Report by Martin Swig
What a recovery! Two and three years ago, the Detroit manufacturers were almost dead, and their exhibit spaces reflected that. The Los Angeles Auto Show was alive in 2011. Domestic and import manufacturers have a ton of enticing new product.
As you wander through thinking “which one would I buy?” you can’t narrow it down to just one. The Toyota/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.
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.
My own report with photos will be coming out soon – watch for it!
My Motorways 