Top 10 spring fling new cars for 2013

By John LeBlanc

It’s just not just the birds and bees that like to procreate when winter subsides. So do drivers. If you and your significant other are looking for an appropriate wind-in-your-hair set of wheels for your 2013 “spring fling,” here are 10 of our favourite rides to help you celebrate the departure of winter. And with each example, you can safely assume the top is coming off at some point: Read more

First Drive: 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

Story by John LeBlanc

SANTA MONICA, California – Do you know anyone that orders half an enchilada? Of course not. But that was the consensus when Ford brought back its Fiesta subcompact to North America three years ago. While lauded for offering both four-door sedan and hatchback models, good (if not great) fuel economy, “big” car features (if not in the most refined cabin) and a high fun-to-drive quotient (if not as “fun” as a Mazda2 or Honda Fit) the 2011 Fiesta just didn’t seem like you were getting the whole enchilada. So for the 2014 model year, Ford is addressing much of the Mexican-made Fiesta’s shortcomings with some updated styling, a freshened cabin, more features and a newly optional EcoBoost engine — Ford’s first-ever three-cylinder powerplant. Read more

Would you buy the Apple iPod of new cars?

 

By John LeBlanc

Last week in Paris, Japan’s Toyota revealed its new Me.We Concept. Unlike most show cars these days, the Me.We doesn’t brag about having a gazillion horsepower or is jammed with leather-this or power-that or more infotainment goodies than you’ll find at home. Instead, the Toyota concept is more like what an Apple iPod is compared to your grandparents’ hi-fidelity home stereo system; taking the less is more approach. Read more

Road Test: 2013 Honda Accord Sedan Sport CVT

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

Between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s — when Ayrton Senna was winning driver’s championships in Honda-powered Formula One cars, and each new production model was not only sucked up by young, import-loving Boomers and critically acclaimed in the motoring press, and also being picked apart by American and German rivals, wondering, How’d they do that? — Japan’s Honda was arguably the most influential automaker on the planet. Read more

Interview: Head of Smart, Annette Winkler

Daimler’s city car brand to get smarter

By John LeBlanc

TORONTO – When she took over as the boss at Daimler’s Smart brand two years ago, Annette Winkler knew full well what she was getting herself into. With Smart’s one offering — the iconic ForTwo two-seater that arrived in Europe in 1997 and in Canada in 2004 — not due for a replacement for another four years, newer premium city cars like the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper were stealing away customers; to the point where global Smart sales were down by about one-third from just over 140,000 sold annually in 2005. Read more

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