Five Things To See At The 2017 Indianapolis Auto Show

The 2017 Indianapolis Auto Show, hosted by the Greater Metropolitan Indianapolis Automobile Trade Association, opened its doors the day after Christmas and will run through this Sunday.  So, if you haven’t been yet, there is still time.  I went yesterday, and as always, enjoyed it very much.  See everything, but check out at least these “five” vehicles:

Toyota Hybrids

The world’s hybrid leader brings its full array from the base Prius that achieves 54/50-MPG city/hwy to the $19,560 Prius c, Prius V people mover, and new Prius Prime that can go 25 miles on electricity and achieve 54-MPG.  Toyota’s hybrid quiver also includes the Avalon Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid crossover.  No matter your need or family size, Toyota has a hybrid for you.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

I recently reviewed the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid in California, but it makes its local auto show debut this week.  It’s a very comfortable seven-passenger van that can travel 30 miles after plugging in, achieving 30-MPGe city, before the gas engine fires up to continue the journey.  Middle row Stow n’ Go seats are traded for batteries, but it’s a very comfortable family liner.  With a $7,500 federal tax credit, it’s cheaper than a loaded Prius.

Chevrolet Bolt

I’ll have a full review at the end of January, but the Chevrolet Bolt is GM’s first all-electric car since the infamous EV1.  Powered by lithium-ion batteries, Bolt can travel a Tesla-challenging 238 miles between charges.  Unlike the old EV1, it can carry four passengers and their luggage very comfortably.  Even better, it’s built in nearby Michigan.  Prices start at $36,620 (before tax credits).

Jeep Compass

Winter is here and the all-new Jeep Compass would be perfect for busting the snowdrifts sure to come.  It looks handsome with muscular fenders, upturned rear windowline, dual-pane sunroof, and LED taillamps.  A Trailhawk edition is fortified with skid plates, red tow hooks, and a seriously-capable 4x4 system.  A 2.4-liter 180 horsepower four-cylinder engine, connected to a 9-speed automatic or 6- speed manual transmission moves it. 

Genesis

Hyundai physically and visually separates its Genesis luxury brand in a dedicated space at the show.  You can see the mid-luxury G80 sedan and the premium-luxury G90 that competes with the BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and Cadillac CT6.  This is only a preview as a smaller G70 and a raft of crossovers are just over the horizon.  Genesis is serious about challenging the world’s luxury automakers and the cars are proof.

Of course, this is only a sampling of all the great vehicles available.  Truck lovers will check out the freshened GMC Sierra HD while sports car fans will slip into the Fiat 124 Spider.  The all-new Lincoln Continental, Subaru Impreza, Mini Countryman, and Hyundai Ioniq hybrid are also worth a look.  Hatchback fans will enjoy new five-door versions of the Chevy Cruze and Honda Civic.  It’s all here.

2017 Indianapolis Auto Show

Hosted by the Greater Metropolitan Indianapolis Automobile Trade Association

• When:  Dec. 26- Dec-30:  10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Dec. 31- Jan 1:  10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Where:  Indiana Convention Center
• Admission:  Adults, $7 at the door, $6 online; children 12 and under, free with an adult; active-duty military personnel, police officers and firefighters, free with ID.
• Information:  www.indyautoshow.com, Facebook, and Twitter