What are the best new cars for 2012?

2012 promises to be an amazing year for automobiles. New models from Ford, GM, Mitsubishi and BMW will leave drivers spoilt for choice. Environmentally conscious? How about Mitsubishi's electric i-MiEV? Want to go around with a big grin on your face? Ford's new Mustang and Aston Martin's Virage will do that. Looking to replace your tired SUV? Try Chevrolet's Orlando and Mercedes Benz's M-Class. There's something for everyone.

Here, we'll look at 9 exciting cars coming to Canada this year. Which means...there's room for one more on this list. What would you put on it?

1. Ford Focus ST
Whilst the new Focus has arrived on Canadian shores, the model to look out for in 2012 is the ST. A turbocharged 2.0-liter producing 250hp will give enough grunt to match VW's GTI and the MazdaSpeed3. A 6-speed manual transmission and lowered suspension should make this fantastic to drive. Expect a sporty look with Recaro seats and exciting colors to match. Pricing should be around $25,000 when it arrives later this spring.

2. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
2012 might well be known in future years as 'the battle of the pony cars'. Ford's new Mustang is set to go head-to-head with Chevrolet's Camaro ZL1 this spring, a bucking bronco with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 580hp and 556lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed gearbox is standard. Expect to reach 0 to 60mph in an eye-watering 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 184 mph. The price for this beauty in Canada? $54,995. That includes features such as a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine-and transmission-oil cooler, and brake-cooling ducts.

3. Porsche 911
Porsche released their latest iteration of the iconic 911 this year. The new model retains much of the design fans know and love with slimmer taillights, elongated side glass and new crease lines to make it appear sleeker. The improved cabin has a center console borrowed from the Panamera and the high quality of materials and finish make it a joy for both driver and passengers. A plethora of gadgets come as standard and a choice of powertrains are available. Base price for the Carrera S starts at $92,000 for a 3.6 liter, 6-speed manual.

4. Corvette C7
There are rumours the Chevrolet's latest Corvette could be out late this year. The new model promises to update the design with slimmed down rear haunches and possibly a split rear window seen in 1963's Sting Ray coupe. Expect a more refined interior, too. No word yet on what exactly will be under the hood but we're betting it'll be a slimmed down small block V8, with improved fuel efficiency over the current 6.2L.

5. Ferrari 458 Spider
Ferrari's open-top alternative to its 458 Italia reaches Canada this year. The first mid-engined supercar in the world with a folding hard top, the 458 Spider offers the best of both worlds as it only takes 14 seconds to switch from coupe to convertible. Performance will be incredible as its 4.5-liter V8 cranks out 562hp, enough for 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. Expect nothing less than an exquisite hand-crafted leather Italian interior and a cabin full of top of the line gadgetry for your $300,000 when it's on sale this spring.

6. Cadillac ATS
The new Cadillac is a rear wheel drive sedan and buyers will be able to choose from a 200hp four cylinder, a 270hp turbocharged four cylinder and a 320hp V6. Cadilac claims that the car will weigh less than 3,400 pounds and will have optimal weight distribution. Cadillac also says the ATS will be available in three trims Performance, Luxury and Premium however pricing has yet to be announced.

7. VW Golf R
Volkswagen has announced that only 500 Golf R's will be shipped to Canada so if a Golf with AWD and 256 worth of hp is your thing you might have to move quickly to ensure that you get one! The price has been announced at just under $40,000 and has a host of upgrades from the current GTI.

8. BMW 3-Series
The re-designed BMW 3-series was overseen by Canadian raised Karim Habib and is seen as a competitor to the above mentioned Cadillac ATS. To see off the Cadillac, BMW claims that the new 3-Series is quicker, bigger and more fuel efficient than the previous version. Expect the 240hp turbocharged and direct-injected 2L 4-cylinder to be the most popular engine. A detuned version of the same engine (rated at 181hp) will be standard in the 320i and a 300hp I6 will be under the hood of the 335i.

9. Hyundai Veloster Turbo
This sporty hatchback has been given a power boost which will see it have a 14 pounds/horsepower ratio. This means it can outpower its rivals the Volkswagen GTI and Honda Civic Si. It achieves this by a 1.6 litre four cylinder engine which produces 201 horsepower.

So what vehicle would you add to this list?

Guest post by Daniel Pratt, a writer on behalf of Merlin Assurance - a Quebec Auto Insurance broker