BMW 5-SeriesMiguel Villagran/Getty Images
BMW
The latest 5-Series sedan comes to Canada this summer. A hybrid version is planned for early next year. The sedan has been restyled and re-engineered in a bid to keep it ahead of rivals such as the recently renewed Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 5-Series hybrid concept showcases the next generation of BMW's ActiveHybrid technology. BMW says this system combines a straight-six gas engine with electric drive.
Kia
The third-generation Sportage SUV moves away from the rugged off-roader look of the first Sportage, launched in 1993. This new one is a sleeker proposition with more interior space. It will go on sale later this year.
Lexus
The CT 200h, the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment, will go into production in late 2010. The model was designed and developed with the European market in mind but will be sold worldwide - very likely in Canada. The CT 200h uses the Toyota Prius powertrain.
Mazda
The new Mazda5 will be more fuel-efficient than the current model and is the first production vehicle to adopt Mazda's Nagare design philosophy. A set of wavy ridges on each side of the compact minivan is part of the brand's Nagare design philosophy. Nagare means flow in Japanese.
Some markets will get a new direct-injection, 2.0-litre gas engine, but in Canada we'll get the more powerful 2.5-litre. Look for it early next year.
Mini
The new Countryman SUV is a more ruggedly styled addition to the BMW-owned British brand's lineup. The new car offers optional all-wheel drive. The Countryman is Mini's fourth model as well as its first four-door car. Canadian sales begin early next year.
Nissan
The Juke will go on sale in Canada this fall. It's a small crossover with a roomy cabin. The styling was suggested by the Qazana concept vehicle at the 2009 Geneva show. The Juke has a high waistline, and its wide center console is reminiscent of a motorcycle fuel tank. The Juke will be positioned below the Rogue crossover.
Porsche
The new Cayenne SUV will come in hybrid and diesel versions, offering improved fuel economy of up to 23 per cent compared with the current model. The Cayenne S Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient version with CO{-2} emissions of 193 grams/kilometre and fuel economy of 8.2 litres/100 km. The Cayenne hybrid has a 3.0-litre, supercharged V-6 that makes 333 hp and works with a 47-hp electric motor.
Then there is the 911 Turbo S, a new range-topper for the 911 model line. It boosts the peak output of the 911's twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre boxer engine by 30 hp to 523 hp. Porsche says the extra power makes the new car the fastest, most powerful version of the 911 Turbo ever.
Finally, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, an all-wheel-drive racing version of its 911 with a hybrid powertrain. This one will be tested in May at the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring race in Germany.
The key component in the GT3 R's innovative hybrid system is its electrical flywheel power generator. The system has two electric motors driving the front axles. Each motor develops 60 kilowatts of power (or around 82 horsepower). They supplement the 480 horsepower coming from the 4.0-litre gas engine that drives the rear wheels.
The electric flywheel power generator is capable of storing energy and delivering it back in six-to-eight second surges, on command. So electric power without a heavy battery pack.
Porsche says the flywheel generator is charged whenever the driver applies the brakes using regenerative braking - the two front axle electric motors reverse their role and act as generators during braking.
Volkswagen
VW said the new Touareg gasoline-electric hybrid, along with V-6 and V-8 diesel-powered models, can be ordered by customers in Germany immediately. We'll wait until next year in Canada, though.
Volvo
The new S60 sedan will be "sportier and more dynamic" than any of the brand's previous cars, says Volvo. The production S60 is similar to the eye-catching concept unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show. It has a similar silhouette and a sporty.
Cool new feature: The S60 will be the first model to get Pedestrian Detection - a new safety feature that detects pedestrians in front of the car and brakes automatically if the driver fails to react in time. The S60 will go into production in Gent, Belgium, in the summer.
... AND HERE'S WHAT WE MIGHT SEE
Fiat
The sporty Fiat sub-brand Abarth stands an excellent chance of coming to Canada as part of the Fiat-Chrysler alliance. In fact, Chrysler put an Abarth on its stand at last month's Toronto auto show. In Geneva, the latest Abarths were interpretations of the 500C Cabriolet and the Grande Punto hatchback. These could be fun on Canadian roads.
The Abarth 500C is equipped with a 140-horsepower, 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet engine permitting 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The Abarth Grande Punto comes standard with a new 165-hp Multiair 1.4-litre turbo gasoline engine.
Audi
Company officials say the A1 premium subcompact car is not coming to Canada for many years, if ever. But we should all keep pushing. On the other hand, a hybrid version of Audi's new A8 flagship sedan and the high-performance RS5 coupe belong in Audi dealerships and will likely end up there.
The A1 hatchback is a stylish, fuel-efficient premium car with a more modern look than BMW's retro-styled Mini, and in Europe it will be priced against its main rival. The three-door A1 in Geneva will be followed by a five-door variant next year.
Ford
The Focus wagon is vital for Ford in Europe and it would sell in Canada, too. In Europe, about one-third of all Focus customers select this body style. The new wagon has the "Kinetic" styling themes seen on the four- and five-door models we're assured of getting in Canada. How about that wagon, Ford? Make sense in Canada?
And another question for Ford: Why only the seven-seat Grand C-Max compact minivan for North America? The regular five-seat Focus C-Max seems like a pretty useful car, too.