It’s that time again. Let’s have a peek at the best, worst and biggest surprises of the 2018 Los Angeles auto show.
Best Production Car: Mazda 3
Mazda have nailed it once again. The new 3 is easily the best looking car is its class – it is so contemporary and modern, yet not over the top. The powertrains are good too, as it features the new 2.0-litre supercharged SkyActiv-X unit – the same can be said about the excellent interior, which is clean and once again very modern.
Best Concept: Audi e-tron GT
The e-tron GT – unlike most Audis – is seriously angular and edgy. It manages to blend the best bits of the sleek A7 with the futuristic parts of the new e-tron SUV. I can’t wait for the production model in 2020.
Worst Car/Concept: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
It’s not the looks that I dislike – which are very monotonous and generic – but instead it’s the powertrain. Subaru have managed to pair a 2.0-litre petrol with TWO 88kW electric motors and somehow produce less power than the regular petrol model. Worse still, it only has 27km of EV-only range, which isn’t even enough to safely complete most drivers’ commutes. You can do better Subaru.
Biggest Surprise: Lincoln Aviator
Not only does it look brilliant, but the top-spec Grand Touring model features a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and a couple of electric motors which together produce ‘over’ 335kW and a mammoth 815Nm. This thing should be seriously quick.
Biggest Disappointment: Kia Soul
Just look at it. The front and sides are alright, but the rear end of the new Soul is simply dégoûtant. The ‘island’ between the taillights looks out-of-place compared to the rest of the car. How did Kia get it so wrong? Hopefully it gets facelifted in a few years and gets fixed.
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