The New Car Scene
from the L.A. Show

What a recovery!  Two and three years ago, the Detroit manufacturers were almost dead, and their exhibit spaces reflected that.  This year, the show is alive.  Domestic and import manufacturers have a ton of enticing new product.

Subaru BRZ

As you wander through thinking “which one would I buy?” you can’t narrow it down to just one.  The Scion/Subaru joint venture RWD sport coupe is number one on my list.  But maybe I want to wait for a production Audi E-tron, easily the handsomest car there to my eye.  Close behind, the Audi S6-S7-S8 trio are enticing.  And at another level, Hyundai and Kia offerings are handsome bargains.

Audi E-tron

The revenge of “cheap” cars:  While the top tier cars are better than ever, so much good stuff has migrated down to less expensive cars that it’s tempting to be an anti-snob and pick a cheap and cheerful model.  A Nissan Versa, from $11,000, is a staggering bargain.  A Chevy Spark, Ford Escape, Toyota Yaris and Fiat 500 are all under $20,000 and have considerable ability, and maybe even charm.  Mini-Cooper continues to dazzle, and the new VW Beetle is better than ever.

Blown Chrysler 300 teaser motor photo

New Ford Escap

I drove the 800-mile roundtrip to L.A. in a new Lexus CT 200h, which I was fully prepared to dislike.  But in real life I found it to be very adequate, with a capable chassis, firm leather seats, and a thoroughly Germanic feel.  Except for the hybrid part.  But that was okay too.  Fuel consumption,a little heavy in 90 mph running – 33 miles per gallon.  But it’s quiet and capable.  NOT an enthusiast car, and costing around $40,000, I’ll still stick to my first choices.

I recently tried an $88,000 Range Rover non-supercharged.  Beautifully done inside and out, and more interesting than a $60,000 Mercedes Benz ML Diesel, but neither had the verve and driving balance of a $50,000 Infiniti FX35.  The big shocker was a fourth SUV I drove recently, a $23,000 Nissan Rogue.  This car will never get you front and center with the valet parker, but it’s tastefully designed, nicely finished in a simple way, and handles crisply and comfortably.  Although it was front wheel drive, 4WD would only add about $1,500 and would make it competitive with the three much more expensive alternatives.

One friend of mine suggested that the car to buy was the newest Toyota Camry – a totally capable, inoffensive car that didn’t make my personal cut.  But his reasoning makes sense:  Buy the least costly, most reliable, all-around capable car you can find.  Then you can spend all your time and money on some stupid, demanding collector car that you find irresistible.