Last December when I was writing my annual "car of the year" column, I noted for car zealots that it's just getting better and better. With the car manufacturers now thoroughly behind performance cars of any ilk, rear-wheel drive making a comeback, SUVs on the wane, and cheap financing not going away anytime soon, my expectations for what was coming down the pipe for 2005 were fairly high.
Despite some questionable category assignments, I use the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's selections to start with, and then give you the car zealot's choice. Despite categories for "Best New Crossover" or "Best New Alternative Power", I'll stick to the categories of interest for those who love to drive.
As for the overall AJAC Canadian Car of the Year that will be announced at the Toronto Auto Show in February 2005? With the car's Bramalea, Ontario plant keeping thousands employed, my cynical money's on the Chrysler 300C.
Best New Economy Car
AJAC Nominees: Chevrolet/Pontiac Pursuit, Hyundai Accent5, Kia Spectra Sedan LX, smart fortwo cdi coupe and cabriolet
AJAC Winner: Kia Spectra Sedan LX
The CRANK's Choice: smart fortwo cdi coupe and cabriolet At $25k for a properly optioned model, the Chevrolet/Pontiac Pursuit twins are a hard pitch as "economy" cars. The Accent and Spectra are better (imagine the next gen of both of these cars!). However, we're talking cheap and fun, right? If you analyze the overall economies of size, weight, space utilization, fuel consumption, purchase price and running costs, it has to be the micro-Mercedes. Oh, and it's rear-wheel drive...
Best New Family Car
AJAC Nominees: Buick Allure, Ford Five Hundred, Mazda6 Sport, Pontiac G6, Subaru Legacy
AJAC Winner: Mazda6 Sport
The CRANK's Choice: Mazda6 Sport The Buick and Ford are more traditional family cars. You know, something your grandfather may drive (don't take me to task on that generalization if your grandfather happens to be Stirling Moss). The Pontiac will be one of GM's better cars--but wait for the hot GTP model with the six-speed stick. Between the Mazda and Subaru, the Mazda gets the nod for its out-and-out pandering as to what we drivers want/need
Best New Luxury Car
AJAC Nominees: Acura RL, Cadillac STS, Chrysler 300C, Infiniti G35X, Kia Amanti, Volkswagen Phaeton
AJAC Winner: Chrysler 300 C
The CRANK's Choice: Cadillac STS The Infiniti really isn't "new", and for that matter, neither is the chromed-over Kia. Acura still hasn't figured out that part of the luxury equation is some cojones in the engine department, and the VW is a boat. It's hard to beat the Chrysler's inherent value, but this is about driving pleasure, not saving a few toonies. So congrats to Cadillac for producing a well-balanced driver's car
Despite some questionable category assignments, I use the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's selections to start with, and then give you the car zealot's choice. Despite categories for "Best New Crossover" or "Best New Alternative Power", I'll stick to the categories of interest for those who love to drive.
As for the overall AJAC Canadian Car of the Year that will be announced at the Toronto Auto Show in February 2005? With the car's Bramalea, Ontario plant keeping thousands employed, my cynical money's on the Chrysler 300C.
Best New Economy Car
 |
AJAC Winner: Kia Spectra Sedan LX
The CRANK's Choice: smart fortwo cdi coupe and cabriolet At $25k for a properly optioned model, the Chevrolet/Pontiac Pursuit twins are a hard pitch as "economy" cars. The Accent and Spectra are better (imagine the next gen of both of these cars!). However, we're talking cheap and fun, right? If you analyze the overall economies of size, weight, space utilization, fuel consumption, purchase price and running costs, it has to be the micro-Mercedes. Oh, and it's rear-wheel drive...
Best New Family Car
 |
AJAC Winner: Mazda6 Sport
The CRANK's Choice: Mazda6 Sport The Buick and Ford are more traditional family cars. You know, something your grandfather may drive (don't take me to task on that generalization if your grandfather happens to be Stirling Moss). The Pontiac will be one of GM's better cars--but wait for the hot GTP model with the six-speed stick. Between the Mazda and Subaru, the Mazda gets the nod for its out-and-out pandering as to what we drivers want/need
Best New Luxury Car
 |
AJAC Winner: Chrysler 300 C
The CRANK's Choice: Cadillac STS The Infiniti really isn't "new", and for that matter, neither is the chromed-over Kia. Acura still hasn't figured out that part of the luxury equation is some cojones in the engine department, and the VW is a boat. It's hard to beat the Chrysler's inherent value, but this is about driving pleasure, not saving a few toonies. So congrats to Cadillac for producing a well-balanced driver's car