Sunny days! Ah, you've got to love it! Here in the great white north we wait half the year for the "good" weather to arrive. And when it does, we love nothing more than getting behind the wheel and heading to the beach, cottage or whatever favourite hangout we can find.

For some of us, this means packing up kids, the dog, toys, a stroller, numerous suitcases and groceries for a week away. For a few of us, an overnight bag and a swimsuit is all we need for a long weekend of summer bliss. Still others grab fishing poles, sleeping bags and a tent as a way to get back to nature. However you celebrate the "good life", here are several of our favourite vehicles in which to get away from it all.

BMW 3 Series Coupe and Cabriolet: These world-class compact coupes and convertibles from BMW have been revamped on an expanded rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform. Models are badged as 328i and 335i RWD for coupe/convertible, plus two AWD (all-wheel drive) coupes, 328xi and 335xi featuring BMW's xDrive computer-controlled AWD equipment.

 

The 328i and 328xi pack a 3.0-liter in-line-six with 230 hp through a manual six-speed or six-speed electronic automatic with Steptronic manual shift control. BMW 335i and 335xi use the in-line-six with twin turbo-chargers and direct fuel injection. Challenging Canadian highways are no match with 300 hp through the six-speed manual or Steptronic automatic.

 

MSRP: Coupe: $43,600- $54,100   Cabriolet: $56,600- $66,600

 

Ford Taurus X: Ford's five-door CUV acquired a new nameplate and many new features for 2008, including a more powerful engine. Taurus X offers FWD or AWD grip. The cabin has multiple configurations for seats and cargo. There's room for six or seven on three tiers of seats with buckets up front and a back bench folding flat into the floor. Trims run from SEL to luxurious Limited. For power a new 3.5-liter V6 develops 263 hp with a six-speed automatic transaxle. The Limited has 18-inch aluminum wheels and standard power moonroof.

 

MSRP: $32,429- $39.994

 

Honda Odyssey: Odyssey offers five trims, DX LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Inside, there are up to three tiers of seats with options for folding or removing second-row seats and a "Magic Seat" in back that folds into the floor. A strong 3.5-liter VTEC V6 yields 244 hp.

 

Odyssey's top two trims employ the next generation of Honda's VCM to decrease cylinder firing to conserve on fuel. Safety devices extend to a traction control system (TCS) and VSA plus curtain-style air bags above all outboard seats.

 

MSRP: $31,490- $$8,890

 

Mazda MX-5 Miata: Mazda has enhanced the year-round comfort and security of the MX-5 Miata by offering a power retractable hard top (PRHT). It's the quickest-closing power top in the business, as the push-button conversion from hardtop coupe to airy convertible consumes only 12 seconds. Just touch a toggle switch and watch the roof pleat at two seams and fold in three sections to stack behind the cockpit in the same space where the soft top stows. Unlike other folding hard tops which tuck into the trunk, Miata's PRHT does not consume any space in the trunk.

 

MSRP: $28,195- $34,500

 

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: The stretched Wrangler Unlimited offers four cabin doors and three trims, X, Sahara or Rubicon. This is the only four-door convertible SUV and it stocks Jeep's Freedom Top, a three-piece modular hardtop, and the Sunrider soft top. Powertrain compares to Wrangler with Jeep's 3.8-liter V6 for 202 hp and a six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. The cabin contains seats for five with a fold-flat rear bench and options for premium gear like power controls for windows and door locks plus a remote keyless entry device.

 

MSRP: $24,745- $29,845

 

Volkswagen Eos: This name in Greek mythology applied to the goddess of the dawn and the VW named Eos makes the sun come up with push-button ease to convert from a hardtop coupe to open-top convertible. The sleek two-door, with seats for four in a well-stocked cabin, uses the Rabbit/Jetta platform with FWD and two powertrain options. A 2.0-liter four-in-line turbo produces 200 hp through a manual six-speed transmission or six-speed DSG Tiptronic automatic, while VW's twin-cam 3.2-liter V6, mated to the DSG exclusively, hits 250 hp.

 

MSRP: $35,975- $37,375

 

Volvo C30 T5: The newest and smallest vehicle from Volvo is a slick hatchback coupe of subcompact size packing a zippy turbo-charged engine and the cabin with seats for four plus lots of on-board safety equipment. Volvo's 2.4-liter five-cylinder light-pressure turbo engine makes 227 hp. Six air bags, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Volvo's Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) are standard safety features. Lots of options invite customizing with 17" Zaurak alloy wheels, leather seats and Volvo navigation system.

 

MSRP: $32,195