Are these cars right for you?
We steer you to the best models in 9 categories
By Bill McLauchlan
It’s all too easy to spin our wheels in an effort to sort out the myriad models in today’s dealer showrooms. Some highly touted cars don’t measure up to expectations . . . and the best choice might not even be on your shopping list. An added factor is we tend to keep our cars longer these days, so choosing the right one is more important than ever.
Our reasons for buying are just as complex. Is your next new car driven by the needs of a growing family? Or perhaps it’s a luxury or sporty model as a reward for years of hard work and career success? Maybe even a nod to your new downsized empty-nest lifestyle? Or it could be your last new-car purchase in recognition of advancing years and the need for comfortable, affordable and reliable transportation. Whatever the reason it’s nice to know which car might be the best for you, depending on your needs.
To help steer you straight, here are nine “Best New” category winners, in the 2016 Canadian Car of the Year Awards, as revealed today by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, better known as AJAC. Make no mistake, these are no the idle choices of a handful of opinionated auto writers.
More than 70 auto journalists from across the country recently met to drive all category entries on a four-day series of test drive routes, back-to-back, on the same day, and under the same conditions to ensure fair and objective comparisons. This process generated 1,911 test drives, producing over 110,000 data points and 1701 category ballots to weed out the winners from the wannabes.
It’s interesting to note that of the 27 nominated finalists in the nine categories only eight carried a domestic brand name: General Motors fielded the Chevrolet Volt and Silverado, GMC Canyon diesel pickup, and Cadillac’s ATS-V and CTS-V; Ford was represented by Lincoln’s MKX and the Shelby GT350 version of its popular Mustang; Chrysler-Fiat ‘s only representative came from Jeep with its new Renegade.
Topping the list with three nominated finalists apiece were Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Honda. Hyundai, Mazda and Toyota each could claim two nominees in their respective categories, while Kia, MINI, Porsche and Volvo rounded out the roster with one finalist apiece.
The nine voted “Best New” winners cover the new-model spectrum, including: Small Car, Sports/Performance and SUV/CUV. Most of these categories are further split into price ranges to better provide fair and relevant comparisons.
So, without further ado, here are your “Best New” gold medalists for 2016.
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| Photo: Honda Canada |
The best-selling car in Canada for much of the past two decades, and this all-new tenth-generation version should be just as successful. It’s got fresh, clean lines, more leg and shoulder room and arguably the roomiest rear seat and trunk space in its class. The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine is more powerful and refined, making it an ideal combination of practical, economical and comfortable family car, sporty handler, quiet highway runner.
The Civic beat out Toyota’s new Yaris sedan and Volkswagen’s Jetta 1.4TSI, the other finalists in the Small Car group.
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| Photo: Volkswagen Canada |
Given all the recent negative publicity at being caught fudging emissions software in its diesel-powered models, Volkswagen must be pretty pleased that the Golf Sportwagon took the Family Car crown over its Chevy Volt and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid category finalists. Still, the Sportwagon could be a tough sell in a market segment dominated by red hot small SUV sales. In its favour, it costs a lot less than both the Sonata and Volt. Handsome styling, huge cargo space, nimble steering and handling, durable cloth seating, a well-organized dash/console and top-class build quality add to its obvious value appeal.
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| Photo: Volkswagen |
Volkswagen Golf R
Somewhat surprisingly the Golf R came out on top in this category. Up against Mazda’s very well-received MX-5 Roadster and the MINI John Cooper Works 3-door finalists, the Golf R may not look much different than its garden-variety siblings but light up the 292 horsepower 2.0-litre turbo engine and let the fun begin. All-wheel drive, disc brakes, sport suspension and a slick 6-speed manual help it stick, stop and go like nobody’s business. And, as if that wasn’t enough, it’s a good-looking, roomy little hatch that can do double-duty as family transport when needed.
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| Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada |
If your budget allows for a more upscale sporty indulgence the AJAC judges opted for the sensuous and powerful Mercedes-AMG C63 S 4-door coupe ahead of Cadillac’s ATS-V and the Ford Shelby GT350. Where the latter is loud, brash and boldly broad-shouldered the tightly-wrapped C63 S is a delight to the eyes and pure pleasure to drive, thanks to its lithe lines, handling finesse and muscular 503-horsepower V8 engine. It’ll set you back about $20,000 more than the Shelby or the Caddy but the Mercedes-AMG C63’s combination of luxury, safety, performance and electronic driver aids makes it a hard package to beat.
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| Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada |
Best New SUV/CUV (under $35k) went to Mazda’s delightful new CX-3. Its handsome looks, contemporary interior and desirable technical features are worth having. Not so much is the inadequate ground clearance, tight rear seat room and
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| Photo: Mazda Canada |
In the Best New SUV/CUV ($35k - $60k) category the Kia Sorento was victorious in a class crowded with contenders. It topped fellow finalists, the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Tucson, while the Ford Edge, BMW X1 and Lexus NX200t F Sport (whew, what a mouthful!) didn’t quite make the final cut. As with many other Kia
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| Photo: Kia Canada |
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| Photo: Volvo |
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| © General Motors |
At the upper end of the scale, Volvo’s attractive new XC90 took top honours in the Best New SUV/CUV (over $60k) segment, succeeding in a tough tussle with two other finalists in Lincoln’s handsome MKX and the somewhat long-winded Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC Coupe. On- or off-road its capable, cathedral quiet and composed in any road conditions you’re likely to encounter. With a 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder engine mated with an 8-speed automatic it’ll get you where you need to be with efficiency, style and a sumptuous interior highlighted by acres of Scandinavian wood grain interior trim.
Last, but not least, GM’s sole overall winner came in the Best New Pickup category where the hulking Chevrolet
Silverado shouldered aside its GMC Canyon diesel-powered corporate cousin and the capable Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab.
Each of the category winners will now compete for the overall Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year trophies, which will be announced at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto next February.
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