Mercedes A-Class

Daimler has been reluctant to sell its $32,000 compact A-Class in the U.S., fearing the car might dilute Mercedes’ premium image there. But soaring prices have prompted Daimler to reconsider. The company said in July that it may export the next-generation A-Class to the U.S. American buyers will have to wait a while, however: The redesigned version is not scheduled to roll out of a new plant in Hungary until 2012. The diesel coupe pictured here, with so-called BlueEfficiency technology, boasts more than 50 mpg fuel efficiency.