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5 New Vehicles That Will Make You Long for Summer

Spring has barely sprung, but we’re already looking ahead to summer like we do every year at around this time. Why? Because we can’t wait to hit the open road while enjoying beautiful weather again.

Sadly, with gas prices being this high right now, a lot of people are going to limit their trips. Oh well, here are some hot new models that have recently hit the market—or are about to—if you want to have fun and make the most of the warm season.

2022 Toyota GR 86

Fancy a cool little sports coupe? The RWD-only GR 86 (formerly known as 86) is all-new for 2022 and makes its summer debut in Canada this year. While the second generation retains a four-cylinder boxer engine, it now generates 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Toyota engineers have also made the chassis stiffer and enhanced handling characteristics.

2023 Mazda CX-50

A new rival for the Subaru Outback, the CX-50 is roomier than the CX-5 and boasts various features that make it a better vehicle for venturing off the beaten path, such as more rugged tires, lower body cladding and skid plates, plus an Off-Road drive mode. Go with the 2.5L turbo engine (256 horsepower) for maximum performance and towing capacity (3,500 pounds). Units will be available at Mazda dealers across Canada starting in May.

2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Estrema

This limited edition of the sexy Italian sports sedan, which slots between the Veloce and Quadrifoglio models, borrows from the latter its limited-slip differential and standard active suspension. A carbon fibre finish on the grille and mirror caps along with dark trim on the wheels, brake callipers and more elevate the car’s looks and street cred. Ordering for the Giulia Estrema is now open with availability this summer if all goes according to plan.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R

While the standard Golf is not returning to Canada for its eighth generation, the sportier Golf GTI and Golf R arrive with sleek looks and a much more technologically advanced cabin. The former boasts a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and remains a FWD-only car. Meanwhile, the high-performance Golf R elevates output to 315 horsepower, which is then distributed to all four wheels. R-specific “Special” and “Drift” modes are included. These two German hot hatches will turn heads everywhere they go this summer.

2022 Ford Bronco Everglades

The Bronco Everglades will launch this summer, but ordering began in March, exclusively for existing Bronco reservation holders. This is a special edition designed for off-road driving enthusiasts who want to push the limits even farther. Named after the world-famous, alligator-infested wetlands in South Florida, this latest Bronco model loves to get dirty and wet. At the top of the list is a class-exclusive snorkel which runs up the passenger-side A-pillar and optimizes vehicle performance in dust and water by raising the engine air intake above nasty trail conditions.