The Ford C-Max is due out this summer in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variations. (Ford)
Didn't make a New Year's resolution? Here's one for car shoppers: Do some deep research. Carmakers are releasing a slew of new products in 2012. Some are familiar names with fresh designs; others are completely new vehicles. If you're in the market for a new ride, here are some top picks to consider.
Sedans and coupes
Chevrolet Malibu: February brings Chevy's new Malibu Eco, packing a 15-horsepower electric motor that helps raise fuel economy to 26 mpg city/38 mpg highway. Standard Malibus arrive in summer, all with impressive interiors and Camaro-inspired sheet metal.
The Chevrolet Malibu will have an Eco option. (General Motors)
The 2012 Honda CR-V has better fuel-economy. (Honda)
Honda Accord: An all-new Accord has been announced with an expected fall arrival. Speculators believe it will get Honda's new continuously variable transmission, offering improved fuel efficiency and drivability.
Ford Fusion: The Fusion is all new for autumn. It takes design cues from the svelte Evos concept and comes with four powertrains: standard gasoline, an EcoBoost turbo, a 47-mpg hybrid and a 100-MPGe plug-in hybrid.
Hyundai Azera and Veloster: The Hyundai juggernaut continues in February with the second-generation Azera. The near-luxury sedan gets familiar but refined sheet metal and is loaded with V-6 power. In summer, the three-door Veloster gets more velocity courtesy of an optional turbocharger.
Dodge Dart: Come May, Dodge hopes its new compact hits the bull's-eye. The square shape and legendary straight-six engine of yesteryear give way to four cylinders and a swoopy silhouette courtesy of Fiat. (Speaking of Fiat, the 500 Abarth performance variant is due in March.)
Scion FR-S: Cash-strapped enthusiasts will celebrate spring when the FR-S performance coupe finally lands in Scion stores. So does its twin, the Subaru BRZ. Both rear-drive machines are powered by a low-profile 200-hp Subie "boxer" engine.
Cadillac ATS and XTS: The compact, rear-drive ATS is expected to challenge BMW's 3 Series when the leaves begin to turn. The XTS is sized between the 5 and 7 Series and is the first Caddy to get CUE (Cadillac User Experience), which allows instrument-panel personalization. Look for it midyear.
Crossovers and SUVs
Honda CR-V: The new CR-V is trickling into showrooms now. This crowd pleaser gets an all-new design, more power, better utility and increased fuel economy.
Mazda CX-5: The all-new CX-5 gets the brand's sporty handling plus a full suite of Skyactiv technology, which lowers emissions while increasing power and fuel efficiency.
Ford Escape and C-Max: Visit a Ford dealer in spring and the all-new sculpted Escape will be waiting. Buyers can choose from three engines. Late summer brings the European C-Max people mover in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Both the Escape and C-Max seat five and get a trick power tailgate that opens when a foot is waved under the vehicle's bumper.
Nissan Pathfinder: Also new is the 2013 Pathfinder. Previously built on a truck chassis, it jumps to a highly capable unibody platform.
Hybrids and electrics
Mitsubishi i: Want to go electric but can't afford a Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt? Mitsubishi offers the new i. At $21,625 after federal tax credits, the egg-shaped sub-compact is the lowest-priced electric available in the U.S.
Ford Focus Electric: The electric Focus is due to roll out next month. It looks identical to the gas-drinking hatchback and features circuitry that cuts recharge times in half.
Toyota Prius c: In March, Toyota's smallest hybrid ever, the Prius c, will be in dealerships. A month later comes a plug-in version of the classic Prius that travels up to 13 miles on electric power alone.
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