The fact is, new cars depreciate in value. However, with news of a potential global economic recession on the horizon, it may be wise to know which ones are better investments than others — if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, that is.

With that said, here are 12 affordable new cars that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price in their respective segments, according to ALG Canada’s third annual Canadian Residual Value Awards:

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Sub-compact: 2011 Honda Fit

With new models seemingly being introduced on a weekly basis, the sub-compact segment is one of the hottest in the industry. Yet according to ALG Canada, Honda’s Fit, last updated in 2009, is the small car to buy if you like to hang onto your money.

Starting between $14,480 and $18,780, the five-passenger, front-wheel-drive, four-door hatchback offers big room on the inside, with flexible rear seating. It also handles well, is solidly-made, and scores excellent 7.1L/100 km city, 5.5L hwy fuel economy ratings.

Compact: 2011 Subaru Impreza

Although the next-generation Impreza debuted this spring and is expected to go on sale in Canada later this year, ALG analysts still love the current model: it’s also the first of three Subies to make this year’s winner’s list.

Whether it’s the $20,995 to $26,695 four-door sedan, or $21,895 to $27,595 four-door hatch/wagon, all Imprezas come with Subaru’s excellent all-wheel-drive and 170 hp 2.5-litre flat (or boxer) four-cylinder engine as standard kit.

Mid-size: 2011 Subaru Legacy

If the Impreza is too small to meet your needs, ALG recommends its big brother Legacy four-door sedan. Like the Impreza, the Legacy comes with AWD standard, is roomy on the inside and well-built.

The base $23,995 Legacy shares a 170 hp flat-four with the Impreza. But you also can pony up for the $38,595 2.5 GT and its 265 hp turbocharged version of the 2.5 unit, or the top-rung 3.6R, which adds a 256 hp 3.6-litre flat-six and plenty of luxury features, starting at $31,895.

Full-size: 2011 Toyota Avalon

Consider the Avalon as the guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) of big cars. It’s not as sexy looking or fun to drive as a Chrysler 300 or a Ford Taurus. But when it comes to cashing in at sell-off time, ALG predicts the big Toyota sedan is your best long-term investment.

For 2011, the one-price ($41,100) FWD five-passenger four-door Avalon receives some styling tweaks and the segment’s only reclining rear seats as standard equipment. Basically a stretched Camry, the Avalon gets a similar 268 hp V6.

Sporty: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi

Surprise, surprise — even when ALG delves into “sporty” cars, it still likes what Subaru has to offer, placing its WRX/WRX STi models of the compact Impreza at the top of their segment. And one reason why these sporty Imprezas rank so high in low depreciation are rock-bottom starting prices.

The range starts with the 265 hp $32,495 WRX four-door sedan. The hatch comes at a cost of $900 more. The street-legal rally car WRX STi ($37,995 sedan/$38,895 hatch), boasts 305 hp and tons of high-tech to help its drivers go fast.

Alternative-Fuel: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Sorry hybrids fans, when it comes to alternative-fuel cars, ALG thinks the best way to hang on to your money is with a diesel. Specifically, the new-for-2011 Jetta TDI.

Despite a measurable drop in subjective quality compared with previous generations of the VW compact sedan, Jetta sales are way up this year. And the fuel-efficient (6.7L/100 km city, 4.6L hwy) 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel model is already sold out for 2011. Still, the 2012 $26,695 Jetta TDI is the least expensive diesel sedan you can buy.

Multi-Purpose-Vehicle: 2011 Honda Odyssey

Except for a mainly carry-over V6 drivetrain, the fourth-generation 2011 Odyssey is an all-new offering, replacing a model that’s been on sale for five years. Lower and wider on the outside, the FWD Odyssey’s signature styling cue is its lightning bolt rear window design, which Honda says is meant to improve visibility for third-row passengers.

Priced between $29,990 and $46,990, the Honda was one of the better driving minivans you could buy. For 2011, Honda has enhanced its Odyssey’s driving characteristics, created some distinctive styling and redesigned what was already a very accommodating and functional interior.

Compact Utility: 2011 Nissan Rogue

In the hotly-contested compact crossover class, the Nissan Rogue replaced the X-Trail in 2008. Since then, the Rogue has gone onto become a big seller for Nissan Canada. And in a segment filled with stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4, the Nissan comes out on top when it comes to keeping its value.

Based on Nissan’s compact Sentra, all five-passenger four-door Rogues come with a 170 hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder, starting with the base FWD $23,648 version, with AWD models starting between $26,448 and $33,848.

Mid-size Utility: 2011 Subaru Outback

Essentially a station wagon version of the Legacy, it is little surprise the Outback sits at the top of its class when it comes to retaining its original value.

Although it’s bigger than previous generations, the Outback is still lighter and easier to manoeuvre than rival crossovers. Seemingly, there’s an Outback for most budgets. Four-cylinder 2.5-litre models start at $28,995, with six-cylinder models topping out at $40,795,

Full-size Utility: 2011 Mazda CX-9

Recently face-lifted to keep styling inline with Mazda’s new look, the three-row CX-9 crossover ranked No. 1 in its class with ALG. But the Mazda isn’t only a good financial investment. It’s one of the few vehicles in its segment that is also rewarding for those who like to drive.

Starting at $36,395 for FWD models (AWD versions range between $38,395 and $45,595), the CX-9 has been around since 2007. Although built in Japan, it shares a platform with Ford’s Canadian-built two-row Edge, and uses the same 273 hp 3.7-litre V6.

Mid-size Pickup: 2011 Toyota Tacoma

Not without a bit of irony, the automaker that built its reputation on small, fuel-efficient cars, from the first quaint Corollas and Tercels to today’s Yaris and Prius hybrid, posts a pair of trucks on ALG’s top list.

Offering three cabs, two box sizes, rear- or four-wheel-drive, and four- and six-cylinder engine choices, there should be a Tacoma to suit your mid-size pickup needs. Rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder Tacomas start at $21,895, while V6 models are priced between $28,380 and $31,845.

Full-size Pickup: 2011 Toyota Tundra

Built to take on the Holy Trinity of pickup makers — Ford, GM and Ram (nee Dodge) — ALG thinks the second-generation Tundra is your best investment in a full-size pickup. And like the smaller Tacoma, the Tundra comes with a sundry of choices.

Choices include three cab configurations (all incredibly roomy), rear- or four-wheel-drive, and the availability of V8s (either a 310 hp 4.6-litre or a 381 hp 5.7-litre unit). Regular Cab Tundras start at $26,195, while loaded CrewMax versions begin at $51,400.