2011 Detroit Auto Show: Editors' Choice for Top Five Vehicles

It's never easy to reach a unanimous decision when it comes time for our group of auto-obsessive bloggers to choose any sort of list that involves automobiles. In the case of the Top Five Introductions from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, the process was especially difficult.

Somewhat surprisingly, most everyone agreed rather quickly on positions one and two, but from there, the waters were much murkier. In the end, though, we made our arguments for and against, considered each others' viewpoints and, after much weeping and gnashing of teeth, had ourselves a workable list.

Follow the jump to see the fruits of our labor.

#5: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

2012 Chevrolet Sonic sedan – Click above for high-res image gallery

We can't yet say how well the new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic may drive – nobody outside of General Motors has driven the new-for-2012 U.S.-spec Aveo replacement just yet – or how it will stack up against the latest Ford Fiesta, but we can say without any convictions whatsoever that it's going to be a big improvement over the outgoing Aveo. It's attractive inside and out, comes in your choice of sedan or hatchback bodystyles and Chevy promises it will be fun to drive. We'll see soon enough.

Click here to read our initial report.

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#4: Hyundai Curb Concept

Hyundai Curb Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's Curb concept moves the automaker's "Fluidic Sculpture" design language in a more youthful direction. It's all very funky and hip in a decidedly Citroen kind of way (especially the psychedelic interior), and we'd like to see this sort of design come to live as a sub-Tucson urban utility vehicle.

Click here to read our initial report.

Hyundai Curb Concept

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#3: Toyota Prius C Concept

Toyota Prius C Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota promises that this car that will come to life in the first half of 2012 as the most fuel-efficient hybrid (that doesn't need a plug) and the most "value-oriented hybrid" in the United States. A Prius that costs less, offers better fuel efficiency and offers somewhat intriguing styling? You've been warned, Honda Insight.

Click here to read our initial report.

Toyota Prius C Concept

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#2: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's latest introduction to the U.S. market bowed today at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and it's a machine that's meant to light the true enthusiast's heart aflutter: the 2012 1 Series M Coupe. We must say, it looks rather striking in the metallic orange hue you see in our live photo gallery below.

Click here to read our initial report.

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

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#1: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

2012 Hyundai Veloster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's funky, tech-packed Veloster debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and at first blush, the unconventional three-door looks like it'll go down a storm. While pricing has not been finalized, Hyundai is shooting for a base price in the $17,000-range while targeting such various vehicles as the Scion tC, Mini Cooper and Honda CR-Z.

Click here to read our initial report.

2012 Hyundai Veloster

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As we mentioned at the outset, we don't always agree on what vehicles are most deserving of praise. Here's a rare look into the minds of the team from Autoblog who covered the Detroit Show in 2011: