First Drive: 2011 Volvo S60 T6

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Volvo tries to get its sexy back

Does calling its new S60 a “sports sedan” make it so?

By John LeBlanc

PORTLAND, Oregon—You know the sexist stereotype. A supposedly shy, near-sighted librarian, who when given the chance, lets down the hair, doffs the glasses, and becomes the out-of-character “naughty” librarian. So by adding more performance, more athletic driving dynamics and less-boxy styling to its “Naughtiest Volvo Ever” new-for-2011 S60, Volvo wants to throw off its stereotypically staid image and help accelerate the brand’s struggling sales. Read more

Paris 2010: Smart

By John LeBlanc

PARIS – Already selling the smallest car you can buy in Canada, it seems unfathomable that Mercedes-Benz’s Smart brand would launch two new concepts at this year’s Paris show smaller than its existing ForTwo micro car. Read more

Paris 2010: Station Wagons

By John LeBlanc

PARIS – Ford is making a big stink here at the show. And it’s not their Euro-only diesel models. Paris is the first official event where the new family of Focus compact vehicles have been seen together in one place. That includes a four-door sedan, five-door hatch, station wagon, and sporty ST. Read more

Paris 2010: Hyundai

By John LeBlanc

PARIS – Like a lot of automakers, Hyundai-Kia Motors continues to keep the good stuff for its European customers. Exhibit A: The just-redesigned subcompact Hyundai i20, ix20 mini-MPV (below left), and i20 Sport by German tuning haus Brabus concept (above)  that popped up here in Paris. Small cars that should be the Canadian replacement for our current Accent, but probably won’t. Read more

Paris 2010: Honda

By John LeBlanc

PARIS, France – You have to think Honda Canada would like to take a Mulligan on its current small hybrid strategy As has been duly noted, its Insight hybrid has been anything but a success. In fact, I always wondered why the Japanese automaker didn’t simply put the Insight’s drivetrain into its already well-received Fit. Read more

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