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.”
Though hit hard by the recession, the SEMA automotive aftermarket show in Las Vegas last week was still impressive, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, with some of the world’s hottest cars and aftermarket products on display.
The Challenger R/T “isn't a track star, but it is a cruising sensation,” reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams; the Camaro SS is “all about awesome power and striking design, with practicality bringing up the rear,” says Managing Editor, Grant Yoxon.
Brian Hendry decided to purchase his new BMW 3 Series through BMW’s European Delivery Program and pick it up in Germany. It was a great experience, he says, but he wonders why Canadians don’t get the same discounts that Americans do.
The results are in! Contributing Editor Chris Chase discusses the category winners, and losers, in the 2010 Canadian Car of the Year competition, and predicts which two will win overall Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Comparison tests of Detroit’s three retro muscle cars have been done by many auto mags, but CanadianDriver’s instrumented track test revealed some clear and surprising differences between these modern pony cars that potential purchasers should know about.
This week, CanadianDriver begins its new Made in Canada Test-drive series that compares vehicles built in Canada that compete in the same market segment. We begin with the Oshawa, Ontario-built Chevrolet Camaro SS and the Brampton, Ontario-built Dodge Challenger R/T.
Made in Canada: Canada’s home-grown vehicles Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus all build vehicles in Canada. Which are they? Paul Williams takes an inventory of Canada’s home-grown vehicles and their manufacturing plants.
From humble beginnings, the Honda Civic has risen to become the best-selling car in Canada. In 1973, Honda sold just 747 Civics here; last year, the company sold 72,463 Civics, making it Canada’s best selling passenger car for 11 straight years.
Secrets of Lexus RX hybrid system A combination of technological features allows the new Lexus RX 450h to achieve such good fuel economy, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams – including an Atkinson-cycle engine, three electric motors, a lighter battery, a new CVT, and an electronic controller.
A 2,300-km family road trip in a Chevrolet Traverse “proved extremely comfortable” says contributor Haney Louka. “The kids loved the DVD player” but the navigation system wasn’t always accurate, he says.
What do experienced truck owners think of the redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram pickup? CanadianDriver put five pickup veterans behind the wheel of a Ram Crew Cab and asked for their honest opinions.
Less than 3,000 convertible Dakota pickups were built in a three-year period, making them quite rare, says contributor Jeff Burry. Nevertheless, you can probably pick one up for around five to six thousand dollars, he notes.
A recent 800-kilometre round-trip in his 1967 MGB-GT provided Senior Editor Paul Williams with an opportunity to compare the differences between classic and modern cars – and have some fun too.
Can you repair run-flat tires? There is a misconception that punctures in run-flat tires cannot be repaired. Most can, says Senior Editor Paul Williams, but it has to be done the right way.
Is the design of the new Nissan 370Z an attempt to bring a bit of the original 240Z to the present day, asks Contributing Editor, Chris Chase? He asks the 370Z’s designer, Randy Rodriguez.
Lightweight design improves performance, one of the many reasons Audi considers it an essential element when producing cars. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh visits its Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center in Germany to see how it’s done.
The hybrid technology in the new Lexus HS250h is borrowed from the third-generation Prius and Camry Hybrid, reports contributor Haney Louka. Though “it doesn’t actually possess any new hybrid technology... it sits at the forefront of mass-production hybrid technology.”
The Subaru BRAT resembled a small pickup but it was actually more of a crossover vehicle like the El Camino, says contributor Jeff Burry. Its rear-facing seats in the cargo bed were a sneaky way of avoiding importation duties.
In his quest to help his mother shop for a new car, auto reviewer, Brian Early was disappointed in the sales experience at most dealerships. “Those that provided a positive shopping experience were certainly in the minority.”
Tire Preview: Yokohama dB e-spec and Advan AD08 James track-tests two very different kinds of new tires from Yokohama: one eco-friendly tire designed for hybrids, and another performance summer tire designed for performance cars.
“Walkaway” insurance If circumstances require you to return your car, you could owe more than it’s worth. Walkaway offers plans to cover the difference, or even to make payments if necessary, and may be included for free on your next vehicle.
A sibling to the Mitsubishi 3000GT, the Dodge Stealth came in four trim levels: base, ES, RT, and a heart-pounding R/T Twin Turbo. The latter featured 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive and is the most desirable for collectors.
The only one of the ‘Big 3’ that didn’t take government bailouts, Ford is forging ahead with new, more fuel efficient powertrains, new safety technologies, and new vehicle models. James Bergeron previews Ford’s plans for the next few years.
Drawing some of the world’s rarest cars, the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance in Michigan featured over 230 cars and motorcycles this year. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh was on hand to snap photos of some of the classics on display.
