First Drives

First Drives2013 Nissan Altima: Muted sportiness
The new Altima tones down its sportiness: gone is the manual gearbox – replaced exclusively by a CVT – and the suspension is more accommodating, at least on the V6 version. Instead, there’s a glut of technology and the outside – and the inside when it has leather upholstery – …
First Drives2013 Subaru BRZ: A victory for the Light Brigade4.5/5
A new coupe that wants to be a sports car but comes with two-wheel drive and no turbocharger? This begs the question, did Subaru planners fall and hit their heads, or what? Not at all, in fact. We’d even say the opposite after examining and driving the BRZ on a …
First Drives2012 Mini Cooper Roadster: Small car, big fun4.0/5
When the MINI returned in 2001, there were doubts as to whether or not it could be successful over the long term. It’s one thing to launch a model successfully when you have a clearly defined target market, but ensuring its long term success is something else entirely. For example, …
First Drives2013 Dodge Dart: The future with a pinch of the past4.0/5
Anyone with even a passing interest in cars has heard of the Dart, sold between 1960 and 1976 in various incarnations. The 2013 Dart is Chrysler’s first child from its current marriage (the previous marriage, with Daimler, ended in divorce) to Fiat. This new vehicle replaces the controversial Caliber, which …
First Drives2013 Acura ILX: When Americans learn from Canadians4.5/5
In an attempt to increase overall sales of its Acura division, Honda Canada launched the Acura 1.6 EL in 1996. Despite the Acura logo, it was still just a more luxurious and powerful version of the Honda Civic. It was successful nonetheless and EL sales allowed the Acura division to …
First Drives2013 Porsche Boxster: Evolved, improved, impressive5.0/5
In the purest Porsche tradition, the new Boxster is discreet about its upgrades. At first glance, you’d think it had only undergone minor changes, but the fact of the matter is that listing all the touch-ups and modifications would be long indeed. Every element has been revised and modified to …
First Drives2013 Ford Flex: Refinement of the "roadtripper"4.5/5
When Ford introduced the Flex at various American auto shows a couple of years ago, people started to wonder what was up with the Dearborn-based automaker. After all, this new vehicle’s bold design was not unanimously popular – to the extent that many feared for this unusual crossover’s future. Fortunately, …
First Drives2012 Mercedes-Benz SL550: The incredible lightness of being
Mention the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and many will think of a prestigious, modern car that combines elegance and sportiness. For others, thoughts will turn to a past icon with a rich history that dates all the way back to 1954. In 2012, the sixth generation will bring new drivetrains, a modified …
First Drives2013 Westfalia Columbus: The return of the legend
The Volkswagen Westfalia may never have sold in astronomical numbers, but it certainly succeeded in developing a cult following. With its trademark shape, this recreational vehicle is still coveted by fans and roadworthy units sell for a killing – even the original model featuring an air-cooled rear-mounted engine. Sadly, Westfalia …
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