The winner of this year's "Best New Crossover" is an extremely good choice. Hyundai's new Tucson is leaps and bounds above
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| Hyundai's new Tucson is leaps and bounds above most of its competitors, and won this year's "Best New Crossover". (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
most of its competitors, and once again comparing it directly to last year's "Best New MPV / Crossover Vehicle" category winner, the Infiniti FX45, would be a challenge without reentering the luxury SUV in the 2005 competition. It must have been difficult coming up with a winner too, as the new breed of crossovers is extremely talented, including the capable Chevrolet Equinox, amazingly versatile Ford Freestyle SEL, well made Nissan X-Trail and beautifully finished Subaru Outback.
Another good choice is the Volvo S40 for the "Best New Sport Compact", although most wouldn't classify it in a segment dominated by hot hatchbacks and trendy 5-door sport wagons. Others that attempted to take this all-new category were the Ford Focus ST, Kia Spectra5, Mazdaspeed MX5 Miata, Saab 9-2X, Saturn ION Red Line and Toyota Corolla XRS. Would a buyer interested in the new Volvo even consider any of those fighting it out for sport compact leader? Most likely the Saab 9-2X would get interest, but the Mazda Miata? Not likely. Nonetheless, the Volvo S40 deserves to win something.
Anyone who has driven the new Ford Mustang won't argue against it winning the "Best New Sports / Performance Car" category, looking to do for Ford what the 300C has done for
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| The Volvo S40 is a good choice for the "Best New Sport Compact", although most wouldn't classify it in a segment dominated by hot hatchbacks and trendy 5-door sport wagons. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Chrysler. While there was no direct 2004 category winner, last year's "Best New Sport Coupe (Over $35,000)" was the Infiniti G35 Coupe, still one of the best vehicle in any class. Last year there was also a "Best New Sports / Performance Vehicle" category, won by Mazda's RX-8, a direct competitor to the Infiniti G35 Coupe and new Mustang. What about this year's competitors? The Mustang is the least expensive in the category, with most of its "peers" going for tens of thousands more. At the top of the range is BMW's 645Ci Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, followed by the Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette and Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster. All are tremendous cars, but the Mustang deserves its award for delivering electrifying performance and over the top style for an affordable price.
