Our reality check this week takes a look at the big takeaway from the Los Angeles Auto Show this year, the biggest trend afoot is the onslaught of sub-compact crossovers.
At the forefront this year for me is that the sub-compact crossover segment seems to be emerging as the new hot spot for automakers for both entry level and luxury segments.
Mazda unveiled their new 2016 CX-3 sub-compact utility which goes on sale next year. Honda also pulled cover off their own, the 2016 HR-V. Both of these have a smaller foot print then their current entry compact sedans.
Fiat also wowed the crowd with their cheeky new 500x which looks like a 500 who’s been working out at the gym and stopped by the mod shop on the way home for a lift kit. It certainly comes across as more fun than the 500L.
While not a debut at Los Angeles, Lexus is fresh to market with their new NX luxury-crossover too with Nissan, Infiniti, and Chevrolet all coming to market soon with their own entries in this space.
When you add these to some who have already been here like the Buick Encore, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and so forth you we have what is undoubtedly a trend.
It just makes sense doesn’t it? Many of our so-called entry level crossover utilities have grown in size and price over the last decade to mid-size levels. We’re just getting back to squares.
