First Drives

First Drives2009 Kia Soul: The new darling of the market
Until the Nissan Cube is introduced this spring and then the Toyota Scion Xb some months after that, I am convinced that the new darling of the market in the months to come will be the new Kia Soul. The public should be pleased with its charming and original shape, …
First DrivesThe 2010 Mazda3: Discover the 2.0 version!
The Mazda3 created quite a stir when it was released in 2003. At the time, replacing the popular Mazda Protege was going to be quite a challenge, particularly because the operation included a change of name. The public, however, immediately embraced the newcomer, as evidenced by sales across the country …
First DrivesLexus RX350 and RX450h: As Important as the Corolla!
Ten years ago, Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus, introduced the RX300 luxury crossover. It became such an undisputed success that when the 2010 RX350 and 450h were unveiled to automobile journalists, the directors at Lexus emphasized that this vehicle had the same impact for Lexus as the Corolla had for Toyota.
First DrivesThe 2010 Volvo XC60, a new war horse
Like many manufacturers, Volvo has seen a slowdown of late. Station wagons are less popular, the XC90 crossover SUV is getting old and their sedans are simply not selling. In fact, only the XC70 has seen its sales increase – but that vehicle alone is obviously not enough to generate …
First DrivesHyundai Elantra Touring: Learning to love wagons again!
The old Hyundai plant in Bromont is now home to a manufacturer of wind turbines, and since Hyundai seems to have the wind in its sails right now, the connection is almost too easy. This year, Hyundai is celebrating 25 years in Canada. Rather than downplaying the contribution of the …
First DrivesFord Fusion Hybrid: Lean, green and back on top!
At this point in time, the slightest piece of good news coming from an auto maker should make headlines. Ford, for instance, if you believe the journalists who attended a recent event organized by the boys behind the blue oval, is looking calmly toward the future. Like every year before …
First Drives2010 Mazda3, better than ever!
The current Mazda3 remains the manufacturer’s best selling model, accounting for 30% of its sales worldwide, and it is even more popular in Canada. It would be an understatement to say that Yoshiyuki Maeda’s task as the person in charge of developing the 2010 Mazda3 was a huge challenge. With …
First Drives2009 Audi S4: A true sleeper
A “sleeper” is a very powerful car that does not flaunt its superiority. An iron hand in a velvet glove, if you will. The Audi A4 has not been available in North America for very long at all and the S4 has already reared its head. For those of you …
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