New Models to Keep an Eye On

The new year will bring some hot new models to the vehicle market. Here is a list to keep an eye on.

Chevrolet:
		The 2013 Chevrolet Spark comes from overseas to become the latest addition to the Chevy lineup, joining the Cruze and the Sonic to give the Bowtie a formidable presence in the small car segments. The Spark falls into microcar territory and competes against cars like the Fiat 500 and coming Scion iQ. It will feature four passenger doors and more cargo room than both, and there is even an electric version for those looking to go green.

Ford:
		Ford's redesigned 2013 Ford Escape made its world debut at the 2011 LA Auto Show. The Escape drops the hybrid option in its latest compact crossover offering, but offers up a pair of EcoBoost engines that should give the Escape class leading fuel economy. It also gets some impressive features, like a class-exclusive power liftgate that you can open with no hands.

Honda:
		After giving a makeover to one of its best-selling models earlier this year in the Civic, Honda keeps the ball rolling with the redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V.Honda is hoping  to keep its place at the top of the compact SUV/crossover heap.

Mazda:
		The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is Mazda's new entrant into the competitive compact crossover market. The CX-5, which made its North American debut, will feature Mazda's new Skyactiv engine technology so expect great fuel economy to go along with that indefinable Mazda fun-to-drive factor.

Toyota:
		Toyota has expanded the Prius family for this year and we had a chance to check out the bigger, more versatile 2012 Toyota Prius v at an event in Charlotte. The Prius v keeps a lot of the same characteristics that made the original Prius so popular and adds on wagon-like utility. With over 40 combined mpg and extra cargo and passenger room, the 2012 Prius v seems like a case where more... actually is more.  -NewCars.com and AtlantaAutoBeat Staff