It’s the list you have all been waiting for – our run down of the top cheap cars for 2012. “Cheap” in this case doesn’t necessarily mean crappy. In fact, most auto makers are adding in some very desirable options when they promote a base level compact or economy class vehicle.

Oddly enough, there’s a huge return to manual transmissions with younger car buyers. Part of it may be cost, as well as better mileage per gallon, but stick shifts are undoubtedly back in style.

Have a look at our favorite picks for Least Expensive 2012 Cars.

2012 Nissan Versa

There are two top competitors as the best inexpensive vehicle for 2012. First is the Nissan Versa, which keeps its title of “Cheapest New Car” at $9,990 for the second year in a row. With a 1.6 liter engine under its tiny Japanese hood, redesigned Versa sedans and hatchbacks have a great MPG rating of 26 city, 34 highway.

2012 Hyundai Accent

Tied with Nissan’s Versa, the upcoming Hyundai Accent GL is priced at $9,985 – 9,995 depending on the dealership. This little Korean vehicle that could also houses a small powerplant, which produces 28 MPG in the city (two better than Versa) and a matching 34 MPG on the highway.

2012 Ford Fiesta

Fiesta is entering its sophomore year with spectacular sales and a combined MPG rating of almost 40. Youthful drivers are going for the manual transmission option, while adding on lots of tech extras such as navigation and surround sound speakers. Still, a base Ford Fiesta rings in at around $13,000.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Another newbie for 2012, “Chevy” Sonic will replace the long running Chevrolet Aveo Sedan. Much like Aveo, this vehicle will remain simple yet exciting. With a starting price of $11,965, buyers can add fun options: including remote start, heated seats and an in-dash navigation system. GM boasts their mighty little car receives 27 MPG city, 35 highway.

2012 Kia Soul & Kia Rio

Both coming in at a $13,000 starting price range (Kia Rio – $12,295, Soul – $13,300), Kia vehicles appeal to a youthful crowd. Their stylish rides contain powerful engines, and look as cool as they are fun to drive. Rio receives a redesign for 2012, and ranges in the 28 city/34 highway MPG estimates. Soul still gets incredible mileage at 26 city/31 highway, even without hamsters behind the wheel.

Honorable Mention: Smart Fortwo

The reason we didn’t include Smart Fortwo in our above list is because Smartcars still fall into a niche market. Your average new car shopper probably won’t purchase a Fortwo right away, but they shouldn’t turn from it so soon. As $12,490 MSRP, Smart’s two-seater is in direct competition with Fiat 500, and claims MPG ratings of 33 city, 41 highway.

Sources: carsdirect.com | Auto Trader

Ladies & Gentlemen, boys & girls, CHILDREN of all ages. Automopedia proudly brings to you the 2010 Paris…Motor…Show…PREVIEW! You may not be in The City of Lights for this auto event, happening October 2nd thru 17th, but you can check out what we think will be exciting unveils right here:

Citroen DS4

French automaker Citroen will unveil a new hatchback designed to continue the brand’s assault on the premium vehicle market. However, while most automakers associate luxury with sedan bodystyles, Citroen is attempting to carve out its own niche as seen with vehicles like the previous DS3 and this new DS4.

The DS4 is the second model in Citroen’s distinctively-styled DS line and combines a practical hatchback body with coupe-like styling. Sharing much of its mechanicals with the C4, the DS4 is further differentiated from its lesser counterparts thanks to a more upmarket interior and unique styling. Customers will be able to choose from five different engine options: two turbodiesels and three gasoline units.

Mazda Shinari Concept

Shinari four-door coupe concept car at an exclusive event in Milan, Italy. The latest concept is the result of a collaboration between Mazda’s design studios in Germany, the U.S. and Japan and previews the automaker’s future design language.

The new design language has been labeled “Kodo,” the Japanese word for soul of motion. Key design elements include the aluminum signature wing and the sculpted body. Speaking at the Shinari’s unveiling, Mazda design boss Ikuo Maeda said: “this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements.” Few other details have been revealed, including whether or not Mazda plans to put the Shinari into production.

2011 Lotus Evora S

Designed to be a more focused, better communicating take on the Evora GT-light experience, the Evora S offers a boost to 345 horsepower from the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine–which may or may not be fitted with a compact supercharger as expected, as Lotus completely left it out of the press release. It’s almost certainly there, as gaining 69 horsepower over the stock Evora’s 276-horsepower rating isn’t indicative of tuning and exhaust work alone.

The Evora S also features a stiffer suspension, cross-drilled brakes to improve fade resistance, a sport button that adjusts throttle response, raises the rev limit and activates an exhuast bypass valve for freer breathing and more sound. A more aggressive aerodynamics package, as spied earlier this month, including a large rear diffuser also mark the Evora S out from the normal Evora. The IPS is a six-speed automatic transmission with manual paddle-shift mode.

2011 Chevrolet Orlando

The Orlando is based on the same front-wheel drive Delta platform that underpins cars like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt range-extended electric vehicle, and despite its compact proportions the new MPV will be able to seat seven thanks to three row seating.

Under the hood there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet’s latest fuel efficient engines: one gasoline engine will be available, a 1.8-liter unit with a power output of 141 horsepower and two diesel units, both displacing 2.0-liters and developing 131 horsepower and 163 horsepower respectively. First sales will start in Europe early next year, with customers able to choose from three trim levels with standard equipment on all cars including electronic stability control, six air-bags, air conditioning and power mirrors.

Peugeot SR1 Concept

the model codenamed H1 will be a follow-up to the critically-acclaimed SR1 concept. It will reportedly measure 14.1 feet long and use a diesel hybrid powertrain. More importantly, the concept will preview the front-end styling of the 2012 Peugeot 208.

As we have previously reported, the SR1 featured a Hybrid4 all-wheel drive system which had a 215 hp 1.6-liter THP gas engine powering the front wheels and a 94 hp electric motor motivating the rear. This unique setup gave the sports car a combined 309 hp and allowed it to consume 48 mpg.

SMART Scooter

Smart will unveil a new two-wheel plug-in scooter at the Paris Motor Show in October. Citing sources close to the automaker, the scooter will be part of a long term plan to diversify the underperforming brand.

The electric scooter will join the recently facelifted Smart ForTwo, and the upcoming new 2013 ForFour. With a rear-mounted engine sending power to the rear wheels, the new ForFour will be the second step in gaining customers uninterested in the ForTwo. “Smart was originally established to tackle the need for improved mobility, especially in congested city environments,” a Daimler manager told Autocar. “Up to now we have concentrated our efforts on four-wheel solutions. The next stage is to looking at how to expand beyond this with other environmentally friendly vehicles.”

Specs, Pictures: Motor Authority | World Car Fans ]]> http://www.automopedia.org/2010/08/30/your-2010-paris-motor-show-preview/feed/ 0 http://www.automopedia.org/2010/03/04/a-look-at-todays-delorean-motor-co/ http://www.automopedia.org/2010/03/04/a-look-at-todays-delorean-motor-co/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:58:51 +0000 automopedia http://www.automopedia.org/?p=3971 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2010/03/04/a-look-at-todays-delorean-motor-co/.

DeLorean Motor Company – now tucked away in the landscape of Crystal Lake, IL – has come a long way from cocaine scandals and Back to the Future trilogies. As a rebirth it’s quite an interesting tale: you can buy yourself a “brand new” DMC-12 made from parts of the 1981-82 model left over after the company went belly-up. It’s a classic love affair of car and geek…and we love how she looks today.

Let’s face it – Santa has been cruising the skies every Christmas Eve in an outdated ride. He should have Cash 4 Clunkered that puppy years ago. Well, luckily the Spirit of Giving is alive and well at some International Auto Makers (control your laughter). Audi, GE, Vauxhall and others got together to design an updated rig for Kris Kringle, so he can tow gifts and coal for the brats of the world in style. Result: A lot of very strange looking cars, which will probably end up on showroom floors next year, when companies realize they have no new models to promote. Also, what exactly will happen the reindeer? Hmm…these burgers taste delicious, why is one glowing red tho…oh my GOD!

Aston Martin

I suppose Santa is pretty well off – enough so that he (or Mz. Clause, what does she do for a living anyway?) can afford monthly payments on Aston Martin’s Holiday Sleigh. Better put The Club on that puppy when your parking it in certain urban areas, Kris.

Audi Sleigh

Can’t really be too impressed by Audi’s attempt at an updated Santa ride – it’s just a red A1 with roof rack. It’ll be perfect if Jason Statham ever plays St. Nicolas in some B-movie.

General Electric

Apparently, GE makes cars now – or at least Alec Baldwin’s 30Rock character would like them to. GE’s (probably all-electric) sleigh is pretty basic, but what’s with their Supervillian version of Santa?

Jaguar

Wow – Aston Martin, Audi and now Jag? What do these auto makers think KK is made of, money?! It’s a propeller-powered-plane, also. Still an update from his old sleigh, but at least put a jet on there guys.

Land Rover

Tata Motors and Christmas – the Middle Eastern company is not the first place I’d think of when celebrating the Birth of a Christian lord, but what do I know – I stopped going to church at 13. Land Rover’s Sleigh is most likely perfect for getting around Northern Vermont, but that’s about it.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall is not just an exit n the Garden State Parkway (Exit 141) it’s also an overseas car maker. And I have to say, their updated sleigh design blows away most others. So, how is Santa gonna get to the dealership?

Pictures via Jalopnik

They’ll be trading off sexist puns in the pit at future NASCAR events, as Female Race Star Danica Patrick signs a deal to compete part-time in next season’s Nationwide Series. Danica has flirted with NASCAR for months (and its fans…well if you count Google Image Searching her with parental controls off as flirting) – Now it’s official, for a limited time only, it seems.

Patrick, 27, announced she would still compete in the full IndyCar Series season for Andretti Autosport, but is keeping her options open. This seems to include a deal penned with NASCAR fav Dale Earnhardt Jr., one of four owners of JR Motorsports. Her schedule, or even when Danica will start with Nationwide, remains a mystery. However, her first official stock car race will take place next week, when she participates in the Automobile Racing Club of America test session Dec. 18-20 at Daytona International Speedway.

According to sources: “Patrick is planning to enter the Feb. 6 ARCA season opener in a JR Motorsports-prepared Chevrolet. Her performance in that race will in part determine what Nationwide races she does in 2010.”

Source: Boston Herald

There’s part of me that wishes to cry “Hypocrites!” at the Chinese. For one, they make crappy cars, and they love Buicks?! Their government is also stereotyped for being very sexiest – case in point: the sexualization of China’s Car Salesperson of the Year – Vivi. Ok, yes, she’s stunning, and has the longest legs on that side of the globe. But it still seems a bit hypocritical of the Chinese. We could also take it as her empowerment as a female, which in that case this is more then appropriate.

“At a Citroen dealer in China, 21 year old Vivi works as a saleswomen which has resulting in her winning the coveted Miss car saleswomen title as voted by the Chinese “Wo” magazine. She seems to have developed some excellent techniques judging by these photos including the highly effective “oops, I dropped my pen” technique and the equally impressive self unbuttoning blouse.”

There has always been a unwritten war between automotive enthusiasts and bicycles. Major metropolitan areas have designated bike lanes running across most major roads – of course don’t expect the pot holes or post-storm debris to be cleared from those areas. In the UK, highway officials seem to be slightly annoyed at the painting of bicycle lanes on their roads – and have sent a clear message for those on two-wheels & pedals.

from Jalopnik via The Guardian

Many of the world’s top auto makers bowed out of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show – and those who came brought their strangest concepts to date. There were not a huge amount of cars on the floor of Tokyo this year, due to a poor economy and slow R&D roll out. Even the companies that DID show up did-not have an abundance of vehicles. 2009 Tokyo Motor Show looks more like a science fair – robot parts, cutaway cars and transmission experiments. Have a look at the oddities of this year’s event.

Lexus LFA Cutaway

In order to wow audiences with their remarkable 4.8-liter V10 powertrain, Lexus hung a wire-netting cut-out of their $400,000 LF-A Sports Car. The fully constructed 2010 Lexus LFA was also on display in Tokyo, but this 3D diagram is far more interesting.

Subaru Wannabe NASCAR

Subaru had their GT300 (aka Legacy B4) sitting in full race car attire – think they’re pining for a day when more foreign autos will be allowed in NASCAR/stick car races? It does keep the small 2.0-liter engine and AWD found in most Subaru models.

Daihatsu Basket

The Daihatsu Basket is a tiny, two-seater pickup truck with an open rear window that looks like…well it looks like a basket. Yeehaw!

Honda Butt-Mobility

Honda got back – your back. Part of Honda’s Mobility line-up includes a posture-brace device that helps people work on their feet or in awkward positions all day. It also, apparently, gives you quite the shapely behind.

Lexus LS600h Massive Transmission

The LS600 hybrid transmission from Lexus is MASSIVE. Another Tokyo cutaway, the Lexus hybrid automatic transmission is about the sexiest piece of auto-art we’ve ever seen.

Nissan Land Glider

The Nissan Land Glider is a car that leans into corners and as you go – but there’s only room for your head in their latest concept.

photos: Jalopnik

Scooters were once for hipsters, mods and old Italian men – but not anymore. In cities across the world Vespa, Honda, Buddy, are all becoming as common as bikes & cars. Any why not?! They’re inexpensive, can be cheap to insure/maintain and speedy. As urbanization takes over for globalization, and people pack themselves into small metro areas, the need for alternative forms of commute are needed. Not everyone feels comfortable peddling through traffic on Market St. at 8.30 am between buses and NJ drivers, and a motorcycle is just too much to handle in a small space. That’s where the scooter comes in – and whether you have a Pretty in Pink Vespa or a beater Buddy, you’re submerged in the subculture.
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“Scootering” has drawn a huge fanbase in cities like Portland, New York and Philadelphia. Some places (Center City for example!) even have scooter parking. The pluses are simple – ranging from a 49cc to 150cc motors you are really saving on fuel prices. Insurance can range in only the single-to-double digits per month/year, again depending on motor size and also your city of residence. You can’t beat the price tag – a new Vespa may run you upwards of $4800 but other brands tend to stay around the the $2000-2500 price tag. Your best bet, if you don’t mind used, is to find a certified scooter retailer and grab a pre-owned.

Be warned – you are still purchasing/riding a motorized form of transit. You need to have a helmet and be aware of surroundings – you’re part of traffic, don’t go wizzing in and out of lanes/between cars. The cops don’t like this…trust us on that one. But compared to the hassles of owning a car in the city, not to mention insuring/parking it, the lifestyle of a scooter owning is something that can only become more addictive.

We already showed you our Top 10 Favorite Reveals from the 2009 Frankfurt (that’s Germany, baby) Auto/Motor Show – but there were plenty of disappointing rides as well…10 at least! Many were design related, and with some auto makers we expected more in the performance avenue. There’s no accounting for taste in today’s world, I guess. Have a look at the 10 biggest disappointments from Frankfurt ’09 – and let us know what you think!

10. Audi A5 Sportback

Audi’s A5 & S5 Sportback does boast a powerful 333 HP, 324.53 lb-ft of torque V6, but the “Back” of this car doesn’t look any fancier then your average Audi.

9. Peugeot BB1 Concept

Peugeot’s 20 HP four-passenger ride, BB1, has confused the heck out of us since we started reviewing vehicles at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Loving the suicide doors, but it is uncomfortable to the eyes. Stick to making road bikes Peugeot.

8. Volvo C30 & C70

When you bring new concepts to an event like Frankfurt 2009, you gotta carry the big guns. Volvo, however, showed up with their two-door models for 2010 and, well, we’re not impressed – even with the bevy of engine options that are supposed to come with each vehicle.

7. Volkswagen Up!

We like the idea behind VW’s “3+1″ City Car – but the Up!/E-Motion hasn’t changed much from initial concept phase, which began almost two years ago. Although, Volkswagen claims Up! can reach 30 mph in about 3 seconds, and might be using an Audi engine…sweet.

6. 2010 Saab 9-5

Saab is suffering from the same issues as VW & and Volvo at Frankfurt – bringing a not-so-impressive looking 2010 model and attempting to “wow.” Saab is, according to their press release, bringing out the 2010 9-5 with a 180 HP “all the way up to” a 2.8 turbo V6 putting out 300 HP.

5. Anything Kia Motors

Who the hell let Kia into this (or any) auto show?! Kia’s Venga is basically The Soul for Europe…zzzzzz. A range of 1.4 petrol and 1.6 diesel engines are offered with power ranging from 74 to 113 HP.

4. Citroen Revolte Concept

“Revolte” – really guys? We have nothing against the design, and we’ll give you a pass on the Barney-like paint job. But go back to the drawing board when it comes to names. Seriously.

3. Volkswagen Phaeton

It’s not a Passat, even though it looks like one, and doesn’t have much more of a performance status. Some of the concepts VW brought to Germany were fantastic. The Phaeton…is not.

2. 2010 Dodge Caliber

Dodge took a wrong turn on its way to the junk yard and somehow ended up parking their 2010 Caliber in Frankfurt. Dodge claims they will continue to build “performance cars” for a horse power crazed public – that’s great guys, good luck with everything.

1. The Trabant

The Trabant is a throwback to Russian automobiles of a Cold War Era. Why anyone would produce it is about as bizarre to us as why Dodge would come to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto/Motor Show. Trabant is an all-electric car produced by a toy manufacturer. Yup. In Soviet Russia, car drives you!

photos via jalopnik & worldcarfans