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Kia Forte (courtesy manufacturer)
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What a concept!
Looking for the next big thing? Here’s a look at new-concept autos that are not yet available but offer hints at the future.
Ford’s rough road
Automaker disputes claim that anti-gay boycott is working
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HOME > ENTERTAINMENT > AUTOS
By: Joe Phillips COMMENTS
 
With compact cars, good things come in small packages — especially these days when austerity matters and fuel-economy is king. And it doesn’t hurt that econo-rides have lower insurance premiums and fewer parts to break down. In short (pun intended), there’s nothing better for gay and lesbian drivers who want it all: form, function and some leftover change for a rainy day.
Price: $15,000
MPG: 25 city/37 highway
Next year, Chevy dumps the Cobalt for its all-new Cruze compact. Too bad, because the Cobalt is finally firing on all cylinders — almost. Available in coupe or sedan, it’s smooth, quiet and peppy. But there are a few quirks: soft brakes, cheap plastic trim and annoying body roll when cornering. Not so on the smokin’ SS model. Along with mod bumpers and a wicked rear wing, it comes with sport-tuned suspension, grippy Brembo brakes and snazzy interior. A 260-hp turbo scoots the SS from 0 to 60 in just 5.8 seconds, which is “Fast and Furious” territory.
Price: $16,000
MPG: 24 city/35 highway
How dowdy is the Ford Focus? Let’s just say it makes grandma’s wardrobe look like haute couture. Still, this was one of the most popular cars sold during the summer’s Cash for Clunkers frenzy. That’s because the Focus boasts stellar mileage similar to its rivals — Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic — but costs thousands less. And it sports a laundry list of features, even in base models: keyless entry, power sunroof, traction control, heated mirrors and satellite radio. A funky Moon and Toon package comes with power moonroof and a jammin’ sound system.
Price: $14,000
MPG: 25 city/34 highway
With all the budget-busting rides out there, it’s hard to play favorites. Yet Kia’s brand-new Forte is a real teacher’s pet. The reasons: Acura-like styling, taut Euro handling and tight fit-and-finish. The sculpted dash is chic and ergo-friendly, and you can upgrade to a leather-wrapped steering wheel and trendy metal pedals. There’s also lots of legroom for five passengers and a huge trunk that holds 15 cubic feet of cargo. Toss in the heated seats, traction/stability control, and six-speaker surround-sound stereo, and this is really a BMW wannabe — at about one-third the price.
Price: $24,000
MPG: 18 city/25 highway
Who knew a hatchback could be so hot? Yet the redesigned Mazdaspeed3 sizzles, with its torrid 283-hp turbo and plenty of fun-loving torque. Sublime steering and a smooth six-speed manual transmission make every turn a delight. And with the rear seats down, there’s a whopping 43 cubic feet of cargo space. But this hatch looks nothing like a wagon, thanks to its low-slung front, macho hood scoop and rear deck-lid spoiler. Mazda also upped the cabin quality, with bolstered seats, blue ambient lighting and a two-tier dash with nav system and satellite-radio readouts.
Price: $26,000
MPG: 21 city/31 highway
Similar yet different. That’s the VW mantra when it comes to the high-test GTI. The look is almost the same, from the boxy shape to the red pinstripe in the grille. But now there’s beefier cladding and the dual exhausts are set apart instead of together. No big whoop, to be sure, but it’s enough to make you do a double take. Inside, there’s new door paneling, gauges and racing-style steering wheel with a flat bottom. A lower chassis and steering wheel paddle shifters bump up the performance a notch. In short, this is a pocket rocket for drivers who don’t like a lot of change.
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