N.Y. AUTO SHOW: FAMILY-FRIENDLY MAKEOVERS
NEW YORK — Family cars have an important role in the Canadian market. Family sedans, SUVs and crossovers are getting sharper, sportier, more stylish
and more fuel efficient. Here are some of the highlights from the family cars that debuted refreshed looks at the New York International Auto Show
2016 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID
What is it? Toyota’s first Hybrid Synergy Drive version of the ever-popular RAV4. Assuming it’s powered by the same 2.5-litre, 154-horsepower four-cylinder/ electric motor combination as the Lexus NX 300h, the RAV4 Hybrid should have around 194 ponies. Toyota will only say that it has more power than the standard 176-hp RAV4. The gas and electric motors also combine to give the RAV4 what Toyota is calling Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive (AWD-i). Essentially, the gas motor drives the front wheels and when wheel slippage occurs, the electric motor kicks in to generate four-wheel traction. Toyota isn’t commenting on the fuel economy of the eighth hybrid in its lineup, only promising that its “better fuel economy comes without sacrifice, as the RAV4 will deliver more horsepower and better acceleration than the conventional RAV4.” The RAV4 also gets a mid-model design refresh throughout the entire lineup, the front fascia is now both more aggressive and ultra sophisticated; this is the bestlooking RAV4 ever. The 2016 RAV4 also boasts four cameras to give the driver a complete 360-degree bird’s eye view on its dash-mounted LCD screen. Why does it matter? It was only a matter of time until there was a hybridized RAV4, Toyota being the leader in gasoline/electric motivation. And the compact sport ute market is the fastest-growing segment in the automotive world. The only question is whether the company’s Synergy Drive can deliver the desired superior fuel economy in a compact sport ute. And the only surprise is that it took until 2016 for Toyota to get around to hybridizing the RAV. When is it coming? The RAV4 Hybrid will be in Toyota dealer- ships this fall. Should you buy it? There’s very little doubt — assuming Toyota Canada prices it right — that the RAV4 will be a big seller, at least by hybrid standards. After all, more than half the hybrids ever sold wear the Toyota badge. The big question is whether the anticipated frugal Natural Resources Canada fuel economy ratings can be matched in realworld driving. Recent Priuses have proved superior to the original in this regard, especially on the highway, and if the same magic can be applied to the heavier, less aerodynamic RAV4, Toyota may have a winner on its hands.
David Booth
2016 NISSAN MAXIMA
What is it? The “4-Door Sports Car” is back! At least that’s what Nissan is calling its new 2016 Maxima mid-size sedan. Riffing off last year’s Nissan Sport Sedan Concept, the five-passenger, fourdoor sedan is lower and longer than the previous generation. Nissan says the Maxima is also lighter, apparently to help Maxima “push the performance envelope in its segment.” To ramp up the new Maxima’s “4-Door Sports Car” claim, a new sporty SR trimline gets unique suspension tuning with what Nissan calls a “segment-first Performance Chassis Damper.” As well, a new Integrated Dynamic-control Module electronic chassis management includes Active Ride Control — a feature that uses “targeted brake applications” to immediately improve the level of the sedan’s body movement, allowing the Maxima SR to “offer a ride quality that defies its sporting intention.” Although it’s still front-wheel drive, and retains the same continuously variable transmission and six-cylinder gas-engine powertrain, Nissan says by adding directinjection, the Maxima’s revised 3.5-litre V6 makes 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. When is it coming? The new 2016 Maxima goes on sale this summer. Standard kit will include NissanConnect with navigation, 8.0-inch touch-screen display, remote engine start, rear-view monitor and more. Why does it matter? In a segment full of look-alike cars, the 2016 Maxima certainly stands out stylistically. And like the new Nissan Murano, the sedan offers a host of high-tech goodies normally associated with luxury brand vehicles. Should you buy it? If you are looking to stand out from the regular family sedan crowd, the 2016 Nissan Maxima wants to fulfil that desire. In Canada, the 2016 Maxima will start at $35,900.
John LeBlanc
2017 VOLKSWAGEN SPORTWAGON ALLTRACK
What is it? The forthcoming allwheel-drive version of the new 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagon. In addition to the German automaker’s signature 4Motion AWD system, the Alltrack gets the standard “Subaru Outback” treatment: higher ground clearance, wheel arch mouldings, and flared side sills that offer body protection. VW is also saying the Alltrack will come with an even more upscale interior that beats the already premiumfeeling seventh-generation Golf. No word yet on what powertrain options will be available on the new AWD VW compact wagon. When is it coming? The Subaru-chasing Volkswagen arrives sometime next year as a 2017 model. Why does it matter? If VW wants to almost double its U.S. sales by the end of the decade, incremental sales gains from niche models, like the Alltrack, all add up. Or as Michael Horn, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. said, “We have heard from dealers and customers that they want to see a Golf Sportwagon with the allterrain capability that comes from all-wheel drive. Should you buy it? Anti-crossover buyers who would normally end up at a Subaru dealers finally have a real alternative.
John LeBlanc
2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
What is it? A very thorough refresh of the previously staid Outlander, the 2016 model sees some muchneeded style added to its versatility. Thanks to the revisions, especially to the front fascia, the Outlander now boasts looks equal to anything else in the budget mid-size segment. There’s a little of Lexus’ trapezoidal spindle grille to the Outlander’s “Dynamic Shield” front end, albeit with a little more Lincoln-like chrome. Whatever the inspiration, it works, the Mitsu moving from the moribund to the modish. Other improvements include better sound damping in the suspension and rear differential, the addition of electric power steering and a new Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) navigation and display audio system. Why does it matter? The Outlander is a mainstay of Mitsubishi Canada’s lineup, even if it did look a bit of a dog’s breakfast. Now that it adds sartorial splendour to its repertoire of sturdy performance and class-leading warranty coverage, one of the major reasons for not buying one is crossed off the list. When is it coming? The restyled Outlander will be in dealerships by mid summer. Should you buy it? If you were already shopping the Outlander because of its 10-year warranty coverage, excellent all-wheel-drive traction and sturdy dependability, then the addition of svelte good looks is a bonus. On the other hand, the Outlander is still a little basic inside and its base four-cylinder engine, though revised last year to 2.4 litres and 166 horsepower, isn’t quite as smooth as the Hondas and Toyotas of the world.
David Booth
2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU
What is it? Three short years after its last rework, the Chevrolet Malibu has been completely re-engineered to deliver what it was lacking: some semblance of style, rear-seat room and a true hybrid model. The previous generations used a simple mild hybrid system that really only helped to spin the engine up to speed. Why does it matter? The reworked 2016 Malibu earns a sharp new style and now rides on a revised version of GM’s Epsilon platform. The new structure brings 100 millimetres more cabin space, which equates to a much more userfriendly back seat. It is also 135 kilograms lighter, in spite of being visibly larger. An all-new 1.5-L Ecotec turbocharged engine that’s mated to a six-speed automatic now powers the base car. The bigger news is the new hybrid powertrain: it was essentially lifted from the Chevy Volt, but it uses a smaller 1.5 kilowatt/hour lithiumion battery. In spite of its smaller capacity, Chevrolet says the hybrid has the ability to drive at up to 88 km/h using electrons alone. The more significant change is found in the gasoline side. The Volt’s 1.5-litre goes away in favour of a larger 1.8-L engine and works with the Volt’s two-motor drive unit. When is it coming? The new Malibu is due in Chevrolet showrooms late this year, with the hybrid joining the ranks early next year. Should you buy it? Chevrolet says the hybrid’s fuel economy will be 4.9 litres/100 kilometres in the city, 5.2 L/100 km on the highway and a combined rating of 5.0 L/100 km. Now that is a fuel miser! It also gives Chevrolet a mass-appeal green car capable of going head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry hybrids. That’s a big deal.
Graeme Fletcher
2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON
What is it? The third-generation Tucson is Hyundai’s compact sport ute revitalized with massive infusions of style and technology. Peter Schreyer, formerly chief stylist for Audi, now oversees all Kia and Hyundai designs and it’s reflected in the new Tucson’s exterior. What was once bland is now almost daring, sharp creases replacing formerly plain slab sides, and particularly aggressive fascias, front and rear, making bolder statements. On the technology side, there are all manner of new active safety gizmos, not the least of which are an autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, blind-spot detection, rear parking sensors, and a standard rear-view camera. There’s nothing exciting about the base 2.0-litre, normally aspirated, 164-horsepower Nu engine and its six-speed automatic transmission, but the top-of-the-lime Gamma four is a sophisticated 1.6-L, 175-hp affair mated to what Hyundai is claiming is the segment’s first seven-speed dual-clutch manumatic. Why does it matter? Hyundai definitely needed to up its game in this segment. Now roomier, more sophisticated and bristling with high-tech gadgets and safety gear, expect a formidable sales blitz by the company that does tactical better than any other. When is it coming? The 2016 will be in Hyundai dealerships by late summer. Should you buy it? If you’re shopping CUVs, the new Tucson should definitely be on your list. The optional 1.6-L Turbo looks to be a winner, the seven-speed paddle-shifting transmission lends an air of sophistication and Hyundai Canada is ladling in the luxury touches, with items such as heated steering wheels, heated/ventilated front seats, sunshades for the side windows and a panoramic sunroof. Better yet, whether it is a good corporate policy or not, Hyundai will slash prices at the drop of a hat.
David Booth
2016 KIA OPTIMA
What is it? The second-generation of the Korean automaker’s mid-size, front-wheel-drive, five-passenger Optima family sedan. Kia says the 2016 Optima sedan is longer and wider for a more spacious cabin, built on a chassis that is lighter and stiffer, with improved steering response, high-speed stability and handling. In addition to the returning 184-hp 2.4-L four-cylinder gas engine, and turbocharged 247-hp 2.0-L gas four, the 2016 Optima will gain a 178-hp 1.6-L turbo four. When is it coming? Kia says sales of the new 2016 Optima will begin in the fourth quarter of 2015. Why does it matter? Because midsize sedans are the most popular passenger-car segment in the U.S., the Optima has been Kia America’s top-selling vehicle for three consecutive years. Should you buy it? Like the last Optima, the 2016 version is a costeffective choice for buyers who may be booking at lower-end models of German sport sedans, such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
John LeBlanc