Live from Detroit: Day 2
1/13/08
Day 2: Mother Proof Reports From the Floor
Mother Proofers Kristin and Sara are on the floor at the North American International Auto Show today. Here are our first reports; check back later today and tomorrow for more coverage. Check back over the next week for videos from our time in Detroit, too.
Subaru Forester Reveal Doesn’t Reveal Much
We recently got pretty harsh on the Subaru Forester — a little too harsh for many of you, as you let us know with your hot-headed comments. So we were looking forward to the release of the newly redesigned Forester, hoping to get either confirmation or refutation of our earlier impressions. Well, at least initially, the redesign doesn’t warm our chilly hearts. Yes, the body looks improved, not quite as boxy. It’s also less upright, lessening its similarity to a vacuum. There’s more legroom in the backseat, and the cargo space is more flexible, including a compartmentalized under-floor storage bin for cold-weather accessories.
Otherwise, the Forester retains much of its Forester-ness. If you’re a loyal fan, that’s a good thing. If you were hoping for something new to push you over that lukewarm edge, we just didn’t see it.
Land Rover LRX a Small Utility Vehicle
Land Rover’s new LRX concept car is only the automaker’s second attempt ever at a concept car, and this in the year of its 60th anniversary. Designed to gauge public reaction, this mini Land Rover is aimed at the business executive segment of the population. As the Chief Mother at Mother Proof, I think I could work this car into my busy executive schedule of driving to school and hip-hop class. Trips to Costco, I’m not so sure about. Could it handle an executive meeting on the golf course? Perhaps if the golf bags were toted in a cargo limo that followed the entourage.
Yes, this concept is small, but then it’s also supposed to have great fuel economy (more than 50 mpg with its diesel engine, and it can run on biodiesel), as well as improved off-roadability. So for all those off-roading, fill-the-gas-tank-with-vegetable-oil executives out there, this is a gem.
Stealth Mamas Unite in BMW X6
There are few vehicles out there that can convincingly pull off parental stealth mode. You know, cars with the ability to tote kids by day and take you and your significant other out on the town at night. The BMW X6, however, could do so gloriously. While there’s not enough flexible seating (only two kids in car seats would fit in back), the lack of seats helps make the X6 a more beautiful car. I have two kids, so I don’t usually regret not having a third row (I know, I know, I’m probably the exception).
I would be hard-pressed to find anything I’d regret about the X6’s turbocharged V-8 engine, and the warm, rich interior makes me feel all Zen-y inside. The X6 is just my size, with all the luxurious appointments I could ask for and any and all signs of kid-dom covered up and incognito.
I know it’s not many people’s idea of the ideal mom-mobile, but I love the beautiful looks that could accommodate a family of four comfortably and in style.
BMW 128i Convertible Defies the Elements
The Detroit auto show offers up some obvious options for new family cars. Imagine my surprise, then, when I struck up a conversation with BMW’s Manfred Poschenrieder about the 128i convertible. It’s a little convertible with seating for five, and at first glance it’s very much not a family car. But here’s the thing: It kind of defies typical convertible impressions.
For example, it’s got room in back for two car seats, and it has lots of trunk space even with the top down. I could do a pretty serious trip to the grocery store without worrying. It also has sun-reflective technology incorporated into its leather, which BMW says keeps it cooler by a fair amount (the darker the leather, the bigger the difference, they say). Other element-defying features include an air-conditioning system that, when the top is down, still circulates air to keep you comfortable. All those features mean you can have black leather, put the top down in July and not totally roast.
Lastly, the rollover safety technology is designed so it’s tucked into the back of the car, keeping it from interfering with the car’s lovely lines. In the case of a rollover, the bars pop up and protect rear passengers. Take that, you dastardly elements!
Want to hear more? Be sure to check back later today for more reports from Kristin and Sara. In the meantime, satisfy your auto show cravings with pictures and more info on Cars.com.
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Very excited about the 1 series! The more I hear about it the more I'd really like the hubby to get one when his Honda shuffles off in a couple of years. I hope the little monster sees good sales so it'll still be around then. I'd hate to see it die off like the 318 did.
Posted by: HDC | Jan 14, 2008 1:08:03 PM