First Drives

If you’re a keener, you have already noticed that there is an error in the title of this article. Indeed, the electrically powered Audi R8 is actually called the R8 e-tron… And in French, etron means shi...I know, but to appeal to a larger audience, I opted for a more …

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Mea culpa: At first glance of the new Mitsubishi RVR, I thought I was looking at a Toyota Matrix. But no, it was the compact Recreational Vehicle Runner, which Mitsubishi is pitching against the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Nissan Juke. The surprising fact here is that …

Hyundai has just presented the new Elantra to the Canadian press. Distinctly more modern than the vintage it is replacing, this new sedan is right in line with the latest trends. In other words, it’s bigger, more powerful and better equipped – and offered at the same price! Under the …

For a lot of people, myself included, a car’s style and driving pleasure are much more important that its practical aspects. This is proved by the fact that, despite having two young kids, I owned a MINI Cooper for four years. That’s right, I managed to chauffeur my kids around …

For years, Toyota carried the environmentally friendly torch alone with its Prius. In fact, this hybrid became the symbol of clean driving, to the point that it was trendy to be seen in one. But that was yesterday. The situation is about to change in a significant way, as Toyota …

Introduced in 1998, the Dodge Durango quickly won hearts in a time when the classic SUV market was in its prime. People loved its style, performances, and the fact that it could seat seven passengers. Like many other vehicles in its category, the Durango was hit hard by changing times, …

Just over a year has passed since EcoBoost technology debuted in the Taurus SHO and Flex, as well as the Lincoln MKS and MKT. Now, Ford is broadening its offering with three new engines with this technology. They will be available in the F-150, Edge, and Explorer models, as well …

Although Chrysler has been lying low lately, the next few months should be faster-paced for the automaker, as it releases several new products. You can expect to see a lot more of Chrysler in the media, and this time it won’t be about its financial situation. In fact, Chrysler recently …

Until now, hybrid drivetrain technology has boiled down to two main types. The first involves placing a small electric engine between the thermal engine and the transmission. This electric engine gives a boost to the thermal engine whenever it is overtaxed, but it can operate on its own, too. Honda …

When Chevrolet unveiled the Volt concept car at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, most of the people present were sufficiently incredulous. Everyone knew that this manufacturer was facing serious financial trouble (a situation which degenerated into bankruptcy in 2009), and chances seemed fairly slim that this electrically powered vehicle would …