Five wagons we wish we had in Canada
With hatchbacks enjoying a resurgence, we’ve rounded up some forbidden fruit
Crossovers and SUVs are overrated. And if certain trends — south of the border, at least — are any indication, wagons are making a comeback.
Well, maybe “comeback” isn’t the correct word. Wagons are still very much a niche segment of the market, but they’re nonetheless enjoying a swell in popularity. Experts suggest it’s because certain shoppers, particularly affluent ones, simply don’t want to “keep up with the Joneses,” as it were, by picking up the latest crossover.
There could very well be some truth to that, but there’s simply no dancing around the fact that wagons can haul just as much as a comparable crossover without compromising handling. And, perhaps more subjectively, the latest crop of wagons are downright gorgeous — the Volvo V90 and Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo are shining examples.
But it’s not all rosy for wagons in Canada. In spite of recent trends, we’re still missing out on a handful of wagons. With that in mind, here’s a look at the wagons Canucks can’t get.
SUBARU LEVORG
When Subaru introduced the current WRX and STI for 2015, it ticked many boxes. The engine and chassis were much improved, the interior was less plasticky, the performance was the best it has been among North American-spec cars. But Subaru made one critical error: no hatchback. It’s still a chip on the shoulder of many enthusiasts, made worse by the Levorg, a WRX-based wagon available in Australia, Europe, Japan and other markets. That a so-called “STI Sport” version exists, equipped with a handful of STI bits and a 300-horsepower turbo four — albeit paired to a CVT — only rubs salt in the wound. We want our fast cargo haulers, Subaru!
AUDI, WELL, ANYTHING
Historically, Audi’s been quite good about filling in its wagon lineup. Lately, though, the closest we can get to a proper Audi wagon is the A4-based Allroad. It’s better than nothing, but when you consider Audi’s lineup across the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll notice a dearth in long-roofed Audis in our showrooms. Fancy an RS6 Performance Avant with almost 600 hp? Or how about a less extreme but still sprightly RS 4 Avant, good for 450 hp from its twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V-6? Ah, too extreme? Perhaps the S4 Avant and its 354-hp, 3.0-L V-6 is more your style. Well, too bad. You’re out of luck.
JAGUAR XF SPORTBRAKE
Not going to lie, this one’s a bit of a middle finger. Although Jaguar has offered an XF wagon — a “Sportbrake,” in Jaguar’s words — outside of North America for quite some time, last year saw the introduction of the XF Sportbrake to North America for the first time. Of course, there’s an asterisk: for the time being, the XF Sportbrake is exclusive to the U.S. Indeed a shame, especially when you consider it certainly boasts the performance to back up its looks. It’s not as though the XF Sportbrake would be a lone wolf in Canada, either — it goes toe to toe with the equally gorgeous Mercedes-Benz E400 wagon and Volvo’s V90.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R VARIANT
The Volkswagen Golf R is arguably one of the best hot hatches all around, offering up respectable performance with impeccable road manners and a comfortable interior. It’s just so easy to live with on a daily basis, especially if the Subaru WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus RS are a bit too extreme for daily driving duties. Of course, if you’re pining for more cargo space, a wagonized Golf R Variant exists — in Europe. The worst part is the Golf R Variant made its initial debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. Come on, Volkswagen. Hey, at least we can spec a standard Golf wagon with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission.
MAZDA6 WAGON
It’s difficult to believe the current-generation Mazda6 has been around for more than half a decade. It might not be a hot seller — even within Mazda — but it’s certainly one of the most, if not the most, attractive mid-sized sedan in the segment inside and out. Particularly in the top-dog Signature trim, the Mazda6 is nothing short of a stunner. Although North American-spec cars are available exclusively with a trunk, Europe, Japan and other markets get a gorgeous Mazda6 wagon — available with all-wheel drive to boot.