Auto Show Guide
A Look at the 2017 Washington Auto Show
The Current
January 25, 2017 ■ Page 15
Annual event aims to combine car shopping with day of family fun By BRADY HOLT Current Staff Writer
On Friday, the Washington Auto Show will open its doors with some 700 vehicles spread across some 750,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The annual event, which will run daily through Feb. 5, is presented by the Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association. John O’Donnell, president and CEO of the Friendship Heights-based organization, said that although there isn’t the same pressure at the auto show one might feel inside a car dealership, there’s a similar underlying goal: to wow attendees with new cars enough to get them to upgrade. “We’re not looking to sell cars, but we
do want to promote the general industry,” O’Donnell said. “Everybody’s getting a little overdue on purchasing a car in this country, so come out and find your next car at the Washington Auto Show.” William West Hopper, a Chevy Chase resident who will lead some of the show’s VIP tours, said potential car buyers should create a list of vehicles they’d like to learn more about, then sit in them back-to-back at the show. He also recommended signing up to receive more information at an automaker’s booth, which might put you in line for exclusive discounts or promotions. There are also opportunities to take short test drives on streets around the convention center, weather permitting. Participating automakers include Ford and Toyota (daily); Kia, Subaru and Mazda (Jan. 27
Photo courtesy of Joe McCary
The Washington Auto Show, pictured here in 2016, will run from Jan. 27 through Feb. 5. through 31); and BMW (Feb. 1 through 5, with tests of the i3 plug-in hybrid only). But O’Donnell and Hopper both emphasized that the event isn’t just about the cars. “At some shows, it’s basically a big car lot — ours has a lot more going on,” Hopper said.
For kids, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and PBS characters including Daniel Tiger and Princess Pesto will be available at various times during the show. And attendees of all ages can enjoy appearances from celebrities, including Nationals standSee Show/Page 16
Auto show to feature must-see new models of every size and price By BRADY HOLT Current Staff Writer
Taking place just days after automakers unveil future cars in Detroit, the Washington Auto Show is frequently one of the next places in the country where these vehicles can be seen after their debuts. Meanwhile, of the event’s 700-odd total vehicles, there are numerous other must-sees for anyone interested in cars — either as a hobby or as a buyer. Most of the 38 brands featured will have one or more samples of every model they sell, and most cars will be unlocked for attendees to poke around inside. For the show, the Washington Convention Center has three main display areas. Here are some highlights from each:
Ballroom Level 3
In addition to the “Art of Motion” exhibit, the third-floor ballroom hosts vehicles from the show’s most exclusive brands. Don’t expect these high-performance coupes and other ultra-luxury cars to be open for guests to sit in, and expect to dodge countless cameras and selfie sticks. But there’s a reason for this popularity: Such cars are hard to find anywhere else, and most are styled to help even a
Aston Martin DB11 coupe
mediocre photographer take stunning shots. New models promised here include the Aston Martin DB11 and V12 Vantage S; Bentley Bentayga SUV and Mulsanne sedan; Lamborghini Hurucán Spyder convertible; McLaren 570GT and 650S sports cars; and Rolls-Royce Dawn convertible and Wraith coupe. Meanwhile, several classic models are
Lamborghini Miura classic car also promised, including the Ferrari Enzo and F50 and the Lamborghini Miura.
Halls D and E
If you’re looking to buy a car rather than just look, halls D and E — combined into a single space on the convention center’s second level — may be a better place to start. This area contains the Ford and Toyota brands, and multiple brands from General Motors and Fiat-Chrysler. Not only will attendees find various models to consider for purchase, but also new future models to consider waiting for — some with nearly as much flash as the six-figure exotics upstairs. This area opens with the General Motors area for Buick, Chevrolet and GMC. (GM’s fourth brand, Cadillac, is located near competing luxury marques.) Chevrolet’s perfor-
Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle mance cars are always a highlight, with the Corvette and Camaro taking center stage. But if you’re interested in electric vehicles, the familiar plug-in hybrid Volt will make another appearance — and so will the new 2017 Bolt all-electric car, which is hitting dealers now with a projected 238-mile range. GM also recently unveiled several family-friendly 2018 models that it will likely present at the show: redesigned, slightly smaller Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain compact crossovers, plus the redesigned and still-big Chevrolet Traverse eight-passenger crossover. In the next stand, Toyota will also show off a humble but significant model: the redesigned 2018 Camry midsize sedan, its best-selling vehicle. The all-new city-friendly 2018 C-HR subcompact crossover will also
Toyota C-HR crossover make an appearance, and the Prius hybrid lineup — now including the plug-in Prius
Prime — is another useful stop. If you’re focused on new debuts, Ford’s stand won’t likely stand out. The automaker may bring its EcoSport subcompact crossover, which is coming to the U.S. for the 2018 model year after years of global popularity. But don’t skip its existing line of competitive vehicles if you’re in the market, and the Mustang performance car is a worthy stop on a photo tour. At the end of the hall are the Fiat-Chrysler vehicles — Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram and the automaker’s two eponymous brands. The Alfas are a highlight — though no specific models had been confirmed as of press time, the exotic 4C per-
Alfa Romeo Giulia sports sedan formance car, the new Giulia sports sedan and the newly unveiled 2018 Stelvio crossover will likely be on view. Another fresh debut from this automaker is the redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass, which replaces the existing Compass and Patriot compact crossovers. And the Chrysler Pacifica minivan — including a new classexclusive plug-in hybrid model — will be on display. Sunshine lovers will also want to see the reinvented Fiat 124 Spider convertible, now mechanically related to the Mazda MX-5
Miata but with retro Fiat styling.
Halls B and C
Halls B and C are a combined open space in the convention center basement that includes most mainstream imported brands as well as most imported and domestic luxury marques — the show’s largest diversity of brands and vehicles. The premium brands are clustered to one side of the space. Show organizers are proud to have Porsche back after an eight-year hiatus, and its performance vehicles are always a hit; its stand will include everything from the 911 Targa sports car to the Cayenne hybrid crossover. Nearby, BMW will have its newly redesigned 2017 5 Series luxury sedan; eye-catching i3 and i8 plug-in hybrids; and other premium cars and crossovers. To the other side of Porsche are Jaguar and Land Rover. Jaguar’s fresh lineup includes the new entry-luxury XE sedan; its first crossover, the F-Pace; and the redesigned XF midsize sedan. Rounding out the Jaguar display will be the stylish F-Type sports car. Land Rover will include the compact Discovery Sport crossover, the newly unveiled midsize Discovery and the ultra-posh Range Rover. Nearby, sports-car fans will no doubt admire the Lamborghini-based Audi R8. The Audi stand will also include three 2018 models: a new A5 luxury five-door hatchback, redesigned Q5 compact crossover and redesigned S4 sports sedan. While See Vehicles/Page 16
16 Wednesday, January 25, 2017
The Current
Auto Show Guide
Best for Northwest: New vehicles well-suited for life in the District
class is known for, plus standard all-wheel- ■ Luxury car: Audi A6. Roomy, polished the Outback also impresses for its comfort drive. Runner-up: Honda Accord, which and safety. Runner-up: Ford Edge, which and fun to drive, the A6 midsize sedan is has more interior room and better gas simply a tough vehicle to fault. Runner-up: trades some fuel economy for dressier stylmileage than the Subaru, especially from ing and a sportier, more luxurious driving Tesla Model S; though it’s pricey and, for In a compact, crowded city with ample experience. some buyers, difficult to recharge, the allmodes of transportation options, many res- its hybrid model. ■ Affordable fun car: Mazda MX-5 ■ Affordable seven-passenger SUV/ electric Tesla avoids gasoline while offeridents get by comfortably without a car. crossover: Mazda CX-9. It’s easy for a ing phenomenal driving manners. Those who nonetheless choose to buy one, Miata. While too many sporty cars come alive only at high crossover this size to look and feel like a ■ Premium fun car: out of necessity or convenience, typically speeds, this two-seat bus, but the sporty, elegant and fuel-effiBMW 2 Series. This littake into account different needs than the roadster is a delight to cient CX-9 hides its bulk while still offertle coupe or convertible national norm. This 2017 Best for Northdrive even in town. ing a decent third-row seat. Runner-up: offers sprightly perforwest list highlights city-friendly vehicles Runner-up: Volkswagen Honda Pilot, the leading option if you’re mance without overkill that would do well in local conditions. best served by a great big comfortable box. for the city. Runner-up: ■ Affordable subcompact car: Honda Fit. Golf GTI, a practical, mild-mannered hatchJaguar F-Type, a liftback ■ Minivan: Chrysler Pacifica. This van This space-efficient five-door hatchback back that becomes a leapfrogged the competition for clever feaoffers unexpectedly generous passenger Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid or convertible great for performance car on tures and interior versatility, and a new stylish cruising. and cargo room in a small footprint. Rundemand. plug-in hybrid model offers outstanding ■ Affordable subcompact SUV/crossner-up: Chevrolet Spark, an affordable ■ Affordable fuel-saving car: Toyota over: Buick Encore. While key competitors fuel efficiency. Runner-up: Toyota Sienna, five-door that doesn’t match the Honda’s which fills a nice niche as the only minifeel cheap and basic, the Encore offers a space or comfort but whose tiny size grants Prius. Ample interior space and relatively affordable prices set the Prius hybrid and van with available all-wheel-drive. quiet ride, well-finished interior and great you access to parallel parking spots that Prius Prime plug-in hybrid apart from crash-test scores for not much more money. ■ Entry-luxury crossover/SUV: Mereven Fit drivers would have to pass up — other high-mileage models, and the cedes-Benz GLC. This crossover version of Runner-up: Kia Soul, which lacks an allwithout giving up a rear seat like a Smart. Prime’s limited electric range (25 miles) the C-Class sedan offers wheel-drive option but ■ Affordable compact car: Honda Civic. all the same benefits but delivers a high seating Premium-grade driving dynamics make the still covers a lot of ground within the District. Runner-up: Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in with more cargo room. position, ample interior Civic feel expensive, and a new five-door hybrid that delivers twice the all-electric Runner-up: BMW X1, a space and surprising polmodel adds versatility; class-leading fuel range of the Prius before ish at a great value. bigger, fancier version economy rounds out the its gasoline engine kicks ■ Affordable compact of the Mini offering solid package. Runnerin — but that costs more SUV/crossover: Honda respectable space in a up: Subaru Impreza, and isn’t as roomy. petite, fun and relatively CR-V. Roomy but not Honda CR-V compact crossover whose new 2017-model ■ Entry-luxury car: affordable package. bulky, agile but not stiffredesign offers more Mercedes-Benz C-Class. riding, and fuel-efficient but not slow, the ■ Luxury crossover/SUV: Audi Q7. Conuser-friendly controls This model boils the fident driving dynamics disguise the fact redesigned CR-V epitomizes what’s poputhan the Civic, plus luxury of a full-size car you’re driving a big seven-passenger vehilar about this market segment. Runner-up: class-exclusive allMercedes-Benz C-Class coupe down into a tidy, comcle, and hushed noise levels also impress. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which isn’t as nice wheel-drive. paratively affordable compact coupe or Runner-up: Volvo XC90, a slightly roomito drive but offers fantastic city mileage. ■ Affordable midsize/large car: Subaru sedan. Runner-up: Audi A3 and S3, which er, slightly more fuel-efficient, but slightly ■ Affordable midsize SUV/crossover: Legacy. Smaller and less bulky than its Subaru Outback. With ample interior room less refined crossover that nonetheless competitors, the Legacy nonetheless offers offer a premium feel and sporty driving dynamics at an even smaller size. makes for an elegant family car. but the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle, the comfort, safety and fuel economy its By BRADY HOLT Current Staff Writer
SHOW: Various activities planned VEHICLES: Displays include wide diversity of cars From Page 15
out Trea Turner; wrestler Randy Orton; Univision anchor Tsi-tsi-ki Félix; and Redskins tight end Jordan Reed. Other events blend the automotive focus with other forms of entertainment. The “Art of Motion” exhibit will feature live demonstrations in which artists decorate new cars with vibrant paintings. And the “hands-on” contest requires participants to maintain steady physical contact with a new Hyundai for days, competing to win its key to bring it home.
About this section
The Current’s Auto Show Guide is intended to help readers who may be attending the Washington Auto Show or are otherwise interested in new vehicles. Recommendations and advice are based on tests of new vehicles and other analyses from Brady Holt, a Current staff writer and member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. His auto reviews appear in The Current’s biweekly Getting Around in D.C. section.
One event is geared more to young adults than to families: DC Cool Night, from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 3, which features disc jockey DJ Dimmy and a cash bar. Organizers promise “a great night of socializing, networking and sharing the dynamic atmosphere of D.C.” On Feb. 2, meanwhile, an LGBTQ Family Night will offer a designated green room for tours hosted by lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender automotive journalists from 6 to 9 p.m. On any day, attendees should also be on the lookout for free items that will be available from some automakers. While Hopper warned attendees not to expect the same bounty as some past years, there should still be some prizes and giveaways. “It’s a great spot to get a fresh supply of reusable shopping bags,” he said. The Washington Auto Show is open daily at the Washington Convention Center from Jan. 27 through Feb. 5. Tickets cost $12 for ages 13 and older and $5 for ages 6 to 12; admission is free for ages 5 and younger. An expertled VIP tour costs $40, including admittance. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit washingtonautoshow.com.
From Page 15
While they don’t have the same glitz, there are various new models worth seeing. the Mercedes-Benz display won’t have as many new In the hottest market segment, small crossovers, debuts, the six-figure AMG GT coupe will feature several automakers have new and upcoming models. prominently, alongside a diverse lineup. Next door, Nissan has the Rogue Sport — on its way over from Lincoln will show off the gull-winged concept SUV Europe, where it’s called the Qashqai — slotted that previews its next Navigator, along with its new below the existing Rogue. The largest Mini, the Continental flagship sedan. Countryman, is also showing off its new design. And At Lexus, the biggest recent news was the unveil- among slightly larger crossovers, the show will presing of its redesigned 2018 LS 500 flagship sedan, ent recent 2017- and 2018-model redesigns of the which will come to Washington Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and fresh from its Detroit debut. But Volkswagen Tiguan. even though the 2018 LC 500h, a Also be on the lookout for high-performance hybrid sports some all-new cars for big famicoupe, was first seen a year ago, lies: the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas expect it to command at least as crossover and the redesigned much attention. Nearby, Acura 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan. will show off its own gas-electric For an eco-friendly choice, performance car — the longHyundai’s new Ioniq line is a promised return of its two-seat must-see. This small hatchback Lincoln Navigator concept SUV NSX, now on sale as a 2017 will be offered in three fuel-savmodel — along with the brand’s more affordable ing flavors: a basic hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and an premium sedans and crossovers. all-electric model. Hyundai’s sister brand, Kia, has Next to Acura is the Hyundai stand, which will its own version of the Ioniq on display: the Niro likely include models from the automaker’s new wagon, with a little less mileage but more room. Genesis brand: the G80 and G90 large luxury There are also some fun cars and even high-end sedans, which replaced the Hyundai Genesis and models on the mainstream end of this exhibit space. Hyundai Equus, respectively. Mazda will show off the MX-5 Miata RF, a hardtop Rounding out these halls’ luxury brands are with a partially retractable roof. Kia will present its Cadillac and Infiniti. While these two don’t have recently unveiled luxury car: the rear-wheel-drive any new releases, those looking for a luxury car to Stinger. Nissan will bring its fast but pricey GT-R play around in might find smaller crowds as other coupe. And Mini will have its zippy little retro cars. attendees focus on the newsmakers. Meanwhile, if ordinary cars start to all blur Elsewhere in halls B and C, as you move away together, check out the Kia Sorento Ski Gondola from the luxury marques, are Volkswagen, Hyundai, concept, which replaces this crossover’s wheels with Honda, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru and Mini. tank-style treads.