COLUMNS DRIVEN DECEMBER 2005
WILD WAGONS
WORDS BY JIM GORZELANY
Sporty station wagons bring an element of enjoyment to what are among the most practical vehicles on the road.
Station wagons, those bastions of family transportation, had once all but disappeared from the market, being supplanted by minivans and SUVs. But they’ve been enjoying a long-overdue resurgence in recent years, though not necessarily as passive people movers. Today’s sport wagons come packed with performance capabilities that otherwise belie their practical personas. The best of them can hold their own with some heady sport coupes and can make for some interesting carpooling experiences. Here’s a peek at a few of this year’s hottest station wagons.
Saab 9-3 SportCombi
The new SportCombi is a sleekly styled, mid-size sport wagon that’s powered by either a 210-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine in the base model, or a V-6 with a twin-scroll turbocharger in the sportier Aero version that generates a stronger 250-horsepower. The Aero also includes a Hill Start Assist function in manual-gearbox versions to prevent the car from rolling backwards when stopped on an uphill grade. Its load floor can be divided into two separate sections for cargo carrying convenience, with additional storage underneath. www.saabusa.com, MSRP: $27,620.
Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon
The hatchback version of Jaguar’s smallest car offers a choice of a 192-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 227-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, with road-hugging all-wheel-drive standard. Newly added chrome mesh grille inserts afford a more aggressive look. A five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and front side and side-curtain airbags are standard. A Sport Package adds a more-aggressive suspension with 18-inch wheels and tires, Dynamic Stability Control and a rear spoiler. www.jaguar.com/us, MSRP: $36,995.
Dodge Magnum SRT8
While the full-size Magnum already strikes an imposing pose with its wide track and sharply tapered roofline, a new top SRT8 model slips station-wagon performance into high gear. With its 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 powerplant and five-speed automatic gearbox, the Magnum SRT8 can jump from 0mph–60mph in around five seconds. Suspension upgrades and larger 20-inch wheels and tires are also included for improved handling, as are four-wheel disc antilock brakes with Brake Assist, and traction and stability control. www.dodge.com, MSRP: $37,995.
Audi A3
New for 2006, Audi’s compact A3 wagon is flat-out fast, thanks to its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged I-4 engine. A 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 will be offered later in the model year for truly explosive acceleration, along with Quattro all-wheel drive. A MacPherson front suspension combines with a four-link array at the rear to produce surprisingly nimble cornering abilities. Audi’s Electronic Stabilization Program is included, along with front-side and head-curtain airbags and a full array of features. An available Sport Package includes a tauter suspension and leather-clad sport seats. www.audiusa.com, MSRP: $25,460.
Volvo V70R
Volvo’s sportiest station wagon, the mid-size V70R, packs a 300-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine that can be fitted to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic. The V70R’s tenacious handling benefits from suspension and tire upgrades, beefier Brembo brakes and a new Haldex “Instant Traction” all-wheel drive system. As befits the brand, a host of standard safety features are on hand, including antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and front-side and head-curtain airbags. Wild-looking styling effects and sport seats complete the package. www.volvocars.us, MSRP: $39,545.