August 24: Holland to Switzerland - cars we don't got yet

Spending time in Europe is an eye opener for a car guy. Sure there are all sorts of cars, that we ain't ever going to see, like this stylish Renault Scenic (is it a van or an suv?).......

Attractive in Renault's quirky way, but other than general interest, who really cares, since the chances of this brand making a reappearance in North America is about the same as The Donald telling the truth. No, I'm wrong, as there is a better chance of Renault coming to our shores. But, I digress.

Whatever is bound for North America generally shows up on Europe's streets a few months or even a year earlier than we'll get it. A case in point is any VW Golf and the new for 2019 Mercedes CLS, of which I tried, but couldn't get a pic. Let's run thru a few that I did capture.

You a Buick fan? Might be, but probably not for this beauty, the Cascada.......

It's been selling or at least been available for purchase in the US for the past year, but not in Canada. Doubt that anyone south of the border has ever seen one. But one which will be more plentiful will be a version of this Opel Insignia.........

Being a wagon fan, I love it, but since wagons sell in North America like fried monkey brains, we (at least the US) will get a raised all wheel drive version, so folks will think they are behind the wheel of a rip snortin' suv. Go figure. Either this way or the AWD version, it is a beautiful car and representative of the many great looking station wagons available across the Atlantic. Further proof required? Ok, here's a Mercedes that has been around over there for a few years and never fails to get my longing look, whenever I see one......

Unless I was a lottery winner or was getting hush money from the US pres, this would be beyond my financial grasp, but this CLS sport wagon is always lovely to behold. Say what you will about Benz, but they sure know how design a gorgeous station wagon.

Back to reality and what we will see shortly.........

Recognize this brand new taxi seen in Basel? Get used to it (well, maybe not as a taxi), because it will be coming our way shortly. This is the 2019 VW Arteon, which replaces the slow selling CC. The Arteon is named after.........what? What exactly is an "arteon"? Another of those, where did it come from dumb names. Good looking though. Will it sell. See the CC's results, please (and maybe add a couple more).

Cue up the next big thing from Audi, the Q2........

 Put a star beside this one, as I think it will be a real winner. Count the pluses......it's great looking. It's an suv. It will be priced in the $30k range. And it's an Audi. Recipe for success in my mind. Seen in Amsterdam, but lots roaming around Germany and Switzerland as well. Only negative? The next and similarly styled Q3 could prove to be its competition.

Now here's a bit of a heart breaker..........

 This Q2 look alike, is the VW T-Roc. Obviously the same committee naming the Arteon was asked to come up with something equally catchy for this new model. The sad part is that the T-Roc is not planned for our shores anytime soon. One would think, that with all North America's salivating over anything faintly resembling an suv, that this one would have shown up here long before the Arteon. Don't know what those great minds are thinking.

And of course, you are all wondering if the Aixiam will ever show up over here.......

Breathe a sign of relief as there is no chance. Put it in the same category as the Renault above.

Ah, Europe. Nothing beats those pastry and chocolate shops. And for me, your car guy, nothing beats spotting those soon or never to be seen here cars. Stay tuned for more car shots from my holiday over the coming couple of weeks.

Until next time.......