Is Wagon the New SUV?
By Bimmer325
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of SUV’s rarely venture beyond regional highways or even the local Home Depot. While SUV owners adore the style and space their vehicles possess, off-road prowess is normally of little concern. Until now, inefficient fuel-economy and even the sheer lack of maneuverability that these vehicles present have had little effect on style-conscious consumers. However, the current trend toward rising gas-prices and a social-stigma that grows further against the SUV each day now threaten to limit the once mass-appeal of SUVs. At the same, more suitable options are emerging both from a segment that died long ago, and another that’s just been born.
The recent surfacing of popular wagons in a seemingly stagnant segment isn’t due to any real breakthroughs in practicality, versatility, or spaciousness. Rather, these attributes have defined the segment since it dropped from favor decades ago. However, wagons have typically lacked the stylish character that’s drawn buyers to models like the Cadillac Escalade and even Hummer’s H2. Instead, they’ve been frowned upon as drab and dowdy people-movers that even Mom won’t drive. Now, entries from Dodge, Saab, and Audi (to name just a few) seek to break this trend, and simultaneously, surpass the almighty SUV in regards to style. A task deemed impossible just a few short years ago, now seems more likely than ever.
Chrysler’s competent LX platform, underpinning models from the Dodge Charger to Chrysler’s notorious 300, has spawned the automotive industry’s trendiest products this year. With controversial styling and performance to match, these cars have rapidly become the fashion statement of 2005 (just consult an episode of MTV Cribs). Among the trendiest vehicles unveiled in years, where better to start when attempting to make wagons cool again? Daimler Chrysler’s answer comes in the form of the Dodge Magnum, a “sport tourer” combining the versatility and practicality of a wagon with bold, “in-your-face” styling not normally associated with the segment. Families in a real rush to soccer practice can opt for the Magnum SRT-8. Featuring a 6.1-liter Hemi producing a whopping 425 horsepower and 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels, the SRT-8 will set Mom back just under $38,000.
The car buying public has reacted so favorably to the rear-drive Magnum that it’s essentially become the catalyst of the modern wagon’s comeback. Other brands have already adopted the formula for success; Saab’s upcoming 9-3 SportCombi hits showrooms this November and boasts a look that’s sportier and more dynamic than even the 9-3 sedan it’s based on. Even more impressive, its sporty roots don’t end at styling. The Aero model boasts 250 horses and marches from 0 to 62 mph in less than 7 seconds. Saab engineers claim the aerodynamic SportCombi experiences zero lift both front and rear at high speeds. Moreover (and proof that you can have the best of both worlds), the SportCombi has 25 cubic feet of storage behind the second-row’s folding rear seat, which includes an innovative ski hatch. With the second seat stowed, there’s 60 cubic feet of storage space in a convenient, highly useable space. The storage area has a hidden sub-floor storage bin with a locking, folding lid, and there are enough cupholders for three Big Gulps as well as a 12-volt power socket. Sporty? Yep. Practical? You bet. Amidst a questionable product-development plan including a mildly reworked Subaru and a variant of Chevrolet’s Trailblazer SUV, the 9-3 SportCombi is essentially Saab’s beacon of hope. If recent efforts made by Chrysler are of any indication, the dynamic SportCombi may truly be just what the doctor ordered for Saab.
Admittedly, brands like Audi, BMW and Volvo have boasted equally athletic wagons in their lineups for years, the recent trend only attracting more buyers to the showrooms of such premium marques. Audi’s A3 wagon recently joined the A4 and A6 Avants as a smaller, more agile offering. Likewise, Volvo recently unveiled it’s V50, a wagon variant of the recently overhauled S40 sedan. In line with recent trends, the V50 can be had with a 218 horsepower turbo 5-cylinder engine. Recent rumor suggests that Volvo may even consider resurrecting the V90 moniker as a wagon variant of the S80 sedan when that redesigned model bows for 2008. BMW’s 3 and 5 Series wagons have soldiered on for years as well, and redesigned versions of each have just recently debuted. BMW hasn’t commented on the possibility of M versions of these wagons just yet, though the idea still looks to hold relevance. The Bavarian automaker recently took the wraps off M-“packages” for each, complete with specially tuned sports suspensions, aerodynamic enhancements, revised front and rear air-dams, and exclusive light-alloy wheels featuring wider rear tires.
Of course, unsuccessful attempts at applying sportiness to a wagon have made (or failed to make) history as well. Lexus failed to attract much attention with it’s IS300 Sportcross, a wagon aimed at the elusive younger crowd. However, a wagon variant of the redesigned IS (a model more in line with competitors) would most-likely enjoy more success. Similarly, Mitsubishi’s funky Lancer Sportback, while unique by design, found few owners. The model, also available in Ralliart trim, was discontinued shortly into its run. All things considered, such attempts seem distant from current trends. Aside from the futility Lexus and Mitsubishi displayed in their most recent attempts, these models reigned prior to the modern wagon’s “boom” anyway.
As recently as five years ago, making wagons cool would’ve seemed the equivalent to making a tuna sandwich exciting. Today, the situation is quite different. The SUV is no longer the invincible giant it once was. Ironically, all it took was $3 gas prices and a few music videos for consumers to take notice. What’s more, the trendy wagons now appearing on MTV look just as appropriate in the parking lot of your local Home Depot, rest assured.
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Louis Buccheri
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