MotorMouths

The 2012 Mercedes SLK looks sharper than ever, with driving and luxury to match. Styling and cabin quality alone should sell the car. The new SLK is far from perfect, but it’s the best one yet.

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro is as badass as ever, but the car’s principal shortcomings will remain at least until the car’s next full redesign. Shaving off a few hundred pounds and enlarging the windows could turn the Camaro into an outright winner.

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover packs top-shelf refinement and utmost capability — and justifies its stratospheric price.

I’m not sold on all the visual updates, and the interior needs work; so does the coupe’s crashworthiness. But the Mustang still combines scrappy fun with everyday livability.

The Fusion Hybrid is a significant step forward for the technology, particularly for family sedans. It’s worth a look, and not just if you’re in the market for a hybrid or a Fusion.

The 2011 Volkswagen GTI looks rakish but not rowdy; it prefers balance to sheer power. The kids will prefer a Mazdaspeed3 or Subaru WRX, but the GTI will keep its fans.

The popular Mazda3 remains unabashedly fun to drive, which should appeal to driving enthusiasts who want a practical car. It’s not the most refined, roomy or fuel-efficient choice, but Mazda still offers driving enthusiasts the most complete compact-car package.

If you’re shopping $40,000 sport sedans, the Infiniti G37 is required driving: It is smartly appointed, well-equipped, reliable and as much of a hoot to drive as the BMW 3 Series.

The redesigned 2011 Kia Optima boasts sharp styling, competent driving dynamics and a cabin that leapfrogs other family sedans — and could stay in the lead for years to come.

Despite its commuter-car roots, the 2012 Buick Verano drives and feels more like a luxury car, which makes its starting price all the more attractive. But driving enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

The second-generation Infiniti G satisfies both the left and right brain: It’s fun to drive and nicely appointed, yet it’s reliable and less expensive than many competitors.