The Crank: Do racing automaker CEOs help or hinder car sales?

By John LeBlanc

Standing up in front of government officials or at auto shows is where we usually find the head of car companies. But Toyota and Aston Martin have released a video of Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda and his Aston counterpart Ulrich Bez not in pinstripe suits behind a podium, but wearing Nomex behind the steering wheels of racecars. Read more

First Drive: 2012 Kia Rio5

Luxury lite

Kia’s new Rio brings upscale experience to the bottom-feeder class

By John LeBlanc

FALL CITY, WA.—Small cars aren’t so “small” anymore. Witness the third-generation 2012 Kia Rio5, where along with being longer and wider than its predecessor, you’ll find a heated steering wheel on its options list — a feature usually reserved for $100,000 German luxobarges. You shouldn’t be too shocked, though. Read more

Will Canadians ever buy small trucks again?

By John LeBlanc

As my Toronto Star Wheels colleague, Jill McIntosh, has written in her review of the updated-for-2012 Toyota Tacoma, Canadians love trucks—but not unless they are of the full-size nature. Read more

From the Fleet: 2011 Audi S5 Cabriolet

FROM THE FLEET are brief synopses of manufacturer-supplied rides that happen to end up in my laneway – JL

It’s hard to ignore the seasonal signs of hibernation. Available daylight has become precious. Lawn furniture is overdue for storage, and you’ve probably already had to rake your yard for fallen leaves at least, if not twice. And then there’s the act that can bring tears to an enthusiast’s eyes: the ritual of “putting away the ragtop” for the winter. Read more

Best 2011 Family Car between $21k and $30k

By John LeBlanc

As the new 2012 models start to infiltrate new car showrooms, here are my top picks of remaining 2011 models that may still be lingering on dealer lots: Read more

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