Top Cars For 2012

Steven Pierce
November 4, 2012

With 2012 nearing its completion, we take a look back on the most interesting and significant brand-new model debuts this year. Sure to fetch high dollar at the car auctions of the future, these models have all brought something new and worthwhile to their respective segments.

Passenger Car: Dodge Dart

Dodge's new Dart was developed from the Italian Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but its styling is all-American. Three engine choices are highlighted by the Fiat 500 Abarth's 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder, which not only manages admirable power but also brings up to 28 city/41 highway mpg. The Dart is spacious for a compact car, drives like a sport coupe and offers a true manual transmission, even at the most luxurious Limited and R/T trim levels.

Hybrid: Toyota Prius c

The Prius c is not only one of the least expensive hybrid cars on the market at around $19,000; it's also the most fuel-efficient. The EPA rates the "c" at 53 city/46 highway/50 combined mpg for an insanely low $1,150 average annual fuel expenditure based on current gas prices. It's also more fun in the corners than the standard Prius Liftback, and comes with Toyota's new Entune advanced smartphone-pairing infotainment system.

SUV: Lexus RX

Just now hitting dealerships in 2012 for the 2013 model year, Lexus's new RX line-up of luxury crossover SUVs is a much bolder choice than last year's model. From the race-inspired F-Sport to the hybrid RX 450h (the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market), the RX once again has other luxury manufacturers playing catch-up. Leather interior, a nine-speaker premium audio system and real wood trim help lend a touch of class. The base RX 350, at around $43,000, is around the price of a compact luxury sedan but with so much more everyday utility.

Luxury: BMW 3-Series

Every time BMW redesigns its class sales-leading 3-Series luxury sport sedan, all the world's other automakers need to raise the bar just to compete. Debuting for 2012, the all-new 3-Series comes standard with an efficient new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for an outstanding 34 highway mpg rating. More important to luxury buyers is the sedan's unmatched driving dynamics. BMW's iDrive infotainment system has improved over the years from "completely unusable" to "second nature," just as its best-selling model continues to rack up auto journalism comparison test wins and happy buyers.

Did you know: Auto auctions are not just for older-model used cars. Oftentimes, manufacturers have unsold new cars at the end of the model year. These are sent to auction and can be had for a fraction of the price of a brand-new car.

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This article was brought to you by Southside Auto Auctions. For more information about affordable Brisbane Car Auctions visit us at http://www.southsideautoauctions.com.au/ .