The CIAS in Toronto should be your go-to to discover as many vehicles as you can before you buy
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If, like many people, you’ve delayed a vehicle purchase over the past three wacky years, there is an excellent starting point to get the momentum going: the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS). While there are some noticeable gaps in who is showing up to create exhibits (notably, no Ford, Volkswagen, Honda, BMW, Jaguar-Land Rover, or Volvo) it is still an excellent starting point for consumers looking to learn what’s new — and a lot is new.
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After a two-year COVID-19 hiatus (coviatus?) the show is back. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the automotive industry couldn’t look more different from 1974. Auto shows have always been about eye candy, but as we move forward into an electric revolution, buyers now have a lot more to consider. How can you best use this opportunity to determine where you’re about to spend a lot of money?
Plan ahead
Bring a tape measure. You’ll have the chance to get up close to a lot of makes and models. It’s no secret that vehicles are getting the behemoth treatment from manufacturers, so if your plan is to garage your new ride, make sure it will fit. The same goes for shorter driveways; bylaws won’t be changed just to accommodate your colossus. Also measure things like sports gear and mobility aids to make sure the vehicles you’re considering can accommodate them. Rear openings even on SUVs sometimes have weird shapes that can make inflexible large items awkward.
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You’ve heard of a test drive? How about the test sit? It’s easy to fall in love with something that is perfect on paper. The auto show is an excellent chance to actually get a feel for seating positions, pillar placement, and sight lines, and how many blind spots you’re just not comfortable with. Do not let someone assure you cameras and sensors will overcome your hesitance; you’re supposed to be able to see what’s happening around you. Anyone who will be driving the vehicle should take a turn. Make sure you also get in the back seat, if you’re traditionally the driver. Know what you’re asking of your passengers.
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Patience is a virtue. Shortages are still a thing, so ask reps working the booths what the supply is currently like. Many manufacturers are taking a pass on auto shows this year, unwilling to spend a lot of money when that supply is still not predictable. The show is also a great way to discover vehicles you might not have considered — the ones not on everybody’s must-have list.
Find out what your rights are as a buyer. The OMVIC booth may not have the dazzle of the shiny displays full of cars and SUVs and pickups, but this is where you bring your consumer questions. Find out the legal obligations of dealers, get tips on understanding a contract, and protect yourself from unscrupulous agents. Sure, it’s not as much fun as climbing over the hardware — but it’s arguably more important.
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Speaking of climbing, Camp Jeep makes its first appearance. If you really want to see what the off-road capabilities of these trucks are, take in the 20,000 square foot (1858 sq m) display full of obstacles, stair climbs, and mountains. Nope, you don’t get to drive — but you do get to go for a ride. You won’t be able to do this on a test drive at your local dealer, so have at it here. Good news: if you’re over 44 inches tall (111 cm), you can go for a ride. Go on a quiet day and sign your kids up early.
If your shopping decisions include mobility considerations, definitely head to the Universal Motion exhibit with its showcase of six assisted-mobility vehicles. They customize regular vehicles — including a 2023 Toyota Sienna, a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica, and a 2022 Ram 1500 — and offer a unique chance to see advances being made in this important arena.
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The buzz is electric. The exhibits that were once on the fringe of the floor have now moved front and centre. Electric vehicles are on the upswing, and this is an excellent opportunity to bring all your questions. Electric City has coordinated companies showing off everything from electric bikes (there’s a test track!) to AI offerings, from Waterloo to Vancouver. Learn about residential charging from EnerSavings, who will have staff on hand. Check out ahead of time when panel discussions will take place. Ivy Charging Network and OPG will also be there, and Plug ‘n’ Drive can walk you through lifestyle considerations when switching to electrics.
Finally, if you’re in the market for an EV, there might be no better place than the auto show to put an amazing 19 available vehicles through their paces in the same place. Zero emissions mean you can test-drive on the auto show’s indoor 70,000-square-foot EV test track, the largest in Canada. Participating vehicles include the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Lexus NX Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Prime, Toyota BZ4X, and the Vinfast VF 8. If you’re 21 with a valid licence, you can sign up for a two-lap test.
Test-driving a vehicle before you buy it should be at the top of your list. Shortages and wait times have made that difficult, but the CIAS should be your go-to to discover as many vehicles as you can before you buy. It also houses some of the best people to run your questions by — bring all your notes and take advantage of information from people outside of a showroom.
Lorraine Sommerfeld
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