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Special Yearly Car Review New for 2012
By Madelyn Miller, The TravelLady
This has been an evolutionary year for cars. Manufacturers worked to find ways to get significant increases in Miles Per Gallon (MPG). And sometimes these changes led to design changes that were more appealing than earlier models. Storage space seems to be better planed (who can ever have too much storage space?) and many have trunks larger than previous models. Decorative design elements seem to be a trend and tail lights seem snazzier. The Buick Verano, for example, has turquoise top stitching. As I attended many manufacturers’ presentations, everyone mentions safety. Air bags seem to be multiplying like rabbits. They might be the new status symbol. The Scion has 11 airbags. But the biggest improvements are in sync applications.
Lexus RX 350
Striking design elements such as a sharply defined shoulder line and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels make the 2012 Lexus RX 350 both aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. Loaded with the luxury and smart features you’d expect from Lexus. The available intelligent high-beam headlamps can automatically switch from high beams to low beams if vehicles are detected ahead. New this year the 2012 Lexus RX 350’s 3.5-liter V6 engine now operates using 87-octane fuel for the first time. What LATINA Style thinks: The Nav system is especially easy to use because the Remote Touch device works with a “mouse” and “click” or voice command. Whether you are the driver or passenger, you will get a smooth, comfortable, luxurious ride.
Scion iQ
The name iQ refers to its combination of intelligence and quality, all cleverly packaged in a car that is only 10 feet long. The Scion iQ is a four seat micro-subcompact, which looks like a cross between a Fiat 500 and a SmartCar. Inside the iQ, the front passenger’s seat is offset from the driver’s, to give the rear passenger optimum legroom. What LATINA Style thinks: The front seats of the car are comfortable but the back seat is a little cramped for anything more than children’s car seats. When the back seat folds down, the trunk is large enough for most tasks. Pluses include great maneuverability and industry leading 11 safety bags.
Hyundai Accent
Expressive, distinctive styling was bound to find its way into a car of this class. The all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent shatters convention with the fluid lines and chiseled curves once reserved for cars costing much more. The eco-efficient 1.6L GDI D-CVVT 4-cylinder engine commanding the all-new Accent offers best-in-class standard fuel efficiency and unsurpassed horsepower, making this vehicle easy on the wallet, and easy to drive. The 111.3 cubic feet of storage is more than the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris. In fact, the EPA even classified Accent as a compact rather than a subcompact, an entire class above Yaris and Fiesta. What LATINA Style thinks: The Hyundai Accent offers a high level of features for an affordable price, and is currently backed by one of the industry’s longest warranties.
Ford Fiesta ST
Besides their bright, attention getting exterior, the quality touches in the 2012 Ford Fiesta interior are unique in the Fiesta class. The seats are as comfortable as those in a luxury car. Efficiency-critical technology, electric power-assisted steering and the available PowerShift™ 6-speed automatic transmission help squeeze out every drop of gas. The Ford Fiesta yields up to 40 miles per gallon. What LATINA Style thinks: The 2012 Ford Fiesta isn’t just cost effective when you drive it, it also has great resale value. If you are looking for affordable spirited performance car, the new Ford Fiesta ST is a great alternative and will pump out lots of power but still be fuel efficient.
Ford Focus
The surprisingly spacious 2012 Ford Focus has a projected fuel economy of up to 40 mpg. The dynamic design reflects the DNA of Ford’s new global design position. It comes with an all-new chassis and suspension that is tighter and better than ever. A new cornering assist, Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) responds to your inputs and puts the torque where the traction is. What LATINA Style thinks: Dual-clutch six-speed PowerShift™ automatic transmission delivers the efficiency of a manual with the ease of operation of a premium automatic transmission. The initial problems with the Ford touch seem to have been resolved with a much friendlier user interface.
Chevy Cruze
This is the compact car that is taking a stance. Poised, confident, and ready to take on the world. Surprisingly roomy, perfectly appointed, a level of richness uncommon in this segment, the 2012 Chevy Cruze body is highly sculpted, rich in body side drama with broad expanses of uncluttered surfaces. It communicates aerodynamics. At 42 mpg highway, the Cruze with the manual transmission is the most fuel-efficient, gas-powered/non-hybrid car in America. What LATINA Style thinks: A premium presence as it goes down the road. The Cruze is everything a small car should be. It gives you more of everything you need - efficiency to safety features to styling. Conventional compact styling is challenged with just one word: more.
Camry XLE
The Camry remains an excellent value as all popular models receive either a price decrease or remain flat in comparison to last generation Camry models. The 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid debut a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, class-leading safety features, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than before. What LATINA Style thinks: Despite all of the enhancements to the all-new Camry, prices for all popular models have been reduced. Representing the best value in the industry’s most competitive segment, Camry should continue to be America’s best-selling car.
Nissan Juke
The 2012 Nissan Juke captures the rhythm of the road. This feisty little hatchback has lively performance and sporty handling. Plenty of high-end features such as standard Bluetooth, iPod integration and available keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, heated seats, a navigation system and a back-up camera add up to a luxurious value. What LATINA Style thinks: Although the front seats are comfortable, there is little headroom in the rear seat because of the Juke’s sloping roof line. The tapering roof line also limits the usefulness of the 10 cubic feet of cargo space available. With the seats down, the trunk is roomy.
Buick Verano
From the first time you see the elegantly styled exterior to the moment you step inside the 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan, you’ll find everything has a purpose. From the premium materials to the spacious trunk, the Verano is comfortable and stylish. What LATINA Style thinks: The unique turquoise top-stitching available on interior seats gives it a fashion flair. By using seat padding in just the right way, the driver’s seat was designed to be comfortable for a petite woman as well as a larger man.
Chevrolet Traverse LTZ
The family-friendly 2012 Chevrolet Traverse seats up to eight passengers and has abundant cargo space. It turns heads as easily as it turns corners. Passenger comfort is found in the small details—10 or 12 cup holders throughout the cabin depending on seat configuration—and big details—like large door handles that are easy to reach. And every Traverse comes with rear air vents so everyone can stay more comfortable, no matter where they’re sitting. What LATINA Style thinks: Combine the elegant styling, a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with its impressive 24 MPG plus more cargo space than any competitor in its class, and it adds up to a car we recommend highly.
Cadillac Escalade
Platinum
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade Platinum sets the standard for luxury. The stunning interior, trimmed in elegant brushed aluminum accents and polished chrome, accommodates up to eight adults comfortably. Luxurious details include supple leather-trimmed, 14-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, elegant French-stitched seams, a premium 10-speaker Bose® 5.1 surround sound system and a leather-and wood-trimmed steering wheel that’s power-adjustable. What LATINA Style thinks: Impressive technology and powerful presence. Expensive but worth it. An investment you will be glad you made.
Ford Edge LTD
The Ford Edge LTD grabs attention as well as it grabs the road. Turbocharged direct-injection, EcoBoost engines produces the kind of torque you might expect from a V6. With a sleek roof, an aerodynamic shape and a commanding profile, Edge is ready for action. It is the only crossover in its category that has a keyless driver’s entry keypad available. What LATINA Style thinks: Amazing gas mileage for a crossover—up to 30 MPG. The Edge’s smart good looks, competitive pricing and strong resale and reliability record, make this a good choice.
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