Toyota has issued a recall for new Prius V hybrids from the 2014 and 2015 model years.
The company has discovered a problem with the occupant classification system (OCS) that is responsible for activating or disabling the front passenger airbag, depending on the weight of the occupant.

“There is a possibility that some OCS’s [sic] may not have been calibrated properly during the vehicle manufacturing process,” the recall announcement notes. “Under some conditions, this could result in no deployment of an airbag, increasing the risk of an injury to a front seat passenger in the event of a crash.”

The company claims to be unaware of any injuries or fatalities blamed on the defect.

The campaign affects approximately 5,000 vehicles, with a remedy implemented via system recalibration.

More rounded than the iconic four-seater that inspired it from the 1950s up to 1999, MINI’s 2015 Cooper S Hardtop continues to refine and refresh the legacy with each passing year. Essentially one of the progenitors of the so-called “city car,” it had its place and the enthusiasts who loved it. Their love for it then has helped to make it a classic today.
And did we mention it’s cute? But don’t let that adorable face fool you into thinking this car is kid’s stuff. Underneath its skin lies a serious contender in the “most fun to drive” category.

Read on to find out why we still think it provides some of the best times you can have on four wheels.

What is it?
Now into its third generation, the MINI Cooper S Hatch, or Hardtop, as it is known at the factory in Oxford, UK, continues after a redo in 2014. The hotter version of the hardtop, it is equipped with an upgraded version of the 2.0-liter twin-power turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 189 horsepower between 4,700-6,000 rpm, and 207 lb-ft of torque at a barely-alive 1,250 rpm.

Available with a standard six-speed manual transmission, our model featured a quite-stout six-speed automatic transmission that is extremely sure of itself. Able to be shifted by lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the EPA says to expect 26 city/ 33 highway with an average of 29 mpg. It was also equipped with ECO start/stop functionality to eke out every drop of fuel mileage.

Our Cooper S rode on a suspension comprised of MacPherson struts in front with a multi-link kit in the rear. An electrically-assisted power rack and pinion steering system helped to point the way. Other functional (and standard) driving or safety-based features included Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Cruise Control, Electronic Brakeforce distribution, ABS and Corner Brake Control, which is MINI-speak for brake-based torque vectoring.

Buyers of the MINI Cooper S Hardtop can also choose the less-potent MINI Cooper with its base 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine or, at the other end of the spectrum, jump up to the John Cooper Works version with its 208 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque four-cylinder.

A variety of other versions are available that include the MINI Clubman, Coupe, Countryman, four-door Hardtop and Convertibles.

What’s it up against?
Others in this most competitive sub-compact set include Hyundai’s Turbo-Veloster, as well as Fiat’s 500 and V-dub’s Golf, all of which can also be had in higher forms of tune then their entry-level versions.

How does it look?
The look of the MINI Cooper S is iconic, even if it does look like one half of a pair of children’s roller skates. Just oozing fun, it’s one of those looks that will bring a smile to even the most hardcore curmudgeon. Part of the fun in a MINI is customizing it to truly be your own. Starting with the basic Cooper S Hardtop, ours was dressed up with the chrome line exterior, which outlines the greenhouse with a strip of brightwork to set it off. Graphics ranged from side stripes to Lemans-type hood striping that framed the functional Cooper S hood scoop. Accessories are available and run the gamut from roof graphics, to rally lights to mirror caps and other such celebrations. Using John Cooper Works Pro accessories, our charge was equipped with red, black and grey mirror caps, accent badging on the sides and other JCW trim pieces. But the fun doesn’t end there.

And on the inside?
In the first generation MINIs, the center console housed a large round face that included the car’s speedometer. It now features a more common speedo-over-the-steering-column arrangement, as well as an available head up display, literally with a twist. This HUD is equipped with a device that allows the projection lens to rotate, so the blacking out that occurs with polarized sunglasses at opposing axes are now a thing of the past. When setting up the system with sunglasses on, simply turn the control and stop when the screen numbers are brightest.

The center console is now home to our “Fully Loaded” Cooper S’s MINI Navigation XL and Bluetooth package that is centered on an 8.8-inch display that works in conjunction with the 10-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system. It also featured LED mood lighting, which changed color according to its, um, mood.

We liked the coddled feeling we received from our MINI sport seats, which kept us firmly in place while tossing the car about. The Cooper’s rear seats are a different story, however, with the tight confines best suited for short trips.

Our tester was equipped with accessories including a red, black and grey competition motif on sill plates, special carpets and rear window screens that carried on the theme, while at the same time doing their part to avert prying eyes. Cargo space is 8.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and expands to 38 cubic feet with the rear seats folded forward.

But does it go?
The MINI Cooper S Hardtop is a two-door Pocket Rocket in the truest sense of the phrase. Feeling every bit like a jet-propelled go-kart, it is one of the most exhilarating rides most people will ever experience on four wheels.

Getting situated in the sport seats is an easy job that allows for a good driving position for most occupants. Flip the pulsing red center console-mounted toggle switch and the turbo two-liter roars to life with an aggressive braaaap from the twin-mounted tail pipes. Our 189 horsepower mill supplies 207 lb-ft of torque, with blinding acceleration, since most of that torque is available so low in the power band. As a result, the car just rips from a standing start. Zero to 60 mph comes in 6.4-seconds and top speed is reached at 146 mph.

Although not equipped with a JCW-tweaked engine, our Cooper S had lots of ‘Works accoutrements inside. With steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to control the six-speed automatic gearbox, we kept both hands gripping the wheel and just blipped the gearbox at will. In other cars it can seem a bit contrived. Here, it seems outright fun.

With three drive modes, including ECO, and “Middle,” we found ourselves settling into the more aggressive Sport mode. Acceleration at this point was effortless as equipped. When cornering, the car hurtles itself around the turn, almost asking a driver “is that all you’ve got?” Cornering comes in an exceedingly flat manner but still screams at you to pedal it hard through the turn. We answered the call by a harder pressing of the throttle.

Leftlane’s bottom line
The MINI, in almost any of its configurations, is a blast to drive. When stepping on the accelerator, you’ll have a car that really enjoys getting out of its own way, fast. Able to leap off the line, corner flat through a hard turn, and stop on a dime, not to mention be able to find a parking space virtually anywhere, it is truly a special ride. Unfortunately its small size may not be enough for everyone.

2015 MINI Cooper S base price, $24,100. As tested, $36,950.
Thunder Grey Metallic, $500; Cloth leatherette, $750; Cold Weather Package, $600; Fully Loaded Package, $4,500; Headlights with ringlights, $250; MINI Your Interior, $350; Park Assistant Package, $1,000; Sport Automatic transmission, $1,500; JCW Steering Wheel, $250; Comfort Access keyless entry, $250; Chrome Line Exterior, $250; Rear View Camera, $500; Storage Package, $250; Headliner in Anthracite, $250; Satellite Radio, $300; Head Up Display, $500, Destination charges, $850.

Photos by Mark Elias.

Confirming persistent rumors, a Porsche executive has outlined a turbocharged future for the 911 lineup.
Development boss Wolfgang Hatz has denied speculation that the upcoming GT3 RS will be the first turbocharged GT3 911. To the contrary, the model will be the only naturally aspirated 911 in the future lineup.

The executive has told Autocar the new GT3 RS will be “far more extreme” than its predecessor, likely lapping the Nurburgring in well under seven minutes and 20 seconds — at least five seconds faster than the current model.

The GT3 RS will introduce a new generation of flat six engine, which will be adapted and turbocharged for the rest of the 911 family.

A new turbocharged flat-four mill will make its debut in the entry-level Boxster early next year, ahead of the Cayman. At the other end of the spectrum, the Cayman GT4 is on track to arrive in late summer or early fall with close to 400 horsepower, while a faster Boxster is also in the works.

The executive also confirmed development of a new supercar that will slot between the 911 and the 918 Spyder, with an expected market arrival within the next five years.

Hyundai has introduced an updated version of the Veloster three-door coupe in its home country of South Korea
Visually, the Veloster gains minor updates such as a strip of silver trim around the radiator grille, redrawn headlights, new-look fog lights as well as the expected assortment of new alloy wheel designs and paint colors. The interior upgrades are equally minor and largely limited to new available bucket seats for the front passengers and a redesigned speedometer.

Bigger changes are found under the hood, where the Veloster can be ordered with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for the first time. Exclusively available on the 204-horsepower Veloster Turbo, the dual-clutch can be controlled using shift paddles mounted on the steering column.

The facelifted Veloster also inaugurates an Engine Sound Equalizer that lets the driver adjust the loudness and the tone of the exhaust using the screen that runs the infotainment system. Interestingly, the Engine Sound Equalizer function also lets the driver create a custom exhaust note by mixing and matching six different sounds.

The updated Hyundai Veloster is on sale now in South Korea with a base price of 19.95 million won, a sum that converts to approximately $18,500. Hyundai has not revealed if the U.S.-spec model will undergo similar updates.

Lexus is reportedly ready to formally reveal its next-generation RX 350 crossover.
Early rumors pointing to a Detroit debut proved inaccurate, however unnamed sources now tell Edmunds the company will unveil the new RX at the New York auto show in April.

Recent spy shots show the RX’ modestly revised exterior, which is believed to have been stretched to accommodate a third-row seat. It is expected to feature a spindle grille and other aesthetic tweaks to bring the model up to date with Lexus’ latest design language.

The latest rumors suggest the RX 350 will be built upon the same platform that underpins the Toyota Camry and Avalon, with extensive use of lightweight materials for improved fuel economy.

The new crossover is expected to arrive on the market later this year.