Auto shows are a good harbinger of spring and the Vancouver International Auto Show was a showcase of what to expect on the roads this summer and beyond. More than 200 vehicles by 20 manufacturers were on display on the packed floor of B.C. Place.
The Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2 are the closest to introduction, with the first cars scheduled to hit the road sometime in June. The two cars are like twins, but yet unique. The two small vehicles will finally give both manufacturers an entry into the hard-fought entry subcompact segment dominated by the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.
Ford will have a larger lineup, offering both sedan and hatchback versions. Mazda will stick with just a four-door hatchback. Ford will be the value leader, with a sedan that starts at $12,999. Mazda's GX model hatch will debut at $13,995. A four-speed automatic is available on the Mazda while Ford has chosen to equip their car with two extra gears and an auto-shift.
Ford is also looking for consumer interest in subcompact cars with luxury features -- common in Europe but not attempted in North America. Their top model will feature luxury items, not available in the Mazda, such as larger 16-inch wheels, sunroof and optional leather seating.
The most photographed vehicle of the show will likely be the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, or more commonly referred to simply as the Mercedes Gullwing. A modern interpretation of their classic 300SL coupe that was built between 1954 and 1957, the modern car is just as striking as the original.
The Gullwing had competition for attention by super cars such as the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster and the new 2010 Aston Martin Rapide. But the ultimate in ostentatious consumption has to be the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe with its stainless-steel hood, suicide doors and teak rear deck. The Rolls actually made the Porsche Panamera four-door sedan look inexpensive. Jaguar showed off the new XJ, and BMW chose Vancouver to debut their new 5-Series.
Convertibles herald the coming of summer and many were on display. Mercedes introduced their
E-Class Cabriolet and Volvo had their refreshed 2011 C70 on hand. Ford showed off a ground-thumping Mustang Shelby GT500.
General Motors chose to debut the German-built Buick Regal, which should be competitive to the likes of BMW and Audi in the near-luxury market. The more affordable Chevrolet Cruze, which replaces the Cobalt, was also on the GM stand but the Volt did not make it.
Chrysler had a Fiat 500, their much talked-about subcompact on display. Their entry-level car is slated to be built in Mexico for the North American market. No word on when Canada may see one on the road.
Toyota and Mitsubishi both had plug-in hybrids on display but sales to the public may be years away.
Toyota's Scion division had a few cars on display to build awareness of the brand in the lead-up to the official Canadian launch in September. There are no plans for a Victoria dealership so interested buyers will have to travel to Vancouver in the fall to see the cars.
Conspicuously absent from the show this year were Nissan, Kia and Suzuki.
Only two concept cars were in attendance. The Ford Reflex is a futuristic sports car powered by a diesel-electric hybrid engine with an interior quieted by recycled athletic shoes. The Lincoln C is a mini luxury car with what Lincoln calls a Human Machine Interface. They say the concept is supposed to position the automobile as a customer's companion in life on and off the road.
parrais@tc.canwest.com
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