2011's Best New Cars

2011's field of new cars are some of the best we've driven in some time, and impressive would be an understatement in most cases. Finally we have an entry level hybrid that looks and performs righteously. Budget cars are still fair play and do a great job of injecting small time performance while the flagship performers continue to deliver as we no doubt expect they should. Whatever it is you're seeking out of your new car, take comfort in knowing that the auto manufacturers are still looking out for you.

Lexus CT200H
Priced From: Price TBA (as of press time)
Hot Features: All-original platform with inspiration from the Lexus HS; 2ZR-FXE 1.8L DOHC VVT-i with 98hp and 105lb-ft; 42mpg (city)/41mpg (highway); various drive modes, including Sport, Eco and Normal; mechanical gauge tach that illuminates between different modes; the DOPE ass standard LED daytime running lamps; easily the best-looking hybrid car on the market; smooth Lexus interior styling; NuLuxe synthetic leather seats

Deep Thoughts: If there were ever a time to get really excited about a hybrid that's perfect for car enthusiasts, this is definitely it. The four-door hatchback dubbed CT200h is a sporty, but luxurious alternative to the existing HS or Toyota Prius, due mostly to the styling. The 98hp 2ZR-FXE isn't going to knock any speed records down, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun to drive; in fact, it's a blast...for a hybrid. With three driving modes to choose from - Eco, Normal and Sport - you can be the gas-conserving supporter the world wants you to be or at the flick of a wrist, go to Sport mode for full-on aggression (this was my favorite mode by far). Even as you switch driving modes, the tach activates and illuminates bright red from the blue Eco and Normal modes. Lexus did a great job at making sure the CT200h also handles like no other hybrid as it's quite low to the ground and the driver seat is positioned low as well to give you a better connection to the car than would expect. What surprised me were the performance dampers that act as stabilizer bars for the shock towers, but instead of simple bars they feature an actual damper to absorb chassis movement. I wouldn't be surprised if this type of strut bar design found its way to the aftermarket. Word has it that the CT200h will also be priced lower than an IS 250, and if that's the case, what's to stop anyone from adding this to their garage? You have your other toys on standby, now all you need is the ultimate daily. The CT200h is the one.

But can you modify it? The future of hybrid tuning is bright but is still relatively new to our world. Being one of the best-looking hybrids on the market, I would love to see these making waves soon. Lexus realizes this may be they hybrid that car enthusiasts will gravitate towards and are ready to offer accessories from their F Sport catalog and in the near future will also offer TRD suspension, a first for any hybrid vehicle in the Toyota family. But how sweet would it be to see this slammed on a set of Advan RZs? It's an image I've had burned in my mind ever since I stepped foot outside of the car. - Jonathan Wong

Mazda 2
Priced From: $13,980
Hot Features: 29/35 MPG City/Highway, sporty design, Brake Override system, 4-wheel disc brakes; rigid chassis
Deep Thoughts: The Mazda 2 is a surprisingly fun car to drive despite it's low power rating (100hp). The interior is rather sporty and the seats are highly configurable. It has ample space to fit your friends, groceries or other goods that need to be transported. With it's low entry cost this car could quickly become the new-age Civic of years gone by. Initial throttle response is excellent although it would be nice to have just a bit more top end. I'd love to see a Mazdaspeed version; are you listening Mazda? But Can You Modify It? The previous version not sold in the US (called a Demio in Japan) was a very popular car but had little in the way of aftermarket parts. We'll have to wait and see what develops for this version. - Sean Klingelhoefer

Ford Fiesta
Priced From: $13,320
Hot Features: 29/40 MPG City/Highway, available SYNC communication/entertainment system, integrated blind-spot mirrors, quad headlights
Deep Thoughts: I've driven a lot of cars over the years but none has surprised me in the way the Fiesta did. It's absolutely a joy to drive, something I couldn't have imagined from looking at the car's exterior. The car feels light and nimble which is a sensation that has been mostly removed from today's cars, and it felt great to be in a car I actually enjoyed driving again. The exterior styling grew on me the longer I had the car and I now rather like the front end, which I have determined closely resembles a Lucha Libre mask. If you haven't driven one do yourself a favor and take a test drive. This car will amaze you.
But Can You Modify It? Have you seen Ken Block's newest gymkhana video? - SK

Scion XB
Priced From: $16,000 to $16,950
Hot Features: Pioneer double DIN stereo with iPod connection, USB port, AUX input and 6 speakers; tilting and telescoping steering wheel; projector headlights; under floor cargo storage; split folding rear seats
Deep Thoughts: Most small cargo style cars have the problem of being gutless wonders. This new generation of xBs were blessed with a huge 2.4L engine in its pants, a large increase from the previous 1.5L engine. Shockingly for a compact car, I found the xB to be really spacious inside. It was so easy for me to fit my family of 8 inside. All kidding aside, the xB has a great deal of space and power when compared to other like cars from its segment. With 158hp, 162ft-lbs of torque, four-wheel disc brakes, VVT-i, direct ignition and ABS with EBD, this is no simple box car. We highly recommend this car for any urban assault youth or even overgrown boys like ourselves. And it's a Toyota, nuff said.
But can you modify it? Hellz yea. Just like the previous generation, the new xB brings a whole new group of people into the tuning and customizing world. Guys like Five Axis and Bowls have already broke the ground with their fully customized xB projects and now it's up to you to figure out how you want to customize yours. If you've been sleeping under a rock, check out Five Axis' xB that transforms into a stand-up fully functional DJ booth. On the other hand, Bowls cut up, stretched, and turned their xB into a unibody truck to carry their scooters. If that's not enough, check out the Kei car phenomenon in Japan for more styling - Charles Trieu