2013 Hyundai Sonata

For 2013, the base GLS with the 'Popular Equipment Package' gains standard fog lights and heated front seats, with pricing set at $21,720. The SE model now comes with standard heated front seats and the Limited gets a standard traditional sunroof, while a panoramic sunroof is now part of the Limited Premium Package for 2013.

There are no other changes or upgrades to the Sonata, which continues to be available with two gasoline engines, a 198hp 2.4-liter Theta II GDI (200hp in SE trim with the dual exhaust) and a 274-horsepower 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine, plus a 206 HP hybrid variant.

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Aston Martin DBS Ultimate Edition

Aston Martin has not yet said how many DBS Ultimate models it will produce (rumor has it 100 units with 30 of those heading to the States) or how much it will cost, but we do get the basic specifications.

First of all, the DBS Ultimate will be available in both Coupe and open-top Volante body styles and a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

On the outside, buyers will be able to opt from three colors named Silver Foxm, Quantum Silver and Carbon Black. The cars will come equipped with black diamond turned alloy wheels, carbon fiber mirrors, rear diffuser and tail lamp strips, a blacked-out grille, smoked taillights, special badges and a choice of yellow, red or black brake calipers.

The interior of the DBS Ultimate is dressed in black leather with red diamond stitching for the seats and door panels, and also features diamond-quilted alcantara headlining, embroidered headrests, carbon fiber trim and special gear paddle inserts in red leather.

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Volkswagen CrossPolo Urban White Special Edition

The new edition of the crossover version of the Polo combines a white paint for the body with a matte black finish for the protective moldings and gloss black for the mirror housings and roof rails.

The car rides on new 17-inch alloy wheels while the finishing touch comes from the tinted side and rear windows.

Inside, the Urban White model features a black roof lining and new seats trimmed in grey upholstery and alcantara with black leather bolsters, along with silver decorative trim for the dashboard and matching color stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, gearshift lever and floor mats.

In Germany, buyers can select from an engine lineup that includes four-petrol and three turbocharged diesel units with outputs ranging from 68hp (70PS) to 103hp (105PS). Prices start from €18,975 (US$24,590) for the 68hp 1.2-liter petrol engine with a five-speed manual transmission.

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2012 VW Passat R-Line

The R-line versions of the Passat sedan and Estate are positioned between the mid-level ‘Comfortline’ and the top ‘Highline’ versions.

On the outside, the Passat R-Live differs visually from the regular model with a new front bumper featuring a larger cooling air inlet and integrated fog lights, side sills with chrome accent trim, a boot (sedan) or a roof (estate) spoiler, R-Line badges and a revised rear bumper with a black diffuser and chrome tailpipes and trim.

The look is completed with the 17-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels (optional 18-inch) shod in run-flat tires size 235, while the Estate model also gets silver roof rails. Both the sedan and the estate are fitted with a sports tuned suspension that lowers the ride height by 15mm.

Inside, you will find sport seats upholstered in bespoke fabrics, decorative silver trim on the dashboard and door panels, a flat-bottom, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, and stainless steel pedals and door sill plates.

In addition to the standalone R-Line Passats, those that prefer the Comfortline or Highline trim grades can order the optional R-Line Design Package that includes the front and rear bumpers, rear or roof spoiler and the R-Line badges.

In Germany, prices for the Passat R-Line start at €30,225 while the optional R-Line Design Package costs €990.

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