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Auto show minivans, SUVs: Form beyond function
Posted by hpayne on January 13, 2017
Sport utility vehicles dominate the U.S. market, making up 60 percent of market share (together with trucks) for 2016. That’s up from 47 percent just six years ago. Driven by customer preference for better visibility and cargo space, utes now parallel sedans, available in every segment of the market. With the development of turbo engines and global platforms, SUVs are making giant strides in fuel efficiency and handling.
Audi Q8
What it is: Just say no to the box. Like the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLC Coupe, the Q8 is a crossover with curves — a coupe version of Audi’s biggest three-row crossover. Based on the same bones as the well-received three-row Q7, the Q8 will have only two rows of seats — so as not to give passengers neck cramps. With a grille larger than a locomotive and 443 horses from its hybrid powertrain, this SUV will fill up your rear-view mirror in a hurry.
Payne’s take: More proof that crossovers are threatening every corner of the car market. The Q8 concept is a near-market-ready concept that should hit dealer lots later this year. The grille and monobrow rear taillight are unique to the Q8 and, hopefully, will make the transition to the production vehicle. Gotta have it in Bombay Blue.
Honda Odyssey
What it is: The best-selling minivan in America remade to keep up with the new, innovative Pacifica and its Stow n’ Go second-row seats. Unlike the Pacifica, the Odyssey doesn’t break ground in styling (it refines its “lightning bolt” design theme), saving the changes for inside. Honda has addressed customer concerns for rug rats in the rear seats — introducing a middle-seat solution called Magic Slide. The seats can be moved laterally so the driver can reach back from the driver’s seat and keep tabs on a young ’un. By sliding the seats inboard, the Odyssey also allows easier third-row access.
Payne’s take: The Odyssey is a tech tour de force — or Big Brother depending on your point of view. In addition to Magic Slide, parents can monitor backseat occupants with CabinWatch, an infrared camera in the ceiling. The image is projected on the front console screen. Need to ask what the heck is going on back there? CabinTalk allows front seat-to-rear communication via speakers or headset.
Infiniti QX50
What it is: Billed as a concept, there’s no Q-uestion that this midsize SUV is heading for production. The QX50’s styling is attractive if not as cutting edge as its junior sibling QX30. The 50 saves the innovation for under the hood, where it debuts Infiniti’s variable compression 2.0-liter engine; it provides more power — 268 ponies — and up to 27 percent fuel economy. For you geeks out there, this is accomplished by varying the piston stroke and thus, the car’s compression depending on need.
Payne’s take: The current QX50 is older than the Pyramids but was Infiniti’s hottest-selling model in 2016, a testament to Americans’ thrust for family utes. Performance brand Infiniti made the current Q with rear-wheel drive, but look for the revamp to be a front-wheeler.
Mercedes GLA
What it is: The Mercedes GLA — which shares its platform with the Japanese automaker Infiniti — gets a mid-cycle refresh after burning up the sales charts. The GLA is more hot hatch than SUV, with a roofline that looks like it was squashed in a panini maker. Merc fans will know the 2018 model by its new front grille, rear fascia and wheels.
Payne’s take: Plop down another 17 grand and you can have the AMG version of the GLA which comes with a monster, 375-horse mill and a 155-mph top speed. Own this rocket ute and you can go out and pick on Dodge Chargers on Woodward.
Nissan Rogue Sport
What it is: Honey, I shrunk the Rogue. The Rogue Sport is a junior version of the compact Rogue marketed to the subcompact ute segment occupied by the Honda HR-V, Fiat 500X, Mazda, CX-3 and so on. The Sport gets a smaller four-banger than big brother but is otherwise outfitted in familiar trims. Available in FWD and Detroit winter-friendly AWD.
Payne’s take: Like Ford (Ecosport) and Honda (HR-V), the Rogue Sport shares looks with the rest of the family. Unlike those competitors, however, the Rogue Sport does not get its own name. Badged the “Qashqai” in other markets, it would have been fun to see that name here.