Features
18 avr 19

2019 New York Auto Show: SUVs galore with a dash of ‘e’

Judging by the new models launched during the 2019 NYIAS, the majority of Americans still seem to question the impact of their mobility on global warming and climate change. Midsized and big SUVs still take centre stage, but Ford and the Asian brands are clearing the path towards more reasonably sized and frugal options.

Those in search of pure-electric vehicles in New York will only find concept cars. Two, to be precise: the Genesis Mint and the Kia Habaniro. Compared to other motor shows, zero emission mobility seems more in "stand-by" than in "we need to get a move on" mode.

Here is the selection we made for the international fleet manager.

Subaru Outback. You need magnifying glasses to spot the differences with the previous model, but the interior is definitely a step forward. Interestingly, it comes with a eye-tracking camera to ensure the driver stays alert.

Hyundai Sonata. What Europeans know as an i40 goes by the name Sonata in North America. The new generation catches the eye, but remains relatively conservative underneath.

Lincoln Corsair. This all-new model is the smallest in the Lincoln SUV line-up and shares its underpinnings with the Ford Escape - a car Europeans know as the Kuga. That means different hybrid set-ups.

Hyundai Venue. The Kona gets a stylish baby brother in the shape of the Venue, which comes with a frugal 1.6 combined with a 6-speed manual or CVT, but no hybrid option.

VW Tarok Pick-up concept. Volkswagen has no pick-up in its American line up, but that might soon change. It will be smaller and cheaper than the Ford F150.

Cadillac CT5. This is GM’s response to the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. It combines style with refinement but conservatism reigns underneath the bonnet.

Mercedes GLS. The S Class amongst the SUVs gains an 48-Volt architecture that enables the suspension to read the road and pre-determine damping. A plug-in hybrid model should arrive later.

Toyota Highlander. The fourth generation of Toyota’s 3-row SUV is available with a 2.5 four cylinder combined with a battery pack – indeed, the same hybrid powertrain as the Camry.  

Picture copyright: static show pictures by Autoshowny.com, outdoor pictures taken from the respective media sites of the brands

Authored by: Dieter Quartier