/articles/2015/02/heat-up-valentines-day-with-these-cars
It’s Valentine’s Day, and you’re looking for an automotive way to tell your significant other how you feel. We surveyed our fellow editors, all of whom are known to be world-class romantics — just ask them! — for some advice:
2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
“There’s nothing more romantic than a top-down moonlight cruise, and what better car to do it in than a luxury convertible? The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet has power, style and a premium snuggle-friendly interior; equipped with the optional Airscarf system it even pipes warm air to the back of your neck. You’re in charge of whispering sweet nothings, however.” — Jennifer Geiger, assistant managing editor
“Having trouble finding a baby sitter on Valentine’s Day? Consider the garage for a little date-night romance: Catch a movie in the 2015 Toyota Sienna. Kick back with the van’s optional pop-out leg rests and cozy up to the DVD entertainment system’s huge 16.4-inch screen.” — Jennifer Geiger, assistant managing editor
“An affordable ride doesn’t always have to mean cheap dates. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata has a rare feature among family sedans — a panoramic moonroof — so you can take in the city lights during a night out on the town without the cold-weather exposure that a convertible top incurs. It is February, after all.” — Kelsey Mays, consumer affairs editor
“Want a guaranteed front-of-the-line valet spot without spending six figures for a high-performance sports car? The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C is your answer. Its seductive shape and Italian pedigree belie the starting price: $55,195, or far less than any exotic car. That should leave you enough cash to spring for the surf and turf. Let the other patrons shiver away while the parking lackey hunts down their ride. Yours is right up front.” — Kelsey Mays, consumer affairs editor
“Hot-stone massage … in a car? Yes, who needs to go to the spa when there’s a masseuse, of sorts, in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class? For a mere $4,500, the S550’s Premium Package adds heated, ventilated and most importantly, massaging front seats. What could be more relaxing on a date night than dialing up one of six massage programs, including one that has a ‘hot stone’ effect. With the Premium Package, the S550’s price falls just shy of $100,000, but remember you can’t put a price on love.” — Jennifer Newman, assistant managing editor
“OK, maybe you’re a little more practical minded when it comes to expressions of love. Well, nothing makes a spouse happier than a completed honey-do list. Help knock some of to-dos off the list with the redesigned 2015 Subaru Outback. This wagon makes quick work of chores with its sizable cargo area: It has 35.5 cubic feet of space behind the backseat and 73.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded, which is 2 cubic feet more than the previous generation. As an owner of a 2013 Outback, I can attest there’s enough cargo space to haul a 9-by-11-foot rug (in case anyone is looking to surprise their spouse – ahem).” — Jennifer Newman, assistant managing editor
“The new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cars.com’s 2015 Car of the Year award winner, is a perfect Valentine’s date-night car. It’s just big enough to squeeze the kids in the back for the drive to drop them off at Grandma’s, but small and sleek enough to feel date-night appropriate. Not to mention the luxurious interior will be much less of a mood killer than the snack- and trash-laden minivan in the garage. But, if you really want the sparks to fly, try to secure an Audi R8 for your Valentine’s date night. Christian Grey drives one in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (the movie opens Feb. 13). ‘Nuff said.” — Kristin Varela, senior family editor
“An ex of mine said my Fiat was the ultimate date car. My assumption was there’s nothing like fear of a major component falling off to bring two people together, but she explained it’s because you’re practically rubbing shoulders. So I’d suggest a 2016 Mazda Miata; it’s actually not as narrow as the old Fiat, but I can’t think of anything else narrower.” — Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor
“There’s nothing too romantic about any of the pickups sold in the U.S., but with a 2015 Ram 1500 with four-corner air suspension and a RamBox, a thoughtful husband or boyfriend can store six dozen roses and 72 boxes of chocolate in the two lockable storage bins. He can even lower the entire truck several inches to make it easier on his date if she’s wearing a fancy dress. They could even drop a 4-by-6-foot air mattress in the back to do some stargazing.” — Mark Williams, Pickuptrucks.com editor
Illustration by Paul Dolan; Cars.com photos by Evan Sears, Brian Wong and Aaron Bragman
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