Top 10s: New cars for hipsters
By John LeBlanc
If you were born sometime during the mid ‘80s and mid ‘90s, live in a city, come from a middle-class upbringing, jeer at Coldplay fans, and have a wardrobe that consists mainly of plaid shirts, skinny jeans, and fedoras, you very well may be considered a hipster. Automakers are struggling to connect with this demographic, whose transportation needs are more often than not met via public transit, a fixie bicycle, or the mom ‘n dad’s ride. Read more
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Comparo: 2013 Subaru BRZ versus 2011 Subaru WRX STI
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
OTTAWA – Let’s be frank, with its multiple World Rally Championship-winning WRX models firmly established with driving enthusiasts for decades now, Subaru doesn’t need the new-for-2013 BRZ to buff up its performance image. So how did the Japanese automaker — a company best known for making turbocharged all-wheel-drive wagons and sedans — end up with a naturally aspirated rear-wheel-drive sports car? Read more
Preview: Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept
Story by John LeBlanc
FRANKFURT — The level of secrecy was positively Bond-like. Under a shroud of heavy fog (both of the atmospheric and corporate communications variety), I was being chauffeured in a Secret Service-black Volkswagen Transporter. Read more
First Drive: 2014 Volkswagen e-Up!
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
FRANKFURT — Initially conceived as a rear-engine, rear-drive city car, the first production Volkswagen Up! went on sale in Europe as a front-drive, two-door, four-passenger hatch two years ago. But Volkswagen always had bigger plans for its smallest car. Read more
Alfa Romeo is coming back to Canada, discuss…
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
OTTAWA — After departing abruptly almost two decades ago, fans of one Italian car brand have been crying, “Oh, Alfa, Alfa Romeo, wherefore art thou?” But with the arrival of one of the most-anticipated new 2014 models, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C sports car coming next spring, parent Fiat’s sportiest brand is back in business in Canada. The question is: Will anybody care? Read more