Five top rides for families at the show
Safe, dependable, sturdy rides with great handling to get your kin from here to there
More than 1,000 vehicles — cars, trucks and utility vehicles as well as concepts — will be on display at the Canadian International Auto Show, which opens Friday.
The February Family Day holiday will take place on Monday, Feb. 16, and so Toronto Star Wheels, as a public service, is suggesting that the following five vehicles are “best of show” for families.
2015 VW Golf Sportwagon
The seventh-generation VW Golf has been showered with awards since being launched, and new to the lineup is the Sportwagon starting at $22,495.
It offers an extra helping of utility along with the Golf’s already winning combination of high quality and fine driving dynamics.
The base 170 hp 1.8L turbocharged engine is a sweetheart, but fans of VW’s diesel power will be happy to know the 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel is also available in the Sportwagon.
Three trim levels — Trendline, Comfortline and Highline — allow families to tailor this Euro-cool (and Mexican-built) wagon to their budgets.
We particularly like the quality interior, available manual transmissions and the fact that there’s plenty of cargo space. Engine: 1.8L turbo four/ 2.0L turbo four Clean Diesel. Power/torque: 170 hp, 185 lb-ft/ 150 hp, 236 lb.-ft. Fuel consumption: (regular gas/ diesel) L/100 km: 9.5 city, 6.6 hwy./7.7 city, 5.4 hwy. (manual transmission). What’s best: It is a joy to drive. What’s worst: Got to wait if you want AWD version. Value for money: Watch the options.
2015 Honda Accord 2.4L
There hasn’t been anything new to report in Accord-land of late, but that doesn’t mean this exceptionally well-rounded family sedan isn’t still one of the best in this segment.
Sit in the comfortable seats and you’re ensconced in a high-quality environment.
The controls are clear and logical, and once under way, the Accord manages to feel both light on its feet and substantial.
It steers and handles with confident grace and the ride is never harsh or busy.
The strong four-cylinder engine and unobtrusive, continuously variable transmission make a fine pair. From $24,050.
We particularly like the smooth, efficient four-cylinder engine, the good handling and the generous rear-seat room. Engine: 2.4L direct-injection four. Power/torque: 185 hp, 181 lb.-ft. Fuel consumption: (regular gas) L/100 km: 8.8 city, 6.5 hwy. (CVT). What’s best: Overarching “rightness,” fuel economy. What’s worst: Somewhat dull styling. Value for money: Dollars well spent.
2015 Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E
Volvo takes the station wagon from boxy to sultry with the V60. This premium five-door starts at $40,200 and features Volvo’s fine new 2.0L turbo-four hooked to an equally accomplished slick-shifting eightspeed auto.
The interior boasts great seats, clean Scandinavian design and a three-mode digital gauge cluster.
Yes, it’s pricey and not exactly roomy in the back.
But you’re buying a unique take on the Euro driving experience that carries the stamp of Volvo solidity and safety.
We particularly like the excellent powertrain, styling and the tidy dimensions. Engine: 2.0L direct-injection turbo four. Power/torque: 240 hp, 258 lb. -ft. Fuel consumption: (regular gas) L/100 km: 9.8 city, 6.6 hwy. What’s best: It’s a wagon. What’s worst: Only front-wheel- drive with Drive-E powertrain. Value for money: So-so.
Hyundai Sonata 2.4L
Hyundai revamped its mid-size family sedan for 2015, and as would be expected of this fast-moving Korean automaker, they’ve honed in on the segment with laser accuracy.
The Sonata 2.4L, starting at $23,999, is bigger and boasts ride quality and overall refinement that eluded the outgoing model.
The styling is more conservative both inside and out, but what it lacks in excitement the new Sonata makes up for with feature count and value.
You can load this car up to premium levels, such is the availability of technology and luxury kit. You’ll see the new Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid at the auto show.
We particularly like the solid build, the logical interior and the tech features. Engine: 2.4L direct-injection four. Power/torque: 185 hp, 178 lb.-ft. Fuel consumption: (regular gas) L/100 km: 9.8 city, 6.7 hwy. What’s best: Warranty.
2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i
In this climate, you can’t overstate the benefits of all-wheel-drive. Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical all-wheel-drive is clever and effective.
Considerably refreshed for 2015, the Subaru Legacy 2.5i sedan, from $23,495, was just named Best New Family Car under 30k by AJAC. This is a roomy, comfortable, quiet and well-balanced car that, above all, never puts a foot wrong when the weather gets lousy.
We particularly like the spacious interior, smooth ride and capable handling. Engine: 2.5L horizontally opposed four. Power/torque: 175 hp, 174 lb.-ft. Fuel consumption: (regular gas) L/100 km: 9.0 city, 6.5 hwy. What’s best: All-wheel-drive security What’s best: CVT a bit droney. Value for money: Lowest priced AWD sedan in the segment. Peter Bleakney is a frequent contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. For more automotive news, please go to thestar.com/ autos. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.ca