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Audi S6 Avant Suzuki Aerio SX |
Audi A4 Avant Saab 9-5 Suzuki Esteem |
Dropped Saturn SW2 |
Alfa 166 (2007) Audi A8 (2003) Jaguar T-type (2003?) Mazda 6 (2003) Mercedes Grand Sports Tourer (2004) Volvo V50 & XC50 (fall 2003) Volvo V70 R (MY 2003) VW Passat W8 (summer '02) |
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The A4 Avant capitalized on the success of the A4 sedan, the car that basically saved Audi sales in North America. Its emphasis is more on sport than it is on load-carrying capacity, but it's other strength is styling - arguably the best-looking station wagon on the market today. Introduced in 1998, followed by a mild exterior update in 1999, the next generation A4 just arrived in the USA as a 2002 model. Two engines are available, a 1.8 liter 20v turbo (170hp) and a 3.0 liter 30v V6 (221 hp), both with standard quattro all-wheel-drive. The updated styling picks up on A6 design cues. It's roomier as well. The hot S4 wagon, with the same 250hp twin-turbo V6 as the S4 sedan, is still available, but in the old bodystyle until next year.. It's not cheap, but it really doesn't have any competition (unless you count the Subaru WRX wagon, or if BMW decides to bring in the new M3 wagon). It is rumored that the next S4 will come with a V8 engine to better keep up with the M3.
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Audi A6 (above) and S6 Avant (below) |
The A6 Avant arrived in the USA around July 1998, almost a year behind its sedan counterpart. Very much a bigger brother to the A4 Avant, it boasts more room and more luxury features. It comes in just one configuration: quattro all-wheel-drive with a Tiptronic automatic transmission behind the 200hp, 2.8 liter 30 valve V6. A third seat, fairly rare these days, is standard. As in the A4, styling and interior design are high points, although the Avant obviously does not have the same love-it-or-hate-it rear end of the sedan (it looks similar to the A4).
MSRP: $38,350 (A6),
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First shown at the 1998 Detroit International Auto Show, Audi's answer to
the SUV binge (and the popular Volvo Cross Country) is based on the A6
Avant. The allroad gets unique body panels, aggressive styling, a
different interior, and a 4-position height-adjustable suspension (quattro
all-wheel-drive is standard, of course). And this time, Audi did not
forget the engine - the 250hp 2.7 twin-turbo is standard fare, available
with both a manual or automatic transmission. Changes for 2002 are
minimal.
Liking this car is a matter of style. It is outfitted luxuriously, with almost everything standard. It has more ground clearance than a BMW X5. It can do 0-60 in 6.8 seconds with a manual transmission. It may answer a question no one is asking, but Audi thinks it has a winner here in the new hybrid wagon/SUV category. MSRP: $39,900 |
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Get ready for the little brother to the 525i/540i BMW
wagons....the 325i Sport Wagon. First available in April, 2000,
the 325i aims squarely at the Audi A4 and Volvo V40 wagons. While previous
generations of the
3-series wagon have been available outside the USA before, this is the
first time it has made it to the USA.
Don't be fooled by the low MSRP, however.....it is easy to option this wagon into the low $40k range. It arrives with a more sport-oriented rear-wheel drive vs. the front wheel drive Volvo V40, and now comes with optional all-wheel-drive (325xi) to give the Audi wagons a run for their money. A manual transmission is standard; and automatic is optional. The 3-series gets a mild facelift for 2002 - different headlight and rear light details, and revised steering among other things. Even so, considering BMW's positioning as a "Sport Wagon", why does the 3-series wagon not come with the larger 3.0 liter 6-cylinder? And why no M3 wagon? That seems like a mistake; BMW should more firmly back up the "Sport Wagon" term. All complaining aside, the 325i wagon represents the continued resurgence of the smaller, sport-oriented wagon in the USA, and should sell very well. We can still wish for a smaller price and a bigger engine, though, can't we?
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The current 5-series sport wagon (formerly called the Touring) made a re-appearance for the 1999 model year after being absent since the 1995 model year. It shows up without the unique (but complex) double sunroof mechanism of the old car, but with all the virtues of the improved 5-series sedan (it rides on the same wheelbase, but is 1.2 inches longer overall). Like the Saab, a roll-out cargo floor will be featured. The 525i is available with a manual or automatic trans; the 540i is only available with the 5-speed Steptronic automatic. Changes for 2002 are limited, the wagons received a mild facelift last year.. Side notes: BMW used to promote the 540i wagon as the "fastest production wagon in America". Doesn't do that anymore, because it is now spanked by the Audi S6 Avant on the pricey end, and the Subaru WRX in the lower price range. It could win back the crown if it puts into production its prototype M5 wagon - wouldn't that be something if that went into production!
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Most of Daewoo's press these days comes from discussion
about the company itself (so finally GM bought it). So what about the cars? I think Autoweek
says it best: "Good basic, almost sporty transportation for those
light in the pocketbook". 2002 produces minimal changes for the
Nubira wagon; there are a few more colors and trim/option choices.
It does seem like a lot of wagon for the money.....
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The new-in-2000 Focus is Ford's latest attempt at a "world car", replacing the Escort wagon. It has been very popular for Ford; there are few changes for 2002 (a leather-clad ZTW model has been added). Two engines are available for the Focus - a 2.0L SOHC I-4 engine with 110 horsepower, and a 2.0L DOHC 16-valve Zetec I-4 engine with 130 horsepower. Looks different, doesn't it? The Focus
was styled in Ford's "new edge" school of design, with
sharp creases and angles. It is taller than most other small
cars, making it feel better to that audience that is now used
to SUVs and minivans. The Focus continues to produce rave reviews for Ford
for its dynamic driving characteristics. Maybe next year Ford will
give us a Focus SVT wagon? |
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Restyled for 2000 to eliminate all of the ovoid styling cues, the Taurus continues to mature. It hits the middle of the wagon market like no other wagon. It has sold much better in 2000 after the restyle, and changes for 2002 are few (although a new SEL model is added this year). The big brother to the smaller Focus, the Taurus wagon has been part of the Taurus line since it was introduced (1986), and a staple of the wagon market (Subaru's Outback line is the only wagon model that outsells it in the USA). Still no SHO wagon, however.....well, no SHO sedan this year either!
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Brand new, the Rio arrived here in late August 2001 as a 2002 model (it debuted simultaneously at the Detroit and Los Angeles auto shows in January). It's powered by a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder developing 96 horsepower. A 5-speed manual is standard, and a 4-speed auto is available. The "Upgrade" package is standard, and includes variable power steering, tilt wheel, body side moldings, tach, and visor vanity mirrors. Kia promised that the Rio wagon will be the lowest priced wagon in the USA (beating out the Suzuki Esteem), and it did so by a considerable amount. Even so, it doesn't look bad, does it? Thanks to Kia for providing a very affordable wagon for everyone.
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Brand new for 2001, the SportCross version of the IS300 (Lexus refuses to call it a station wagon) arrived in the USA last August as a 2002 model. Promoted with an emphasis on sport, Lexus uses the tag line "Handles corners, carries cargo and defies convention" to describe the SportCross. Mechanically identical to the IS300, including it's 215hp 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine, it gets to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. Unlike the IS300, however, an automatic is the only transmission available. So Lexus calls it a five-door and that's fine with us; it's nice to have a Lexus choice in wagons no matter what you call it.
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Brand new to the US in May, 2001, Mazda doesn't want to call this a wagon (wrong image) and doesn't want to call it a hatchback (ditto). So they say "5-door". Well, it's a station wagon no matter what you call it, but Mazda is pushing it as a sport wagon (spoilers, skirts, big wheels, etc.) instead of going the fake-SUV route like the Volvo Cross Country or Subaru Outback. It now has competition in the form of the Suzuki Aerio SX, Subaru WRX, and other "GenX lifestyle crossover vehicles". Although the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder doesn't seem strong at 130 horsepower, the Protege5 weighs only 2700 lbs and feels quick. A 5-speed manual is standard, and a 4-speed auto is available. A strong sound system (called MP3), nice wheels, and body cladding emphasize sport over utility. Overall, a strong entry in the small sport wagon class.
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Introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the C320
becomes the first entry-level station wagon Mercedes has sent to the
USA. Ready to go head to head with its German relatives (Audi A4 and
BMW 325), the C320 is missing only one major option offered by Audi and
BMW: all-wheel-drive.
Powered by the same 215hp, 3.2 liter V6 available in the C-class sedans and E-class sedan/wagon, the C320 has enough grunt to keep a full load moving down the road (although it falls short of the Audi S4's class-leading 250hp). And Mercedes, don't forget to include a sport package option on the wagon, and maybe an AMG C32 wagon? The C320 wagon began rolling into USA showrooms last summer as a 2002 model (the C320 sedan has been available since late summer 2000). To sum up? A well-equipped, albeit expensive for the class, with a focus on luxury rather than sport. Sounds like the E320 wagon description, doesn't it?
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New in 1998, the E320 moved into 2000 with an exterior facelift, and moved into 2001 and now 2002 pretty much unchanged. Designo editions are available for those who want special paints, interiors, and other special touches. Still the most expensive wagon sold in the US, the Mercedes wagon is available with optional all-wheel-drive (called 4-MATIC, developed by Steyr-Puch). Every luxury feature is available, of course, and the AWD system is considerably improved over the earlier system (which was costly, complicated, and heavy). At this price you don't buy it for utility (although the looks have been considerably modified since the last iteration to appeal to a more youthful audience). If you've got the money, why not? And an E430 model (to better keep up with the BMW 540i wagon) keeps threatening to appear, but hasn't yet.
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The sister car to the evergreen Ford Taurus, the Sable represents the very middle of the midsize wagon market. Why buy it instead of a Taurus? It all comes down to a minor styling and option availability decisions. The Taurus/Sable twins are still the second-best selling wagons in America (the Subaru Outback is first), and for good reason - they are roomy, priced right, and have the features everyone wants.
MSRP: $20,740 (LS);
$23,310 (GS) |
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Like all Saabs, this wagon is unique....for example, a sliding floor in the back to help in loading and unloading stuff (it can support 440 lbs of cargo). While it was originally scheduled to have a third, rear facing seat, Saab made a last minute decision not to offer it (a very unfortunate choice, we must say).
9-5s come in either Linear (base), Arc (luxury, called SE last year), or Aero (sport) models. Power for the Linear model is provided by a 2.3 liter I4 (185hp), and the Arc gets a 200hp 3.0 liter V6 (both turbocharged). The high-performance Aero version has a 250hp turbocharged I4 (up from 230 last year) and is available w/either a manual or automatic transmission and 17" wheels. The rumor is that Steyr-Puch will design a 4-wheel drive system for the 9-5 wagon.
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Going head-to-head with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry (neither of which have a station wagon model any more), the L series wagon has a longer wheelbase than either (1.4 more than the Accord, and 1.3 more than the Camry). The more upscale LW300 gets the 6-cylinder engine, 4-wheel discs, bigger tires on aluminum wheels, and other options.
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Subaru Impreza Sport Wagon, Outback Sport, and Impreza WRX |
Differentiated from the competition by funky styling and standard all-wheel-drive, the Impreza wagon is available three ways - regular Sport Wagon, Outback Sport, and (finally!) in rally-tested WRX trim. Overall, the Impreza emphasizes sport, and is available with both automatic and manual transmissions.
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Available in base L and upscale GT versions, the "big" Subaru wagon moves into 2002 basically unchanged (this version has been around since January, 1999). A 2.5 liter, 165hp 4-cylinder 'boxer' is the only available powerplant, but you do have your choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, it continues to outsell the Ford Taurus wagon by a great margin, so don't underestimate its popularity.
MSRP: $19,995 (L);
$23,795 (GT) |
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The wagon that started the "rugged wagon" anti-SUV craze (and spawned competitors like the Volvo Cross Country), the Outback is available in no less than five different wagon models. Four are based on the Legacy (base, Limited, VDC, and L.L. Bean Edition), and one on the Impreza (Sport). The Outback was re-designed in 2000
and made into a separate model line. Let's summarize each model: MSRP: $22,895 (base),
$26,295 (Limited), $31,895 (VDC), $29,495 (L.L. Bean
Edition) |
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Scheduled to be available in the USA in March, the Aerio
is one the the growing number of "crossover" vehicles that are
really small station wagons (like the Mazda Protege5, the Subaru WRX,
etc.). But they never call them wagons, since they don't think
"wagon" will appeal to Gen X'ers (Suzuki calls this a
"sport crossover").
Powered by a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder producing 141hp, the Aerio outpowers its rivals in the small sport wagon class. MSRP: TBD, but
supposed to be "under $15k" |
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The Esteem, while a compact wagon, is the largest Suzuki sold in the US. It emphasizes value for the money, with a low price combined with a long list of standard features. Available in GL, GLX, and GLX+, we're proud of Suzuki for even having a wagon in the market when many Japanese brands (Toyota, Mazda, Honda) have stopped selling any wagons here at all. Since the next generation will be available for the 2002 model year, the Esteem moves into 2001 with only minor changes (new grille, better stereo, etc.). Maybe it doesn't have the refinement of some of the other small wagons, but it deserves more recognition than it is getting now. MSRP: $13,699
(GL); $14,499 (GLX); $16,499 (GLX+) |
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 VW Passat |
First available in the USA in May, 1998, the Passat wagon is based on a stretched Audi A4 chassis. This gives it more cargo space and a different look than the A4 Avant (sizewise it fits between the smaller Audi A4 and the larger Audi A6 wagons). The Passat got a facelift during 2001, and that styling moves into 2002 unchanged. The new styling shows VWs move upscale, and adds a lot of chrome on the outside. 4MOTION all-wheel-drive is available as an option on any of the 6-cylinder models. Side curtain airbags are also available. Surprisingly, the Passat continues to use the Audi 2.8 30 valve V6 rather than the VW VR6. It is also significantly cheaper than the A4, except on the upper end where it creeps into Audi territory. An 8-cylinder Passat W8 wagon is coming later this year to compete with the BMW 5-series.
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We waited a long time for a compact wagon from Volvo. Interestingly, the basic platform is a joint product of Volvo and Mitsubishi (the Mitsubishi version is the Lancer, and will not be available in the USA). The V40 is intended to appeal to buyers who have been priced out of buying a V70, and looks like it is aimed squarely at the Audi A4 Avant. Last years top-level SE version has been dropped for 2002; you'll have to option up the base model to get the same thing. The only powertrain continues to be the 160hp, 1.9 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 5-speed automatic trans. Volvo has been hinting at a sport (or "R") version of the V40...it may come true as a 2003 model. To get us ready, a Sport Package is now optional (but it is just trim and interior bits, no suspension or engine changes). MSRP: $24,900 |
 Volvo V70 (above) Cross Country (below) |
Introduced to the world at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the updated V70 ('V' for 'versatility') arrived in the USA in April 2000. With styling based on the S80 sedan (and riding on the S80 platform), the V70 changes went further than skin-deep. The updated wagons actually preceded the arrival of the sedan versions (now called S60). The V70 all-wheel-drive model has returned to the lineup this year after being missing since 1998 (it is only available with the 5-cylinder low-pressure turbo engine). The 2.4 (base), 2.4T (turbo), and T5 (performance) versions continue from last year. The V70-based Cross Country (or XC) moves into 2002 with only minor changes (new navigation system, optional stability control, etc.). Volvo considers the XC a separate model line - it is available in just one version, with all-wheel-drive and the 197hp light-pressure turbo engine paired with an automatic (although the Ocean Race special edition comes with a unique color and trim package). What we miss most? The top-dog, high-output turbo, all-wheel-drive V70 R from 1998-2000. And it looks like Volvo is listening to us; the show car called the Performance Concept Car looks like it may turn into the V70 R sometime late in 2002 as a 2003 model. Yes! MSRP: $30,025
(2.4), $34,225 (2.4T), $35,975 (2.4T AWD), $36,245 (T5), $36,500 (XC) |
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