2010 Geneva: Coming to Canada

[svgallery name="2010 Geneva Coming"] Story and photos by John LeBlanc GENEVA–If I had to pick a theme for this year's Geneva Motor Show, it was the endless parade of hybrid supercars that debuted in the Palexpo halls. Debuts like the Ferrari 599 Hybrid, Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid or Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid – seemingly politically correct marriages of style, performance and promise of zero-emission driving – garnered an inappropriate amount of attention. In the real world, though, the 80th running of Switzerland's annual auto show provided several production world debuts – some heading to Canadian new car showrooms sooner than later. Unfortunately, the Canadian arrival of Audi's latest stab at BMW's M3 super coupe, the new A5 Coupé-based RS5, may be later than sooner. With a 450 hp version of the German automaker's 4.2-litre V8 (that can also be found in its R8 sports car) mated (of course) to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the RS5 version promises performance to match the style of one of the best looking two-doors on the planet. Officially, the RS5 isn't set for Canada. Yet. But once Audi fulfills demand in European markets, my money is on the RS5 arriving here some time late next year. This year's Swiss show also saw several new small utility vehicles. The aggressively-designed, subcompact 2011 Nissan Juke will go on sale in Canada this fall. The European Juke debuting here had a pair of 1.6-litre four-cylinder gas engines in either normally aspirated or turbocharged form, as well as a 1.5 L diesel and available AWD. Canadians shouldn't hold their collective breath for the diesel. North American Juke details will be announced when it makes its North American debut later this month in New York. In about a year, the Juke will get some competition from the five-door, four- or five-passenger Mini Cooper Countryman – the biggest Mini ever and the first to offer AWD. Countryman will be available with naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions of Mini's 1.6-litre gas four-cylinder. One size up from the Nissan and Mini crossovers, Kia and Mitsubishi also debuted small crossovers. Taking styling inspiration from the 2007 Kia Kue concept, the 2011 Kia Sportage will arrive later this year in two- and four-wheel-drive. The Korean automker is promising the new five-passenger Sportage will have more responsive steering, more passenger and cargo room and weigh less than the outgoing model. Like the also-new-this-year Tucson from sister brand Hyundai, expect an exclusively four-cylinder gas engine Sportage lineup. The Mitsubishi ASX is a five-door crossover smaller than the current, mid-size Outlander. On sale in Europe next month, the ASX will come with a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel featuring "Automatic Stop & Go" technology and a six-speed manual transmission. Officially, the ASX hasn't been announced for Canada. But I expect that news is imminent (perhaps at this month's New York show), with a name change to Outlander Sport. The 2011 Mazda5 technically isn't a crossover. But the revised six-passenger mini-minivan, due here soon, is a more practical alternative. In addition to receiving the 2.5-litre four-cylinder from the current Mazda3, the 5 receives new styling, including a "smiling" front grille, deeper chin spoiler, flared front fenders, and wave-like character lines sweeping from the front door and ending in the rear tail lamps. Billed here as being "designed with Europe in mind, but it will be sold worldwide," the Lexus CT200h compact five-door hatchback was confirmed for Canada this week. After a first glance at it, it might be wise to contain your excitement.  Think six-year old Mazda3 Sport body, but powered by a Prius drivetrain. Note: This is a package Toyota thinks will lure away BMW 1-series and Audi A3 owners. Seriously. Finally, after a decade, there's a new 2011 Volvo S60 sedan. Designed and engineered to appeal to a "driver's sensibilities," the all-new S60 will initially only be available with a 304 hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The all-new Belgium-built S60 will be launched in Canada in the second-half of 2010.

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