Toyota has sold more than 5.5-million Yaris subcompacts worldwide since the first generation model launched in 1999. It was called the Echo when it arrived in Canada in 2003, however, it changed to Yaris when the second gen launched in 2005. More than 84,000 units have been sold here since, with more than 53% [...]]]>

Toyota has sold more than 5.5-million Yaris subcompacts worldwide since the first generation model launched in 1999. It was called the Echo when it arrived in Canada in 2003, however, it changed to Yaris when the second gen launched in 2005. More than 84,000 units have been sold here since, with more than 53% of those in Quebec.

Though it’s been stretched by 75 mm (to 3,900 mm) and given a more dynamic exterior, vis-à-vis a new face and sleeker profile, Yaris is still the shortest vehicle in its class. The front pillar is farther forward for better visibility and the body structure is stiffer and more responsive for better handling. Continue reading my review of the 2012 Toyota Yaris on Autonet.ca.

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It’s not that the Hyundai isn’t a good choice. It has a fuel efficient engine and six-speed [...]]]>

Russ Bond’s calling and he wants me to explain how the Veloster won best new sports performance car under $50,000 in AJAC’s 2012 Car of the Year competition. As if I had something to do with it.

It’s not that the Hyundai isn’t a good choice. It has a fuel efficient engine and six-speed manual transmission. For $22,499, it looks great, has a nice, functional interior and sports plenty of value. All nice qualities, none of which make it a sports car.

Following a particularly enthusiastic lapping session driving the fast and agile BMW 1M coupe on our airport runway test track during TestFest, it feels barely faster than a Prius out here on the autocross-style cone course.

Sure, it’s nicely balanced and turns well (slowly, of course) but, after a single lap, the 280 mm (11 in.) front brakes prove just how inferior they are compared to those on a real performance car such as the 1M. The Veloster can’t match the stopping power of the 360 mm (14.2 in.) front discs and four-piston calipers, and plows wide through the last turn, taking out a family of cones. One is so badly wedged into the undercarriage I’m forced to pull over so the PR rep sitting in the passenger seat can get out and extricate it for me.

The $54,000 BMW handily won the sports performance over 50 class and rightly so. It might even be the best car at TestFest. However, almost all 200 allotted for Canada are already spoken for, so buying one might be next to impossible since it’s only available in a single model year. It’s still in the running, though unlikely to be named car of the year.

Comparing the 138-hp Hyundai to a 335-hp 1M is like comparing a small handgun to an assault rifle, but you don’t need a PR rep to tell you the ECU is calibrated for fuel economy and not performance. It’s obvious.

It’s performance hasn’t been lost in translation, it was never there to begin with. Dynamic testing by AJAC reveals the Veloster is by far the slowest of the six cars it beat out in its car of the year category, sports performance under 50 grand. Zero-to-100 km/h takes 9.7 seconds (Prius V is 11.6) and seven seconds for 80-to-120.

Braking scores put it mid-pack – stopping just two metres shorter than more powerful and faster VW Jetta GLI and Kia Optima SX entries, which place second and third in this category, respectively – thanks to simple physics (slow-moving objects take less time and space to stop).

Fuel economy is the only objective score from TestFest the other contenders can’t match. Interestingly, the scores given for emissions are sevens across the board (Buick Regal GS being the black sheep with 7.5) despite the range of powerplants – from Hyundai’s puny four-cylinder to the hulking 6.4L Hemi V8 with 470 hp and torque in the Charger SRT8 – under review.

Also of interest, four of the five other entries in this category are turbocharged (the Si isn’t); and, looking at the overall interior scores, Veloster is a solid fifth.

First runner-up is the Jetta GLI. Sporting the same two-litre turbo engine as the GTI hot hatch, it makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft and does zero-100 in 7.6 secs, and 80 to 120 in 5.1. The cockpit is superior and space for people and things more than adequate, though the aft cabin isn’t finished as nicely as the front. It has electronic limited slip technology but no way to turn off the traction control to really enjoy the superb chassis and suspension tuning. Left-foot braking helps, but the seats are slippery so it’s hard to pull off.

Kia Optima SX takes second runner-up. Its interior is even nicer than the VW’s. Its two-litre turbo four makes 274 hp and 269 torques and still gets decent mileage. It can hit 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, makes the pass in 4.2 seconds and, on the test track, handles even better than expected with exceptional steering, stable chassis and defeatable traction controls. Despite having the second longest wheelbase, overall length and the second-heaviest curb weight (behind only the SRT8 in all three) it responds well to driver inputs and can be tossed into corners for more enjoyment.

By my tally, the RWD four-cylinder turbo-powered Mercedes-Benz C250 coupe blew away the category in every aspect with the optional $1,900 sport package. But there’s no AMG badge and no stick shift. The expensive premium options, metallic paint and media interface upgrades don’t really add anything (except for $4,275 to the as tested price). It’s relegated to fourth place.

Next, the Honda Civic Si is a performance bargain for $25,990 with its 201 hp/170 torque 2.4L four-cylinder engine with iVtec offering a near-perfect blend of performance, economy and reliability. A mechanical limited slip differential, superb steering, well-tuned suspension and on/off traction controls make this chassis the most responsive and fun to drive. The six-speed manual is crisp and the Si powerband robust enough to enjoy this car to its fullest on lapping days, and yet not too aggressive for the daily grind. Had Honda done more to improve the interior quality and materials (instead of just technology and ergonomics) on the ninth-gen Civic, it would’ve finished higher than fifth.

The Buick Regal GS is one point behind the Veloster (fourth and fifth respectively) by my scorecard, yet claims sixth place. Its got some balls, is surprisingly smooth on the track and is sporty enough for consideration. It just doesn’t look very sporty.

The SRT8 is a great car with tons of performance and character straight from the showroom. It even has updated SRT performance pages (accessible via the huge touchscreen monitor) to keep track of various acceleration and braking timers, as well as g-forces and steering angle. It reaches 100 in 5.3 seconds and the Hemi has a sport mode as well as cylinder deactivation, so it does the Jekyll and Hyde thing well. Despite placing last, the SRT8 has more performance mojo in its tiny computer brain than the Veloster has total.

The real kicker here is that it might very well be the next Canadian car of the year. Of the eight remaining finalists, three wear the Hyundai badge – other two are the $16,599 Accent and $22,699 Elantra – and I have no doubt one of them will win it all. If fuel economy really is the new performance, the Veloster is a shoe-in.

Hey Russ, can you hold the line? Hyundai’s calling – they’ve just announced a 204-hp 1.6L four-cylinder turbo will be available on the 2013 Veloster. Doh!

What should have won this category? If not the Mercedes, then the Honda Civic Si hands down.

2012 Hyundai Veloster

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Visit the gallery here to check out the other cars in the “Sports/Performance (under $50,000)” category and leave your comments at the bottom of this post.

The 2012 Prius V is the latest version of Toyota’s mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. It utilizes the latest Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 60 kW electric motor and 27 kW battery to send 134 hp through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Toyota engineers have reduced smog-forming [...]]]>

The 2012 Prius V is the latest version of Toyota’s mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. It utilizes the latest Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 60 kW electric motor and 27 kW battery to send 134 hp through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Toyota engineers have reduced smog-forming emissions by 66% when compared to the average new vehicle.

Under optimal conditions, Toyota claims the Prius V attains a combined fuel economy of 4.6 L/100 km. Over 165 km of real world driving in urban and rural Quebec, I manage 5.95 L/100km. Continue reading my review of the 2012 Toyota Prius V on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

Volkswagen is in the midst of revamping its entire line-up, with none of today’s models older than two years. This year sees four significant launches, including the Beetle, Passat, Tiguan and the 2012 Jetta GLI.

The GLI is the exclamation point on the Jetta range, the sporty version of an otherwise average sedan. With [...]]]>

Volkswagen is in the midst of revamping its entire line-up, with none of today’s models older than two years. This year sees four significant launches, including the Beetle, Passat, Tiguan and the 2012 Jetta GLI.

The GLI is the exclamation point on the Jetta range, the sporty version of an otherwise average sedan. With its 200-hp two-litre turbo mill taken directly from the Golf GTI parts bin, the new compact sedan gets a big boost in performance as well as improvements to the interior. Continue reading my review of the 2012 VW Jetta GLI on Autonet.ca.

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Well, AJAC’s annual TestFest event is underway in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario and I’m here once again to put a number of Modern Sports Cars through their paces on the airport runway test track.

My assignments today included test [...]]]> It has been a while since my last post so I wanted to make this one extra special.

Well, AJAC’s annual TestFest event is underway in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario and I’m here once again to put a number of Modern Sports Cars through their paces on the airport runway test track.

My assignments today included test driving the Buick Regal GS, Dodge Charger SRT8, Kia Optima SX, VW Jetta GLI, Mercedes-Benz -Class coupe, Honda Civic Si coupe and Hyundai Veloster.

The 2012 Porsche Cayman R was purely for me.

Could this be Canada’s 2012 car of the year?

I dunno, but I shot this photo at about 4:30 on Tuesday, October 25th in Canada. And, despite the rain (perhaps because of it) I got to experience the raw, visceral power of this stunning specimen for a half-dozen end-of-day, wet laps.

T’was a first drive for me actually.  Better when wet? Not likely, but capable nonetheless. Three thumbs up!

Please enjoy the high-resolution version of this photo for your personal desktop. Get it here. (Tip: Right-click this link for more options.)

If you would like a different size or alternate version, please message me with your request and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

The second generation Impreza is still popular amongst enthusiasts – who laud the robust Subaru boxer engine, full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive and excellent year-round performance.

In 2008, the third generation Impreza launched with an emphasis on pleasing the North American mass market, watered down with a smaller engine and CVT. Were it not for [...]]]>

The second generation Impreza is still popular amongst enthusiasts – who laud the robust Subaru boxer engine, full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive and excellent year-round performance.

In 2008, the third generation Impreza launched with an emphasis on pleasing the North American mass market, watered down with a smaller engine and CVT. Were it not for the great-looking five-door model and the WRX and STI models, many Sube loyalists would’ve been lost on the regular Impreza’s vanilla-ized exterior and decreased performance. Continue reading my review of the still-to-come fourth-gen 2012 Subaru Impreza on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

“Whereas most ordinary vehicles would be able to reach the trail head only to have to turn back, with a few button presses the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is ready to boldly go wherever it’s pointed.”

Today, that’s climbing a very steep loose dirt trail 1.3 klicks long and strewn with massive North Oregon [...]]]>

“Whereas most ordinary vehicles would be able to reach the trail head only to have to turn back, with a few button presses the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is ready to boldly go wherever it’s pointed.”

Today, that’s climbing a very steep loose dirt trail 1.3 klicks long and strewn with massive North Oregon Coast Range boulders, cavernous ruts and decaying Douglas Fir stumps along with some man-made obstacles such as staggered holes, rock gardens, log bridges and, my favourite, the dirt hot tub (pictured). Continue reading my review of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

A 270 horsepower 3.7-litre V6 and front-wheel drive are standard on the $47,400 base 2011 Lincoln MKS. All-wheel drive runs a couple grand more and adds 68 kilograms, but if you want the twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with direct injection for more performance and better fuel economy, you’ll need at least $53K. Continue reading [...]]]>

A 270 horsepower 3.7-litre V6 and front-wheel drive are standard on the $47,400 base 2011 Lincoln MKS. All-wheel drive runs a couple grand more and adds 68 kilograms, but if you want the twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with direct injection for more performance and better fuel economy, you’ll need at least $53K. Continue reading my review of the 2011 Lincoln MKS AWD EcoBoost on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

There are some key differences that will help 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco owners maximize every penny at the gas pump, despite their car’s having the same efficient 138-hp 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder gas engine and basic price ($19,495) as an LT Turbo model. For starters, the coefficient of drag is 0.298 versus the standard model’s [...]]]>

There are some key differences that will help 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco owners maximize every penny at the gas pump, despite their car’s having the same efficient 138-hp 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder gas engine and basic price ($19,495) as an LT Turbo model. For starters, the coefficient of drag is 0.298 versus the standard model’s 0.33, which is a 10% improvement. Continue reading my review of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco on Autonet.ca.

Or, go right to the photos.

Moving into a new house means there’s no shortage of things to do. Of course, having the right tool means you can get jobs done better and quicker. That said, this 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 HD is just what I need for some heavy lifting. Specifically, it’s been enlisted to transport a heavy load [...]]]>

Moving into a new house means there’s no shortage of things to do. Of course, having the right tool means you can get jobs done better and quicker. That said, this 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 HD is just what I need for some heavy lifting. Specifically, it’s been enlisted to transport a heavy load of scrap wood (formerly a 10×10 tool shed base) to the local dump (at a cost of $50!). Continue reading my review of the 2011 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty on Autonet.ca.

Or, go right to the photos.

Nearly two dozen Chevrolet Volts (U.S. production models) are charged up and ready to go. My co-driver picks a black one, it looks the nicest because the black rear fascia blends in with the rest of the vehicle. I’m in town for the 2011 North American International Auto Show and GM Canada has arranged [...]]]>

Nearly two dozen Chevrolet Volts (U.S. production models) are charged up and ready to go. My co-driver picks a black one, it looks the nicest because the black rear fascia blends in with the rest of the vehicle. I’m in town for the 2011 North American International Auto Show and GM Canada has arranged some seat time in the recently anointed 2011 North American Car of the Year. Continue reading my review of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt on Autonet.ca.

Or, go right to the photos.

Classic Minis fascinate me to this day, but, today, I’m driving the newest Mini Cooper. I’m not sure why it’s called the Countryman, or why Mini considers it a crossover SUV (because it is quite far removed from a SUV in the traditional sense), but it does have five doors (a first for Mini), [...]]]>

Classic Minis fascinate me to this day, but, today, I’m driving the newest Mini Cooper. I’m not sure why it’s called the Countryman, or why Mini considers it a crossover SUV (because it is quite far removed from a SUV in the traditional sense), but it does have five doors (a first for Mini), a longer wheelbase, more interior space and better ground clearance compared to the second largest Mini, the Clubman. Continue reading my review of the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman on Autonet.ca.

Or, go right to the photos.

My test 2011 Hyundai Equus didn’t show up at my doorstep via the free 24/7 valet service. It wasn’t whisked away on a flatbed for free maintenance service (thank goodness). I didn’t even get the free iPad Hyundai gives its new Equus owners either (pre-loaded with the car’s owner’s manual). Continue reading my review [...]]]>

My test 2011 Hyundai Equus didn’t show up at my doorstep via the free 24/7 valet service. It wasn’t whisked away on a flatbed for free maintenance service (thank goodness). I didn’t even get the free iPad Hyundai gives its new Equus owners either (pre-loaded with the car’s owner’s manual). Continue reading my review of the 2011 Hyundai Equus Signature on Autonet.ca.

Or, go right to the photos.

Though it’s three in the afternoon, the sun appears for the first time, helping to warm the dark suede leather interior without the aid of climate control. The roar from the naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre flat-six playing behind me, I can’t help but wonder why anybody would even want a radio in a Porsche 911 GT3. [...]]]>

Though it’s three in the afternoon, the sun appears for the first time, helping to warm the dark suede leather interior without the aid of climate control. The roar from the naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre flat-six playing behind me, I can’t help but wonder why anybody would even want a radio in a Porsche 911 GT3. Continue reading my review of the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 on Autonet.ca.

Or, go right to the photos.

On AutoNet.ca, I drive the 2011 Ford Explorer up, down, over, around and through some pretty tough country in San Diego County. And, after feeding some lions, a tiger and saying hello to a bear (no really!), I drove the newest Ford on what can only be described as an expert off-road course where [...]]]>

On AutoNet.ca, I drive the 2011 Ford Explorer up, down, over, around and through some pretty tough country in San Diego County. And, after feeding some lions, a tiger and saying hello to a bear (no really!), I drove the newest Ford on what can only be described as an expert off-road course where it wore its stripes proudly. Click here to read my review of the sixth-gen Explorer.

Don’t forget to visit the photo gallery too!