Vehicle: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel Highline with Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$40612
Mileage since picked up: 2850km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
One of the main reasons for buying a VW is its fun-to-drive factor. Many would have thought the Americanized Passat have lost some of those magic VW touch. The new Passat drives like a VW, feels like a VW and its every inch a VW. While we prefer a quicker steering ratio for more responsive dial into a corner, its more than willing to cope with everyday situation, which is what a mid-size family sedan is all about. The architecture, which shares with Jetta and Beetle, are rigid and solid. In fact, it feels exactly like a German car should be. Suspension is comfortably compliant and supple. The overall balance between handling and ride are what set VW apart from other competitions.
Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Accent GLS 5-doors Auto
Price as tested: CDN$18399
Mileage since picked up: 3500km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
One of the major attractions of buying a subcompact is its simplicity of engineering. It has lots of advanced technologies packed in a compact package without having all those unnecessarities, which are bound to have quality problems down the road. That explains our Accent’s trouble-free experience as we are heading into the middle of the test. The whole car feels well-made and executed. The attention-to-details are superb, it feels sophiscated right from the engine bay to its exterior styling. Looks sophiscated, feels sophiscated with tank-like build quality have made Hyundai an attractive buy these days. Even if Accent is the entry-level model, it has a sense of tactical quality on every single details. As much as we love driving the Accent, there bounds to be a few pet peeves as we are heading into the final phase of this cheerful long-termer.
Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Accent GLS 5-doors Auto
Price as tested: CDN$18399
Mileage since picked up: 1400km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
Hyundai was the first car company which introduced us to disposable cars. It took them nearly 2 decades to rebuilt their reputation with the introduction of the original Accent. Although the original Accent was both cheap and cheerful, it took Hyundai aplentry of time to gain traction in the affordable segment dominated by the Japanese. The introduction of a lengthy warranty coverage with consistently improved build quality have put Hyundai on top of the chart in recent years. While its the 2008 Genesis which truly put Hyundai on everyone’s shopping list, its the affordable segment which Hyundai have really gained traction with the Sonata, Elantra and Accent.
Our loaded Accent GLS comes with whole nine yards. Everything else from Bluetooth capability, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio to ESC come as standard. The interior has been exceptionally well put together. Yes, you still can find some cheesy plastic given its at the end of the subcompact segment. Its plastic is nicely textured with tight fitting. Panel gaps are even while switchgears have a nice, tactical feel and feedback. There are also plenty of head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. When it comes to interior dimension, Accent is about as spacious as any mid-sizers from a decade ago. Another prove that subcompact has come a long way in recent years.
Vehicle: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel Highline with Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$40612
Mileage since picked up: 1200km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
There are 3 engines which powering up the new Passat. The base engine is the same one which share with Golf and Jetta. A gutless 2.5 liter straight-5 with 170hp and 177 lb/ft of torque. While we find this application works fine in lesser silibings, it doesn’t cut a mustard when it compares with most of Passat’s competitions. Although its 6-speed Tiptronic does come with Sport mode, its level of refinement and responsiveness have nothing on its Japanese and Korean rivals.
Next up is the 3.6 liter V6 with 280hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. Just when both Hyundai and Kia, with Ford and Chevrolet following suit, on ditching V6 in flavor of turbo-4 as optional engine. VW, which follow Toyota and Honda’s playbook, keeps its V6. Despite of overall less than 10% of taken rates, less so when the gas prices skyrocketing. V6′s level of refinement and smoothness are something intangible. Something consumers who aren’t afford to afford a more expensive entry-level luxury sedans who seriously consider, when gas prices aren’t taken into serious consideration. Both the engine note and 6-speed DSG w/paddle shifters are anything on par with Camry and Accord counterparts. Press it to the max, it really shown the difference between a V6 and turbo-4 on upper rev ranges when it comes to engine refinement and flexability.
The engine of choice for Passat, as with most of VW’s product range, has always been their amazing TDI Clean Diesel. Stand outside of our Passat, the slight clutter could only be remind anyone that it is diesel-powered. Slip inside the luxurious interior, both the enthuisasits and non-enthuisasts are not to notice any diesel clutter. It really has shown how far modern diesel technology has come along. Given our loaded Passat Highline comes in no less than 3396lb while having 236 lb/ft of torque, which is about as much as its V6 silibing. Has generated an average of 6 liters per 100km combined fuel economy is nothing short of amusing. Most of the credit goes to TDI’s utmost efficiency and beauty of Tiptronic gearbox with decent gear ratios.
Next up. We will tell you more about Passat’s interior.
Vehicle: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel Highline with Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$40612
Mileage since picked up: 60km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
While its pretty much well-known that Directshift is a huge fan of VW Passat, the general audience certainly disagreed. The previous Passats simply were too quirky for their own good. It doesn’t provide as much mainstreamness to the consumers as what Camry, Accord, Malibu or even Altima deliver in the process.
VW has taken a playbook from Honda. This playbook has worked exceptionally well for Honda, as there are two different versions of Accord. While the European Accord nee Acura TSX, provides sharp handling and playful character, the North American Accord is all about comfortable highway cruising and value content. Unlike Honda, however, VW decided not to bring the European Passat across the Atlantic. The twist is to produce the new Passat in VW’s new Chattanooga Plant for North American consumption.
Our first impression with the new “mainstream” Passat has been extremely well, unlike Jetta with similar approach. In fact, its so good that Passat TDI was good enough to earn our “Green Car of the Year” beating Buick LaCrosse E-Assist and Chevy Cruze Eco.
How well will this made-in-America Passat fare, when it comes to ownership experience? Does it continue to deliver VW’s trademark fun-to-drive factor during the process of blending in the mainstreamers?
We will continue to update over the next few months.
Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Accent GLS 5-doors Auto
Price as tested: CDN$18399
Mileage since picked up: 30km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
Nothing is farther from the truth that Hyundai is the second coming of the industry lately. Along with sleek styling, packs with lots of standard features and lots of bang-for-the-buck. This South Korean automotive giant also provides everything for just about everybody, while delivering mostly everything as promised.
When Hyundai introduced the original Accent back in 1994, it was a vehicle which singlehandly changed consumer’s mind of Korea as nation of producing disposable cars. It was cheap but certainly up to the task for most purposes. In fact, I had a pleasure to drive one as my first girlfriend used to own home back in high school. The 2012 Accent is no longer cheap but it remains affordable. However, it continues to be cheerful while providing lots of fun-to-drive.
Is the latest version up the to stiff competitions in the fierce subcompact segment? We will put an Accent 5-doors hatchback through the paces in the next few months.
Vehicle: 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD with BSIS, Park Assist Camera, 4C Chassis and Navigation system
Price as tested: CDN$50625
Mileage since picked up: 7300km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
The last Volvo which truly put the smiles on my face was the 1995 850 T5-R. Since then, Volvo started to become boring when it comes to driving experience while styling is getting bold. That’s ironic because Volvo’s styling language has been getting impressive with right proportions without losing the boxiness used to stood for this Swedish brand.
This 2nd iteration of Volvo’s mainstay S60 has proven this Gotheberg-based carmaker starts to produce fun car all over again. While it doesn’t have the razor sharpness of its more aggressively-tuned German rivals, its merits are good enough to challenge them, on back-top twisties. Volvo 4C system is able to dial out 99% of the body rolls while keeping the handling checking at hands, its one of the better adjustable damping systems we have ever tested.
There are few things which annoyed out of me. The first thing is Volvo’s trademarked floating center console, which dated back to 2004 S40/V50. While it looks cool and cyber, with all the HVAC and stereo controls all placed on top with large knobs. The storage space behind the console is small yet inconvenience. Volvo’s blind-spot warning system has irriating warning sound. This kind of noise would encourage anyone to turn it off. If you are getting an S60, please go with the aluminum trim, for god’s sake. Its faux wood trim feels and looks so faux, it would give any faux item poor repuation. Lastly, as with all Volvo sedan’s trunk. Its both swallow with tall liftover and narrow side sills. It forced anyone who have seriously checked out the trunk to take its wagon silibing. But there is no V60 in sight for our shore.
However, 305hp with Haldex AWD certainly won’t annoyed out of me. Instead, its one entertaining powertrain combination. Its both refined and smooth cruiser, without feeling disconnected through its steering feel and feedback. When you are behind the wheel seating on one of the world’s best seats in the business, it keeps reminding me Volvo still has guts to produce some fun when it comes to luxury sports sedan.
The bottom line? I just wish Volvo will produce a performance variant of the S60, in the form of an S60R. Pretty damn sure S60R will be good enough as a reincarnation to the 850 T5-R. In yellow please.
Likes:
Swedish turbocharged personality
Nimble handling
Unique character
Ergonomic interior
Dislikes:
Faux wood trim
Lack of interior storage space
Swallow trunk
BSIS warning sound
Competitions:
Audi S4
BMW 335i X-Drive
Mercedes C350 4-Matic
Vehicle: 2012 Honda Civic EX-L sedan
Price as tested: CDN$24390
Mileage since picked up: 7500km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repair(s): 1
Honda’s 9th generation Civic. A vehicle which this famed Japanese carmaker has delayed a year for some minor makeover, especially for its fuel economy. While we had a pretty good time with it during the whole 7500km of long-term driving, there are couple of aspects which its already fallen behind the crowd. Honda, just like BMW. Both companies used to known for producing fun cars with innovative technologies back in the 80s-90s, have been resting on its laurels, for as long as I can remember.
While it remains reliable, as should with all Honda products. We had plenty of dash rattles over the period we have driven the vehicle. The main reason is the dashboard has been filled with low-rent materials with poor fittings. Worse of all, it already felt and looked dated. In comparison to 8th generation Civic, which still has a dashboard which remains innovative and classy to the touch.
Civic used to stand for nimble, light-on-its-feet, agile and spirited performer. The current car stands for boredom. It doesn’t exactly provide sharp handling with class-leading ride quality, which was the hallmark of the Civic franchise. The ride feels choppy over all sorts of pavement, and the handling dynamics, just boredom the hell out of me. There are also plenty of road noises.
The i-MID multi information display and “Eco” buttons are just some of the gimmicks Honda tried to come out with the new Civic. To some extend, there are some features better not having standard instead of being redundant.
If you are looking for a bland-looking compact family sedan with the cachet of the Honda badge on the hood, Civic is reliable enough to put on your shopping list. Does it sound like a Toyota Corolla? Surely, it does. If you are looking for the best compact, Civic is no longer at the top of the chart. No wonder, by the time of our writing, Honda decided to go back to drawing board by pre-maturing revised the current Civic for 2013 after harsh complaints from dealers and consumers alike. We have seen the exact same story happened within Honda family not too long ago. Its called the 4th generation Acura TL.
Perhaps, for some arrogant car company, they have never learnt the mistakes and bound to repeat all over again.
As the old saying goes. Pay me now…pay me later.
In the meantime, we are waiting for what’s up in Honda’s sleeve with the premature revision in 2013 Civic.
Vehicle: 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD with BSIS, Park Assist Camera, 4C Chassis and Navigation system
Price as tested: CDN$50625
Mileage since picked up: 4500km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
As we entered late September, we already had our first rain and windstorm. It already proven to be a great time to test S60′s combination of Haldex AWD and DSTC dynamic stability control systems. These two systems work together extremely well during poor weather. While the AWD acts as a second line of defence to its stability control, which means former starts to stepping into the equation while latter has reached its thresold. It works exceptionally whenever driver hits a patholes on highway speed in such a dire weather. The sure-footness chassis fitness mated to a steering, which provide confidence feel and feedback. Altogether make S60 a very safe and sound family sedan. When added to S60′s 4C chassis control, its able to put together a package which is both safe and fun in a stylish package. When the weather starts to get sunny, S60 is beckon to be driven with sporty road manners. It acts as both a proper family sedan with luxurious appointment, or a sports sedan with unique Swedish personality.
On our final update, we will wrap things up which include one very annoying trait.
Vehicle: 2012 Honda Civic EX-L sedan
Price as tested: CDN$24390
Mileage since picked up: 3500km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repair(s): 1
As we put more mileage onto our long-term Civic, we started to find out some quality issue. The corner cutting of the 9th generation Civic has started to surface in the midset of our long-terming. We have found out some annoying dash rattles on the center console. Brought it back to Honda dealer, we are glad they have fixed it in one day. While we applauded the efficiency of Honda dealer for fixing our problem, we were disappointed on Honda’s pitfall when it comes to build quality.
Speaking of interior feature, we have tried to compare the fuel efficiency by using the green “Econ” button versus using our right foot regularly. Honda claimed the “Econ” button is able to give softer throttle response, in order to give driver a sensation on saving fuel by 10-15%. However, we actually found out it actually encourages to drive more aggressively as everything else have been soften significantly. This is not only limited to Honda, we have the same complaint for Hyundai and Infiniti, on the same system respectively. Engineers just use the computer to trick driver on slower throttle response = slower up and downshifting. Unfortunately, the result is usually completely different as we have tried in real world situation. No matter on whether we press the redundant “Eco” assist button, we are still manage to get an average of 6.5 liters per 100km regularly.
On our final update. We will wrap-up Civic’s overall experience.
Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport with 6-speed automatic and moonroof
Price as tested: CDN$22300
Total mileage of the entire test: 1420km
Fuel economy: 6 liters per 100km (70% city/30% urban cycle)
Here in Directshift, we have always been smitten by Fiat 500. Its quirky Italian character mated with an interior, which you can’t find anywhere in its price range or above. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to put one through its paces during hot August.
Given it only has 100hp, we were quite accepted its adequate performance when we drove both coupe and cabriolet in initial stages. However, we found its power is lacking when we had more time behind the wheels. Its 100hp and 98 lb/ft of torque just felt lack of power when pushed, its also downright noisy and rough at highway speed. The most disappointing fact is the fuel economy. With the optional 6-speed automatic, we were unable to get anywhere close to posted figure. We managed to get 6 liters per 100km, with full air-conditioning on through the whole time. Compare to the likes of Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent, which are both subcompacts which are able to get much better fuel economy with far superior performance.
Handling wise, 500 is go-kart esque especially when the “sport” button is pressed on the center console. The steering feels light and progressive, while ride quality has absorbed most of the road surfaces relatively relaxing.
We weren’t quite fond of the thick A-pillars, which have blocked 45 degrees of front visibilities. Another ergonomic quirkness is the power window location, which supposedly to put on the door panels instead of the center console. Otherwise, interior has been very well-finished with nice materials. The body-colored trim has freshed up the whole interior, so does the Panormanic sunroof which opened up the interior nicely.
The backseat is relatively cramped when try to get two persons on board. Along with the limited luggage space, its best to leave the back seats completely fold flat.
Although I feel a bit cold, when it comes to 500′s performance and economy. I still would put it as one of the most desirable cars as I have ever driven. The driving fun behind one of the lightest and lithest hatchbacks anywhere on the market. Its unique Italian flair and character would put any of those subcompacts to shame. The attractive price and packaging would let anyone forget about its limited practicality. I just can’t wait to try the hot and spicy 500 Abarth, which promises to be a great hot hatch.
Likes:
Italian flair and character
Lithe handling
Rigid chassis
Curb weight
Dislikes:
Feels underengined with its rigid chassis
Cramped backseat and luggage space
Front visibility
Fuel economy
Competitions:
Ford Fiesta
Honda Fit
Mazda2
Mini Cooper
VW Beetle 2.5
Vehicle: 2012 Lexus CT200h F-Sport
Price as tested: CDN$36310
Total mileage of the entire test: 600km
Fuel economy: 7.5 liters per 100km (70% city/30% urban cycle)
Lexus has made a huge fuss about introducing the world’s first hybrid Sportback. Our first impression wasn’t exactly favourable when we drove it last year. As it doesn’t provide a decent blend of ride, handling, performance and economy in a classy package. Yes, we liked CT’s clean and uncluttered styling, which is something of a rarity in Lexus today. The optional F-Sport does add a bit of spice to the mix.
What is still made us disappointing about the driving experience, is Lexus uses a sluggish 1.8 liter engine mated with Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive using Lithium-Ion batteries. The result is 134 hp but doesn’t feel anything close to it. Another disappointment is it never able to get the posted fuel economy. We aren’t even damn anywhere close to its factory suggested economy, let alone beating it, on our days of driving.
Another problem with CT is F-Sport’s optional 19″ wheels, which makes the ride quality very harsh without giving much back when it comes to handling. The “Sport” button supposedly to adjust the damper but just make CT rides even harsher. This F-Sport doesn’t worth the extra dough as it makes CT rides like on wooden tires. With steering doesn’t give back much feedback. The entire dynamic equation is a huge letdown.
We like CT’s initutive interface, which is typical of Lexus interior. However, the backseat feels cramped for a hatchback. Luggage space is acceptable if not outstanding.
If you are looking for a more stylish Prius with the cachet of “Lexus” badge, perhaps CT200h is the right car for you. Otherwise, we would recommend diesel offerings from CT’s main rivals.
Vehicle: 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD with BSIS, Park Assist Camera, 4C Chassis and Navigation system
Price as tested: CDN$50625
Mileage since picked up: 3230km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
In the good ole’ days, whenever there is a Volvo sedan introduced. There will always be a wagon equivalent debut alongside. While this case still applies to the rest of the world, it won’t applied to Canadian market with the latest S60. XC60 crossover is the closet item to V60 wagon on our shore, at least until Volvo realized they will lost a bunch of loyalists.
In terms of luggage space, S60 continues the fact that Volvo trunk has to designed like a letter box. The opening is narrow while space is swallow, even if it has padded trunk hinges to avoid crashing into the groceries. For those who have got used to the versatile space of a traditional Volvo boxy wagon, S60′s luggage space has left something to be desired. In fact, this is a way to force their potential customers into XC60 with fatter gross margin.
As for interior space, mid-size Volvo has always been pretty impressive. There are more than enough rear head and legrooms, with some of the best seats in the planet. The use of plastic and leather materials are, as expected, one of the best in the business. Interior design is cohenive without losing Swedish’s form-follows-function. The controls for both climate control and navigation are initutive, with large knobs on the center console.
As we are entering a rainy Canadian fall, it will be a testament to how well its AWD performs under those conditions.
Vehicle: 2012 Honda Civic EX-L sedan
Price as tested: CDN$24390
Mileage since picked up: 2650km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
We are still not fond of Civic’s poorly-made interior, which consists of cheap plastic with questionable fit-and-finish. Its design is not cohesive at best. It looks like something came from the 80s, when the Japanese cars were just at the beginning phase of learning from their European counterparts. What is most disappointing is the 2-tier instrumentation gauges bring nothing new to the table. Although the i-MID mult-function display provides all sorts of information, right from Bluetooth capability to average fuel economy, everything is able to control from the steering’s redunant control. The screen just placed way too far away from the driver’s eyesight. On the other hand, there are too much brittle plastic on the dashboard and door panels. Civic used to have one of the better made interiors in the business, the 9th generation no longer carries that advantage. The leather seats in our loaded EX-L certainly provides the right amount of support on the right places. However, we have found Honda has used some cheaper foam to produce a less expensive seats. The foam feels softer and not as rich as before.
I drove a 2011 Acura CSX the other day. The Canadian-only CSX is basically a repackaged JDM 8th generation Civic. All the interior details are far exceed those of the 9th generation.
If the only merits to 9th gen. Civic’s interior is the amount of rear legroom. Without the center tunnel, its still able to seat 3 persons comfortably without any complaints. Unfortunately, those rear passengers still have to deal with those cheesy plastic abound.
Vehicle: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT Turbo with Convenience Pkg, Connectivity Pkg, TPMS and Sunroof
Price as tested: CDN$24130
Total mileage of the entire test: 520km
Fuel economy: 6 liters per 100km (70% city/30% urban cycle)
It used to be when use the words to describe Chevrolet. Words like remarkable, class-leading and cutting edge are never in the dictionary. Things start to get significantly better after Chevrolet launched the impressive Malibu in 2008, followed by the Equinox in 2010. With the introduction of the Cruze compact, its so good that we at Directshift has given it a runner-up status in the overall COTY.
We finally have a chance to pit a Cruze with the impressive 1.4 turbocharged engine through a weekend long test drive. The result is as impressive as our first impression. Although we are still not too fond of its abrupt down and upshifting with its automatic gearbox, 6 gears to be exact. Another area is where the gearbox feels a bit rough when the engine is cold. Those are the oversight of Chevrolet engineers given how superbly engineered with the Cruze. With 138hp and 148 lb/ft of torque while returned only 6 liters per 100km is extremely impressive, considering the fact that this is not a diesel nor hybrid of any kinds.
Another area which impressed us most is the ride comfort. GM compact used to ride very choppy but return with poor handling, as we have experienced with those Cavalier and Cobalt of the past. With the Cruze, its European influence through its chassis finesse have made its ride quality exceptionally well. In fact, it rides as good as any of the class leaders from Hyundai and Ford. On the other hand, it doesn’t lost much when it comes to handling sharpness. Yes, it doesn’t handle as sharply as Focus and Mazda3. But it yields the same kind of sure-footness and driving manners as good as Elantra while exceeding those of Corolla and Civic alike. Its really an extremely balanced package which provide a near perfect bland of handling prowess with supple ride quality.
If you thought the internal quality of Malibu is impressive, Cruze is even more impressive. Everything is relative to price, BTW. You won’t find any kinds of these classy plastic and velour in GM compact of the past. With the Cruze, its really put Jetta to shame in this regret. The materials are both soft-touch, have nice tactical feedback with classy plasticized moulding in all the switchgears. The velour feels expensive and very supportive. The soggy and cheaply made seats of GM compacts have finally put them in misery. Great job, General.
It was a lofty goal when GM proclaimed Cruze will be a contender in the fiercely competitive compact segment. GM has achieved that very goal successfully. Its not only its able to put many of those well-known names to shame, in terms of execution. Corolla and Civic quickly come to mind. Its able to put GM on the top of many consumer’s mind when shopping for a great compact. The bottom line? Cruze is as good as anything else from Mazda, Ford and Hyundai.
If there is one wish. Its Cruze hatchback should arrive at no better time given its sedan silibing’s successful first year launch.
Vehicle: 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD with BSIS, Park Assist Camera, 4C Chassis and Navigation system
Price as tested: CDN$50625
Mileage since picked up: 1300km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
The new S60 is a very important car for Volvo. Its Volvo’s most significant product launch in the last decade. Why this car is so important to Volvo? Its the final collaboration between Volvo and Ford Premier Auto Group. Another reason is the first all-new Volvo introduced under the new ownership of Geely in China.
In the automotive arena, everything else is about product. Before the introduction of the new S60, the last Volvo which has let us smitten was the XC60 crossover. The main reason is both of these Volvo are able to provide the driving pleasure, which has lost in their products, since the inception of the 850 Turbo. Although one might thought it doesn’t have the sharp reflexes of its stiff German rivals, S60 is able to combine the Swedish thought on relaxed handling with superb ride quality. The combination of a nice AWD system with 300hp, add up a world-class chassis have wrapped up S60 T6 pretty well. All have done without losing the distinctive Swedish character.
Vehicle: 2012 Honda Civic EX-L sedan
Price as tested: CDN$24390
Mileage since picked up: 1120km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
The main reason for a year delayed for the introduction of the 9th generation Civic was Honda had to go back to drawing board. Honda figured out they have to come out with a more competitive package, which has to forseen what the rivals up to in the next 5 to 6 years. The result is a Civic which is more evolutionary than revolutionary, given how remarkable its predecessor is. It also has shown how competitive and class-leading its 8th generation car was.
Instead of focusing on performance and driving pleasure, Honda has put more effort into engineered Civic as a comfortable compact. While those of us who have fond memories of how a Civic supposedly handle, Honda has taken a bold step by engineered better, if not exactly class-leading, ride quality into the current car. This is a move to please the “lowest common denominator” more than enthuisasts. Just like another sedan on a different spectum, the change to the new Civic has left us cold, exactly the same story when BMW has gone for softer and character-free 3-Series during the transformation from near-perfect E46 (1998-2005) to uninspiring E90 (2005.5-2012). Both are engineered toward lowest common denominators, in latter case, badge whore. Is this a smart move or not? There are certainly up to plenty of hot debates.
On our next update. We will tell you about the thought of Civic’s interior.
Vehicle: 2012 Honda Civic EX-L sedan
Price as tested: CDN$24390
Mileage since picked up: 40km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
Honda Civic has always been Canada’s favourite car. It has been Canada’s best-selling car for the last 13 years. While the latest iteration doesn’t receive a host of nifty new technologies as one expects from Honda. It continues its winning formula by offering a decent combination of power, handling, comfort and feature amenities. On our EX-L tester, it receives plenty of luxurious features only found in more expensive cars, right from auto climate control to leather seats. But does the new Civic deliver the same kind of quality and reliability as what it should be? Will its fuel economy continue to impress the crowd? We will have the answer in the next few months.
Vehicle: 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD with BSIS, Park Assist Camera, 4C Chassis and Navigation system
Price as tested: CDN$50625
Mileage since picked up: 25km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
If “6″ is a lucky number, its no wonder this Swedish carmaker’s “60-series” is our favourite Volvo. We have been impressed with both current and previous iteration of S60, as well as its crossover silibing: XC60. The introduction of a T6 AWD has finally put S60 into the heart dominated by German heavyweights. With 300hp and 325 lb/ft of torque delivers through its T6 powersource, its able to pit this T6 versus stiff competitions from both Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Not only does Volvo has enough poise and grace to challenge those of S4, 335i and C350, it provides aplentry of kits when it comes to safety and comfort. The question remains to be seen is whether S60 has got the quality and reliability to take on those rivals.
Over the next few months, we will update our nicks and picks on each of these vehicles.
Vehicle: 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4WD-i
Price as tested: CDN$51650
Mileage since picked up: 11400km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
The Highlander is one of the better Toyotas out there. It simply because it offers an attractive combination of value, comfort and feature ambience. The use of materials and build quality are up to the standard of what we expect from Toyota. The use of interior materials are classy with narrow panel gaps. Those tight tolerance is rarely seen in Toyota these days. The same goes for exterior panel gaps and paint finishings. We couldn’t find any orange peels on its silver paintwork, which is pretty common on today’s Toyota or even Lexus.
However, the hybrid powertrain doesn’t provide the expected fuel economy. We had an average of 14L/100km which is disappointing. If you are purely buying a hybrid for the sake of fuel economy, we would definitely not recommend this Highlander. If you are buying a hybrid for the sake of protecting the environment, then go buy a 4-cylinder Highlander and save the money for planting some flowers at your backyard. If you are buying a hybrid for the sake of a status symbol, then we have nothing to comment.
At the end of the day, we are more impressed with Highlander’s quality and reliability than its claimed economy. It has proven Toyota is still able to build high-quality product, which is able to focus on complete driver comfort with plenty of luxurious features. Those are the merits which are what Toyota has been known for decades.
Our only complaint is the cramped 3rd row seats. If you are buying a crossover for 7-seat capacity, think again. Or just simply get a Sienna. As with all of these crossovers, both the 3rd row and luggage space are “either/or” affair. You are either forcing the 3rd row passengers to seat uncomfortably, which is an understatement. The fact is more of a torture seats. Or just losing proper luggage space when its up.
Likes:
Material and build quality
Attention-to-details
Ride comfort
Silky smooth powertrain
Dislikes:
Fuel economy
3rd row space
Non-existence luggage space (when 3rd row is up)
Competitions:
Ford Explorer
Honda Pilot
Nissan Murano
Hyundai Veracruz
Vehicle: 2011 VW Jetta 2.5 Comfortline with 6-speed Tiptronic, Multimedia Pkg, power glass moonroof and Cornsilk trim
Price as tested: CDN$26640
Mileage since picked up: 10000km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0
If we have to pick a car which considered as the most controversial in 2011, the 6th generation Jetta has to be on the top of the list. The main reason is how Americanized this generation of Jetta in relative to all of its predecessors. Yes, its no longer a “Golf with a trunk” simply because it no longer sharing the same floorpan. But mostly of what VW has done beneath the skin.
As much as a VW faithful, as well as an ex-owner of a 1999 4th generation Jetta. I wasn’t too fond of 6th generation when it first came out. That’s mainly due to the fact that VW has sharpened the pencil a bit too much in flavor of going mainstream. The regressive moves from rear beam suspension to hard plastic dashboard have made VW community completely insane. However, its sales volume has suggested otherwise. All these changes have put Jetta into the mainstay instead of being a niche. As we are speaking, VW just can’t produce enough Jetta for the audience. Latest news is that the enthuisast-driven GLI has to delay due to huge demand for garden-variety Jettas. It is one of the hottest cars in compact class right now, alongside the new Elantra and Focus.
In terms of reliability, we are very surprise during the long-term test. It doesn’t have any cracks and rattles despite of all the cost-cutting measures VW have put through the whole car. In fact, it feels more solidly built than all the previous long-term Jettas have gone before. That’s a huge surprise given the lack of detailing and material quality. Improving quality and reliability aside, VW has promised to improved the shortcomings which journalists have complained about the current car during its mid lifecycle updates.
That begs the question. Would I recommend the latest generation of Jetta to anybody else?
If it equipped with VW’s delightful 140hp 2.0TDI, that is the sublime combination which I would get with DSG. If you are intended to go with its gasoline counterparts, there are much better alternatives at its price range. The Golf, which sold alongisde Jetta in the same showroom, offer far superior build and material quality with the practicality of a hatchback or wagon to boot.
The reason why we are recommending the wonderful 140hp 2.0TDI instead of 170hp 2.5 liter is for one major reason. On the one hand, the 2.0TDI + DSG combo is able to gain exceptional fuel economy without losing the refinement of gasoline counterparts. The TDI gets an average of 6L/100km, which is nothing short of amusing consider Jetta’s weight. Unfortunately, 2.5 liter 5-cylinder on our long-termer had 9L/100km. That’s very disappointing when its time to compare to many of its gasoline peers. And please don’t let us start on that ancient 2.0 liter 4-cylinder 115hp engine in the base Jetta. This engine is slated for a complete phase out after serving VW family for more than two decades. We are anticipating to see whether the incoming base motor for VW will be a competitive one, when it comes to combining performance with economy.
The bottom line. The execution of number 6 Jetta has surpassed our expectation over the period of time. Will the “Tennesse Waltz” between VW work with the North-American Passat?? We will have a full-blown review and, hopefully, a long-termer in the near future.
If you are looking for the best compact, Civic is no longer at the top of the chart. No wonder, by the time of our writing, Honda decided to go back to drawing board by pre-maturing revised the current Civic for 2013 after harsh complaints from dealers and consumers alike. We have seen the exact same story happened within Honda family not too long ago. Its called the 4th generation Acura TL.