Coupes (Two-Doors)

Coupes have always made more of a fashion statement than sedans. Exuding an air of "practicality be damned, I care about style," coupes signify personal freedom and a bit of excess compared to more convenient sedans and wagons. They often get a swoopier roofline and sportier styling than their four-door counterparts.

Coupes create compromises, though: Going for a two-door means sacrificing some space and rear-seat access for a sleeker, sportier look. But in recent years, automakers have come up with some innovative solutions, including better seat-folding mechanisms and small rear-hinged doors introduced on several vehicles, including the Mazda RX-8.

While sporty premium coupes like BMW's venerable 3 Series and the ever-sexy Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class enjoy continued popularity, hatchbacks are showing a comeback. The chic yet affordable Scion tC and Mini Cooper have been huge hits, and several new or updated premium three-doors will be rolling into showrooms over the next year. While small, two-door hatchbacks used to signal a car at the bottom of the market, younger buyers typically don’t acknowledge that stigma anymore.

After nearly a decade, Audi will finally update its petite TT coupe and launch it as a 2008 model in summer 2007. The stylish new Volvo C30 is an especially important vehicle, as it will introduce Volvo to upwardly mobile young city dwellers who perhaps wouldn’t have considered the brand otherwise.