The new-for-2010 Mazda3 is my favorite compact car, so I figured the hot-rod version, with its 263 hp turbo engine, would be a shoo-in for my affection. As it happens, the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 wasn't quite what I was expecting. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Find out in my 2010 Mazdaspeed3 test drive and review. -- Aaron Gold

Photo © Mazda

I grew up in the Rust Belt. I was one heck of a good snow driver, I did it all on all-season tires, and I don't think you would have been able to convince me that snow tires would have been a good investment.

But that's mainly because I'd never driven on snow tires.

Well, now I have, plenty of times, and the difference between all-season tires and winter tires is... well, maybe not night and day, but at least dusk and noon.

That's all well and good, but with the economy in the shape it's in and everyone worried about money, is this really the time to invest a couple-few hundred bucks in a set of snow tires? Honestly, I think it is. Tires are the most oft-overlooked safety feature on our cars. Check out Snow Tire Q&A for five questions (and answers) that make the case for buying winter tires. -- Aaron Gold

Photo © Aaron Gold

Related: Bridgestone Winter Driving School DVD review

There are all sorts of reasons I wish I had a time machine, and as of today I have another one: I'd like to go 30 years into the future to see what history says about the Panamera. Was it a good idea? Did people embrace it? Was it considered a proper Porsche? I'll have to wait to get my answers, but having driven the Panamera, I can tell you that Porsche is off to a pretty darn good start. Get the details in my 2010 Porsche Panamera test drive and review. -- Aaron Gold

Photo © Aaron Gold

I guess I was just in the mood for juxtaposition today... although the newest vehicles from Kia are actually pretty darn impressive. Especially the new Forte -- I think that one's going to be a big hit. Anyway, here's what's what:

• Kia: What's new for 2010
• Lexus: What's new for 2010

By the way, my photo gallery of new and redesigned cars is now up to 84 vehicles, with links to test drives and photo galleries where we have 'em, and I have a bunch of 2010 reviews coming up in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned! -- Aaron Gold