Richmond Review ·· Page Page 13 13
Friday, January 30, 2015
DrivewayCanada.ca |
Welcome to the driver’s seat Cadillac Elmiraj
Mazda2
Toyota FT1
Subaru VIZIV2
Hyundai Intrado
Visit the auto show gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca
Concepts in Quebec: Canadian auto show season gets underway auto. Prices will be fixed closer to launch, Montreal, Quebec – Le Salon International de l’Auto de Montreal heralds later this year, but expect it to be compathe opening of the Canadian auto show rable to the current model and come in season, right on the heels of the “Big below $15,000. One “in Motor City (aka Detroit). While there were plenty of econo cars on This year, yours truly attended the preshow, like Detroit, other than the Mazda2 views for both auto extravaganzas and there was nothing new to see in that found optimism abounds in the industry, range. Green cars were in evidence in north and south of the border. Montreal but when the shows reach the As reported last week from Michigan, the west, you can expect to see many more Green cars Daddy of all Auto Shows showed a lot of cars for the eco-conscious drivers. were in evidence in high-end cars and new full size trucks. Montreal but when Montreal has a regional flavour with Four concept cars did turn heads… more exhibits that reflect that market’s the shows reach the Cadillac Elmiraj taste for smaller cars. west, you can expect You won’t see one on the road but the The latter clearly influenced the decision long two-door grand coupe concept will to see many more to unveil the new subcompact Mazda2 influence the near-future design of the here; a select group got the opportunity cars for the econext line of Cadillacs. The Elmiraj features to get up close and personal with the conscious drivers. a 4.5-litre twin turbocharged V8 delivmachine in an artist’s gallery across ering an estimated 500 hp. The engine Keith Morgan town. The next day, the all-new CX-3, takes the baseline technology from the updated Mazda6 and CX-5 joined it on Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 and expands it to the show stand. the classic performance format of a V8 engine. The new Mazda2 was coloured in what I call show-off Hyundai Intrado red and showed off its so-called KODO – Soul of Motion The same can be said of the thinking behind the – design style to its best. I first saw this handsome style, Hyundai Intrado, which is a concept crossover designed which gives the impression that the vehicle is moving to foreshadow a change design direction for the Korean even when stationary, at the Mazda6 launch in Paris manufacturer. It looks a little bit like an oversized Juke, a few years ago. Translating it into a smaller car is not the quirky Nissan product loved and hated seemingly in just a matter of shrinking the original but requires great equal measure. design skill and clearly, Mazda has that in abundance. The Intrado seems a bit more lovable and passersby In Canada, a 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine will indicated a similar looking production would in find power the Mazda2, and a choice of two transmissions favour among many. will be available – a six-speed manual and a six-speed
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The concept features a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain linked to a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that Hyundai boasts will provide a range of 600 kilometres. By the way, British Columbians will soon be able to lease a Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, with a similar powertrain and a reported range of 425 kms. Subaru VIZIV2 The Subaru concept crossover utility hybrid shown is a four-door version of a previously revealed two-door. Get this: Subaru says its “athletic, rugged shape of the sides seem designed in the image of a muscular NHL defenceman, and the fenders flare in a sturdy style.” Ahem. Looks like it came out of the Nissan/Infiniti design studios, and that’s not a criticism. Toyota FT1 Toyota was all about the roar of the engines in Montreal, which certainly pleased the gathered Quebec auto journos, who to a man/woman always appear to be race crazy to me (Given the market reality in Quebec, that doesn’t appear to be reflected in car buyer choices). Nevertheless, most would surely enjoy the sleek lines of the Toyota FT-1, designed to be at home on the track and a heck of a ticket magnet on the highway. Up next is the Toronto Show, which takes the name The Canadian International Auto Show. Bite your lip, Morgan. The Calgary show follows, then the new-look, re-imagined Vancouver International Auto Show debuts March 24-29.
Question of the Week The Canadian auto season kicked off in Montreal and the Vancouver show starts March 24. Do you plan to visit the show? If so, are you looking to buy? Or just to see what’s new? Go to DrivewayCanada.ca for question of the week
Safety Tip: Potholes can be a hazard during cold and wet weather months. For all types of winter hazards, remember two key tips: reduce your speed and increase your following distance. The more time you have to react to any hazard the better.
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