Ten cars from the Detroit Show for Kiwis tastes
3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. It still cranks out big numbers, though: 310kW and 0-96kmh (60mph) in 4.5 seconds.
Lexus also rolled out its UX concept again at Detroit (formerly seen at Paris last year), just to remind us that it has a baby-SUV on the way.
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS COUPE
It’s niche for sure, but the new coupe version of NZ’s current Car of the Year is still worthy of note.
The new two-door version of the Mercedes-Benz E-class embraces the brand’s latest design language and all the high technology of the sedan. It’s a world away from the slightly fuddy-duddy coupes of previous E-generations.
TOYOTA CAMRY
It’s all change for Camry: Australian manufacture will finish at the end of this year and our next one will be a version of the eighth-generation model unveiled in Detroit, probably built in Japan. This is truly an allnew car, built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform which allows more efficient packaging of the batteries in the hybrid version and sleeker styling all-round, including a lower seating position for all occupants that has enabled Toyota to drop the height of the roof.
The demise of the Aussie factory means we say goodbye to the Aurion. But there is still a V6 engine option for the new Camry should Toyota NZ want one. Judging by Aurion sales, probably not.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN ALLSPACE
Detroit was the first look at the production version of Volkswagen’s seven-seat Tiguan, which it’s calling the Allspace. This model will fill the role of pseudo people-carrier for VW in NZ, while the larger and more expensive Touareg continues as a five-seater only.
Allspace is also closely related to Skoda’s forthcoming Kodiaq SUV. Expect to see both in NZ this year.