10. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Richard Drew / AP
Hoping to shed its reputation as a brand for that specializes in cars
for the elderly, the German automaker is bringing on a compact sedan
with a combination of power, style, aerodynamics, seating for five and
new technical features, such as collision prevention assist, which warns
drivers of obstacles and helps them apply the necessary pressure to the
brake pedal. The CLA’s turbocharged engine generates 208 horsepower as
well as sport suspension and optional all-wheel-drive system. It also
gets 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Prices for the CLA
start at $29,900.
9. 2014 Mazda3
Junko Kimura / Bloomberg / Getty Images
The Mazda3 compact, with its long hood and curvy sheet metal, comes
with an exterior that sets the car apart from compact models from other
manufacturers. The design that has carried over to the interior where
Mazda has eliminated hard plastics in favor of softer materials, coupled
with fresh instrument panel give the cabin a more expensive ambience.
The 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine gets 29 mpg in city driving and 41 on the
highway. The Mazda3 is also equipped with multiple air bags and
stability control, which can be augmented by optional safety aids such
lane departure alters brakes to stop the car at low speeds if a
potential collision is detected. Prices start at $16.945.
8. 2014 Rolls Royce Wraith
The Asahi Shimbun / Getty Images
It’s not very often Rolls Royce introduces a new model so the
appearance of the new Wraith is something of an event. The Wraith offers
an aristocratic exterior but is designed to be driven by the owner
rather than a chauffeur. The interior can be designed to suit the owners
specific taste with everything from custom-fitted umbrella holder to
bespoke leather seats, The Wraith is powered by V12 engine that produce
624 horsepower and no one asks about the fuel economy ratings though
they are available, 13 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Prices for the Wraith start at $285,000.
7. 2014 Jeep Cherokee
The 2014 Cherokee carries on Jeep’s tradition of building vehicles
that can travel over any kind of terrain. But the exterior design of the
new Cherokee has been softened and rounded to appeal to a wider
audience. The versatile interior of the new Cherokee is also almost
plush and the vehicle’s driving dynamics have also improved so it rides
more like a car than a truck. The engine options include a 2.4-liter
engine that delivers 184 horsepower and the nine-speed automatic
transmission helps boost fuel economy by 45 percent as the Cherokee’s
rating is 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Prices start at
$22,995.
6. 2014 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Regis Lefebure / Jaguar Land Rover North America / AP
After a half-century hiatus, Jaguar has introduced a brand new,
up-to-date, two-seat sports car. The F-Type comes with classic,
low-slung proportions and unique styling as well as modern touches such
as LED head and tail lights. It also features a cockpit-like driver’s
seat, a convertible top, a powerful engine and a chassis designed to
deliver dynamic driving performance. Two engine options are available,
including a 380 horsepower V6. The F-Type will reach 60 mph in 5.1
seconds and a combined fuel economy rating of 31 mpg. Prices for the
F-Type start at $69,000.
5. 2014 Infiniti Q50
Tony Ding / AP
The sport sedan has been a feature of Infiniti’s model line for a
quarter of a century and the latest version is lower and wider, giving
the latest version a whole new profile as well a new appearance from the
front and rear as well as making it roomier on the inside. The new body
design reduces aerodynamic drag which helps improve overall fuel
economy. The Q50, which is equipped with a 328-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6
engine, rated at 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, also
features a lightweight suspension and a new steering system and
electronic steering gear with mechanical backup as well as an upgraded
driver assistance systems such as lane departure prevention. Prices
start at $36,700.
4. 2014 Fiat 500 L
Valentin Flauraud / Bloomberg / Getty Images
The subcompact Fiat 500L is the wider and longer version of the Fiat
500 minicar. It has 42 percent more interior space than the original
Fiat 500 and thus can seat five. The extra space also means more room
for the driver and front seat passenger. The 500L also comes with
multiple air bags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.
Hands-free calling and Bluetooth audio as well as voice-command control
of the radio and integration of portable music devices are also
available. The 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine in the 500L produces 160
horsepower and fuel economy is 25 mpg in the city driving and 33 mpg on
the highway. Prices for the 500L start at $19,100.
3. 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country
GM
Pickup trucks continue to evolve while retaining their basic shape and utility. The Silverado High Country,
Chevrolet‘s
first upscale truck, features an interior with leather upholstery and
audio system traditionally associated with expensive cars rather than
work trucks. The new Silverado’s suspension is tuned to make it more
like driving in a big, comfortable sedan. The standard engine on the
Silverado High Country is a 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 with active
fuel management to shut down four cylinders during highway driving to
help save fuel. It is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the
highway. Prices start at $45,100.
2. 2014 Cadillac CTS
John Moore / Getty Images
General Motors
is out to rebuild Cadillac’s image. The new CTS comes in five-inches
longer than the previous version. It also weighs 200 pounds less and
comes with a new suspension, providing better control when the car is in
motion. The new CTS is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 with 321 horsepower
that deliver 19 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. A 420
horsepower V6 with twin turbochargers is also available. The new CTS
features automatic parking assist to help maneuver into parallel spaces
by using ultrasonic sensors which, along with cameras and radar, also
help the driver avoid front- and rear-end collisions at low speed.
Prices start at $46,025.
1. 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe
Stan Honda / AFP / Getty Images
BMW is replacing the popular 3 series coupe with a two-door vehicle
that is wider, longer and lower to the road. The standard engine is a
turbocharged four-cylinder, rated at 23 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on
the highway. The 4 Series Coupe also is equipped with an array of
systems to increase safety. The highlights include an updated navigation
system, with sharper graphics and 3D elements for the map display, the
full-color BMW “Head-Up Display” with the speedometer reflected on the
wind shield and driving assistant plus, which warns the driver of a
potential collision with a pedestrian. Price for the BMW 4-Series start
at $41,425.
