Pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers have grown in popularity over the years, but it’s the venerable sedan that remains the backbone of the automotive industry and family transportation.
Whether eking out extraordinary fuel economy or delivering pavement-searing performance, there’s a sedan to meet all needs and desires. Here are five notable entrants on display at this year’s Vancouver International Auto Show:
2014 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
The four-door Genesis remains one of the most alluring bargains in the upscale sedan market. It delivers quality, comfort and performance to match or exceed many premium marques in the mid-size luxury segment. Not much changes for 2014 other than reworked trim in the 333 horsepower V6-powered version. It also receives 18-inch wheels as standard fare for 2014. The V8-powered Genesis enters 2014 the same way it exited 2013, with 429 horsepower on tap and a full load of the latest in luxury and technology. An all-new Genesis Sedan rolls out for 2015, which could make the 2014 version a bargain as dealers push to move the existing stock.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 30
The 2014 Jetta GLI turns 30 years old in 2014, and to celebrate this notable achievement, Volkswagen is building an anniversary-edition of the high-performance compact sedan. Referred to simply as the GLI 30, this sixth generation GLI will exhibit unique trim and badging inspired by that which adorned the first Jetta GLI back in 1984. Most noticeable from the outside will be 18-inch Laguna snowflake wheels and a trunk-mounted lip spoiler. Red stitching around a special leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and carbon-fibre-look trim appliqués add an additional splash of excitement to the spacious cabin. Power is unchanged, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder power plant pumping out 210 horsepower.
2014 Cadillac CTS
The mid-size CTS was the first Cadillac to alter the company’s course, directing it toward a more youthful audience with premium tastes, a lust for power, and thick wallets.
Now in its third generation, the CTS is lighter than before thanks to the liberal use of aluminum, giving it an ideal 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance. A new, sleeker, longer body also sets the 2014 CTS apart from its predecessor. A 271 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine serves as the base power plant while a non-turbocharged version of the V6 holds mid-ground with 321 horsepower.
Both of these engines remain bolted to last year’s six-speed automatic. The powerhouse V-sport variant further distinguishes itself with an eight-speed automatic transmission paired with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine capable of producing 420 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. GM assigns a 0-96 km/h time of just 4.6 seconds to the new forced-induction mill.
2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The highly frugal Fusion Hybrid becomes more affordable for 2014. A new S trim serves up the four-door five-seat hybrid sedan at $28,699. Despite its bargain pricing, the S trim level includes plenty of comfort and convenience items, including dual-zone electronic temperature control, six-speaker audio with CD and MP3, and SYNC with MyFord Voice-Activated communications.
Painted aluminum 17-inch wheels keep the vehicle rolling smoothly while it sips fuel at a rated 4.0 L/100 km and 4.1 L/100 km city and highway driving respectively.
The Fusion Hybrid is capable of operating at highway speeds using only its electric motor while the 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle gas engine cools its jets until the lithium-ion battery runs low, or greater propulsion is required.
2015 Acura TLX Prototype
The big news from Acura for 2015 is the arrival of the TLX Prototype. This is a completely new performance sedan that will replace not one, but two Acura products: the TSX and its grander sibling, the TL. The TLX prototype was unwrapped at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Though it’s a prototype, the production version will lose little of the prototype’s excitement when it comes to market in the summer. Acura boasts that they are achieving new heights in blending luxury and performance in this entirely new vehicle.
Powertrains include a 2.4-litre four-cylinder direct-injection engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and a 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 fused to a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Acura isn’t citing performance numbers yet, but no doubt they’ll be competitive. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations will be offered.
Rob Rothwell reviews new vehicles in the Wednesday Driving section of the Province.
