[aldg]

Hi I am deciding with replacing my Subaru Outback with either a new Outback or a CT200h - with all of the driving I do I would save about 485 gallons of gas a year in the CT.

A couple of concerns - winter driving and no crash test results - in a word safety. I love the drive, feel and mostly the efficiency of the CT200h. I will live with the small size, but I do (too much) a lot of winter driving in Massachusetts and a lot of highway driving - any perspective and input would be appreciated.

Also roof rack availability??
Thanks
Al

 

[maxa]

Highway: Works perfect
Winter: Haven't tested yet since I got my car the first day of spring. I will get a set of good 16" studded tires (think thats the english name for it!?) and don't think I will have any problems with it. But I do not drive my car in forests without roads.
Roof rack: yepp. I think its partnumber ZWA10T32002 but check it with your dealer first.

Not sure how it look in Massachusetts but as long as there isnt 40cm snow on the streets and ice bears running around I think the ct is enough. But if your out in the terrain a lot and need a workers car then ground clearance and fwd of the ct might be to little for you.
Its a compensation in both directions. The subaru have 4wd but is expensive in fuel consumption, ct is high quality coupé while the subaru is bigger.

Good luck with choosing car! Both are very good cars in different ways.

 

[Claude]

I had a Nissan Xtrail just before(4x4 SUV), I live in Mntreal so I understand winter driving. I'm a rep on the road, go 45000km a year and drove SUV's for the last 10 years. In my decision, I knew I couldn't get it all, so I chose gaz savings and superior comfort, over 4x4. I thought that if I need to go in a serious winter storm, the 2-3 times in the year that I might need it, I'll take my second car. I'm sure the winter ride will be good, but I know it won't be equal to an outback or my previous.
It all comes down to what's most important for you.

 

[aldg]

Thanks - good info

Thanks for your input - I usually do decisions well, but I am finding it tough with this decision - 2 good choices, but very different - moving to use less fossil fuel sure is appealing!!

 

[jcpharm]

Crash test results: should be forthcoming but i am not aware of any car this small that has 8 airbags like the CT so i am thinking it will be among the best in its class.

Winter: if you are in Massachusetts, i would recommend using snow tires in the winter. The car is FWD and has all-season performance tires. i live in NJ and can usually get by with all-seasons year-round but you get a bit more snow than i do.

Highway: works great - this is the least of your concerns.

RoofRack: the model is new so i availability may be limited. i would expect big name companies like Thule and Yakima will have something by Fall or Winter.

 

[YuDanJa]

Ever consider just keeping the Outback as a 'heavy snow day' vehicle?
I had a friend who bought a Mercedes, but just kept his Jeep Cherokee. It's an old Jeep, pretty worthless to trade in and the insurance was not much to keep, either, so he decided to just use it for those heavy snow days.

 

[aldg]

No Outback is the way I can get a new car. 2008 with 85k has GREAT value because of low inventory on used cars. The value of that car allows me to purchase new car (whether Outback or CT200h) my wife drives a Saab convertible so we will have 2 small cars with the CT200h... but oh that 485 gallon a year savings...

Thanks for all of the input - keep it coming I am finding it helpful

 

[audi4t]

I have the F-Sport rims on order and will install dedicated snow tires for my wife's CT.

I'm in Ct and you know what our New England winter was like this year.

I drove my rear wheel drive Z4 (with snow tires mounted) all winter and didn't have any traction problems - also had lots of fun!

 

[Boeleni]

I've been driving Subaru Imprezas for the past 10 years. First week of owning the CT I drove from Toronto to Auburn Hills MI in a big snowstorm. Considering I was on All-Seasons the CT was very stable and easy to drive through the storm. With snow tires I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem. It's still FWD vs AWD, but it shouldn't be a dealbreaker.

 

[Kostamojen]

I'm expecting 5-star safety ratings for this car.

However, in your specific situation with lots of snow driving, I have to be honest and say I'd probably hold out for the 2012 Impreza. It has 36mpg on the highway with the AWD, not too far from the CT with just its FWD, and more interior room that the CT with the hatchback.

The CT has pretty low ground clearance too, but otherwise would drive just fine in the snow especially with snow tires.

 

[darkride]

With winter tires, and FWD the CT should do fine in winter driving. I had a lower car with RWD and it just had some minor problems because of RWD.

Plus they lost the attractiveness in the new Impreza hatchbacks for 2012 . And the interior is not as nice as well. You get "some" bit of luxury with the CT even with all the corners cut to save costs. Ultimately it is your decision.