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Green Car Reviews
 Test Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Returning to the Canadian market, the newer, greener 2009 VW Jetta TDI sedan "is quieter and more powerful than the previous one," says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson, and "offers better fuel economy than most cars."
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 Test Drive: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
While it offers better fuel economy than most cars in Canada, the Civic Hybrid's fuel consumption can vary depending on conditions, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. And its potential fuel savings must be balanced with its higher starting price, he notes.
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 Test Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid LT 4WD
A full-size SUV hybrid might seem like an oxymoron, but for consumers who need a 6,000 pound towing capacity and eight seats, the Tahoe Hybrid provides all that plus a 24 per cent improvement in fuel economy, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.
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 Inside Story: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
Though it's more expensive than a regular Civic sedan, the Civic Hybrid benefits from the Civic's "ingenious interior design," says contributor, Michael Clark. It has "everything you need, without ever feeling overdone," he says.
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 2009 Mercedes-Benz Bluetec diesel models
This Fall, Mercedes-Benz' BlueTec diesel engines with new AdBlue injection systems will be available in the ML, GL and R utility models. Cleaner and more fuel-efficient, these torquey diesel engines are also great for towing, says Contributor Bob McHugh.
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 2009 Subaru Legacy Wagon PZEV
For 2009, Subaru introduces the PZEV, a low-emission version of its Legacy and Outback models. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh drives a car that can potentially emit cleaner air than what you're currently breathing.
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 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid
While the Vue Green Line hybrid offers "smooth and seamless power", its fuel consumption was higher than expected, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. And though it is the least expensive hybrid SUV, "there are compromises," he notes.
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 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet Passion
Though economical, the $21,250 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet is more of a lifestyle vehicle than an economy car, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. Its power, retractable fabric top offers a "breezy, wind-in-the-hair-experience" but its automated manual transmission "hesitates" between shifts.
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 Day-by-Day Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid
James wants to know when the definition of Euro-inspired handling changed to include little more than a rough ride with lots of body roll and road noise. He finds the Vue Green Line's BAS hybrid powertrain to be lackluster, too.
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 Test Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Though its hybrid drive system is not quite as sophisticated as that of the Toyota Camry Hybrid or Nissan Altima Hybrid, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid "returns similar fuel economy in real-world driving," reports contributor, Laurance Yap.
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 Test Drive: 2008 Lexus GS 450h
"Normally, it's not easy to justify the financial rationale for buying a hybrid version of a car over its gas-powered siblings. But with the Lexus GS 450h (that's 'h' for 'hybrid'), I was duly impressed," reports contributor Haney Louka.
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 Test Drive: 2008 Toyota Prius
In recognition of Earth Day, Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh test drives the most popular hybrid car on the planet, the Toyota Prius. "The Prius returned "phenomenal" mileage", she reports, but its dash controls are "unnecessarily complicated", she says.
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 Test Drive: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
With outside temperatures ranging from zero to minus 25 Celsius, Winnipeg contributor Haney Louka found the Highlander Hybrid's fuel consumption considerably thirstier than Transport Canada's figures of 7.4 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway. "I averaged 14 L/100 km" he reports.
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 Test Drive: 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 320 Bluetec
Enlivened by this new diesel drivetrain, the E 320 Bluetec "combines surprising economy along with its excellent performance," says contributor, Laurance Yap. "I got almost 1,000 km from the first tank, averaging an amazing 7.2 L/100 km," he says.
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 First Drive: 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.
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 Test Drive: 2008 Smart Passion Coupe
Equipped with snow tires, the rear-wheel drive, rear-engined Smart Fortwo can handle snowy roads and highways easily, says reviewer Norm Mort. Observed fuel consumption of just over 6.0 L/100 km is "impressive" he says.
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 First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2008 as 2009 models, the new Jetta TDI sedan and wagon will feature a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that meets stricter emissions standards. "It's much quieter and significantly more powerful," says CanadianDriver editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.
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 First Drive: 2008 Smart Fortwo
It may look the same, but the 2008 Smart Fortwo has been completely redesigned, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. "Perhaps the most significant change for 2008 is the switch from diesel to gasoline power," he reports.
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More Green Car reviews
First Drive: Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE
Test Drive: 2008 Lexus LS600 hL
Test Drive: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD
First Drive: 2008 Lexus LS 600hL
First Drive: 2008 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid
First Drive: 2007 Lexus GS 450h
First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec diesel
Test Drive: 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
Test Drive: 2007 Lexus GS450h
Test Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec
Test Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI
Test Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI
Test Drive: 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Test Drive: 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Test Drive: 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid
Test Drive: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line
Test Drive: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line
Test Drive: 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Search our article database for 2001-2006 Green Car reviews
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