The sixth generation of the Volkswagen Golf is making its North American premiere at the event. While it won't appear in Canadian showrooms for a couple of years, the next-gen Golf retains styling cues VW has incorporated into the Golf model line since its inception in 1975, such as the signature shape and hatchback design.
At the extreme top end of the automotive spectrum, the Audi R8 5.2 makes its Canadian debut at the Toronto show.
The new Audi has been fitted with a 5.2-litre V10 engine that pumps out 525 horsepower to all four wheels - enough to propel this Audi from a standstill to 100 kilometres per hour in a mere 3.9 seconds.
Ford is eager to give us a look at its tiny European 2009 Fiesta, even though it's not quite the same model we'll see when it goes on sale on our side of the Atlantic in 2010.
Ford expects to begin selling this small and quirky car here in about a year, and the vehicle has already received positive reviews from European media outlets.
This trio of models shouldn't overshadow what a few other automakers will be pushing at the show - gas/electric hybrids.
Honda will be introducing the all-new Insight gas-electric hybrid, which goes on sale this spring.
Expect vast improvements over the original incarnation of the 2000 Insight, which was the world's first mass-production gas-electric hybrid vehicle. The new model is a functional five-door family sedan.
Not to be outdone, Toyota marches into the show with the 2010 Prius, also a gas-electric hybrid scheduled to go on sale this spring.
Chrysler will be looking to show off its Town & Country EV minivan, which has an extended-range system designed to offer better fuel economy.
The show opens its doors to the public on Friday.
