CanadianDriver.com Test Drives are based on at least one week's normal driving. Vehicles are supplied from the manufacturers' press fleets for review purposes. Find a Review: Search our database.
2008 Nissan Versa 1.8SL hatchback A roomy, comfortable hatchback with generous cargo space and good fuel economy the Versa hatchback is a great value, particularly 2009 models which have been reduced in price by up to $1,000, reports editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.
2008 Mazda MX-5 GT PRHT Available on all MX-5s, the power retractable hardtop is a $2,195 option, reports contributor Bob McHugh. Its main benefits are increased security, reduced wind and road noise, and better rear vision with the top up, he says.
2008 Hyundai Entourage GLS While it's not the cheapest minivan available, the Hyundai Entourage has more standard equipment than many of its competitors, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. And it was named "Best New Minivan" for 2008 by the Automobile Journalist's Association of Canada.
2008 Honda CR-V EX-L with navigation Unlike many compact SUVs that offer optional V6 engines and seven seats, the CR-V is strictly a four-cylinder, five-passenger vehicle. But with decent performance and reasonable fuel economy, that's all you really need, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase.
2008 Subaru WRX STi On a drive up to cottage country in "terrible conditions", Toronto reviewer Laurance Yap found the 305-hp AWD STi a "delight" to drive on twisty gravel back roads. It's the car's engineering that makes it worth $45,000, he concludes.
2008 Audi A3 3.2 S-Line The Audi A3 3.2 offers superb quality and a smooth V6 engine, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase, and its combination of fun, efficiency and utility is "tough to fault." But the optional sunroof "cuts into headroom," he notes.
2008 Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe The redesigned Smart now uses a gas engine, although it's as noisy as a diesel, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. It's fun to drive, but assess your needs before you buy, she says.
2008 Mazda6 Sport GS-I4 While the 2009 Mazda6 will be sedan-only, Contributing Editor Chris Chase loves the 2008 6 Sport for its cargo space. The I4 isn't a "rocket", he says, but a road trip proved it good on fuel.
2008 Ford Focus SES sedan with five-speed manual Haney's test drive got off to a bad start when he had trouble shifting the manual gearbox. Was it just that particular test car or all Focuses, he wondered? A test drive of two other Focuses revealed the answer.
2008 Hyundai Veracruz Limited Now in its second year, the Hyundai Veracruz offers a lot of luxury and a beautiful interior, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. "It's wonderfully smooth and quiet on the highway, but it doesn't do as well on rougher roads," she says.
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.
2008 Hyundai Azera Limited Currently the flagship Hyundai sedan, the Azera has a great engine, but its soft ride compromises handling, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh; even so, it'll win fans for its comfort level and luxury features, she says.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT four-cylinder In Canada, mid-size sedans with four-cylinder engines are often more popular than their V6 counterparts - that bodes well for the new four-cylinder Chevrolet Malibu which provides exceptional comfort and roominess and reasonable fuel economy, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.
2008 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD The Hyundai Tucson is a sprightly performer in V6 configuration, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, and it's comfortable and good with cargo. But she also notes missing safety features and a pricey top-end line.
2008 BMW 135i "Tossable" handling, "impressive" horsepower and torque, and a "nicely-engineered" manual shifter are the highlights of the 300-hp BMW 135i coupe, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But its starting price of $41,700 is "a lot of coin", he says.
2008 Volkswagen GTI two-door The two-door GTI is "an extension of the driver in a way that only the Germans manage to accomplish, and a surprisingly good value to boot," says contributor, Haney Louka. The price has been reduced for 2008.
2008 Pontiac G5 sedan SE A "surprisingly pleasant car to drive", the exclusive-to-Canada Pontiac G5 compact sedan is "under-rated" says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. Criticisms include an uncomfortable back seat and unavailability of electronic stability control.
