Vancouver International Auto Show Picks Its Top 18 of 2018

With over 400 new vehicles ranging from advanced technology SUV’s to new incarnations of historic favourites to luxury brands to commuter cars and family friendly vehicles – it’s hard to choose what might be the crowd favourites of the 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show. We gave the task of selecting their choices for the “ones to watch” to a group of industry experts and this is their list of the top 18 in 2018!

See all of these vehicles, plus hundreds more, at the 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show, March 28 – April 1 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (SUV EV)

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is world’s best-­selling Plug-­in Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and now it’s on sale in Canada for the first time. Featuring a highly efficient 2.0-­litre gas engine and two electric motors, along with Super All-Wheel Control (S-­AWC) system, the all‐new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV threatens to be a game changer here. It is the world’s first plug-­in hybrid crossover SUV and the only model with all-­wheel drive in its class. It is also the only PHEV with DC Fast Charging capability – providing an 80 per cent charge in less than 30 minutes.

2019 Ram 1500

The all-­new 2019 Ram 1500 promises to lead its truck segment in durability, technology and efficiency. It’s slimmed down by around 100 kilos, when compared to previous model and its tough new frame features 98 percent high-­strength steel to improve durability, weight and rigidity for improved handling. Maximum payload has increased to a metric tonne, and maximum trailer tow is now 5.75 tonnes. The 1500 delivers significant gains in fuel efficiency with an eTorque mild hybrid system on second generation 3.6-­litre Pentastar V-­6 and the legendary 5.7-­litre HEMI® V-­8 engines.

Cadillac Escala Concept

The Cadillac Escala is the prestige brand’s latest luxury concept and introduces the next evolution of design and technical ideas. Escala, which is Spanish for scale, is a vision of what a Cadillac flagship sedan might look like. This large four-door sedan features an expansive liftback design, is a shade under 3.5 metres in length, slightly longer than the current CT6. Under the hood there is a prototype 4.2-­litre, twin-­turbo V-­8 engine. The advanced engine utilizes Active Fuel Management technology, enabling fuel-­saving 4-cylinder operation. The face of the Escala will be the first new feature to begin appearing soon in production models.

Genesis GV80 Concept (SUV)

The Genesis GV80 Concept is a SUV and further demonstrates the evolution of the new Genesis luxury brand. The GV80 interior features an innovative Human Machine Interface that offers users intuitive operation and function control through the use of a new multi-function interactive controller with capacitive touch. To complement the refined exterior, the beautifully crafted interior environment showcases a curated combination of high-quality materials, vibrant colors and rich textures that lend themselves timeless sophistication.

2019 Audi A7 Pre-Production

The all-wheel‐drive Audi A7 is a four-­door car with a coupe styling – a Sportback in Audi language. The A7’s steeply raked rear window and integrated trunk lid give it a distinctive and unique look. There’s a practical advantage to that styling is the large lid opens up to reveal 535 litres of stowage space expandable to 1,390 litres with the rear seats folded. When it debuts in Canada in late 2018, there will be just one engine variant — a 340-­horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. A new seven-­speed dual-­clutch transmission will feature and Audi expects the combination to offer a zero-­to-­100-­km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds.

Mercedes GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV

Mercedes-­Benz makes a welcome return to the show with a luxury sport-­ute that sips gas, thanks to its electric drive. The GLC 350e 4MATIC is a plug-­in hybrid that will take you on neighborhood errands gas-­free for around 30 kilometres. The mid-­size, permanent all-­wheel drive, sport-ute promises to be a fine open road performer too, boasting acceleration, via its smooth 7-­speed transmission, to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. This SUV will be available in December and it is eligible for a BC Clean Energy Vehicle rebate of $5,000.

2019 BMW X4

BMW has chosen to unveil the all-new 2019 X4 for the first time in North America here in Vancouver. The second-­‐generation X4 Sports Activity Coupé offers a wide array of new standard safety features such as Active Protection which initiates protective measures when an accident situation is imminent such as belt tensioning and closing windows and sunroof to a small gap. The all-­new X4 is sportier in appearance than the previous generation, provides new and improved driving dynamics and safety features. The all-­new 2019 BMW X4 will be available at Canadian BMW Retailers in July 2018 with pricing and further technical details to be announced closer to market launch.

2019 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent enters the mid-­size SUV market as a three-­row, family-­sized vehicle. Built on the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), the Ascent offers seating for 7 or 8 passengers, a comfortable ride and generous interior space. Subaru boasts its all new vehicle will delivers levels of all-­road/all-­weather capability and handling prowess not normally associated with this urban-­oriented market segment. That comes courtesy of the standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-­Time AWD system, the standard X-­MODE system, ample ground clearance and fully independent suspensions system.

2018 Kia Stinger GT

The Kia Stinger GT has the looks of a sports car costing three times greater than its $44,195 sticker price. The Stinger also has performance thanks to a 3.3 litre twin-­turbocharged V6 engine generating 365-­horsepower under the hood. An intelligent All‐Wheel Drive system is standard, using Torque Vectoring Control to adjust power output to specific wheels, designed to smooth out the corners. In the development stage, the car logged more than 10,000km of track time on the Nürburgring race track in Germany. Kia also shipped the vehicle to Sweden Arctic Winter Testing, just outside the Arctic Circle in Sweden.

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt

The Ford Mustang Bullitt honours the classic Steve McQueen Bullitt movie car from 1968. The new limited-­edition Mustang Bullitt features retuned 5.0-­litre V8 engine that packs at least 475 horsepower and 420 lb.ft. of torque and tops out at 260 km/h. The car salutes the original movie car with cool appearance, available classic Dark Highland Green exterior paint and subtle chrome accents. The interior highlights include 12‐inch all-­digital LCD instrument cluster and available RECARO® black leather-­trimmed seats with unique green accent stitching.

2018 Lincoln Navigator

The all-­new Lincoln Navigator is a full‐size SUV that combines modern luxury with advanced technology – designed to elevate family travel to ‘first class’. Wireless charging and standard Wi-­Fi keep everyone connected. Advanced technology allows the driver to effortlessly adjust the vehicle to make driving easier or more enjoyable – in any weather or terrain. A twin­‐turbo V6 engine projected to produce 450 horsepower provides smooth power whenever needed, delivered through a 10-­speed transmission. The all-­new Navigator offers speed-­dependent adaptive lighting, that provides a wider spread of light at lower speeds for increased visibility.

2019 Honda Insight

The all-­new 2019 Honda Insight will offer universally appealing styling in a roomy five passenger sedan with fuel efficiency competitive with the best in the segment. Powered by Honda’s innovative, industry-­leading two-­motor hybrid powertrain Insight nameplate returns as the next phase in the Honda Electrification Initiative. The protoype will make its Canadian debut in Vancouver and the production version is expected to launch later this year.

2019 Lamborghini Urus

The Lamborghini Urus may have t a super sports car soul, but it has the functionality typical of an SUV. Urus’ distinctive silhouette with a dynamic flying coupé line shows its super sports origins, while its outstanding proportions convey strength, solidity and safety. Urus’ success factors are definitely the design, the driving dynamics and the performance. All these features allowed Lamborghini to launch a Super Sport Utility Vehicle remaining loyal to its DNA.

2018 Rolls-­Royce Phantom EWB VIII

The luxurious 2018 Rolls-­Royce Phantom EWB VIII is an all new car built on a fresh platform that will become the basis for the next generation of Rolls. The extended wheelbase car is the most technologically advanced Rolls-­Royce ever and likely the quietest rides, thanks to 130 kilos of sound-­deadening materials. For the first time, the grille is integrated into the bodywork for a cleaner, more contemporary design. Under the majestic hood is a 6.75-­litre twin-turbo V12 gas engine with 563bhp, combined with a satellite-­aided eight-­speed automatic transmission from ZF.

2018 Chevrolet Bolt

Chevrolet is making a charge for the front of the electric vehicle pack with its Bolt EV. It has enough range at more than 380 kms per full charge to satisfy distant commuters. Driving range and cost have been a significant deterrent to the purchase of electric vehicles but increased performance is dramatically broadening the appeal of EVs. With its $43,195 base sticker price – eligible for a government rebate of $5,000 – it’s right there in the family car price range. One lucky BC resident will pay nothing for a 2018 version of the crossover-­style vehicle because it’s this year’s prize car at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

Nissan Rogue Dogue

Nissan unleashes the "pawfect" Rogue for Fido-friendly family adventures. Built by Dennis McCarthy, car coordinator for “Fast & Furious” movies, it features such special equipment as built-­in food and water dishes, custom removable dog bed, 360-degree dog wash shower and integrated dog drying system. A survey of dog owners showed 83 per cent said it is just as important for their dog to be safe and comfortable in their vehicle as other passengers. Dog owners also rate clip-in harnesses and non-spill water dispensers as the most appealing dog-­friendly accessories in a dog-­friendly vehicle. Give it a sniff at the show!

2019 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche became a trend setter 15 years ago when it shocked the world by introducing a sport utility vehicle in the shape of the Cayenne. The storied luxury performance car maker was pooh-­poohed by

many but sales of 770,000 Cayenne’s world-­wide suggest it was a visionary mood. The fact that one-­by-­one each performance car manufacturer has introduced its version of an SUV prove that assertion. The new, third-­generation, model arrives next summer as a 2019 model, but you can sneak a peek at this year’s Vancouver show.

Hyundai

Hyundai will be making a major unveil of a highly anticipated vehicle at the Vancouver International Auto Show. We can’t tell you what it is, but you won’t want to miss the chance to see this vehicle up close!

For more detailed information about the Vancouver Auto Show and its many features, visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com

About the Vancouver International Auto Show

The Vancouver International Auto Show is owned and operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC (www.newcardealers.ca). It is British Columbia’s new model showcase for the Canadian automotive industry and represents nearly 40 distinct brands from the world’s leading manufacturers.