With Southern California considered by many as the Mecca of automotive coolness, we were pleased to see so many exciting debuts at the end of the first day at the show. Here’s a look at some of the most significant cars we saw.

Cadillac showed a production version of the XTS. This is the large sedan that replaces both the DTS and STS when it goes on sale in spring 2012. Based on the Buick LaCrosse platform, it is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 producing 300 hp. Front-wheel-drive is standard; AWD is optional. The XTS is the first Cadillac to use CUE (Cadillac User Experience). Feel free to call it MyCadillac Touch. This touch screen seems slick and has haptic feedback (meaning that it gives you a slight vibe to acknowledge a command). The XTS will be positioned above the CTS.

Volkswagen displayed a Beetle R concept, essentially the Golf R running gear silhouetted as a Beetle. The freshened CC was also shown. In a response to consumer demand, the 2013 CC will now seat five rather than only four.

Hyundai revealed the new Azera large sedan. Based on an extended Sonata platform, it sports a 3.3-liter V6 good for 293 hp. As before, the Azera will compete with the Toyota Avalon and Ford Taurus when it goes on sale in February.

Infiniti unveiled the JX, a three-row car based SUV. It relies on the Nissan Murano platform and slots below the mammoth QX56. Power comes from Nissan’s tried and true 3.5-liter V6 mated to a CVT. Both front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available. This Infiniti will feature the first backup intervention system, autonomously applying the brakes for you if the car senses it’s about to bump into something or someone while backing up. The third-row seat seems a bit low and tight. The second row mechanism facilitates a slick fold and slide action similar to the set up in the Chevrolet Traverse. Prices start at $40,450 for a front-wheel drive model, $41,550 for AWD. A fully loaded version will retail a bit above $50K. It goes on sale in April-May 2012 and aims squarely at the Acura MDX. Eventually a Nissan Pathfinder version of the JX will roll out.

Ford’s biggest news was the new Escape. Based on the Focus, it promises to be a huge jump from the outdated current small SUV. Two EcoBoost four-cylinder engines will be offered--a 1.6-liter turbo and an up level 2.0-liter turbo. The latter puts out over 230 hp and is in lieu of a V6. Base versions for fleets will use the old 2.5-liter unit. One nice feature is that you can open the rear lift gate hands-free by swiping a leg under the car’s rear. A 3,500-pound towing capacity is on par with competitors’ V6 versions. Both front- and all-wheel drive are available. Unlike the Focus, the Escape will use a conventional six-speed automatic rather than an automated manual, a big relief. The new Escape is stylish and conveys a solid and sophisticated feel. No wonder VW execs pored over every detail of it.

Honda introduced a redesigned CR-V. As such, it joined the Mazda CX-5 and Escape in the small SUV party in LA. A production version of the Fit EV was also shown and priced at $36,625 or a $399 a month lease. Claimed range is 123 miles. Sales begin first in California and Oregon in summer 2012.

Chevrolet showed the Spark, an even tinier car than the Sonic. It is 14 inches shorter than the Sonic, powered by a 1.2-liter engine and is expected to cost a little over $10,000. It may be a perfect urban runabout for some city dwellers, and looks to compete with the chic (but slow selling) Fiat 500.

For more on these models and other vehicles shown in LA, see our full auto show coverage.