Compact/midsize

HONDA CIVIC: For the first time, Honda let its U.S. design team take the lead on the popular compact Civic, and the result is a new low-riding coupe that should appeal to buyers both in the U.S. and elsewhere. The top-to-bottom redesign includes dramatic creases, a short hood and LED tail and headlights. The sedan version will be in showrooms this fall, with a coupe, hatchback and a high-performance R-Type coming later. Honda last rolled out an all-new Civic in 2011, and it was widely panned for its bland styling, cabin noise and pedestrian handling. It was quickly updated in 2012.

SCION iM, iA: Toyota is looking to a new sporty hatchback and a low-cost sedan to revive flagging sales of its youth-oriented Scion brand. The brand was started in 2003 to lure people 18 to 34 to the aging Toyota family. The hatchback iM, priced under $20,000, is aimed at those who want a sporty car that can haul things. The sedan can get up to 42 miles per gallon on the highway, while the sportier hatchback gets up to 37 mpg. ing horsepower from 270 to 300. A new eight-speed automatic transmission boosts gas mileage. Lexus sold more than 107,000 RXs last year, up 3.4 percent from a year ago. The new RX goes on sale late this year. Pricing and fuel economy were not announced.

PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDER: With the roar of 3.8-Liter, 375 horsepower flat six engine, Porsche introduced an opentop version of its latest Boxster model. Porsche says the Spyder is the fastest and most powerful Boxster ever. The car, with wide use of aluminum to make it lighter, can go from zero-to-60 in 3.8 seconds. Top speed for the two-seat Spyder is 180 miles per hour. The Boxster Spyder starts at $82,100. Orders are being taken now in the U.S. Expect delivery in four to five months.