6 interesting cars from 2016 Detroit Motor Show

The Detroit Motor Show is currently under way, showcasing some interesting new models. Couple of them are expected to reach the Indian shores before the end of the year, while few others are high on our wishlist. Here is a small list of cars from the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) that we think you should have a look at. 

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: The next generation model of the E-Class has debuted at the NAIAS. The premium sedan now gets the new Mercedes family face including the large chrome grille and sweptback headlamps, making it look similar to the S-Class. 

Even the interior is similar to the S-Class with new circular air vents, touch pads for COMAND interface and beige upholstery with metallic inserts. For the American market, the car is available with a range of petrol engines; however, at the time of the India debut, it will get the 2.2-litre diesel unit making 204bhp and 500Nm. There is a possibility that Mercedes may showcase the car at the Auto Expo next month, but we are waiting for an official confirmation. 

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE: This is an electric concept based on the compact SUV, the Tiguan, which is expected to debut at the Auto Expo next month. The concept uses 148bhp turbocharged engine coupled with four hub motors that power the individual wheels, making it an all-wheel drive. The engine, however, powers the front wheels, while the rear only gets power from the electric motors.

Buick Avista coupe concept: Another concept car that caught our attention is the Buick Avista. Simply put, this is a modern muscle car with flowing lines and specific attention to aesthetics. Yet underneath it is still very much an old-school model using the Camaro platform and sending 400bhp to the rear wheels. 

The concept seems more relevant, if you are interested in American muscle cars. One, it highlights the styling of new Buick cars and secondly also gives us a glimpse at the design of the future muscle cars from General Motors.  

Volvo S90: The S90 images appeared for the first time before the end of 2015, however, this is the first time Volvo is showcasing the new car at a public event. This one uses the same Scalable Product Architecture and the design language of the XC90 SUV, but the result looks even more profound. The T-shaped DRLs, the grille with vertical slats and sophisticated styling with minimum creases look absolutely brilliant.

The S90 replaces the aging S80 sedan to take on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF. Volvo will launch the car in India soon, but since it will continue to be a CBU, the prices might be higher than the competition.

Chevrolet Cruze hatchback: The American car buyer has started showing interest in hatchbacks and quick to respond to this change in trend is Chevy with the new Cruze hatchback. The car is based on the recently unveiled Cruze sedan, which is expected to reach India before the end of this year. 

The Cruze hatchback is much bigger than the one available in India, competing with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Fiesta hatchback. It gets the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine for US, that has an output of 153bhp and 240Nm. We personally love the way this hatchback looks, but there is no way that it will be coming to India anytime soon.

Ford Fusion: In India, when we talk about the Ford Fusion, it automatically gets related to the extra-large hatchback that they plied here few years back. This however, is Ford’s D-Segment sedan, which is sold in Europe (and for a short while in India) as the Mondeo.

The car that is displayed at the NAIAS is the 2017 facelift. The design has evolved from the current model, which has cues similar to that of the Aston Martin cars. The car is available with a host of engines including the small capacity EcoBoost to the large V6 producing 327bhp. The car will also be launched in Europe soon with the diesel engine and we pray that Ford thinks of reintroducing this car in India.