First Drives

First DrivesBMW 3 Series Gran Turismo - A Question of Cross-Breeding
Palermo, Italy- In North America, the GT or Gran Turismo designation very often implies a performance-oriented sports car driving experience, but the true European definition is that of a comfortable touring car, one that can carry passengers and their luggage over long distances, and that is exactly what the 3 …
First DrivesHello Hyundai Santa Fe XL, So Long Veracruz!3.5/5
The Hyundai Santa Fe underwent a facelift last year to mark this model’s third generation. Hyundai is betting heavily on its compact SUV, which also serves as the brand’s ambassador. In fact, in 2012, the Santa Fe held no less than an 8.3% market share in its category while ranking …
First Drives2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: A Smaller CLS4.5/5
It’s not uncommon for people to fall under the spell of a luxury car and then fall out of love just as quickly once they see the price, especially once a few options are added. Unfortunately, in many cases, buyers have to resign themselves to a less luxurious – read …
First Drives2014 Subaru Forester: Subaru Cracks The SUV Mainstream
When making any type of change to a vehicle that counts for close to a quarter of your total sales in Canada - a country where your market share is among the strongest - it's only natural to proceed very, very carefully. The 2014 Subaru Forester, which has seen its …
First Drives2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: Track-Driving The Monster
Drive the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT on the Formula 1 track in Austin, Texas? Profane the Circuit of the America's with a 5,000 lb, four-wheel drive SUV from a brand better known for building unstoppable off-road rigs than tarmac-tearing terrors? When I was given the chance to do exactly …
First Drives2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Mid-cycle updates4.5/5
In the automobile industry – and especially in the high-end market – vehicles tend to be refreshed every five or six years. But half-way through the cycle, manufacturers like to update models to keep them competitive. This usually involves some esthetic enhancements and a few technical improvements. At Mercedes, the …
First Drives2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel: Near-Luxury Efficiency
There’s a simple reason why Canadians buy so many compact cars: with gasoline so expensive compared to the SUV-hungry United States it only makes practical sense to purchase a vehicle that is as efficient as possible. In most cases, this means a small sedan or hatchback with an equally modest …
First Drives2013 Buick Encore: Small, but fully a Buick4.0/5
When the financial crisis struck at the end of the last decade, GM management decided to keep the Buick Division while shutting down Pontiac and Saturn. It was a move that surprised many, to say the least. They reasoned that Buick enjoyed tremendous popularity in China, the world’s biggest automobile …
First Drives2014 Porsche Cayman: Precise, balanced and dynamic4.0/5
The Cayman occupies a unique spot in the Porsche “constellation.” Even though it shares several features with the Boxster, don’t jump to the conclusion that it’s a coupe version of the roadster. The truth of the matter is that it is more performance-oriented with a more rigid chassis and higher …
First Drives2014 Kia Sorento: Korean-style luxury4.0/5
When Kia launched the new-generation Forte, the Korean automaker also introduced the "new” Sorento. Since this model was completely overhauled in 2011, this year Kia kept the esthetic changes to a minimum (or so it would seem at first glance). Much like the Forte, the exterior changes are nothing out …
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