Automotive News Canada - April 2018 - v2 - 16

* APRIL 2018

Canada awaits NYC's gems
By JOHN IRWIN
TORONTO BUREAU

IF THIS YEAR'S DETROIT
auto show was anticlimactic, then
the New
York show
(March 30 to
April 8) was
the exact
opposite.
New
York generated dizzying amounts
of headlines
from automakers debuting
bold redesigns and stunning
concepts, including these five
vehicles:

1) LINCOLN AVIATOR

IF YOU TAKE JUST A
quick glance at the "production preview" of the Aviator, it
looks like yet another Lincoln
utility ripping off the Range
Rover. But look closer, espe-

cially at its gorgeous interior,
which emphasizes leather and
contrasting colours. I'm especially a fan of the Aviator's
centre stack, which has the
sleekest infotainment system
of any Lincoln. Should the
company stay true to its word
with a production Aviator that
looks like this for 2019, Ford's
luxury division will likely

have a hit on its hands.

2) NISSAN ALTIMA

FOR THOSE WHO LAMENT
the demise of the sedan in
North America, look to the
redesigned 2019 Altima for
hope. This is a total overhaul of the car, an indication
from Nissan that it plans to be
aggressive. The new Altima
has a sportier and meaner
look, and a simple and sleek
interior that should win over
customers. All-wheel-drive is
available, as is Nissan's new
variable-compression turbocharged gasoline engine.

twin-turbocharged 4.2-litre
V-8 engine that produces 550
horsepower. It's backed by
a 10-speed automatic transmission.

in performance over the previous V-6. Most exciting,
though, is the A-Spec sport
trim that features larger
wheels and a custom interior.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.

5) TOYOTA RAV4

3) CADILLAC CT6 V-SPORT

THE CT6 GETS A REFRESH
for 2019, a few small changes to the headlights and taillights that make a big statement. The CT6 borrows some
cues from the Escala concept, which should help it
stand out from its Germanybased rivals. That's all well
and good, but Cadillac gets
the highest marks for offering the new V-Sport with
a General Motors first: A

4) ACURA RDX

HONDA'S LUXURY
division describes the 2019
RDX as getting its "most
extensive overhaul in a
decade" and that's no hype.
This handsome utility vehicle
comes with a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder
engine, which is an upgrade

I WOULDN'T BLAME
Toyota for playing it safe
when redesigning RAV4.
The company sells more of
this utility vehicle than any
other vehicle in Canada.
Thankfully, Toyota doesn't
listen to people like me. The
RAV4 receives a bold makeover for 2019, and the result
is a bit shorter and a bit
wider than its predecessor.
The sharp edges are reminiscent of the Toyota C-HR.
- ANC

"My job is to help develop people to their potential
in life, not just at the dealership. Surrounding
myself with engaged staff has provided the
foundation for tremendous growth in volume,
customer satisfaction and profitability. Offering
The Ford Dealers Pension Plan increases our
success in finding and keeping the best people."
- James Braden
Dealer Principal
James Braden Ford Lincoln

2017 CADA LAUREATE WINNER:

RETAIL OPERATIONS
For Outstanding Achievement
Within an Individual Dealership

THE FORD DEALERS PENSION PLAN...

SINCE 1994

* Proven to attract and retain top employees
* Flexible enrollment to fit any budget
* Tax advantages for dealers and employees
* Enhance your bottom line
* Over 4,000 members and growing!

Visit us at www.forddealer.ca or contact Joe Fleming
at (519) 860-3459 or joe.fleming@forddealer.ca

http://forddealer.ca

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automotive News Canada - April 2018 - v2