2003 Canadian Car of the Year Awards, Part Two

The British-built two-door Honda Civic SiR hatchback is likely to impress AJAC judges with its smooth, high-revving 160 horsepower 2.0 litre VTEC four cylinder engine, nifty dash-mounted 5-speed manual transmission, nimble handling and tight body. The front sport seats are terrific, and so is the sporty interior with white-faced gauges, metallic dash trim, and red seat trim. And there is a certain ‘Honda refinement’ to this car that is lacking in some its competitors. Still, the judges may have a hard time warming up to the SiR’s slab-sided, ho-hum styling; its awkward access to the rear seat; and its relatively small standard 15 inch tires. Doubtless though, the Honda name alone will give it a head start.

Hyundai Tiburon

Totally redesigned for 2003, the two-door Tiburon hatchback is bigger and more conservatively styled than the previous model which had more bulges than the Michelin Man. Based on the recently-redesigned Elantra platform, the base Tiburon comes with a carried-over 134 horsepower 2.0 litre 4-banger – the big news is the availability of an optional 170 horsepower 2.7 litre V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission on the GT models. AJAC testers will love its smooth V6, balanced handling, and its big cargo area; but probably won’t like the Tiburon’s lack of headroom and cramped rear seat. Still, a fully-equipped V6-powered Tiburon goes for even less money than some of its four cylinder competitors.

MazdaSpeed Protege

The successor to the 2001 Mazda MP3, the Mazda Speed Protege is a limited production high-performance version of the popular Protege sedan. Its 170 horsepower turbocharged 2.0 litre four cylinder engine has 40 more horses than the standard Protege, and the car includes a limited-slip differential, ultra low-profile 17 inch tires, larger alloy wheels, and bigger four-wheel disc brakes. Its distinctive ‘hot wheels’ exterior includes a large front spoiler and big foglights, side sills, rear skirts and a rear spoiler, while a unique interior has silver-faced gauges, aluminum foot pedals and shift knob, and a seven-speaker 450-watt Kenwood MP3 audio system with a large subwoofer in the trunk. Handling and steering response are terrific, but there’s some torque steer under power. Only two thousand of these will be available for sale in North America, so even it wins its class, your chances of getting one – or even seeing one – are pretty slim.

MINI Cooper S – MY PICK*

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The MINI Cooper S (owner BMW likes to spell ‘MINI’ with capitals) packs a lot into a small package – a supercharged 163 horsepower 1.6 litre engine, 6-speed manual transmission, seating for four, lots of standard equipment (including six airbags), and eye-catching styling. It has substantially more torque and horsepower than the 115 horsepower Cooper model, but its real strength in this class is its superb handling and vehicle dynamics. With a ‘wheel at each corner’, a wide stance, standard 16 inch tires, and a fully independent suspension, the Cooper S turns, brakes, and accelerates with complete confidence. The Cooper S will likely lose points for its small trunk and its relatively high base price, but its handsome styling and flashy interior will likely win the hearts of many judges – and it’s a strong emotional bet to win this class.

Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-P

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New to the Canadian market, the aggressively-styled, front-wheel-drive Eclipse four-passenger sport coupe comes with a standard 210 horsepower 3.0 litre V6 (up from 200 horsepower) with a new variable air induction system, and a standard five speed manual or optional four-speed automatic or four-speed Sportronic automatic/manual shifter. Its mildly restyled exterior and interior design features a smoother look, and there are new-style gauges and audio controls on the steering wheel. The Eclipses flashy styling, smooth V6 and easy-to-drive nature will win some votes, but its lumpy interior design, vague steering, soft suspension and cramped rear seats don’t impress.

Saab 9-3 Linear

The new Saab 9-3 seems a little out of place in this category – it being a ‘near luxury’ car that ordinarily competes against such cars as the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Still, that’s an indication of what a good value the 9-3 is when compared with the other cars in this AJAC category. The ‘Linear’ model is the base 9-3 model, but it is equipped with a standard 175 horsepower turbocharged 2.0 litre four cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, independent suspension, anti-skid system, and many standard luxury and safety features. Now based on GM’s global compact platform used for the Opel Vectra, the 2003 9-3 comes only as a four-door sedan instead of a two or four-door hatchback. Though it’s an impressive all-around sport sedan, its styling and performance lacks the ‘Wow’ factor of some of its competitors.

Sport Coupe/Sedan over $35,000

Audi A4 Cabriolet

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Based on the recently-redesigned A4 sedan but with unique body panels, the new A4 Cabriolet model offers Audi’s wonderfully smooth 220 horsepower 3.0 litre 5 valve per cylinder V6 engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Initially, the Cabriolet will be offered with the 3.0 litre V6 engine and front-wheel-drive, but in the Spring of 2003, it will be available with the turbocharged 1.8T four cylinder engine, and possibly Quattro all-wheel-drive. This classy, four-passenger convertible comes with a power top with a glass rear window, leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, wood trim, premium stereo, pop-up rollbar, and front and side airbags. It scores well in quality and standard features, but its small trunk and high price are negatives.

Infiniti G35 sedan – MY PICK*

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Infiniti’s answer to the BMW 3-Series and Lexus IS300, the rear-wheel-drive G35 sedan is aimed at entry-level luxury buyers who want some handling with their luxury. With its 260 horsepower 3.5 litre V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission (with manual shift mode) mounted well back in the body, the G35 sedan offers uncommonly balanced handling and stability – while its long wheelbase contributes to a smooth ride. It’s also very quick in a straight line, and competitively priced in its class. Some critics may quibble with the unusual design of its taillights, and the look and feel of its interior plastics, but this is a very impressive car in most respects, and a great value – a strong contender for Best New Sports Sedan.

Cadillac CTS Sport

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Cadillac’s all-new, rear-wheel-drive CTS luxury sedan has the right credentials to challenge European and Japanese sport sedans – including a high revving dual overhead cam 3.2 litre V6 engine, standard Getrag 5-speed manual, optional 5-speed automatic, and independent suspension – but much of this technological prowess is lost in the controversy over the CTS’s chiselled styling which seems to turn more people off than on. And though it has 220 horsepower, most of its competitors have more. The CTS Sport model competing in this category is the top-of-the-line CTS model with StabiliTrak, handling suspension, and 17 inch tires – and it offers terrific handling. The interior styling and fit and finish could be better.

Mercedes-Benz C32

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A C-Class sedan modified by Mercedes-Benz high-performance AMG department, the C32 AMG supercharged 354 horsepower V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission with AMG’s Speedshift manual shifting mode offers startling performance. Along with its sportier bodywork, low profile tires, and performance tuned suspension, the C32 AMG is a potent performance sedan that may even be a match for the 400 horsepower S-Type R. At the same time, it offers room for four or five passengers, and all the luxury amenities typical of a luxury sedan. The C32 AMG’s biggest drawback is its high price which is tens of thousands more than some other competitors in this category. Still, it’s a fine machine that will score well in most other respects.

Jaguar S-Type R

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With 400 horsepower, the 2003 S-Type R is unquestionably the most powerful car in this category – its supercharged 4.2 litre V8 engine and new six-speed automatic ZF transmission will propel this stylish sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. As well the S-Type R is equipped with standard 18 inch tires, sport suspension, Brembo brakes, and Jaguar’s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS). Inside, judges should be impressed with its leather-trimmed 16-way power sport seats and R Performance steering wheel and distinctive, grey birds-eye maple veneers. Still, the S-Type isn’t particularly roomy, fuel consumption is horrible, and its price is out of reach of most buyers. But then, there’s that 400 horsepower.

Sports/performance car

Acura NSX

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Updates to this aluminium-intensive mid-engined sports car, which first appeared in 1991, include new exposed HID headlamps that are twice as bright, a more aggressively styled front bumper, a standard removeable roof panel, a retuned suspension, improved brakes, larger 17 inch tires, and more colour choices. As sports cars go, the mid-engined NSX offers sublime handling, awesome brakes, and plenty of power from its 290 horsepower 3.2 litre V6 and six-speed manual transmission (252 hp/3.0 litre V6 with automatic transmission). Still, it’s basic platform is over 12 years old and some of its AJAC competitors have more horsepower. As well, the NSX’ interior is cramped, storage space is minimal, ingress/egress is awkward, and the retail price is very high. I love this car, but I can’t see it winning this class.

BMW Z4

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The successor to the Z3 has more aggressive styling, particularly at the rear where there is a higher tail with a lip spoiler. The interior has also been restyled with some styling hints borrowed from the Z8. The trunk is small, but it can be enlarged when the convertible top is up to provide enough luggage space for two golf bags. The Z3′s six cylinder engines have been carried over to the Z4: a 2.5 litre inline six and a 3.0 litre inline six, but a new six speed manual transmission replaces the 5 speed manual. As well, a 5-speed automatic is offered. The Z4 is a nimble, fun-to-drive sports car with a tight suspension and chassis, quick steering and great brakes, and a wonderfully smooth engine. But its new styling is arguably more complicated than it needs to be, and it has minimal interior and trunk space.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG

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Tuned by AMG, Mercedes-Benz’ high performance division, the SLK 32 AMG is substantially more powerful than the regular SLK 320, and includes a handling suspension and a unique interior. Under the hood is a 354 horsepower supercharged V6 engine that propels the small roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. Its standard 5-speed automatic Speedshift transmission now includes a manual shift mode, but a standard manual transmission is not offered. SLK 32 AMG models have unique front and rear aprons, side sills, and a rear lip spoiler that reduces lift. Inside are unique sport seats and instrument cluster. The SLK 32 AMG’s powerful engine and quick handling should prove almost unbeatable in this class, and its folding hardtop will win some points. But it’s not particularly roomy inside and the SLK’s styling is a bit dated.

Nissan 350Z – MY PICK*

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New for 2003, the 350Z coupe (it’s really a hatchback) offers a lot of performance for the dollar, but some critics may not like its controversial styling. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 287 horsepower version of Nissan’s 3.5 litre V6 engine, the rear-wheel-drive 350Z comes with a real 6-speed manual transmission, big 18 inch tires and alloy wheels, an independent suspension, anti-skid control, leather seats, 240 watt Bose sound system, and a host of luxury features. Track Pack models add Brembo brakes and front and rear spoilers. Despite its formidable competition in this category, the 350Z is the only real all-new model, and it has a raw, sensory performance feel that’s foreign to other cars in this class. It could be an emotional winner.

Related posts:

1. 2003 Canadian Car of the Year Awards, Part One
2. 2000 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year Awards
3. Canadian Car of the Year candidates – Part 3 Station Wagons & Minivans
4. Canadian Car of the Year candidates – Part 2 Sport Coupes, Sedans and Convertibles
5. Canadian Car of the Year candidates Week 5: Economy Car; Luxury/Prestige Car; Pickup Truck