX300.

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist Here’s something that bucks the trend: The 2013 Toyota Sienna minivan is no longer available with a four-cylinder engine. The formerly optional V-6 is now standard in all trims.

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist This new CX-5 ought to do pretty well. Though it’s technically a compact crossover SUV — it looks (and actually is) almost mid-sized. So it’s substantial and roomy. That’s one.