Premiere showroom

The 2016 Guangzhou auto show features 1,130 models, including 19 concept cars and 56 vehicles that have made their world premieres. Below are six models that Motoring editors have singled out to give our readers a glimpse of the latest trends in the automotive industry.

Lamborghini Huracan

The Italian super car maker's Huracan Rear-Wheel-Drive Spyder made its Asian debut at Auto Guangzhou 2016, two days after its world premiere in Los Angeles. The model extended Automobili Lamborghini SpA's sports car lineup after the launch of its Rear-Wheel Drive and Spyder editions in April, and absorbed the stronger elements from both, according to the company. The soft-top model sports a V10 aspirated engine in its aluminum and carbon fiber body, and gives the driver and passenger a chance to feel the breeze.

Engine: 5.2-liter V10 90 degree, 426 kW, 540 Nm

Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch gearbox Lamborghini Doppia Frizione

Performance: 319 km/h top, 0-100 km/h in 3.6 sec, 100-0 km/h in 31.9 m

Changan CS95

Chongqing-based Chang'an Automobile Co Ltd launched its maiden large SUV, powered by its self-developed engine, at the Auto Guangzhou 2016 show on Nov 18.

The new model's high performance Blue Core 2-liter turbo gasoline direct-injection engine outputs 380 Newton meters of torque at 2,000 revolutions per minute for hard acceleration, and 85 percent of its power at 1,500 rpm.

Aisin's 6-speed automatic transmission gives a gear-shift response in 0.8 seconds and amplifies the maximum torque to 720 Nm at launch to help with hill-starts and off-road rescue.

Size: 4,949 mm x 1,930 mm x 1,785 mm, with a 2,810 mm wheelbase

Power: 2-liter turbocharged, 171 kilowatt, 360 Nm, 6-speed auto transmission

Offroad capability: NexTrac intelligent four-wheel-drive electric control system

New Mondeo

The new Mondeo from Changan Ford is available in 10 variants, including two hybrids, measuring 4,873 mm in length, 1,852 in width and 1,470 in height. The gas-powered variants sport EcoBoost turbocharged engines, with fuel consumption per 100 km ranging from 6.9 liters to 7.7 liters. The hybrids are equipped with Atkinson engines with fuel consumption per 100 km at 4.2 liters. All variants boast the SYNC 3 system and the new Mondeo is the first localized model to be equipped with the FordPass Connect. The model also features adaptive cruise control and the Stop & Go function.

All-new Mini Countryman

The British brand's largest ever model debuted in Asia at Auto Guangzhou 2016, after upgrading its powertrain to an all-new platform, in anticipation of hitting the market in the second quarter next year. The all-new Mini Countryman extended its wheelbase by 7.5 cm, and expanded the body by 20 cm in length and 3 cm in width. Now it is carrying five full-size seats within its four doors, and able to carry 220 liters more in the trunk. Its All4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system is also modified for instant response to changes in road surface and driving conditions.

Power: 1.5-liter 3-cyl turbocharged, 6-speed or 8-speed automatic; 2-liter 4-cyl turbocharged with 8-speed auto transmission for the S edition

Trunk: 450 - 1,390 liters

Technology: Mini Connected with Open Mobility Cloud, 8.8-inch central touch screen

Qoros 3 QLECTRIQ EV

The 3 QLECTRIQ EV model is the first electric concept car from Chinese automaker Qoros. It can travel up to 350 km on one charge, accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in seven seconds, run at a top seed of 180 km/h, and become 80 percent charged in one hour. The production model will roll off the assembly line in 2017.

Chery Tiggo 3X

Chery Automobile Co Ltd expanded its crossover series with a new family member, the Tiggo 3X, aimed at a younger generation of customers. The new model is not only the first in the segment that enables 4G connectivity and in-car Wi-Fi, but also features voice control and CarPlay, and has a 1080p 8-inch central screen, rear view radar and image system.

Size: 4,200 mm x 1,760 mm x 1,570 mm, with a 2,555 mm wheelbase and 420 liter trunk

Power: 1.5-liter, 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed auto transmission

Off-road capability: 186 mm clearance, 24-degree approaching and 32-degree departure angles.

(China Daily 11/28/2016 page19)