It's a time-honored auto-show tradition, picking the best new cars and concepts in the show.
While this year's Detroit Auto Show had very few cars that could genuinely be viewed as "green," we've nonetheless picked both our favorite production car and our favorite concept.
MORE: 2014 Detroit Auto Show: Summing Up The Cars And Concepts
On the production front, the best-in-show among new green cars has to be the 2015 Honda Fit.
The Fit's always been a favorite of ours for its remarkably flexible and capacious interior, not to mention its relatively nimble handling.
The all-new 2015 Honda Fit not only retains the "Magic Seat" that folds and flips to turn the Fit into a sort of small moving van, but it comes with a new direct-injected 1.5-liter engine and a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) as well.
In a more aerodynamic body, the new powertrain is expected to deliver 36 mpg combined--the best of any subcompact with an automatic transmission.
Nissan Sport Sedan Concept live photos, 2014 Detroit Auto Show
Lots of volume inside a small footprint, fun to drive, and a 36-mpg combined rating ... as our New York City friends would say, What's not to like?
As for the concept cars, the choice is a bit tougher.
This year's Detroit show saw no new hybrid, plug-in electric, or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Sure, the Tesla Model S was on display, but essentially unchanged from previous years.
So we have to go with a concept that we suspect will deliver improved fuel economy in a larger sedan while fulfilling the mission of every concept, which is to wow the crowds.
MORE: 2015 Honda Fit: Full Details From 2014 Detroit Auto Show
The Nissan Sport Sedan Concept--aka a thinly disguised next-generation Nissan Maxima Altima--stunned quite a few attendees.
It's a major stylistic evolution from the current Nissan design language. The low-roofed shape and blade-like lines, in traffic-stopping bronze, are led off by a knee-high front framed in LED headlights.
Knowing Nissan, it'll have a 3.5-liter V-6 and a CVT, with the goal of delivering both sporty performance and better fuel-economy ratings.
So those are our two choices. Thumbs up, or thumbs down?
Leave us your thoughts in the Comments below, and catch up on all the show news on our Detroit Auto Show news page.
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