IRVINE, Calif. -

In releasing its annual Freshman Vehicle Class list, Kelly Blue Book editors have chosen the top 10 new models they think are worth “getting to know.”

Though each year brings all-new and redesigned vehicles, most arrive carrying familiar names — such as the 2012 Toyota Camry — but in this list, KBB editors have focused on the “totally new cars," including the Hyundai Veloster and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

Furthermore, fuel-efficient vehicles also dominate the list, with only one vehicle not touting a four cylinder engine; instead, the new Mitsubishi i runs on electricity.

"The car world is indeed getting smaller, as evidenced by this year’s freshman car class," said Jason Allan, editor of online content for Kbb.com. "There’s only one new car on the list not powered by a four-cylinder engine, and that car, Mitsubishi i, runs on electricity alone.  Even the new Land Rover (Evoque) features a four-banger, albeit a turbocharged version still good for 240 horsepower."

With commentary from KBB editors, the “2012 Freshman Class: 10 Cars to Get to Know” list is as follows:

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

“Smaller, more daringly styled and more capable on-road than its forbearers, the 2012 Evoque represents the future of Land Rover’s upscale Range Rover lineup. Thankfully the Range Rover Evoque hasn’t forgotten its roots and is more than happy to slog through mud or ford streams before it transports its occupants to da club. Holla!”

2012 Fiat 500

“The Fiat 500 is the oldest car on the list: We first drove it way back at the beginning of 2011, it went on sale not long after that, and it topped this year’s list of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000.  More affordable and not as tightly wound as a Mini Cooper, we like the Fiat 500’s style-based approach to driving pleasure.”

2012 Hyundai Veloster

“Hyundai knows what buyers want, as indicated by its stellar sales of late. Much of what makes Hyundai successful is exemplified in the 2012 Veloster. The feature-rich Veloster dishes up impeccable fuel economy, utterly unique styling and an odd yet practical 3-door hatchback design, all for a price tag the young buyers it’s aimed at can actually afford.”

2012 Chevy Sonic

“Fortunately, the Chevy Aveo had grown so uncompetitive — and its replacement turned out so much better — that Chevy changed the name of its subcompact entry to Sonic, qualifying it for this list.  Name games aside, the 2012 Chevy Sonic belongs at or near the top of any subcompact shopping list, with wonderfully refined driving dynamics leading the list of why-buys.”

2012 Mitsubishi i

“An increasing number of electric cars are coming to market, but the Mitsubishi i has a trump card up its electrified sleeve: it’s the least expensive pure electric car on the market. The Mitsubishi i can travel an EPA-estimated range of 62 miles per charge and can hit an 80 mph top speed. With just enough practicality for daily driving, this little 4-seater is an intriguing new option for early adopters on a budget.”

2012 Scion iQ

“Plans don’t always go as planned. Originally slated to arrive for 2011, the iQ minicar was actually included on this same list last year. But it’s finally here — we’ve driven it with our own hands — and now shoppers looking for something really different or really small have one more car to weigh against the likes of the Smart Fortwo or the larger Mini Cooper or Fiat 500.”

2012 Mini Coupe

“Ditching the traditional Cooper’s hatchback and rear seats, the Mini Coupe sports two seats and an abbreviated roof inspired by a backwards baseball cap. If the regular ol’ Mini Cooper wasn’t fun or funky enough for you, maybe this will do it.”

2012 Mini Roadster

“The Mini Roadster goes one step beyond the new Coupe, ditching the metal roof for a retractable soft top. As a last hurrah for the current-generation Cooper, this funky looking pair nicely encapsulates Mini’s devotion to driving fun.”

2012 Toyota Prius V

“On one hand, the Prius V’s city/highway combined fuel economy rating of 42 mpg isn’t as jaw-dropping as the regular Prius’ 50-mpg rating. On the other hand, the new Prius-plus actually offers more cargo room than most compact crossovers, which typically top out at around 25 combined mpg.”

2012 Buick Verano

"The Buick Verano cleverly sits in the chasm between top-trim compact cars and entry level luxury cars, making it an interesting alternative for buyers who want a fancy ride that won’t set their finances ablaze. For less than $24,000 the Verano offers up tasteful looks, an upscale interior, an incredibly quiet cabin and competent, comfortable road manners."