Canada does not have Target (America’s second-largest discount retailer). Canadian Netflix only has half the movie and television titles available to American subscribers. The Canadian unemployment rate is 2.1 % higher than the US. Canada also has the highest per-capita greenhouse-gas emissions in the world. In spite of these factors – at least Canadians won’t be governed by Donald Trump and they can offer different cars.
People often talk of the azure water in Greece, while some talk about the French Alps. Others get hyped about exotic islands but no one really talks of Canada as a dream location. So, I spent some time reading about Canada since Americans brought them into the news. I wanted to see if the country has anything worth bragging about.
For those who have already begun packing up, much to the Canadians dismay, Americans can look forward to new cars. Well, not really new or exclusive, but models that have not been available on the American market.
Nissan Micra
2017 Nissan Micra
The Micra made its way to Canada in the early 80s. Previous models were fitted with a 1.2-litre engine and paired to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Micra’s base model was beyond basic: keyless nothing, power nothing, illuminated nothing, automated nothing. It had a trim level disturbingly called the Intensity Package but how important are the extras when the car costs just $9,988 Canadian dollars. Roughly around $7,500 US dollars and R107,240. Not only is the car highly popular around Canada but it is also listed as the most affordable car in the country. An exception to the extreme Northern areas where a regular-size moose could probably eat the Micra in one sitting.
As of now, March 2017, the new fifth-generation model goes on sale in Europe.
Kia Rondo
Kia Rondo
The Rondo was available in the States between 2007 and 2009. Due to slow sales, it was removed from the market. The northerly neighbours love the Rondo and the third generation models are currently available there with a 122 kW 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. It’s not available in South Africa either but seems pretty decent. Reviews rate it to have a spacious interior, a nice infotainment system, a fair amount of equipment while also having excellent fuel economy ratings.
VW Golf Wagon
VW Golf Sportswagon
Before the sixth generation Golf, the Mexican-built Jetta wagon was available in the US and Canada. A name change ensued in 2010 and it went to Canada only. One of the reasons for this was to differentiate the car from the older Jetta wagon. New models received the popular TDI diesel engine.
Chevrolet Orlando
Chevrolet Orlando
The Canadian seven-seater Orlando is based on the Cruze platform and built in South Korea, Vietnam and Russia. The base engine consists of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, while mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and sold around the world except to the US. In Canada it sells for around CA$20,000 (R 212,828). Poor sales led to its Canadian demise after a few model years
Mercedes Benz B-Class
Mercedes-Benz B-Class B250
The B-Class is relatively new to the US market and while Americans have the electric version, Canadians have a beefed-up version. It boasts power of up to 155 kW and a quicker 0-100 km/h time and the B250 available in Canada is also an all-wheel drive car.
Americans like to impose their superiority over the world, however, when it comes to the automotive side it seems like they are second-class citizens.
In relative news, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers* are not wasting any time in America as they have already sent a letter to Trump’s transition team. The letter requests him to evaluate the CAFE – Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and to consider lowering mpg requirements. They are hoping President Donald Trump will ease up federal rules set by the climate-conscious Obama Administration.
Clearly, the automakers were really feeling the strain from the technological and financial burdens placed on them by the government. They also want Trump to re-evaluate emission restrictions and autonomous vehicle standards and have suggested that Trump create an advisory committee for this. This committee is to coordinate efforts between the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Just some, among others, that administer the automobile industry. Basically, the Alliance are requesting regulators to regulate regulators.
Where regulations are concerned, it would be more surprising if Trump didn’t do away with them opposed to if he did. Like he disparaged global warming for being a hoax.
*The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade group that represents BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
