Are you ready for a front-wheel-drive BMW?

By John LeBlanc

When the front-wheel-drive, Mini Countryman arrived for 2010, it may have not been obvious that at some point, parent BMW — a company that had built its reputation on high-performance, rear-wheel-drive cars — would eventually launch a small, FWD car of its own. But the new BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor is yet another step towards a whole slew of front-drive Bimmers. Read more

Dear John: Hybrid sedans

By John LeBlanc

When they first came out over a decade ago, gasoline-electric — or “hybrid” — cars definitely saved more fuel compared to their gas-only counterparts. But their low-volume sales numbers meant automakers were obligated to sell hybrids at premium prices. That’s no longer the case. Read more

Road Test: 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

Despite questionable styling, a less-than-premium interior and minimal utility, the BMW X1 has become one of the German brand’s best sellers in Canada. And although it’s one of BMW’s less-established models, last year, the compact crossover trailed only the iconic 3 Series and popular X3 crossover in overall sales. Why has it been so popular? Read more

The new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette’s amazing fuel economy comes at a cost

By John LeBlanc

General Motors’ Chevrolet brand is proudly boasting that its new, seventh-generation 2014 Corvette Stingray is “the most fuel efficient sports car on the market”. And the numbers don’t lie: no other new vehicle generates 455 horsepower and a 29 miles per U.S. gallon highway rating. But proving the old axiom that “nothing is free”, there’s a price to pay for the new Corvette’s parsimonious ways. Read more

Feature: All 22 Canadian-made new cars and trucks for 2013

Story by John LeBlanc

« go back — keep looking »