Bigger is better at Beijing auto show

AP PHOTO

Mercedes rolled out its new GLK SUV, left, which will be sold here next January, while Audi’s Q5, which is coming next year, also made its debut.

Gerry Malloy

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

As it develops into the world's largest automobile market, China is also becoming an increasingly attractive venue for automakers to stage new-vehicle introductions this week at the Auto China show in Beijing.

A large number of these were SUVs and large luxury cars, both categories that have seen sales tumble elsewhere in the world. Analysts forecast auto sales growth in the country at 15-20 per cent this year, though sales of luxury cars and SUVs are expected to surge by 40-45 per cent.

Real estate and stock market prices have created a new class of Chinese billionaire, and that wealth, coupled with a government-imposed freeze on gas and diesel prices, has fed the demand.

Among those making their world premiere this week at the Beijing show was the Audi Q5 – that brand's junior-size crossover SUV, which will compete with the BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2, Lexus RX350, Mercedes-Benz GLJ 350 and Volvo XC60.

It will go on sale here during the first quarter of 2009, with pricing expected to be in line with that of those competitors.

Initially, at least, the only engine offered in North America will be Audi's 3.2 L V6 FSI with direct injection, a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive. But don't rule out a TDI diesel in the future.

While the Q5 is similar to its primary competitors in external dimensions, a short front overhang adds to its visual sportiness. It is marginally longer in wheelbase to enhance both ride quality and passenger space.

The Q5 will be the first model to feature Audi's Generation 3 MMI integrated control system for auxiliary functions such as climate control, entertainment and navigation.

Mercedes SUV debuts

Mercedes-Benz's new GLK-Class sport utility vehicle, which was shown in Vision concept form at the Detroit auto show in January, also made its production-form debut at this week's Beijing show.

A variety of engines, including diesel, will be offered in other markets, but the core of the Canadian lineup will be the GLK350 4MATIC with a 268-hp, 3.5 L V6 engine and all-wheel drive. It will be produced exclusively in Bremen, Germany and will go on sale here next January as a 2010 model.

Mercedes says the GLK's combination of classic angular shapes with distinctive design features from the brand's contemporary passenger cars sets it apart from the rest of the Mercedes family of SUVs, and from the competition.

A long list of standard equipment includes a two-zone automatic climate control system, integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 12.7 cm colour display panel.

Front and side airbags, and front-and-rear window airbags are also standard.

Buick rolls out Invicta

China is already the world's biggest market for Buicks – surpassing even the U.S. – so Beijing was a logical site for the reveal of the Buick Invicta concept car.

GM says the Invicta is the company's strongest statement yet of Buick's deliberately international plans. The mid-size, four-door sedan, with its coupe-like roof-line, is said to foreshadow the design direction for a new generation of vehicles from Buick for both North America and China.

Its styling is an evolution of themes explored in such earlier concepts as the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe.

The Invicta was designed collaboratively by GM design centres in Warren, Mich., and Shanghai, China.

It is powered by a direct-injection, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with an output of 250 hp, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission to enhance fuel efficiency.

The Invicta name, which was used on full-size Buicks from 1959 through 1963, is Latin for "invincible."

GM's Insignia set for London

GM Europe plans to reveal its all-new Vauxhall/Opel Insignia mid-size sedan, which replaces the current Vectra, at the British motor show in London in July.

Why should we care? Because with Saturn now being effectively a North American outlet for Opels, chances are very good the insignia will eventually make its way here badged as a Saturn.

The new five-seater will be offered in Europe in both hatchback and sedan form.

Both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions will be available. According to GM, the new "adaptive 4X4" system's proactive, instantaneous torque distribution ensures optimal traction and enhances dynamic handling performance.

Three gasoline and two diesel engines will be offered in Europe, coupled to either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.

The three gas engines range from a four-cylinder 140 hp unit to a 260 hp V6.

Among the features offered in the Insignia will be the latest adaptive forward lighting system. Nine different light beam settings automatically adjust themselves to cater for various driving conditions.

with files from The Associated Press

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