The recent sale of Jaguar to a carmaker in India isn't the only sign that things are changing big time for the storied British brand.

Affordable, reasonably gas-thrifty, unmistakable for anything else and fun to drive. That's a winning combination, so even in a widening field of small cars, Chevrolet's HHR SS sport utility vehicle stands out.

WASHINGTON - Elizabeth Szewczyk saw a tiny picture of the Smart Fortwo in a car magazine, and knew it was her next ride. She already owned her ideal car - a bright yellow 2005 Jeep Wrangler - but the gas mileage was horrible. She remembers watching the fuel gauge drop as she drove down the highway and realizing it was time to trade in her childhood dream.

WASHINGTON - Ron Cogan's friends were worried. Was he flipping out, taking one of life's curves a little too fast? He was a California-based automotive journalist, a car guy gone environmental.