This Week on CanadianDriver
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Day-by-Day Review: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8GT; Day 3
So the Genesis Coupe isn't the most practical sports car around, says James, but what really matters here is how the car drives. And it's in that department that this car really shines, he says.
Test Drive: 2010 Mazda3 GS sedan w/five-speed automatic
The mid-level Mazda3 GS sedan with new five-speed automatic transmission is a comfortable and sporty compact sedan that’s well-equipped for the price, says editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. But stability control should be standard, not optional, he says.
What's New: 2010 Audi A8
With an all-new version arriving for 2011, the 2010 Audi A8 and A8L are unchanged, but the S8 model and W12 long-wheelbase model have been discontinued for 2010. Prices are unchanged from 2009. MSRPs range from $95,000 to $100,000.
Motoring Memories: Checker, 1922-1982
The most famous of North American cabs, Checker cabs lasted for 60 years but the company’s failure to update the vehicle’s design in the 1970s led to the company’s demise.
Used Vehicle Review: Pontiac G6, 2005-2009
Offered as a sedan, coupe and convertible, the Pontiac G6 has been fairly reliable when it comes to its powertrains, but some models have had problems with the steering and brakes, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
What's New: 2010 Ford F-Series
Completely redesigned for 2009, the Ford F-Series continues into 2010 with numerous changes, notably the deletion of a flareside box, the availability of Ford Work Solutions, and a new SVT Raptor model. Base MSRPs range from $24,599 to $48,299.
Inside Story: 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R
The Outback’s roomy cargo area thwarts prying eyes with a retractable cargo cover and spring-loaded panel to meet the seatbacks, reports interior reviewer Michael Clark. Standard roof rails feature unique swing-out crossbars that require no tools to lock in place.
First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7
Due to arrive in the spring of 2010, BMW’s ActiveHybrid 7 is a “mild” hybrid that delivers an average 2.0 L/100 km improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 750Li “with virtually no trade-offs”, reports contributor Brian Early.
What's New: 2010 Honda Civic
For 2010, the Honda Civic is carried over and is unchanged, save for a new standard auxiliary input jack and centre console armrest on the DX model, and exterior colour changes. Base MSRPs range from $16,990 to $27,350.
Auto Tech: AJAC Technology Awards – Audi Drive Select
Another entry in the annual Best New Technology Awards, Audi Drive Select is driver-selectable feature that adjusts the engine, automatic transmission, steering, suspension, and differential to provide increased comfort or greater performance.
Test Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 3.0 AWD
“Smaller, leaner, and more efficient,” the new Cadillac SRX now shares its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “It’s a much better fit with key import competitors,” he says.
What's New: 2010 Maybach
For 2010, the Maybach line-up includes a new Landaulet soft-top, and new 57 Zeppelin and 62 Zeppelin models with more powerful engines. Only 100 are planned for production. Maybach MSRPs range from $348,000 to $1,380,000.
First Drive: 2009 European Ford Fiesta vs Fit vs Yaris vs Versa
In a back-to-back comparison test of the European Ford Fiesta and its major Japanese competitors, contributor Gerry Frechette was impressed with the Fiesta’s fun-to-drive nature, but wonders if the future North American model will keep its “European-ness.”
First Drive: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
An all-new midsize sedan from Suzuki, the Kizashi is smaller than its competitors but offers terrific handling and stability and standard all-wheel drive, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams. It will go on sale in Canada in March or April of 2010.
Steering You Right: Reader’s quiz
Lawyer Jordan Charness gets asked a lot of questions by readers of this column, but a recent reader’s e-mail seemed more like a traffic quiz than a query about legal issues.
Winter Tire Test: Michelin X-Ice Xi2
Last winter, Winnipeg journalist Haney Louka equipped his own Mazda6 wagon with Michelin’s new X-ice Xi2 tires. After a long winter, his impressions were mixed.
