Audi Quattro 2011

Audi Quattro 2011

The 2011 new car model year is upon us and with that also comes the onslaught of cars that were totally redesigned or all-new for the annual changeover. This year there were so many important introductions that it is hard to keep track of them all.

Sure, eco-models like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt have stolen most of the headlines this year but how relevant are these expensive niche models to mainstream new car buyers? For the first few years at least they won't be. It took a while for the Prius to take off so I am sure that the Volt and Leaf, no matter how technologically worthy they may be, won't be racking up huge sales figures the first year either.

So the following list of ten exciting and dynamic new 2011 cars, SUVs and minivans is a best of for the everyman and woman. They are affordable, stylish, efficient and supremely well engineered. Okay, one may be a luxury sedan made from aluminum that can cost upwards of $100,000 but we all deserve to have dreams, right?

The following picks for the most interesting all new 2011 models isn't just for your benefit, however, as I have also yet to have the privilege of testing any of the following models. Consider this my New Year's resolution to hopefully have a road test for each of these models sometime next year. Don't hold your breath for the aluminum luxury sedan but you never can tell what a New Year holds in store. Happy Holidays!

2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo—I tested an EX model with the 2.4 liter 200 horsepower 4-cylinder and fell in love with the Optima family car package. So naturally I am dying to drive the sporting SX variant with the 2.0 liter 274 horsepower 4-cylinder because more power usually equals better. ]

But beyond my near fan-boy Kia slobbering all of this should tell you a thing or two about how much I believe in this car. I can count the times on one hand that I have ever wanted to test a car more than once.

2011 Honda Odyssey—I suspect that I am going to prefer driving this to the Toyota Sienna SE. Lord knows I prefer the Odyssey's far classier interior.

2011 Kia Sportage Turbo—This stylish compact SUV shows that Kia's latest products can cut it appearance-wise in segments above its price range. I read a review that compared the Sportage with a turbo to the Acura RDX and I think that would make for an interesting comparison. It is no doubt far superior to the turbocharged Tiguan given my rather sour experience with that VW.

2011 VW Touareg—This is the VW SUV that you really want to buy. The Touareg seriously slimmed down in weight this year but the overall solidity of the package remains. All new hybrid and V6 TDI powertrains are on offer for 2011 and really separate this SUV from the herd.

2011 Nissan Juke—Wacky styling, a strong 1.6 liter direct injected/turbocharged 4-cylinder good for 188 horsepower/177 lb. feet of torque and doesn't cross $25,000 even fully loaded with AWD? This proves that the 2011 Juke is no Joke and that this is the Mini Countryman that should have been.

2011 Volvo S60—Going just by the looks alone this car should be a huge hit for Volvo. This is the very first sedan from the Swedish automaker that got my pulse racing and I look very much forward to getting to know what it's like from behind the wheel. This one is already scheduled for a test in early February.

2011 Buick Regal—The revolution started with the LaCrosse but I am most intrigued by the Regal as it is so conceptually similar to the Acura TSX which stands as a terrific entry level premium model. Even more fun is no doubt bound to be had in the upcoming turbocharged GS variant. It's exciting to witness this new car renaissance at Buick.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee—Classy, rugged and understated is the best way to describe the styling and build of the latest Grand Cherokee inside and out. This may not garner the headlines but the interior quality found in the latest Grand Cherokee hallmarks a serious turnaround in thinking at Chrysler.

2011 Mazda2—With prices starting under $15,000 very well equipped I think that the simple yet affordable formula Mazda is following with the 2 subcompact should prove a winner. Light, agile and fun always trumps heavy, overcomplicated and overpriced.

2011 Audi A8—What is there not to love about the gorgeously crafted interior and exterior of this design masterwork? Love, love, love wrapped in Quattro goodness and sprinkled with Audi's creamy 4.2 liter 372 horsepower V8. Some competing S-Class and 7-Series models may offer more power but the A8 has more "class," style and panache than they will ever know.