5 Interesting Cars from the Los Angeles Auto Show 2016

Another week, another auto show! This year’s auto show in L.A. has shown off some very interesting concepts and upcoming production models. It’s always exciting to think of the future and picture ourselves in the latest rides. Thus, here are five interesting cars from the Los Angeles auto show that we’ll see on roadways sometime soon!

1. 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio & Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Roadway Name, New to the Game

Italian genes run deep, even in the name of this new SUV from Alfa Romeo.

The Stelvio will be Alfa Romeo’s new SUV assembled in Italy and rides on the same platform as the Giulia. Three trim levels will be offered, starting with the base Stelvio, then Stelvio Ti, and the top-of-the-line Stelvio Quadrifoglio performance model. Word is that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio will have enough unique features and tuning to where it could be considered its own model. Throw in that model’s 505 horsepower 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 engine borrowed from the Giulia Quadrifoglio, and imagine that this top model will live up to those expectations. The lower trim levels of the Stelvio will utilize a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Aluminum largely comprises the makeup of the Stelvio, and all-wheel-drive is available. Why wouldn’t it be on an SUV, after all? Up to 60 percent of the torque can be sent to the front axle if needed, and the system is linked to the Alfa DNA Drive Mode in the car. You’ll be able to select from Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency modes to modify things such as throttle response and boost pressure on the Ti and Quadrifoglio trims. In terms of the interior and available features of the Stelvio, leather seating with contrast stitching, push-button start, a rearview camera, 7.0-inch TFT screen, and a power rear hatch are all standard. Also, all-wheel-drive is standard, a plus if you live in places with nasty weather. Some available options are a 14-speaker, 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system and various rim options ranging between 18 to 21 inches.

Overall, this model looks intriguing. I love the black rims, and paint on the SUV, as both combined really seem to set this design off. However, I initially thought that this was a very compact hatchback at first glance, and that may turn off a few buyers. Additionally, no pricing or on sale date has been announced yet, and Alfa Romeo has a history of teasing us and then making everyone wait forever for their products it seems like… Regardless of when this model may actually show up, at least we can relish in the fact that we actually have an idea of what Alfa Romeo’s portfolio may actually look like.

2. 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid: Big Luxury, Smaller Footprint

For the time being, the CT6 is running nearly unopposed in its segment as a plug-in hybrid full-sized executive luxury sedan. The picture in the bottom left is from a Shanghai auto show showcasing the CT6's plug-in hybrid system.

Manufactured in China, the Cadillac CT6 plug-in hybrid is relatively unique. It has very little competition here in the United States in its class outside of the Mercedes-Benz S550e and Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid. Its only other competition will be smaller, non-luxury electric and hybrid cars. However, I would expect that other manufacturers, such as Hyundai’s new Genesis luxury brand and maybe even Lincoln’s new Continental, will follow suit eventually and introduce hybrid and electric luxury car rivals that will give this version of the CT6 a run for its money.

The CT6 plug-in hybrid will have an 18.4-kWh battery pack that powers two 100 HP electric motors. This is expected to give the car an EV range of 30 miles and an MPGe rating of around 65. Both of these motors are also supposed to take the CT6 up to a top speed of 75 mph on electric-only power, which is impressive. After that point, the car’s regular engine kicks in to supply more juice. What you’ll find under the hood of this big electric Caddy is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that when combined with the dual electric motors, makes 335 horsepower and 432 pound-feet of torque. Good numbers, especially when you consider that this is essentially equal to or better than the other engines that the CT6 offers in its gas counterparts. This powertrain will be paired to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and unfortunately, all-wheel-drive won’t be offered on this model. Likely due to its incompatibility with various hybrid components under the vehicle.

Pricing of the regular 2017 CT6 starts at $53,495, but the new plug-in hybrid will start at a hair over $76,000 before federal tax incentives. For that price, you get a nicely equipped, unique, and efficient luxury sedan with features such as heated and cooled seats and a panoramic sunroof. For all the audiophiles out there, I’m sure Cadillac will offer their 34-speaker Bose Panaray sound system as an option as well (if it’s not standard). Given that the CT6 is still a relatively new player in the executive luxury car segment, it’ll be interesting to see how this entire lineup fares in the coming years given its promising driving dynamics and architecture. I had a chance to briefly sit in a new Cadillac CT6 not long ago, so check back for that video in the future.

3. 2018 Ford EcoSport: Mini-Me SUV

After being curiously absent in the subcompact SUV segment for the past several years, Ford is finally bringing the EcoSport to the United States. But not for some time still...

The subcompact SUV segment is on fire these days, and almost every manufacturer in the United States has had at least one entry in this segment except Ford it seems like. Suzuki, who’s not even active in the North American market anymore, even has had an entry and technically beat everybody to this trend roughly a decade ago when they introduced their SX4 hatchback back in 2007. Thus, it was clearly time for Ford to throw their hat into the ring. Enter the EcoSport (pronounced ECHO-Sport), which has already been on sale elsewhere for some time. But it’ll be new to us here in America.

Ford is very confident in the EcoSport’s potential success here, partially because it’s been so successful globally. And I believe that they’re spot on in their assessment. For one, it looks like a baby Escape, which already sells quite well here in the United States. And additionally, the segment it competes in is in high demand and it’ll likely be competitively priced. All factors that work in this new model’s favor. Two engines will be offered on the EcoSport: a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder Ecoboost engine, and a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter engine will be paired with all-wheel-drive, both engines will be paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, but final output figures of both aren’t, well… Finalized yet.

On the interior, Ford’s conventional design language can be seen in use here and works well with the two-tone scheme that was shown off at the auto show on SES trim levels. I really like the multilayer storage system in the rear of the EcoSport a lot, and there’s over 30 different storage cubbies around the interior! Push-button start is available and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is smack in the middle of the dashboard and runs on Ford’s Sync 3 system, which by all indications is far improved over its predecessor, MyFord Touch. Other available options include a 675-watt 10-speaker audio system. However, personally I’m no fan of the whole “floating touchscreen” design that’s been popping up in more cars, such as the EcoSport and Mazda’s lineup of cars. It looks a little “aftermarket” to my eyes. Additionally, the swing out rear door seems a little unconventional to me for the American market. A lift-up hatch might be more space efficient, but I must admit, that hiding the release handle for the door under the reverse light was clever.

Overall, this is a good effort and I don’t doubt it’ll do fine in its segment. Look for the EcoSport to go on sale in early 2018. Yes, that’s still another entire year and some change away, I know. But remember: Better late than never.

4. 2018 Jeep Compass: A New Direction for An Old Name

The new Jeep Compass is an old name, but this new design is much more mature in nature, from top to bottom.

Here’s a name you’re likely familiar with: Jeep Compass. This model has been on sale since I was in middle school, and that was literally a decade ago now. To say it was time for a redesign would be an understatement, as the outgoing Compass was based on the Dodge Caliber hatchback, which was last produced for the 2012 model year. Despite how dated the platform was, Jeep couldn’t stop selling enough of the Compass and Patriot duo. Both are part of a hotly sought after segment right now: Compact SUVs. But the Compass name will be the one to continue on, and this new model will slot in between the subcompact Renegade and compact Cherokee in Jeep’s lineup. It’s almost as if Jeep is carving out their own segment to compete in.

One of the first things you’ll likely notice is the handsome styling of this new Compass, inside and out. Overall, this new model continues the “baby Grand Cherokee” theme of the previous model, but with a much more upscale, mature twist. It also doesn’t look “funky” like the slightly larger Cherokee may appear to look to some. Trailhawk models add signature styling elements such as red tow hooks, exterior badging, and unique front and rear bumpers. Trailhawk models also benefit from additional ground clearance, off-road tires, a special painted hood and roof, and receive Jeep’s “Trail Rated” badge. Base Sport models come well equipped with features such as push-button start, a backup camera, power windows and mirrors, and Bluetooth with a 5.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen. A larger updated 8.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is available on higher trims, and Limited trims come standard with nearly everything, from heated leather seating to remote start. Much of the latest safety equipment is available as well, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.

Under the hood, only one engine will be available on the new Compass, and it’s a familiar one. Chrysler’s 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder good for 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque is the only option. Front-wheel drive will be standard, and a six-speed automatic or manual transmission will both be available. However, the manual will be available on the lighter-duty all-wheel-drive system. A different 4x4 system is exclusive to the Trailhawk models. Opting for the automatic transmission with Jeep’s Active Drive system will get you a nine-speed automatic transmission, which has had its sour spots for Fiat-Chrysler in the past. Every all-wheel-drive Compass will come with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain drive mode system, which allows you to optimize your drivetrain for snowy, muddy, or sandy conditions. Personally, I would love to see a turbo four-cylinder make its way into this new Compass. I imagine that the Tigershark engine may prove to be underpowered, especially when off-roading. I can understand why Chrysler didn’t put a V6 option into this new model, as that would potentially cannibalize sales of the slightly larger Cherokee.

Overall, I think the new Jeep Compass is a great effort. Then again, it’s not that hard to improve over the old Compass. With the right marketing and the availability (hopefully) of an additional engine option over the base 2.4, I think that this vehicle will continue to be successful. I might even have to check one out myself. Pricing will most likely fall somewhere between that of the Renegade and the Cherokee in Jeep’s lineup. The all-new Compass will release next year, but will be sold alongside the old Compass for a short time as well.

5. 2017 Mazda CX-5: Zoom-Zoom With Room to Spare

The new Mazda CX-5 continues to expand upon the brand's Kodo design language and clearly takes quite a few cues from the larger CX-9 crossover too.

While the 2017 Mazda CX-5 may look all new, its actually riding on the same platform as before. What’s truly new is the car’s exterior and interior design. Mazda refers to some of their design inspiration as “reflection-based surfacing”, or in other words, “How will the environment reflect into the car and interact with it?” This inspiration complements the evolution of the brand’s Kodo design language well, and is perhaps seen best in the CX-5’s grille, which draws its upscale inspiration from its CX-9 big brother.

Under the hood, Mazda’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower returns as the sole powertrain for the new CX-5. Also, Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system that seeks to improve steering response has been added to the car. The biggest news, however, is that Mazda recently announced plans to finally bring their diesel technology to the United States after years of promising. It’s been confirmed that CX-5 will be the first to get their new engine (it was originally supposed to be the Mazda 6). A 2.2-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine will be available in the second half of 2017 on the CX-5. It should be good for 170 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and tuned to meet more stringent U.S. regulations for nitrogen oxide emissions. Both engines will be paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the six-speed manual may return eventually. Mazda claims that this diesel engine will make the CX-5 of the most efficient in its segment, including hybrids.

Now speaking of hybrids and alternative energy, Mazda will also introduce an electric vehicle in 2019 and a plug-in hybrid model in 2021 to meet new fuel economy regulations. Which existing models those may be or if they’ll all be entirely new, we have yet to find out.

Back to the CX-5: On the inside, the theme of “upscale” continues with new features such as heated rear seats and a revised heads-up display. Mazda says that the dashboard is designed to be driver-centric and that the company is focused on people. Thus, improving visibility outward, making the gauges more vivid with a 4.6-inch color display, and lowering the car’s overall center of gravity some should engage drivers and passengers even more so than the old model, which was already touted as one of the most enjoyable rides in its segment. Expect this model to release next year.

Overall, I really like the design language of the CX-5 and the direction that the entire Mazda brand is headed. The sporty and premium direction seems to fit them well, and they seem to have found a design language that works for the brand and satisfies consumers. That would explain why their vehicle redesigns are more “evolutionary” than “revolutionary”, which is a-ok in my book. If they can offer more powerful engine options in all of their products and are successful with their diesel mission following Volkswagen’s mishap in the U.S., Mazda can only go up from here.

Final Impressions

So, what are your thoughts about this year’s Los Angeles auto show? What have been some of your favorite rides? Your least favorite? Is there any model you’re looking forward to? Express your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more industry developments and updates! Until next time, ROLL ON!

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