2012 ACURA ILX I f you’re one of the growing number of buyers returning to dealers’ showrooms in several years, you’ll find an assortment of never-before seen cars. As they say, you can’t tell the players without a scorecard, so here’s a quick look at the nameplates that are brand-new for the 2013 model year:
Acura ILX. Essentially a luxury version of the Honda Civic, the compact ILX features unique styling inside and out, with added amenities. Buyers can choose from a 150-horsepower or 201-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, along with a gas/electric Hybrid version.
Audi Allroad. This is a crossover SUV-like station wagon version of the midsize Audi A4 luxury sedan, powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine.
BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Four-door “Gran Coupe” variants are newly added to the 6 Series line as roomier and more practical, but no less sporty, alternatives to the two-door versions.
BMW X1. Both sleek and muscular-looking, this new subcompact crossover SUV is also quick and agile, coming powered by a choice of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 hp or a faster 300-hp turbo inline-six.
Buick Encore. Mechanically related to the Chevrolet Sonic, this is an all-new boldly cast subcompact crossover SUV that’s powered by a 140-horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It boasts a whisper-quiet interior thanks to a hightech active noise cancellation system.
Cadillac ATS. This is a compact rear-drive luxury sedan that rides on a sophisticated sport suspension system for BMW-like handling. A choice of three engines includes 200- and 270-horsepower four-cylinder powerplants and a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 320 horses.
Cadillac XTS. Now the largest Cadillac, the XTS is truly handsome inside and out. A reasonably fuel-efficient 3.6-liter V6 is the only available engine, but it produces a V8- like 300 horsepower; front drive is standard with all-wheeldrive optional. Chevrolet Spark. This attractive “microcar” hatchback packs a meek 85 horsepower 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with fuel economy as its main virtue. Chevy optimistically claims the Spark will seat four passengers, but rear seat room is prohibitively tight.
Dodge Dart. With mechanical and design lineage coming from Italy’s Alfa Romeo, the Dart is a stylish and economical compact sedan. A choice of three four-cylinder engines range from 160 horsepower to a lusty 184 horses, while a European-tuned suspension delivers a smooth ride with crisp handling.
Ford C-Max Hybrid and Energi. The tall-roofed CMax is a compact five-passenger wagon that comes in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Ford says the Hybrid will get 47 mpg in city/highway driving, while the Energi can travel for an estimated 20 miles solely on electric power.
Infiniti JX. An all-new seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV, the JX teams dramatic exterior styling with a spacious and elegantly cast interior, flexible seating and assorted advanced safety features. A 3.5-liter V6 engine generates a lively 265-horsepower.
Mazda CX-5. This all-new compact crossover SUV features a rounded profile and a fuel frugal 155-horsepower 2.0- liter “SkyActiv” four-cylinder engine. The CX-5’s handling is a notch sportier than the typical people-moving wagon, in front or all-wheel-drive versions.
MINI Clubvan. This a small urban-hip delivery vehicle version of the MINI Clubman; aside from paneled rear windows and a deleted back seat it’s virtually identical to the standard model.
Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ. Developed in a partnership between Toyota and Subaru, these are mechanically similar “back to basics” rear-drive sporty coupes with sleekly cast exteriors. Each pack a Subaru-derived 200-hp 2.0-liter fourcylinder engine and deliver tenacious cornering abilities.
Subaru XV Crosstrek. This new compact crossover SUV is based on the automaker’s Impreza, yet features a higher ground clearance and more rugged-looking styling.
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