Canadian car buyers have had a long love affair with small cars. Smaller vehicles are known for their affordability, reliability and of course, their fuel efficiency. As a result, they have had great sales records here in Canada, with favourites like the Honda Civic consistently topping sales charts.
Recently, however, pickup trucks like the Ford F Series and the Dodge Ram have seen an increase in sales, while the sale of smaller cars seems to have cooled to a steady pace. Lower fuel prices have encouraged Canadians to change their spending and driving habits, with many professionals wondering if these new sales trends are here to stay or if they’re just a bump in the road.
Fortunately for small car lovers, 2015 has got a lot to offer. In fact, auto retailers have recently released tons of small cars that boast the traditional affordability that they’re known for, but with added features and improvements in both infotainment and performance.
If you are planning to pursue an automotive career, read on to find out which small cars are topping review lists this year, and what this means for consumers and auto pros across Canada.
The Honda Civic Continues to be a Top Favourite for Automotive Workers
The Honda Civic has dominated Canadian car sales for the past 17 years –and with good reason. Automotive workers know that its reputation for reliability and strong resale value make it an excellent choice for commuters and price-conscious buyers.
This year, all models come equipped with standard cruise control and Bluetooth pairing. What’s even more impressive is that every Civic also comes with a standard rear-view camera, a forward-collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system— features that are normally only offered on higher-priced models. It’s no surprise that the Honda Civic scored as a top safety pick and has maintained its spot as one of the leading cars in its class.
The Mazda 3 Boasts Impressive Auto Performance
The Mazda 3 is among the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Picks for 2015. However, safety is not the only thing that this small car has got to offer. In fact, the Mazda 3 also boasts great fuel efficiency, excellent responsiveness, and any car fanatic would agree that it is very fun to drive!
The Mazda 3 offers a standard 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with the option of upgrading to a 184-hp 2.5-liter. While its ability to go from 0 to 60 miles in 7.3 seconds might not astound auto service technicians that typically work on high-end performance cars, it’s still a strong bet for price-conscious buyers looking for a car that offers good performance.
The Toyota Corolla Continues to Provide Good Value
The Toyota Corolla has earned the reputation for providing comfort and value to buyers, and the 2015 model offers exactly that. Additionally, this car offers a smooth and reliable ride as well as an impressive infotainment system.
Included in the base model are quality speakers, an easy-to-use audio head unit, an auxiliary audio jack, and USB/iPod connectivity. Those features, along with a solid safety rating, have made the Corolla an excellent choice for small car buyers.
Are you interested in pursuing an auto career? Visit ATC for more information or to speak with an advisor.
