Clockwise from top left: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 Buick Regal, 2012 Ford Focus, 2011 Kia Optima.
In the past, fall was the time when automakers theatrically unveiled their new models. Now those models are shoved into showrooms almost the moment they've left the designers' screens.
To stay up to pace, I've chosen five cars coming out soon that should have a substantial impact on their brands and the categories they compete in.
(Alternative-energy fans may furrow their brows and wonder, "Where's the Chevrolet Volt? Where's the Nissan Leaf?" While I acknowledge their importance, they were not included due to limited initial production in specific markets.)
Here, then, are five 2011-12 models to look for in coming months.
2011 Buick Regal
Thinking Grandpa's ride? Don't. After years of lip service, Buick is finally building truly desirable vehicles. The new Regal is a lightly reworked Opel Insignia, and its German engineering is evident at first glance. The body is taut and graceful; the interior is well-appointed and purposeful. No more waterbed handling, either. Starting at $27,000 with standard leather seating, the Regal should be a serious competitor in the midsize-sedan segment.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze
American manufacturers ignored cars to focus on trucks and SUVs in the 1990s, leaving them lagging in the small-car market. One vehicle that aims to change that is Chevy's new Cruze. Lost amid the Volt's marketing blitz, it should compete directly with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Highway fuel economy is rumored to be around 40 mpg for the crisply styled Cruze, which starts at $16,995.
2012 Ford Focus
The Blue Oval folks began the One Ford strategy by shipping the European Transit Connect and Fiesta to our shores. Next comes the Focus. Sure, we already have one, but it's not the version Europe knows and loves. Come early spring, the Focus will blossom into an agile sedan with a sportier European look. Add Microsoft Sync technology to connect phones and MP3 players, and the 2012 Focus should be very appealing. Expect it to compete with the Chevy Cruze in price.
The 2011 Hyundai Equus will vie for a spot in the luxury market.
2011 Hyundai Equus
Hyundai is finally getting respect for building cars with good quality and value. In Korea, the Equus is the company's flagship, and it's coming to the States to take on the Lexus LS 450 and Mercedes S-Class (do I even need to add at a substantial discount? It should begin at $55,000). In addition to the silky 385-horsepower Tau V8 engine, it'll offer air suspension, a small forest of real wood trim, and rear seats that massage and recline like La-Z-Boys. The interactive owner's manual is an Apple iPad.
2011 Kia Optima
Its wallflower status is about to change to sophisticated socialite. The difference is so vast it's a wonder Kia didn't go with a new name. The Optima's design signature is a chrome spear slicing along the roofline and through the back pillar. The overall appearance is completely original, which is tough to do in an appealing way these days.
Kia is known for value, and that remains with Optima, which should start under $19,000. That doesn't mean this car will be spartan, though. Options include a panoramic glass roof, keyless ignition and ventilated driver's seat. A 200-horsepower four-cylinder is standard, and a 274-horsepower turbo will be available as well. A hybrid version is planned for early 2011.
Tom Voelk is an auto specialist for KING 5 TV and hosts an auto-review podcast called Drive. His website is drivencarreviews.com
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