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Montreal is the kick-off for "Auto Show Season" in Canada. Other major events are planned for Toronto from February 17-26, and Vancouver from April 3-8. Held at various venues since its inception in 1969, the Montreal Convention Centre has been the home of the Montreal Auto Show for nearly a decade. Three APA staff members were present at the well-attended press preview on January 12th. With a number of national debuts and access to senior auto-industry executives, the show was well worth attending.
The most significant change in the focus of the show can be summarized in the two words, “Obama administration”. The new U.S. fuel economy targets are requiring the automakers to reverse a 15 year run of ever heavier and more powerful vehicles. APA’s staff writer, Ron Corbett, prepared the report which follows, which we hope you’ll enjoy. We’ve followed the order of vehicle presentations on the Media Day.
Ford
Styling of the 2013 Ford Escape is less utilitarian than its predecessor
In pursuit of its "One Ford" policy, the Blue oval brand is adopting the second-generation European-designed Kuga as its new Escape. Built on a 71 mm longer wheelbase, the new Focus-based wagon is shorter, wider and lower than before. The tiny slit grille and a massive lower air intake mimics those of the Fiesta and Focus.
The base 2.5L four returns, but ambitious U.S. fuel economy targets see the V6 option dropped in favour of a 2L turbo four producing 237 horsepower, only three less than the the old 3L V6. A 1.6L turbo four cranks out similar power to the 2.5L four, but with more torque. A six speed automatic is the only transmission. "On demand" all-wheel drive is optional.
2013 Ford Focus ST
With around 250 horsepower (no final figure is available), the Focus ST will do battle with the MazdaSpeed 3 and the new VW Golf R. Like the Mazda, the ST sends all its power through the front wheels. An Aston-Martin style grille is the key styling difference between the ST and the sportiest car of the mainstream Focus range, the Titanium. Like the Golf R, the ST is a discreet-looking pocket-rocket.
Ford Focus Electric
Another Aston-Martin tribute grille fronts the Focus electric. The car will be released at some point in 2012. No details other than top speed (136 km/h), and charge time (four hours at 240V), are currently available.
2013 Lincoln MKS
The exterior changes for the mid-cycle remake of the Lincoln's MKS include a restyled front end featuring the same grille pattern as the iconic 1941 Continental. Cabin changes are limited to a new dash centre stack and the same gauge package featured in its platform mates, the Lincoln MKT and the Taurus and Flex from Ford.
The base 3.7L V6 gains 26 horsepower, for a total of 300. Other mechanical changes include Continuously Controlled Damping, featuring Normal, Comfort and Sport modes, and stronger brakes.
Mitsubishi small car concept
This concept car represents the size, if not the form, of the B-segment car Mitsubishi will sell in North America in 2013. The car that will go on sale looks much more prosaic than the show car. In Japan, the Mirage, with a 1L three-cylinder engine, CVT or a five-speed manual and regenerative braking, consumes only 3L/100 km of gasoline!
North American version of the Mitsubishi iMiev electric car
iMiev home charger
Lancer SE AWC
Major news from Mitsubishi was the introduction of the Lancer SE AWC. Powered by a 2.4L engine, the all-wheel drive Lancer will compete with the Subaru Impreza and Suzuki SX4 for compact car buyers.
2013 Lexus GS 350
Though all new, visual differences between this GS and the previous one, other than the recently-devised Lexus signature grille, are subtle.
Power stems from a 306 horsepower version of Toyota's ubiquitous 3.5L V6. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive a $3,000 option. Canadian buyers in this segment are now overwhelmingly ordering all-wheel-drive, instead of conventional rear drive. A Sport variant and a hybrid will also be available.
Previous iterations of the GS sold poorly in Canada. Lexus has enriched the content and dropped the price by about $3,000 to spur sales.
One of just 500 Lexus LF-A carbon-fibre sports cars built, showed up at the Montreal show
Canada’s first network of Electric Car Charging Stations
The most significant introduction at this year’s auto show was not a vehicle: Hydro Québec, St-Hubert restaurants, RONA, METRO, and the municipal transit authority (AMT) have banded together to form The Electric Circuit. Ninety 240 volt public charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles will be available by the spring of 2012 (120 by the summer). The stations will charge $2.50 per hook-up, regardless of charge duration. The network bypassed traditional filling stations, to locate charging units where a consumer might want to stop for a meal or to shop while their EV is being charged. A mobile phone app. will tell users where the nearest charging point is, and whether or not it is in use. Plans exist to install a series of 400 volt quick-charging stations along some major highways in Quebec over the next year, to make inter-city travel possible.
1964 Austin-Healy 3000 Mark III
This two-tone beauty was one of the cars in the Legendes de la route display at the Montreal show. This 3L six-cylinder 150 horsepower car was the final variant of the Austin Healey, which went out of production in 1967. Other cars on display included a 1959 Porsche 356A, 1964 Jaguar E-Type and a 1970 Dodge Challenger SE.
Mazda CX-5
With Ford and Mazda undergoing a slow divorce, Mazda needed a home-grown replacement for the Ford-based Tribute. Based on the "Minagi" concept vehicle, the 2013 CX-5 goes on sale soon. The new vehicle, which follows Mazda's new KODO (Soul of Motion), styling theme, is slightly smaller, and a bit taller than its CX-7 showroom mate. Though a bit busy, the CX-5's exterior styling is attractive enough and contemporary.
Power stems from the new SKYACTIV engine (a 2L, 155 horsepower four), and choice of six-speed transmissions (automatic or manual). Mazda is among the automakers that believe there are significant fuel economy improvements possible from refined gasoline engines and transmissions. SKYACTIV is a suite of technical features which Mazda says will provide best-in-class fuel economy on the CX-5.
Fiat 500 Abarth
Though sales in the U.S. have been disappointing, Cinquecento (500) deliveries in Canada have been brisk, with over 5,000 sold to date. That’s about three times the rate in the United States, factoring in the larger market.
Fiat has expanded the line-up with this sporty Abarth model, powered by a 160 horsepower turbocharged variant of its 1.4L Multi-Air engine that will also be used in the upcoming Dodge Dart compact car. Tweaks like firmer springs, quicker steering, a lower ride height and an extra 59 horsepower, are said to combine for a more involving driving experience than the pedestrian base model. Prices for the Abarth start at $23,995.
2013 Subaru BRZ
ThIs Toyota Scion-Subaru joint-venture compact rear-wheel drive sports car goes on sale in June. Like its Scion platform mate, the Subaru BRZ is powered by a normally-aspirated 2L boxer four producing 200 horsepower, an impressive figure for an engine of that size. Both direct and port fuel injection are used. Power reaches the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Suspension is via MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the back.
The concept for this light, compact coupe is said to go back to the iconic rear-wheel drive Toyota Corolla GTS models from the mid-80s. Unlike behemoths such as the Genesis Coupe, Mustang and Camaro, the new coupe is shorter, wider and lower than a Corolla, and is truly compact.
The styling looks taut and sporty. Body panels of the two cars are shared, with each having unique front fascias and rear lights. Cabin shapes come off as a bit 1980s. That said, room is plentiful for two, and cabin materials were attractive on the BRZ shown in Montreal. The BRZ has reasonable trunk space for a small rear-wheel drive coupe.
The BRZ has a conventional trunk despite the fastback styling
2013 Hyundai Genesis coupe
The Genesis coupe undergoes a mid-cycle remake including numerous mechanical, exterior styling and cabin updates. The 3.8L V6 gains direct injection and a horsepower boost from 306 to 348. The 2L four features a new twin-scroll turbocharger, and a power increase from 210 to 274 horsepower. Power reaches the wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a Hyundai-designed eight-speed automatic with either engine.
Exterior changes include a new fascia, grille, hood and lights that are in line with those of recently launched Hyundais. Cabin updates include a new centre stack, redesigned gauges and more attractive materials.
2013 Hyundai Veloster turbo
According to Hyundai, the Veloster replaces the Tiburon in its line-up. The Tiburon was one of the last cars to sell well in the compact sporty car segment. Due out this summer, the Veloster turbo produces 201 horsepower, 63 more than its normally-aspirated showroom mate. Power reaches the front wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a conventional six-speed automatic. (the base car uses a dual-clutch automated manual). Quicker steering and various suspension tweaks are said to increase driving precision over the already enjoyable normally-aspirated model.
Exterior changes including a bumperless version of Hyundai's current trapezoidal grille motif. Cabin enhancements include standard leather upholstery.
2013 Acura RDX
The second-generation RDX features a version of Acura's corporate face, and a side profile that is not as elegant as this eerily-lit example would lead you to believe.
A longer wheelbase and overall length should lead to improved rear seat and cargo space. At a time when manufacturers are jettisoning big engines in the race to comply with U.S. fuel economy regulations, Acura is replacing its thirsty, turbo four with a larger and smoother 3.5L V6. Producing 273 horsepower, the V6 is hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive, but not Acura's much-touted SH-AWD system, is standard in Canada.
2013 Volkswagen Golf R
Available in other markets for many years, the all-wheel drive 256 horsepower Golf R arrives in Canada this year. Subtle exterior changes don't loudly advertise the performance on tap, making for a very discreet-looking all-wheel drive performance car positioned above the GTI in the Golf range.
The Canadian market will receive 500 cars this year, starting at a base price just under $40,000.
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC (racing competition), electric race car
The Nismo RC features a light (940 kg), yet strong carbon-fibre unibody structure that is about the same length, but wider and much lower than the production Leaf. Power is derived from a mid-ship mounted battery pack that feeds a 107 horsepower (207 lb.ft. of torque), electric motor that sends power to the rear wheels instead of the front ones as on the production Leaf. According to Nissan, the NIsmo RC's quick-charge system can be recharged to 80 percent of capacity in 30 minutes.
Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger Van
Nissan showed a passenger version of its new full-size NV van. Available with V6 and V8 power, the van can seat up to 12 people. The NV commercial van, and this new passenger version are the first serious competitors to GM's Express/Savana twins and Ford E-series vans that dominate this category. The long hood makes the engine easily accessible for service compared with domestic vans, where the engines protrude into the front passenger compartments.
Sebastien Vettel's Formula 1 racing car on the Infiniti stand
Infiniti, a major Red Bull Racing sponsor, displayed the Formula I design that won both the both the Constructors' and Drivers' (Vettel) championships last year.
2013 Infiniti JX
Infiniti, which has lacked a mainstream mid-size crossover, is fielding an entry in the heart of the market with the 2013 JX. The JX features Infiniti's current grille that debuted on the M-series, and displays some of the interesting arcs seen on various Infiniti concept cars over the last few years.
The JX is 165 mm longer, and slightly wider than the related Nissan Murano. Power stems from a 265 horsepower version of the 3.5L V6 used in a variety of Nissan vehicles, with a CVT and all-wheel drive. The cabin is elegant and carefully assembled. Second-row space is good; third-row legroom looks reasonable, but the low-mounted seat might not suit some adults.
Prices start at $44,900.
Kia KV7 Concept car
With the Sedona minivan overdue for renewal, the KV7 concept may be a hint at the direction Kia is moving toward for its replacement. The KV7 looks clean, and very chic, and represents a more elegant way to get around than a mInivan or SUV of similar size. The turbocharged 2L four hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission is directly from the Optima sedan.
The KV7’s show-car cabin displays over-the-top design and materials
2013 Smart ForTwo electric
Available in the fall of 2012, the Smart electric will be powered by a 55 kW (74 horsepower), motor that produces 98 lb.ft. of torque. Top speed is claimed to be 120 km/h, and the range of the litium-ion battery pack is said to be 140 kilometers. The electric powertrain eliminates the automated manual transmission, that is the most unsatisfactory component of the conventional Smart.
2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Already on sale in Europe, the second-generation B-Class bows in Canada late in 2012. Mercedes has dropped the "sandwich" like dual-floor construction of the previous car in favour of a more conventional floorpan.
The new car has a lower, sleeker silhouette than the previous model, but the styling is busy, and some elements, like the upswept gash on the rear doors, are visually discordant. While no details were provided, the largest gas engine currently offered in Europe -- a 1.6L four with 136 horsepower -- is the likely base power plant for Canada. The troublesome CVT on the previous model will be replaced by a new seven-speed automatic transmission.
An observant APA staffer noticed that the 2012 Honda Fit on display was Made-in-China! The strong value of the Yen has made it difficult for the Japanese automakers to assemble entry-level models in Japan and offer them at competitive prices in North America. Currently monthly payments for financing and leasing the Fit are almost identical to the larger Civic.
Sixth-generation BMW 3-Series
A limited range of rear-wheel drive sixth-generation BMW 3-Series will be available in Canada starting in February. Existing all-wheel-drive Xi models will be offered concurrently to the end of the 2012 model year.
Built on a 50 mm longer wheelbase, the new car is 93 mm longer than its predecessor. The styling, which is more evolutionary than revolutionary, continues the conservative styling trend evident in new BMW sedans since the current 7-Series debuted.
With a tight gauge package and a strong horizontal bias, the dashboard follows current BMW design practices. The interior of the early production car on display was carefully- assembled from quality components. The longer wheelbase has improved rear seat legroom to the point where the car is now quite habitable for four adults.
The new 3-Series offers four cylinder engines in North America for the first time in many years. A new 2L turbo four with 240 horsepower (mysteriously named the 328i), and the returning 3L turbo six (335i), will be offered initially, with another 2L four (320i), to follow in the spring. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. Unfortunately, the expensive and sometimes troublesome runflat tires with no spare have been retained.
Regenerative braking provides power for the vehicle electrical system, which also features an alternator that "idles" when its capacity is not required, reducing drag on the engine and fuel consumption. An automatic stop-start system switches off the engine when stopped in traffic or at traffic lights, saving fuel. There is also an ECO PRO mode that alters vehicle performance parameters, which, according to BMW, can reduce fuel consumption up to 20 percent.
The fifth-generation 3-Series two doors continue unchanged for 2012.
Built on the same wheelbase as the regular MINI, the new two-seater Roadster (and coupe variant), is a clever spin on existing mechanicals. Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions of the car are offered.
Chevrolet's (bright in this case), Spark will arrive in the fall of 2012 as a 2013 model
Chevrolet's Spark, already on sale in other markets, will arrive in Canada by the fall of this year. This car is truly small. Compared with the B-segment Toyota Yaris hatchback, the Spark is 260 mm shorter and 98 mm narrower. GM names the Smart ForTwo, Scion iQ and Fiat 500 as key competitors.
With a motorcycle-like gauge package, some interesting shapes and a few exterior body-colour accents, the cabin is quite attractive. With 135 fewer centimeters between the front and rear wheels than a Toyota Yaris hatchback, rear seat riders may find legroom in short supply.
Power for North American versions of the Spark comes from a 1.2L four producing an estimated 85 horsepower. Power reaches the front wheels via either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
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