Kiplinger's Best, 2012: Ford Focus (Under $20,000), Audi A7 (More than $50,000)

Kiplinger has been published for 90 years and now for the 61st time it's publishing its annual buyer’s guide of best value new cars.

Kiplinger’s Best in Class and Best New winners are based on rankings that weigh performance, value and safety. Half the score comes from performance and value and about a third from vehicle safety.

The remaining score is based on Kiplinger test drives of the cars, during which we assess design, comfort and dashboard layout. Sedans are ranked within price categories while crossovers, SUVs, minivans and wagons are not broken up by price but scored on a scale that rewards lower prices.

The results are presented monetarily in categories and sub-categories, under $20,00 to more than $50,000,  and by category and sub-categories in car and truck segments.
 
The report will be available in the March 2012 price issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance as well as at www.kiplinger.com/links/cars.

Best in Class and Model by price:

Under $20,000
 
Best New Model: Ford Focus SE 4dr hatch ($19,095)
Best in Class: Chevrolet Cruze Eco 4dr ($19,995)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Scion iQ 2dr hatch ($15,995)
Best Resale Value: Ford Focus SE 4dr hatch ($19,095)
 
$20,000-$25,000
 
Best New Model: Subaru Impreza 2.0i Ltd AWD 4dr hatch ($22,845)
Best in Class: Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr ($24,395)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Prius Two 4dr hatch ($24,760)
Best Resale Value: Mini Cooper Countryman 4dr hatch ($22,450)
 
$25,000-$30,000
 
Best New Model: Toyota Camry Hybrid LE 4dr ($26,660)
Best in Class: Kia Optima 2.0T EX 4dr ($25,850)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES 4dr hatch ($29,975)
Best Resale Value: Mini Cooper Coupe S 2dr hatch ($25,300)
 
$30,000-$40,000
 
Best New Model: Volkswagen Passat TDI SE 4dr ($30,265)
Best in Class: Ford Taurus SHO AWD 4dr ($38,950)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Nissan Leaf SV 4dr hatch ($36,050)
Best Resale Value: BMW 128i 2dr ($31,925)
 
$40,000-$50,000
 
Best New Model: Audi A6 2.0T Premium 4dr ($42,575)
Best in Class: BMW 528i 4dr ($47,575)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Audi A6 2.0T Premium 4dr ($42,575)
Best Resale Value: Infiniti G37x AWD 2dr ($41,595)
 
$50,000 and Over
 
Best New Model: Porsche Panamera S Hybrid 4dr hatch ($95,975)
Best in Class: Mercedes-Benz E350 Luxury 4dr ($52,565)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Infiniti M35h Hybrid 4dr ($54,595)
Best Resale Value: Audi A7 3.0 Premium Plus AWD 4dr ($63,745)