Review: In search of a comfy, compact all-wheel-drive vehicle with a stick shift – The Globe and Mail

My present automobile is a 2011 Mini Countryman AWD six-speed guide, which has been a terrific automobile for us. I’m beginning to consider changing it as a result of we (actually) not slot in it. The catch is that, because of the constraints of our driveway, I believe the utmost size of a doable substitute might be about 4.5 metres. The subsequent automobile would be the one my youngsters study to drive (solely a few yr away). Ideally it’s AWD, a guide transmission and has a trunk that our 80-pound canine matches in. Am I shopping for a Subaru? – Aly

Gentile: Aly, you don’t want to purchase a Subaru. There are extra choices these days with AWD which are smaller, extra reasonably priced automobiles. However getting a guide is a tricky proposition; it’s slowly going the way in which of the dodo hen.

Richardson: Yeah, if it’s not vital, let’s simply overlook the guide transmission for now. In any other case you’ll be just about limiting your self to Subarus, Mazdas and some entry-level grocery-getters.

Gentile: So let’s deal with all-wheel drive. What’s spectacular these days is the variety of AWD choices from producers like Nissan and Toyota in smaller, extra reasonably priced automobiles.

Richardson: Let’s begin on the fundamentals and work up. One of many least costly AWD automobiles in Canada now’s the Hyundai Kona. You gained’t match the youngsters within the again seat concurrently an 80-lb. canine within the trunk – these rear seats should fold flat for the canine – nevertheless it is available in at 4.15 metres lengthy. It begins at round $23,000 with AWD.

Gentile: Really, I didn’t wish to leap into Subaru but, however the Subaru Impreza is cheaper. The five-door comes with AWD, a five-speed guide, and is 4.475 metres lengthy – slightly below the utmost size. And it’s about $21,000. However I wish to supply up another choices first. Possibly a Mazda3 Sport hatchback. It now comes with AWD.

Richardson: And it additionally comes with – drum roll – a guide transmission!

Gentile: Sure, however not each collectively. The AWD is barely supplied with a six-speed computerized.

Richardson: You’re proper. It’s Hobson’s selection. However Aly, should you go for the guide over the AWD, the automobile is a good bit cheaper, in addition to lighter and less complicated to take care of.

Gentile: But when Aly plans on reselling it down the street, it’ll be price extra money with AWD than with a guide transmission.

Richardson: Very true. The one purpose for most individuals to purchase a guide transmission nowadays that’s not in a efficiency automobile is to economize. It is going to be far simpler to promote an computerized.

Gentile: So let’s have a look at different choices. One in every of my favourites is the brand new Volkswagen Golf R, which has a six-speed guide transmission and 4Motion AWD, and is available in at 4.276 metres in size. It checks off all of the containers in Aly’s seek for a brand new automobile.

Richardson: However that’s far more costly than the opposite choices. The Golf R rings in round $42,000!

Gentile: However consider the enjoyable, driving round city with 288 hp at your fingertips!

Richardson: And consider Aly’s youngsters studying to drive subsequent yr in a Golf R. The insurance coverage shall be by way of the roof, and for good purpose. Possibly convey it down a notch to the Golf GTI. It’s nonetheless enjoyable, with 228 hp, although Aly ought to verify insurance coverage charges now. My very own two youngsters are the explanation I purchased myself a well-used, first-generation Hyundai Tucson as my very own automobile. Very boring, very protected.

Gentile: Good level about insurance coverage, particularly with teen drivers.

Richardson: However getting again to actuality, an 80 lb canine gained’t slot in a Golf GTI. It gained’t even slot in a Golf – no less than not comfortably. I believe Aly ought to observe my instance and overlook about fun-to-drive whereas the youngsters are round.

Gentile: Okay, so what would you suggest?

Richardson: I acquired an outdated Tucson. I believe Aly ought to get a brand new Tucson. It’s 4.48 metres lengthy, in order giant as they will go to maintain everybody snug, together with the canine. And it’s acquired all the security tech to assist defend these youngsters. I’d additionally suggest the Ford Escape, with its “teen driver” mode for limiting velocity and radio quantity, nevertheless it’s only a bit too lengthy at 4.58 metres.

Gentile: I desire the Impreza over the Tucson; it has the whole lot Aly desires, plus a great worth.

Richardson: The Impreza shall be extra enjoyable, identical to the Mazda3 Sport, however they’re each hatchbacks. The Tucson could have much more area for that massive canine.

What automobile must you purchase? Write to Mark and Petrina at globedrive@globeandmail.com.

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