Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com Editors Introduce 10 Cars from 2012 Freshman Class

Editors Name 10 New Nameplates to Know In Coming Year

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Dec 05, 2011, 05:00 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used vehicle information, today announces the 2012 Freshman Vehicle Class (http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-new-cars-for-2012/.)

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While each new model year brings dozens and dozens of all-new cars, most arrive wearing familiar nametags. While the totally redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry is a big deal, there's a lot on the line when revamping the best-selling car in the country – it doesn't stir the same kind of intrigue as totally new cars like the 2012 Hyundai Veloster or 2012 Fiat 500.

"The car world is indeed getting smaller, as evidenced by this year's freshman car class," said Jason Allan, editor of online content for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "There's only one new car on the list not powered by a four-cylinder engine, and that car, Mitsubishi i, runs on electricity alone. Even the new Land Rover features a four-banger, albeit a turbocharged version still good for 240 horsepower."

2012 Freshman Class: 10 Cars to Get to Know

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Smaller, more daringly styled and more capable on-road than its forbearers, the 2012 Evoque represents the future of Land Rover's upscale Range Rover lineup. Thankfully the Range Rover Evoque hasn't forgotten its roots and is more than happy to slog through mud or ford streams before it transports its occupants to da club. Holla!

2012 Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is the oldest car on the list: We first drove it way back at the beginning of 2011, it went on sale not long after that, and it topped this year's list of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000. More affordable and not as tightly wound as a Mini Cooper, we like the Fiat 500's style-based approach to driving pleasure.

2012 Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai knows what buyers want, as indicated by its stellar sales of late. Much of what makes Hyundai successful is exemplified in the 2012 Veloster. The feature-rich Veloster dishes up impeccable fuel economy, utterly unique styling, and an odd yet practical 3-door hatchback design, all for a price tag the young buyers it's aimed at can actually afford.

2012 Chevy Sonic

Fortunately, the Chevy Aveo had grown so uncompetitive – and its replacement turned out so much better – that Chevy changed the name of its subcompact entry to Sonic, qualifying it for this list. Name games aside, the 2012 Chevy Sonic belongs at or near the top of any subcompact shopping list, with wonderfully refined driving dynamics leading the list of why-buys.

2012 Mitsubishi i

An increasing number of electric cars are coming to market but the Mitsubishi i has a trump card up its electrified sleeve: it's the least expensive pure electric car on the market. The Mitsubishi i can travel an EPA-estimated range of 62 miles per charge and can hit an 80 mph top speed. With just enough practicality for daily driving this little 4-seater is an intriguing new option for early adopters on a budget.

For the entire list of Best Redesigned Vehicles of 2012 from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-new-cars-for-2012/.

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About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com provides consumer pricing and information on minivans, pickup-trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book