Crossovers take over Los Angeles Auto Show 2016

The first major automotive event on the North American circuit, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS), is taking place right now until Nov. 27. The theme of this year’s show is most definitely crossovers/SUVs, with Audi, Mazda, Toyota and Jaguar all showing off new products that are either coming or hinting at what’s in store. 

Jaguar i-PACE

“One of the most visually arresting concepts ever produced by Jaguar,” is how the English brand is describing the fully electric performance SUV unveiled at LAAS. Serving as a preview of an actual car Jaguar intends to release in 2018, the i-PACE has two electric motors making almost 400 horsepower and can drive in excess of 500 kilometres on a single charge.

2017 Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s best selling crossover, the CX-5, finally gets a total redesign complete with an exterior makeover and additional tech and powertrain choices. G-Vectoring Control keeps the ride smoother for occupants while the vehicle is turning, and for the first time on this side of the pond, a 2.2-litre diesel will also be offered in addition to a 2.0 and 2.5-litre SKYACTIV gasoline engines.

2018 Audi Q5

Influenced by similar styling as the full-size Q7, the new compact Q5 sports a front fascia with 3-D headlights and grille that accentuate its width, a flatter roofline and more pronounced wheel arches. The interior features more passenger space than before, and under the hood is a 2.0-litre TFSI four cylinder producing 252 horsepower, mated to seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission.

2018 Toyota CH-R

After a full year of teasing, the Toyota Coupe High-Rider (CH-R) finally shows up in a production-ready form. The subcompact crossover, built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, will be available in XLE and XLE Premium trims at launch. Both come with standard Toyota Safety Sense P and a SACHS suspension system, all-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine sending 144 horsepower to the front wheels.