ST430

I'm stuck in Shanghai for a month on business and vacation and wanted to note some interesting cars here:

- Infiniti Q50L : there are a lot of long wheelbase models (A4L, 330iL, etc) which we don't get in the States. However, most are powered by small engines (due to VAT), and I've yet to see a IS350L.

- Mazda CX4 : This one really caught my eye as it has beautiful proprtions. If Mazda sedans go the way of Ford, maybe they can Mazdaspeed this one here in the US!

- Buick Minivan : Forgot what the model is called, but it is produced by GM Shanghai. Outside looks like any ordinary soccer minivan, but inside is very luxurious with ottoman captains chair seating and such. In general, China has all the cool minivans still including the Previa, JDM Odyssey, etc.

If I catch glimpse of anything else unique, I'll post up.

chromedome

The LS350 powered by a non-turbo version of the 3.5 V6, I saw one the other day at my Lexus dealer. The LS500h is the flagship in China, priced at a cool - or ridiculous - $200,000. I've also seen Panamera Executives, as if that huge thing wasn't long enough.

There aren't any extended wheelbase Lexus models because they're all made in Japan for a global market, whereas the L-badged German cars are all assembled in China.

Plenty of Japanese luxo vans too like the Alphard, Odyssey, Elysion and the Buick GL8.

mmarshall

It's called the GL8....one of several Buick models available in China that GM won't market here in the U.S. (which, IMO, is annoying). In fact, from what I understand, the GL8 was the first Buick model to get the luxury/upmarket Avenir package...before the Avenir series was first introduced here in the U.S. on the Enclave.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

There are 'L' versions of a lot of cars in China like A6 L. Mercedes has a CLA L coming too.

Love the swoopy CX-4. Wish Mazda would bring it here.

BippuLexus

The Chinese Market loves long wheel base cars and it sells insanely well over there. However - in the US/EU markets, long wheel base aren't as popular.

Its just like how in China, they see the Audi/Buick the way we see what Mercedes Benz is.

mmarshall

I agree. Given the current hot market for small SUVs, it would probably sell here, although probably not in the same numbers as the RAV-4 and CR-V.

chromedome

I forgot to mention CDM EVs, everything from cheap Chery runabouts to Rover/Roewe SUV EVs and all kinds of small electric trucks for commercial transport. It's strange to see an EV truck frame with no engine up front and batteries sitting between the frame rails.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

cx4 looks more station wagon than cuv/suv. they could give it the 'outback treatment' to make it a fake ute though.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Eh more like a squished CX-5 IMO. Ala Infiniti FX, X6, 4-door suv coupe'ish' with that raked rear.

Sulu

It seems already to have been given the fake ute treatment. As you can see in the pictures below, it already has the requisite black plastic cladding on the rocker panels and black plastic fender flares.

The CX-4 is CX-5 sized, with the CX-5 just so much more ute-shaped (shorter and taller). So why should / would Mazda import the CX-4 into North America?



Source: CX-4 / CX-5

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Because it's a chic option. Why does the X6 exist when there's the X5? X3 and X4? MDX and defunct ZDX? GLE and GLE Coupe? Same cars, just different shapes. It would not cost them much to bring it here, plus CDM CX-4 uses the same 2.0 and 2.5 powerplants we get here. Try it for a year or two. Fails? Then drop it. Mazda is missing out IMO.

Sulu

Sorry to burst your bubble...

The CX-4 was designed and built in China, by Mazda's Chinese joint-venture partner, for China. It would cost (a lot of) money to re-engineer and certify this vehicle for sale in North America -- maybe when the CX-4 is next up for re-engineering (facelift or full-model change) but not right now. Mazda does not have this petty cash around to certify for sale a small amount of Chinese-made vehicles.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)