First Drive reports are first impressions based on several hours driving and testing vehicles. Often testing takes place at events sponsored by the manufacturer. Find a Review: Search our database.
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC With "swoopy curves" and a roofline that's 50 mm lower than the standard Passat, the new Passat CC is arguably, "the best-looking VW sedan ever built," opines contributor Tony Whitney. The CC will go on sale later this year.
2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50 With a longer wheelbase, wider track, and a new front suspension, the 2009 Infiniti FX has a smoother ride and even sportier handling, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams. The FX45 has been replaced by the FX50 with a 5.0-litre V8 engine.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon The "eye-catching" new Jetta Wagon is "bigger in all exterior dimensions," reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams. A 2.5-litre inline five cylinder engine is standard while a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine will be available this fall. Prices range from $23,475 to $31,675.
2009 Acura TSX On sale later this month, the redesigned 2009 Acura TSX is bigger and roomier than the current model but retains its nimble handling and efficient 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. "And there's a significant price reduction over 2008," he says.
2008 BMW X6 Based on the X5 SUV, the new four-door, four-passenger X6 Sports Activity Coupe "goes like stink...and will have you either applauding the company's creative vision or scratching your head," says Senior Editor, Paul Williams.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL On sale next month, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL luxury sports car has a new face, quicker steering, and more comfort and technology features, reports Editor-in-Chief, Greg Wilson. "But is this a face you could love? I'm not sure," he says.
Preview: 2009 Ford F-150 Contributor Haney Louka gets a sneak peek at the redesigned 2009 Ford F-150 and reports that interior room and cargo accessibility have been greatly improved. As well, available engines, including a new turbocharged V6, will have improved fuel economy.
2009 Subaru Forester With a longer wheelbase and a new space-saving rear suspension, the 2009 Forester offers more rear legroom and cargo space behind the rear seat, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams. It goes on sale in Canada in April.
BMW 128i and 135i coupe and cabriolet Due to go on sale in Canada on March 22nd, the new entry-level BMW 128i and 135i coupe and cabriolet models "will have you looking for a new home with a more challenging commute," reports Managing Editor, Grant Yoxon.
2009 Nissan GT-R "One of the most exciting cars you'll be able to buy in 2008," the 480-hp, AWD Nissan GT-R is "an everyday supercar, but.. with a distinctly Japanese flavour," reports contributor, Laurance Yap. It goes on sale this summer for $81,900.
2009 Audi Q7 TDI diesel The diesel-powered Audi Q7 TDI arrives here in the first quarter of 2009, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams. Equipped with Audi's new 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine, the Q7 averages 9.5 L/100 km and has a range of 950 kilometres, he says.
2008 Mini Clubman With more cargo room and a real back seat, the new Mini Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman are more comfortable and more practical than the Mini hatchback, reports Managing Editor, Grant Yoxon - but still "a hoot to drive."
2008 BMW M3 Sedan and Coupe After a two-year hiatus, the new BMW M3 returns with a "high-tech" 4.0-litre V8 that is "lighter than the six-cylinder engine it replaces and uses less fuel," reports Managing Editor, Grant Yoxon.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK A more powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine, improved steering, an exterior facelift, and interior upgrades are the major changes to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK, reports Editor-in-Chief, Greg Wilson. "The new SLK 350 has all the legal performance you'll likely ever need," he says.
2008 Toyota Sequoia For 2008, the Toyota Sequoia follows the Tundra pickup's recent redesign. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh finds the bigger, heavier Sequoia comfortable and capable, but asks, "Is this really the company that also makes the Prius?"
2009 Dodge Journey Starting at just $19,995, the mid-size Dodge Journey is "a great value" says contributor Bob McHugh. Available in five or seven passenger versions, the Journey "fills a void in the Dodge line-up left by the elimination of the short-wheelbase Caravan."
2009 Toyota Matrix On sale this month as a 2009 model, the redesigned Toyota Matrix has more power and an improved interior, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. "Even if you liked the old one, you'll probably like this one a whole lot better," she says.
