Crossovers emphasize capability

REUTERS

The Lincoln MKT luxury crossover.

Brian Early

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

DETROIT–It's not surprising that no trucks or traditional body-on-frame SUVs were introduced here this year. Their popularity, already waning, continued to decline because of last summer's spike in gas prices, an increased focus on the environment and the improved capabilities of car-like crossovers.

PHOTOS: Detroit crossovers

Also, their primary producers – Detroit's Big Three – are at the centre of the financial crisis, which affects decision making. GM has effectively pulled the plug on the development of the replacement for its current full-size SUV family and it's likely that the other automakers are also directing their strained resources elsewhere.

Additionally, two significant models – the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 pickups – were introduced here just last year, with the F-150 winning North American Truck of the Year honours at this year's show.

Meanwhile, crossovers continue to gain market share, with many entrants stretching the accepted definitions of this segment, seemingly neither car nor truck (call them "wagons" and you risk the ire of the manufacturers). Buyers seem to like their flexible interiors and elevated seats.

Although fewer in total than in years past, Detroit's crossover/truck announcements this month still included noteworthy powertrain changes in existing models as well as forward-looking concepts.

2010 Cadillac SRX

Unlike its predecessor – basically a stretched Cadillac CTS on stilts – the 2010 SRX, expected in showrooms mid-year, is mechanically unrelated to the CTS. Instead it shares portions of its basic chassis architecture with the Chevy Equinox (Theta platform) and the second-generation Epsilon platform found beneath the European-market Opel Insignia sedan.

Wider, but otherwise smaller in its principal dimensions, the SRX is now strictly a five-seater, and its styling is far swoopier than the boxy design that preceded it.

The SRX's motor is now transversely mounted, meaning models without the optional all-wheel drive will power the front wheels, not the rears as before. The base engine is a 260 hp 3.0-litre direct-injected variant of the "High Feature" 3.6-litre V6 used in a variety of GM products. A related 300 hp version of Saab's 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 is optional. This isn't surprising; the upcoming Saab 9-4X is expected to share the SRX's Theta/Epsilon construction.

Both motors are paired with a six-speed automatic and Cadillac estimates fuel economy improvements with the 3.0-litre engine in the 10-15 per cent range. Pricing wasn't determined, but a reduction is possible, because the new platform and its Mexican point of assembly should save GM some money.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Slated for production in Ingersoll (as before), Chevrolet's second-generation Equinox swaps its Shanghai-built 3.4-litre pushrod V6 for a choice of either a 182 hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder or a 255 hp 3.0-litre V6, both featuring direct injection for improved power and economy and both paired with a six-speed automatic (all-wheel drive remains optional).

The dimensions have been tickled by a few centimetres (wider, though shorter in overall length), but the current Equinox's handy sliding rear seat and its five-passenger capacity remain. The interior's substantially upgraded appearance and finish have clearly been influenced by the critical successes of the new Malibu.

The exterior styling is also Malibu-inspired, with the Equinox adopting the latest Chevrolet corporate split-grille "face." Wheel sizes up to 19 inches will be offered.

On sale mid-year, the 2010 Equinox's newly available electronic content will include a backup camera, Bluetooth, dual-screen rear-seat DVD system and a powered tailgate.

2010 Lincoln MKT

I find Lincoln's current "McNaming" strategy confusing. Apparently, the "T" in the MKT crossover is not for "truck," it's for "touring". I'm afraid that you'll just have to remember that the three-row, seven-seat MKT is larger than the Ford Edge-based two-row, five-seat MKX.

Built in Oakville and sharing platform elements with the Ford Flex, the MKT utilizes a 3.7-litre version of Ford's corporate "Duratec" V6 engine family that's also found in Mazda's CX-9.

Should its 268 hp prove insufficient for your needs, Lincoln gives you the option of selecting the same 355 hp 3.5-litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that's slated for the 2010 Flex. Both engines are teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters and rev-matching downshifts; only 3.7-litre MKTs can be had in front-wheel drive.

The feature and convenience item list for this luxury crossover is so comprehensive that it's not practical to itemize it here. It's worth noting, though, that Lincoln has clearly delved deep into corporate partner Volvo's safety equipment catalogue.

Look for the MKT in mid-summer.

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