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 CHEVROLET MALIBU by Graeme Fletcher
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 four-cylinder 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 mass-appeal green car capable of going head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry hybrids. That’s a big deal!
2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON by David Booth
What is it? The third-generation Tucson is Hyundai’s compact sport-ute revitalized with massive infusions of style and technology. Peter Schreyer, formerly chief stylist for Audi now oversees all Kia and Hyundai designs and it’s reflected in the new Tucson’s exterior. 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. On the technology side, there are all manner of new active safety gizmos, not the least of which are an Autonomous Emergency Braking system with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Parking Sensors, and a standard rearview camera. Powertrain wise, there’s nothing 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. Better yet, whether it is a good corporate policy or not, Hyundai will slash prices at the drop of a hat.
2016 KIA OPTIMA by John LeBlanc
What is it? The second-generation of the Korean automaker’s mid-size, front-wheel-drive, 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 seven-speed 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 midsize sedans are the most popular passenger car segment in the U.S., the Optima has been Kia America’s top-selling 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.
