Heels On Wheels: Katrina's 2012 Top 5 Vehicle Picks

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HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE 2012 VEHICLES.

Compact, sporty, fuel-saving engines with a fun-to-drive factor define many of my top 2012 vehicles. From the Hyundai Veloster to the Toyota Prius Plug-in, the trend with carmakers is to take what consumers already crave and come up with more functional that doesn’t hold back on delivering a quick injection of fun, style or a lot of interior technology and space for your money.

Sometimes that’s in a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine. Other times it is defined by a coupe-like shape with three doors or standard Bluetooth connectivity and steering-wheel audio controls. And in many cases – since value is a most cherished and much sought-after vehicle attribute – you can find these qualities in one car. Here’s my 2012 Top 5 Vehicle Picks:

2012 Hyundai Veloster. . This sporty-looking coupe for four has a unique three-door system for better people loading and 1.6-liter GDI engine that gets a combined 32 miles-per-gallon. At just $17,300, you can actually afford to upgrade to the Veloster’s finer entertainment optional equipment like a Style Package (18-inch wheels, sunroof, and eight-speaker audio system). The bolster seating and efficient instrument panel give the inside a driver-centric, athletic feel. A real standout is Hyundai’s Blue Link system that synchronizes your traveling music device to the screen in seconds.

2012 Prius Plug-in Vehicle (PHV). . You’ll have to hold out until spring to drive this PHV, but the more compact lithium-ion battery that now has a maximum cruising range of approximately 13 miles in electric-only mode with highway speeds of more than 60 MPH will be worth the wait. It takes little effort to maintain: Just plug in the standard 20-foot 120V cordset into the charging port and then into your home outlet for a cost of about $1.50 per charge. Staring price will be $32,000 for the Prius Plug-in. The Advanced trim comes with power seating (an option I know I’ve always wished for with the Prius). And look for the Prius V model that offers more cargo space.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle. . The redesign screams more muscle with the all-new 2-liter turbocharged DOHC inline four-cylinder engine equally delivering an instant pickup. Opt for the six-speed manual transmission and DSG, or Direct Shift Gearbox; or go with the automatic that also allows to driver to take gear control with paddle shifters. Fuel economy is 21 miles-per-gallon city and 30 highway with the turbo. Price starts at $19,795 – for this you get an eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats and a multifunction trip computer. Not too shabby for a compact that’s been embraced by millions around the world.

2012 Kia Rio5.. This stylish and spirited hatchback offers more cargo room than previous models and advanced performance technologies, like a Gasoline Direct Injection engine with an Idle Stop and Go, or ISG feature that shuts the motor off during stops. All this helps the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine deliver 30 miles-per-gallon city and 40 highway in an attention-grabbing manner. At $13,600, this fuel-friendly contender also comes in a sedan version, too, and sportier trims.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic. Aggressive styling and nimble handling define the all-new Sonic with an available 138-horspower 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The standard 135-horsepower 1.8-liter isn’t too shabby, either -- Chevy Corvette engineers are the masterminds behind the two powertrains. Highlights inside include XM Radio, USB and Bluetooth functionality, and MyChevrolet smart phone application with OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response system. Available in a hatchback for 14,635 dollars or sedan for 13,735 dollars, the Sonic is a major contender in the compact car market.