Five cars that shine at show
More than 500 vehicles will be on display at the New England International Auto Show through Monday — including the slick, reptilian-like AstonMartin DB11, which is making its East Coast debut, and the regal Bentley Flying Spur W12 S, which will make its American premiere.
And though those two cars are sure to rev up car enthusiasts — with their Bond-like British designs — their sky-high price tags will prove unforgiving. So, for those of you who are heading to the show in the hopes of finding a more down-to-earth vehicle, here are five models you’ll have to check out:
• Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: This hybrid might just make the minivan cool again — or at least make it not uncool again.
“The Pacifica Hybrid is one of the most significant developments in minivan history,” said Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com, in an email to the Herald. The plug-in Pacifica makes good use of the “stop-and-go driving” that minivans are often used for, Wiesenfelder said, noting that the vehicle “gets an estimated 32 miles per gallon combined,” which is 10 mpg more than the regular, gas-powered Pacifica.
The minivan also promises a roomy third-row seat.
“We’ve driven the hybrid, and it’s very refined and well-executed,” he said.
• Dodge Challenger GT: The first Challenger with an all wheel option, this might just make the muscle car a reasonable option for New Englanders. But, while this tough-looking vehicle will promise to handle relatively well in the snow, Wiesenfelder pointed out, “The muscle is limited. The feature comes only with the V-6 engine — a good one, but not the firebreathing, Hemi V-8.” He also noted the GT will cost $6,000 more than the base model. “This is no bargain snowmobile,” he said.
Still, the Challenger promises all-weather traction, improved smartphone integration, and looks pretty cool.
• Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack: Will this help redeem VW’s reputation after its emissions scandal? Perhaps. “The Golf overall is a great car, including the SportWagen version on which the new Alltrack is based,” Wiesenfelder said. The Alltrack has good ground clearance, too, he said. Other promised features include an “upscale” interior, a fuel-efficient engine, and a display menu for off-road
driving that offers information such as a compass, steering angle and even altitude. It also promises 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
• Hyundai Santa Fe: Promising a strong V-6 engine and safety features such as automatic emergency braking and a 360-degree parking camera system, the Santa Fe “is a solid performer with recent comfort and technology upgrades and a giant panoramic moonroof,” Wiesenfelder said.
• Infiniti Q60 Coupe: “After a model year off, the Q60 has returned as a completely redesigned 2017 coupe,” said Wiesenfelder, who noted the offering of three power levels: 208, 300 and 400 horsepower. “Naturally, the 400-hp Red Sport 400 is the most fun, but the car handles nicely in all forms.” He also pointed out the car can be upgraded to include several semiautonomous features, and that the “optional all-wheel drive keeps it competitive in this class and viable in the winter, but the relatively low ride height means it won’t be mistaken for an SUV in deep snow.”