With the 2015 New York International Auto Show almost in the books we take a look at some of the significant new models that were introduced
2015 New York Auto Show
This year's New York Auto Show will go down in the books as one of the more important ones in recent memory. By our count, eighteen production vehicles, five concept cars and a World Rallycross racer made their world debuts, while three more vehicles were seen for the first time by a North American audience.
Since covering a list that long would require a bit too much time and space, we decided to pare it down to the what we think are the five most significant vehicle intros, in terms of importance to both the marketplace and their manufacturers, at this year's show.
1. 2016 Honda Civic Concept
The importance of the new Civic to the Honda brand cannot be overstated. Not only is the Civic its best-selling nameplate, Honda stumbled badly with the compact's last re-do – so much so, in fact, that a revised model was rushed to market less than eighteen months after the 2012 model hit dealer lots.
Honda isn't calling this one a 2016 model, but given the brand's penchant for giving the "Concept" moniker to lightly-massaged production vehicles, you can bet that 90 percent or more of what you see will be found on the next Civic.
2. 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
Like Honda, Chevy misjudged a vehicle segment (in this instance, midsize sedan) when it brought the 2013 Malibu to market. Likewise, the bowtie brand was forced to hastily rework both the interior and exterior. Even then, it was too little too late as sales of the latest iteration amounted to less than half the number of Toyota Camrys or Honda Accords sold in 2014.
Thus, we find ourselves with an all-new Malibu with design cues strikingly similar to the slick-looking, but larger, Impala. Chevrolet also unveiled a hybrid version and promises that its EPA mileage numbers will surpass hybrid versions of the Camry and Accord as well as the Ford Fusion hybrid.
3. and 4. 2016 Scion iM and 2016 Scion iA
While Honda and Chevrolet may have issues with a model or two, the entire Scion brand – aside from the spectacularly fun to drive FR-S – has become increasingly irrelevant to new car buyers.
But Toyota aims to change that perception and the turnaround begins with the two vehicles introduced in New York. The 5-door hatchback iM, based on the Toyota Auris, will be the first to hit dealer showrooms equipped with a double-wishbone rear suspension, standard 17-inch alloy wheels, 137 horsepower 1.8-liter engine, 37 mpg highway and a starting price of around $20,000.
New York also hosted the unveiling of the 2016 Scion iA – the brand's first sedan. Sharing the same platform as the next-generation Mazda Mazda2 is certainly not a bad thing, and might even make the four-door yet another Scion model that's fun to drive.
With a simpler suspension setup – MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam rear axle (with drum brakes), Scion promises a 33 mpg city rating, 42 mpg highway rating, a pre-collision braking system and an MSRP in the $16,000 range.
5. 2016 Nissan Maxima
Nissan, likewise, is hoping that the 2016 Maxima will, once again, make its flagship "4-door sports car" relevant, despite the fact that big, non-luxury sedans have not been faring well, sales-wise, as of late.
But a bold new coupe-like silhouette, flowing body lines, a luxuriously-appointed cabin and a 300 horsepower V6 should help matters. Prices will range from $33,000 for the base S trim to $44,000 for the upscale Platinum model, with most buyers, according to Nissan, opting for the $37,000 SL.
all images courtesy of newspress USA
