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2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI Wins Most Earth Friendly Car of the Year

Volkswagen Passat TDI Road Test Review by Martha Hindes With hybrid and electric autos taking the share of attention in America these days, is there room for a rebel with a cause? What about a family-sized sedan that takes a different direction from the crowd and plants its reputation solidly on the least popular auto technology, but one of the most promising to come down the interstate in a long time? What if it offered more interior room for five, at less or comparable cost, with higher mileage than its competitors down the block. That might sound like the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI turbo diesel. After a year on the sidelines, the front-drive Passat is making reappearance on the national scene for 2012 with a number of changes. A noticeable transition is its switch from more limited near-luxury level status to a mainstream, competitive cost, made-in-the U.S. participant. This isn't your mother's Passat of yesterday with a hint of snob appeal and exclusivity. This newest offering is meant more for the masses. And if Volkswagen got it right, not only will it put more Passats on the road but will help to bring diesel autos to the forefront. Diesel technology has been more rare in America than in other countries for a number of reasons. A major one is the thankfully faded memory of earlier diesel auto tailpipes that belched thick smoke while their engines grunted with the effort of climbing almost any hill. About five years ago industry regulators got serious and began phasing in mandated Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel with more stringent emissions standards that included scrubbing away those annoying bits of grit diesels used to leave behind. Companies like VW, mostly the European brands, responded by bringing in engines that run clean and lean, while generally gaining higher mileage than their gas-fueled counterparts. While that might seem like a pretty strong claim, let’s compare some results. The often heavily tax incentivized hybrid cars that mate gasoline engines with battery-powered electric motors have reached the 40 mpg mark and in a few cases more, after years of costly development and continuing market hype. Electric only autos coming on scene require a place to plug in. But the TDI (for turbo diesel injected) version of Passat rips off a cool 31/43 miles to the gallon of diesel fuel with manual transmission, or a no-slouch 30/40 with automatic, all riding on a 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower inline four. The Selective Catalytic Reduction System ensures this earth friendly clean diesel vehicle meets the emissions requirements of all 50 states. Those are some of the reasons the Earth, Wind & Power award's jurors chose the Volkswagen Passat TDI as the 2012 Earth, Wind & Power Car of the Year for Most Earth Friendly. According to Courtney Caldwell, founder and director of the awards and publisher of Earth, Wind & Power Magazine, the award determined by a field of longtime, well-known auto journalists goes to the production vehicle that contributes most to eliminating pollution and protecting the environment while providing the most exciting, pleasurable and useful driving experience around. “The 2012 VW Passat TDI beat out its competition by a landslide,” said Caldwell. "The vehicle not only is fuel efficient and eco-friendly, but its styling, performance, power and pricing leaves one feeling like they’re driving a high performance vehicle with no tell tale signs of lag or noise that other diesel engine vehicles tend to still leave behind." [Full story]

2012 Hyundai Veloster Wins International Sporty Coupe of the Year - Most Personality

2012 Hyundai Veloster Named
2012 International Sporty Coupe of the Year
- Most Personality -
by Road & Travel Magazine

Hyundai Veloster Road Test Review by Martha Hindes

If you're an auto company with a name no one can pronounce correctly, is it any wonder you'd have a few quirks in product as well? We'll address the question directly to the Hyundai (like Sunday) Veloster, the Korean automaker's new, kinda kinky, definitely robust and offbeat little sporty coupe -- or something. The 2012 Hyundai Veloster fits those descriptives like a `T.

The designation fits this newcomer so well and has so many interesting facets, that it just won, hands down, the 2012 International Sporty Coupe of the Year -- the one code named "Most Personality." According to ICOTY founder and Road & Travel Magazine publisher Courtney Caldwell, the awards measure the emotional impact a new or substantially revised vehicle has on the psyche. Does it get in your face, grab your attention, demand to be noticed, intrigue you beyond curiosity? In the case of Most Personality touch points, the Hyundai can answer "Yes" times four.

Caldwell knows how such an emotional connection can win an unmatched sense of loyalty from consumers that few products can claim. "The ICOTY Awards are not about power and performance, but rather about personality, passion and personal lifestyle," said Caldwell.

Bridgestone, longtime lead sponsor and supporter of the ICOTY Awards, recognizes the consumer-product relationship as critical to vehicle success. “Bridgestone is proud to support the ICOTY awards, and applauds the efforts of Hyundai that like our company demonstrates a strong commitment to innovative technology,” said Michael Martini, president, Consumer OE, Bridgestone Americas. “Through the combined efforts of everyone in the auto industry, and led by automakers like those being recognized in the 2012 International Car of the Year Awards, we will continue to meet and exceed the demands of the motoring public.” Full Story

Road & Travel Magazine - 2011 Back Issues

2 0 1 1
S E P T E M B E R
	September 1, 2011 - [Cover] 2012 Ford Focus Review; 2012 Honda Civic Sedan Review; 5 ways to save on auto insurance for teens; Is your car college ready; Top 10 getaways for parents; Top 10 road trips worldwide; Best family cars for 2011; Pocket Ranger App to guide hikers in woods; Pet travel in cars; Dude Ranch vacations for women, Best 2011 family cars.
A U G U S T
	August 15, 2011 - [Cover] 2012 Acura TL Review; 2012 Volkswagen Eos Convertible Review; 3 things to look for when buying a new car; Tips for preparing and enjoying great outdoors; Airline passenger rights take effect; Tips for test driving new cars and questions to ask for teens first car; Street smarts for women traveling alone; student travel.
	August 1, 2011 - [Cover] Road & Travel Magazine's 15th Annual Sexy Car Buyer's Guide; 2011 MB SLK Roadster; 2011 Dodge Challenger; 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata; 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder; 2011 Audi TT; 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible; 2011 BMW Z4; 2011 Chevy Camaro SS; 2011 Lexus IS C350 Coupe; 2011 Ford Mustang Drop top.
J U L Y
	July 15, 2011 - [Cover] 2011 Chrysler 200 test drive; The history of America's Route 66; Sharing the road with authorized vehicles; How to escape a sinking car; 12 steps for buying a used car; Defensive driving tips; Adventure tours for women; Deep vein thrombosis and travel; How to keep a travel journal; Most scenic train tours in the world.
	July 1, 2011 - [Cover] The real cost of texting while driving; 2012 Audi A6 test drive; Car shoppers seek better MPG; Women adopt eco-friendly cars; 5 tips to keep cool on the road; Sun Safety at Beach; 10 tips to keep kids safe when traveling; Summer road trip on a budget; Don't leave kids in hot car; Best Cruise Lines for 10 types of cruisers.
J U N E
	June 15, 2011 - [Cover] Top 10 American Beach Destinations; 2011 Infiniti G37 convertible and Lincoln MKX test drives; Affordable summer gas; 7 common travel mistakes; How to extend car's life span; San Clemente, Ca review; How to buy a used hybrid vehicle; Lightweight luggage tips; Cleaning Car Interior.
	June 1, 2011 - [Cover] Road Test Reviews on Lexus CT 200h, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey Minivans; Making a car road trip worthy; Teen driving safety tips; Best summer gas mileage tips; Charging electric cars at campgrounds; Reducing vehicle carbon; Asia's Top 10 Sacred Sites; Summer travel tips.
M A Y
	May 2011 - [Cover] 10 Tips for Planning an Action Adventure Vacation; Most Essential Travel Insurance; Gift Ideas for Loved Ones; Five Frugal Tips for Living Green; Top 10 Spas in US and Canada; Rain Forest Adventures; Cooper Tires - Made for SUVs; 2011 Lexus ES 350 Road Test; Oil Changes.
A P R I L
	April 15, 2011 - [Cover] International Car of the Year Awards jury names 2011 Jaguar XJ as Luxury Car of the Year; 2011 Volvo S60 as International Sedan of the Year; and 2011 Ford Explorer as International SUV of the Year. Bridgestone Tires sponsors 2011 ICOTY presentations in NYC.
	April 1, 2011 - [Cover] What Not to Wear to a Dude Ranch; 2011 Dodge Nitro Road Test; Acura ZRX Coupe Test Drive; 10 Best Quickie Spring Getaways; Motion Skills for Teens; Used Cars Finally Get MPG Stickers; Find a Certified Mechanic; and 7 Tips to Ensure Safe Vacation in Mexico.
M A R C H
	March 15, 2011 - [Cover] 10 Unique Summer Camps for Kids; 2011 Nissan Rogue Road Test; Dodge Journey Test Drive; 10 Best Family Vehicles for 2011; Emergency Car Kit; Educating Teens on Dangers of Texting; Spring Car Care Tips.
	March 1, 2011 - [Cover] 2011 Toyota Yaris Test Drive; Traveling with Kids; Road Trips Tips for Families; 15 Car Cleaning Tips; Get the Most Bang for Your Buck with Gas; How to Jump a Car Battery; 2011 Hyundai Veracruz Review.
F E B R U A R Y
	February 15, 2011 - [Cover] 2011 Corvette ZR1 and Jaguar XK Coupe Road Tests; What your car says about your personality; Stars & their cars; 12 Steps to buying a used car; Paris-City of Love; How to plan a destination wedding; Damn women drivers.
	February 1, 2011 - [Cover] Driving in Wicked Winter Weather; 2011 Honda CR-C CUV Road Test; Hotel Room Workout; 10 Tips to Take the Edge Off Airport Security; Tires for Treacherous Terrain; World's Best Spas Guide.
J A N U A R Y
	January 15, 2011 - [Cover] 2011 International Car of the Year Awards names Hyundai Sonata Car of the Year; Kia Sportage wins Truck of the Year; Bridgestone Tire Sponsors 2011 Awards; Get Thru Airport Security Fast; Emergency Car Kit.
	January 1, 2011 - [Cover] Happy New Year: Traveling by Train; 2011 Ford Fiesta Review; Do it Yourself Tire Check; 8 Tips to Get More From a Tank of Gas; 10 Tips for Driving Slippery Roads; and Hotel Safety for Safer Travels.

2011 Jaguar XJ Sedan Road Test Review

2011 Jaguar XJ Sedan New Car Review

Dances on Pavement as New Luxury Performance Sedan

by Bob Plunkett

Jaguar XJ Named 2011 International Luxury Car of the Year 
Most Respected

Sensuously shaped sedans -- Jaguar's flagship XJ series in rakish new fastback style for 2011 with lightweight aluminum structural elements and a powerful engine lurking below the bulging hood -- park side by side on a block of Alta Loma Road just off the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, Calif.

A special thanks to Bridgestone Tire for sponsoring the 2011 International Car of the Year Awards.

With the push-button starter already engaged and the big engine purring, a stretched-wheelbase XJL Supercharged sedan we select for a drive -- wearing high-gloss ebony body paint and the leather-lined cabin trimmed in shades of caramel and sand -- is ready to roll. [Read full story]

Road & Travel Magazine - 2010 Back Issues

2 0 1 0  - Road & Travel Magazine Back Issues
D E C E M B E R
	December 15, 2010 - [Cover] Holiday Issue: Airport Rules & Regulations During Holidays; How to Prevent Holiday Crime; 2011 Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda2 Road Test Reviews; 15 Tips for Cleaning Car Upolstery; Top 10 Wackiest American Road Signs.
	December 1, 2010 - [Cover] Pet Travel Guide; Cues and Clues for Holiday Blues; Tips for Traveling with Kids During Holiday Season; 2011 Chevy Cruze Road Test; Driving Tips for Seniors; Debunking Car Buying Myths.
N O V E M B E R
	November 15, 2010 - [Cover] The Red Coach Inn Review in Niagara Falls, NY; Where to Find Lost Luggage; Small Town Getaways; 2011 Land Rover LR4 Review; Tips for Used Car Buyers; 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Road Test.
	November 1, 2010 - [Cover] 2011 Jaguar XJ Sedan Road Test; 2011 Travel Trends for Women; Why Fall is Best Time to Lease a Car; 2011 Kia Sorento CUV Road Test; Bed & Breakfast Directory; and a Guide to the Best Dude Ranches in America.
O C T O B E R
	October 15, 2010 - [Cover] The Best Fall Foliage in the U.S.; Lightweight Luggage Options; Lowes Royal Pacific Resort Review; 2010 Hyundai Tucson SUV Road Test; Who Has More Car Knowledge - Men or Women?; and Goodyear Assusrance Tires.
	October 1, 2010 - [Cover] 2011 All New Hyundai Sonata Review; the Residence Inn in Manhattan Beach, CA; October is Car Care Month; KBB Names Top 10 Most Comfy Cars; Fall Foliage in Bucks County, PA; and Flowering Almond Spa, Virginia Beach.
S E P T E M B E R
	September 1, 2010 - [Cover] 2011 All New Jeep Grand Cherokee Review; the Dangers of Texting While Driving; Driving Too Slow in the Fast Lane; More Women Taking Girlfriend Getaways Together; Most Scenic Train Trips; and Pet Travel More Friendly.
A U G U S T
	August 15, 2010 - [Cover] Top Rated Beach Resorts in Mexico, plus the 2010 Mazda RX-8 New Car Review plus Suzuki's all new Kizashi. Also, How to get through airport security quickly; plus Safe Driving Tips for Booming Adults.
	August 1, 2010 - [Cover] Road & Travel Magazine's 14th Annual Sexy Car Buyer's Guide, Review; the History of Nude Travel; The Top 5 Most Eco Friendly Airlines; and the Best Time to Buy a Car.
	For back issues between November 2009 and July 2010 please visit the RTM Blog and the Earth, Wind & Power Blogazine for dozens of great articles on a variety of interesting auto, travel and eco-friendly topics. Thank you.

New for 9.1.10 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee plus...

RTM Update!

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Road Test Review by Sue Mead; the Dangers of Texting While Driving; Girlfriend Getaways on the Rise; the Most Scenic Train Trips in the World; Making Pet Travel More Friendly; and Slow Pokes in the Fast Lane. Go to Road & Travel Magazine now. 

Road & Travel Magazine - 2009 Back Issues

Road & Travel Magazine - 2009 Back Issues
O C T O B E R
	October 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] Winterization: Fall Car Prep; 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Review; Plan A Winter Vacation to Europe
S E P T E M B E R
	September 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] Locked Out of Your Vehicle -Now What?; Do the Private Island Math - Little Whale Cay; Auto Shops Aimed at Women
	September 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] Homestead Suites Review -Warwick, RI; New Car Review -BMW 335i xDrive; Canyon Calling Adventures for Women
A U G U S T
	August 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] Country Road Trip Survival Guide; Safe & Stylish Cars for Teens; 2009 Best New Road Trip Vehicles
	August 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] Best Used Luxury Vehicles to Buy Now; Express Passports Available ASAP; 2009 Spa Trends
J U L Y
	July 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] Standout Summer Spa Getaways; 2009 Mazda6 New Car Review; Top Five Over the Top Cool Hotel Pools
	July 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Review; Travel Etiquette - Respect Local Customs; Death by Cell Phone
J U N E
	June 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] Last of a Legend: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP; Camping: The Last-Minute Vacation of the Season; Teen Summer Driving
	June 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] 2009 Chevy Cobalt Review; Summer Danger: Don't Leave Children in a Car; Top Scenic Convertible Drives
M A Y
	May 15, 2009 How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation; Avoid Traffic Law Exploitation; Cut the Cost of Your Next Cruise
	May 1, 2009 Entertaining Kids on the Road; Air Travel with Pets; Spring Cleaning Your Car for Optimum Gas Mileage
A P R I L
	April 15, 2009 Five Responsible Travel Tips; 2009 Toyota Prius Review; Spring Break Safety for the Whole Family
	April 1, 2009 Budget Travel Tips for Business Travelers; 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Review; Benefits of Train Travel
M A R C H
	March 15, 2009 Coping with Car Theft; Staying Fit on the Road; Ten Best Walking Cities
	March 1, 2009 Preventing Motion Sickness on a Cruise; Is Your Car Telling You Something?; Fighting Jet Lag
F E B R U A R Y
	February 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Top 10 Wedding Destinations; Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life; Planning a Romantic Getaway
	February 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life; Top 10 Wedding Destinations; Planning a Romantic Getaway
J A N U A R Y
	January 20, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2009 Earth, Wind & Power Award Winners; 2009 ICOTY Winners; Earth, Wind & Power Blogazine
	January 10, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2009 ICOTY Award Winners; 2009 Earth Wind & Power Winners; Earth, Wind & Power Blogazine
	January 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2009 Earth, Wind & Power Nominees; Themed Adventure Travel Guide; Keep Your Car; Vehicle Warning Lights.

Road & Travel Magazine Back Issues : 2008 - 2002

2008
D E C E M B E R - 2008
	December 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2009 ICOTY Nominees; Themed Adventure Travel Guide; Keep Your Car; Vehicle Warning Lights; How to Catch A Plane
	December 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Aspira Spa Review; 2009 Hyundai Sonata Review; Holiday Cruises; Travel - Food & Water Risks; Maintain - New Car Look
N O V E M B E R
	November 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Homewood Suites; 2009 Jaguar XF Review; Mongolian Adventure; Humanitourism; Slow Down - Save Money/ Lives.
	November 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2009 Vehicle Model Guide; Trinidad; Highway Safety; Questions for your Mechanic; Women Adventures
O C T O B E R
	October 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Green Chicago; Top 10 Weekend Tours; 2009 VW Tiguan Review; Top 10 Worst Polluters; Europe on a Budget
	October 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] State Farm Woos Women; Best of the Road; 2008 Suzuki SX4; Roving with Rover; Pets on Vacation
S E P T E M B E R
	September 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] State Farm Woos Women; Best of the Road; 2008 Suzuki SX4; Roving with Rover; Pets on Vacation
	September 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Road Trip Vehicles; On the Go with Fido; 2009 Honda Pilot; Pet Insurance; British Columbia's Great Green Getaways
A U G U S T
	August 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Guest Ranch Guide; 2008 BMW X6; Travel on a Budget; Tips for the First Time B&B Visitor; How Green is your Car?
	August 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Green SUV Guide; Discovering the West; Lowest Gas Prices; Best Cars for Seniors; Fall Foliage Secrets Revealed
J U L Y
	July 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Luxury Spa Guide; Atlantis - Bahamas; Female Drivers Favorite Vehicles; Easy Car Buying; Park the Car Getaway
	July 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2008 Luxury Car Buyer's Guide; Bridgestone - Safer Tires; Fly Clear; Caribbean Vacationing; Luxury Vehicle Leases
J U N E
	June 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] New Section: Sex Drive; 2008 BMW M3 Coupe; Train Travel Tips; Nude Vacationing; What is that Smell
	June 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2008 Sexy Car Buyer's Guide; Riviera Wedding Guide; Botox For Your Car; Car Crash Deaths; Top 5 Romantic Getaways
M A Y
	May 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Green Car Africa Travel; 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman; Healthtel; Green and Healthy Hotel Guide
	May 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Green Car Buyer's Guide; Green Summer Travel; It's Easy Going Green; Travel Green in Africa
A P R I L
	April 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] Valencia Spain Destination Review; 2009 Dodge Journey Review; Grand Cayman Island Destination Review;
	April 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] 2008 Crossover Buyer's Guide; Sex Drive - Sizzling & Sassy; Avalanche Bay Adventure; Solace Spa Review
M A R C H
	March 15, 2008 - [Newsletter] Costa Rica Destination Review; Sex Drive - Sizzling & Sassy; 2008 Chevy Malibu Review; RTM Launches Blog
	March 01, 2008 - [Newsletter] 2008 Cadillac CTS Review; Sand & Slopes - Ski Dubai; 2008 Audi Q7 Review; Pacific Coast Pet Travel
2 0 0 7
A U G U S T
	August 15, 2007 - [Newsletter] Disney Saratoga Springs ; 2007 Hyundai Veracruz Review; Family Beach Getaways; 2007 Lincoln MKX Review
	August 01, 2007 - [Newsletter] 2007 Minivan Buyer's Guide; St. Lucia Coconut Bay Review; 2007 Suzuki XL7 Review; Cruising with Kids
J U L Y
	July 15, 2007 - [Newsletter] Jordan Destination Review;2007 Chrysler Sebring; Flowering Almond spa; $100,000 Cars; 2007 Sexy Car Guide
	July 01, 2007 - [Newsletter] 2007 Sexy Car Buyer's Guide; Slovenia Spa Review; 2007 Infiniti G35 Review; Montreal Spa Review
M A Y
	June 15, 2007 - [Newsletter] Lake Powell Destination Review; 2007 BMW 3 Series ; Wynn Las Vegas Spa Review; 2007 Saturn Outlook;
	June 01, 2007 - [Newsletter] 2007 Sedan Buyer's Guide; Vacation Photography; 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Review; Driving Route 66;
M A Y
	May 15, 2007 - [Newsletter] Green Scheme Bed & Breakfast; 2007 Saturn Aura Review; Spa Essencia Review; 2007 Nissan Altima Review;
	May 01, 2007 - [Newsletter] Green Car Buyer's Guide; Destination Review: Portugal; Cost of Owning a Hybrid; 100 Fountain Spa Review
A P R I L
	April 15, 2007 - [Newsletter] Travel Sweet Spots; First Impression: Infiniti M45; Destination Review: Finland; 2007 Chrysler 300 Review
	April 01, 2007 - [Newsletter] 2007 Luxury Car Buyer's Guide; Top 10 Luxury Resorts; 2007 Lincoln MKZ Review; Armenia Destination Review
M A R C H
	March 15, 2007 - [Newsletter] 2007 Mini Cooper Review; Copan Destination Review; 2007 Jeep Commander Review; Montecarlo Destination Review
	March 01, 2007 - [Newsletter] 2007 Crossover Buyer's Guide; Medellin Columbia Destination Review; Land Rover Experience; Field of Dreams
F E B R U A R Y
	February 15, 2007 - [Newsletter] St. Vincent: Caribbean Sailing; 2007 Mazda CX-9 Review; Cancun Destination Review; 2007 Hyundai Sonata Review
	February 01, 2007 - [Newsletter] 2007 Honda CR-V Review; Idaho's Schweitzer Mountain; 2007 Chevrolet Impala; Palm Island Destination Review
J A N U A R Y
	January 01, 2007 - [Newsletter] 2007 ICOTY Award Winners; Curacao Destination Review; 2007 Chrysler Aspen; Key West Destination Review

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