Cars and trucks for all budgets at Vancouver auto show

by Keith Morgan on Monday, March 28th, 2016

There is always a novelty at the show and this year Nissan wins easily with its Rogue Warrior . . . it sits on heavy-duty snow tracks!”

The 96th annual Vancouver International Auto Show revealed some surprise unveilings of new models on opening day.

The auto extravaganza, staged by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, features more than 400 new and one-of-a-kind vehicles, including the newest offerings from 26 major manufacturers.

The show, which runs until Sunday at Vancouver Convention Centre West, includes the North American debut of the Lexus LF SA, regional debuts of the    2016 Volkswagen Beetle Denim Convertible, 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Coupe, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf All-Track, the Subaru BRZ Hikari edition, Cadillac XT5 and CT6, 2017 Lincoln Continental and the 2017 Infiniti Q60.

VW Dune

Toyota_C_HR_concept

The Rogue Warrior

Hyundail IONIQ

Chevy Bolt EV2

Cadillac XT5

 

 

Ford is showing the all new Raptor and Focus RS.

The Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicle was unveiled for the first time here. It’s the little brother to the Chevrolet Volt EV sedan, the top auto show prize, supplied by BC Chevrolet dealers, which we are giving away. The Bolt is similarly sized to the upmarket BMW i3 but will have a smaller price tag when it goes on sale. General Motors is also offering a first look at the GMC Acadia sport utility vehicle.

Hyundai unveiled its IONIQ hybrid for the first time in Canada. Even super cars are getting into the Eco biz: the Acura NSX features a turbocharged 573-horsepower V6 engine that is paired with three electric motors.

Indeed, if you are looking to go green, visit Electric Avenue to learn about Clean Electric Vehicles for BC and BC Scrap-It incentives, as well as information on BC’s electric charging network.  Then, head down the escalators to the manufacturer halls, and see the people at Emotive for a chance to test drive one of several brands electric vehicles at the Electric Vehicle Driving Experience.

There is always a novelty at the show and this year Nissan wins easily with its Rogue Warrior . . . it sits on heavy-duty snow tracks! Nissan’s number one-selling product in Canada has been transformed into an extreme prototype. It sits on tracks measuring 30”/76 cm in height, 48”/122 cm in length. The Warrior is capable of driving up to 100km/h, scaling a 45-degree grade in groomed snow, and has a ground clearance of 23”/58 cm. No, there are no plans to produce it!

Family fun at this year’s auto show gets a boost. Whether it’s the VW Playcare Centre, where parents can drop off their children while they tour the show, or RBC’s Someday Speedway slot car track or the numerous driving simulators and Subaru’s RC cars, these fun and interactive activities should be a highlight for young and old alike.

For fans of James Bond, a tribute to the Aston Martin DB5, created in BC by TheQCar, will be on display. Custom car shop, 360 Fabrication, in Abbotsford, will mount an “in progress” display of the restoration of a rare 1932 Desoto.

Collector auto auction company Barrett-Jackson has become synonymous with the world’s ‘go to’ place for ultimate automotive finds. The show highlights the Dueck Vintage Garage and seven vehicles that were all purchased crossing the Barrett block.

The NOS Energy DUB Show Tour has developed an international reputation as the home of the coolest aftermarket vehicles and products. The DUB Tour was founded by the creators of the exceptionally popular DUB Magazine, makes its premiere Canadian Stop at the Auto Show with a number of highly customized vehicles. DUB is located both inside and outside the Convention Centre on the Pacific Terrace.

keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca