Smallest "regular" car with AWD.

[ExtraSlow]

Looking for suggestions for the next car for my mom. Currently rocks a 2003 Corolla and loves it. Only gripe is its way bigger than she needs, so obviously don't want to go bigger. And definetly no SUV's. She is a little timid about getting stuck in the winter, and AWD would probably help her out. Don't need serious off road capabilities, just something that will encourage her to drive the 4 km to co-op after a light dusting of snow instead of staying home for days on end because she's worried. Will be equipped with dedicated winter tires for sure.

Will probably never see the highway.

I'm thinking Imprezza is closest, but what else is out there?

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Tik-Tok]

New or used? Suzuki SX4 is pretty small.

MINI comes in AWD too I believe

[jwslam]

Jeep Renegade is shorter than the 03 corolla by like a foot apparently. Bonus for sitting higher off the ground. Moms love that.

[zhao]

Anything and tell her it's awd or has magical traction control? No one should get stuck with anything with winters except after a blizzard and only if they park in a retarded spot like where someone shoveled all their snow.

That or driving lessons?

Going from a 03 corolla to a new Impreza is like going from a 3 series to 7. Those things are massive, like all similar cars when compared to a 03 corolla. Great she has awd which helps on a few days but now she's driving a boat that makes driving suck 365 days a year. Doesn't seem logical to me

[heavyD]

You can get Mini’s in AWD but your mom would probably end up hating you for suggesting it once she gets accustomed to Mini reliability.

[ercchry]

The golf is quite a bit smaller and can be had in AWD

In terms of sedans, the smallest I can think of with AWD is the A3. Pretty similarly priced to the Impreza as well, but it is smaller for sure.

For a little more ground clearance, the Buick Encore is super tiny SUV

I think Vancouver has ruined your sense of cost!

An A3... komfort! With Quattro is $37k! An Impreza is like $22k!

[killramos]

Matrix had awd I think?

[bigbadboss101]

And they still make the Juke AWD?

[Aleks]

Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix AWD or Subaru Impreza (lots of choices here going back many gens so should be able to find a decent example in any budget).

[C4S]

Toyota offers Yaris AWD in Japan .. wonder why they don't offer here ..

[cam_wmh]

B250 4Matic. It's just a bit wider and longer than a Golf.

[eblend]

Don't know if new or used, but I highly recommend the Pontiac Vibe AWD if used. That's what my wife drives, and with winter tires, that thing is a tank. It's the same car as a Toyota Matrix with a Toyota motor and all interiod, only difference to the Matrix are the outside panels. I have 1 right now, used to have two of em, one FWD and one AWD. Kept the AWD and wife uses it every day. 2009 is the last year they made them (might be a few 2010s), but in general they are very reliable, and being a Pontiac, it's easily 20% cheaper than a comparable Matrix.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars/Pontiac-Vibe/i-G775Gp2/0/c3c33bb9/X2/20150512_062852-X2.jpg

If you are thinking new, the new Hyundai Kona is small (i think, never seen it in person) and has AWD. I like the styling and if I had to replace my wife's car right now, it would be the one.

https://hips.hearstapps.com/amv-prod-cad-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-Hyundai-Kona-123.jpg

[pdm111]

Lancer is similar in size and has a 10 year warranty. Are you looking at new or used?

[ExtraSlow]

Probably new if anything, and Zhao isn't wrong that people should not be getting stuck with fwd. I personally think awd is stupid, but she's getting older and her skills are deteriorating and like hell I'm going to tell her to take lessons.

[Aleks]

Probably new if anything, and Zhao isn't wrong that people should not be getting stuck with fwd. I personally think awd is stupid, but she's getting older and her skills are deteriorating and like hell I'm going to tell her to take lessons.

I wouldn't recommend anything but AWD for my parents either. There is no reason for them to buy FWD/RWD at this point, not one.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[J-hop]

Anything and tell her it's awd or has magical traction control? No one should get stuck with anything with winters except after a blizzard and only if they park in a retarded spot like where someone shoveled all their snow.

That or driving lessons?

Going from a 03 corolla to a new Impreza is like going from a 3 series to 7. Those things are massive, like all similar cars when compared to a 03 corolla. Great she has awd which helps on a few days but now she's driving a boat that makes driving suck 365 days a year. Doesn't seem logical to me

03 Corolla to 2018 impreza hatch is only a 2 inch difference. 2018 sedan yea sure is 6 inches longer than an 03 Corolla. 2018 Corolla is actually 1” longer than a 2018 impreza sedan.

Imprezas are not and do not feel like boats.

I mostly agree with you but AWD and FWD aren’t even comparable in the winter. I only drove my Jetta half a dozen times this winter as it sucks so much after being spoiled by my impreza.

[benyl]

Subaru Justy. Haha

Ford has a new Ecosport. Fiesta size. $21k new with AWD.

[ercchry]

You'd have to get at least an Impreza Sport-tech to somewhat compare features, and that is advertised starting at $28,600 on Subaru.ca.

However I just realized the base price of the A3 was for an FWD version ($32,800), so yeah, 37K for an AWD one. A little less than a 10K difference.... but probably worth it IMO. That isn't crazy money or anything.


Besides, the A3 is a legitimately smaller car than the Impreza and unlike the Subaru motor the Audi 2.0t is bullet proof.

Audi A3: 70.5"W X 176"L
Impreza: 70"W x 182"L

The Audi is half a foot shorter, that is pretty substantial

This is basic old lady transport... your fanboy is showing :rofl:

[Ukyo8]

New Cadillac ATS AWD with an MSRP of $45k can be had for about $35K

[ExtraSlow]

This is basic old lady transport...

New Cadillac ATS AWD

I guess some old ladies drive different things, but my mom would hate a caddy. Ideally she'd like something without any features at all.

[BokCh0y]

You can get Mini’s in AWD but your mom would probably end up hating you for suggesting it once she gets accustomed to Mini reliability.

Sadly, i know this to be quite true.

[gpomp]

New Cadillac ATS AWD with an MSRP of $45k can be had for about $35K

It blows my mind that these are so cheap and yet still struggle to sell.

[saiyajin]

are you looking for new or used?

[Sugarphreak]

...

[ExtraSlow]

Probably new, but in the research phase right now. Priority on 1) simplicity of user interface as this old lady thinks her PVR is pretty complex. And 2) small exterior dimensions so she has a smaller chance of hitting people in the grocery store parking lot.

Power, prestige and features are to be avoided as much as possible.

[zhao]

Cx3, chr, hrv are basically lifted awd Mazda 2, fit, and Yaris. Probably the best choices for small awd

But terrible blind spots Imo, like all modern hatchbacks except the Fiat 500L and maybe a couple others. They're likely barely awd too. Plus you pay a 5-10g premium for them over the car equivalent.

That Hyundai Kona is in the same boat but I'd get Japanese vehicles for the same or similar price if she kept her last vehicle for 15 years.

I'd take her to look at the smallest awd vehicles and then take her to look at stuff that is practical and easy to drive that unfortunately is fwd. is awd more important then something easier to drive 95% of the time? Preferably take her test driving awd cars next snowstorm. If a awd on all seasons feels no better than her corolla on winters it might boost her confidence with fwd

I also think the beyond answer to this question is she needs a golf R in dsg :)

[Mys73ri0]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfeXaB2TezY&t=9s

[eblend]

Another car that may be better for older people that I can think of is the Mitsubishi RVR. I am considering this one to buy for my dad, as it being a taller CUV, it's easier to get in and out of, might be something that would be beneficial. There are also the Chevy Trax which also does the CUV thing in a very small body.

[speedog]

Probably new, but in the research phase right now. Priority on 1) simplicity of user interface as this old lady thinks her PVR is pretty complex. And 2) small exterior dimensions so she has a smaller chance of hitting people in the grocery store parking lot.

Power, prestige and features are to be avoided as much as possible.

How old is she, that could have bearing as well. Hell, I'm pushing past my mid-50's and I really don't like getting down into smaller vehicles - yeah, it was no issue when I was younger but now I just want a vehicle that is easy to get into/out of.

[Ukyo8]

It blows my mind that these are so cheap and yet still struggle to sell.

Not sure how you came up with that conclusion.

The store I work at has put hundreds of these on the road in Calgary and area alone :dunno:

[eglove]

Ford eco sport?

[EnRichii]

Try looking at the new Honda HRV, their AWD, and if she likes the Toyota, this is a step up ;)

[colsankey]

The lancer AWD is about the same length as the subie impress and you can skip the douchie dealerships.

[mzdspd]

Not sure how you came up with that conclusion.

The store I work at has put hundreds of these on the road in Calgary and area alone :dunno:

http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/cadillac/ats/cadillac-ats-sales-numbers/

Their sales figures have been on a steady decline (dropped almost 50% from 2016 to 2017).. and they accounted for roughly 15% of all of Cadillacs sales in Canada.. Not exactly a hot seller..

[gpomp]

Not sure how you came up with that conclusion.

The store I work at has put hundreds of these on the road in Calgary and area alone :dunno:

Based on sales figures, it's far the worst selling car vs its competitors like the C-Class, 3-series, A4, etc.

ATS has less than 4% market share. The C-Class has almost 20%.

It barely outsold the ILX which rides on a 12 year old Honda Civic platform and a 2 seat BMW sports coupe.

81649

[Xtrema]

Probably new, but in the research phase right now. Priority on 1) simplicity of user interface as this old lady thinks her PVR is pretty complex. And 2) small exterior dimensions so she has a smaller chance of hitting people in the grocery store parking lot.

Power, prestige and features are to be avoided as much as possible.

Kona is priced similar to Impreza but with better feature comfort and a bit higher ride height. There is a locking diff button if you want to make sure AWD is engaged to get out of stuff. If you want more performance, a 1.6T can be had but it will bump the price closer to $30K.

CX-3 is priced similar and seems to me that the 50th Anniversary edition pack some goodies. The UI is also simpler if she's a technophobe.

Subaru Impreza/Crosstrek should be in that $20-$30K range as well, it's just what seat height she prefers.

Not a fan of HR-V or the FWD only CH-R. Have no idea how Rouge Sport (Qashcai?) drives.

[Disoblige]

Never mind, forgot about AWD.

[blownz]

Back in Nov I had a 73 year old Aunt looking for something similar and she ended up with a Chevrolet Trax and absolutely loves it. She used to have a ~2000 VW Jetta.

[HiTempguy1]

Find the nicest one of these out of the states:

https://s13252.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Screen-shot-2015-10-16-at-9.59.26-AM-940x602.png

https://static.carthrottle.com/workspace/uploads/comments/justy-1b-54e49cd198759.jpg

https://s13252.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/00m0m_ii4adHaIYXf_600x450-1.jpg

Spend $10k on a mint, rust free unit with under 100k kms. Dirt cheap to maintain and rugged.

:p

[mzdspd]

Find the nicest one of these out of the states:

https://s13252.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Screen-shot-2015-10-16-at-9.59.26-AM-940x602.png


:p

My dad used to have one of those tercel wagons in manual. I remember it had vinyl seats. To this day, he still says that was the best vehicle he has ever owned lol.

[klumsy_tumbler]

Suzuki Alto Works? :D

[ShermanEF9]

Lancer is similar in size and has a 10 year warranty. Are you looking at new or used?

Lancers are god awful piles of shit and should never be bought by anyone.


OP. drop the AWD requirement and you'll find a ton of excellent choices. the new body style fits are a great car for the money.

[colsankey]

I mean they are not fancy. But they are cheap, reliable, long ass warrantys and have AWDs.. letting your bias show..

[ExtraSlow]

Honda Fit is obviously the best choice. Has been for a decade at least.

[A790]

A3?

[J-hop]

Honda Fit is obviously the best choice. Has been for a decade at least.

If Honda doesn’t already pay you for advertising they need to get on that. Got me thinking about buying my in-laws fit.

[ExtraSlow]

If Honda doesn’t already pay you for advertising they need to get on that. Got me thinking about buying my in-laws fit.

I make sick bank from this endorsement deal. But I'm also a true enthusiast. Great cars, better than any small sedan by any manufacturer.

[heavyD]

It blows my mind that these are so cheap and yet still struggle to sell.

It may have something to do with the fact that they come with an interior that looks and feels cheaper than some compact cars.

[tehwegz]

CUV's are all the rage, and manufacturers are funneling a lot of money in to that recently exploded segment of the industry.

CUV aka lifted hatchbacks: Kona, Ecosport, CH-R, Crosstrek, CX-3.

[lilmira]

She can buy mine, it's not that powerful ;)
https://forums.beyond.ca/threads/407059-Fs-2015-audi-s3?p=4722595#post4722595

[HiTempguy1]

I mean they are not fancy. But they are cheap, reliable, long ass warrantys and have AWDs.. letting your bias show..

Exactly.

My only overarching concern would be whether that warranty would be good in 5+ years.

Other than that, his mom seems pretty content with something that gets from point a to point b with oil changes and gas. AWD lancer is definitely the perfect car in that regard, who cares how shit it is? As long as the doors and windows open and close and the car can still drive, it can be a rattly tin box.

No point in spending extra money on a class of vehicle that will have no resale value anyways. And if she keeps it forever, even better.

[Xtrema]

My only overarching concern would be whether that warranty would be good in 5+ years.


Now they are part of the Renault/Nissan family, may be less likely disappearing.

At worst, they will just fold up Mitsu brand and honor warranty at Nissan dealerships.

If future Mitsu is all rebadged Nissans anyway, may be they should just turn current dealerships to Renaults.

[JDMMAN]

Crosstrek XV could be a potential option.

[gogreen]

I make sick bank from this endorsement deal. But I'm also a true enthusiast. Great cars, better than any small sedan by any manufacturer.

Whenever I bring mine in to the dealer for service they send someone over to convince me to trade it in for a new one, but I really have no interest in "upgrading" to any of their current offerings.

Thankfully I only have to deal with that annoyance once a year. Twice, tops.

[loweg]

If used buy my 2000 Honda that’s . Not gonna find a smaller awd.

[ExtraSlow]

Whenever I bring mine in to the dealer for service they send someone over to convince me to trade it in for a new one, but I really have no interest in "upgrading" to any of their current offerings.

Thankfully I only have to deal with that annoyance once a year. Twice, tops.
Had a city bus stop beside me at a light, upon his door and start yelling questions at me about how much I like it and what hear it was and how great the condition is. Also have had people flag me down in parking lots to chat. It's insane how much attention it gets.

[NissanFanBoy]

Saw one of those new Ford mini-CUVs yesterday on Deerfoot...might be a good option for her as old ladies seem to love the current Ford Escapes, and I suspect we will soon see an influx of these new smaller ones driving down the Deerfoot at 80km/hr without their tailights on LOL IN ADDITION to the already swelling numbers of fucking Escapes on the road :rofl:

[eblend]

Crosstrek XV could be a potential option.

I got the 2018 Crosstrek, it's definitely much bigger than wife's Vibe, part of the reason I didn't recommend it for his mom. It's a great car otherwise.

[AndyL]

P9x jdm starlet yo?!!!

Geo Metro sized with AWD.

[ExtraSlow]

You guys are awesome, please don't ever change.

Me: Hai guise, need ideas for brand new awd car for my mom, boring preferred because she's old.
Beyond.ca members: buy mad tyte jdm yo, it's sick.

[Tik-Tok]

You guys are awesome, please don't ever change.

Me: Hai guise, need ideas for brand new awd car for my mom, boring preferred because she's old.
Beyond.ca members: buy mad tyte jdm yo, it's sick.

Honda S2000 would be perfect for her.

[AndyL]

Well ya wanted small and AWD ;) fuck you're asking for the impossible!

Either AWD mini or ... Something older.

[rage2]

Honda S2000 would be perfect for her.
Not AWD. I suggest NSX.

[Disoblige]

Honda Fit is obviously the best choice. Has been for a decade at least.
Make an offer on mine :)
Low KM, no accidents, needs nothing. Synthetic oil changed. All maintenance up to date.

I'll even throw in a basic professional detail for you even though it's quite clean already. Just need something larger, otherwise I would keep it forever.

If she's coming from a '03 Corolla, the Fit would still be nice even if it doesn't have AWD. Get some decent winters, and it's still a "smaller" vehicle and easy to maneuver. You would know, obviously :P

[HiTempguy1]

P9x jdm starlet yo?!!!

Geo Metro sized with AWD.

How about an actual geo metro with awd? It was the Suzuki Cultus (well, the metro was a Suzuki Swift/Cultus but I digress, point made):

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f9/7c/f0/f97cf01fef77e97bd17f31bc46aa32ef.jpg

Imagine a 1989-1991 Honda Civic Si with awd.

[AndyL]

Haha I didn't realize there was an AWD metro. I'm still amazed we got a handful of starlets that weren't JDM in Canada ;)

[KPHMPH]

Chevy Trax?

It’s badically a car and has AWD for high teens, low 20’s


http://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/chevrolet/na/us/english/index/vehicles/2018/crossovers-suvs/trax/colorizer/01-images/2018-trax-1lz-g35.jpeg?imwidth=838

[benyl]

My dad used to have one of those tercel wagons in manual. I remember it had vinyl seats. To this day, he still says that was the best vehicle he has ever owned lol.

anyone I know that owned one of those says the same thing.

They were true beasts.

[rage2]

anyone I know that owned one of those says the same thing.

They were true beasts.
We had one. I killed the transmission on it learning to drive haha.

[NissanFanBoy]

I just discovered what could possibly be my next car after they depreciate a bunch, but OP if you got money...BMW X2:love:

[killramos]

I just discovered what could possibly be my next car after they depreciate a bunch, but OP if you got money...BMW X2:love:

With the 4 cylinder? No thanks.

Call me when they add some M’s

[ExtraSlow]

This has been a great thread, and very informative. No short time horizon for this possible purchase, but I will for sure refer to these suggestions when the time comes. I will update here if it's soon enough that I remember.

Thanks everyone. And feel free to continue the conversation.

[tehwegz]

With the 4 cylinder? No thanks.

Call me when they add some M’s

I can't get over them placing a BMW badge on the side rear pillar.

Just because from the side it looks like any other SUV they wanted everyone to know it's a shapeless blob on wheels by BMW.

[ExtraSlow]

Hey, wanted to get back to this conversation. Smaller AWD vehicle. As little tech as possible. Will probably never go outside the city limits and only on Deerfoot once in a while.

[A790]

Hey, wanted to get back to this conversation. Smaller AWD vehicle. As little tech as possible. Will probably never go outside the city limits and only on Deerfoot once in a while.

https://www.kijiji.ca/b-cars-trucks/alberta/chevrolet-tracker-4x4/k0c174l9003

[ExtraSlow]

Awesome!
89011

[ExtraSlow]

I suppose this list is a good place to start:
https://driving.ca/jeep/auto-news/news/all-wheel-drive-under-30000/amp

[benyl]

Dooooooo it:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2000-chevrolet-tracker-4-x-4-built-by-zuki-nation/1439284051


https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/hvIAAOSwVR9eB-d9/$_59.JPG

[firebane]

Hey, wanted to get back to this conversation. Smaller AWD vehicle. As little tech as possible. Will probably never go outside the city limits and only on Deerfoot once in a while.

I'm sure you know this but AWD != 4x4

For something small I'd look at a CRV

[A790]

Dooooooo it:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2000-chevrolet-tracker-4-x-4-built-by-zuki-nation/1439284051


https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/hvIAAOSwVR9eB-d9/$_59.JPG

$30k? Is it stuffed with cocaine or something?

[JRSC00LUDE]

$30k? Is it stuffed with cocaine or something?

That whole field of blow comes with it.

EDIT - oh man, I just read the add. He's going to be taking a WAY bigger loss than 8 grand hahaha holy fuck some people must be smoking crack when they make decisions.

[ExtraSlow]

I'm sure you know this but AWD != 4x4

For something small I'd look at a CRV
Just to be clear, I know the difference and I would only be looking at AWD.
Also CRV is much too large.

Current front runner is base model Impreza.

[firebane]

Just to be clear, I know the difference and I would only be looking at AWD.
Also CRV is much too large.

Current front runner is base model Impreza.

If you go with Impreza go with a 2.5 RS as they are a good get around car.

[Aleks]

Just to be clear, I know the difference and I would only be looking at AWD.
Also CRV is much too large.

Current front runner is base model Impreza.

New Prius to save on some gasoline, and it's a hatch type thing.

[Disoblige]

This would be basically perfect, no? If she is ok with manual.

https://forums.beyond.ca/threads/411269-2012-Suzuki-SX4-2-quot-Lift-BFG-tires-6-Speed-loaded

[Lex350]

Anything and tell her it's awd or has magical traction control? No one should get stuck with anything with winters except after a blizzard and only if they park in a retarded spot like where someone shoveled all their snow.

That or driving lessons?

Going from a 03 corolla to a new Impreza is like going from a 3 series to 7. Those things are massive, like all similar cars when compared to a 03 corolla. Great she has awd which helps on a few days but now she's driving a boat that makes driving suck 365 days a year. Doesn't seem logical to me

There is always one retard in every group. Way to go. You were helpful today. You get a gold star.

[A790]

I still think the A3 is the best choice. I loved mine, and if my ex business partner hadn't stolen $12k+ from me, I'd still have mine.

[Xtrema]

New Prius to save on some gasoline, and it's a hatch type thing.

Impreza can be hatch.... Depends on usage and trim, 30% fuel saving may not cover the cost difference.

Impreza - $20-$31K
Prius eAWD - $29-$34K.

[A2VR6]

Honda Element?

[jwslam]

If you are thinking new, the new Hyundai Kona is small (i think, never seen it in person) and has AWD. I like the styling and if I had to replace my wife's car right now, it would be the one.

https://hips.hearstapps.com/amv-prod-cad-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-Hyundai-Kona-123.jpg
Loving mine. (2019 Ultimate)

https://hyundaicanada.com/-/media/hyundai/showroom/2020/kona/brochure/english/2020-hyundai-kona-product-card-en.pdf

The 2 base trims are FWD.
I would think an old lady is better off with the 2.0L (Essential/Preferred trims need to AWD option. Luxury trim is AWD standard) rather than the 1.6Turbo (Trend/Ultimate trim both AWD standard).
Preferred is a good bang for buck. Essential is way too basic IMHO.

[firebane]

Honda Element?

Elements are obnoxiously huge inside. We looked at one before we got the CRV and it felt like you were in a giant box with horrible blind spots everywhere.

[ExtraSlow]

Hyundai Kona seems pretty nice. How much smaller is that than the Tuscon? I think my brother can get a good deal on a 1 year old Tuscon through his work.

[Rocket1k78]

My apologies for not reading the whole thread so forgive me if this is out to lunch or has been mentioned but my niece got a 2010 matrix awd last year and thats gotta be one of the smallest awd vehicles out there.



There is always one retard in every group. Way to go. You were helpful today. You get a gold star.
Only one?!?!?! :rofl:

[loweg]

I'm telling you.

2002 Honda that's

Awd

50 mpg

https://i.imgur.com/HMsdKhk.jpg

/Thread

[gpomp]

Mazda3 has AWD now

[jwslam]

Hyundai Kona seems pretty nice. How much smaller is that than the Tuscon? I think my brother can get a good deal on a 1 year old Tuscon through his work.
A solid 1ft shorter and 2in slimmer
https://www.cars.com/research/compare/?acodes=USD00HYS061A0,USD00HYS021A0

Somebody else translate those units into ones eXtrAslOw understands.

[C4S]

This would be awesome!

https://www.motor1.com/news/392559/toyota-yaris-gr-us-petition/

[90_Shelby]

Have you considered a Trackhawk? Best winter vehicle I’ve ever driven. I may average 24L/100km but it sure is fun. 89012