Les Voitures-Auto Tuning : 01/17/12

1. 5 Fuel-Efficient 2011 Cars for College Students to Consider

For many teens, starting a new life at college also means investing in a new car. In general, college students want a reliable vehicle that also looks good. Of course, given the cost of the average college's tuition, an affordable price also tends to be important. Keep reading to review a few of the best 2011 new cars for college students to consider.

2011 Ford Fiesta

As a brand-new model for the year, the Ford Fiesta has emerged as one of the best-reviewed compact cars in 2011. Starting at $15,120, the Fiesta delivers a spunky, economical design that should be appreciated by the college-bound crowd. An SFE model of the Fiesta is tuned to deliver a maximum fuel efficiency of 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Standard features available on the Fiesta are fairly minimal. However, our future captains of industry have the option to add such amenities as full power accessories, rear spoiler, premium sound system, ambient lighting and Ford Sync voice-command system.

2011 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has been a top-selling car among younger drivers for well over a decade. For 2011, the Civic returns to deliver a great combination of reliability, affordability and slightly sporty appeal. For a base price of $15,805, car shoppers get a Spartan interior that doesn't come with many luxuries. However, a number of upgrade trims ensure virtually everyone can find a model that meets his or her needs. Fuel efficiency for the Honda Civic is listed at 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. A hybrid version of the car is also available for those who can afford it (base price of $23,950).

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Most reviewers agree that the all-new 2011 Chevy Cruze is a big improvement over the outgoing Chevrolet Cobalt. The base features list for the Cobalt is above-average for its class, with air conditioning, 60/40 rear split seat, full power accessories, six-speaker stereo, satellite radio and CD/MP3 player all coming standard. Base price for the Cruze is set at $16,275. An Eco model of the Cruze delivers a maximum of 28 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.

2011 Volkswagen Golf

College students looking for a sporty, slightly upscale hatchback will find much to like about the VW Golf. While its MSRP is a bit higher than other cars on this list ($17,995 base price), the compact VW Golf delivers around 50 more horsepower than competing engines. It also comes standard with a long list of features, including eight-speaker stereo, heated mirrors and full power accessories. The base Golf delivers 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg in the highway. A diesel engine model is also available that delivers an impressive 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.

2011 Toyota Prius

When it comes to hybrid technology, the affordability of the Toyota Prius makes it a top choice for college students. Starting at $23,050, it isn't all that more expensive than a traditional mid-size sedan. Of course, the estimated 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway help keep long-term costs low as well. Features on the Prius that will likely appeal to younger drivers include keyless ignition, six-speaker stereo and auxiliary audio input.

2. Chrysler Design Chief Ralph Gilles On The Acura NSX Concept

Just after the Acura press conference, I ran into Chrysler hot shot Ralph Gilles giving the NSX concept the evil eye. Gilles, as you should know by now, is known for his many Pentastar design contributions, including the Chrysler 300 and, lately, as the company’s design chief and CEO of the new SRT performance division.

I managed to buttonhole Gilles and get his thoughts as a designer on the NSX and some hints on the products his crew is working on.

Motor Trend: So what do you think of the Acura NSX?

Ralph Gilles: I’m happy to see Acura starting to relax. Some of their stuff has been a little stiff. And this is starting to show a nice design language evolve into a mixture of grace and precision. Which is good. I mean, the proportions are cool. What’s not to like about these kinds of proportions? And I hope it follows through [into production]. It’s nice to see a kind of compact supercar. But we’ll see…

MT: So what do you think of its chances as a hybrid supercar against your soon to be released SRT Viper?

RG: [laughs] It’s a different thing. I mean supercars and hybrids is kind of a misnomer in a way. No one is asking for this kind of solution. You’re starting to see it in ALMS racing; you’re starting to see them study this kind of technology. And obviously at these price points, you can easily recover the cost of the technology and learn from it. But you’re kind of answering a question no one is asking. But kudos, cool design. Just wish it had a real interior…what’s up with that?

MT: What’s your car of the year?

RG: Ohhh man. Outside of my own [laughs]? I think the Dart should be. I really do, because it so full of cool stuff that’s so relevant. And because it was designed by millennials for millennials. There is just so much love in that car.

Thanks Ralph. Stick with Motor Trend for the most comprehensive coverage on the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

3. Our Highs and Lows

Every year the Motor Trend team rolls into the Detroit auto show already knowing a lot about the show’s big reveals so we can bring you the first photos and information as it breaks. But staring at over-photoshopped studio shoots and poring over preliminary specs can only go so far to give you a true perspective on a car’s real-world presence.

After two days of hoofing it around Cobo Arena at the 2012 Detroit auto show and seeing the gleaming sheetmetal live in 3-D, we’ve adjusted our focus and formed our opinions – both positive and negative – on the Detroit show’s star cars.

This year’s Motor Trend strike force was our biggest ever, with 12 editors (as well as two photographers and a video producer), from grizzled veterans like our own Motor City Blogman Todd Lassa and technical director Frank Markus, to wide-eyed Detroit show newbies Jason Udy and Christian Seabaugh, and of course, our newly minted big-cheese-in-chief, Edward Loh. All of us had a long hard look at the show’s world debuts between banging out words and photos for folks like you.

So here’s our take on the best of Detroit, as well as a few cars that didn’t exactly win us over for one reason or another. As always, we’re reserving final judgment until we drive, test, and compare them from behind the wheel, but for now, here are our observations direct from Cobo.

Let us know in the comments below what you think about Detroit’s big show stars. And if you haven’t done so already, be sure to CLICK HERE for our complete 2012 Detroit auto show coverage, for all of our words, photos, and videos on all of this year’s vehicles.

WHAT WE LIKED

2012 Detroit: Our Highs and Lows from Detroits Big Show image2013 Ford Fusion

The all-new 2013 Fusion was Ford’s unquestioned star of the 2012 Detroit show and has generated an avalanche of interest and buzz for the Blue Oval, thanks to its dramatic new styling and a plethora of powertrain options including a plug-in hybrid. The MT crew was nearly unanimous in praising the new Ford midsizer, although a few were a bit put off by the Aston-look grille and its overall Mondeo-ness.

“This is the Aston Martin Rapide I can afford. Make mine a 102-mpg-e plug-in Energi, and maybe the folks who make those ridiculous scissor door modifications can re-jigger these to open out and up, swan-like, as the Aston’s do. Aston-esque grille and taillamp replacements are a cinch for the aftermarket. If any car deserves to knock the current Camry and Altima out of the number-one and -two midsize-sedan sales spots this is it. Unless the as yet unseen 2013 Altima is.” -Frank Markus, technical director

“Fantastic looking inside and out and loaded with technology. This is going to be huge for Ford.” -Scott Evans, associate editor

“The midsize sedan segment keeps getting more and more interesting. Ford’s mass-market midsizer combines Aston Martin and Jaguar styling cues with a premium-looking interior, and several intriguing powerplants. This looks like it will continue the Fusion’s winning streak in the midsize segment.” -Edward A. Sanchez, news director

2012 Detroit: Our Highs and Lows from Detroits Big Show image2013 Dodge Dart

The Italian-American alliance is gathering steam and, if the new-generation Chrysler products are executed as well as the 2013 Dodge Dart compact has been thus far, things are looking bright for Dodge and Chrysler. There’s a lot to like about the Dart out of the gate, from its range of powertrains, to its Alfa Romeo bones, to its variety of trim levels, and low base price. A few felt it had a bit too much old school Dodge design, but overall, the Dart was highly praised.

“Two hours after the press conference, the stage was still packed. Everybody wanted a piece of the Dart.” -Jonny Lieberman, senior features editor

“Set for a huge upset in compact cars. Looks great, lots of space inside, lots of technology for the price, it looks like a winner all around.” -Scott Evans, associate editor

“A stylish compact sedan from the company that gave the world the Caliber and the Neon? With Alfa Romeo goodies inside? Not that long ago, that would have elicited endless laughter, and yet, here is it. Let’s hope it drives as good as it looks.” -Kirill Ougarov, production manager

“Judging by comments and page views, it seems people can’t get enough of the Dart. After seeing it in person, I can see why. I wasn’t sure how well the Charger’s Mopar swagger would translate into a more compact form, but the Dart strongly answers the question in the affirmative. It’s smart-looking inside and out, with lots of premium features and styling, especially in the interior.” -Edward A. Sanchez, news director

Cadillac has gone all in on its new 2013 ATS, its compact, rear-drive sport sedan that’s billed as yet another challenger for the venerable BMW 3 Series (stop us if you’ve heard this before). With a Nurburgring-tuned suspension, powerful, efficient engines and 3400-pound weight, the ATS is going to give it a go against the 3. So far we like what we see, although we’ve found rear-seat headroom is an issue.

“Right size, right wheel drive, right look. Cadillac’s finally built a fully fledged BMW fighter. CTS was close, this is closer. Love the engine options and CUE is very impressive.” –Scott Evans, associate editor

“The ATS stood out to me because it seemed to have something for everyone – multiple engine options, two transmission choices, rear- or all-wheel drive, and Cadillac’s (very good) CUE system which is going to be something young, entry-level luxury buyers are going to love.” -Christian Seabaugh, associate online editor

“The car definitely has a lot more presence and aggression in person than in photos. It seemed too subdued in pictures, but in the sheetmetal, it definitely has a chunky, purposeful stance that makes its intentions of taking on the 3 Series head-to-head clear.” -Edward A. Sanchez, news director

Honda’s made some big promises about its latest vision for the revival of the dearly departed Acura NSX – a 400-horsepower, hybrid powertrain with a mid-engine layout, a seven-speed dual clutch tranny, and slick exterior styling. Even more impressive, Honda says it will build the NSX in America and it will be on the market in three years. There were a few dissenting voices, mainly of the “we’ll believe it when we see it” variety, but all agree it should be an amazing halo car if it all comes together.

“The stance and profile do evoke Lambo Gallardo, but I like the epic statement it makes. For Honda to entrust the company flagship to be designed AND built as an Acura in Marysville, Ohio of all places is a huge statement. I’m bullish on the NSX. I love the high pressure, high stakes. For those who were perhaps underwhelmed by the hybrid powertrain, lack of a manual trans, and VTEC-like cutting edge breakthrough – the full faith and confidence Honda is putting into its U.S. arm is overwhelmingly exciting.” -Edward Loh, editor-in-chief

“I like it. I really, really like it, and Honda says it’s three years away and will be engineered and built in Ohio. I’ll heap praise when there’s a production version, and it looks like this.” -Todd Lassa, Detroit editor

“Acura’s R8 has all the right proportions and looks to have all the right moves to make Acura cool again.” -Scott Evans, associate editor

“Haven’t we been here before? I’ll get excited when (if?) they actually build the real one.” -Kirill Ougarov, production manager

2012 Detroit: Our Highs and Lows from Detroits Big Show imageLincoln MKZ Concept

There were several editors who felt the MKZ looked better than the Fusion, and while style is always subjective, most felt the MKZ was a big step in the right direction. Everyone knows Lincoln must make the new MKZ vastly different from the Fusion, and although we’re longing for a rear-drive Lincoln, so far so good. But will discerning luxury buyers care? We’re going to find out soon enough.

“Wish I could eat my words; was rather harsh about the brand’s future in a recent interview. Still wish they could go RWD and resurrect some ’60s era styling.” -Edward Loh, editor-in-chief

“A modern (near) luxury front-drive sedan with just enough retro cues to indicate it’s a Lincoln. Downside: It’s not RWD and there’s no RWD Lincoln in sight. Also, how much more premium than a Ford Fusion Titanium could it be?” -Todd Lassa, Detroit editor

“For once, Lincoln doesn’t get the short end of the design stick. Elegant, tailored, and the best iteration of the twin waterfall grille yet.” -Jonny Lieberman, senior features editor

“Elegant design that really belies its Fusion roots. If the production interior looks half as good, the near-luxury segment has a real winner on its hands. Look out, Lexus ES.” -Ron Kiino, executive editor

2012 Detroit: Our Highs and Lows from Detroits Big Show imageChevrolet Code 130R Concept

Chevy’s stubby little rear-drive concept really won over staffers young and old. Utilizing the Alpha platform from the Cadillac ATS, the 130R concept has a 150-hp version of Chevy’s 1.4-liter turbo under the hood with an eAssist boost. This concept has potential to be another fun-to-drive Chevy, and that’s a good thing.

“Camaro meets BMW 1 Series or modern Datsun 510. Whatever, it works.” -Todd Lassa, Detroit editor

“Get over the fact that it looks like a BMW 1 Series, and focus on what’s important. Light, RWD, ATS-based – Chevy would be crazy not to build it.” -Jonny Lieberman, senior features editor

“Old-school look that works. Love that a concept in 2012 is boxy. Promising tech too, with ATS hardware.” -Ron Kiino, executive editor

“The arrival of small affordable rear-drive cars – concept or otherwise – is always welcome.” -Jason Udy, associate online editor

“It’s hard to pick just one thing I like about the 130R because it’s really a combination of things that appeals to me. I love the compact dimensions, the (theoretical) $20,000 price, the three-box design, and the turbo four-banger which means it should be plenty quick, and get decent fuel economy – if GM can keep the weight down if they build it, that is.” -Christian Seabaugh, associate online editor

A STAFF DIVIDED

No car elicited as polarizing a response from the staff as the Lexus LF-LC, the brand’s vision for a new performance sports coupe, and we’re all for new sports coupes. While details are scant, if a version of this car is built, we expect an impressive hybrid-themed powertrain would be underhood, but it’s the opinions on the LF-LC’s looks that were white hot.

“Exterior is as striking and controversial as you want in a concept car, but damn that interior is best of show. A crashing wave of quilted leather fantastic wood.” -Edward Loh, editor-in-chief

“All the right proportions, but the surfacing fails it. Lose the gutter guard grille, too.” -Scott Evans, associate editor

“I dubbed it the LFA for the 1 percent instead of just the 0.01 percent and I think they’re onto something here. Throw out all the Concept Special design details and what you have is a futuristic- and sporty-looking luxury 2+2 that could go a long way towards making Lexus relevant with younger (relatively speaking) buyers.” –Kirill Ougarov, production manager

“Appears cartoon-like compared to NSX and the grille seems over the top. Love the interior, though, with its gorgeous blend of leather and wood. Excited for possibility of another Lexus sports car; just wish it looked more mature.” -Ron Kiino, executive editor

NOT SO MUCH

So far, not so good for our staff opinion of the new Buick Encore. This is one small crossover, and it looks it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the majority of us felt the Buick look didn’t translate to the tiny Encore, and when compared to the similarly sized BMW X1 and Audi Q3 (neither of which is sold here at present), it looks downright homely. Perhaps this vehicle should have worn the Chevy badge.

“Even the name evokes AMC/Renault. I’ve warmed up to the Verano in a big way, but I can’t warm up to this squished and compressed Enclave.” -Todd Lassa, Detroit editor

“I agree with Todd, Encore looks like an Enclave that’s gone through a trash compactor.” -Edward Loh, editor-in-chief

“Why is this a crossover? Just make it a hatchback and be done with it. Looks like it’s sucking on a lemon.” -Scott Evans, associate editor

“Something here just doesn’t work. Buick’s first compact crossover looks squished length- and width-wise as if some designer accidentally screwed up in Photoshop and changed the aspect ratio without cropping.” -Kirill Ougarov, production manager

“I still think a midsize model more along the lines of the Equinox would have been more appropriate for the brand, with perhaps the Encore following later. And I think it definitely needs more motor than the announced 1.4-liter turbo. A 180-horse turbo 1.6 would probably suffice.” -Edward A. Sanchez, news director

As much as Honda made a splash with the NSX concept, its other “concept,” the Accord Coupe Concept, made barely a ripple in our editor’s minds other than to question its evolutionary at best styling. And while additions like a six-speed automatic to the Accord lineup are nice, the industry has already moved on to more cogs — although the coming plug-in does sound promising on paper. No doubt Honda will prepare a true revolutionary design for the Accord in a few years but, until then, we’ll get a nip here, a tuck there.

“Thought for sure the next Accord would be a radical departure – at least in terms of styling – from the current gen. Not really. Looks like a refresh. That said, DI I-4 and plug-in hybrid sound very promising.” -Ron Kiino, executive editor

“That’s it? The nose looks less outdated, so I guess that’s good.” -Scott Evans, associate editor

“Er, it looks like a current Accord Coupe with crystal fog lights and scoops on the sill. Didn’t Honda learn from their warmed over new Civic? Not new looking enough.” -Jonny Lieberman, senior features editor.

“Here’s another great car that has lost the plot. Last year, if you’d have noticed the Civic coupe concept at this show at all, you would have seen an old Civic that looks like it’s had a few Accord coupe cues taped on. This year, the Accord coupe concept is the current Accord with a couple of Civic bits added.” -Todd Lassa, Detroit editor

“Sure, under the skin the Accord Coupe is going to get a few refreshed engines but aside from that it just didn’t really feel like Honda tried with the Accord Coupe Concept.” -Christian Seabaugh, associate online editor

4. Stuff Your Ballot Boxes for the Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

I chose the Code 130R as the most significant intro from the 2012 North American International Auto Show. It’s meant to be a $20,000 rear-drive coupe that can reach 40 mpg with a 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo four, and it’s based on the same Alpha platform as the Cadillac Roger Smith, when it went to front-drive for most of its cars, including Cadillacs and Buicks. I don’t expect GM to switch back to RWD for most of its cars, nor should it. But it would be nice if the Alpha platform and a lightened Zeta II could accommodate a variety if cars of varying sizes and sticker prices, from Chevy to Buick to Cadillac to Holden and even Opel.

The millennial buyers get the Code 130R, Dean says, because they know drifting and they understand the handling advantages of RWD. So call or write GM and tell them you’d buy one. Mainstream buyers would get the 140-horse 1.4-liter Ecotec, though of course the 2.0-liter turbo Ecotec that makes 270 horsepower in the new Caddy ATS will fit. The red car is much more finished than the white Chevy concept, with door handles, a trunklid, and a hood line, and Dean says there’s a business case for it. Chevy could get it into production pretty quickly. It needs a new name. Call it “Corsa,” the name of a sporty Corvair from the ’60s, and used on a small Opel in Europe.

2012 Detroit: Stuff Your Ballot Boxes for the Chevrolet Code 130R Concept imageSpeaking of the Cadillac ATS, while the Lincoln MKZ concept is my pick for Best in Show, the ATS is the car I’d rather own, if I could find a way into the luxury car market. It’s rear-drive, of course. I could name a lot of fun FWD cars, but I’ve come to appreciate both the handling characteristics and the dash-to-axle ratio of RWD. While the MKZ concept is visually pretty, the ATS has a kind of modern elegance, and it signals that Cadillac is making headway toward reestablishing itself as an international luxury brand. Plus, it’ll be available with a manual transmission, and it’s designed to be smaller and more lightweight than such competition as the new, larger BMW 3 Series. I hope the ATS drives as good as it looks. I wish it had a real name.

Daimler’s Smart brand has finally found its niche in the transportation industry: Smart electric bikes.

Tesla Model S: It’s a big, iPod-like flat screen computer with a “car” wrapped around it. Reboot! Reboot!

Audi overkill?: The Audi stand has so many shiny, pretty cars and crossovers that models like the Q3 Vail and the Allroad are easy to overlook. The U.S. might be ready for a premium CUV the size of the Q3, slated to come here within 18 months, but I don’t think it’s ready for Buick’s b-segment Encore CUV.

Scion FR-S vs. Subaru BRZ: I prefer the Toyota. On second thought, I prefer the Subie. Ask me again after I’ve driven them both.

By the way: Subaru has a new ad campaign in Japan, “Proud of Boxer.” Cool.

Toyota NS4 hybrid concept: It’s got a nose! New hybrid synergy drive styling?

Prius x Parlee Bike concept: An electric bike at the Prius stand that features a gearset that shifts automatically via neurotransmitters in the rider’s helmet. Call me old fashioned, but I thought the point of riding a bike is that you actually pedal it.

Lexus LF-LC: Is to the LFA what the Mercedes SL is to the SLS. The LF-LC’s platform also portends a higher-volume Toyota Supra. Guess Akio Toyoda was serious about trying to infuse some passion back into his family’s car company.

Maserati Kubang: Isn’t this name supposed to have an exclamation point? I can’t argue with the design, and I understand why the brand wants a luxury crossover, but it’s like the Porsche Cayenne for me. I wish they wouldn’t do these. Especially when Maserati and now Porsche are tied in with higher volume brands that are more appropriate for the sport/utility market.

Dodge Dart: Still one of my favorites from this show, including for its name. If it drives the way it looks, it should clean up on Ford Focus and Chevy Cruze, let alone Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, etc.

Nissan Pathfinder: Like the switch from body-on-frame to unibody for the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango, the Pathfinder loses its Pathfinderness with the new model. That’s a good thing. The Infiniti version, the JX, pays some homage to the Buick Enclave, by the way.

Acura NSX: I love the look of the car. With this, the new RDX and the ILX, Acura styling may have turned a corner. Still, I won’t accept this Ohio-designed and built car to be a real car, until it’s a real car. Which is supposed to happen within three years. If Acura does build it, it had better look a lot like the concept. The headlamps will need to be bigger.

Acura ILX: The unique sheetmetal should have been applied to the 2012 Honda Civic, to distinguish it from the ’11 Honda Civic.

Honda Accord Coupe concept: Last year, Honda applied some Accord coupe cues to the old Civic coupe in order to make a new one. This year, Honda applied some Civic coupe cues to the old Accord coupe to make a new one. I think the kids call that “meta.”

Ford Fusion: De facto star of the show. It will be, at least, during public days. I’ve been examining this car for the past month or so. It’s one of the best-looking cars in the segment, though it’s slightly less daring than the Hyundai Sonata, and the new Chevy Malibu Eco on first drive handles great. Let’s keep the new Fusion in perspective, people. At the end of the day, it’s still a midsize family sedan.

5. More than 40 new cars and concepts to debut Monday

Monday marks the official start to the new-car show season with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opening the doors at Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, to thousands of media and industry insiders. Consumer Reports Cars team is gathering in Motor City to share the experience with you here in the news blog, in our special OnLocation section, and via Twitter (@CRCars). Further, this experience will also inform our car purchase and testing plans for the year ahead, and likely beyond.

Monday and Tuesday, we expect to see more than 40 new models and concept cars—ahead of the public days. These media-only reveals will show vehicles and technology that will be coming down the road. In years past, Detroit was known for its musclebound bravado and over-the-top stunts. We expect this year to be mild mannered, but with a decidedly upbeat feel, especially with the domestic brands coming off a relatively strong year in sales.

The main attractions this year are expected to be high-tech, fuel-efficient, and in many cases, practical. There is much action with small and family cars, as well as with small SUVs and small lux-market models.

Cars that we will be focusing our attention on include:

Acura RDX, Acura ILX, Audi crossover concept, BMW 3 Series, Buick Encore, Cadillac ATS, Dodge Dart, Ford Fusion, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord Coupe, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Lexus LF-Lc hybrid, Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz SL, Mini Cooper Roadster, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru BRZ, Toyota Prius c, and Volvo XC60 plug-in.

Throughout the event, we will post insights and commentary in the blog, model profiles in the OnLocation section, and images from the unveilings via Twitter. The regular coverage will be updated periodically as more information, images, and admittedly time become available. In addition, CRTV will be with us filming first look videos on the must-see models.

Oh, and we’re covering automotive-related highlights from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) here in the blog, as well.

Stay tuned: It will be an interesting week!

6. 2013 Acura RDX

turbocharged four-cylinder engine was unrefined. Its overall fuel economy of 18 mpg in our tests fell below that of many rivals’ V6 engines. Handling was agile, but the ride was very stiff and the cabin was narrow. Add in somewhat awkward styling and the RDX was a modest seller that was completely overshadowed by its three-row MDX big brother. Acura seeks to remedy these problems with the redesigned RDX unveiled at the Detroit auto show.

While other SUV manufacturers are moving to small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinders, Acura is retreating to a 3.5-liter V6. Despite the large-displacement engine and its 273 horsepower, Acura is claiming best-in-class fuel economy. Rather than the complicated SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system of the previous RDX, the new RDX has a simpler and lighter system similar to that in the Honda CR-V, upon which it is based.

The styling is smoothed out and, in true Acura fashion, is conservative and forgettable. It looks like a shrunken Acura MDX, or a Chevrolet Equinox, or any one of the seemingly dozens of small SUVs on the market. Our quick sit in the show car’s interior revealed an accommodating rear seat and the typical Acura button-laden dashboard.

It’s too bad that the RDX is arriving too late to be included in the March issue of Consumer Reports, which includes tests of other upscale small SUVs: the BMW X3, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

We’ll see how the RDX stacks up to those rivals and others in this growing category when we buy one to test in early summer. Until then, take a look our a preview video below.

7. 2013 Buick Encore

The Buick Encore paves the way for a new market segment: The very-compact upscale SUV. The Encore is smaller than the Chevrolet Equinox. In fact, it is 13 inches shorter than a Toyota RAV4. When it launches next year, the Encore may be the first vehicle of its kind in America. The BMW X1 and Audi Q3 are its natural competition, but the Buick is expected to beat them to market here, assuming those Germans even make it here at all.

The Encore fully utilizes the global nature of GM’s vehicle development system. Developed in the United States, the Encore will be built in South Korea. Although the Encore is expected to sell modestly here, Opel and Vauxhall variants will likely ring up more sales in Europe. And given the popularity of Buick in China, the Encore is expected to do well there.

I was able to sit in the Encore for a bit while filming our auto show video. It’s a bit odd--like sitting in an Enclave that was squeezed out of a tube. You sit up high, but the cabin feels really narrow. Rear-seat leg room is surprisingly decent, but the dramatic upward sweep of the beltline reduces the rear glass area to the detriment of visibility.

The Encore’s 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is shared with the Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic. If the Encore’s curb weight sticks to the claimed 3,300 pounds for an all-wheel-drive version (just a bit more than the Cruze), it should have reasonable performance. Active noise cancellation, a Buick first, aims to help the Encore achieve the quietness that’s always been a brand hallmark.

But how will the Encore do when cross-shopped with other small SUVs? Directly on the other side of Cobo Hall from the Buick booth were several 2013 Ford Escapes. This Escape has a nicely-done interior with much more room, and it also can be had with a small-displacement turbo engine. No pricing was announced on Encore (or Escape yet), but it’s likely that the Encore and Escape will overlap in price. Then there is that new RDX that was also introduced in Detroit. It all comes down to price, and whether American shoppers are looking for the premium attributes the Encore offers, yet not coveting space that is available in competing models.

We’ll see how this new direction for Buick works when we buy one in early 2013 to test.

The ATS aligns Cadillac’s sedan line-up with the import competition. Before the ATS, the smallest sedan in Cadillac’s stable was the CTS, a well-finished and enjoyable to drive car. But like many GM products, the CTS is a “tweener”—dimensionally and price-wise, it straddles two different classes. For example, you could compare it to a BMW 3 Series, or you could compare it to a BMW 5 Series. Neither of which can be considered entry level.

Instead, the ATS gives Cadillac a true entry-level car that aims directly at the BMW 3 Series or the Audi A4 or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the Lexus IS or...suffice it to say that there is plenty of competition in this market. The Cadillac hopes to distinguish itself by the driving dynamics and interior amenities. While GM’s recent products have typically been on the heavy side, GM stresses that the 3,400-lb ATS is the lightest car in its class

The ATS is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform with optional all-wheel-drive. There are three engines: a 2.5-liter normally aspirated four, GM’s ubiquitous 3.6-liter V6, or an all-new 2.0-liter turbo four that makes an impressive 270 horsepower from its small displacement. A manual transmission is available—necessary for enthusiast cred in this class—even though most buyers will get the six-speed automatic.

Inside is the typical stylish Cadillac interior. Cadillac ramps up the tech content with the optional CUE dashboard design. It eliminates many conventional knobs and buttons, replacing them with touch-sensitive flat panels and configurable screens that react to the swipe and drag motions of your smart phone or tablet. We’re worried about how distracting or involved this is when you drive the car. After all, simple knobs work awfully well. We’ll find out when we buy one this summer.

The Lincoln MKZ has been a practical and reliable choice for an entry-level luxury sedan. But the exterior styling, interior quality, and driving dynamics didn’t really deviate much from its Ford Fusion family sedan platform-mate. If buyers wanted a luxury car that felt special, the MKZ just didn’t really deliver. But Ford is trying (again) to breathe life into Lincoln. A big part of that is a new MKZ. (See the new Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ in our Detroit auto show coverage.)

The concept shown in Detroit, which is supposedly a strong indication of the upcoming production car, has more-dynamic lines, a glass see-through roof, and a giant chrome grille. Inside, the war on buttons and knobs continues with the introduction of MyLincoln Touch, which spreads across the Lincoln line for 2013.

Not much was said about the concept’s underpinnings or drivetrain, but since the MKZ remains Fusion-based, we expect to see those engines (particularly the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and hybrid) here.

Lots of other car companies build entry-level luxury sedans off of more prosaic platforms, like the Lexus ES being spun off of the Toyota Camry or the upcoming Acura ILX that’s based on the Honda Civic. But no one ever accused the Camry or Civic of being luxurious or stylish.

That’s the threat that the redesigned Ford Fusion poses to this Lincoln. After all, the new Fusion makes a strong impression as a stylish, solid, and sophisticated sedan. Maybe the Lincoln brings the benefits of a nicer dealership experience, but you won’t see the dealership in your driveway every day.

We’ll see if the Lincoln finally stands out in a crowded luxury sedan field when we buy one to test this fall.Subaru has a long and rich history of enthusiast cars through their rally racing heritage. But the Subaru BRZ sports coupe goes in a different direction.

Instead of being a hopped-up version of one of Subaru’s grocery-getting all-wheel-drive sedans or hatches, the BRZ is a purpose-built sports car. This low-slung, rear-wheel-drive coupe is light weight, with a low center of gravity from the flat-four engine being set down low in the chassis. Placing that engine back towards the cabin helps weight distribution, but that mount position eliminates the possibility of all-wheel drive. With no turbo version available (at least for now), the BRZ isn’t about raw power numbers, but rather pure handling and agility.

But how does this all work on the road? We don’t know yet. We don’t know how well the electric steering transmits road feel, if the gear ratios are right for that engine, or if the ride is stiff or typical-Subaru-compliant. Nor do we know if the Scion doppelganger, the FR-S, is tuned better. (Subaru did most of the development on the car, but Toyota tuned their version differently.)

We can’t wait to find out. Soon. The BRZ is a logical next step for the Miata owner who needs something with some more room inside, but doesn’t want to spend a mint. And that’s a good thing for an enthusiast, especially now that the lively Mazda RX-8 is gone.

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new Lincoln MKZ

Fuel-Efficient 2011 Cars