Sadly manual transmissions are not nearly as popular as they once were, especially with all the latest technology coming out of fully automatic and dual-clutch transmissions. These days most models aren't even offered with a manual transmission and those that do buy them are usually somewhat of an "auto enthusiast." Bucking this trend towards automated gear shifting, Ford has just announced that it will now offer a five-speed manual transmission in the range-topping Titanium Focus models. According to Ford, "Buyers migrating from higher-price import brands frequently prefer manual transmissions."

Ford also announced that demand for the redesigned 2012 Focus has increased steadily and the model is selling at its fastest pace since 2004. The strongest demand is also coming from the west, most notably in the high-volume California market.

"Focus relevance to California customers is on the rise," said Mark Wexler, Ford Northern California Regional Manager. "The contemporary styling, fuel efficiency and technology offerings are getting lots of customer attention. High-end Titanium models are selling at twice the rate we anticipated, showing that our customers want convenience and technology in their fuel-efficient Focus purchase."

Despite only being on the market about a year, Honda is pushing up the Civic's midlife refresh to the 2013 model year, only 18 months after the current generation was introduced. After major criticisms from the press about the new Civic, Honda is moving faster than normal to fix its popular Civic.

The 2012 Civic has suffered with the automotive press due to its lower quality interior and less than adequate suspension. The 2012 Civic even lost its "recommended" rating (non-Si models) from Consumer Reports. Initially it was announced that a heavily revised Civic would arrive sometime in 2013, but now it's being reported that an "improved" Civic will arrive this fall for the 2013 model year.

Most midlife refreshes usually happen three years after a model is released and even then the changes are small with tweaks to the front and rear fascias and maybe small updates to the interior. Thankfully the updates to the Civic are expected to be much larger. Surprisingly, even though the 2012 Civic hasn't received the most stellar reviews, Honda sold 21,883 Civics last month, putting at the top of its class.

Kia has released a second teaser photo of the upcoming Track'ster concept that is going to be unveiled this week at the Chicago Auto Show.

The Trackster concept borrows its platform from the Kia Soul, but wears sportier clothes. The concept was designed by Kia's design studio in California and is what a three-door Soul could look like.

Stay tuned...

Mazda has announced the pricing for the 2013 CX-5 compact crossover, which starts at $20,695 for the entry-level Sport model with a six-speed manual transmission.

The 2013 CX-5 is the first model in Mazda's lineup to fully feature Mazda's Skyactiv technology, which helps it get up to 35 mpg on the highway. The 2013 CX-5 is powered by a Skyactiv 2.0L engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. A diesel-powered CX-5 is expected to show in the U.S. in early 2013.

The base CX-5 Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a four-speaker audio system, push-button start, power everything and a USB connection port. Accing a six-speed automatic bumps the starting price up to $22,095 and all-wheel-drive pushes the base price up to $23,345. Adding Bluetooth will cost an extra $400, but comes with Bluetooth, a 5.8-inch touch-screen monitor and HD radio.

The Touring model starts at $23,895 with front-wheel-drive and $25,145 when equipped with AWD. It adds the Bluetooth package, upgraded seat fabrics, a six-speaker audio system, a Blind Spot Monitoring system and the six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Moonroof/ Bose package ($1,130) adds a moonroof and a 225-watt Bose audio system. The Technology package ($1,185) adds a TomTom based navigation ssytem, bi-zenon auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting system and rain sensing wipers.

The Grand Touring model starts at $27,045 for the front-wheel-drive model and $28,295 for the all-wheel-drive version. It comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, rain sensing wipers, leather seats, a Bose audio system and a moonroof. The same Technology package on the Touring model adds $1,325.