FIAT CHRYSLER REINVENTS THE MINIVAN,
FROM CHRYSLER’S LATEST EVOLUTION OF THE MINIVAN TO THE FIRST CHINESE-MADE MODEL BUICK PLANS TO SELL IN NORTH AMERICA, THERE ARE A RAFT OF FAMILY SUVS AND CROSSOVERS ON THE MENU AT THE DETROIT AUTO SHOW. HERE’S THE DRIVING TEAM’S TAKE.
2017 CHRYSLER PACIFIC A
What is it? Chrysler’s latest minivan not only arrives with a totally new platform, 37 innovations, and 100 safety and security features, it also has a new name: Pacifica. The name and overall look are both familiar; at last, the boxiness that defines all current minivans has gone in favour of something with much more style. The wider track allowed designers to taper the greenhouse in as it rises to the roofline, which gives it a much more crossover-like look.
Why does it matter? As the product of a clean- screen rework, everything in the Pacifica is new; the platform is 30-per-cent stiffer, the suspension has been upgraded to improve ride and handling, and the ‘ Stow ‘ n Go’ seating has been re- engineered to make it even more user-friendly. It even offers a built-in vacuum.
The Pacifica will arrive with two new and very different powertrains. The first marries a 287- horsepower 3.6- litre V- 6 to a nine- speed automatic transmission that drives the front or all four wheels. Then there’s the Pacifica Hybrid, the first plug- in minivan. It employs the same 3.6- L V- 6, but includes a continuously variable transmission and a 16 kWh lithium- ion battery that delivers 80 kilometres of electric- only driving. The Hybrid powers the front wheels only, and it loses the middle row of Stow ‘n Go seats to accommodate the battery. However, the claimed average fuel economy of 2.94 L/ 100 km is compensation enough.
When is i t coming? First
quarter of 2016.
Should you buy it? The fact Chrysler will sell the new Pacifica alongside the current Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country for an unspecified period would indicate the new minivan/crossover will fetch a premium price; the list of features and amenities on the top-level Limited Platinum model supports this notion. However, for those with the need for seven or eight seats, the Pacifica represents a very good alternative to the traditional minivan.
2016 BUICK ENVISION
What is i t? The Buick Envision will slot between the Encore and the Enclave, filling the void in the hottest part of the crossover segment. It’s a good- looking alternative to the Audis and BMWs that fill so many affluent driveways.
Why does i t matter? The 2.0- L turbocharged engine, which puts 252 hp and 260 pound- feet of torque at the driver’s right boot, drives all four wheels through a sixspeed automatic transmission. Ninety per cent of the torque is available anywhere between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm, giving it a very broad torque plateau. The ride and handling are taken care of by front struts and a four- link rear suspension that Buick promises will not be armchair- like. The fact it rides on P235/ 50R19 tires would seem to support this notion.
Finally, the list of standard safety features reads like a what’s what. Along with park assist up front and out back, the Envision also includes a forward- collision warning system known as the Follow Distance Indicator and the Safety Alert Seat, which pulses to warn the
driver if a potential crash is about to become unavoidable.
When is it coming? The Buick Envision is slated for launch in the first quarter of this year.
Should you buy it? The compact crossover segment is awash with higher- end entries. Having wowed the Chinese market, Buick says the Envision is ready for North American consumers. If the badge does not matter, the Envision is a competent alternative to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. It certainly has the quality, fit and finish, and with its abundant amenity list, it is destined to win its fair share of owners.
2017 GMC ACADIA
What is it? GMC revealed its all-new Acadia, something it
dubbed a “reimagined crossover.” The changes are radical, not the least of which is the 318- kilogram weight loss, accomplished without giving up versatility or flexibility — while still having the wherewithal to out- size a small apartment with its 2,237 litres of space with the seats folded flat.
Why does it matter? Not only is the look much sharper, the Acadia offers a range of new powertrains. The base four- cylinder 2.5- L engine with 194 hp is rated at an estimated 8.4 L/ 100 km on the highway, which is very good for a full- size offering. The up- level 3.6- L V- 6 follows this lead, delivering 310 hp while sipping 9.4 L/ 100 km on the highway. Both engines work with a six- speed automatic transmission to drive either the front or all four wheels.
The other big improvement is found in the range of safety technologies available.
It covers all the bases and includes everything from a 360- degree view around the vehicle to a new Pedestrian Braking system that’s part of the collision- avoidance system.
A novel feature is the Tow Vision Trailering, which uses a camera to guide the driver back to the hitch without the guessing.
When will Canada get it? The all- new Acadia hits Canadian roads this spring.
Should you buy it? With its more- efficient powertrains, three-row seating and a new All Terrain model with enhanced off- road capability, the latest Acadia is well suited to a growing family that likes to stay active without trampling on Mother Nature in the process.
VW TIGUAN GTE ACTIVE CONCEPT
What is it? Volkswagen must be taking a page out of Jeep’s playbook, because the Tiguan GTE Active Concept turns up the heat considerably over the standard model.
It has much more aggressive styling, including chunky body cladding and a set of knobby off-road-ready tires.
Under the skin is Volkswagen’s 2.0- L turbo- four, pumping out 221 hp when combined with the hybrid powertrain’s electric motor. A trick 4Motion all- wheeldrive system will be standard, sending power to the rear wheels — surprise, surprise! — and directing kick to the front axle when wheelspin is detected. The Tiguan GTE Active concept can travel up to 32 km in electriconly mode and it does the zero- to-100- km/ h sprint in 6.4 seconds.
Why does it matter? Is it any wonder Volkswagen is pushing plug- in hybrid powertrains these days? With this aggressive off- road styling treatment, Tiguan GTE Active could be the ticket to win buyers back.
When is it coming? Volkswagen hasn’t dished details on when — or even if — it plans to offer this as an addition to the Tiguan lineup. That said, you can expect the redesigned Tiguan to hit dealers later this year.
Should you buy it? If Diesel-gate hasn’t impacted your trust in Volkswagen and you want a more high- tech take on a Jeep, this is your ticket. If Volkswagen builds it, of course.