First Drives

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Like all compact SUVs, the RAV4 continues to see its sales climb. Indeed, this market segment grows by more than 20% every year. That said, I must admit that I was surprised to find out that the RAV4 is Toyota’s second most popular vehicle (their top-seller is the Corolla). It’s …

The Kia Forte was unveiled in 2009 as a 2010 model to replace the lifeless Spectra, but it never achieved the success that Kia was hoping for. In 2012, for example, it was outdone by its cousin/rival, the Hyundai Elantra. Indeed, the Elantra sold 50,950 units in Canada while the …

The Legacy sedan is different this year. What, you hadn’t noticed? Granted, the modifications are not exactly spectacular, but that’s because this sedan was entirely revamped in 2010. At any rate, flashy changes are not the Subaru way. Instead, this brand prefers to tweak the details that you notice in …

Not many owners will ever expose their compact SUVs to any type of driving more rugged than crossing an open field or creeping down a rutted road on the way to the cottage in the spring. That doesn't mean, however, that Land Rover is about to start watering down its …

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been offered in Canada since 2006, and its second-generation arrives this month at dealerships. Forget everything you know about the previous B-Class though, because the car has undergone a complete transformation. This little luxury compact whose only true rivals are the Audi A3 and the Lexus …

The original Viper was the lovechild of four die-hards who wanted to create a modern version of the diabolical Shelby Cobra. Among them were Bob Lutz (who at the time was one of the grand poobahs at Chrysler) and the legendary Carroll Shelby (father of the original reptile and all …