Atlanta International Auto Show Kicks Off

The Atlanta International Auto Show, which runs until March 24 at the Georgia World Congress Center, will feature more than two-dozen automotive manufacturers displaying new and pre-production vehicles. In addition to the automobiles, there will be a variety of activities for car enthusiasts of all ages including Marvel’s Black Panther, Scooby-Doo, SpongeBob SquarePants, High Roller BMX Show, pet adoptions, celebrities, classic, muscle and exotic cars and ride and drives. For more information about the Atlanta International Auto Show, please visit www.goautoshow.com.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Off the Charts Fun

Arguably one of the most fun cars to drive of all time, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a zippy, sporty machine that continues its great heritage for the 2019 model year. 
This two-seat, sport convertible is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 155 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. 
It features rear-wheel drive and possesses a balanced 50/50 weight distribution, giving it a super tight suspension. That is a main contributor to the fun-to-drive factor referenced above. 
The Miata comes in three trims: the Sport, Club and Grand Touring.
Our test model was the Grand Touring with the manual transmission.
This car loves twisty roads and makes it seem like it wants to have as much fun as you wish behind the wheel. 
The manual transmission has buttery-smooth shifting, while braking is swift and sure.
Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city, 34 highway. 
This car is, as you might imagine, very small, so it's going to score low on the practicality scale. But if you're just looking for a fun and gun machine to take out on back roads, you'd be hard-pressed to do better. 
The tester had a sticker price of $33,050.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback: Sporty Looks and Driving

New to the compact market this year is the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. This small five-door replaces the discontinued Corolla iM hatchback. 
It offers a sporty look with a similar ride to match. And it's pretty thrifty on gas.
The Corolla Hatchback features a 2.0-liter engine that makes 168 horsepower and is linked to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission is available as an option.
It comes in two trim levels - SE and XSE.
Interior cargo space is measured at 17.8 cubic feet, so it's pretty cozy. 
The styling features sharp lines, especially in the rear, that give it an in-motion look. The tail lights add a nice sporty accent that complements the overall look.
Driving dynamics are better than you might expect. You won't be blown away by the torque/acceleration, but it's more than adequate. And the shifting on the manual transmission is a breeze - probably the easiest clutch and stick throw we've ever operated.
The Corolla hatch is rated at 28 mpg city, 37 highway, which is pretty good, even though you might expect a little higher numbers for a car this lightweight. 
Our test model carried a sticker price of $20,910.
For a fun to drive, compact hatchback, the Corolla Hatchback is certainly worth a look.

2019 Lexus GX460: Large on Luxury and Utility

Combining fine luxury amenities with the utility you expect from a midsize SUV, the 2019 Lexus GX 460 is quite a machine for those seeking such attributes. 

With seating for up to seven passengers across three rows, it is a very capable family hauler. And there is ample head and leg room in each row. 

Under the hood of the GX 460 is a 4.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 301 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is standard.

Fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg city, 18 highway, so prepare to spend a fair amount of time and money at gas stations.

The GX has a maximum cargo capacity of 64.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, so there is plenty of room for hauling stuff. 

The GX comes in three trim levels: the base model, premium and luxury.

Inside, you'll enjoy rich buttery leather seats, an attractive and neatly arranged dashboard and a multi-zone climate control.

Ride quality is buttery smooth, which you would expect with a luxury model such as this. The GX delivers. 

You would also expect a large luxury vehicle such as this to come with a fairly hefty price tag. The GX delivers here, too, with our luxury trim model carrying a sticker price of $70,848.

If you are seeking luxury and utility, the Lexus GX 460 brings both in abundance.

2019 Toyota 86: A Joyride Machine

Some cars are made for having fun, and that's all there is to it. You could say that about the 2019 Toyota 86.
This two-door, rear-wheel drive sports coupe is made on the chassis of the Subaru BRZ. Under the hood is a standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 205 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is also available, with horsepower of 200.
The 86 comes in three trim levels: the base model, GT (which our tester was) and TRD Special Edition.
The manual transmission in the 86 shifted relatively smoothly. Acceleration was solid, but not overpowering. Handling was good, as it seemed to embrace curves nicely.
Taller and larger drivers would probably do well to avoid this car because interior space is very limited. There are two seats in the back, but they really aren't to be occupied by humans. 
Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway. 
Styling is attractive, with flowing lines that convey motion. 
Our tester came with a sticker price of $30,949.
The 86 is a pretty good joyride car that is reasonably priced. 

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Good Comfort, Solid Ride

One of the fastest growing automotive segments is the small SUV category, of which this week's tester, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, is a member. 
It offers seating for five and has a maximum cargo capacity of 49.5 cubic feet. 
It comes in three trim levels: ES, SE and GT.
Under the hood of the Outlander Sport is a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 148 horsepower and is linked to a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission.
An optional engine is 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 168 horsepower and 167 pounds-feet of torque and comes with the CVT. That engine was featured in our test model.
Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional.
Fuel economy on the 2.4-liter is rated at 23 mpg city, 28 highway. That's disappointing for a vehicle this small; other competitors in the segment do better.
Driving dynamics were solid, with adequate acceleration and firm braking.
Comfort-wise, the Outlander Sport is not bad. While the cabin doesn't offer a whole lot of room, head room and leg room are mostly adequate, and the seats were comfortable.
Our test model carried a sticker price of $28,160.
The Outlander Sport provides a solid ride and comfortable interior for those seeking a compact SUV.

2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan: Gas Sipper at a Nice Price

Are there still good, affordable small sedans on the market? Yes, with case in point being the 2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan.
This subcompact four-door used to be called the Yaris iA up until a year ago. Kudos to Toyota for giving it a more fitting name.
This Yaris has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 106 horsepower and is linked to a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic.
Obviously, this is far from a muscle car, and it can be a bit sluggish when it comes to acceleration. 
But the upside of course is that fuel economy numbers are really strong. The Yaris Sedan is rated at 32 mpg city, 40 highway by the EPA. 
A recent trip to the gas station almost filled the Yaris's tank for about a whopping $12.
Interior space is rather limited, so this is not what you would call a family car. But if you just need something to zip around town in, it's a great choice. Seating up front was comfortable with the seat pushed as far back as it goes for us tall drivers. But it leaves next to no room for back seat passengers.
The Yaris Sedan comes in three trim levels: L, LE and XLE.
Our test drive model was an XLE trim that carried a sticker price of $19,470 and it was fully decked out. 
A nice small sedan with a nice price tag and great gas mileage is what you get with the Yaris Sedan.