The small and midsize AWD crossover segments are completely on fire. The trend towards right-sizing and fuel economy are big driving factors as are versatility, room, and that all-important commanding driving position. What if I told you that Mitsubishi is, on paper, the greatest of them all? The 2018 Outlander PHEV is all of the above on top of being reasonably affordable and covered by an excellent warranty. What more is there to say? Everyone ...
Read More »Reviews
First test drive: 2019 Volvo XC40
Ten years ago, we never thought Volvo would be launching its third SUV after redesigning its large S90 sedan the year before. Indeed, the Swedish brand was lost a decade ago. An aging S60, an XC90 that had lost its luster … the brand was essentially going nowhere. Today, Volvo is slowly turning the corner, and everything that comes out of the Gothenburg factory is a success, both from a sales standpoint and by the ...
Read More »REVIEW: 2018 Toyota Tundra 4X4 CrewMax SR5
This is a farewell story to one of the longest-running generations of any vehicle sold as new in the 21st Century. Well, to be more precise, it should be. The Tundra, this Tundra, has been soldiering on largely unchanged since 2007 and it might be that this 12th model year will be its last. I’m supposing a number of things as, as I write these lines, nothing official has been released by Toyota that would ...
Read More »FIRST ROAD TEST: 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Icons are dangerous blessings. A carmaker lucky enough to have stumbled upon creating one will bask in their brilliance up until the time comes for an update – one false move could mean certain catastrophe. Of all the iconic cars from the past 125 years, few have survived generations and decades like the Porsche 911 and Jeep Wrangler Both of these automakers need walk on eggshells when their product goes under the knife. Truth be ...
Read More »CAR REVIEW: 2018 Volvo XC60 T6 R-Design
I’ve no shame in admitting that I’ve been a fan of Volvo cars for as long as I can remember. I’ve cycled in and out of “like” with most other car manufacturers but somehow Volvo’s managed to never fall out of favour with me. What makes Volvo special? It does things differently, despite past arguably unfavorable ownerships. It has a flair all its own, a clear and present identity; it’s Swedish, and proud of it. ...
Read More »Review: 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
It is rather unlikely that Acura knew or aptly projected the impact their MDX would have on their bottom line when they launched it back in 2000 as a 2001 model year luxury SUV. It quickly rose to become to best or second best-selling product in the line-up, outselling even the affordable ILX (the EL’s and CSX’ latest name) by a margin of nearly 3 to 1. And this despite being one of the most ...
Read More »FIRST REVIEW: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
If 2016 was the year of the car at Chevrolet with the subsequent launches of the new Volt, Malibu and Camaro, to name a few, 2017 belongs to the utility vehicles. In nine short months since beginning of the year, the new Equinox, Trax and Bolt (that’s right, a utility vehicle according to GM) have seen the light of day. Today, it’s the Traverse’s turn. Of all Chevy’s SUVs, the Traverse bridges the gap between ...
Read More »QUICK CAR REVIEW: 2017 Ford Raptor
Indeed, nothing can stop the Ford Raptor. Nothing, except doing pickup things. It’s true! I love pickups because I can throw random things in the bed such as tree branches, wood planks and all kinds of other stuff. Although the SuperCrew cab configuration allows for limo-like interior room, the 5”5’ bed is agonizing due to its lack of bulge. No, the Raptor is not the only one to suffer from small-box syndrome but most other ...
Read More »FIRST REVIEW: 2018 GMC Terrain
GMC is the lesser known brand in the GM empire. This is certainly the case if you are not a typical truck buyer. GMC is, after all, described as “professional grade” and as such, mostly aimed at contractors and other small business owners. Although this branding is well deserved, especially for the Sierra and Yukon, it does seem to position the brand away from the typical automotive consumer. Back in 2009, the car business crisis ...
Read More »QUICK CAR REVIEW: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE AWD
2 doors, or a world of a difference There are no substitutes for a minivan. Despite 3-row SUVs claiming this and that, nothing beats a cavernous floor to ceiling load capacity with upright walls and a deep rear boot. Problem is that, well, they’re minivans… Unless I can find a pristine GMC Safari EXT AWD or Supercharged Toyota Previa Alltrac, I don’t want one. And more than likely, nor do you. Thing is that a ...
Read More »