Folks in the northeast just braved a snow storm almighty and now they're faced with the back-breaking job of digging themselves out. Four-by-four vehicles oftentimes do what they're supposed to when the white stuff hits but don't rule out cars. Cars are typically lighter than many SUV's and sometimes in treacherous weather, lighter is better especially with regards to regaining control of a vehicle once you've lost it.
Not everyone is fond of SUV vehicles, so for those who prefer cars, there are some real great handlers that truly outperform in the snow. Today, many cars are foul weather champs due to such plusses as all-wheel drive systems or traction control. Keep in mind though that no matter what you drive, always maneuver your vehicle, especially in rough weather, as if you have a cup of coffee on the dash. Slapping on a set of really good road-gripping tires on your car for winter's rough road conditions won't hurt either.
Here are three 2013 cars that will definitely make you thumb your nose at Old Man Winter--the Honda Civic, Volvo S60 T5 and Toyota Camry. The reviews will be in three parts with the first being the 2013 Honda Civic:
Honda Civic: Handles like a pro on snowy roads. Since it received some cosmetic work for this model year, the Honda Civic can now be classified as a 'looker.' The car shed its snore, snore, ho-hum appearance and now gives you, "ya- better-sit-up-and-pay-attention-to-me" drama coming and going. Sporty, a smidge of sexy, high grade/nice touch interior materials, a real neat compact-that-feels-like-a-midsize package, the Civic is now all that and then some.
The Civic sedan has a legacy of hallmark qualities and gives you amenities that many of its competitors will fleece you for, like a vividly clear rearview camera, Bluetooth, text message functionality, iPod interface and Pandora functionality.
The gauge cluster on the Civic's dash has a 3D design is an artsy touch that works. All of the vehicle's controls are well-placed and a breeze to use. As far as space, you forget you're in a compact car. The Civic is a nice fit front, back and width-wise with supportive seats that encourages long drives.
The new Civic is still powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine that makes 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. EPA guesstimates for fuel are 28 city/39 hwy and 32 combo for the automatic.
Driving the Civic is a pleasurable experience. In the snow, the Civic feels secure, sure-footed and maintains its poise even through some pretty challenging road conditions. The Civic is certainly no punk on icy roads, you can feel its terra firma grip on them. And with such standard safety features as vehicle stability assist with traction control, antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution; in addition to dual-stage, front-side and full-length side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, you feel protected as you brave the winter elements.
Besides the sedan, there is a coupe and hybrid Civic as well (I have not reviewed them). The eco-friendly hybrid pairs an electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder to deliver 196-hp and 226 lb-ft of torque.
The 2013 Honda Civic is a storm trooper that struts its stuff with confidence in the snow. Prices start at $18,165 for the sedan. www.honda.com
Next on tap will be the 2013 Volvo S60 T5!
--Car Chick
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