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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/10/12/the-best-least-expensive-cars-for-2012/.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 ,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 ,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 ,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 ,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 ,000 starting price range (Kia Rio – ,295, Soul – ,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 ,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

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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

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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.

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