Dream road trips and the cars to drive

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible makes escaping on a Canadian road trip hard to resist. (Terry O’Neill/Vacay.ca)

Column by Terry O’Neill
Vacay.ca Road Trips Columnist

TORONTO, ONTARIO  — Ever dream of taking a road trip across this beautiful land of ours? A family trip or maybe a
re-discover you trip. Why not take it to the max as long as we’re dreaming? The best place to start is the Canadian International AutoShow, 40 years of spectacular cars and this year is no exception. Here are four vehicles and the category of trip you should take each on.

Going It Alone Trip: 2013 VW Beetle Convertible

It was the same “love at first sight” moment that I had back in the ’70s. A 2013 beautiful, modern version of the first car that ever said road trip to me. I think it’s time to reconnect. Time to put the top down and cruise up the Pacific Rim … Vancouver to Tofino sounds like a good place to start. The Beetle Convertible’s fully automatic, power-operated roof requires only the push of a button to drop. In 9.5 seconds you’re topless! Not bad for $28,775.

A Family Trip You Say? Honda’s 2014 “Urban SUV Concept”

Even if we have to wait until 2014 for its North American production and a new name, it looks like our patience will be rewarded.

With Honda’s record of hits, this crossover SUV has “best in class of 2014” written all over it. This sophisticated SUV will provide a host of passenger and cargo options, making it perfect for an active family trip to the Rockies. Such strong character and powerful stance makes it rugged enough and still fuel-efficient for the wallet. Price not yet determined, but will be less expensive than the CR-V.

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BFF Trip You Thought You’d Never Take: Mercedes-Benz Concept-Style Coupe

One gorgeous coupe for a car slated to be priced at the $30K mark. Guaranteed to be smokin’ hot when it comes off the production line. Four-door practicality and four-wheel drive, not to mention the incredible dot-matrix theme used on the grille and rear diffuser. The super-sized panoramic glass roof will come in handy for a trip from Calgary to Lake Louise and Banff. You won’t miss an ounce of beauty even in the back seat. Sign me up and call the BFF to go for a ride!

As Long As We’re Dreaming Trip! Hyundai Genesis Concept HDC-14

I’m a girl who used to drive a sweet 1955 Dodge pick-up with a beautiful wood-panelled bed. Now, after attending the AutoShow, I have fallen for the sleekest, sexiest car this Motor City born and raised girl has ever seen.

It looks like luxury on steroids with its rear-hinged doors and gemstone-like surfaces, not to mention the 429 horse it delivers. The shark teeth tail lights will take a bite out of any summer night’s drive.

Muscle and classic grace; perfect for my dream ocean-to-ocean Trans-Canada Highway trip. Gotta call my man and tell him about our next journey in a car that represents the power and beauty that is Canada.

More About the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre at 255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON (see map below)

Admission: 

• Adult Tickets: $19.80
• Children Tickets (ages 7-12): $6.30
• Two-Day Pass: $28.80
• Family Pass (includes 2 adults and 2 children ages 7-12): $39.60

Visit the AutoShow website for details on prices, discounts and information on how to obtain coupons.

Remaining Show Times:
Daily until February 23: 10:30 am to 10 pm
Sunday, February 24: 10:30 am to 6 pm

Getting Around: Use the AutoShow map to spot the sections you’d like to visit and be sure to take advantage of the free shuttle bus that moves visitors between the North and South buildings of the Convention Centre.

More Vacay.ca 2013 Canadian International AutoShow Coverage

10 cool cars at the Toronto AutoShow

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