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Top vehicles for students going back to school

Benjamin Yong on September 6, 2016

2017 Hyundai Elantra front
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra has been completely redesigned and still offers a lot of value for the dollar. Photo by Benjamin Yong.

Is it really back to school already? Well not quite yet, but September will be here in the blink of an eye. If a vehicle is on your school supplies shopping list, OpenRoad Auto Group is here to help with a list of the most affordable vehicles for students for 2016.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta front back

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

Starting at $15,995, the 2016 VW Jetta is the most affordable model in the German automaker’s lineup and is equipped with a zippy turbocharged 150-horsepower engine. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, or add an extra $1,400 for a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan white

2016 Honda Civic Sedan

Completely redesigned, the legendary Honda Civic enters its 10th generation sportier in both appearance and performance. The interior has be also been reworked to provide lots of storage space for things like phones, wallets and cups. Also offered in a coupe body style, the four-door (starting MSRP $16,155) is the better buy for those on a budget. 

2016 Toyota Corolla

2016 Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corollas have been the go-to-car for many students for five decades now, and not much has changed in that regard. The current compact sedan is still great on gas — 8.4 L/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway — and has enough interior room for five adults to sit comfortably thanks to the flat floor in the rear. Prices start at $15,995.

2017 Hyundai Elantra rear

2017 Hyundai Elantra

All new for this year, the reimagined Elantra is drop dead gorgeous with a smart looking front end anchored by a wide-mouth grille and a set of sleek headlamps. As always, even the base model ($15,999) is chock full of features like heated front seats that will come in handy during those brisk fall morning drives to class. The car is powered by a 2.0-litre motor producing 147 horsepower and 132-lb-ft of torque.

OpenRoad Auto Group used cars

Pre-owned vehicles

In the market for a used car? OpenRoad has hundreds of pre-owned vehicles available for sale  — have a look on the website.

Dual clutch transmissions explained

Benjamin Yong on August 29, 2016

2016 Volkswagen GTI grille
VW has been using dual-clutch transmissions for a number of years now, optional on models like the 2016 Golf GTI. Photos by Benjamin Yong.

As is the story with lots of auto technology, dual clutch transmissions (DCT) were once primarily found on high-price tag, big horsepower machines and have slowly trickled down into vehicles that you might even find your mother driving. The term is thrown around all the time in reviews and marketing ads without much explanation, so we break down in this post what they are and why both manufacturers and enthusiasts like them.

Depending on the automaker, the technology may be called something else (i.e. Direct Shift Gearbox by Volkswagen), but the idea is the same. Basically, the DCT is made up of twin clutches surrounded by two separate transmissions. One controls the odd-numbered set of gears, and the other the even.

Volkswagen GTI DSG transmission

So for example when the car is at a stop in first, the second gear is already pre-engaged meaning the eventual shift is completed in mere milliseconds, rather than the significantly longer period of time it would take a driver to clutch-in, move the lever, and clutch out on a conventional standard transmission.

By definition, DCTs are essentially automatics since a computer calculates when shifts should take place according to velocity and user inputs. However, most setups allow the driver to manually initiate gear changes either via paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel or the transmission lever itself.

Another advantage of DCTs, besides its quick reaction time, is the ability to rev-match on downshifts. Similar to how a driver would use his or her foot blip the throttle before selecting a lower gear to bring the rpms up and ensure a smooth transition, a DCT-equipped vehicle will perform the task automatically, revving the engine to the precise speed required. The majority of systems even allow gear skipping — say from fifth to second — which is more efficient than rowing through each one individually.

Most affordable crossovers with panoramic sunroofs

Benjamin Yong on August 25, 2016

Two things are immensely popular with vehicle buyers right now — crossovers, and panoramic sun/moonroofs. After all, there is little not to like about a small SUV’s practical, safe and adventurous nature or a sunroof’s penchant for letting in natural light and some fresh air. We’ve shortlisted a few well-priced examples that combine both, ranked in order of MSRP.

The New BMW X1

The latest compact crossover from German manufacturer is based on the MINI Cooper platform, so you know it will be a hoot to drive. Only one model is available that comes with a 228 horsepower engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Add to the fun by opting for the $2,950 Premium Package Essential, which among other items includes an extra-large two-panel transparent sunroof.

The New Hyundai Sante Fe Sport

Hyundais have always provided good value for the money, and the newest Sante Fe crossover is no exception. The SE version comes with a 2.4-litre engine, all-wheel drive and plenty of extras like a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert and heated front seats.

The New Audi Q3

The smallest crossover in the Audi family, the Q3 is an ideal choice to get you to work during the week and then up to the cabin on the weekends. A definite bonus is that the entry FrontTrak Komfort trim comes with a sunroof stretching above the second row of seating, bathing all passengers in the cabin in some vitamin D.

The New Volkswagen Tiguan

This “cute-ute” from VW is due for a redesign next year, but the current generation remains a good buy, especially if you opt for one of the mid-level tiers such as the Special Edition loaded with 4MOTION all-wheel drive, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights and more. To finish it off, throw in another $1,450 for a panoramic sunroof operated by a unique control dial allowing easy partial or full opening.