First Drive: 2014 Volkswagen Golf
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
PORTO CERVO, Italy – Chances are you or someone you know has owned a Volkswagen Golf at some time or other. Over 29 million been sold since the compact hatchback was introduced in 1974, essentially replacing the German automaker’s Beetle as its People’s Car. And for many Canadians who couldn’t afford expensive BMWs or Mercedes-Benzes (like yours truly, a proud owner of a second-generation 1991 Golf diesel and a fourth-gen 2005 with the two-point-slow gas engine) the VW compact has always been an accessible German-made car. Read more
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Road Test: 2012 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
Ford sells a lot of F-Series trucks, nearly 100,000 last year alone in Canada. That not only made the F-Series the best-selling truck or car in the country, it also helped Ford finish first overall in sales for the second consecutive year. One way the American automaker ensures its popularity with truck buyers is by offering choices. Between the base F-150 and the F-450 Super Duty commercial versions, there’s seemingly a Ford truck for everyone. And since the turn of the century, there’s even been an F-Series for fans of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Read more
Comparo: 2012 Buick Regal GS vs. Acura TSX V6
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
The idea of comparing any Acura against any Buick may seem laughable. Stereotypes would have you believe that Buicks are luxury-first floatmobiles, designed for your Great Aunt to get to church on Sunday with no fuss. Acura, on the other hand, is Honda’s attempt at taking on more sporting rides from Europe. Yet in a surprising role-reversal, the Japanese TSX and American Regal sedans are more alike than you may think. Read more
Road Test: 2012 Kia Rio EX Sedan
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
If you’ve jumped into the new-car market for the first time in a few years, you’ll have discovered that small cars aren’t that small anymore. And a good example of this paradigm shift in tiny wheels is the new-for-2012 Kia Rio sedan. Unlike its bottom-of-the-class forebearer, though, the second-generation Kia is no small car joke. Read more
Road Test: 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
Six years ago, when its retro-styled FJ Cruiser first went on sale, Japan’s Toyota was the best-selling import automaker here in Canada. The majority of those Toyota and luxury Lexus vehicles sold, though, were achingly conservative in nature, whether to look at or drive. It was almost like Toyota declared its showrooms “no fun” zones. But then the FJ off-roader arrived. Inspired by the iconic Land Cruiser FJ40 from the 1960s, the modern FJ was seen as a breath of fresh air for Toyota. Here was a vehicle overflowing with personality and purpose. And unlike Toyota’s other iconic car, its Prius hybrid, the FJ Cruiser didn’t pay much heed to things like technological refinement or saving fuel. Read more