Columbus Auto Show 3-17-12

[jake75]

A mini report: Saturday night - no parking problem as there were no NCAA games here today. Toyota Exhibit - not a Matrix in sight. And probably because it would appear outdated and over priced in comparison. That's my opinion regarding alternatives. IMO the Nissan Versa hatchback and the Scion xD fiill that void admirably. The Honda Fit is a little overpriced compared to those two, The Imprezna hatchback is also an option. For just a little more moola you can get the Honda CRV or several similar offerings. The new Mazda 5x, not to be confused with the Mazda 5 mini-mini van, impressed me very much. There is a new Hyundai model replacing the Elantra Station Wagon that is 3 doors and a hatchback. Two doors on the passenger side - one on the drivers side. So if anything adverse should happen to my 2009 Vibe there are numerous viable options. I keep saying that having another rag top is on my bucket list. I now know I can no longer get in and out of a Miata. There was no BMW 325 rag top there. The Lexus at $50,000 seemed a good value compared to $30,000 for the Miata. The Nissan Leaf at $38,000 is a car only Al Gore could love.

[DeClerq]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »The new Mazda 5x, not to be confused with the Mazda 5 mini-mini van, impressed me very much.I assume you mean the CX-5? I haven't seen one in person, but they do look nice. I wouldn't mind having one parked next to my mini-mini van Mazda5!

[jake75]

Yes - the CX-5. [There is also a CX-7 and CX-9.] I think the CX-5 is positioned to compete against the Honda CRV, Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain etc. Unlike the Mazda5 the CX-5 does not have the 3rd row kids seats and has normal rear doors. The CX-5 gets better mpg.

[Tubaryan12]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 » There is a new Hyundai model replacing the Elantra Station Wagon that is 3 doors and a hatchback. Two doors on the passenger side - one on the drivers side. That is the Hyundai Veloster. The replacement for the Hyundai Touring (station wagon) will be the new Elantra GT.

[ColonelPanic]

The Veloster basically sits somewhere between the old Accent 3-door hatchback and the been-defunct-for-a-while Tiburon.The Elantra GT looks to have lost most of the Elantra Touring's cargo carrying capability. I haven't see figures yet but judging by the pics I've seen of the cargo hold, it doesn't look promising. Really hoped for another wagon, not a hatchback.

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[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »The Veloster basically sits somewhere between the old Accent 3-door hatchback and the been-defunct-for-a-while Tiburon.Except that in reality, underneath it's mostly Accent. Different body and $5000 price jump, nothing more...Wait for the turbo version!

[ColonelPanic]

Yes, that is true. The Veloster's fancy sheet metal sets you up to be woefully underwhelmed when you discover the meh-canicals. The Accent GS/SE 5-door is clearly the better choice between the two, can haul stuff and people with those, and the same powertrain is a much better fit.

[Kincaid]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »...the meh-canicals.lol

[journeyforce]

I agree about the Matrix over price. It is like Toyota wants to push people away from that car. I have the feeling the Matrix is in its last year. The Elantra Touring wagon was a great car and had room everywhere.

[KITT222]

Quote, originally posted by journeyforce »I agree about the Matrix over price. It is like Toyota wants to push people away from that car. I have the feeling the Matrix is in its last year. The Elantra Touring wagon was a great car and had room everywhere.My experience at the Minneapolis auto show led me to believe this. Their Matrix was a plain white base with steelies and an automatic. I liked it, sort of. It was far from its mates in the Toyota stable, and everyone was standing around the Prius V and Prius C, up on their stands with the big flashy displays. Related, but every Honda I was in felt low quality. Hard plastics everywhere. Chevrolet have a VERY nice lineup, though. They are so against the hard plastics it's ridiculous. My sister loves the Veloster. I told her that it's a tarted-up Accent, but she loves it for its sheetmetal (and I love the old Accent relative to the new one. It's humble and cute!). She'll probably end up trading her Celica GT for one in a few years. As for my dad, he loves the Colorado, sans "cat-eye" headlights. He's growing away from the full-size trucks. He wants a Buick or a Volt. My step-mom will be getting a Mini!