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LA Auto Show Thoughts (looooong) Posted by EGD [Email]  (#663) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from EGD) on Mon, 7 Dec 2009 19:30:47
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Nothing profound but here are a few observations:
1. Saab took up more real estate than I expected with a 9-3 SC, Vert, and SS. There was one new design 9-5 in Steel Gray. I liked it a lot but if the price point is actually in the mid-50s I think Saab's done if you consider what else is available for 50K. The new design just doesn't scream 'must have.' Overall, not much traffic through the Saab display. Volvo was adjacent to Saab and their models seemed so much 'fresher' from a looks standpoint, IMHO.
2. The 2011 Buick Regal (a.k.a. Opel Insignia) blew me away. Good looks, and one year out they'll have an Ecotec 2.0L I4 with a six-speed manual. It'll put out 220 bhp and 253 ft-lbs of torque. Almost sound familiar? The ones at the show had VINS starting with a 'W' so they were brought in from Germany -- the ones we'll see here will be built in Oshawa, ONT. If they don't overprice the thing and make you buy a bunch of 'packages' I think it'll be a hit.
3. I don't get and will never get the mass appeal of a Camry, Corolla, Accord, or Civic. Generic doesn't even do the word justice. And $30K for a loaded Accord with 3-star rear side impact crash results? Bwahahahaha! At least Scions appear interesting and safer. I like the exterior but I thought the Mazda 6 doors and interior felt cheap. Kia? I give them credit for showing up but...
4. Audi had some great cars on display but you could hardly get near them for the crowds. Ditto for BMW. I just drooled from afar.
5. I actually like the Chevy Malibu and Chevy HHR! I know... I know...but get those cars with an Ecotec 4-cyl turbo like in the upcoming Regal and I think they'd be a decent ride for not a lot of money. And 5-star crash test all around. But what's with rear drum brakes on the HHR (though not on the SS)?
6. Ford has a moderately appealing product line but the interior of the new Taurus seems cramped with an enormous center console and sloping roof right over the rear seat passengers heads. Visibility out the rear window is poor and I think parallel parking it would impossible without a rear camera. The Fusion seems legitimate and they -- allegedly -- will also have a 220 bhp 4-cyl turbo available by the end of the model year. I actually like the Fusion / Milan hybrids, but what -- again -- is it about Ford rear drums brakes on the Escape / Mariner?
posted by 76.232.19...
, Mon, 7 Dec 2009 19:30:47 <-- Viewing This Message
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