2.5L 4 Cylinder 184 HP with 6 Speed SKYACTIV-Drive Automatic Transmission

Soul Red Mica with Black Leather Interior

The photo gallery/slide show of the Mazda 6

I don’t consider myself that old. I’m on the cusp of just turning 31. I mean most young men/kids like myself still love the same things that we loved 5 years ago. The odd video game, party, and especially cool cars. I have to admit the past couple of cars had me worried.

Time is ticking, meaning I will have to grow up, and mature at some point. That means, sell that sport bike. Start looking at necessities rather than luxuries, and probably have to get some form of a family sedan. Its making me cringe just typing that.

To add insult to injury, that past couple of cars, although...good cars, seemed to be missing something.. Perhaps The Colonel said it best when reviewing the Accord “Its competent value”

So that is what I have to look forward to. Cars that offer “value” no more coupes, V8’s, twin turbos, or a clutch pedal? Until I pull in the drive way and see this new 2014 Mazda 6 in Soul Red Mica. At first glance I think to myself perhaps there is hope for the future, as long as Mazda is still around.

Styling wise the car is more with KUDO design language is livelier, and aggressive than its predecessor, and you can see all the right fastback sedan cues. The long hood, and short trunk also give it somewhat of a sports car silhouette while the 19’ wheels just add to the package. Inside the same lines continue on the dash, and door panels. The fit and finish is good, and what you expect in this class. The power seats are comfortable, and offer plenty of support, and the red stitching is a nice touch that also sets it apart.  This tester is a GT version with everything that Mazda offers, from active xenons that steer, navigation, 11 speaker Bose sound system, active cruise control, push button start, just name a few. Like all cars in this class it also offers a compelling value proposition.

The rear seat is roomy, offering acceptable leg room for adults.

You  can configure your own Mazda 6.

Motivating this Mazda 6 is a 2.5L four cylinder with SKYACTIV technology that makes 184HP and 185lb-ft which is inline with most cars in this class with the 4 cylinder box checked. Power comes on smooth and is not peaky. The engine also makes quite the snarl above 3000rpm. The 6 speed auto is well calibrated to the engine with smooth shifts. In manual mode the car will blip the throttle, and shifting through the gears using the paddles adds to the sporty experience. The car is light on its feet, even with snow tires on, and is a more exciting to drive than other sedans. The brakes are strong, and provide good feedback, and the steering although electric is wheel weighted. One of their slogan is “if it’s not worth driving, it’s not worth building” and Mazda did stay true to that.

I don’t think there is a single car in this class that does not offers strong value. Most is not all manufacturers, will pour everything they have into their mid size sedans. Mazda gives this car something extra that you won’t find in a brochure or product description....a soul.

LPR 

The quick review

3.5L V6 278 HP with 6 Speed Automatic Transmission

Obsidian Blue Pearl with Grey Leather

The photo gallery / slide show of the Accord.

Its the Canadian Car of the Year...upholding the Honda tradition of holding a prominent position in the Canadian market with one or more of its vehicles. As you know, the mid size sedan segment is a battle ground fought primarily on value and features. This new Accord is not just a serious contender, but literally redefines the rules of engagement in the value equation. 

Our tester is the top of the line Touring version with a strong V6, and full featured at $35,290. its a ton of car for the money, and its a Honda! With the new Accord starting at $23,990. for the LX version...yes Honda is redefining the landscape, and the Accord sales figures since the beginning of this year confirm the impact of the new Accord on the segment.

You expect conservative middle of the road styling, and the Accord does not disappoint, while having a subdued street presence. The interior is well finished with attention to details, contrasting stitching to liven up the look, a good choice of materials to balance the price point. While all the features that you expect, from a sunroof, satellite radio, navigation, back up camera, prominent and well integrated center of dash displays are present. In addition to a novel right hand side camera when the turn signal is activated. 

Did we forget heated seats, push button start, a good sound system, to name a few more. The full complement of features is truly impressive, the trade off is a level of prominent black plastic.

The heated rear seat is roomy and  accommodating for adults.

Yes...the projector beam LED headlamps are very cool.

You can configure your Accord.

One of the constants of any Honda, is a superior driving experience. This new Accord immediately embarks on a mission to impress with the level of power, the well calibrated smooth shifting 6 speed transmission. The 278 horsepower is exuberant, well trained, feels like more, with a wonderful sound. Its a joy to depress the throttle by wire.

The car is reassuring, competent, with an enthusiastic level of sportiness. The electrically assisted rack and pinion steering provides adequate steering feel, while the brakes are very good for a sedan.   

The V6 has VCM (vehicle cylinder management) and a novel Eco Mode indicated with geen highlights on the circumference of the speedometer. You can elect to remain in the green, or enjoy the engine sound while turning the circumferene white.

You expect a Honda to provide a superior driving experience, and become impressed by its competence, and how good the driving experience really is. 

In a very competitive segment populated by ton pf great sedans, why should you consider the Accord? Its competent value, with a full complement of features that you expect, and several that will surprise you, while upholding the Honda tradition of being a great driving car. 

The quick review

3.5L V6 268 HP with 6 Speed Automatic Transmission w/Paddle Shift

Cypress Pearl with Almond Leather 

The photo gallery/slide show of the Avalon

The styling of the new Avalon appealed to us from the instant we saw the first photos. Yes the fast back sedan look captures our interest, while generating a compelling street presence. Compared to the previous Avalon this one exudes additional vigor and youthfulness. 

As usual Toyota is meticulous with their press vehicles ensuring that they have winter tires, which were very useful during the appreciable snowfall we experienced a few days after we picked up the car. We should mention that the Avalon is great in snow inspiring confidence negotiating streets and parking lots that were not well plowed due to the heavy snowfall. 

The interior is refreshing, and meticulously well finished with detail stitching on the dash that ads an additional touch of sophistication. All the features that you expect are present, from power seats, sunroof, heated and ventilated seats with lumbar, navigation. In addition our tester included the Premium package with a JBL sound system, rear seat climate control, heated rear seat, dynamic cruise control to name a few additional features. 

In typical Toyota philosophy the center dash display is conservative with a smaller than bigger touch screen. The rear seat leg room is generous. the rear climate control enhances the comfort of rear seat passengers; while the trunk is the size you would expect on a full size car. 

Sitting in the car, perusing the interior, the features, it quickly becomes apparent that its a lot of car for a starting price of $ 38,900. and obvious that being a Toyota the fit and finish is superlative, you would not expect anything less from Toyota.

You can configure your own Avalon.

How does it drive? 

We had an opportunity to experience the Avalon with a good amount of snow, the traction control, ABS, work well in snow conditions. We navigated streets and parking areas with appreciable snow, the Avalon was competent, inspired confidence, and never lost its composure to gain traction. We should mention that our speeds were in direct relation to the conditions.

Its a middle of the road competent full size sedan, with a good level of power from the V6, accompanied by a smooth shifting 6 speed transmission, acceptable steering feel and good brakes. Its not spectacular in any area, but does everything spectacularly well.

Be it travelling on surface streets, navigating parking lots, or on highways, its a reassuring car with an acceptable level of power for all situations. Its not a sport sedan, although if the car seems too sedate, selecting "sport mode" will immediately elevate the "vigor" of the car.

Why you should consider and experience the Avalon. You are focusing on a full size sedan for your needs, there are numerous choices offered by many manufacturers. Some have subdued styling, while other have the emerging fast back sedan look, either in a smaller or in many instance more expensive offerings. The Avalon is stylish, with a complement of features often found on more expensive sedans. 

Its a competent car, offering exceptional value...yes its a lot of car for the money!

The quick review

3.6L V6 304 HP with 6 Speed Automatic Transmission

White Diamond with Jet Black Leather

The photo gallery/slide show of the XTS

We first saw the XTS concept a few years ago in Detroit as GM was emerging from some dark moments, and having had a conversation with Clay Dean from Cadillac Design the following year regarding the styling of the XTS. We were more than anxious to finally experience an XTS for a few days.

From the outset we had our reservations on the shortness of the hood, from the perspective that luxury cars have a longer hood than the one on the XTS. On the street the short hood blends in nicely with the styling of the car, yes our hood reservations have dissipated. Needless to mention that White Diamond is a stunning color on the car, raising the street presence to new levels.

Everyone notices a White Diamond fastback sedan with an authoritative Cadillac grille...the car makes a statement.

We experienced the car during the "cold snap" and travelled to areas that were appreciably colder than the GTA. The XTS started seamlessly, the heated steering wheel is instantly warm, the heated/ventilated seats are appreciated. Even CUE worked flawlessly with no gloves at cold temperatures.

Interiors are often a personal preference, GM for the past few years has paid considerable attention to interiors, this XTS has a meticulously crafted interior with great attention to details. The delicate stitching on the dash, the adjustable seat cushions, the immense panorama sunroof, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. We can keep on going, every feature that you expect in a luxury car is present, and functions seamlessly. 

Our tester was the Premium version with a simply awesome 14 speaker Bose surround sound system. You can configure your own XTS.

The rear seat is spacious with excellent leg room, easy to access, complemented with its own temperature controls. The trunk is a complete surprise, its huge, augmented by folding seat backs.

Our initial reservations of the short hood which were quickly dispelled seeing the car on the street, were also augmented by the fact that the concept was a front wheel drive car which is presumably not a desirable feature on a luxury car. As you know in Canada most cars in this segment are all wheel drive, our tester was the XTS4 version from our perspective should be the only version available in Canada similar to many of the German offerings.

How does it drive?

Phenomenal highway cruiser that immediately exudes and transmits the luxury car feel complemented by a sense of complete self assuredness, must be the Magnetic Ride Control suspension. Its a wow moment that there is something special about the car.

Easy to manoeuvre on surface streets, and what you cannot see there is a camera or sensor to warn you of impending obstructions, with the alert in the driver seat a cool feature.

Being an AWD the car is seamless on slippery surfaces with the ABS being the initial alert that its slippery.

The steering has a judicious amount of feels for a luxury sedan, the brakes once warm are authoritative. Its not a sport sedan while at all times communicating assuring driving dynamics.

The V6 with an authoritative growl in the higher ranges, provides adequate performance with good passing power, the automatic with subtle paddle shifts is well calibrated to the engine.

We came away from our few days with the XTS, our reservations dispelled, and if you are considering an AWD full size sedan make its point to experience the XTS, your hopefully your reservations will be dispelled.

The quick review

2.0L Atkinson Cycle 4 cylinder 141 HP with CVT Transmission

Electric Motor rated at 118 HP with the Hybrid system rated at 188 HP

Ruby Red Tri Coat with Charcoal Black Cloth interior

The photo gallery / slide show of the 2013 Fusion.

We were anxious to spend a few days, and experience the new Fusion, yes we think its an appealing car, with styling that generates a strong street presence. 

The fact that its an hybrid is an added benefit, by now you know that we enjoy cars with electric motors. There is an undeniable cool factor in turning the key and simply having a green indicator telling you that the car is "ready".

Before we forget the Hybrid SE version starts at $29,999. which is exceptional value for a mid size hybrid sedan. 

While the styling, the 4 door fastback look grasps your initial attention, the spaciousness of the interior truly focuses your attention that its not only a good looking, but also a spacious, useful sedan.

The interior is well finished, in this version the cloth with the contrasting red stitching is appealing, complemented by navigation, satellite radio, a back up camera supported by rear parking sensors which are very useful. The power seats, automatic climate control are additional appreciated features. While rear seat leg room is for adults. We did notice a fair amount of black plastic under the center of the dash screen.

You expect a smaller trunk in an hybrid with space being used by the battery pack, which is the case with this car, the surprise is the folding seat backs which greatly enhance the versatility of the trunk.

How does it drive?

We had an opportunity to go for a road trip, while experiencing the Fusion on the highway for a few hours, its a wonderful highway cruiser, with an adequate level of power. The cruise control is enabled by technology which instead of accelerating the gasoline engine enlist the assistance of the electric motor when a slight increase in power is required.

On surface streets its the typical Ford hybrid system with a judicious blend of ICE / EV clearly visible on the dash, as well as the trademark leaves that grow with increased hybrid activity. A new feature is the scoring of the regenarative braking, which will score your brakes efficiency.

The steering feel is just right for a mid size sedan, the road holding inspires confidence, the regenerative brakes are aggressive until one get used to achieving a high regen score.  

Lets not forget that you can cover reasonable distances on just the electric motor, at lower speeds.

We agree that the mid size sedan segment is hyper competitive with formidable competitors. We are confident that the Fusion will not only hold its own, but certainly elbow some entrenched players in the segment.

If you are considering a mid size sedan, and perhaps the Fusion did not make your list, make it a point to experience the Fusion, the fastback styling is appealing, its surprisingly spacious, with exceptional performance within the parameters of the segment. 

The quick review. 

3.6L V6 321 HP with 6 Speed Automatic Transmission/Paddle Shift

Crystal Red Metallic with Jet Black Leather

The photo gallery/slide show of the ATS

That we were anxious to experience that ATS is an understatement, we were excited! Having experienced a few CTS's and other sport sedans from GM, our expectations for the ATS were high.

Yes...the car met our expectations and more. Its a serious entrant in the hyper competitive market segment ruled by German cars. 

We picked up the car headed for a road trip, without referring to the owners manual or being overly distracted we quickly navigated our way through CUE to adjust the climate control, the flow of air, the navigation, and obvious set our favorite satellite radio stations. 

Is it a wow moment to grasp the basics of CUE by intuition? 

Picking up a car, and driving for a few hours is a unique opportunity to mentally compare the car to others in the segment, our conclusion was always the same..."this is a good car, a serious competitor". Accompanied by a good level of power, wonderful sounds coming from the engine, smooth shifting transmission, precise steering, enhanced by robust brakes with Brembo front calipers. An impressive Bose sound system...which is essential on a road trip.

Turning to the interior, with lovely stitching on the dash, power seats, everything fits well, no squeaks, and after a few hours we are not sore, the seats are very comfortable, and supportive. The other controls are easy to locate and use. The cruise control speed in the heads up display is cool. Lane departure warning that communicates through the seat alert is interesting. If you are closing too fast to vehicles in front the seat alert comes into play as well as the heads up display...interesting! To accompany the precise steering, the steering wheel is the right size, thickness, with thumb rests.

Cadillac provides the choice to select different colors and materials to configure the interior to your preferences. Our tester had the Jet Black leather with the aluminum panels on the dash and doors, there is wood or carbon fibre available to replace the aluminum.

The rear seat is destined for small adults or children, not so much the leg room, as the headroom being at the premium, with the space used by the sunroof mechanism. 

This car fits right, its snug and comfortable, with a low seating position which enhances the feeling of snugness. 

You can configure the Cadillac ATS here.

How good is the chassis? Its fall, its colder, its wet, not ideal weather for performance summer tires, but negotiating a tight left hand sweeper on the highway the car telegraphed that it could deal with much more, uncanny the seamless performance of this car. Yes...its rear wheel drive, for the enthusiast it feels like a proper rear wheel drive car with a positraction. 

The configuration of the front LED's on this car is totally cool, while adding a discrete level of bling, augmented by the illuminated door handles.

Agreed there are numerous well established incumbents in this segment, and we all know the names. The ATS is as good, and better than the incumbents. If you are seeking a competent, precise, luxury sport sedan, we encourage you to visit your Cadillac dealer and experience the ATS for yourself. We had high expectations, this car did not disappoint us, it impressed, and surprised the entire Strada crew.

The quick review.

6.2L V8 411 HP with 6 Speed Automatic Transmission

White Platinum with Black Leather / Snakeskin 

The photo gallery/slide show of the F150

Its about time that we finally got around to experience the best selling vehicle in Canada for countless years running, especially that we had experienced a Ram and a Silverado. Yes...we are excited to have an F150, and not just any F150 the Harley-Davidson version.

You have noticed that pick ups have incrementally increased in size over the past several years, they are now positively huge. This F150 follows through providing a commanding view over most if not all SUV's and CUV's on the road.

Its a seriously cool truck with all the features of a well optioned luxury sedan, from the sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, great sound system, navigation to name a few. The fold away running boards are as cool as it gets, and a necessity to gracefully get in or out. 

The interior is immense, and well finished, the front bucket seats are comfortable even on longer road trips. The controls are easy and intuitive, and needless to mention that the visibility is excellent, and aided by parking assists in the rear, and back up camera.

The Harley-Davidson logo on the console cover with the VIN, the snake skin motif on the leather, and especially the steering wheel assert that this is a special, limited edition truck. While reinforcing the evolution of pick ups through the years to now having the same features as luxury cars.

How does it drive? Its a truck, its big, and with the 6.2L emitting a wonderful V8 rumble, and generating 411 HP its a phenomenal highway cruiser. On surface streets the size makes it cumbersome, but in open spaces and highways this truck moves with authority.  The size belies the performance and agility, keeping in mind that its not a sport sedan, and it will not attack on off ramps. 

In an urban environment when navigating surface streets, parking lots, often an additional maneuver is required simply to park. In open spaces, this truck comes into its own, we know that in many areas of Canada the spaces are wide opened.

A question that arose on several occasions: "Who would use such a well finished and featured truck to work?". We know that most folks that work with pick ups pull a trailer containing the tools, and equipment they require for their specific activity. This truck will pull a trailer all day, deal with reasonable off road conditions, and is as well finished and featured as a luxury SUV.

Why you should consider such a truck? You are not confined to an urban environment, you have a succesful business, do not have a desire to use a commericial truck, while appreciating the versatility of working a working truck, and a roomy sedan or SUV.

You can configure your own F150.

The quick review.

2.0L Boxer 4 cylinder 200 HP with 6 Speed Automatic Transmission

World Rally Blue Pearl with Anthracite Black Leather/Alcantara

The photo gallery/slide show of the BRZ

Its been almost 20 years since Subaru made a 2 door sports car, and I can’t even remember the last time I saw a SVX on the road. Fast forward to 2012 and out of a joint venture with Toyota the BRZ is born. Just looking at the car and its proportions, lines, and stance it easily pulls second and third glances from everyone.

Its traditional sports cars looks with a long hood, and short rear deck you could almost stare at the car for hours. Our 2013 BRZ was the fully equipped version with Automatic, and the Sport-Tech package, which adds Navigation, upgraded Stereo, xenon lights, and push button start just to name a few. Powered by Subaru’s new 2L boxer four from the 2012 Impreza but tweaked a little to make 50 more hp to a nice even 200. Thanks to Toyota's fuel injection system which uses both conventional and direct injection, this little boxer can now rev to 7,400rpm, and still pulls strong. The 6 speed automatic works very well, there is no gear hunting, with a snow, normal and sport mode which will sharpen up the upshifts, and even downshift for if you are hunting for on and off ramps. In manual mode the downshifts are quick with blips of the throttle. Makes you wonder if this is a dual clutch transmission.

In a world where most cars in this class have 300 HP or more like the V6 Mustang, Camaro, and Genesis, the car on paper does look under powered, but Subaru wanted to focus on the driving dynamics, weight, and comfort. Strapping the car on for the first time you instantly realize that this is a drivers cars that will reward you. The suspension is firm, steering is telepathic, and brakes are strong. Weighing in 2700lbs the BRZ is at least 600lbs lighter then any of the 3 cars mentioned, and it shows. Body roll is minimal, and everything works well together. The short wheel base almost makes the car feel like a go-kart. The extremely low center of gravity that bests cars such as the Nissan GT-R, Ferrari 458, every Porsche model, I don’t need to say that this little car mean business when it comes to driving.

Getting in the car, the typical Subaru owner will instantly recognise the instrument cluster with the typical red glow, and that’s about it, everything else is “ oh that’s nicer than mine” , “oh that’s cooler than mine”, “ I don’t have that” with the sport-tech package the BRZ comes well equipped, with fully automatic dual zone climate, and heated seats. after the looking at the gauges, your eyes will migrate to the pioneer navigation system, which has every feature you could want from Bluetooth, BT audio, iPod connection, SD card slot, and the sound quality is good. Although it looks out of place, ruins the flow of the interior, and looks aftermarket, and is not the most intuitive system. The seats are excellent and with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters, they make sure that you are going nowhere when the road gets a little curvy. Being a 2+2 car, the BRZ does have back seats but unless your friends are just torsos , they most likely wont fit, but being a sports car, and one of the smallest in the market, cargo is not its strong suit, and potential customers will easily accept the lack of cargo capacity.

Other cars in this class may have more room, or more power, but most of them miss the point of a true sports car.  Make it a point to drive the BRZ so that you can realise what you will be missing, and what other manufacturers are trying to cover up by adding flashy paint colors such as “Gotta have it green metallic tintcoat” or 320hp to try and motivate a car that weighs 1,000lb more.  

LPR 

The quick review

3.5L V6 273 HP with 6 Speed Automatic Transmission

Silver Metallic with Ebony Leather

The photo gallery/slide show of the RDX

The RDX is "product planned" to attract customers seeking a luxury compact SUV, with features that resonate with the segment, and middle of the road appealing street presence. Needless to mention that its a competitive market segment, with formidable players, and literally a dizzying choice of offerings.

What immediately caught our attention about the RDX, its smoothness, and driving refinement. This truck immediately makes you feel good!

The interior is well appointed, and meticulously crafted, although the center of the dash display is conservative. The seats are comfortable, and power assisted as you would expect. The 410 watt sound system is clear, powerful, and enjoyable making your favorite satellite radio station truly come alive. In addtion there is navigation, back up camera, power tailgate to name a few features that we have come to expect on trucks at this price range, and aspirations.

The rear seat is roomy with ample leg room for adults, while the folding seat back increases the versatility of the cargo area. 

In the hyper competitive CUV segment with all the offerings having similar features, options, cameras, sensors, sunroof, navigation, satellite radio, power tailgates, and we can keep on going. You surely get our thought vector, that CUV from a feature perspective at quite similar.

From our perspective what sets the RDX apart is the seamless performance (for a CUV), its smooth, its precise, its relaxing to drive even in congested traffic, and inspires confidence on our habitual stretch of broken pavement. 

The engine provides a good level of performance, the transmission is well calibrated to the engine, the steering transmits a sense of accuracy, the brakes provide good stopping power. 

In a busy, crowded market segment, why should you consider an RDX? You prefer conservative styling, with a discreet street presence, and place a high priority on the driving experience, and the feel good factor. Make it a point to experience the RDX!

The quick review

In one of the many conversations a comment that caught our attention from a Subaru executive "Used Subarus are hard to find, since they are handed down to family or close friends". 

At a time when every manufacturer is focusing on Gen Y / Millennials, and designing products that will appeal to this segment that is increasingly coming of age. With every manufacturer arriving at their own interpretation of the segment, while designing specific vehicles that will resonate with Millennials.

Subaru is launching a versatile vehicle that will accommodate Canadian climatic conditions, an active lifestyle, a family, with design that generates emotional appeal, having urban (smaller than bigger) and not suburban (bigger than smaller) size and capabilities.

From our perspective the XV Crosstrek is a Forester with increased attitude that will resonate with Millennials, and the folks that want an additional cool factor in their choice of vehicle. 

Its exciting to see Subaru break with tradition and enter a competitive market segment populated with established, and well entrenched competitors. 

There are 3 versions of the Crosstrek, with the Touring starting at $24,495. the Sport at $26,495. and the Limited at $28,995.

It seems that all manufacturers that want to appeal to Millennials which is the first generation of "digital natives" (born with PC's) make it a point to include connectivity, and technological features in the higher version (more expensive) of their offerings. 

For Millennials the dash display is a touch point that will immediately wow, or dissappoint. 

Contrary to some offerings in the compact crossover segment that are primarily front wheel drive, and become all wheel drive if the traction conditions are poor.

The Crosstrek is a full time symmetrical all wheel drive, and yes you would not expect anything less from Subaru.  

The engine is the classic Boxer 4, this one is 2.0L in displacement, with 148 HP, and 145 lb.ft. of torque. Obvious that a vehicle with urban aspirations will have a slightly smaller engine, in addition to improved fuel economy of 6.0L Highway and 8.2L City per 100 kms.

The available transmissions are a 5 speed manual, or a CVT with paddle shifts that emulates a 6 speed. By now you know that we prefer automatics in this type of vehicle, we enjoyed the CVT, and having the option of shifting gears or letting the transmission and technology do its thing. 

We had the opportunity to drive a manual transmission version, which is easy to shift up or down, with a smooth clutch pedal.

The electric power steering has the right amount of feel for this type of vehicle. The brakes were up to the task. We travelled on enough gravel, and broken roads to unequivocally say that the Crosstrek is solid, and inspires confidence in adverse road conditions. 

The missing element was snow, but we have had the opportunity to drive several hundred kilometers with different Subarus under totally awful snow conditions...it was always an epic experience...the worse it gets the more seamless it is with a Subaru. 

The specifications, features, configurator of the 2013 Crosstrek.

The interior is well finished, with a good choice of materials, and tactile touch points. The rear seat is roomy, the cargo area is versatile with the folding seat back, and discreet with the sliding cover. 

All the safety features from airbags, ABS, traction control, stability, brake override, high strenght steel, are all present, and Subaru anticipates a 5 Star rating when the Crosstrek is crash tested.

We spent several hours, and drove numerous kilometers on surface roads, gravel, and rough gravel roads, what stands out for us, its a Subaru (handles challenging roads and conditions seamlessly), the interior is well finished, the seats are comfortable, the styling and street presence is appealing. The CVT with the paddle shifter is cool, while the power is adequate for a vehicle with an urban inclination. 

If you are seeking a compact crossover with more style than the habitual "flat roof", obvious that Subaru did not blip on your radar...now it does...make it a point to experience the XV Crosstrek, and the seamless performance of a Subaru.

Our quick overview...