For 2012, it’s out with the old, in with the new. For the past few years, consumers were simply too afraid to let go of their old rides. But now the average car on the road is a geezer, at 10.7 years old.

All that pent-up demand needs a release, which is why car sales have exploded the past few months. The timing couldn’t be better: at auto shows across the country, automakers are showcasing a slew of stylish new vehicles.

Here are some of the best.

BEST HATCHBACK
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
$22,000 (est.)
Mpg: 27 city/38 highway
0-to-60 mph: 7.3 seconds (est.)

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

A few weeks ago, Hyundai rolled out a slick turbo version of its hot Veloster hatchback. The regular model, introduced late last year, has outsold the competition in a few short months. But with only 138-hp, it needed more oomph, which the 201-hp turbo adds nicely.

The turbo has a big-mouth grille, sculpted side skirts, LED taillights and other cosmetic upgrades. As with the standard model, the turbo is affordable, fuel friendly and tech-savvy. There’s the same nifty three-door design, with one door on the driver’s side and two doors on the passenger side (for easier rear-seat access). And along with Bluetooth and USB/iPod connectivity, the trendy infotainment system features BlueLink voice/text messaging and can access Gracenote and Pandora (as well as movies and photos). The system even has some built-in fuel-economy games. To keep tabs on younger drivers, there’s even a “geo-fence” system that alerts you when the car travels outside a set area.

BEST CONVERTIBLE
MINI Cooper Roadster
$25,000 (est.)
Mpg: 33 city/37 highway
0-to-60 mph: 6.7 seconds

The new MINI Cooper Roadster

If small is beautiful, then MINI is trying to corner the market. There are now six models in the MINI lineup: the classic hardtop hatch, the convertible, the Clubman, the SUV-like Countryman, the Coupe (introduced in 2011) and now the Roadster, which hits showrooms this year.

While MINI already has a droptop, the Roadster is the first two-seat convertible in MINI history. Losing two seats is no loss, because the Roadster ends up with more trunk room than in the other MINI convertible. The other difference: the Roadster’s roof is manually operated. This makes the car light and nimble, especially on twisty roads. Inside, there’s the same high-quality dash as in other MINIs, including funky toggle switches and a Frisbee-sized speedmeter. There’s also a quirky “Openometer” gauge, which — for anyone with an OCD proclivity — tallies how long the car has been driven with the top down.

BEST CROSSOVER/SUV
Range Rover Evoque
$41,500
Mpg: 18 city/28 highway
0-to-60 mph: 7.1 seconds

Few vehicles have this much spice. Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, apparently is consulting on a special-edition model of the Evoque. But even the regular version, which just debuted, is surprisingly bold for the boxy, button-downed automaker. Such extroverted styling is full of sharp creases, trapezoidal windows and oversize wheels. It all works, though a bit of headroom and cargo space gets sacrificed along the way.

But the ride is superb, with agile handling and a punchy 240-hp powerplant. Available in two-door and four-door body styles, both come with front and rear foglights, power liftgate and panoramic sunroof. Options add up quickly, though some will be hard to resist, such as a 360-degree parking camera system and the 17-speaker surround-sound stereo.

BEST SEDAN
Mercedes CLS
$71,500
Mpg: 17 city/25 highway
0-to-60 mph: 5.1 seconds

Back in 2006, Mercedes debuted its original CLS — a sedan styled to look like a coupe. Today, almost every automaker has copied the theme, from the high-end Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera to the lower-priced Hyundai Elantra.

But now Mercedes raises the bar with this redo, a more masculine iteration that sports sharply creased side panels and an aggressive front end. The tradeoff is tight headroom in the rear bucket seats. But otherwise — from the 10-way power seats to the 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo — this sport sedan is pure bliss.

Braking and handling are spot-on, as is the lusty engine growl from the twin turbo V8. As if that’s not enough, the massaging front seats have active bolsters to support you when turning. There are up to 12 airbags, as well as infrared night-view sensors, blind-spot warning alerts and a lane-departure warning system. Need something snazzier? The CLS63 AMG high-performance model — with its more robust 550-hp engine and a tauter, sport-tuned suspension — comes in at $95,000.

Staying power—it’s what separates “South Park” from, say, “Family Matters.” Both were hot in the 1990s. But today, it’s Cartman who’s still kickin’—not Urkel.

Same goes for cars. Back in the day, Ah-nold made Hummers all the rage. Now those hulking gas hogs are a footnote in auto history.

Not so for a bevy of other haulers launched in the 1990s. The Ford Explorer, Honda Odyssey and Subaru Forester are still in dealer showrooms. And this year, these retro rides get major makeovers—both inside and out—that make them seem fresh all over again.

Ford Explorer
$29,000
Mpg: 17 city/25 highway
First introduced: 1990

Ford Explorer

Originally a truck-based SUV with basic amenities, today’s Explorer is now a brawny crossover—with a refined, carlike chassis and rich, upscale cabin. Size-wise, this new Explorer feels like a full-blown Expedition. That’s fine for freeway jaunts but not when I was navigating city streets. At least there’s a backup camera, complete with a color-coded guidance system to help back into tight parking spots. (And for drivers needing a bit more help, there’s even an automatic parallel-parking system.) To tout the Explorer’s green cred, there’s no V8—only a sturdy V6 or optional (and pricier) EcoBoost four-cylinder. It’s worth noting the EcoBoost has less horsepower but more torque, so the power difference is nil. What is noticeable is the roomy interior and all the high-tech gizmos: power liftgate, power-folding third-row seat, voice-activated nav system and 12-speaker Sony stereo with HD radio.

Honda Odyssey
$29,000
Mpg: 18 city/27 highway
First introduced: 1994

Minivans: boxy, boring, bland. End of story. Or so it seemed, until the new Honda Odyssey showed up for a weeklong test drive. Originally, this seemed the perfect vehicle to park and forget as I flew off to an auto show for a few days. But once back in town, I couldn’t wait to get back behind the wheel. What tapped into my inner soccer Mom? First, this minivan handled more like a tricked-out sport sedan, with fast acceleration, tight cornering and stop-on-a-dime braking. No, it isn’t a Porsche Cayenne—especially in the styling department—but it came close. Then there was the convenience, including 15 cup holders and a nifty trash-bag holder that flips out from the center console. And there was that awesome audio/entertainment system, with a really wide video screen that can display two movies at once. In the end, the Odyssey was one ugly ducking that quickly turned into a beautiful swan.

Subaru Forester
$21,000
Mpg: 21 city/27 highway
First introduced: 1997

Bigger and more substantial, the Forester is still the kid sister to the larger, gussied-up Outback. The good news is Forester now has a livelier engine, upping both performance and fuel-efficiency. Accelerating from a standing start is peppy, at least the first few gears. But if you mash the accelerator to the floor, there’s a considerable amount of drag—and audible wheezing—as the engine struggles through higher gears. Once the desired speed is reached, though, weaving in and out of traffic is a breeze. That’s because the Forester is light (about 200 lbs. less than the Outback). And as with all Subarus, it has stellar all-wheel drive. One drawback is the namby-pamby TomTom stereo/nav system, with miniscule screen, lackluster speakers and a confusing, user-unfriendly interface. Luckily, I found plenty of other amenities to overcome the potential buzz kill: panoramic sunroof, heated seats/mirrors, spacious cargo room and one-touch folding rear seats.

It’s hard to get excited about minivans, station wagons or other ho-hum haulers. But road trips in two different hatchbacks made us reconsider our prima donna ways. Not only were the Audi A7 and Kia Forte a blast to drive, each also offered plenty of good surprises despite being miles apart on price.

Audi A7

AUDI A7

$62,000

Mpg: 18 city/28 highway

0-to-60 mph: 5.4 seconds

Cargo space: 24.5 cu. ft.

There are better ways to spend 10 hours than sitting behind a steering wheel, even for auto journalists. But that was before we tested Audi’s all-new A7.

Audi A7 interior

Funny, because this car wasn’t even on our must-drive list, especially since it meant giving up the Saab 9-5 Aero sedan, a ride so wicked good you wanted to reach into your pockets to help fund the bankrupt Swedish automaker yourself.

Yet there it was, a pearlescent black A7 that seemed to sit too low to the ground, didn’t have a large panoramic sunroof like most competitors and — horrors — came with frameless windows on the doors (just like any run-of-the-mill Subaru).

And this was the car we were taking on a 1,500-mile trek for a week?

No thanks. Or so we thought until halfway across Ohio when nirvana struck.

Maybe it was the flawless acceleration, with no herky-jerky turbo lag. Or the nifty fin-like spoiler, which rose up at 80 mph and made the A7 seem like something 007 would drive to outmaneuver a battery of bad guys. Or those BMW and Mercedes drivers who seemed to drool as the A7 cruised down the road.

Whatever it was, the A7 scored points all around. And no wonder: This is Audi’s best-looking vehicle ever and the most practical. The hatch opens and closes electronically. There’s plenty of easy-to-reach cargo space. And the car can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button for better handling.

A supercharged V6 growls seductively and despite churning out only 310 horsepower, still manages to rocket the A7 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

Compare the cockpit to a Mercedes, Jag or even a Bentley, and the A7 wins hands down. Acres of matte-finished wood — a nice change from the shiny, plasticized wood in other luxo-mobiles — complement the aluminum trim. Even the dials and gauges seem fresh and exciting, especially the large, Tron-like nav screen that opens magically from its hiding place in the dash. This nav system is tied to Google Earth and shows the speed limit on any road, a big plus as we traveled rural byways.

Yet despite plenty of must-have options, like LED lighting, they add up quickly, so expect to tack on $10,000 or more to the $62,000 sticker. Still, that’s a bargain for a car that could easily top six figures if it had a V8 or, perhaps, even a panoramic sunroof.

Kia Forte SX

KIA FORTE SX

$19,000

Mpg: 22 city/32 highway

0-to-60 mph: 8.8 seconds

Cargo space: 19.4 cu. ft.

If an Audi is too rich for your blood, then Kia’s five-door Forte is a fine alternative. Yes, it’s a step down from the A7 in size, handling and performance. And the Forte’s two lower trim levels — the LX and EX — are lackluster, to say the least. But the sport-tuned SX packs a wallop, with its sprightly 173-hp engine and slick six-speed transmission (a notch up from the previous four-speed gearbox). The Forte’s new look showcases its sculpted sheet metal, just like the popular Kia Optima.

Kia Forte interior

But this car isn’t perfect: Lower the rear seats and there’s a lot less cargo space than in the Audi A7, for example. Yet the Forte also costs way less and gets better gas mileage. And it fits anywhere, as we saw when nudging into a space on a narrow Baltimore street after two sedans and a coupe gave up on the spot.

Considering this is an entry-level compact, the Forte’s handling was tight and sure, especially on highways. And the cabin was quiet, even when passing SUVs and semis.

The Forte SX may not be as glam as an Audi A7, but it’s certainly the most fun in its class.

Mid-priced used to mean middle-of-the-road. But not anymore.

Roller-coaster gas prices and a sluggish economy have pushed more car buyers into what was already the most competitive car market: midsized, mid-priced sedans.

In response, some automakers—such as Hyundai—are upping the size of their budget-savvy compacts and blurring the line of what is and isn’t a midsizer. Others, such as VW, are taking their midsize lineups and stripping them down to less-expensive, barebones models.

Yet despite cuts in horsepower and features, many of these typically bland sedans are getting makeovers that would make Lady Gaga blush. The result: dozens of midsize choices with mod, cutting-edge designs. To help you choose, here are three of the best.

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra
$15,500
Mpg: 29 city/40 highway
0-to-60 mph: 9.4 seconds
Cargo space: 14.8 cu. ft.

It’s been 25 years since Hyundai started selling cars on these shores. And after some initial missteps—the Yugo-like Excel springs to mind—Hyundai is the hot automaker on the block these days. Spending billions on quality control helps. So does stellar styling. But while the full-size Sonata wowed design mavens last year, the Elantra—with the same swoopy sheet metal—ratchets things up even more. The shorter wheelbase means crisper lines and no annoying body roll. And unlike the Sonata’s oversized interior, the Elantra’s cabin is just roomy enough in front and a bit cozier in the rear. There’s also gobs of trunk room and a nice list of standard gear, including heated mirrors, keyless entry and traction/stability control. A few must-have options: heated front/rear seats, steering-wheel audio controls and touch-screen nav system with rear-time traffic/weather updates. And for coupe lovers, a two-door model arrives this fall.

Infinite G25

Infiniti G25
$32,000
Mpg: 20 city/29 highway
0-to-60 mph: 8 seconds
Cargo space: 13.5 cu. ft.

For Infiniti, less is definitely more. The automaker is adding an all-new G25 model, built on the same platform as the popular G37 sport sedan. While this new addition gets a smaller V6, it also gets decent gas mileage and costs less. That’s a big plus, since a fully loaded G37 can top $45,000. And despite spitting out only 218-hp, the G25 proves it’s fine for everyday driving and can emulate the G37’s taut ride and suspension. Choice of two trim levels: a stripped-down base model or the Journey, with the same primo features as a standard G37 (heated seats/mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, backup camera and iPod/ISB interface).

VW Passat

VW Passat
$20,000
Mpg: 21 city/32 highway
0-to-60 mph: 9.4 seconds
Cargo space: 15.9 cu. ft.

VW wants to top Toyota and GM to become the world’s No. 1 automaker by 2018. That’s a far cry from 1992, when VW sales in America basically tanked. But VW is employing the same strategy as Infiniti, offering vehicles with reduced content, power and pricing. With the larger, completely redesigned Passat, this means offering a dozen versions—from an underperforming base model to the clean turbo diesel to a zippy V6 Premium. All boast good mileage, as well as more cabin and cargo room than before. Exterior styling is, well, rather boring—at least compared with the hipper Hyundai and Infiniti noted above. And gone is the Audi-like look and feel inside. Still, VW has succeeded in competing strongly—in both price and performance—against GM’s Chevy Malibu and Toyota’s Camry. And that puts VW one step closer to dominating the automotive runway.

The BMW 650 (submitted photo)

June is bustin’ out all over. Between Newt Gingrich’s imploding campaign and Anthony Weiner’s immodest photos, it’s becoming a long hot summer in Washington.

And it’s enough to make you head for the hills — or the beach.

That’s where a cool convertible comes in. From soft tops to retractable hardtops, there are more than 60 different models to help you get away from it all. Some are brand new. Others boast swanky upgrades.

To help you choose, here are four of the best.

Chysler 200
$27,000
Mpg: 19 city/29 highway

Sure, Chrysler took its four-year-old Sebring, reshaped the front and rear ends, then slapped on new “200” badging. But this isn’t a case of bait and switch. While the chassis, doors and roof are still the same, the 200 is longer, lower and more chiseled. The interior — now much quieter — is also more stylish, with Euro-chic black (or black-and-cream) padded surfaces instead of the Sebring’s hard cheap plastic. Such styling cues seem to channel Audi. But the ride — while more nimble than before — is still a bit soft. Still, the optional V6 is no slouch (though the sluggish four cylinder is forgettable). And there’s a wind blocker — a luxury-car feature— along with choice of either vinyl soft top or steel hard top. Overall, it’s hard to beat the 200’s price: similar mid-sizers are often twice as much.

Chevy Camaro
$30,000
Mpg: 18 city/29 highway

For drivers needing more testosterone, Chevy’s bad-boy muscle car boasts a 312-hp V6. The high-test SS model — with its whopping 426-hp V8 — hits 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and costs $10,000 more. Yet despite such powerful engines and the 4,116-pound heft, gas mileage is decent. And — surprise — there’s almost no cowl shake: a big bugaboo with Camaro convertibles ever since they arrived in the 1960s. Retro styling and a brawny exhaust rumble are big plusses. Tight rear seating, minimal trunk space and limited driver visibility are not. Still, cornering and braking are BMW-like. It’s also quiet, thanks to the insulated acoustic liner in the cloth top.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
$47,000
Mpg: 17 city/22 highway

Whaaaat? That’s pretty much the reaction to seeing a topless two-door Murano CrossCabriolet, Nissan’s ballsy crossover/convertible mashup. The only other vehicle that came close was Chevy’s ill-fated SSR pickup/convertible, which lasted just four years. But the CrossCabriolet may fare better. It’s roomy, has Murano’s handsome styling and is brimming with so much standard gear — including large-screen nav system, kickin’ Bose audio and heated seats and steering wheel — that there are few options left to offer. As in the original Murano, seating is high for great visibility. And braking and acceleration are seamless. But Nissan didn’t just take a Murano and chop off the top. Almost everything is new from the windshield back, which is why the suspension is so solid and the fit and finish look custom-made.

BMW 650i Series
$91,000
Mpg: 15 city/22 highway

BMW is a master magician. While this 6 Series redo looks leaner and lighter, it’s actually longer, wider and heavier. The result is more cabin and cargo room, as well as better handling and traction. While the Camaro CC has more horsepower, the BMW’s twin-turbo V8 packs more punch: 0 to 60 in a blistering 4.8 seconds. Plenty of high-tech marvels, including side cameras in the front fenders to help you see around corners. And a backup camera cleverly combines images from cameras in each side-view-mirror to give you a birds-eye panorama of the car from above. Biggest surprise: no retractable hardtop — only a cloth roof.

With gasoline spiking higher each day, fuel-efficient cars are hot once again. But even after the past bump in pump prices back in 2007, hybrids still account for only 3 percent of all car sales. Diesels — despite new “clean” technology — still get a bum rap as noisy, foul-smelling claptraps. And consumers don’t seem that charged up about electric cars, even with all the hype surrounding the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt and Tesla roadster.

That all may change over the next decade or so. But for now, the traditional combustion engine is still king. Luckily, many automakers haves been fine-tuning their combustion-engine cars and making them into true gas-sippers. Engineers lowered the car weight by using aluminum and other light metals. And designers made aerodynamic tweaks — sometimes reducing car height just half an inch — to ratchet up styling and fuel savings.

The result: combustion-powered rides that get better mileage — and have much lower price tags — than some hybrids, diesels or electrics. Below are five of the best, as well as five gas guzzlers you’ll want to avoid.

Chevy Cruze Eco

$16,500

MPG: 28 city/42 highway

While the regular Cruze gets 26 city/36 highway, the Eco model — especially with manual transmission — is even better. Under the right conditions, you can snag more than 50 mpg. A chic rear spoiler and novel grill “shutters” help reduce wind drag. And despite some cheap interior trim, the Euro styling — inside and out — is swanky, not gaudy. Ditto for the ride, handling and a bevy of add-ons, including alloy wheels, steering-wheel audio controls and rear-parking sensors.

Ford Fiesta

$14,500

MPG: 29 city/40 highway

Fast. Fun. Full of options. Sure, cargo space may be a bit tight on the Fiesta but everything else, from the slew of safety gear — including a driver-knee bag — to the best-in-class steering and suspension shows how much Ford is committed to this compact car. A Super Fuel Economy package helps max out fuel mileage with lighter wheels, special tires and aerodynamic nips and tucks.

Hyundai Elantra

$16,000

MPG: 29 city/40 highway

Only special versions of the Chevy Cruze and Ford Fiesta get the best gas mileage. But 40 mpg is standard on all models of the recently redesigned Elantra. Consistency comes at a price, though, with limited rear headroom, and acceleration and handling that are predictable, not exciting. Still, there’s plenty of space up front and in the trunk, and the sexy sheet-metal design beats the competition.

MINI Cooper

$21,000

MPG: 29 city/37 highway

The natty retro design still works. So does the quirky interior, including a Frisbee-shaped speedometer in the center dash. With BMW as its parent, the MINI is the only fuel-efficient German car here. And it’s the only one that handles like one, with bolstered seats, spry acceleration and superb cornering/braking. This car makes you wonder why anyone would opt for a $40,000 Bimmer when a MINI costs half the price and is just as playful.

Toyota Yaris

$13,000

MPG: 29 city/36 highway

Solid, comfortable but oh-so-bland, including a sluggish transmission, Munchkin-like cargo area and user-unfriendly gauges. A better bet: the 2012 redo that arrives late this year. But if you need something just as inexpensive right now, go for the all-new Mazda 2 (which loses out to the Yaris by just 1 mpg) — it’s sportier in looks and feel.

Worst gas guzzlers:

The least fuel-efficient cars are, surprise, all high-end brands. The good news is you probably can’t afford one anyway.

Bugatti Veyron: $1.8 million, 8 city/14 highway

Aston Martin DB9: $180,000, 11 city/17 highway

Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed: $208,000, 11 city/17 highway

Bentley Continental GTC: $206,000, 11 city/18 highway

Rolls-Royce Phantom: $308,000, 11 city/18 highway

It’s easy to think all coupe owners are single and fancy free — there’s just a certain joie de vivre about two-door speedsters. But as any “player” knows, you’ve got to keep your game fresh.

That’s what Scion found out the hard way. The tC coupe was a hit when it first scooted into showrooms in 2004. But that was seven years ago, back when MySpace was king and Facebook just opened its doors. Today, Facebook has more than 600 million users, MySpace is an also-ran and — at long last — the tC gets that much-needed makeover.

And just in time, too. Automakers have been increasing the number of fuel-friendly cars — many of them coupes — as fast as they’ve been axing SUVs from their lineups. The result is more muscle and hipper options on smaller chassis. And thanks to innovative designs, even the tiniest two-door rides are now bigger inside than they look.

For gay and lesbian drivers, the result is a cornucopia of cool coupes. Here are three of the best.

Scion tC

$19,000

MPG: 23 city/31 highway

0-to-60 mph: 7.3 seconds

A lot of TLC went into redesigning the new tC. There’s all-new sculpted sheet-metal. A high-tech cabin with nifty iPod interface. And a punchier, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. Scion even fine-tuned the steering and suspension, though the ride is more Corolla than Supra — not exactly taut but agile enough around corners and potholes. The look is sporty chic, with well-bolstered seats and a fat, flat-bottomed steering wheel straight out of NASCAR. Lots of legroom, with easy rear-seat access — a real bonus. And the large hatchback opening allows for more cargo space than most of the competition. Along with lots of safety gear —including stability/traction control and front/side/head/knee airbags — there’s keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, seven-color interior mood lighting and a thumpin’ Pioneer stereo to help channel your inner “Glee.”

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

$48,000

MPG: 19 city/26 highway

0-to-60 mph: 4.7 seconds

Enthusiasts love M cars — BMW’s high-performance line — but these rides can top $100,000. Even the compact M3 Coupe starts at a hefty $60,000. But now the baby 1-Series adds an M to its stable. Due this summer, the Lilliputian pocket rocket gets a 335-hp twin-turbo paired to a silky-smooth six-speed manual. To reduce weight, there’s lots of aluminum but, alas, no sunroof. The payoff: blasting from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds — and that means Ferrari territory. To rein in all of you lead-foots out there, the top speed is limited to 155 mph. And to set the M apart from more traditional Bimmers, there’s a new front fascia with honeycomb grille, foxy flared fenders, sluice-like air ducts in the front bumpers and a sassy spoiler on the trunk lid. Inside, except for the orange stitching on the black Alcantara seats, everything else is swathed in dark Euro-trendy colors.

Audi TTS Coupe

$47,000

MPG: 21 city/29 highway

0-to-60 mph: 4.8 seconds

Sure, Audi’s popular TT has always been a design star. It just lacked the oomph to compete with the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Acura, Infiniti, Lexus and, well, you get the picture. But that’s all changed, thanks to the top-gun TTS. This speed racer has plenty of power, grip and quick reflexes, thanks in part to its inline-4 turbo, all-wheel drive and slick dual-clutch automated manual transmission. For a more wicked ride, press the Sport mode button to recalibrate the steering, suspension and even the exhaust note. The cabin is elegant, full of modish dials, crisp aluminum trim and baseball-glove stitching on the seats. All in all, the TTS is basically a luxe-like tuner car, mixing frills with high-test gusto. For daredevil sun mavens, there’s even a convertible model.

The Acura ZDX

Are crossovers having an identity crisis? Built on cushy sedan platforms but with the same mega storage and high seating of truck-like SUVs, crossover utility vehicles quickly became the next minivan. Every automaker has at least one — and in the case of Toyota/Lexus, a whopping seven CUVs — in its lineup.

Now vehicle designers are creating crossovers with in-your-face exteriors and ultra-luxe interiors. The result: Head-turning rides that sacrifice a bit of storage space for a look — and ride — that’s as sexy as any high-end sport coupe.

All in all, that’s good news for gay and lesbian car buyers looking to stand out in the crowd.

Acura ZDX

$46,000

MPG: 16 city/23 highway

Cargo room: 56 cubic feet

Acura has been beefing up the styling in its lineup the past few years, but the all-new ZDX pushes the creative envelope even further. Built on the same platform as the full-size, seven-seat MDX, the midsize ZDX slopes dramatically from the top of the side pillars straight down to the rear bumper. Up front, the headlights and grille are stretched so tight they almost wrap around the side panels—think Eartha Kitt with an extreme facelift and you get the picture. Then there are those Hummer-like 19-inch wheels. Somehow it all works, with an overall design that screams bad-boy chic. There are a few downsides: Back-seat legroom is nil and the cornering is more Lincoln MKZ than Porsche Cayenne. But the sumptuous cabin is one of the best, with a hand-stitched leather dash, heated/cooled sport seats, club-scene ambient lighting and surround-sound stereo with 15-Gig hard drive. If the ZDX is a budget buster, there’s always the Honda Accord Crosstour—with simpler styling and features—at $15,000 less.

BMW X6M

$89,500

MPG: 12 city/17 highway

Cargo room: 60 cubic feet

Introduced in 2008, the BMW X6 still makes auto mavens cringe. At worst, its scarab-like styling is akin to the quirky Pontiac Aztec — one of the worst vehicles of all time. At best, it’s a station wagon on steroids. To pique more interest, BMW has pumped up the power and performance — and doubled the price — with its new X6 M version. Practical? No. But this is one helluva CUV, shooting from zero-to-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds (almost twice as fast as the Acura ZDX). And there are more features than on many a Bentley: headlight washers, four-zone climate control, soft-close automatic doors, voice-control nav system with real-time traffic updates, 16-speaker stereo and 14-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support. Best of all, the M’s muscular cladding, sleek side vents and rear aero fins make this X6 look like a true BMW.

Infiniti FX50

$59,000

MPG: 14 city/20 highway

Cargo room: 62 cubic feet

The Infiniti FX50 is all about compromise — in a good way. It has more power than the Acura ZDX, but less than the BMW X6. The mileage is better than the BMW, but less than the Acura. And pricing is smack dab between the two. Where the Infiniti truly comes out ahead, though, is in cargo capacity, rear-seat passenger room and a sidewalk-shaking exhaust rumble. The FX50 styling is severe, with swooping wheel arches, wide-mouthed grille and an acres-long hood. The same is true of the overall ride, which can be a bit harsh over potholes and speed bumps. Still, braking and acceleration are spot-on, and there are gobs of safety features.

Finally, after two terrible years in the auto industry (remember all those closed dealerships and the GM and Chrysler bailouts?) car sales are up again — even as prices remain oh-so-low. But if you still can’t swing a stylish new ride for those gay and lesbian auto-philes in your life, here are some auto-related gifts that are just as fun.

Bugatti Bling

A Bugatti Veyron supercar costs around $2 million, which makes these Bugatti accessories a real bargain: polo shirts ($183), jackets ($540 to $615) and a sleek royal-blue umbrella ($430) that looks like the perfect accessory for Curt on a Glee-inspired remake of “Singin’ in the Rain.”

Cobra Baseball Cap

Here’s a butch stocking stuffer for muscle-car lovers: Ford’s faux snakeskin cap ($12). It has a brushed-metal medallion with a sinister, swirling cobra ready to strike—the logo for Mustang’s high-performance model, the Shelby Cobra. First built from 1965 through 1970, the Cobra was revived in 2007 after Ford came out with its fifth-generation Stang. The new 2011 Mustang Shelby GT500 Cobra is the best one yet, scooting from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Tricked-Out Watches

Each year, carmakers try to outdo each other with auto-oriented timepieces. Here are four worth, er, watching: Renault Formula One — $325 to $875 — with high-end stainless-steel casing and tachymeter dials (from watchmaker TW Steel). IndyCar Limited Edition — $3,000 — features titanium casing and ’70s groovy styling, but only 50 will be produced (from Ritmo). Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix Collection—$35,000 to $95,000 — comes in forged carbon, rose gold, or platinum; water-resistant to 330 feet; and self-winding with 60-hour reserve (from Audemars Piguet). Scuderia Ferrari One — $300,000 — yikes, these are so exclusive they’re available only to current Ferrari owners (from Cabestan)

BMW’s Key-like USB Stick

BMW’s new USB memory stick ($45) may not be an actual car key, but it sure looks like one. Press on the trunk button, and the USB plug slides out to fit in a computer or audio/music port for USB-capable vehicles.

Toy Cars for Kids—and Grown-Ups

Before there were Hot Wheels, there were “slot cars.” These miniature model cars were motorized and ran on slotted tracks, similar to model railroads. Today’s slot cars are now digital, so they can change lanes. And while only two cars could race in the past, now up to six cars can compete for the checkered flag. Here are three of the best: Carrera Digital Motor Monsters, $270, with two cars and 18 feet of track (additional cars are $50 extra); SCX NASCAR Tri-Oval Superspeedway, $370, with three cars and 19 feet of track; and Scaalextric Digital PRO GT, $500, with four cars and 22 feet of track.

Cool Driving Schools

Here’s a gift you may just want to keep for yourself. These one-day programs help channel your inner James Bond to safely out-maneuver bad drivers, errant pedestrians and potholes:

Skip Barber Racing School, $1,800

Bondurant Racing School, $1,700

Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, $800

For Jeff Gordon wannabes, there are three-day programs in high-test Formula One racers:

Skip Barber Racing School, $4,000

Bondurant Racing School, $4,300

Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, $4.800

Buying a new car can be a dreadful experience fraught with financial perils for the uninformed. The thought of driving onto a new car lot can send shivers down the spine of the most confident consumer. From negotiating the price to financing the deal, there are a multitude of opportunities for financial misstep.

The typical American purchases a new car every five to seven years, so a well-trained salesperson will have you out-gunned when it comes to navigating the process. With a car being the second most expensive purchase most people make, there has to be a better way.

After more than 14 years, two turns of the White House, an equal number of economic recessions, and same-sex marriage in five states and the District, I acquired a new car. I say acquired because I leased instead of buying. However, whether you are buying or leasing, the process should begin the same way: by obtaining the lowest possible price.

During the research for my new wheels, I discovered a wonderful service called Fighting Chance (fightingchance.com). For $39.95, they arm you with all the tools needed to give you a Fighting Chance to Strike a Good Deal. This includes:

• complete pricing data (retail and dealer invoice) for the vehicles you are considering;

• a big-picture analysis of how the manufacturer(s) and the specific model(s) you’re interested in have been doing in the market, including supply/demand fundamentals and final pricing versus invoice;

• a listing of current national cash incentive programs covering consumer rebates and factory-to-dealer incentives;

• and numerous articles to guide you through the car buying/leasing process.

The articles include information on how to sidestep test-drive anxiety by knowing what to say at the dealership, the truth about dealer cash incentives, what time of the month to purchase/lease to get the best price, how to avoid getting ripped off when leasing, dealing with a trade-in, buying an extended warranty, product quality and safety considerations.

The focal point of the service is a step-by-step process designed to escape haggling over the price of a new car while never setting foot in a dealership until the deal is finalized. The premise for the “e-mail/fax attack” strategy is that a new car is nothing more than an expensive commodity similar to gold, silver, etc. The same pricing structure for a vehicle exists at each dealership. The best price is obtained on a commodity by soliciting competitive price proposals and making the suppliers compete for your business. Only a fool would walk into a car dealership to negotiate a price, and only a bigger fool would make an offer. When you make an offer, that’s as good as the deal can get since you put a floor under the selling price.

By conducting a competitive bidding process, you will make the dealers compete on price for your business. Several car dealers are contacted and each is submitted a request for proposal (RFP) via e-mail or fax on the model you are interested in buying or leasing. Next, the lowest bid is reviewed with each dealer to see if they will beat it. Fighting Chance recommends a maximum of two rounds of bidding to avoid demeaning the process. This should uncover the dealer who is ready to lower the price to meet a sales goal and receive a cash bonus from the manufacturer.

A car dealer may actually be willing to take a loss on a car if a huge bonus is available.  Wouldn’t you sell one more “widget” at a $1,500 loss if it meant getting a $50,000 bonus for meeting a sales target?

A key point is that the dealer invoice, which the dealer is more than willing to show you, is meaningless. Dealers receive multiple “below-the-radar” incentives from the manufacturer so that retail or invoice pricing has little relevance to the true dealer cost. The “unknowable” incentives will typically be reflected in a dealer’s price proposal in a competitive bidding situation.

Also, do not fall for the trap of telling a salesperson how much you can afford per month.  The purchase price, which will lead to a monthly payment, is more important.

In case you are wondering, the car I am leasing is a Kia Forte Koup. Did I get a good deal? I think so. The lease is based on a price that is $1,462 below dealer invoice.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice.  Please consult with your advisor before making any decisions.

David M. Taube, CFA, CFP is CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Kalorama Wealth Strategies, LLC, a fee-only investment advisory and financial planning firm in the District. Reach him at 202-550-7262 or dtaube@kaloramawealth.com.