ATLANTA, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- It's easy for a new car to look appealing at an auto show or in a photograph, but how do consumers know if it's worth taking the next step and scheduling a test drive? With more than 300 different new car models available for 2013, it can be overwhelming for shoppers to select just a handful to take out on the road. The editorial team at AutoTrader.com®, America's largest digital automotive marketplace, has taken some of the guesswork out of this process and identified ten "Must Test Drive" vehicles that offer more than just striking looks.

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"A test drive should take at least 45 minutes, so it can be difficult to find the time to get behind the wheel of every vehicle that looks interesting," said Brian Moody, AutoTrader.com site editor. "Because our team is constantly driving and evaluating new vehicles, we created this list to help shoppers make the best use of their busy schedules."

AutoTrader.com's "Must Test Drive" vehicles have advantages that are best appreciated in real-life situations, like superior ride and handling, intuitive infotainment options and thoughtful design features. Many have characteristics that may surprise shoppers who haven't considered that particular brand or model recently. A vehicle did not have to be all-new for 2013 to be considered.

Moody had this to say about five of the "Must Test Drive" vehicle picks:

• 2013 Cadillac ATS
  "It's no secret Cadillac designed the ATS to give German compact luxury sedans some serious competition. What you won't know until you get behind the wheel is just how well it succeeds. It has the power, tight handling and performance you'd expect from a BMW 3-series or Mercedes-Benz C-class, along with class-leading infotainment technology thanks to Cadillac's new CUE system."
• 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  "This isn't the truck-like Pathfinder some shoppers may remember – the 2013 model has a refined ride and a stylish interior one might expect in a vehicle from a higher-end brand like Lexus or Infiniti."
• 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye
  "The Dart feels more like a premium vehicle than the price would suggest, and the Rallye variant with manual transmission gives drivers the performance they're looking for in a true sport compact. The Garmin integration will also make it easier for buyers to quickly assimilate to the navigation system."
• 2013 VW Beetle TDI Convertible
  "Volkswagen has given driving enthusiasts a Beetle they can appreciate with the diesel-powered TDI manual transmission variant. While the novelty-to-modern exterior redesign will likely attract new buyers, the performance and fun of this engine/transmission combination will be what seals the deal."
• 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  "The MKZ is the first representation of the reinvention of the Lincoln brand, and it will surprise drivers who haven't considered a Lincoln in recent years. The opportunity to experience the view from the panoramic sunroof is enough of a reason to take this one out of the showroom and onto the road."

Visit AutoTrader.com/TestDrive to see the complete list of 2013 "Must Test Drive" vehicles, along with expert tips to help shoppers get the most out of their test drive experience.

About AutoTrader.com
Created in 1997, Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com is the Internet's ultimate automotive marketplace. As a leading resource for car shoppers and sellers, AutoTrader.com aggregates millions of new, used and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of dealers and private sellers and provides expert articles and reviews. AutoTrader.com, which also operates the AutoTraderClassics.com auto marketing brand, is wholly owned by AutoTrader Group. Additionally, AutoTrader Group owns Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) as well as three other companies that provide a full suite of software tools that help dealers and manufacturers manage their inventory and advertising online: vAuto, HomeNet Automotive and VinSolutions.  AutoTrader Group is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. Providence Equity Partners is a 25 percent owner of the company and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is also an investor. For more information, please visit press.autotrader.com.

SOURCE AutoTrader.com