3- 2011 Ford Fiesta
Like but unlike Mazda, Ford is shouting from rooftops the coming of their first subcompact car since the Aspire went the way of the dinosaurs in 1997. Actually, they are more like attacking the young masses through Facebook, Twitter and all other legal means of getting attention. And it's working. And I know why.
Almost identical to the Euro Fiestas, the NA Fiesta is sharp, stylish and young. The cabin breathes the same euro-flair that most manufacturers are finally trying to emulate. Under the diminutive bonnet, only the larger gasoline engine will make its way to our shores. It is a 119 hp 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that should match well with the standard five-speed manual transmission or PowerShift six-speed double-clutch automatic.
4- 2011 Toyota Sienna
The new Sienna was the other surprise of the 2009 L.A. Auto Show. Looking like a cross between a Highlander, Lexus LS and RX, the new 2011 Sienna takes minivan and big styling to levels that make the Odyssey, the current big-minivan champ look like a Fit. Expect a cabin full of tricks too.
Expecting minivans to make a comeback (and why not?), Toyota will try to please just about everyone that may be interested in a big yet kind-hearted people mover. Speaking of moving, the new Sienna will offer a 4-cylinder, the first in roughly 20 years (first gen Honda Odyssey and Mazda5 notwithstanding). The 2.7L unit is shared with other including the Highlander and develops 187 hp. The 3.5L V6 is back with 266 hp.
5- 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Let's call the Cruze the comeback kid-car. If all goes well for GM, this car will reclaim its rightful spot near the top of the small car charts. First off, the Cruze looks good, aka, has just enough Euro styling in its blood to make it rise above the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and wannabe euro present-gen Ford Focus.
With all the right elements in place including two four-cylinder engines, one of which is turbocharged and an impressively put together cabin, the Cruze will win over ex-GM defectors as long as the price is right. Click here for more on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: L.A. Auto Show 2009: Cruze-ing to the finish line.
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Like but unlike Mazda, Ford is shouting from rooftops the coming of their first subcompact car since the Aspire went the way of the dinosaurs in 1997. Actually, they are more like attacking the young masses through Facebook, Twitter and all other legal means of getting attention. And it's working. And I know why.
Almost identical to the Euro Fiestas, the NA Fiesta is sharp, stylish and young. The cabin breathes the same euro-flair that most manufacturers are finally trying to emulate. Under the diminutive bonnet, only the larger gasoline engine will make its way to our shores. It is a 119 hp 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that should match well with the standard five-speed manual transmission or PowerShift six-speed double-clutch automatic.
4- 2011 Toyota Sienna
 |
The new Sienna was the other surprise of the 2009 L.A. Auto Show. Looking like a cross between a Highlander, Lexus LS and RX, the new 2011 Sienna takes minivan and big styling to levels that make the Odyssey, the current big-minivan champ look like a Fit. Expect a cabin full of tricks too.
Expecting minivans to make a comeback (and why not?), Toyota will try to please just about everyone that may be interested in a big yet kind-hearted people mover. Speaking of moving, the new Sienna will offer a 4-cylinder, the first in roughly 20 years (first gen Honda Odyssey and Mazda5 notwithstanding). The 2.7L unit is shared with other including the Highlander and develops 187 hp. The 3.5L V6 is back with 266 hp.
5- 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
 |
Let's call the Cruze the comeback kid-car. If all goes well for GM, this car will reclaim its rightful spot near the top of the small car charts. First off, the Cruze looks good, aka, has just enough Euro styling in its blood to make it rise above the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and wannabe euro present-gen Ford Focus.
With all the right elements in place including two four-cylinder engines, one of which is turbocharged and an impressively put together cabin, the Cruze will win over ex-GM defectors as long as the price is right. Click here for more on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: L.A. Auto Show 2009: Cruze-ing to the finish line.