Smart shopping for Canadian car buyers
A few weeks ago I was reviewing the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon for our brother publication and the suggestion was made that wagons were a niche market that nobody cared about and didn't make much sense. While I disagree with that sentiment, I had long wondered how Europeans managed to cart around the kids and all of their junk, without resorting to SUV's like we have here in North America. The answer … [Read more...]
I have a friend who often will ask specifics regarding the technical features of a tester vehicle. When I don't know the answer, he just shakes his head in dismay. It is part of my road test routine. I try not to read other reviews or any press literature before I drive a vehicle, I would rather let the vehicle make it's own first impression on me. Sometimes, this strategy backfires on me like it did … [Read more...]
The Canadian launch of the VW Golf family began when we left the hotel in downtown Montreal headed north west towards the track at Mont Tremblant. My driving partner for the day was a Montreal native so our journey through town in the 2.5L Golf 3 door hatch was a breeze. Our tester was a Trendline or base model with the 5 speed manual transmission. With this setup, the 170 horsepower was perfect for … [Read more...]
Volvo is introducing a series-produced plug-in hybrid as early as 2012. Pure electric power from the battery will cover the daily transport needs of 75 percent of European drivers. For longer distances, an efficient diesel hybrid engine automatically takes over. The combined range is about 1200 kilometres. Carbon dioxide emissions will average out at 49 grams per kilometre, with fuel consumption of … [Read more...]
While some may disagree with me, I have always felt that the first generation Toyota Matrix was revolutionary. It was a small vehicle that offered tons of utility in an edgy, sporty package at a time when Toyota wasn't known for being overly daring. In fact, shortly after Toyota launched the Matrix, I became the service manager of a Toyota store and spent 3 months driving one. Not long after, my step … [Read more...]
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