2010 Detroit Auto Show: Family Haulers Out In Force

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of... More

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2012 Ford Focus, at 2010 Detroit Auto Show

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There’s been a definite shift in consumer tastes towards smaller cars in the industry and nowhere is this more evident than in the family vehicle segment, where fuel economy, interior space and safety are crucial.

Unsurprisingly most automakers, from affordable brands to luxury marques, are offering sexy and exciting new models to carry around your most precious of cargo.

While many of the vehicles targeted at families are still in the concept phase, they do offer a glimpse of what we could be hauling the gang around in. Here’s a rundown of what was unveiled yesterday at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show:

2010 GMC Granite Concept

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GMC Granite Concept

The latest concept vehicle from GMC is the smallest vehicle the truck division has ever produced, which is a clear sign that the automaker is targeting consumers looking for a downsized vehicle. The Granite combines cues from all over the GMC lineup--and at first glance, it's also a mashup of those family traits as well as some from successful wagons like the 2010 Kia Soul and the original Scion xB. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that’s rated at 138-horsepower and teamed to a 6-speed automatic shifted by rotation, not through shift gates.

Buick Regal GS concept car

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Buick Regal GS

Just because you need to buy a vehicle to carry around your family doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to performance. Cars like the Buick Regal GS are perfect for this situation, offering sports car performance but with enough space to comfortably carry five adults. Although labeled a concept, you can bet a production version of this car will be arriving in showrooms later this year complete with a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual and all-wheel drive system.