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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | 15
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The Canadian choice: compact cars and compact SUVs drveway continued from page A14
for a greater range of gears, improved economy, and a smooth drive. 2014 Volkswagen Golf This new Golf will be made in Mexico along side the Beetle and Jetta sedan and will go on sale in the spring of 2014. It is wider and longer than the last Golf but also significantly lighter and safer. The base engine will be a new turbocharged 1.8L engine with 170hp
but don’t worry the TDI diesel is carried over. The sportier GTI trim is fantastic, with an estimated 225hp, in the Canadian Model, thanks to a new 2.0L turbo engine. The interior materials used inside are almost Audi quality. No price yet but building these new cars inside the NAFTA zone will save money and that will be reflected in the price. 2014 Jeep Cherokee The Cherokee is back and it looks
nothing like the boxy truck of old. In fact, this new, small SUV is based on the same Alfa Romeo platform used in the Dodge Dart. It is smooth and quiet and a pleasure to drive. The Cherokee is also the first vehicle in the world to be equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a 2.4L 4-cylinder with 184hp or the optional 3.2L V6 with 271hp, for just $1,300 more, offering good value. Not to worry Jeep fans, this new Cherokee is available
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with three AWD systems. 2014 Nissan Rogue You might notice a trend with my 2014 model choices are all compact cars or compact SUVs. This is the direction Canadians are heading when it comes to buying a new vehicle. With this in mind Nissan has an all-new Rogue compact SUV with enough room inside for three rows of seats and room for 7-passengers. This is practical for people
who require extra capacity but don’t want to buy a bigger or more expensive mid-sized or larger SUV. Under the hood is a 2.5L 4-cylinder used in other Nissan products and is matched to a new continually variable transmission featuring more available ratios and reduced friction. The interior is very well executed, with a dash that looks similar to the bigger Pathfinder. Goes on sale just before Christmas. zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca
Spoiled for car and truck choice With more than 250 choices available to Canadians, the selection of cars and trucks can be somewhat overwhelming. Today, the Driveway team hopes to steer you in the direction you may want to go in this 2014 New Model Preview edition.
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Consider multiple brands because they all have much to offer.
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Keith Morgan
It’s not a comprehensive list but a look at some key market segments, from which our featured writers have each made five picks. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider any other vehicles. The team members have picked examples that have caught their eye this year to help you start the car conversation at home. Head test driver Zack Spencer scanned the entire market to come up with his tips, paying particular attention to the
booming SUV/Crossover segment. Your truly picks some premium brand offerings while Alexandra spots the sporty cars under $30,000.
Bob McHugh focuses on hybrid vehicles and we welcome Ian Harwood, who lives and breathes trucks be they utility vehicles, off roaders or pickups. Okay, before you turn the page here are some purchase preparation tips. Fix a top-price budget and if financing will be required figure out what you can truly afford in monthly payments. Insurance and maintenance are major costs in owning a car. Once you have a vehicle in mind, get an insurance quote. Regular maintenance costs are easily figured but some cars can be very expensive if parts have to
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be brought in from around the world.
Once you have a handle on the above, you can narrow your choice. It is important you like the looks of the second most expensive purchase of your life. However, make sure it serves its intended purpose by answering some questions. Typically, how many people do you need to transport and how far? Is there enough stowage space in the cabin and the trunk or luggage compartment? Do you need V8 power or will an economical four-cylinder suffice? Now go and kick some tires at a variety of dealerships and consider multiple brands because they all have much to offer. keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca ChangeGears/twitter.com
Five fun and sporty cars at the right price ‘‘
A few pocket rockets available on the market might not compete for the top power specs, but can certainly get the party started.
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Alexandra Straub
A vehicle doesn’t have to be exorbitantly expensive, have mega horsepower or a fancy Italian badge on it to be fun to drive. In fact, a lot of people seem to agree with that statement too since there are a few pocket rockets available on the market that might not compete for the top power specs, but can certainly get the party started. Ford Fiesta ST- $24,499 If its exterior colour, say the one clad in Green Envy, doesn’t catch your eye, perhaps its exhaust note will. When you rev 1.6L, 4-cylin-
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der, turbocharged, EcoBoost engine of the Fiesta ST, you’ll probably turn your head. Yes, it’s a subcompact but it doesn’t feel like it when you’re working through the gears of the 6-speed manual transmission. Ford’s newest mini powerhouse comes with a whopping 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. It’s the same engine paired with the Focus ST, but in a smaller packaged. Its sport infused suspension, gearbox, phenomenal handling and host of creature comforts sound good to you, it’s even better to drive. You just might make
your friends green with envy because you’re having so much fun behind the wheel. Mazda3 Sport- starts at $15,995 For the 2014 model year, Mazda completely overhauls their number-one selling sedan and hatchback: the 3. Expect more mature (but not dated) styling, a driver-focussed cabin and a host of technological gadgetry that makes staying “connected” behind the wheel more user friendly. Of course, without trying to take away focus from the act of driving. Among its tweaked features,
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you’ll find brand new interior and exterior styling along with the implementation of their high compression ratio engines, better known as SKYACTIV. Two engines and transmissions are offered. There’s the 2.0L, 4-cylinder SKYACTIV engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed automatic transmission-
available on either the base GX or mid-grade GS models. It produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s a 2.5L, 4-cylinder SKYACTIV engine for the GT trim, which only comes with a 6-speed automatic. It generates a healthy 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Either is a treat to drive with excellent urban or
extra urban characteristics. 2014 Fiat 500L- starts at $19,995 For Fiat fans, if the 500 was too small, here’s your answer: the 500L. The longer wheelbase cutie is more practical than the pint-sized version and has more room. And two more doors! continued on page A16
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Drives-U-Crazy… Intersection Idiots. A myth abounds among self-righteous, overcautious drivers that only one left-turning car at a time is permitted to enter an intersection on a green light. Those who adhere to this unwritten ‘rule’ annoy those behind and hold up the flow of traffic. It is especially annoying when so many larger BC centres have intersections large enough to accommodate two and often three vehicles. What drives-u-crazy. kmorgan@blackpress.ca