Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.

Early word from Volkswagen confirms a new base engine and various cosmetic changes among the New Beetle's 2006 updates. Outside, the 6-year-old retro styling is tweaked with revised bumpers, slightly larger and more ovoid headlamps, new taillights, and crisper lines for the wheelarches and "running boards." Interior changes include a revised gauge cluster in a dashboard with more chrome accents. On the technical side, all '06 models get standard antiskid/traction control, previously a $280 option for most versions, and the base 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine is replaced by the 150-hp 2.5-liter inline 5-cyl introduced with VW's redesigned Jetta. No word yet on other '06 powerteams, but the 4-cyl turbodiesel should continue, and there's a good chance that VW/Audi's new 200-hp 2.0 turbo 4-cyl will replace the 1.8T engine fairly soon. VW will release more details soon, so keep checking back with us.

Meantime, sources say VW is still pondering the New Beetle's future, and no redesign is scheduled as of now. We think the Bug will be dropped, rather than replaced, perhaps by 2010 and maybe sooner. After all, it's hard updating a yesteryear design like this. Besides, VW is readying several new near-term models that would likely be bigger showroom draws than the now somewhat passe Beetle. We'll keep you posted.