L.A. Auto Show: 5 cars that are turning heads

A new Alfa Romeo SUV named for a famed mountain road in Italy and a new version of the Honda Civic Si that stars in the Fast and Furious movies are among the attractions at the Los Angeles Auto Show, opening to the public Friday.

The show is attempting to rebrand itself as Automobility LA, in honor of a series of panels concerning the future of the automobile, including driverless cars. But as usual, the crowds at the show will want to see the cars available soon.

Introductions at the Los Angeles Auto Show (as we will continue to call it) focus heavily on car-based crossover SUVs ­-- the best-selling vehicles among current models. "Continuing response to the demand of consumers for utility vehicles is driving another round of introductions," said Stephanie Brinley, senior analyst for the consulting firm IHS Markit.

Offerings will range from subcompact, lower-priced SUVs like the Toyota C-HR up to the sleek all new Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Updated versions of the Jeep Compass and the Honda CR-V will join the SUV parade.

For a closer look at five of the most interesting vehicle launches, read on.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Named for a famous Italian mountain driving road, Stelvio Pass, this is Alfa's first attempt at making an SUV. As a luxury performance utility, it will be competing with Porsche's Cayenne and Macan. The Stelvio boasts a 2.9-liter V-6 engine with 505 horsepower. The Stelvio has standard all-wheel drive, which can transfer 60 percent of its weight to the front wheels. Though labeled a 2018 model by parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the Stelvio will arrive here next year.

Honda Civic Si

For fans of the daredevil driving in the "Fast and Furious" movies, the new Honda Civic Si coupe pictured above will be a car to inspire speed fantasies. Unlike past Si models, the new version will have a turbocharged engine estimated at about 225 to 250 horsepower. The Si fits into the Honda performance lineup just below the Type R with a similar engine and about 300 horsepower. There's no doubt that this is a performance car: The Civic Si comes only with a six-speed manual transmission. The Si, which also has a sedan version, goes on sale in 2017.

Toyota C-HR

Originally planned for Toyota's now-discontinued Scion division, the C-HR has an unusual profile for a small crossover SUV. Smaller than Toyota's RAV4, it is in a sleek couple style. The C-HR stands for "Coupe-High Rider." The C-HR likely will compete with subcompact SUVs like the Jeep Renegade and Honda HR-V. Though labeled a 2018 model, the C-HR will go on sale next year.

Honda CR-V

This top seller among compact SUVs is getting a complete redesign for 2017. Though the exterior look is not radically new, the sides and front fenders seem more sculpted than the 2016 model. With a longer wheelbase, the 2017 CR-V will offer two additional inches of legroom, the company says. A larger seven-inch touchscreen should be easier to read. But for those annoyed by touchscreen-only controls, Honda has brought back a knob that controls radio volume.

Jeep Compass

The redesigned Compass replaces both its older namesake and the Patriot, neither of which were favorites of auto writers. The Compass is bigger than the subcompact Renegade but smaller than the compact Cherokee SUV. The Compass front end has a look similar to the midsize Grand Cherokee crossover. The Compass sold here will have a 2.4-liter so-called Tigershark engine that the company predicts will get up to 30 MPG in highway driving.