Everyday drivers steal the spotlight
GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Move over supercar companies, Audi, Mitsubishi and Volvo will bring their A game
With every Geneva Motor Show, it’s far too easy to get caught up in the high-horsepower, extremely rare and prohibitively expensive supercars. Naturally, it’s completely justified if you do; where else would you find that much horsepower under one roof?
That being said, relevant and everyday vehicles aren’t exactly a rare sight, either. To name just a few of the highlights, Mitsubishi brought back the Eclipse as a crossover, Volvo has thoroughly reworked the XC60 into a handsome family hauler and while the performance numbers suggest otherwise, Audi’s allnew RS5 is certainly more attainable than the McLaren 720S.
2018 Audi RS5
What is it? The ultimate expression of Audi’s mid-sized car, the 2018 Audi RS5 adds serious performance metrics to a model often overlooked in the lineup for its bigger and smaller siblings. And yet the Audi RS5 might be proportionately the best looking of all, a blend of muscle car with European DNA.
Why does it matter? A new engine signals the end of the naturally aspirated V-8 in the RS5. In its place is a new 90-degree, 24-valve, 2.9-litre, twin-turbo V-6 with 450 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. It’s able to hit 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The new V-6 will deliver torque early at lower rpm for a more responsive feel in all kinds of driving. The new engine will be more efficient too, with direct fuel injection and variable intake valve lift. Quattro allwheel drive will be standard, with a torque split biased to the rear.
When will Canada get it? Audi was vague on details, other than to say the RS5 will arrive some time this year.
Should you buy it? The new RS5 not only looks fast, but has an engine that will leave many a Mercedes behind. It’s a good size, too.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
What is it? Mitsubishi’s future will follow two key paths: Crossovers and electric vehicles. The first path will now include the Eclipse Cross. First, it has a very strong presence. Mitsubishi’s design has tended to follow the stylistic trend rather than lead it, so this is a big step forward. It has a sharp face and a strong back end illuminated by LED lighting. The cabin also makes significant advances, with superior materials and the latest tech. Head-up display is also part of the package, as are some advanced safety technologies.
Why does it matter? The Eclipse Cross promises perky performance with good fuel economy. Under the hood sits a new 1.5-L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mitsubishi said the engine delivers “better low- and mid-range torque” than either of its current 2.0-L and 2.4-L engines.
When will Canada get it? The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will hit Canadian roads later this year or early next.
Should you buy it? The introduction of the Eclipse Cross gives Mitsubishi a true contender in the hot and rapidly expanding compact crossover market.
Volvo XC60
What is it? It has been nine years since the Volvo XC60 first hit the road. Now comes the next generation with a stronger style and nicer cabin, featuring a four-zone climate-control system that eliminates outside odours. The new XC60 adds steer assist to the City Safety system. Oncoming lane mitigation uses the steering to mitigate headon collisions and to reduce the risk of a lane-change crunch. Finally, a semi-autonomous driver-assistance system takes care of the driving at speeds of up to 130 km/h.
Why does it matter? The XC60 rides on Volvo’s SPA platform, the same scalable platform that also underpins the 90-series vehicles. The starting point for the powertrain lineup will be the company’s T6 Drive-E engine; it is essentially the same as the powerhouse that gives the XC90 its pop. It will be joined by the innovative T8 Twin Engine hybrid powertrain. In this case, it promises excellent fuel economy and 407 hp.
When will Canada get it? The fourth quarter of 2017.
Should you buy it? Once billed as being boxy but safe, Volvo has long since turned that page. The new XC60 has a strong presence, along with an enviable list of features. Few rides promise to keep its occupants safer.