NAIAS 2016: Volkswagen

The diesel smoke is still clearing from the Volkswagen emissions scandal, and stock prices and sales are yet to fully recover. The apology tour was in full swing at NAIAS with everyone at VW committing to make things right and lead a more green future. To this goal VW showcased it’s plug-in hybrid Tiguan concept. The small ute is rugged looking and reminiscent of a Dakar race Tiguan. The far more vanilla second-gen Tiguan should arrive by the end of 2016, and they will need it to be a hit.

NAIAS 2016: Buick

Buick yet again brought a stunning concept to Detroit. The Avista is a long low-slung coupe that seems to offer a bit of the Buick glamour that existed in yesteryear. Just like the Avenir concept of last year’s show, it is gorgeous to look at, but looks nothing like the current tired designs that fill Buick lots. Intended as a grand tourer, the rear-wheel drive Avista uses a twin-turbo V6 good for 400 horsepower and rides on the same platform as the Camaro.

NAIAS 2016: Lexus

Lexus is continuing to look like more and more of a threat to the established Germans in the luxury segment. Now they are taking aim at the brute coupes that fill the segment like the Jaguar F-Type and Mercedes SL with the new Lexus LC 500. It is an imposing rear-wheel drive rocket with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 out of their RC F and GS F good for 467 horsepower mated to a new 10-speed automatic. The styling is what sets this car apart and Lexus should be praised for its bravery in making a car that is angular, audacious, and beautiful.

2014 Chevy Equinox Review

2014 Chevy Equinox 2LT FWD

2.4L inline 4-cylinder, 182 hp, 172 lb-ft, front-wheel drive, 6-speed auto, heated leather seats, 22/32 mpg

2015 Lincoln MKC Review

2015 Lincoln MKC Reserve

2.3L turbo inline-4, 285 hp, 305 lb-ft, all-wheel drive, 6-speed auto, heated & cooled leather, 18/26 mpg

NAIAS 2015: Kia

While Kia did not have any exciting new cars to announce in Detroit, they did have plenty of their existing lineup on display. The Soul EV, already being sold in a few select markets, is an all-electric version of their hot-selling Soul with a 93-mile range. While the starting price is high at $33,700, tax credits are available. It is nice to see Kia trying new things with the Soul, but what would get us even more excited is an all-wheel drive version.

NAIAS 2015: Jeep

The Renegade is a new subcompact crossover from Jeep that will be arriving at dealers in the next few months. Fiat Chrysler has a lot riding on the Renegade as it will be a global vehicle, and here in the States, it is expected to take a large chunk of the market that is currently filled with less off-road worthy options such as the Kia Soul and Nissan Juke.

NAIAS 2015: Mercedes

Mercedes made headlines with its F 015, an ambitious self-driving hydrogen concept car. Its unique design received a lot of attention, and its lounge-style seating has four rotating seats. The full name, F 015 Luxury in Motion, seems more like a headline than a proper name, but this car will never see production.

NAIAS 2015: Audi

The 2016 Audi Q7 world premiere was in Detroit, and it should go on sale early next year.

NAIAS 2015: Chevy

The Bolt EV is still a concept, but Chevy hopes to turn it into a production model in the next few years. It is an all-electric car with a 200-mile range and $30k sticker price.