After a few lean years, 2011 promises to be a bumper year for new vehicles, with a veritable flood of new models. Even in the depths of the global recession, automakers were designing cars that would appeal to buyers once conditions improve. 2011 may be that year.

Here is an alphabetical list of what to expect by category:

Subcompact and compact cars:

Canadians love their fuel-efficient cars, and 2011 will see more new entrants.

Chevrolet Sonic: Replaces the Aveo as GM's entry-level car. GM says the new model will appeal to young enthusiasts this time. Expect to see it in showrooms by summer.

Fiat 500: Chrysler's long-awaited hope in the entry-level segment. Should be available in March.

Ford Focus: Following on the success of the Fiesta, the slightly larger Focus will give families and first-time buyers more choices in economy cars.

Honda Civic: The ninth-generation Civic should be in dealerships by late spring. Expect the new car to be roughly the same dimensionally as the outgoing model.

Honda Elantra: The new Elantra, due to be introduced before the end of the year, looks to be an attractive sibling to the larger Sonata.

Preliminary indications are that its mileage is much better than the current competition in its class.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Expect to see a revamped B-Class in the fall.

Scion iQ: Bare millimetres longer than the Smart car, the iQ will have seating for four, Toyota says. A true city car, the iQ will finally give some competition to the Smart when it becomes available in January.

ELECTRICS/HYBRIDS

Concerns over fuel economy and reliance on fossil fuels continue to drive the market for green alternatives such as hybrids. Expect a bumper crop of significant milestones as manufacturers begin to introduce new all-electrics alongside gasoline-electric cars in every market segment.

Chevrolet Volt: The most anticipated Chevrolet in a decade. The gas-electric Volt will showcase GM's engineering expertise. Victoria has been designated as one of the first markets where the Volt will be available in Canada.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid: The Korean company's first but not last hybrid vehicle.

Nissan Leaf: Beat the Volt to the market with the first retail delivery of the all-electric car in North America in December. Expect them to trickle into Canada in 2011.

Lexus CT 200h: Will join the HS 250h as the Lexus nameplate drives towards a greener model lineup.

Lincoln MKZ hybrid: Lincoln's first hybrid based on the popular Ford Fusion.

VW Touareg hybrid: VW's redesigned SUV gets its first hybrid, not diesel.

SUV/ Crossovers were the only vehicles to withstand the recession. So here are more.

BMW X1: Following on its success with the 1-Series coupe and cabrio, BMW is introducing its smallest SUV/crossover. Look for more details closer to its introduction sometime after the X3 introduction in 2011.

BMW X3: After taking a beating from arch-rival Mercedes when they introduced their GLK in 2009, BMW is finally fighting back with an all-new X3. It is apparently slightly larger than the model it replaces. Some pundits are predicting it may be less expensive as well.

Dodge Durango: Now based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, the new Durango will have third-row seating. It will be equipped with the new 3.6-litre Penstar engine with an optional Hemi available. It now is built on a unibody structure with better torsional stiffness.

Ford C-MAX: Ford's European compact people mover based on the same platform as the Focus is slated to reach these shores in the fall. But there has been no official confirmation so don't get too excited yet.

Ford Explorer: A lot is riding on the revamped Explorer, which reverts from a body-on-frame to unibody platform. It still looks tough outside but under the skin its has more in common with the Ford Taurus sedan.

Ford Escape: The crystal ball is cloudy when it comes to seeing the Escape in 2011. If it does arrive, expect it to be closer to the fall or winter of the year. This compact SUV has been a good seller for Ford.

Honda CRV: Honda has a lot riding on getting it right for the next-generation CRV, based on the platform and mechanicals as the new Civic. Expect it to be a little larger.

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class: Expected in mid to late of 2011, very little is actually known about the next generation ML. One thing for sure is that a gasoline-electric powerplant is almost certain. There was even a rumor of a diesel-electric hybrid.

Mini Countryman: The Countryman is Mini's first SUV/crossover. It battles with the recently introduced Nissan Juke and the BMW X1 in the micro-crossover market. A natural for Mini lovers who need more doors and room.

SPORTS CARS

Not many new entrants.

Camaro convertible: A topless Camaro brings back memories of better times. Finally, a great competitor to the current Mustang.

Mercedes SLK-Class: All signs point to an European launch sometime in 2011 as a 2012 but it is unknown at this time if the new SLK will reach our shores before next December. Expect to see many components from the C-Class in this hardtop convertible.

Upscale and Luxury Cars

While one manufacturer offers a more-affordable model, another has more lofty aspirations.

Audi A6: Big changes under the skin as the mid-sized A6 moves from steel to Audi's modular aluminum chassis. Expect to see the BMW 5-Series competitor out in March.

Audi A7: The all-new A7 Sportback is Audi's answer to the Porsche Panamera, but at half the price. The four-door sedan with a coupe roofline will also be cross-shopped with the Mercedes CLS (see below).

Buick Verano: Based on popular Chinese-market Excelle GT, this compact Buick will be built on the same platform as the Chevy Cruze. It will be slotted under the Regal and share the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. Expect it to be available in the fall as a 2012.

Hyundai Equus: Hyundai keeps advancing up the luxury ladder and the Equus will be at the top. This full-size luxury car sells for about $70,000 and targets high-end Mercedes-Benz and other luxury marques.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: The original four-door coupe, the CLS is a executive-sized sedan with a distinctive swooping roofline that sets it apart from traditional four-door luxury sedans.

parrais@timescolonist.com