First Drives

First Drives2012 Range Rover Evoque: The new baby Rover
When shopping for a luxury SUV, very few people think immediately of Land Rover. Like Jaguar, the English manufacturer is now owned by the Indian automaker Tata and is no Johnny-come-lately. For decades, Land Rover has offered vehicles capable of taking on both the African jungle, thanks to its off-road …
First Drives2012 Honda Civic: Put to the test4.0/5
The Honda Civic has been the best-selling car in Canada for 13 years running, which is – you have to admit – no small feat in a very competitive environment. Needless to say, the task of updating this model wasn’t easy. When a car is as universally acclaimed as the …
First Drives2011 Nissan Quest: The family minivan with a peculiar look4.0/5
Auto manufacturers recognize that minivans have potential. But in an effort to breathe new life into this eminently practical vehicle category, each is using a novel approach. Chrysler, for example, is trying to market the minivan as a vehicle for active men. In their advertising photo, there’s even an athletically …
First Drives2012 Acura TL: Style exchange4.0/5
No one could say that Acura lacked guts when, in 2009, they introduced the new generation of its luxury sedan, the TL. At the time, the change was beyond radical. Acura was gambling that the new design would attract buyers looking for a more eye-catching car. Just two years later, …
First Drives2012 Kia Optima: The Magentis’ replacement at a glance
The all-new Kia Optima is replacing the relatively unknown Magentis. The soporific lines have been brushed aside with a better design. This is just as true on the inside the car, as the interior earns as many gold stars as the exterior. What’s more, the very modern design doesn’t compromise …
First Drives2011 Lexus CT200h: A Prius in disguise…3.5/5
Underneath that modern, trendy, sportback look, the new Lexus CT 200h (CT for Creative Touring) has a lot in common with the Prius: same engine, same (modest) power, same platform, same hybrid system.Will people be fooled? First of all, never let it be said that Toyota/Lexus doesn’t know how to …
First DrivesMercedes-Benz C-Class: Confusion in Tenerife
When big automakers introduce a new model, the process is relatively simple. Journalists are invited from all over the world to come and try the latest creation. In an effort to win them over, the companies often propose an exotic destination. These events are generally impeccably organized and we are …
First Drives2012 Porsche Cayman R: Athletic and elegant
Porsche used all the features of the Boxster Spyder to create the lightest and fastest Cayman ever – the new 2012 Cayman R, which will be available in Canada as of April at a base price of $75,600. When it comes to performance, weight-to-power ratio is everything. This prompted Porsche’s …
First Drives2012 Ford Focus: Ford’s on the comeback trail4.5/5
In 2000, in its infinite wisdom, Ford management decided to replace its popular Escort with the Focus. It featured a brand new European-designed platform, an interesting range of engines and a modern shape. Moreover, the line-up included a very useful and well-liked wagon. The Focus made a great first impression, …
First Drives2010 Lamborghini Gallardo: La Polizia Stradale on the case
It’s no secret that Italians are crazy about sports cars. You may think it’s just a stereotype, but I saw the proof first hand during a very special test drive of a Lamborghini Gallardo Ultraleggera. As part of a program organized by Audi and Lamborghini dealing with ultra-light materials, our …
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