2011 Geneva: Audi A3 Concept

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

GENEVA – In the hope of attracting younger buyers and adding more fuel efficiency to their lineups, we’ll be seeing of these so-called “premium” compacts during today’s presentations here in Geneva. And first up this morning was Audi, which for the first time ever is looking to add a trunk to its formerly hatchback only A3.

Audi says and the “best-in-class” wheelbase gives rear passengers on the two individual seats a “pleasing” amount of knee room. The concept sported a  turbo five-cylinder turbo making 408 hp, a seven-speed dual-clutch autobox and permanent all-wheel drive. Expect less powerful engines, a four-door hatchback, and a seating for five when the next-gen A3 goes on sale for 2013.

2011 Toronto: Top 10 Must Sees

By John LeBlanc

With the spring new car buying season just around the corner, there’s no better venue for Canadian new car buyers to check out than the annual  Toronto auto show (a.k.a. Canadian International AutoShow). Open to the public now until February 27, the Toronto auto show not only displays virtually every new car you can buy, it’s also a good place to check out what’s coming on the horizon. If you’re planning on heading to the show for its last open weekend, here are my Top 10 must-see cars (in alphabetical order): Read more

The Crank: Will upcoming 2012 Honda Civic retain its sales crown?

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By John LeBlanc

Without a doubt, the compact Civic sedan is the most important model in Honda Canada’s lineup. Despite a drop in sales of 8.2 per cent in 2010 compared to 2009, and an extension of its usual four-year model changeover to an extra-long six years, the Civic was still the best selling passenger car in Canada last year—for the thirteenth year in a row. Read more

First Drive: 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition

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Godzilla Gentrified

Nissan’s rowdy supercar gets all refined like

By John LeBlanc

BUTTONWILLOW, Calif. — Just as fans of Japan’s Godzilla monster movies have a hard time picking a favourite flick from a series of films dating back to 1954, followers of the automotive Godzilla — Nissan’s series of high-performance supercars dating back to 1969 — have another new release to judge. Read more

The Crank: Winners and Losers from this year’s Toronto Auto Show media day

By John LeBlanc

The 38th running of the Toronto auto show is a great place to go if you’re shopping for a new car, or want to take a look at some exotics that non-N.B.A.-salaried humans simply can’t afford. Read more

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