Hard times can be a bummer, but in the best of circumstances, they can be a catalyst for growth and improvement.
It's certainly worked out that way for some manufacturers in the automotive industry, and many of the cars that graced the floor at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show are proof.
As has been the case at recent shows, the themes often involved things like fuel efficiency and affordability. But sensible doesn't have to mean austere, and quite a few of the choices in this camp did a good job of spicing up their practicality with fun styling and a generous assortment of tech features.
Here are five models from the floor that caught our eye.
1: 2012 Porsche 911
Even in the leanest of times, there will always be those who can afford a piece of machinery that represents the pinnacle of sports-car handling and sex appeal. We're talking about the Porsche 911, which made its second stateside appearance at this year's L.A. Auto Show. For 2012, the 911 tries on a slightly bigger pair of fine Italian loafers: its gains an inch in length and four inches in its wheelbase, which gives it a roomier cabin. Relative to last year, there's more horsepower to be had from both available engines, and a new seven-speed manual gearbox allows you to fully exploit the talent.
2: 2012 Honda CR-V
The CR-V's changes are modest as redesigns go. It doesn't shoot up in size like a teenage boy stretched by a growth spurt; this Honda has the same width and wheelbase as the previous generation, and it even loses an inch in height and length. There's the same four-cylinder engine (tweaked for better fuel economy), and the five-speed automatic transmission lingers on, as well. The biggest changes lie within the cabin, where -- in a decidedly un-Honda-like fashion -- the CR-V adds a slew of tech amenities; a rearview camera and Bluetooth phone/audio join the standard features list, along with a text messaging function that reads incoming texts via the audio system and allows you to respond with one of six preset replies.
3: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
A scorpion on the Abarth's badge tells you that this little hatchback isn't here to mess around. Given the longstanding relationship between Fiat and racing-car maker Abarth, talk of a 500 Abarth began the minute the standard 500 hit our shores. Well, the Abarth 500 is finally here, and it doesn't look that much different from the version that's been scorching European pavement. The standard 500 gets just over 100 hp; the Abarth ups that to 160, with a mighty 170 pound-feet of torque, and Abarth-tuned suspension and brakes.
4: 2012 Hyundai Azera
Hyundai has fine-tuned the art of bringing refinement to places where you'd least expect it; just look at what the current-generation Accent and Elantra have done for the subcompact and compact segments. The next stop for the manufacturer is full-size sedans, and last year's pleasant but bland Azera gets a makeover that stirs in glamour and style. With its graceful profile and swooping lines, the new Hyundai is downright elegant, the product of the manufacturer's "fluidic sculpture" design language. A new 3.3-liter engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission ups horsepower by more than 30 relative to the outgoing model. Pricing is up too, though; 2011 base models started at $26,270, while the current model starts at around $32,000.
5: 2013 Chevrolet Spark
While minicars aren't as common a sight on our streets as they are in Europe, the segment is growing, thanks to cheerful new entrants like the Fiat 500. The latest arrival is the Chevy Spark; while it won't hit North American dealerships until mid-2012, it's currently on sale in overseas markets. The Spark separates itself from the minicar rabble by offering four doors and tech amenities like a MyLink infotainment system that can display smartphone-based navigation and media on a 7-inch touchscreen. Just don't expect this mite to sprint like a gazelle; its 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine makes just 85 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque.
Which new models from the show intrigued you most?
adb4 says:
07:25 AM, 11/20/11
"Hits"? I don't work for Ford, but I'm wondering who here works for Honda. The CRV lacks direct injection, six speeds, uplevel powertrain options, blind spot alert, cross traffic detection, voice-command infotainment, telematics capabilities... Need I go on? I would have put the new Escape on your list before the CRV. Bluetooth has been around for years, as have rear-view cameras (although the latter is somewhat new at this price range). Honda's text messaging system only works with Droid and Blackberry, while Pandora only works with Apple stuff--I hope you all have two smartphones...
7driver says:
08:39 AM, 11/20/11
+1 adb
Even the CX5 is more interesting than the new CRV.
teampenske3 says:
08:47 AM, 11/20/11
The CR-V and Azera shouldn't be on the list. The CR-V hasn't made any revolutionary leaps and bounds that will make it jump to the head of a very crowded compact CUV pack. And what's the Azera's achievement? A better alternative to the Avalon?
For me it's the Abarth, Subie BRZ for being the first official showing of one of the Subieyota/Toyobaru twins, GT500 for taking the Camaro/Mustang power war to 11, Porsche 911, and Chevrolet Spark. I'd put the Fiesta ST on there, but for now it's just a concept (read: pipe dream).
firstwagon says:
09:22 AM, 11/20/11
"blind spot alert, cross traffic detection, voice-command infotainment, telematics capabilities... "
Are lame gadgets really what sells cars these days? The point I noticed from the CRV description is it's actually slightly smaller then the old version and that alone should make it to the list these days.
Going through all the autoshow posts I'd say the CX-7 and Abarth are cool but there's nothing I've seen so far that's makes me want to run down to the showroom, cheque in hand.
brn says:
10:48 AM, 11/20/11
firstwagon: "Are lame gadgets really what sells cars these days?"
No, but it's what makes a car stand out at the autoshow. The only reason the Honda made the list is because it's made by Honda. Same for the Hyundai.
bassrockerx says:
11:41 AM, 11/20/11
I think the Subaru XV is more exciting then the Honda crv. Honda needs to kill that 5 speed auto already.
moparbad says:
12:14 PM, 11/20/11
CR-V belongs on the list. A hit from Honda after recent disappointments.
Thanks for not having the BRZ on the list. Continuous hype over a car that belongs on the Toyota stand, or Scion. Visually the BRZ is a Toyota, it is a shame Subaru has done so little to differentiate it.
Cadillac XTS replaces the Azera in my list.
CX-5 is deserving.
I prefer the Singer 911.
Kia GT concept is the final vehicle on my top 5.
Gadgets, we don't need no stinking gadgets!
ne1butu2 says:
12:58 PM, 11/20/11
The Honda CRV is not even newsworthy except for how unexceptional it is.
The Azera is comparable to a six year old Avalon. I don't call Hyundai's visual design "fluidic sculpture" at all. I call it a gooey mess from the Camry Solara school of design.
The Abarth is simply a dolled up 500, which will hopefully help Fiats tanking sales. We'll see.
There are so many more interesting cars from the LA car show, I am not sure how anyone could have arrived at this list.
firstwagon says:
01:23 PM, 11/20/11
"firstwagon: "Are lame gadgets really what sells cars these days?"
No, but it's what makes a car stand out at the autoshow"
Can you power any of these gadgets up and play with them? What makes them stand out other then being listed on a window sticker?
To me style is what makes a car stand out.
In the that sense the CRV shouldn't be on the list but the rest will make people look.
church123 says:
03:19 PM, 11/20/11
The CR-V is going to continue Honda's success in the small CUV market. It'll probably be an overall sales leader or in regular contention for that spot. It has also been well received by its intended audience (women, young families), has a really nice interior for the price and brings some nice luxury and refinement to this class. It doesn't meet my needs in a vehicle, but after driving one around for the better part of a day (at the same event Edmunds went to), I'm not so close minded that I can't acknowledge that it's a very good offering. Regardless of what's under the hood (I think it really only needs a 6th gear) or what acronyms it can list on it's CV, it is certainly competitive acceleration and handling wise with the rest of its competition (meaning 4cyl CUVs)
I haven't driven the new Escape, and can't really comment on the other vehicles mentioned here, but evaluated on it's own, the CR-V is definitely a contender (and I think the styling will hold up better than the Escape's).
inlinesix says:
09:01 PM, 11/20/11
It seems like Honda hasn't done much but slowly increase vehicle size for the past few years. Decreasing the size is an interesting move, like firstwagon said.
I have 2 Honda/Acura cars right now and I enjoy driving them every time I get in. They aren't CRV's but blind spot detection, brake assist tech, voice activated nav and all that crap is just not that interesting.
The 500 is an interesting car. The Spark is also up there.
lostboyz says:
03:50 AM, 11/21/11
The only thing honda did was squeeze out a few more mpg on their old as hell drivetrain. The exterior hasn't even changed that much. Should they get some praise for that? sure. Should it be a "hit" at an auto show where new things are supposed to be displayed? What are you guys smoking?
It's a decent car, but it isn't anything revolutionary or even slightly new. CX5 should replace that.
altimadude05 says:
06:44 AM, 11/21/11
I attended the Tampa Bay Auto Show this weekend, and while it didn't have all the show and flash of the LA auto show, it did have a few new models and Drive-Time Events outside.
Chevy Cruze: Nice interior, but with the seat all the way back, the B-pillar inhibited entry and exit.
Chevy Sonic: Unique interior. Felt a pinch more spacious than the Cruze in the front seat.
Fiat 500: Journalists may love it, people that visited Europe may like it for nostalgia, but you're never going to find me sitting in one ever again.
Dodge Charger: Nice update. Backseat is rather claustrophobic with the tiny side glass.
Ford Focus: Ok interior. Way too many buttons that are too small for my fingertips. With the spare tire in the trunk, the trunk is very shallow and creates two oddly shapped and rather useless wells at the sides of the area.
Ford Fiesta: Again, lots of too-small-for-my-fingers buttons. Doors had the cheapest sound when closing them.
Honda Civic: Interior was nice and roomy. Dash is something to get used to. Cost cutting is apparent in the details. The trunk-mounted release for the one-piece seat back was already broken and hanging by its cable.
Toyota Avalon: Reminded me a lot of my father's DeVille.
Toyota Sienna: Sliding rear Barcalounger is great. Spent 20 minutes just sitting there.
Lincoln display: The only display at the show that had less than 10 people on it.
Kia Rio 5: Most impressed with it. Might be my next car.
Hyundai Veloster: Most unimpressed. I do fit in the back seat, but only if you have the rear hatch open for head room, and after having to contort myself through the odd opening that only a chiropractor can fix. If I were to buy a Hyundai hatch, I would get the Accent 5 door (same car as the Rio-5 actually).
duck87 says:
08:01 AM, 11/21/11
The CRV is utterly unremarkable. Which makes enthusiasts adverse to it, but extremely attractive to its target audience (you know... moms). On paper it compares well to the Ford Escape's base 1.6L and 2.5L engines. I wish there was an uplevel powertrain, or at least a 6 speed, but the package as a whole is very attractive- that's why the current one is the best selling SUV in America so far... I wish I could like the Mazda CX-5, but ultimately I think it's going to suffer the same fate as the Mazda 3... and 6...
I was going to say that I feel that the BRZ should be on the list before it... except that the BRZ is still just a concept, whereas all of the vehicles on this list are going into production.
@altimadude05: can't say that I disagree with your observations. I think the Kia Rio is pretty good for a subcompact; Veloster (especially) and Fiesta, not so much.
awbmw6spd1 says:
08:11 AM, 11/21/11
How is the mustang not number 2 on the list? The most POWERFULL V8 for sale in the WORLD and you pick a CR-V over it. Cmon this is the worst list EVER.
litewerk says:
04:50 AM, 11/22/11
Let me say that the Honda CR-V would not be on my hits list. Yet, I get why it might be for many families. I know someone who purchased a new one 4 or 5 years ago who definitely won't be buying another. She had an expensive air con repair this summer which must not have been covered by a warranty. A few other problems or issues, too. It's my understanding that she'll never buy a Honda again.
coolb944 says:
11:21 AM, 11/22/11
I went to the auto show yesterday. As a car guy, I would say the new 911 is significant for the improvements it's made over its predecessor, and it's a sports car icon. Looking at it on the whole though, other than a 7-speed manual, there's not much groundbreaking here besides enhancements to an otherwise already excellent car. I really had to chuckle to myself, as I took my mom to the show with me since she hasn't been in a few years, and I pointed out that it was the first North American showing of the new 911. All she could say was, "Oh, well,...it doesn't look any different," then walked away. I admit I kinda got bored fast standing there looking at it too. It's a car that cannot be appreciated on a show stand unfortunately, and probably won't get too noticed in the real world besides Porsche and car fans.
Meh, the Azera is good looking, but I agree in replacing it on this list with XTS for the simple fact that it has CUE, which is actually a very very cool system, and something worth giving attention to.
My mom had a current gen CRV, and when she saw the new one, she liked it, but saw no real measurable difference from the last, which is the general conclusion. Funny though, she wasn't impressed by any of the new alternatives at the show, and still preferred the CRV. I as a car fan would have said the CX-5 or Escape are more significant.
The Spark, meh...I was more excited to see the new Malibu and Verano in person, and was dually impressed with both those cars. The new Malibu is VERY attractive, and the cabin looked great.
Yes to the Abarth. I really want to drive one at least, even if I never get around to owning one. Even with the long gestation and constant teasing, the siren call of a lightweight, rear drive sports car in the low 20s that doesn't have the look or the stigma of a chick car is just hard to resist. I really could give a rat's behind if it's a Scion instead of Toyota, and the fact that I can have the choice of a slightly different Subaru version is even better. My mom thought the Subaru was great. What are the complaints, that you've had to wait too long, they only have ~200hp, it's a Scion instead of a Toyota...REALLY! Seriously! WHO CARES!!!!!
Say it with me...Sports Car, Rear Drive, Affordable.