This year's crop of unveilings from the Show was brilliant and a beacon of hope for the near future of the North American car market. My below list consists almost exclusively of small vehicles with one obvious exception. I like where this is going.
Although SUVs and the increasingly popular CUVs still command a strong presence on the show floor, smaller, more efficient cars are growing in numbers as are alternative energy vehicles. My best-of-show combines technology, styling, performance and the “WOW” factor all rolled into production vehicles.
Here are my Top 10 picks from the show in no particular order:
1- 2011 Hyundai Sonata
Perhaps the only other surprise of the entire show, the 2011 Sonata will do some significant damage in the midsize car segment as soon as it arrives in showrooms. Not only is the styling bold but Hyundai's decision to drop the optional V6 and replace it with a turbocharged 4-cylinder will have competitors scrambling for a retort, at least here in Canada. The 2.4L trumps nearly all others in the category with 198 hp and the 2.0L turbo is expect to put out upwards of 240 hp. A hybrid is also in the pipeline.
The cabin also received much attention. Materials, fit and finish and presentation are now much more upscale and inviting. Equipment levels are on the rise and as expected, pricing should be very attractive. Now then, the new Sonata will not only be a value leader but it'll be up there as a styling leader as well.
2- 2011 Mazda2
Canada and Mazda have long had the 2 (Demio) on their radar ever since the much loved 323 became the larger Protegé. Unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, the car looks every bit as dynamic as it is to drive. Having myself had the opportunity to put it through a few of its paces (click for review here), I can safely say that all other subcompact (save for the new Fiesta and Honda Fit) are in for a heap of trouble. If pricing is right, this 110 hp 1.5L 4-pot-powered zipper of a car will capture the imagination, budget and hearts of the economically and ecologically minded masses.
The 2011 Mazda2 is expected to hit to dealer showrooms by mid-summer 2010. I can only imagine the anticipation in Mazda dealerships everywhere.
Although SUVs and the increasingly popular CUVs still command a strong presence on the show floor, smaller, more efficient cars are growing in numbers as are alternative energy vehicles. My best-of-show combines technology, styling, performance and the “WOW” factor all rolled into production vehicles.
Here are my Top 10 picks from the show in no particular order:
1- 2011 Hyundai Sonata
 |
Perhaps the only other surprise of the entire show, the 2011 Sonata will do some significant damage in the midsize car segment as soon as it arrives in showrooms. Not only is the styling bold but Hyundai's decision to drop the optional V6 and replace it with a turbocharged 4-cylinder will have competitors scrambling for a retort, at least here in Canada. The 2.4L trumps nearly all others in the category with 198 hp and the 2.0L turbo is expect to put out upwards of 240 hp. A hybrid is also in the pipeline.
The cabin also received much attention. Materials, fit and finish and presentation are now much more upscale and inviting. Equipment levels are on the rise and as expected, pricing should be very attractive. Now then, the new Sonata will not only be a value leader but it'll be up there as a styling leader as well.
2- 2011 Mazda2
 |
Canada and Mazda have long had the 2 (Demio) on their radar ever since the much loved 323 became the larger Protegé. Unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, the car looks every bit as dynamic as it is to drive. Having myself had the opportunity to put it through a few of its paces (click for review here), I can safely say that all other subcompact (save for the new Fiesta and Honda Fit) are in for a heap of trouble. If pricing is right, this 110 hp 1.5L 4-pot-powered zipper of a car will capture the imagination, budget and hearts of the economically and ecologically minded masses.
The 2011 Mazda2 is expected to hit to dealer showrooms by mid-summer 2010. I can only imagine the anticipation in Mazda dealerships everywhere.