In the market for a new car? Whether you're looking for performance, style or value, chances are there's a 2017 vehicle for you.
"Buyers should really consider what their car will be used for," says Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver, which for 30 years has compiled a top-10 list in its January issue. "Is it a daily driver for a commute? Is it a second car for fun on the weekends, or maybe a teen's first vehicle?"
Next focus on price, says Alterman. Alterman urges buyers to think about fun, too.
"Ask yourself if the car you're considering will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel," he says.
Here's a look at some of the hot cars for 2017, according to automotive experts from CarSumo.com and CarHub.com.
*Chevy Bolt
This electric car, which has a 200-mile range, is one to watch.
"It's reported to be a blast to drive, features tons of cargo space, and comes enabled with the latest tech, including onboard Wi-Fi, 4G LTE internet connectivity, and Apple Car Play or Android Auto," says Shayrgo Barazi, automotive engineer and founder of CarSumo.com. Barazi notes that the $37,500 Bolt is slow to charge, taking nearly nine hours to power up.
*BMW M2
"BMW goes back to its driver's-car roots," with the BMW M2, says Jesse Toprak, CEO of CarHub.com, a new automotive shopping website.
The car is expected to feature a twin-turbocharged inline-six with around 400 horsepower.
*Alfa Romeo Giulia
A luxury sedan, the Alfa Romeo Giulia retails for $70,000.
"The Giulia offers two variants -- the base model and the Quadrifoglio -- both of which have a lot to offer in terms of beautiful styling, refinement and performance," says Barazi, explaining that the Quadrifoglio stands out for its aggressive look and Ferrari-inspired twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 engine putting out 505 horsepower.
*Genesis G90
This roomy sedan, from Hyundai's new luxury-oriented Genesis sub-brand, is a rival to the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-class.
"The new Genesis G90 will offer two engines, both direct injected with Continuously Variable Valve Timing," says Toprak, detailing the car's 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6, which makes 365 horsepower and 376 foot-pounds of torque. "Both engines are backed by an upgraded ... version of Hyundai's eight-speed automatic transmission that's smaller, lighter and more efficient."
*Mazda CX-9
"The redesigned Mazda CX-9 is a great example of how an SUV can demonstrate elegance, performance and practicality at a price that most of us can afford," says Barazi.
The SUV, priced at $31,520, has third-row seating, a luxurious interior and sleek exterior styling.
*Acura NSX
Although it's pricey (starting around $150,000), this NSX is the "long anticipated follow-up to the first generation NSX that started out in the early 1990s and earned a reputation as being a daily driver supercar," says Toprak, noting the high-tech vehicle will have a turbocharged V-6.
*Ford Focus RS
"Early reviews indicate the RS is everything we expected it to be -- a rally-inspired hatchback with superior performance to what's currently available on the market," says Barazi, praising the car for its "handling and braking prowess."
This sporty compact hatch, which sells for $25,730, has been available in Europe for decades, but now it's stateside, ready to compete with the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi EVO.
*Chrysler Pacifica
Move over, traditional minivans, and get ready for the Chrysler Pacifica, which combines comfort with technology and stow-and-go seating.
"Chrysler looks to make minivans popular again," says Toprak, explaining the base LX model, priced at $30,000, is competitive with the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona.
*Hyundai Elantra
A quiet and smooth ride, Barazi calls the all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra "a well-balanced entry-level midsize sedan that offers attractive styling, fuel efficiency and an affordable base price of around $17,000."
*Tesla Model 3
A reasonably priced compact sedan, selling for $30,000, Tesla Model 3 has a driving range of about 200 miles.
"Buyers can expect typical Tesla advanced technology, including swappable battery packs and a fully autonomous self-driving mode that can take the wheel in select situations," says Toprak. It remains to be seen whether Tesla can build vehicles at a high enough volume to satisfy demand.
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