GM keeps fresh in the lucrative SUV market
INFINITI SHOWCASES STUNNING TECH IN CONCEPT, WHILE VW’S TIGUAN GROWS
2018 GMC TERRAIN
Fresh from the debut of the Chevrolet Equinox, GM revealed its more attractive and more upscale sibling — the 2018 GMC Terrain, a CUV that shed its blocky and tired shape for something much more bold and attractive.
What is it?
Popular in Canada, the five-passenger Terrain should keep a firm hold on the market with three new engines choices, one of which is unique to the segment: a 1.6- litre turbodiesel with 137 horsepower and 240 pound- feet of torque. The diesel joins two other new turbo engines in the lineup, a 1.5- L with 170 hp and 203 lb- ft of torque, and a 2.0- L with 252 hp and 260 lb-ft. While the diesel will be mated to a six- speed automatic, the two turbo gas engines will be paired to ninespeed automatics.
Why does it matter?
The Terrain is not just a gateway vehicle for General Motors and its GMC brand, but it’s also one of its better selling vehicles.
Riding on GM’s new D2 architecture that it shares with the Volt, Cruze, Equinox and Buick Envision, the Terrain makes wider use of an existing platform and comes with either front- wheel or all- wheel drive. Those models with AWD include a FWD mode that disconnects the AWD system to minimize drag and optimize fuel economy, and the Terrain comes standard with GMC’s driver-controllable Traction Select system for different driving conditions.
A slate of new safety features are coming, including “surround view” and “teen driver,” that allows parents to set controls on the vehicle and review an in- vehicle report card on the driving behaviour when parents are not present. The Terrain will also be offered in Denali trim, getting unique trim colour, a heated steering wheel, navigation, Bose premium seven- speaker sound system and a hands-free programmable power liftgate.
When will Canada get it?
The 2018 Terrain goes on sale this summer in SLE, SLT and Denali models.
Should you buy it?
Few CU Vs can be equipped as well as the new Denali Terrain. Now with improved looks and a classexclusive efficient diesel engine, there’s little else that can match it. Derek McNaughton
2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
Not significantly renewed since it arrived in 2009, the Traverse enters its second generation as a 2018 model. Lighter and leaner, the 2018 Traverse employs a longer wheelbase to accommodate up to eight passengers with what General Motors claims is best- in- class third- row seating and cargo space.
What is it?
With up to 2,789 L of cargo space ( all seats folded) and three rows of seats, the Traverse is a decent-sized family hauler that slots above the Equinox but below the fullsize Tahoe. It has been Chevrolet’s version of the GMC Acadia, but now differentiates itself with a longer, 3,071mm wheelbase and handsome styling. GM says its third row offers the most legroom of any SUV in this class, with 856 mm of space.
Why does it matter?
Remaining current in the hot SUV market is vital, and the new Traverse not only brings a sharp new look but an impressive suite of technology, such as seven or eight- inch diagonal MyLink infotainment systems, along with 4G Wi-Fi, USB charging ports in all three rows and optional wireless charging.
A new 3.6- L V6 with 305 hp and 265 lb- ft of torque joins an optional 2.0-L turbocharged in-line four-cylinder with 255 hp and 295 lb- ft of torque. Both engines will be paired with nine-speed automatics. The V6 will be able tow up to 2,268 kilograms. In RS trim, the Traverse will exclusively feature the 2.0-L turbo.
When will Canada get it?
Probably mid- September or later.
Should you buy it?
Competing against the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Explorer and many others, the Traverse offers attractive styling and plenty of space. With the new turbo engine, it also promises to bring plenty of spunk with that sharp-looking new sheet metal. Derek McNaughton
INFINITI QX50 CONCEPT What is it?
Perhaps Infiniti’s sportiest sport-utility, the QX50 needs a makeover and this is the second concept that Infiniti has teased bearing the QX50 moniker ( the first was the Sport Inspiration shown at this year’s Beijing auto show). It’s sexier than ever with something Infiniti is calling a “driver-centric, passenger-minded” interior, which is stylist-speak for a more cockpit- oriented cabin with distinct zones for the driver and passenger, and a huge touch screen in the middle of the dashboard.
Why does it matter?
What really matters is the QX50 will be the first Infiniti with the company’s ProPilot semi- autonomous driving technology and the company’s new variable compression VC-Turbo 2.0- L engine. What’s a variable compression engine, you ask? The VC is able to operate with a 14.0:1 compression ratio ( enhancing fuel economy impressively) when poodling around town. But under hard acceleration, when the turbocharger kicks in, the VC can drop the compression ratio as low as 8.0:1, so it can produce maximum power ( 268 hp) without exploding. Infiniti claims a 27 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared with an equivalent V6.
When is it coming?
Perhaps as a 2018 model, though, Infiniti hasn’t absolutely confirmed the new QX will get the VC engine.
Should you buy it?
Yes. If it were powered by the VC-Turbo engine, the QX50 would be a veritable showcase of Infiniti’s future technology from both a powertrain and an autonomous point of view, making it the most advanced vehicle in Nissan’s lineup. Not to mention still being sexy as all get out. David Booth
2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN What is it?
A bigger, stretched version of Volkswagen’s Tiguan. “Life’s as big as you make it” is VW’s tagline, and nothing captures North American consumers’ attention quite like “bigly.”
Why does it matter?
Well, to reiterate, it’s bigger. Not Nissan Armada gargantuan, but Volkswagen claims it seats seven comfortably. And being an SUV, the introduction of the three-row Tiguan at the North American International Auto Show expands VW’s penetration into America’s mainstream.
“I truly believe that this auto show marks a real turning point for Volkswagen in the United States, based on an upcoming strong product momentum with vehicles that are truly tailored to what American buyers want,” said VW North America’s chief executive, Hinrich J. Woebcken, at the reveal.
Almost 270 millimetres longer than the Europeanspec Tiguan, and with trunk space increased by 57 per cent, the now larger sport ute does make a convincing argument for minivan- like flexibility. Motivation comes from a 184- hp, 2.0- L turbocharged TFSI four mated to an eight-speed transmission with front- wheel and allwheel drive options.
When is it coming?
This summer.
Should you buy it?
If we can assume the Tiguan has lost none of its typically German roadholding ability, then as long as your third- row passengers have taken a dose of Dramamine, you might finally be able to get your budding Wayne Gretzkys to the hockey game on time. Nick Tragianis