The best of GIIAS 2017

The Mitsubishi Xpander may have stolen the limelight in Jakarta, but these six production cars (and three concept cars) grabbed their fair share of snapshots and Instagram stories.

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BMW M2

We love the BMW M2 so much, we put it on our cover last year. It may not be the newest Bavarian in the show (that would be the all-new 5 Series), but it certainly set many hearts beating faster.

MINI Cooper Countryman JCW

We can’t seem to get enough of MINI’s intrepid Countryman. After driving it in Oxford, England last January and Hua Hin in Thailand last June, we cross paths again in Jakarta. No test drive this time; just an unveiling of the blisteringly quick top-of-the-line John Cooper Works (JCW) edition.

Lexus LF-C2

The Lexus LC 500 was the big launch in Jakarta, but this drop-dead gorgeous LF-C2 cabriolet concept, gracefully rotating on its turntable, was absolutely mesmerizing.

Suzuki Ignis S-Urban Concept

Suzuki makes some of the most adorable small cars on the planet. But given the recent gravitation towards small SUVs and crossovers, the Ignis S-Urban Concept was simply irresistible. Build it and they will come.

Volvo V40 Cross Country

Volvo’s crossovers are really hitting the spot. Case in point is this seemingly understated V40 Cross Country. It’s like a piece of IKEA furniture that you simply want—make that need—to bring home. Yes, even if we have to assemble it piece by piece.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 Coupe 4MATIC

If you want a sporty and stylish off-roader, then you can’t get much better than the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 Coupe 4MATIC (even without the “Benz,” it’s still a mouthful). It’s got style, luxury, performance, and safety all oozing out of its rakish sheetmetal. This is glamping of the highest order.

Toyota Yaris TRD Sportivo

Get a garden-variety Toyota Yaris hatchback, slap on some nice off-road-ish body trim like black fender flares, side moldings, front and rear under-bumper garnishes, add tall all-terrain tires, then raise the ride height a few inches, and you’ve got a nifty little crossover.

Nissan Bladeglider

There’s an old sci-fi Hollywood movie called Blade Runner. This Nissan concept car would have been perfect for that. It’s even similarly named. The only difference is the Bladeglider is a real-life automobile (albeit a concept car only). But it was certainly the wildest concept car in the whole show.

Daihatsu Thor                   

The Daihatsu Thor is the mini MPV twin of the corporate mother ship Toyota’s Tank. The Japanese love their quirky and boxy little cars, and the Thor is every bit that. If only it came with Chris Hemsworth as chauffeur, it would be a global bestseller among the ladies.