The 2012 Ford Focus is gearing up for its North American launch with a sporty five-door hatchback and sleek four-door sedan.

Photo: 2012 Ford FocusView more 2012 Ford Focus pictures in our 2012 Ford Focus photo gallery

The Focus will set a new standard in the small car segment, offering more technology and features than more expensive European cars, while delivering an expected 40 mpg, the only gas engine-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission in its segment to do so.

Photo: 2012 Ford Focus

“Focus brings a desirable combination of dynamic design, outstanding driver engagement, unmatched levels of technology and impressive fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “The new model should expand Focus appeal to a whole new generation of customers.”

Chevrolet displayed the all-new 2012 Sonic at the North American International Auto Show. Its youthful, aggressive design is backed by turbocharged performance and agile ride and handling, combining to deliver an efficient, fun-to-drive small car.

Photo: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback -View more 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan & Hatchback pictures in our 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan & Hatchback photo gallery

The Sonic is offered in two body styles: a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty five-door. Each delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. A variety of connectivity features enhance the driving experience.

Photo: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan -

The third-generation Opel Astra features progressive design and superb driving dynamics. It has won numerous comparison tests in specialist automotive publications, and over 2.1 million units had been sold by the end of 2008.

Photo: 2010 Opel Astra GTCView more 2010 Opel Astra GTC pictures in our 2010 Opel Astra GTC photo gallery

The bestseller is currently available with 11 engine variants ranging from 90 to 200 hp. It can also be ordered with technology features that are usually only found in luxury class and exclusive sports cars, such as the adaptive IDSPlus chassis system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and the AFL headlamp system with dynamic curve light (Adaptive Forward Lighting).

Photo: 2010 Opel Astra GTC

With its sporty, good looks, comfortable driving experience, innovative technology and a full fuel efficient powertrain line-up, the new Opel Astra, which debuted in Frankfurt at the IAA as a five-door hatchback, is set to energize Europe’s compact car segment.

Photo: 2010 Opel AstraView more 2010 Opel Astra pictures in our 2010 Opel Astra photo gallery

Grounded in the tradition Opel initiated in 1936 with the first Kadett, the Astra has consistently made the top-three list of Europe’s best-selling compacts for decades – a segment which accounts for 27 percent of the total car market. Astra sales make up a third of all Opel/Vauxhall purchases, for an average volume of nearly 500,000 units per year.

Photo: 2010 Opel Astra

The new Corsa range has been rejuvenated to provide more power and more driving fun with less fuel consumption. Opel engineers have given the Corsa a complete make-over, introducing an enhanced powertrain line-up that reduces fuel consumption by up to 13 percent, significant chassis improvements and a new steering calibration.

Photo: 2010 Opel CorsaView more 2010 Opel Corsa pictures in our 2010 Opel Corsa photo gallery

In addition to its agile handling and greater ride comfort, drivers will appreciate engines that give more pulling power.

Photo: 2010 Opel Corsa

The Opel Agila, a mini-monocab with five doors and five seats, combines versatility and eye-catching design in a very compact space. Yet it gives occupants everything but a small-car feeling.

Photo: 2010 Opel AgilaView more 2010 Opel Agila pictures in our 2010 Opel Agila photo gallery

Even in the rear, adult passengers enjoy plenty of space. Thanks to the comfortable, slightly elevated seating position, visibility is excellent. Luggage compartment capacity is 225 liters, and with the rear seat backs folded forward, it increases to 1050 liters – a top value in this segment.

Photo: 2010 Opel Agila

Following a partial facelift, the Fabia, Fabia Combi and Roomster are entering the highly-charged supermini market with numerous technical innovations placing them in the spotlight in car magazines’ comparative tests.

Photo: 2011 Skoda Roomster ScoutView more 2011 Skoda Roomster pictures in our 2011 Skoda Roomster photo gallery

The Fabia, Fabia Combi and Roomster facelift has been accompanied by technical enhancements in the interior and, perhaps more importantly, under the bonnet which have left the virtues of both these advanced cars intact. With luggage capacity of between 505 and 1,485 litres, the Fabia Combi continues to provide the sort of boot space that exceeds the norm in this class.

Photo: 2011 Skoda Roomster GreenLine

The body of the latest-generation MINI – introduced in 2007 – boasts evolutionary development from the iconic 1959 Classic Mini, while the interior includes styling cues that are evocative of the original and contain the latest technological advances.

Photo: 2011 MINI HardtopView more 2011 MINI Hardtop pictures in our 2011 MINI Hardtop photo gallery

The fall introduction of the 2011 MINI will include the extensively upgraded 1.6 liter, four-cylinder engines, resembling the original MINI’s in cylinder number and placement, transversely over the front axle, but far more efficient, cleaner and powerful. Both were developed utilizing BMW Group’s expertise in the field of engine development.

Photo: 2011 MINI Hardtop

Longer and taller, the new MINI Countryman is a genuine crossover vehicle, and bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern crossover. As with all MINI vehicles, the MINI Countryman offers that unique go-kart handling that customers expect, while allowing the brand to appeal to new customers who require extra space and flexibility.

Photo: 2011 MINI Cooper S CountrymanView more 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman pictures in our 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman photo gallery

The MINI Countryman is the first vehicle in the brand lineup to offer four doors and all-wheel drive.

Photo: 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman

The two-door body style and soft-top roof deliver unique proportions, sleek lines, and truly individual style. Design cues clearly link the convertible to the MINI family of vehicles, and show an evolutionary development of the car’s design.

Photo: 2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible -View more 2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible pictures in our 2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible photo gallery

An electrohydraulically-powered soft top with sliding roof function comes standard, and allows the driver to open and close the soft top in 15 seconds, even while the car is in motion, up to 18 mph. The standard Openometer is a special feature that records the time spent travelling with the roof down. A wider range of paint colors, roof colors, wheel choices, upholstery and interior trim choices provide endless opportunities for personalization.

Photo: 2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible