Motoring: Top 5 at Canadian International Auto Show
Fiat 500: Since the Italian car firm Fiat took over Chrysler, many were wondering which European vehicle will be first to come across the Atlantic. Guess no more because the answer is the Fiat 500. This very chic little hatchback has already taken Europe by storm, and judging by the reaction so far, it will surely be a sales success here. With prices expected to be around $25,000 the little Fiat is surely going to give Mini and VW a run for their money. Expect to see them in showrooms by this fall.
Mazda2: For ages Mazda customers and dealers have been pleading with Mazda to bring in a model that will be priced below the Mazda3. After all, Honda has the Fit and Toyota has the Yaris, and they are huge sellers. Mazda has finally listened and in a few months you'll be able to get your hands on the Mazda2. This 1.5-litre, four-cylinder hatchback is quite stylish and also quite roomy. Expect prices to be around $15,000 when it goes on sale.
Mercedes-Benz SLS: Costing just a tad more than the Mazda2 is this, the $198,000 Mercedes-Benz SLS. This vehicle marks the return of the famous “Gull-wing” doors, as last seen on the 300SL in 1954. This car sure is stunning to behold, and under the hood lies an engine that is equally as stunning. It has a 6.2-litre V8 pumping out 571 hp and 479 lb/ft of torque. It's seven speed dual-clutch gearbox sends all that grunt to its rear wheels, and when launched properly can rocket it from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and it will keep on accelerating until it hits 317 km/h. So it surely is my kind of car. Sadly I don't have the money for it, yet.
Ford Edge: On a more affordable level comes this new Ford Edge. The 2011 model might just be a mid-life upgrade for this CUV, but Ford has done quite a good job with it. The styling is much revised and looks sharper. The interior is vastly improved thanks to a new dashboard, and there is a new, stronger engine. The new 3.7-litre V6 produces 305hp and while all Edge models come with a six speed automatic gearbox, you can choose between front wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. The new Edge goes on sale in September.
Infiniti Essence: Not likely to ever go on sale is this gorgeous concept car from Infiniti. It's called the Essence and it essentially is just about the most beautiful car at this year's auto show. With its long hood and short tail, it has the classic European grand touring look. Couple those looks with Japanese quality, reliability and technology, and it sure looks like a winner. Unfortunately, Infiniti denies any plans to put it into production, which is a shame. However, they say that its styling is hinting towards their future products, so don't be too surprised if the next G37 coupe ends up looking very similar to this. Here's hoping.
Mazda2: For ages Mazda customers and dealers have been pleading with Mazda to bring in a model that will be priced below the Mazda3. After all, Honda has the Fit and Toyota has the Yaris, and they are huge sellers. Mazda has finally listened and in a few months you'll be able to get your hands on the Mazda2. This 1.5-litre, four-cylinder hatchback is quite stylish and also quite roomy. Expect prices to be around $15,000 when it goes on sale.
Mercedes-Benz SLS: Costing just a tad more than the Mazda2 is this, the $198,000 Mercedes-Benz SLS. This vehicle marks the return of the famous “Gull-wing” doors, as last seen on the 300SL in 1954. This car sure is stunning to behold, and under the hood lies an engine that is equally as stunning. It has a 6.2-litre V8 pumping out 571 hp and 479 lb/ft of torque. It's seven speed dual-clutch gearbox sends all that grunt to its rear wheels, and when launched properly can rocket it from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and it will keep on accelerating until it hits 317 km/h. So it surely is my kind of car. Sadly I don't have the money for it, yet.
Ford Edge: On a more affordable level comes this new Ford Edge. The 2011 model might just be a mid-life upgrade for this CUV, but Ford has done quite a good job with it. The styling is much revised and looks sharper. The interior is vastly improved thanks to a new dashboard, and there is a new, stronger engine. The new 3.7-litre V6 produces 305hp and while all Edge models come with a six speed automatic gearbox, you can choose between front wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. The new Edge goes on sale in September.
Infiniti Essence: Not likely to ever go on sale is this gorgeous concept car from Infiniti. It's called the Essence and it essentially is just about the most beautiful car at this year's auto show. With its long hood and short tail, it has the classic European grand touring look. Couple those looks with Japanese quality, reliability and technology, and it sure looks like a winner. Unfortunately, Infiniti denies any plans to put it into production, which is a shame. However, they say that its styling is hinting towards their future products, so don't be too surprised if the next G37 coupe ends up looking very similar to this. Here's hoping.
