The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today announced the top three finalists in its 2012 Canadian Car of the Year competition at the Montreal International Auto Show.

The finalists in the three categories are [drum roll]: [...]]]>

Canada’s next car of the year will be Korean! And, my money is on this Kia.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today announced the top three finalists in its 2012 Canadian Car of the Year competition at the Montreal International Auto Show.

The finalists in the three categories are [drum roll]: for, 2012 Canadian Car of the Year, the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Optima. For 2012 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, the BMW X3, Dodge Journey and Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel. And, for 2012′s Best New Design, we have the Hyundai Veloster, Jaguar XKR-S and Range Rover Evoque.

The winner in each category will be announced at an early morning press conference at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto on Thursday, February 16th.

Eleven category winners were eligible for the top honours after being announced last October during the association’s annual “TestFest.” Hyundai Auto Canada won three of the 11 categories while BMW Group Canada, Kia Canada and Mercedes-Benz Canada each garnered double wins. Other category winners were Chrysler Canada and Volkswagen Canada.

Back in October, 70 of Canada’s top automotive journalists spent four days in Niagara-on-the-Lake conducting intensive back-to-back comparative testing of 170 “all new” or “significantly new” 2012 vehicles. This is no easy task!

Vote results were determined from more than 40,000 individual data points established during TestFest. That information includes not just specifications and features, but actual performance data and subjective ratings on up to 23 different vehicle characteristics – from interior roominess and comfort to ride quality and handling ability. The vote results were compiled on-site by the international accounting firm KPMG and kept confidential even from AJAC until the winners’ press conference.

KPMG will hand over four envelopes with names of the winners of this year’s competition at the CIAS in Toronto. The 2012 Canadian Car of the Year, Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year and Best New Design will be announced along with the winner of this year’s Best New Technology award, presented by Shell Canada, the official fuel supplier of the event.

The 70 journalists are all members of AJAC, whose purpose is to provide consumers with sound, objective, comparative data for use as a resource buying guide when considering the purchase of a new car, truck of SUV/CUV.

Consumers wanting to compare a Fiat 500 to Honda Civic Sedan or a Hyundai Accent; or, an Acura TL to a Mercedes-Benz C 350 need look no further than the AJAC web site: www.ajac.ca > Canadian Car of the Year Awards > Results. Looking to buy a 2011, 2010, or even an older vehicle? AJAC archives the comparative test data and vote results from previous years on its website. Visit www.ajac.ca > Vehicle Comparisons for more info.

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.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – More than 70 of Canada’s top automotive journalists spent last week in the Niagara-on-the-Lake to determine the “Best New” cars and SUV/CUVs in 11 different vehicle categories, as part of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) annual Canadian [...]]]>

Journauto recording his scores for the 2012 Kia Optima SX at TestFest.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – More than 70 of Canada’s top automotive journalists spent last week in the Niagara-on-the-Lake to determine the “Best New” cars and SUV/CUVs in 11 different vehicle categories, as part of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) annual Canadian Car of the Year Awards program.

Journalist members spent four days intensively road and track testing the field of nearly 60 entries at “TestFest,” which has been held at the Niagara Drive Centre, located at the Niagara District Airport, for the past six years.

The results of the AJAC journalists’ rigorous test driving and evaluations throughout TestFest were revealed during a press conference wherein the category winners were announced.

Here is the list of Canada’s “Best New” cars and utility vehicles:
Small Car (under $21k) Hyundai Accent
Small Car (over $21k) Hyundai Elantra
Family Car (under $30k) Kia Optima
Family Car(over $30k) Kia Optima Hybrid
Luxury Car Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 4MATIC Sedan
Prestige Car (over $75k) Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
Sports/Performance Car (under $50k) Hyundai Veloster
Sports/Performance Car (over $50k) BMW 1 Series M Coupé
SUV/CUV (under $35k) Dodge Journey
SUV/CUV ($35k-$60k) Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel
SUV/CUV (over $60k) BMW X3

The results were compiled by the international accounting firm KPMG and kept confidential even from AJAC until the press conference on Friday, October 29, 2011. They were determined from more than 40,000 individual data points established in the testing of 170 different vehicles.

The purpose of the AJAC Car of the Year awards is to provide consumers with a valuable resource they can use when researching the purchase of a new vehicle – one that includes a broad range of comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market. That information includes not just specifications and features but actual performance data and subjective ratings on up to 23 different characteristics – from interior roominess and comfort to ride quality and handling ability.

Our journalists’ vote results – including all of the comparative test data amassed throughout the week – is posted on the AJAC website for use as a consumer resource buying guide. Consumers that want to compare a Fiat 500 to Honda Civic Sedan or a Hyundai Accent, or an Acura TL to a Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350, need look no further than the AJAC website at www.ajac.ca > Canadian Car of the Year Awards > Results.

The 11 category winners listed above now go on to compete for the honour of becoming the 2012 Canadian Car of the Year or the 2012 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. These overall winners will be announced February 16th, 2011, at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, ON. Award winners for Best New Design and Best New Technology, presented by Shell Canada, will also be announced.

Looking to buy a 2011, 2010, 2009, or even an older vehicle? AJAC archives the comparative test data and vote results from previous years here.

This Keenan and that Kia are headed to the Rock along with my fellow Autonet.ca journalist and CTCC driver Jacques Deshaies. And, beginning next week, you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and, of course, Autonet.ca.

I’ll post again when I have some links for you to follow our progress [...]]]> It is finally official!

This Keenan and that Kia are headed to the Rock along with my fellow Autonet.ca journalist and CTCC driver Jacques Deshaies. And, beginning next week, you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and, of course, Autonet.ca.

I’ll post again when I have some links for you to follow our progress day by day. I’ve even signed up for a Twitter account that I hope to send updates from from right inside the action!

This is one event worth staying tuned in for. Check out the full press release after the jump…

PRESS RELEASE

Kia Canada participating in 2011 Targa Newfoundland Rally, unveils new national partnership with MADD Canada

Mississauga, ON, September 2, 2011 – Kia Canada is participating, for the second year in a row, in the Targa Newfoundland rally and putting MADD Canada in the driver’s seat by sponsoring their school assembly program implemented to reduce impaired driving among youth.

For the occasion, a race-prepped Kia Forte Koup donated by Kia Canada will be driven by a team of two members from Autonet.ca: pro-driver Jacques Deshaies will be at the wheel and Shaun Keenan as co-pilot. Both will represent team “Designated Drivers,” racing under number “99″ which references the year in which Kia Canada was established.

For the 2011 edition, the team is racing with the goal of promoting their partner, MADD Canada, thus raising awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and reinforcing the need to always drive responsibly.

To reinforce this message the Kia Koup has been specially wrapped to debut its “I Pledge to drive safe and sober” campaign. With every stop during the rally, spawning across wide sections of Newfoundland, local youths will be exposed to the cars and drivers and will be encouraged to pledge to this important cause by signing the Koup race car.

Teens and young adults are at particularly high risk for impaired driving. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 25-year-olds and alcohol is a factor in 45% of those crashes. The combination of drugs and driving is also a major concern; Canadian youth between the ages of 14 and 25 have one of the highest rates of cannabis use in the world.

“Kia Canada is excited to renew its participation with Targa Newfoundland and to have pro driver Jacques Deshaies and Shaun Keenan represent as team ‘Designated Drivers” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. “As an automotive company, Kia is proud to support MADD Canada in their quest to educate Canadians on the importance of driving responsibly.”

As the new Presenting Sponsor of the 2011-2012 School Assembly Program, Kia Canada Inc. is also donating the use of eight vehicles to MADD Canada: four vehicles will be dedicated for use by field representatives who travel from school to school to deliver the program. The remaining four vehicles will be used by Chapters across the country to promote local activities and events. All vehicles will be adorned with MADD Canada’s logo and messaging for maximum visibility and awareness.

In addition, each vehicle will be wrapped in the “I Pledge” special finish similar to the Kia Koup race car which will allow students to sign the vehicle as a way of showing their commitment to never driving under the influence.

“Kia Canada Inc. is making an impact,” said MADD Canada National President Denise Dubyk. “With Kia’s assistance, we will deliver our important message to more than one million students across this country, helping them to understand the dangers of impaired driving and reinforcing the need to always drive responsibly. It’s a message that will save lives.”

After competing in the Targa rally, the vehicle will tour the vast majority of auto shows in Canada and will be seen at the Kia Canada display for the 2012 auto show circuit.

Kia was among the earliest corporate supporters of Targa, fielding a then-new Kia Rio for the media team of auto writer Bob English and local radio personality Ken Ash in the inaugural Targa Newfoundland in 2002. Over the next three years, Kia cars won class honours for the company several times.

###

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca – www.facebook.com/kiacanada), a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart and a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea, was founded in 1999. It sells and services high-quality class-leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through its network of 172 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 141 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.

From Autonet.ca, my assignments from the press preview days at the 2011 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

Ford – 2013 Ford Taurus

Chevrolet – 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Nissan – 2012 Nissan Versa and LEAF

Volkswagen – 2012 VW Beetle

Chrysler – 2012 Chrysler 300

Rolls-Royce – [...]]]>

From Autonet.ca, my assignments from the press preview days at the 2011 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

Ford – 2013 Ford Taurus

Chevrolet – 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Nissan – 2012 Nissan Versa and LEAF

Volkswagen – 2012 VW Beetle

Chrysler – 2012 Chrysler 300

Rolls-Royce – 100th Anniversary Edition

That was day one in a nutshell. On to day two:

Mini – KISS does MINI

Mazda – 2012 Mazda3 and CX-5 Concept

Lotus – 2011 Lotus Evora IPS

Mitsubishi – i MiEV

Click here if the video does not display properly.

From Autonet.ca, my assignments from media day at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Buick – 2012 Buick Verano – Gallery

BMW – 2011 BMW 650i Convertible

Honda – 2012 Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan

Jeep – 2011 Jeep Full-line

Chevrolet – 2012 Chevy Sonic

I also got to drive [...]]]>

From Autonet.ca, my assignments from media day at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Buick – 2012 Buick Verano – Gallery

BMW – 2011 BMW 650i Convertible

Honda – 2012 Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan

Jeep – 2011 Jeep Full-line

Chevrolet – 2012 Chevy Sonic

I also got to drive the new Chevrolet Volt while in town and will have some thoughts on it soon, as well as more on the factory sport compacts I spotted throughout the show. Check back in the coming days/weeks or subscribe to my feed to be notified directly.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has announced the results of its annual Canadian Car of the Year competition yesterday at the CIAS in Toronto. Just as I had suspected, the 2010 VW Golf GTI gets the nod.

John White, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. commented, “We [...]]]>

2010 VW Golf GTI

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has announced the results of its annual Canadian Car of the Year competition yesterday at the CIAS in Toronto. Just as I had suspected, the 2010 VW Golf GTI gets the nod.

John White, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. commented, “We are very proud to win this very prestigious award… GTI is the heart and soul of Volkswagen. To have the Golf GTI named Canadian Car of the Year today by Canada’s automotive media is a very proud moment for us.”

I was doing live updates for Autonet.ca, which you can check out here along with some of my colleagues work. For exclusive photos and more info…

I didn’t get a ton of shots unfortunately. Nor did I see much of the show this year. I was using my trusty Nikon CoolPix 4500 for convenience and although I’ve only got one battery for it, it takes some half-decent pics still. Here are some random pics I took on the 2010 Canadian International Auto Show floor during the media preview day yesterday. Enjoy!

VW UpLite compact concept car

Top Tuner 4 - ProStreet Chevrolet Camaro

Top Tuner 4 - ProStreet Chevrolet Camaro

Carroll Shelby Exhibit

Carroll Shelby Exhibit

Carroll Shelby Exhibit

Carroll Shelby Exhibit

Stillen Nissan GT-R

Ferrari 599XX

Posing with the Chevy Cruze

Models Poses with Chevy Cruze

Heading into its 22nd edition, this is where the eventual Canadian cars and trucks are put through rigorous back-to-back-to-back testing–on and off road–by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

This will be [...]]]> Today, the team lists were released for the upcoming annual AJAC Test Fest event in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario on October 26-30th, 2009.

Heading into its 22nd edition, this is where the eventual Canadian cars and trucks are put through rigorous back-to-back-to-back testing–on and off road–by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

This will be my seventh Test Fest, and I’m really excited to be getting down and dirty with a bevy of new cars in and around the Ste. Catharines airport, which will be hosting us the third straight year, in NOTL.

Who wouldn’t be excited? I mean, I’ll be responsible for test driving the new SPORTS PERFORMANCE models (under $50k), LUXURY CARS (over $50k) and the CONVERTIBLES. Maybe one of them will become the 2010 Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY).

For the first time in many years, Porsche will enter some cars into the competition. Personally, I can’t wait to drive the new Panamera S, which I got to check out briefly at a Cayenne diesel and hybrid prototype preview event in Detroit not long ago.

Also on the to-do list are the Audi R8 5.2, with its V8 FSI engine and quattro drive, and the new 370Z Roadster. I drove the hardtop version earlier this year at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada and boy was that fun!!! Got some great snaps too! I really hope Nissan brings along a Nismo model just for play because, well, I love tuned Zeds! That’s Zees for you Americans. ;P

2010 CCOTY CATEGORIES:

SPORTS PERFORMANCE (under $50k): Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Taurus SHO, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Mazdaspeed3, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart, Volkswagen Golf GTI

SPORTS PERFORMANCE (over $50k): Audi S4, Jaguar XFR, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

CONVERTIBLES: Audi A5 Cabriolet, BMW Z4 Roadster, Nissan 370Z Roadster, Lexus IS Convertible

LUXURY CAR (over $50k): BMW 335d Sedan, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, Lexus HS250h

PRESTIGE (over $75k): Audi R8 5.2, BMW 7 Series Sedan, Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, Porsche Panamera

SMALL CAR (under $21k): Hyundai Elantra Touring, Kia Forte Koup, Mazda3

SMALL CAR (over $21k): Honda Insight, Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Mazda3 Sport, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Nissan Cube, Volkswagen Golf

FAMILY CAR (under $30k): Ford Fusion, Subaru Legacy Sedan, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Golf Wagon

FAMILY CAR (over $30k): Buick Allure, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Taurus

SUV / CUV (under $35k): Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Outback, Toyota Venza

SUV / CUV ($35k-$60k): Acura ZDX, Audi Q5, GMC Terrain, Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC, Lexus RX350, Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel, Volvo XC60

SUV / CUV (over $60k): Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Lincoln MKT, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX450h

More info on the Canadian Car of the Year competition can be found on AJAC’s website. And, if you’re thinking about buying a new vehicle, there’s a wealth of free new car buying info and actual testing results from past, present and future vehicles there too. Go visit.

2009 Nissan GT-R SpecV

Targeted specifically at (Japanese) enthusiast drivers who desire race car-like performance in a street-legal vehicle, the [...]]]> This image of a 2009 GT-R SpecV landed in my inbox earlier in the day courtesy of Nissan Canada. Further inspection reveals some racy tweaks that build on the original’s “better everyday supercar” appeal.

2009 Nissan GT-R SpecV

Targeted specifically at (Japanese) enthusiast drivers who desire race car-like performance in a street-legal vehicle, the Nissan GT-R SpecV model has a carbon fiber rear spoiler, grille and brake ducts.

Inside this limited-edition two-seater version is a pair of Recaro sport buckets and more lightweight carbon fiber parts and trim to reduce weight.

A new high gear boost controller and titanium-coated exhaust system will provide modest performance gains. The GT-R SpecV gets lightweight Nismo forged alloys, an exclusive tuned suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes and grippier tires.

Painted in an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal body colour, the SpecV goes on sale February 2, 2009 at seven dealerships across Japan starting at 15,750,000 yen. That translates to $171,343 in U.S. dollars, which is a bit pricey but still sensible given the competition.

Gosh, I hope we get something like this over here!

Also worth checking out, is the Nissan Motorsports (a.k.a. NISMO) website. Perhaps the coolest navigation method I’ve seen on a website!

Canada’s 2008 Car of the Year is… drum roll please… the Audi R8 Supercar.

And, if you’re thinking about purchasing a new or used vehicle, good, honest information can be hard to find. Over the years, Automobile Journalists Association of Canada members have scrutinized hundreds of vehicles in search [...]]]>

Audi 4.2L FSI V8

Canada’s 2008 Car of the Year is… drum roll please… the Audi R8 Supercar.

And, if you’re thinking about purchasing a new or used vehicle, good, honest information can be hard to find. Over the years, Automobile Journalists Association of Canada members have scrutinized hundreds of vehicles in search of one to call the year’s best. Now, prospective buyers can browse real-world results by category or by manufacturer for the past several years in AJAC’s CCOTY competition.

Related:

The Design Showcase: Audi R8 (Feb 2008, RPM Motoring Monthly)

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TORONTO (Ontario) Wednesday, February 13, 2008 — In an early morning press conference at the opening of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the Audi R8 was declared the 2008 Canadian Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

The Audi R8 beat eight other “best new” category winners, announced December 4, 2007, to win the top prize.

2008 CCOTY co-chair, Paul Williams, commented: “With manufacturers introducing an increasing number of new vehicles each year, consumers may find it harder to keep track of what’s available in the marketplace, and how one vehicle differs from another. The AJAC Canadian Car of the Year program identifies and categorizes all the new vehicles each year, then subjects them to detailed testing in real-world situations. It’s not a popularity contest; it’s a thorough, objective and trustworthy process to help consumers make informed purchase decisions.”

“We are absolutely delighted to have been accorded this prestigious honour and would like to thank the membership for their support,” said Diego Ramos, Executive Vice President of Audi Canada, “especially when you consider the other fine automobiles with which we were competing.” He added, “To win these awards today is a defining moment for the Audi brand in Canada. In the past, the question has been asked, when will people realize just how good Audis are? I believe that time is now thanks to everyone at AJAC.”

At the same press conference, the new Chevrolet Silverado was declared the 2008 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The Chevrolet Silverado was chosen the overall winner from amongst 26 eligible vehicles in the Sport Utility and Pick-up Truck categories.

“We truly appreciate this vote of confidence from such a large body of Canada’s automotive experts,” said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s Vice President, Sales Service and Marketing. “Our goal is to provide customers with cars and trucks that offer leading designs and fuel-efficient technologies, with eye-catching style and an overall level of perceived quality typical of more expensive vehicles. This award tells us we’re delivering on that goal.”

AJAC’s annual Canadian Car of the Year awards program was created in 1985 with the purpose of providing consumers with sound, comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market.

For that reason, the vote results that determined today’s winners are available to consumers as a resource buying guide on the AJAC web site. Also available are the comparative test data derived from the journalists’ extensive four day evaluation of over 170 new vehicles in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario in October. This annual event is known in the industry as “TestFest.” Shell Canada is the official fuel supplier of the event.

The rigorous TestFest evaluation program includes real world driving on public roads–exactly where consumers drive so that the test and vote results posted to the AJAC web site are directly relevant to potential car and truck buyers.

Still looking to buy a 2007, 2006, or even a 2005 vehicle? AJAC archives the comparative test data from previous years on its web site.

For more information on the 2008 Canadian Car of the Year Awards, either visit our AJAC web site at www.ajac.ca, call the AJAC office at 1 (800) 361-1516, or send an e-mail to beth[at]ajac.ca.

After a very long wait, the world renowned Lancer Evolution has finally arrived in Canada. Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. takes delivery in Vancouver of the first boatload of the all new 2008 10th-gen [...]]]>

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10, courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc.

After a very long wait, the world renowned Lancer Evolution has finally arrived in Canada. Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. takes delivery in Vancouver of the first boatload of the all new 2008 10th-gen Lancer Evolution.

These “GSR” sports sedans are the first Lancer Evolution models ever to be offered for sale in Canada. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, is one of the world’s best known high-performance vehicles and these customer cars will be making their way into Mitsubishi dealer showrooms early in February.

Perhaps even more exciting is the fact that I will be amongst the first wave of journalists to drive the new car at its official press launch next Tuesday at Willow Springs just north of L.A. A review with photos will soon follow in Sun Media somewhere in Canada. Will let you know when I know.

In the meantime, in next Sunday’s Toronto Sun, some of my photos will be running alongside Drive section editor Annette McLeod’s review of the wicked awesome 2008 Audi R8 supercar. I wrote my own design-focused piece for the February issue of RPM Motoring Monthly. Go get your free copy.

TORONTO, (Ontario) – The 2008 “Best New” winners in 12 different “Canadian Car of the Year” categories were announced today by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at a press conference held at the Toronto Congress Centre, in Mississauga, Ontario. The purpose of the Canadian [...]]]>

2008 Audi R8 next to Mini Cooper S

TORONTO, (Ontario) – The 2008 “Best New” winners in 12 different “Canadian Car of the Year” categories were announced today by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at a press conference held at the Toronto Congress Centre, in Mississauga, Ontario. The purpose of the Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) awards program, created by journalist members of AJAC, is to provide consumers with sound, comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market.

For that reason, the vote results that determined today’s winners are available on the AJAC web site www.ajac.ca, for use by consumers as a resource buying guide when researching the purchase of a new car, truck, SUV, or CUV for 2008. Also available to consumers are the comparative test data derived from the journalists’ extensive three to four day evaluation of 177 new 2008 vehicles in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario from October 29 – November 2, 2007. This annual event is known in the industry as “Test Fest.”

The rigorous Test Fest evaluation program includes real world driving on public roads – exactly where consumers drive so that the test and vote results are directly relevant to potential car and truck buyers.

In order to vote, the more than 70 journalists had to be on-site and drive the vehicles back-to-back on the same roads, on the same day, in the same weather conditions so as to ensure valid comparisons. Each vehicle is carefully scrutinized using 17 evaluation parameters that include driver position and ergonomics, engine smoothness, steering, handling, visibility as well as exterior and interior styling. Objective ratings for acceleration, braking, cargo capacity, safety features, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are then added to the journalists ballots by the international accounting firm KPMG prior to their vote tabulation. The scores are then weighted by the type of vehicle as well as a price factor in order to ensure a level playing field for all 59 entries.

2008 CCOTY co-chairman Paul Williams commented, “The AJAC Canadian Car of the Year awards are founded on the most objective, informed and thorough evaluation process you’ll find. The evaluations are based on back-to-back testing in real-world situations. They’re a uniquely Canadian resource for people looking to buy a new vehicle.”

The BEST NEW 2008 category winners are:

CONVERTIBLE: BMW 335i Cabriolet
SMALL CAR: Saturn Astra
FAMILY CAR: Honda Accord EX Sedan
LUXURY CAR: Mercedes-Benz C Class
PRESTIGE CAR (over $75,000): Audi R8
SPORTS/PERFORMANCE CAR under $50,000: MINI Cooper S
SPORTS/PERFORMANCE CAR over $50,000: Audi S5
MINIVAN: Hyundai Entourage
PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Silverado
SUV/CUV under $35,000: Nissan Rogue
SUV/CUV $35,000 – $60,000: Saturn Vue
SUV/CUV over $60,000: Buick Enclave

In addition to the 12 category winners, AJAC handed out the “Most Coveted Vehicle” award. Inaugurated in 2005, the award was created to acknowledge what is truly a dream car; a car that stirs the hearts and minds of automobile enthusiasts. In other words, if you won the lottery today, which of the fifty-nine AJAC Car of the Year entries would be your dream car, truck or SUV? In order to win this award, the majority of the seventy-four voting journalists had to cast a ballot and the winning vehicle had to receive two-thirds of those votes. The winner of the 2008 Most Coveted Vehicle award is the Audi R8.

The overall Canadian Car of the Year as well as the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year will be announced on February 13th, 2008, at the 2008 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario. The 2008 Best New Design and Best New Technology winners will also be declared at that time.

And there’s more. our AJAC journalists who evaluated the brand-new models at TestFest are available across Canada for interviews to talk about the vote results and comparative data. Media are invited to visit the AJAC web site and log-in under “Ask The Experts”, then choose the “Car of the Year” link for interviews once they’ve been validated.

Photos from the Test Fest evaluation program, and from today’s press conference, are also available for print and broadcast media on the AJAC website.

Still looking to buy a 2007 new car? AJAC archives the comparative test data and vote results from previous years on its web site.

AJAC’s three consumer surveys show that winning an AJAC Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) award is increasingly important for potential buyers of new cars. For example, a survey of 2004 Canadian Car of the Year buyers confirmed an influence of 58.4%. In 2002 that influence was 47.5%; in 1999 the influence was 44.5%.

For further information: on the 2008 Canadian Car of the Year Awards, either visit the AJAC web site (www.ajac.ca), call the AJAC office at (705) 924-3444, or send an email to beth[a]ajac.ca

On the 19th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a new ’09 GT-R! Yeah right, but who doesn’t wish for that? Official launch details on the release on the almighty Nissan Skyline GT-R’s successor have finally emerged from the 2008 Tokyo Motor Show floor. Nissan has confirmed the [...]]]>

2009 Nissan GT-R

On the 19th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a new ’09 GT-R! Yeah right, but who doesn’t wish for that? Official launch details on the release on the almighty Nissan Skyline GT-R’s successor have finally emerged from the 2008 Tokyo Motor Show floor. Nissan has confirmed the 2009 Nissan GT-R will go on sale in Japan on December 6th. The North American launch will likely follow four to six months later. Rest assured the waiting list will fill up fast.

The all-wheel drive two-door super sedan known as the Nissan GT-R will boast an all-new twin-turbo 3.8-litre V-6 engine with plasma-sprayed bores and unique twin-turbo exhaust manifold. The new engine, codenamed VR38DETT, has us really excited for a test drive; and, with its rated 473 hp at 6,400 rpm and 433 lb-ft of torque coming on from 3,200 to 5,200 rpm, the potent combination ought to yield some serious gut-wrenching g-forces. A new GR6-type dual clutch transmission with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch will put down the power while a secondary air management system enables the newly-designed powerplant to sustain about 290 lb-ft of torque for ordinary low-rev daily driving behaviour. The resulting air-fuel ratio is optimal for around-town efficiency and therefore helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.

For a vehicle with a rich racing history like this one, it’s fitting that the new Nissan GT-R will run in the GT500 class in the 2008 SUPER GT Championship series in Japan with Nismo. The successful GT-R moniker last competed four years ago, winning the Japan GT Championship in 2003. Testing is slated to be getting underway very soon, however, details on the vehicle’s specifications and team are being withheld until February 2008.

Plus, I found this video of me riding shotgun in a HKS-tuned Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 at the 2005 SEMA Show while partaking in a Pioneer press event. Check it out!

About a month ago, Shaun, as is his annual tradition, joined his AJAC colleagues for four days of car reviewing frenzy at “TestFest.” He evaluated the Sports Performance over $50K, SUV over $65K and convertibles. Well, after weeks of anticipation, the votes have finally been tabulated, and this year’s [...]]]>

2007 BMW Z3 M Package

About a month ago, Shaun, as is his annual tradition, joined his AJAC colleagues for four days of car reviewing frenzy at “TestFest.” He evaluated the Sports Performance over $50K, SUV over $65K and convertibles. Well, after weeks of anticipation, the votes have finally been tabulated, and this year’s Car of the Year category winners are…

TORONTO, (Ontario) – The 2007 “Best New” winners in 13 different “Canadian Car of the Year” categories were announced today, November 21, 2006, by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at a press conference held at the Holiday Inn Select, in Toronto, Ontario.

The purpose of the Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) awards program, created by journalist members of AJAC, is to provide consumers with sound, comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market.

For that reason, the vote results that determined today’s winners are available on the AJAC web site www.ajac.ca, for use by consumers as a resource buying guide when researching the purchase of a new car, truck, SUV, or CUV for 2007. Also available to consumers are the comparative test data derived from the journalists’ extensive 3-day evaluation of 195 new 2007 vehicles in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario from October 25-27, 2007. This annual event is known in the industry as “TestFest.”

The 2007 category winners are:
BEST NEW SMALL CAR under $18,000: Honda FIT LX
BEST NEW SMALL CAR over $18,000: Volkswagen Rabbit 2.5
BEST NEW FAMILY CAR $22,000-$30,000: Toyota Camry LE
BEST NEW FAMILY CAR over $30,000: Toyota Camry Hybrid
BEST NEW LUXURY CAR under $50,000: Lexus ES 350
BEST NEW PRESTIGE CAR: Audi S8
BEST NEW SPORTS / PERFORMANCE CAR under $50,000: Mazdaspeed3
BEST NEW SPORTS / PERFORMANCE CAR over $50,000: BMW 3-Series Coupe
BEST NEW CONVERTIBLE: Volkswagen EOS 2.0T
BEST NEW PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Avalanche
BEST NEW SUV / CUV under $35,000: Toyota RAV4 – V6 Sport
BEST NEW SUV / CUV $35,000-$60,000: Acura RDX Technology Package
BEST NEW SUV / CUV over $60,000: Mercedes-Benz GL Class

The overall Canadian Car of the Year, Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, as well as the Canadian Truck of the Year will all be announced on February 14th, 2007, at the 2007 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario. The 2007 Best New Design and Best New Technology winners will also be declared at that time.

And there’s more. our AJAC journalists who evaluated the brand-new models at TestFest are available across Canada for interviews to talk about the vote results and comparative data. Media are invited to visit the AJAC web site and log-in under “Ask The Experts,” then choose the “Car of the Year” link for interviews once they’ve been validated.

Still looking to buy a 2006 car? AJAC archives the comparative test data and vote results from previous years on its web site.

For more information on the Canadian Car of the Year Awards, either visit our AJAC web site (www.ajac.ca), call the AJAC office at 1-905-342-2220, or email beth[a]ajac.ca