Last week I happily kicked 2009 to the curb, along with the many automotive divisions and models that won't be around for 2010. But with the New Year comes new hope for a future awash in worthy and exciting cars (also political intelligence and personal responsibility/accountability...but I'm not holding my breathe on those).
In the spirit of looking forward let's examinie the North American Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) finalists, cars I'll be voting on today before the winner is announced next Monday. On the car side we have the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Volkswagen Golf. On the truck side we're talking about the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect and Subaru Outback.
First, I'm happy to face a challenge in deciding where to assign my voting points, as all six of these vehicles are fully worthy of an award. I'm also happy to see the mix of vehicles, with five brands and five very different vehicle types represented. This points to the continued improvement of all cars by all automakers. We're not just looking at great cars from the imports and great big trucks from the domestics, as has been the dominant trend over most of the past 30 years.
No, for 2010 we've got exceptional cars and a compact crossover from the U.S. brands, plus a European hatchback, a Euro-inspired small van and a robust Japanese wagon/SUV.
The Buick LaCrosse is a thoroughly viable luxury car that represents solid value in terms of what you pay and what you get. It's debatable whether Buick should have survived as a brand (at least outside of China), but the LaCrosse provides a glimpse of what Buick could stand for -- value-priced luxury.
It took awhile, but America finally produced an excellent hybrid. The Ford Fusion Hybrid offers buyers the advanced Sync system, high quality interior components and compelling exterior styling. The Fusion also boasts a trait few hybrids even consider -- engaging driving dynamics.
The new 2010 Volkswagen Golf would be impressive in its most basic form (2.5-liter gasoline engine, five-speed manual transmission). The fact you can get one with a super-efficient diesel engine, dual-clutch transmission or in sporty GTI form clinches its award-worthiness.
I already liked the previous-generation Chevrolet Equinox for its flexible rear seating, roomy interior and confident handling. The 2010 model keeps all of those features but adds compelling styling, fuel-efficient engines and high-tech features like rear entertainment (not available in CR-V).
Is the Ford Transit Connect a somewhat bizarre, Euro-inspired utility truck? Yep. It's also the perfect vehicle for small businesses (and even some private citizens) seeking maximum functionality in a right-sized package. The truck's work-oriented technology is innovation at its best.
It seems only fair for the company that created the first modern crossover (Forester) to finally get credit for the new 2010 Subaru Outback. This one leans more toward traditional SUV traits, granting improved interior space and ride quality but with a small hit in the handling department.
So there they are, the cars closest to winning an award granted by 50 automotive journalists working at publications across North America.
Which ones would you vote for?
By moparbad
on January 5, 2010
11:57 AM
VW Golf
Ford Fusion Hybrid
of the two, Ford Fusion Hybrid is better value proposition, so it wins.
By moparbad
on January 5, 2010
12:06 PM
Two best no compromise vehicles are the Fusion Hybrid and VW Golf.
Fusion Hybrid is better value.
By dougtheeng
on January 5, 2010
12:45 PM
Fusion Hybrid - the successful small compact (ie the Golf) has been done before and I don't know if it needs celebrating again. A successful hybrid in a family sedan though, that's a novel idea.
By subytrojan
on January 5, 2010
02:35 PM
I would vote for the VW Golf and Subaru Outback.
I think the Fusion and Equinox will win the awards.
By technetium99
on January 5, 2010
03:50 PM
I would vote the Buick for the car and the Transit for truck, but I agree with Suby that the Eek and the Foosa will win.
By misterfusion
on January 5, 2010
04:08 PM
All of these vehicles are worthy, but in terms of sedans, LaCrosse is the real deal. I hope this car is not overlooked by the buying public, even if it doesn't win NACTOY.
In terms of trucks, what an eclectic list! I like the Equinox and Outback, but I think the Transit Connect has the most potential to be transformative *as a truck*. Think I'm overstating? Chances are you do business with someone who has been forced to use an Econoline that is too big for their needs, or is hanging onto an ancient Astro because there has never been a suitable replacement vehicle on the market...until now.
By editor_karl
on January 5, 2010
05:26 PM
Exactly how I see the Transit Connect mister. Pretty cool alternative from the hulking full-size vans or rat-trap Astro/Safari. Really an untapped market I see the Ford cashing in on.
By rsholland
on January 5, 2010
06:00 PM
The only one I'm certain *should* win is the Transit Connect. Heck, it's the only *real truck* in the truck segment.
By carlisimo
on January 5, 2010
09:10 PM
Ford Transit - it's a serious change in the market. I don't know if it counts as a "real truck," but it'll be used as one instead of those old dinosaurs.
As for car of the year... I don't see anything special. They shouldn't feel obligated to award one.
By rsholland
on January 6, 2010
06:22 AM
Carlisimo,
The Transit Connect is a real truck because it is a purpose-built vehicle designed to do *work,* which is what all trucks should be about. Work comes first with this vehicle, as it should for all trucks. It doesn't matter if it's small or large, as long as its primary reason for existence is to haul stuff, which fits the description of the Transit Connect.
By 1487
on January 6, 2010
08:19 AM
Fuson and Equinox. I fail to see all the hype over the Outback- its the same as the last one. I dont believe companies should be rewarded for mild updates of old models. In spite of all the praise the Outback has gotten its not really clear why the new one is way better than the old one.
By estreka
on January 6, 2010
11:29 AM
The Fusion and Equinox will win, no doubt.
The Transit deserves the award, but it would be a waste. Let's be real, how many commercials do you expect to see for the Transit?
Imports rarely win, even when they are compelling. I certainly don't find the new Golf (or is it Rabbit this year?) or Outback to be significant.
The Buick, while nice, will just be a copy of some Chevy model (I'm too lazy to find out which one).
If I were voting, Ford would win a clean sweep.
By 1487
on January 6, 2010
12:58 PM
The Buick isnt a copy of anything. The next Impala will be based on the Lacrosse though.
By rsholland
on January 6, 2010
01:00 PM
"The Transit deserves the award, but it would be a waste. Let's be real, how many commercials do you expect to see for the Transit?"
I'm sure whatever advertising there will be, it will be very targeted at specific audiences. I expect more ads in trade publications rather than mass-media publications.
TV commercials? I bet we see it linked to "guy-oriented" shows like Dirty Jobs, etc.
If the Transit Connect doesn't win the truck award, it will show that the award is meaningless, because it's the only "truck" in that category.
By rsholland
on January 6, 2010
01:28 PM
1487, I agree the new Outback should not win this award; nor should the Equinox, for that matter.
Having said that, you need to drive an old Outback and a new Outback, back-to-back. Then maybe you might see the improvements. Yeah, it's same old formula, but massaged to a much higher degree, resulting in a much improved product. Customers seem to agree, as it's selling a record pace.
By misterfusion
on January 6, 2010
05:39 PM
@ rsholland: Yeah, to answer 1487's statement "...its not really clear why the new one is way better than the old one", I was gonna say, "For one thing, I can now fit in the back seat without folding myself in half."
You can't say that the new Outback is "too big", because all that size is devoted to utility -- and it gets better mileage than its predecessor!
By mcmanus
on January 7, 2010
05:04 AM
I really like my 2009 Outback (if you need AWD) but it is not a truck. Listing it as one is a sham.
I do wish Subaru would sell the diesel versions of the Legacy/Outback (that they build in Indiana) here in the U.S. Now that would get my vote for "Car of the Year".
Here's a link:
http://www.insideline.com/subaru/legacy/2008/european-first-drive-2008-subaru-legacy-boxer-diesel.html
By 1487
on January 7, 2010
05:42 AM
"Yeah, it's same old formula, but massaged to a much higher degree, resulting in a much improved product. Customers seem to agree, as it's selling a record pace."
Same could be said for Equinox and unlike the Suburu the Chevy is attractive. Suburu makes decent cars but they have no style. Both vehicles are selling well so you cant use sales success as a reason to suggest the Outback is superior.
I dont see the transit connect as a significant vehicle for consumers and its not even new since its been on sale in other markets for a year or two already. That leaves the Chevy and Suburu as legit choices.
By rsholland
on January 7, 2010
06:34 AM
"That leaves the Chevy and Suburu as legit choices."
The Transit Connect (and this type of vehicle) is new to the American market, and that's what's important. It's a new market segment that has been introduced here.
It is also the only one of the three that is a *truck.*
Finally, I never said or suggested that the Subaru was superior to the Equinox.
By moparbad
on January 11, 2010
09:05 AM
And the winner is.....
Ford
Fusion Hybrid
Transit Connect
it's a sweep!