HAULING THE FAMILY IN STYLE
These five new family cars stand out from the pack
Family cars have an important role in the Canadian market. Family sedans are only 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 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, four-door sedan is lower and longer than the previous generation. Nissan says the Maxima is also lighter.
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 improve the level of the sedan’s body movement.
Although it’s still frontwheel-drive, and retains the same continuously variable transmission and six-cylinder gas-engine powertrain, Nissan says by adding direct-injection, 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 touchscreen display, Remote Engine Start, RearView Monitor and more.
Why does it matter? In a segment full of look-alike cars, the 2016 Maxima certainly stands out stylistically. And the sedan offers a host of hightech goodies.
Should you buy it? If you are looking to stand out from the regular family sedan crowd, the 2016 Nissan Maxima wants to fulfill that desire. In Canada, the 2016 Maxima will start at $35,900. — John LeBlanc
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 user-friendly back seat. It is also 135-kilograms lighter in spite of being visibly larger. An all-new 1.5L Ecotec turbocharged engine that’s mated to a six-speed automatic now powers the base car. Next up is a 2.0L turbocharged fourcylinder teamed with Chevrolet’s first eight-speed transmission. 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 lithium-
ion 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 1.8L 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 massappeal green car capable of going head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry hybrids. — 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. 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. Powertrain wise, there’s not hi ng 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 1.6L, 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. While the Tucson has been averaging about 1,000 sales a month here north of the 49th parallel in recent years, that’s still barely 40% of what the three top players in the segment — Toyota’s RAV4, Honda’s CR-V and the Ford Escape — regularly post. 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 1.6L 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, items like heated steering wheels, heated/ventilated front seats, sunshades for the side windows and a panoramic sunroof. — David Booth
2017 VOLKSWAGEN SPORTWAGEN ALLTRACK
What is it? The forthcoming all-wheel-drive version of the new 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. In addition to the German automaker ’s signature 4MOTION AWD system, the Alltrack gets the standard “Subaru Outback” treatment: higher ground clearance, wheel arch moldings, 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. Should you buy it? Anticrossover buyers who would normally end up at a Subaru dealer finally have a real alternative. — John LeBlanc
2016 KIA OPTIMA
What is it? The second-generation of the Korean automaker’s mid-size, front-wheeldrive, five-passenger, Optima family sedan. Although not the Sportspace wagon concept we saw earlier this year in Geneva, 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 horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder gas engine, and turbocharged 247-hp 2.0L gas-four, the 2016 Optima will gain a 178-hp 1.6L turbo gas-four mated to a sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic as a third powerplant option. Traction at all four wheels and a diesel engine remain on our Optima wish list. But the new 2016 model gets Kia’s first use of “bi-functional” HID headlights — with available Dynamic Bending Lamps and High Beam Assist — that can illuminate the road around corners. 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 mid-size sedans are the most popular passenger car segment in the U.S., the Optima has been Kia America’s topselling vehicle for three consecutive years. Should you buy it? Like the last Optima, the 2016 version is a cost-effective choice for buyers who may be booking at lower-end models of German entry-level sport sedans, like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. — John LeBlanc