Focus of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show is Compact
Detroit has played host to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) for more than one hundred years. While in recent years the show has suffered due to the economic environment and a sluggish automotive industry, this year the NAIAS is back with a bang. A slew of exciting production and concept cars from the United States, Asian and European automakers graced the floors of the 2012 NAIAIS.
Several new technologies as well as improvements on existing technologies debuted. Whether it was a sleeker, sexier body on the 2013 Ford Fusion or the return of the Acura NSX in a gasoline-electric concept model, automakers were putting their best on display. One thing is for sure; regardless of the number of exotic cars exhibited, green technologies and compact cars were the focus of the show. This fact is reflective of the current sentiments of most Americans in regards to fuel rates and the economy as a whole. For this reason we are going to examine a few of these more modest vehicles.
2013 Ford Fusion
Ford is busting out the 2013 Fusion in three distinct categories: the standard model, the 47-mpg Fusion and the plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi.
The standard model will feature three engine options:
- a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 170 horsepower with 170 pound-feet of torque, engine
- a fuel-efficient version with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, 179 horsepower with 172 pound-feet torque, plus fuel economy of 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway
- a high-performance version with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet torque
The hybrid version will feature:
- A 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, 180 horsepower, with and 130 pound-feet of torque
- Possibly 47 mpg city and 44 mpg highway (final numbers are not in from the EPA yet)
- A slammin’ design that makes the car just as fun to look at as it is to drive
The plug-in hybrid:
- 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with a lithium-ion battery
- Possibly 100 MPGe
Toss in features like voice-activated technologies, rear view camera and active park assist it’s no wonder this beauty was the darling of the 2012 NAIAIS.
2013 Toyota Prius C
While we all have made our New Year’s resolution to be more environmentally friendly, Toyota has done it and wrapped into a sporty little package for under $19k.
The Prius C features:
- a 1.5-liter DOHC four with Hybrid Synergy Drive
- 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway
- a base sticker price under $19,000
Fuel savings and money savings is what these cars are all about. While these may not be your main focus points when choosing your ideal car, it’s something to consider. Whether the car is site or awaiting transport, test drive either the 2013 Ford Fusion of 2013 Toyota Prius C when it hits the dealer’s lot. You might just surprise yourself at how much you dig on one of these modest vehicle lines.
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