This year's New York Auto Show wasn't exactly the MOST exciting show to look for all-new concepts with fresh ideas, or for fun vehicles that will breath life into you.
The New York Auto Show was a great show if you have a limited budget, a couple of kids and are in the market for a four-door snoozer. That's not a bad thing, as for most folks it's reality.
That made picking this year's WINNER of the auto show a little difficult. That said, we've picked two products BUT they were selected for different reasons.
When I first saw the 2014 Chevrolet Impala, I wasn't bowled over with its design; however, it is a handsome and clean-looking vehicle that manages to look impressive. It's a Chevrolet that doesn't have that bargain-basement or rental car look to it. Then, when you actually get inside you'll quickly realize that General Motors has upped its game. The 2014 Impala doesn't have a GOVERNMENT-inspired interior. I was really impressed with the Impala's Alcantara inserts and piping on the seats.
Here's why it didn't take first-place honors though: it's a 2014 model! That means we're likely at least one year out from a production vehicle and by that time it could very well be an also-ran with the likes of the Hyundai Azera. Chevrolet will be behind the curve on this one.
That leads us to our number one pick at the 2012 New York Auto Show. For us, it was the BMW X1. Some of you may say "That's predictable," or make some snarky comments but the reality is that this is one helluva package that will make an impression in the entry-level luxury sport-utility vehicle class for a couple of reasons.
1) Pricing. The rear-wheel drive X1 sDrive28i will begin below $32 large ones, which is an aggressive price point for a vehicle of this caliber. Now folks who have a 328i but want that elevated ground clearance or are interested in a cheap, all-wheel drive ute have a lower barrier of entry. This will be a huge volume product that will likely be a market share stealer and allow 3-Series lovers a bit more utility. This could mark the kiss of death for the 3-Series wagon.
2) Packaging. BMW didn't slack with the way this vehicle looks or the interior trim bits in the X1. Because of this we strongly believe it continues to bank on the formula that attracts MANY buyers to the BMW brand in the first place.
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**The 2012 New York Auto Show Photo Galleries are exclusively sponsored by Lexus
Best Of New York Auto Show Photo Gallery
2012 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery
