Even as manufactures make small tweaks for the model year changeover, they are introducing some brand-new and totally redesigned models.
While small SUVs have been all the rage, the classic four-door sedan hasn’t been left alone.
General Motors takes a crack at two segments with the all-new Malibu midsize sedan and the large, luxurious Cadillac CT6, while Jaguar has tweaked its impressive XF sports sedan.
Toyota has introduced the Mirai fuel-cell car, and it’s Scion brand has two new models, the iM and iA, and Honda has introduced an all-new Civic. On top of that, Ford has finally decided that it is time to let America experience the rip-snorting Focus RS.
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Cadillac CT6
Cadillac’s flagship-shaped void in its lineup may finally be filled by the new CT6. It’s six inches longer than the midsized CTS that it is based on, but a whopping nine inches longer than the BMW 5 Series.
The top engine is a new 400-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Buyers can also opt for a 265-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 335-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Both V6s come with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder is rear-drive only.
Buyers can opt for the Active Chassis System, which consists of rear-wheel steering and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control active dampers.
Cadillac claims extensive use of aluminum—including the doors, hood, and trunk—result in a curb weight under 3,700 pounds. That’s about 200 pounds less than the smaller CTS.
A new iteration of the CUE infotainment system uses a 10.2-inch touch screen that incorporates hard keys and a touchpad that recognizes handwriting. The new system also reacts and scrolls faster than the laggy older one.
Passengers get a quad-zone climate control system and a rear seat that can recline up to 3.3 inches. Premium leather front seats feature five massage programs.
CR’s take: Building a stately frigate with real sporting intent is difficult. And whether the CT6 lives up to that promise remains to be seen. But it carries impressive credentials.
On sale: Fall 2015.
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Chevrolet Malibu
Nice. That pretty much sums up the current Malibu. But nice doesn’t cut it in the midsize sedan category. So Chevy’s short-cycle redesign addresses a few shortcomings, including rear passenger room and fuel economy.
The new car has a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase, helping deliver adult-scale space in the back. Despite the growth, Chevrolet says the Malibu weighs 300 pounds less than the old car. This savings should aid efficiency and overall performance.
Base models get a 160-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder, while the 250-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder carries over from the current car. A full-hybrid version will be offered, using a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor connected to a 1.8-liter gas engine. Chevy says it expects an EPA rating better than 45 mpg.
Safety gear includes available blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert with a following distance indicator, and rear cross-traffic alert. The new Teen Driver system monitors where the car is driven and lets parents see the drivers’ highest speed, how far they went, and if some safety systems were activated.
CR’s take: With sleek new styling, a larger backseat, and a real hybrid system, the Malibu may follow its impressive big brother, the Impala, which went from rental-car-special to the top of our Ratings with its last redesign.
On sale: Fall 2015; Hybrid winter 2016.
Ford Focus RS
Ford has put Subaru and Volkswagen on notice: they don’t own the hot-hatch sandbox. Next year the raucous Focus RS joins the wildly fun Focus ST to kick some sand in faces.
While the ST is nothing to sneeze at, the RS gets a 2.3-liter, 315-hp turbo four-cylinder from the Mustang, matched with a six-speed manual and upgraded clutch. Unlike the front-drive ST, the power is sent to all four wheels.
The suspension uses stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars, and power can be sent to the outside rear wheel to help steer around corners. Adjustable drive modes range from a “I’m being good, officer” street setting to a hoonigan-ready track mode. There’s even a drift mode if you want to shred the RS-specific 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Brembo disc brakes help keep things under control.
Subtlety takes a back seat here, with a menacing looking front fascia, bi-xenon headlights, functional brake cooling ducts announcing the RS’s arrival.
Inside, the Recaro seats, leather–wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals, and plethora of RS logos remind you this isn’t an ordinary Focus hatch. But it’s not all drifting and racing: Ford’s new Sync3 control interface will be standard.
CR’s take: This witches’ brew sounds ready for a showdown with the Volkswagen Golf R and Subaru WRX STI.
On sale: Spring 2016.
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