Paul Williams

Author's posts

2019 Jeep Cherokee: a nip here, a tuck there

Ever since the Jeep Cherokee was introduced in for model-year 2014, I’ve wondered when we’d see an exterior design rethink. Why? Well, I just thought there was something odd about the front of the Cherokee. I wasn’t alone, I should add. Then again, maybe Cherokee’s sales success was actually primed by its …um… distinctive appearance! …

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2019 Lexus ES 350 gets F SPORTy

If you’re following automotive news lately, you’ll know that several mainstream car companies are bailing on sedans like they have some kind of disease.. Most buyers want an SUV, apparently. But so far, luxury brands like Lexus continue to offer a full range of sedans and in the case of the $54,800 2019 Lexus ES350 …

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Canadian seasonal automotive nostalgia!

It just occurred to me that there’s a winter theme among some of the items that populate the walls, floor and shelves of my home office! Most of this stuff has a historic Canadian connection. First of all, here’s a Rallye des Neiges plate that I acquired from fellow Ottawa MG Club member Bill Pickthorne …

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Killing the Chevrolet Volt

Well, General Motors has cancelled further production of the Chevrolet Volt. Disappointing, for several reasons. The first is that it’s an excellent car, and in my opinion, the best plug-in hybrid (or more accurately, Plug-in Electric Vehicle) on the market. Because of that, I’ve recommended it to people considering a vehicle of this type, and …

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2019 Mazda CX-9: All about the experience…

You may not have noticed this, but mainstream brands are becoming much more luxurious these days. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature I recently drove is a case in point. I happened to experience it first at night, opening the door to a tailored brown leather interior bathed in gentle accent lighting. Abundant semi-gloss aluminum trim …

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2018 Chevrolet Volt – An Owner’s Perspective – Part 3

2018 Chevrolet Volt – Part 1 2018 Chevrolet Volt – Part 2 Images courtesy of GM Canada except lead image of 2018 Volt Premier Edition First things first: after ten months of Volt ownership I continue to be pleased with my purchase. No buyer’s remorse, no major complaints, no operational issues, car runs like a …

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Remembering Route 66… and all that jazz!

As a kid growing up in England in the 1960s, I remember watching an American television show called Route 66. Along with shows like Highway Patrol, it was part of my introduction to life in America. From what I could tell, things looked pretty good over there. Apparently it was usually sunny and everyone had …

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Betta Getta Jetta! – 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

Betta getta Jetta! Hey, I didn’t make that up; saw it on an American VW dealer’s website. Come on down! Getta Jetta! Okay, enough of that. With significant improvements the Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan acquires new exterior styling for 2019 and is now built on the modern MQB platform shared with Golf, Tiguan and some …

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2018 Mazda6 Signature: Looking good! Still zooming along.

Back in 2008 I had the pleasure of attending the media launch of Mazda’s all-new 2009 Mazda6 in Los Angeles. I liked this midsize four-door sedan for several reasons, notably its price, design, power, handling, comfort and available equipment. So when I got home and a friend asked me to suggest a replacement for her …

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“Sold another one!” Toronto Classic Car Auction

Recently I attended the spring Toronto Spring Classic Car Auction (it’s typically held twice annually, spring and fall, at the International Centre). This is something I’ve done many times over the past couple of decades, mostly as a spectator. I say “mostly” because I’ve covered the auction when I was a working journalist and once, …

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