OK… I was (barely) able to rewrite the Junior class before I needed to head to bed. So here that is. The rest will come out hopefully tomorrow night.
Also, for those of you who either read or participated in the original Generations, you are probably used to getting a Relative Rating for your car. Because this is a full-line challenge, individual cars will not get an RR, but rather the company as a whole gets one at the end of the round, weighted for the importance of the various segments.
All reviews are IN ORDER from top to bottom performers in their class.
Best of Junior Class - 1956
Katsuro Model A-2-X
With such a wide varitey of Junior-grade cars available this year, the hunt for our gem was a difficult one. Over thousands of miles and many months, our staff waded through the more than dozen vehicles to find a little sedan from Japan.
Meet the Katsuro Model A-2-X. Admittedly, the biggest portion of this tiny titan’s foundation deals with cost. That is, the miniscule cost to buy and own it.
It is not quite the cheapest to buy. That honor goes to the Ardent Starlight. But the Katsuro is not nearly as punishing to drive as the Ardent, other than its even slower run up to to highway speed. Like many imports, the Katsuro has only two front seats, and a gap between them, up front. But these items are about all we can complain about with the Katusuro Model A-2-X.
It is competent on-road, possibly because it doesn’t have enough power to get into trouble. It is also inexpensive and easy to service, cheap to buy, and is expected to hold up well mechanically over the years.
Junior Class Reviews
Bogliq Bettong Deluxe
“…a good all-around car for a good price. Roomy, comfortable, and yet simple. Alas, the Bogliq’s road manners are less than stellar…”
Pros: High reliability, high practicality, good comfort
Cons: Poor handling
Ardent Starlight 200 Special
“…the venerable Starlight is the choice when low cost is the absolute requirement. It is cheap to buy and run, but is obsolete and outmatched in every other way…”
Pros: Lowest in round purchase cost, low maintenance cost, high practicality
Cons: Poor comfort, poor handling
Anhultz Mimas III Comfort
“…a good balance of features and low cost that sips gas thanks to its post-war European sensibility. Anhultz could stand to invest a little more in making the ride more comfortable…”
Pros: Low purchase cost, great fuel economy, good reliability
Cons: Poor comfort, mediocre handling
Valence 250 Sedan
Fixture Violation: No side mirror (first offense, no penalty)
“…great road manners from the Valence 250. Maintenance is easy as well. Aside from this, the Valence is very middle of the road…”
Pros: Good handling, low maintenance cost
Cons: Mediocre in every other way
Earl Glenwood
“…well packaged, reliable wagon that is easier to handle than many of its sedan counterparts. It is on the pricier end, and not just at the dealership either…”
Pros: Good handling, high reliability
Cons: Somewhat expensive, poor fuel economy
Hampton Ferret 1.6
Note: Car equipped with radial tires. Creator accepted the associated penalties.
“…can cruise the highways in comfort, passing by service stations on the way. This comes at a price, both up front and down the road in repairs…”
Pros: Good handling, best in round fuel economy, good practicality
Cons: High purchase price, poor reliability
Charge Dynasty Trident
“…decent inexpensive option. We found that it didn’t have great room for luggage or people, and we had some disconcerting problems with the test vehicle…”
Pros: Relatively low purchase price, good reliability, good fuel economy
Cons: Poor handling, poor practicality
Courageux Ambronay Berline Luxe
“…comfortable for both highway and city use. It is easy on fuel as well. Just remember to pack light…”
Pros: Good comfort, good fuel economy
Cons: Poor practicality
Dominion Victory Deluxe
“…Canada’s finest small car handles ruts and chuckholes without drama. However, it drinks gas and doesn’t have a particularly large trunk…”
Pros: Relatively low purchase price, good handling
Cons: Poor fuel economy, poor practicality
Watson Antlia
Fixture Violation: No antenna (First offense, no penalty)
“…powerful 235 cubic inch straight six is a bit much to handle, even in less than spirited driving. Barring that, the Antlia is a wonderful boulevard machine…”
Pros: Very comfortable
Cons: High purchase price, questionable reliability, worst in class drivability
Rocha Madison 430
“…good amount of space for 5 people and luggage. That’s the most we can say for this Brazilian machine…”
Pros: High practicality
Cons: High purchase price, poor reliability, worst in class fuel economy, high maintenance cost
Platinum Panamerica 55
“…gives its occupants comfort and convenience features only found on larger cars. This truly is a toy for those with money to burn, who still want something smaller…”
Pros: Best in class comfort
Cons: Excessive purchase price, excessive maintenance cost, abhorrent reliability
