There's new, and then there's the best
Every year, in what seems like since Adam was a little fella, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) evaluate new car models for their various "Car of the Year" and "Truck of the Year" awards.
With the credibility of most end-of-the-year car awards questionable at best, the AJAC evaluations are some of the most comprehensive out there.
As 2006 Canadian Car of the Year president, Paul Williams, says, "In my opinion, the AJAC Canadian Car of the Year awards are based on the most objective, informed and thorough evaluation process you'll find. The evaluations are based on back-to-back testing in real-world situations. They're a uniquely Canadian resource for people looking to buy a new vehicle."
Um, yes, and no.
If you're interested in buying a new car, as in "new to the market", yup, the AJAC system is hard to question. But it does eliminate existing "best in class" models. Add a heavy weighting towards value pricing, and premium brands are also disadvantaged.
So, as a service to those looking for the best car to drive-period-here's a contrarian's list of Canadian car of the year Driver's Choices. They may not be totally new, but they are the best:
Best New Economy Car
Contenders: Chevrolet HHR, Honda Civic sedan, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio5, Pontiac Pursuit Coupe, Toyota Yaris
AJAC Winner: Honda Civic sedan
Driver's Choice: Mazda3 Sport - Yeah, it's might be yesterday's news, but the smallest Mazda benefits from Ford's global resources, plus drivetrain and suspension bits from its much-lauded big brother Mazda6. The result is class-defining ride, handling and interior accoutrements that will have you thinking Audi A3
Best New Family Car (Under $35,000)
Contenders: Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata V6, VW Jetta, VW Passat
AJAC Winner: Hyundai Sonata V6
Driver's Choice: Subaru Legacy 2.5i - Sure, you could spend big bucks on the full-blown Legacy GT models. But the core benefits (all-wheel-drive, a low centre of gravity, Germanic interior, refined steering, suspension and braking) can also be found in the base Legacy 2.5i. Account for the available stick, and a rare-for-this-class wagon body, and what else could a hard-driving family ask for?
Best New Family Car (Over $35,000)
Contenders: Audi A3, Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-Series Touring, Buick Lucerne, Dodge Charger RT, Hyundai Azera, Saab 9-3 SportCombi, Toyota Avalon
AJAC Winner: Hyundai Azera
Driver's Choice: Mercedes-Benz E55 Wagon - OK, so the über-wagon is a tad over $35k. But what family-with-means wouldn't want 469 horses pulling their wagon? If you need a family hauler with AWD and a stick, also try the BMW 530xiT (hey, it's "all-new")
Every year, in what seems like since Adam was a little fella, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) evaluate new car models for their various "Car of the Year" and "Truck of the Year" awards.
With the credibility of most end-of-the-year car awards questionable at best, the AJAC evaluations are some of the most comprehensive out there.
As 2006 Canadian Car of the Year president, Paul Williams, says, "In my opinion, the AJAC Canadian Car of the Year awards are based on the most objective, informed and thorough evaluation process you'll find. The evaluations are based on back-to-back testing in real-world situations. They're a uniquely Canadian resource for people looking to buy a new vehicle."
Um, yes, and no.
If you're interested in buying a new car, as in "new to the market", yup, the AJAC system is hard to question. But it does eliminate existing "best in class" models. Add a heavy weighting towards value pricing, and premium brands are also disadvantaged.
So, as a service to those looking for the best car to drive-period-here's a contrarian's list of Canadian car of the year Driver's Choices. They may not be totally new, but they are the best:
 |
Contenders: Chevrolet HHR, Honda Civic sedan, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio5, Pontiac Pursuit Coupe, Toyota Yaris
AJAC Winner: Honda Civic sedan
Driver's Choice: Mazda3 Sport - Yeah, it's might be yesterday's news, but the smallest Mazda benefits from Ford's global resources, plus drivetrain and suspension bits from its much-lauded big brother Mazda6. The result is class-defining ride, handling and interior accoutrements that will have you thinking Audi A3
 |
Contenders: Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata V6, VW Jetta, VW Passat
AJAC Winner: Hyundai Sonata V6
Driver's Choice: Subaru Legacy 2.5i - Sure, you could spend big bucks on the full-blown Legacy GT models. But the core benefits (all-wheel-drive, a low centre of gravity, Germanic interior, refined steering, suspension and braking) can also be found in the base Legacy 2.5i. Account for the available stick, and a rare-for-this-class wagon body, and what else could a hard-driving family ask for?
 |
Contenders: Audi A3, Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-Series Touring, Buick Lucerne, Dodge Charger RT, Hyundai Azera, Saab 9-3 SportCombi, Toyota Avalon
AJAC Winner: Hyundai Azera
Driver's Choice: Mercedes-Benz E55 Wagon - OK, so the über-wagon is a tad over $35k. But what family-with-means wouldn't want 469 horses pulling their wagon? If you need a family hauler with AWD and a stick, also try the BMW 530xiT (hey, it's "all-new")