Let's get to the Show!
After visiting the Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) three times in two days, I have to tip my hat to Denis Dessurault, the show's director, who revised the layout and the route. There is more flow and the "labyrinth" is somewhat more flexible. As a result, it is now possible to step away from of the crowd to go to the restroom or to put some additional change in the parking meter.
While we're at it, it is worth noting that the city of Montreal reprogrammed all the meters so that whenever you want to add change, you must start back at $0.00, as if the time remaining had suddenly expired. And remember: the parking fare is higher now. Sure, there are other solutions, like paying $16 for leaving your vehicle in the underground parking lot, but in my case, I couldn't even enter because of the excess height of my 4x4 pickup truck. Here's hoping the MIAS soon moves to a convention center outside of downtown with plenty of generous parking spaces. Urban spreading is great: lots of room to park and move around.
OK, I'm done with negative issues!
The MIAS is also and primarily about new cars. The most impressive and most exotic are found on the seventh floor ("Seventh Heaven"). You'll see a collection of exclusive models that only the richest can make their own, leaving the poor mortals dreaming. I'm talking about Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Aston Martins, Bentleys, Porsches, Lotuses and... a Locus. On this supreme floor, several new models attract the majority of visitors. So, you're either stuck in a crowd or up-close and personal with your favorite machine.
The rest of the tour goes smoothly, meaning you have all the time and freedom to admire and, for the most part, sit inside all the models on hand. My favorite, reasonably priced cars, both in terms of looks and feel, were the new Volvo C30 (penned by Montreal's Simon Lamarre) and the completely redesigned Mitsubishi Lancer.
Also worth a look are the following production models and concepts (in order): Locus Plethore (designed and built in Quebec), Lotus Exige, Bentley Azure, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Jeep Patriot, Hyundai Veracruz and Tiburon, Chevrolet Camaro, Buick Enclave, Callaway C16, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Tundra, Kia Rondo, Nissan Altima, Land Rover LR2, Mercedes CL, BMW 3-Series Convertible, Audi TT Coupe, Volvo S80, Ford Escape and Lexus LS600h.
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While we're at it, it is worth noting that the city of Montreal reprogrammed all the meters so that whenever you want to add change, you must start back at $0.00, as if the time remaining had suddenly expired. And remember: the parking fare is higher now. Sure, there are other solutions, like paying $16 for leaving your vehicle in the underground parking lot, but in my case, I couldn't even enter because of the excess height of my 4x4 pickup truck. Here's hoping the MIAS soon moves to a convention center outside of downtown with plenty of generous parking spaces. Urban spreading is great: lots of room to park and move around.
OK, I'm done with negative issues!
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| Lotus Elise |
The rest of the tour goes smoothly, meaning you have all the time and freedom to admire and, for the most part, sit inside all the models on hand. My favorite, reasonably priced cars, both in terms of looks and feel, were the new Volvo C30 (penned by Montreal's Simon Lamarre) and the completely redesigned Mitsubishi Lancer.
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| Locus Plethore |