When visiting an auto show the likes of the New York event, it’s not easy to choose the top ten meaningful cars on the floor. While some are spectacular in style or performance, like the Lexus Lf-A, they’ve already made an appearance somewhere else.
Others impress you with their racing capacity, like the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3. But because it’s a non-standard car rather than a production model, you can’t include it in your top ten: its impact on the market will be minimal, if not downright non-existent.
So I had to find the perfect mix of sex appeal, performance, style and market position to establish my illustrious list. You guessed it. There’s nothing scientific about our Top 10 – it’s a question of taste rather than cold logic.
But do take the time to discover these cars anyway, and who knows, you might even find one of them irresistible. So here they are, in no particular order.
Nissan Juke
While it didn’t make its official debut in New York, as Geneva visitors got to have the first look, the little Juke nonetheless managed to turn heads. It must be said that this diminutive crossover boasts a style all its own, with headlamps literally built into the grille.
Under the hood slumbers a small, 1.6-litre turbo mill coupled with a continuously variable transmission, and despite the Juke’s small stature, it offers enough space for passengers and some luggage.
The goal of the Juke is this: attract a young and trendy crowd looking for a contemporary ride. But whether you love it or hate it, the Juke (which some cynics have used in a variety of not-so-inventive puns) certainly gets noticed.
Volvo S60
The car already had tongues wagging even prior to its unveiling, being the subject of a painting made by a blind artist that sold for thousands of dollars, which were later donated to a charity. But this time, Volvo wasn’t kidding around. The all-new sedan made its official North American debut, complete with beautifully sculpted lines and revamped power plant, a 3.0-litre turbocharged number.
But the real beauty of this Volvo is how it remains true to its heritage: it’s been dubbed the safest car on offer by the Sino-Swedish automaker. Indeed, it’s the first one featuring a complete pedestrian detection system that works like City Safety, i.e., it can bring the car to a standstill if it detects someone stepping in front of it. That coupled with the luxury and quality of its finish should allow the company to reconquer the hearts and minds it lost over the years.
Others impress you with their racing capacity, like the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3. But because it’s a non-standard car rather than a production model, you can’t include it in your top ten: its impact on the market will be minimal, if not downright non-existent.
So I had to find the perfect mix of sex appeal, performance, style and market position to establish my illustrious list. You guessed it. There’s nothing scientific about our Top 10 – it’s a question of taste rather than cold logic.
But do take the time to discover these cars anyway, and who knows, you might even find one of them irresistible. So here they are, in no particular order.
Nissan Juke
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com |
While it didn’t make its official debut in New York, as Geneva visitors got to have the first look, the little Juke nonetheless managed to turn heads. It must be said that this diminutive crossover boasts a style all its own, with headlamps literally built into the grille.
Under the hood slumbers a small, 1.6-litre turbo mill coupled with a continuously variable transmission, and despite the Juke’s small stature, it offers enough space for passengers and some luggage.
The goal of the Juke is this: attract a young and trendy crowd looking for a contemporary ride. But whether you love it or hate it, the Juke (which some cynics have used in a variety of not-so-inventive puns) certainly gets noticed.
Volvo S60
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com |
The car already had tongues wagging even prior to its unveiling, being the subject of a painting made by a blind artist that sold for thousands of dollars, which were later donated to a charity. But this time, Volvo wasn’t kidding around. The all-new sedan made its official North American debut, complete with beautifully sculpted lines and revamped power plant, a 3.0-litre turbocharged number.
But the real beauty of this Volvo is how it remains true to its heritage: it’s been dubbed the safest car on offer by the Sino-Swedish automaker. Indeed, it’s the first one featuring a complete pedestrian detection system that works like City Safety, i.e., it can bring the car to a standstill if it detects someone stepping in front of it. That coupled with the luxury and quality of its finish should allow the company to reconquer the hearts and minds it lost over the years.