Present It: Nissan LeafThe German state is offering a buyer incentive in an effort to make electric cars more palatable to consumers. And the car makers are constantly improving the technology and battery capacities.Nissan has introduced a new battery for its Leaf with a capacity of 30 kilowatt hours, extending the car's range from 200 to 250 kilometers on a full charge. The new battery can be filled to 80 percent in just 30 minutes at a quick charging station. Taste It: Audi Q3Since it was rolled out in the fall of 2011, the Q3 series has been one of Audi's bestsellers. In an effort to build on its success, Audi has brought out a second generation of the compact crossover SUV. The new Q3 combines nimble handling with advanced safety features. And refined details inside and out have greatly enhanced the comfort.The Audi drive select sets key handling characteristics according to individual taste, including optional adaptive suspension. We tested the most powerful diesel offered for the Q3 with a 135-kW output and an S-Tronic 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Test it: VW up!Volkswagen has freshened up its successful city car. The new up! features new bumpers, a new rear diffuser, new headlights with LED daytime running lights and near rear lights.There are 13 exterior colors to choose from and ten different dashboard designs, allowing a large degree of personalization. The Up! comes with more standard features than before, but the entry level price is actually lower than that of its predecessor, selling from 9,850 euros in Germany. So how does it measure up? We take it out for a spin.Examine it! The Mercedes Marco PoloThe Drive It team heads out on a camping trip. But we're not going to stay in tents; we'll be in the new Mercedes Marco Polo Activity. It's a camper version of the Mercedes Vito light van. Unlike the standard Marco Polo model, which is based on the more luxurious V-Class line, the Activity doesn't have a built-in kitchen, and has a simpler dash-board.But prices for the Activity in Germany start at just €39,000. Both models feature a pop-top, made by Westfalia -- plus double-beds. Vintage: Ford ThunderbirdIf there's an epitome of the classic car, then it's this two-seater. Together with the Chevrolet Corvette, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird is THE American sports car. Manuela Feicht is a fan of classic American automobiles, and especially her '55 T-Bird.She loves the way it looks, but she also appreciates its performance. The first generation T-Birds had 200 horsepower. By comparison, Porsches built at the time had just 70. Even in "goldenrod yellow," the car doesn't look overly ostentatious. That's part of its appeal.

The Drive It team takes a closer look at Manuela's '55 T-Bird...