Jul 25 2019
When driving a 2019 Volkswagen GTI the word that most readily comes to mind is “balance.” Well, balance is a beautiful thing, right? You want people to be well-balanced; you work for a balanced portfolio; you balance wants and needs. It’s an aspiration, a goal, an ideal. And in a car it can be a …
Jul 24 2019
All-new for 2019, the Toyota RAV4 may be nothing like your mental image of this vehicle. It’s bigger, tougher-looking, ready for adventure. Nothing like the little cute-ute that debuted so long ago. But just like people, vehicles evolve, change, grow up (we hope) as the years pass. This is the fifth generation “RAV,” adapting to …
Jul 16 2019
Released in Canada in 2017 as a 2018 model, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) quickly became Canada’s best-selling plug-in hybrid. That shouldn’t be too surprising because there wasn’t a mainstream mid-size SUV plug-in hybrid on the market until Mitsubishi released the Outlander PHEV. And guess what? Canadians love their compact and mid-size …
Jun 27 2019
Spent an entertaining week in the 2019 Mazda3 Sport GT AWD. It’s the first model of the fourth-generation Mazda3, and it features a new platform along with new interior and exterior styling, and improvements to driving dynamics and convenience features. Except for the 2.5L four-cylinder engine, it’s all-new, in other words. Also news is that …
Jun 02 2019
It’s been almost two decades since Toyota introduced its Prius gas-electric to the North American market, where it quickly became the poster child for alternative “hybrid” vehicles. Prius hit its sales stride around 2012, after which, and in the face of competition from other manufacturers, demand softened. But Toyota is still investing in its trail-blazing …
May 01 2019
It’s that time of the model cycle again – the end, that is – meaning next year’s 2020 Toyota Highlander will be an all new replacement of the current model. Consequently, many of the features of the 2019 Highlander are about to be replaced or enhanced as this version is retired. With that in mind, …
Feb 25 2019
When you put your signature on something, you’re vouching for it, right? You’re literally, “putting your name on the line.” I guess that’s the idea with Mazda’s “Signature” line of vehicles, which in my view are edging ever closer to entry-level luxury, and maybe beyond. “Top tier,” says Mazda like a proud parent. That’s one …
Feb 25 2019
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! …
Jan 14 2019
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 …
Nov 13 2018
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 …
