Weekly News Roundup: Toronto Auto Show returns, 2024 Chevrolet Trax, More

Toronto Auto show is back

Canada's biggest auto show is returning for 2023. The Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto will be back to celebrate its 50th anniversary this February after taking two years off because of the pandemic. "It will be great to be back in front of our consumers in person – especially with so many new innovative products coming to market and the rapid growth of automotive electrification. At a time when product availability is challenged, there will be no better place to see what’s available and worth considering as you shop for your next new car or truck," said show GM Jason Campbell. Show organizers say that EV, classic, and exotic car exhibits will return as well as the AJAC Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards presentations.



Trax is back

Chevrolet is launching an all-new Trax subcompact crossover next year, badged as a 2024. The 2024 Chevy Trax gets bigger than before, adding significant width and length. Rear passenger space is up and it will hold up to 1,532 litres of cargo. Trax will actually be larger than the Trailblazer but, thanks to some adjustments like not offering AWD, will have a lower starting price than the outgoing model. Just $21,699 plus destination. Power comes from a 1.2-litre turbo-triple with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft available. The 2024 Trax will offer a wide range of safety features including adaptive cruise control.



Nissan’s smallest gets an update

Nissan is refreshing the Versa sedan for 2023 with a new nose and some interior upgrades. The Nissan V-Motion grille has evolved and drops the large chrome strips of prior years. Wireless charging is new on SV and SR grades, with the latter offering a new 8.0-inch touchscreen as well. SR models will also get a new centre armrest. Unchanged is the 122 hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder and Nissan will continue to offer a five-speed manual on S grade or a CVT as an option on S and standard on SV and SR. Fuel economy with the stick is estimated at 8.6 L/100 km city, 6.7 highway or 7.4/5.9 with the CVT. The 2023 Nissan Versa goes on sale at the end of the year.



Outlander PHEV priced

Mitsubishi's plug-in Outlander will start from $46,538 when it arrives at dealers in Canada next month. The new model will offer ES, LE, SEL, and GT grades, all with standard all-wheel drive. The new Outlander PHEV will offer 61 km of electric range, the longest of any three-row crossover. ES grade offers seven seats, a 12.3-inch digital dash, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims add luxury bits like a heated second row, quilted leather, massage, and two-tone paint choices. The gas-only Outlander arrives at dealers this month, priced from $32,698.



Genesis G80 Electrified priced

Genesis has priced its latest electric sedan, the Electrified Genesis G80. The big electric sedan will come with just one trim, Prestige, for $105,000. The model will include 19-inch wheels, Highway Driving Assistant, Nappa leather seats, real wood trim, suede headliner, Lexicon audio, and everything else mandatory in a six-figure sedan. The G80 electric will offer 365 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque from its electric motors, with a range estimate of 454 km and the ability to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 22 minutes.