Compact cars are one of Canada’s strongest automotive segments. Is that because big things come in small packages?
Year after year, compact vehicle sales outstrip every other category, from subcompacts to mid-size. We have a serious attachment to vehicles that, just like Goldilocks prefers, are just right (in size, that is).
Technically, my editor asked for the Top 5 Must See Compact Cars on display at the show, but I’ve done something different. I’ve gone ahead and written about the Top 5 Must See Small-ish Cars.
The Mazda2 has been transformed for the second-generation series with the automaker’s KODO Soul of Motion design language and the full suite of Skyactiv technology.
Mazda Canada, Driving
Start at the Mazda display. This year, the company is showing their all-new 2016 Mazda2. Although often categorized as a subcompact automobile, the Mazda2 has made our Top 5 list of small-ish cars because it’s been transformed for the second-generation series with the automaker’s KODO Soul of Motion design language and the full suite of Skyactiv technology. While other markets will get to see a 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood of the Mazda2, the only power plant expected in Canada is a 1.5-litre gasoline engine coupled to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the tachometer is front and centre instead of the speedometer, and the air-conditioning vents look like something from the jet age.
For 2015, Subaru has redesigned the WRX from the ground up, giving the car muscular front and rear wheel arches and an aggressive front bumper and grille.
Subaru Canada, Driving
Meander away from Mazda to soak up the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX. While it might be a bit of stretch to view the WRX as a compact, we think it conveniently slots into this category. For 2015, Subaru has redesigned the WRX from the ground up, giving the car muscular front and rear wheel arches and an aggressive front bumper and grille. The aluminum hood still features the traditional WRX scoop, but it has been widened and lowered for increased intake efficiency. Aficionados of Subaru’s traditional boxer-style engine will see a new version of the opposed-four cylinder power plant. The 2.0-litre engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger with direct injection that makes 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard fare, but a Subaru Sport Lineartronic transmission with SI-DRIVE performance management is available. According to Subaru, the 2015 WRX also features a new torque-vectoring system that works with the standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a stiffer chassis to deliver “stability, confidence and astonishing high-speed cornering and handling.”
Once done inspecting the WRX, move on to the Toyota booth. Here, the automaker is showing off its i-Road Concept. This three-wheeled vehicle combines motorcycle-like styling and handling with car-like protection and comfort. Similar to other three-wheeled vehicles that blur the lines between cars and motorcycles, the i-Car features tandem seating for two. According to Toyota, the i-Road creates a motorcycle-like driving experience through its responsive “active-lean” system that ensures a stable ride. But unlike a motorcycle, the i-Road’s closed cabin design allows passengers to reach their destination helmet-free and shielded from the elements. Only 870 millimetres in length, the ultra-compact i-Road overcomes traditional urban obstacles, as it takes up a quarter to half of a conventional parking space. Electrically powered with a driving range of about 50 kilometres on a single charge, the i-Road produces zero emissions during operation, and features a quiet ride. Toyota says the i-Road redefines personal mobility for a low-carbon future, and calls the concept the “ultimate fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive small urban vehicle.”
According to VW, the 2015 Golf’s chassis is lighter and stronger and also offers increased passenger room and cargo space.
VW Canada, Driving
Finally, soak up all that is Volkswagen by inspecting the Golf, which is all new for 2015. Now in its seventh generation, the Golf is a perennial bestseller for Volkswagen. It’s hard to redesign something that has a familiar shape, yet make it crisper and sharper with every iteration. Yet Volkswagen has managed to do just that with the ’15 Golf. It’s unmistakably a Golf, but with a renewed sense of presence thanks to it being longer, lower and wider. What’s most important for the new car is its platform, or what underpins the new sheet metal. According to the automaker, the chassis is lighter and stronger and also offers increased passenger room and cargo space. While in the Volkswagen stand, also take a look at the all-new 2015 hot hatch GTI in the five-door version. Don’t leave VW yet. While it’s not a compact, wagon lovers can rejoice; it’s the stylish and roomy Golf Sportwagon with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine.
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagon will be available in Canada this March.
VW Canada, Driving
