5 Highlights from the 2017 Montreal Auto Show
Updated: Nov. 22, 2019
The Montreal Auto Show kicked off Canada’s car show season in style. From new models to exciting innovations that made their Canadian debuts, we’ve rounded up the five most buzzworthy exhibits at this year’s show.
Headed to the Montreal Auto Show? Don’t Miss These Exhibits!
The Montreal Auto Show kicked off Jan. 20, 2017, to the delight of car enthusiasts and automakers alike. The event marks the beginning of car show season in Canada and provides automakers a unique opportunity to unveil their latest innovations and all-new models on Canadian soil.
There was no shortage of excitement surrounding this year’s show, with nearly every automaker getting in on the action and revealing something new and exciting. Click through the slideshow to see some of our favourite finds from the 2017 edition of the Montreal Auto Show.
Mitsubishi GT-PHEV Concept
With its aggressive front grille, low roofline and distinctive futuristic styling, there’s no mistaking the GT-PHEV for anything else on the road today. The Japanese manufacturer’s crossover is powered by a 2.5-litre gasoline engine and three electric powered motors, and features rear suicide-style doors and large vertical driving lights that almost overshadow the thin headlights. While we don’t anticipate seeing the GT-PHEV on showroom floors anytime soon, this concept car is Mitsubishi’s way of teasing consumers with an idea of what future models might look like.
Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4²
Just when most of us thought that Mercedes-Benz couldn’t get more rough-and-tumble than the original G-Wagon, the Stuttgart brand hit us with the G550 4×4². Essentially a G-Class on steroids, the G550 4×4² features a new damper adjustment which is derived from rally sport and includes two spring/damper struts per wheel which run in parallel, with the vehicle able to switch between comfort and off-road modes in under 15 milliseconds. The SUV also features a 450 millimetre ground clearance and a whopping 1,000 millimetres of fording depth. Needless to say, the G550 4×4² won’t be for everyone, especially considering the starting sticker price of $290,500.
Buick Avista Concept
Featuring a sleek, elongated body with flowing, uninterrupted lines, Buick’s grand tourer caught many eyes at this year’s Montreal Auto Show. The Avista Concept features 20-inch wheels, touch-pad door handles and a performance-centric 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine with rear-wheel-drive layout. On the inside, the “floating” centre console extends from the driver to the rear seating area, with the latest driver and passenger technologies accessible through the centre console and instrument panel. And while Buick has confirmed that the Avista won’t ever make it to production lines, many of the vehicle’s design elements will be used to inspire the next generation of Buicks.
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Subaru Crosstrek Concept
Although Subaru killed off its Crosstrek crossover in 2016, the Japanese manufacturer showcased a Crosstrek Concept at this year’s Montreal Auto Show, hinting that it might have plans to bring this model back from the dead. The Crosstrek Concept retains Subaru’s distinctive hawk-eye headlights, hexagonal grille and sculpted sides, but also adds a more aggressive look and taller ride height when compared to the previous generation Crosstrek.
Hyundai RN30 Concept
Hyundai’s RN30 Concept made its North American debut at the Montreal Auto Show, marking an important milestone in the company’s history: the RN30 will be the first vehicle to wear the “N” badge, which the Korean automaker will use to designate its high-performance sub-brand. While we aren’t quite sure if or when the RN30 will be available on the Canadian market, pricing and performance on “N” vehicles are expected to be more aggressive than that of the competition, including the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R and the Ford Focus ST.
