Industry experts think the compact crossover segment will replace the compact car class as the most popular with Canadian new car buyers sooner rather than later. Some obvious reasons are the extra interior room and readily available all-wheel-drive (AWD) that crossovers enjoy over their car counterparts. But you could also include the wide variety of models as a big factor, too. Which is why this month’s Dear John writer’s request for a “sporty” compact crossover isn’t as challenging to fulfill as you would think.
Duncan McFadden of Ottawa is not new to the small crossover class. The federal civil servant has been the owner of a pair of Honda CR-Vs in the past and currently drives a 2010 Subaru Forester.
Duncan has been very happy with the overall ownership experience he’s had with the Forester. For the “around $35,000″ price tag of his 2010 Forester, he’s been pleased that the five-passenger, four-door has been “dead reliable”. He also likes the Forester’s durable and high-quality interior and relatively large cargo space behind the rear seats.
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The Subaru crossover’s compact footprint size and descent fuel economy has suited Duncan’s mainly suburban driving needs too. The Forester’s AWD/automatic transmission combo gives him confidence driving during Ottawa’s snowy winters. Plus, Duncan and his wife only have a nine-year-old daughter at home. She’s not into team sports. So he doesn’t need a three-row crossover for extra seating. And finally, based on his positive experiences so far with his Hondas and Subie, he would prefer if his next new vehicle were an import brand.
So why doesn’t Mr. McFadden simply go and buy a new 2015 Forester for “around $35,000″?
Well, Duncan is a smart guy. He’s fully aware of the growing popularity of the crossover segment. So much so, he knows he can get all the qualities he has enjoyed in his Subaru, plus more style, power, and fun-to-drive driving characteristics in rival, sportier compact crossovers.
Armed with his requests, I managed to gather up a trio of import-branded compact crossovers with sporty pretensions. Alphabetically, the first of which is the good-looking 2015 Kia Sportage.
The base price for front-wheel-drive (FWD) Sportage LX models starts at $24,660 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees). The Kia comes with a 182 horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder gas engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. However, Duncan, I’m recommending the topline, $34,360 Sportage SX AWD. Not only does it come with a 260 hp turbocharged 2.0L gas-four, hooked up to a six-speed automatic, it also offers excellent road manners and tons of standard kit, like heated leather seats.
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The 2015 Kia Sportage will come with a diesel engine, a rare occurrence among compact crossovers.
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher for Driving,
My next recommendation is the 2015 Mazda CX-5.
The Mazda crossover features the Japanese automaker’s new “Kodo” design language and SkyActiv powertrains. Slightly smaller than the older CX-7, the CX-5 starts with the FWD $24,890 GS model and its 155 hp 2.0L gas-four, mated to six-speed manual.
For a sportier and better-equipped ride, though, I suggest the top-level, $35,195 CX-5 GT AWD. It’s powered by a larger, 2.5L gas-four, making 184 hp hooked-up to a six-speed autobox. There’s also leather throughout the cabin, and an Audi-esque touchscreen interface that can be accessed via a console-mounted controller.
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2014 Mazda CX-5 GT.
Tim Yip, Driving
My last recommendation, Duncan, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan, is due for a replacement soon. But that doesn’t mean it’s still not worthy of a spot on your short list.
Based on the last-generation VW Golf chassis, the Tiguan is one of the better driving models in its class. Its body feels solid, the steering direct and it features a typically Germanic interior that’s classy and well made, with second-row seating that slides for more legroom if needed.
All Tiguan models are offered with the powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged 2.0-litre gas-four with 200 hp on tap. Base, FWD Tiguan Trendline models start at $26,600 with a six-speed manual. To better match the Kia and Mazda for features, I’m enlisting the $40,100 Tiguan Highline AWD that comes with a six-speed automatic.
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2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
Handout, Volkswagen
Oops. Did you notice the VW’s $40K-plus price, Duncan? That’s one reason why I’m removing the Tiguan from your list. The VW rides well, and its zero to 100 kilometres per hour time is a competitive 7.9 seconds. But with only 674 litres of cargo room behind its rear seats, the VW’s the first to go.
Next to be shown the door is the Kia.
Yes. The Sportage SX is competitively priced, offers tons of standard kit, and is the quickest in a straight line (zero to 100 km/hr in only 7.7 seconds). But its relatively poor fuel economy (12.6 L/100 km city; 9.7 highway) and ho-hum cargo room (only 740 L) leaves the Mazda as my top recommendation as a sportier replacement for your Forester, Duncan.
Overall, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 GT is the most fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive and roomiest of this lot.
The Mazda balances its lack of power with the lightest chassis of this trio. The results are excellent 8.5 L/100 km city and 6.6 highway fuel economy ratings. Granted, the Mazda is more nimble than out-and-out fast (zero to 100 km/hr takes 8.4 seconds). For suburban mall runs, however, the CX-5’s steering, ride and handling have been tuned for those who like to drive. And despite its sports sedan pretensions, the CX-5 is also a practical hauler, with 40/20/40 split folding rear seats and a leading 966 L of cargo room.
Trust me, Duncan: You won’t miss your Subaru.
If you’re in the market for a new car, and would like to be the subject of a Dear John consultation, please contact John LeBlanc at editors@straight-six.com
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