Crossovers focus on future
DETROIT— Strange that on a continent where consumers (particularly U.S. ones) generally dislike hatchbacks and station wagons, crossovers are immensely popular.
After all, as this vehicle segment has evolved from the truckish KBlazers and Grand Wagoneers of old, many have come to share platforms with sedans — and really, what is the four-door-with-a-tailgate version of a sedan but a wagon?
Some of the wagons, er, crossovers introduced here are labelled as “concepts,” but there’s a good chance that each foretells a production version in the near future.
2014 ACURA MDX
The MDX has been made in Canada up until now, but when the 2014 Acura MDX Prototype starts production later this year, it will do so in Alabama.
Power will be supplied by a new, direct-injected 3.5 L V6. Lower in overall height, and featuring a longer wheelbase to benefit secondrow legroom and third-row access, the MDX’s chassis, suspension, and body are also said to be all-new.
A full complement of electronic driving aids, including “Low-Speed Follow” cruise control, will be available.
AUDI SQ5
In most European markets, Audi’s SQ5 features a turbo-diesel engine. Elsewhere, the addition of an “S” to the model name means that Audi’s “quattro” subsidiary has turned the wick up on the current Q5’s option- al 3.0 L supercharged V6.
Horsepower jumps from 272 to 354, resulting in the claimed ability to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.
HONDA URBAN SUV CONCEPT
With an overall length of 4,300 mm, Honda’s Urban Concept is 230 mm shorter than the popular CR-V crossover, and will be positioned below it in the lineup.
Using the same mid-mounted fuel tank and multi-folding “Magic (rear) Seat” as the current Fit subcompact, it will be built alongside that model in Honda’s new Celaya, Mexico, plant in early 2014.
2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
It’s not a complete redesign, but Jeep’s 2014 Cherokee has undergone a thorough refresh, with new exterior styling and an interior featuring upgraded materials and electronics content.
The biggest news is underneath: all models use a ZF-supplied 8speed transmission (to the betterment of both performance and economy), and a 3.0 L turbodiesel V6 engine option returns, now a VM Motori unit producing 240 hp and a robust 420 lb.-ft. of torque.
LINCOLN MKC CONCEPT
Ostensibly a concept vehicle, the Lincoln MKC would seem to have a fighting chance of production, particularly when you consider that Audi, BMW, and even Buick offer small, premium crossovers.
Its specifications are close enough to Ford’s new Escape to suggest kinship, although the Lincoln uses a clamshell-style tailgate and different C-pillars.
PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO S
If you drive a Porsche Cayenne Turbo now, and the kids are still late for school, perhaps what you need is the new Turbo S — its 50 extra horses (now 550) might make the difference. At 4.5 seconds, the S is two-tenths faster to 100 km/h. wheels@thestar.ca