Archive for April, 2011

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2004-2008 Nissan Maxima

Friday, April 29th, 2011

By Chris Chase, Autos.ca

Since the creation of Nissan’s upscale Infiniti brand, Nissan’s own Maxima has become a bit of a black sheep. What used to be the company’s nicest car now plays second fiddle to a whole line of vehicles that play in a higher bracket.

2007 Nissan Maxima

2007 Nissan Maxima

The entry-level Infiniti G35 sedan made it easy to forget about the Maxima, considering the Infiniti has historically been priced just a few thousand dollars higher than the Nissan. Certainly, the Maxima deserves a better fate than to languish in the shadow of the G35.

The sixth-generation Maxima was introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model. As with the car it replaced – and that pesky G35 – the new Maxima used Nissan’s excellent 3.5-litre V6, tuned here to produce 265 horsepower. Transmission choices were a six-speed manual and a four- or five-speed automatic. One neat feature was the choice of a two- or three-place rear seat. (more…)

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2011 Jeep Compass North 4×4

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Review and photos by
Jil McIntosh, Autos.ca

When Jeep first introduced the Compass for the 2007 model year, many people didn’t know what to think: a front-wheel drive Jeep? What on earth was the legendary off-road company thinking?

2011 Jeep Compass North 4×4

2011 Jeep Compass North 4×4

And yet, while Wrangler fans undoubtedly continue to look down their noses at the Compass – one of a trio of platform siblings along with the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot – this little hatchback seems to do okay for itself with buyers, if the number I see on the road is any indication.

It’s gently redesigned for 2011, with handsome new exterior styling that echoes the front of the updated Grand Cherokee, and an interior that retains the same general layout as before but with some better-quality materials, an improvement in fit-and-finish and some new controls. Also new, and added to my CVT-equipped tester, is the availability of Jeep’s Freedom Drive II system, one of nine all-wheel systems available across the company’s line-up. The system runs primarily in front-wheel drive, but when needed, it will send torque to the rear wheels. It can also be locked into 50/50 via a handle on the centre console. When the shifter is put into Low, the Compass includes a 19:1 crawl ratio and hill descent control. (more…)

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2011 Mitsubishi RVR GT 4WD

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Review and photos by
Peter Bleakney, Autos.ca

According to the kids in my ‘hood, if you put your pajamas on backwards and do the “snow dance” (whatever that is), you’ll get a snow day. There must have been a lot of that going on here a few weeks ago, because for the first time in twelve years all the schools in Toronto and surrounding areas were closed. While the storm didn’t turn out to be quite as bad as predicted, 15 cm of snow was enough to test the winter capabilities of my 2011 Mitsubishi RVR GT 4WD and make for a bit of snowy fun.

2011 Mitsubishi RVR GT 4WD

2011 Mitsubishi RVR GT 4WD

It is in conditions such as these when owning an all-wheel-drive crossover with good ground clearance makes real sense. Equipped with snow tires, I got my wife to work in this top-trim $28,498 RVR with nary a slip, and then headed out to chew up some unploughed roads.

Mitsubishi might be late to the compact sport-ute party, but this RVR has quite a bit going for it. And gosh knows, with the competition that is out there, it had better.

Let’s start with the styling. Built on the Outlander platform, this is certainly the best looking vehicle in Mitsubishi’s line-up. (more…)

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2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Review and photos by
Chris Chase, Autos.ca

Even if it’s based on an existing vehicle, a coupe will generally attract a different kind of buyer than a similar sedan, particularly if the coupe is distinguished from the sedan by more than the elimination of a couple of doors.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Certainly the Cadillac CTS Coupe, a new addition to the brand’s entry-level line-up for 2011, is recognizable as a modern Caddy, with its razor sharp lines, but a carbon-copy of the sedan it ain’t. It shares the four-door’s front clip and dashboard, but the rest of the look is unique to the two-door model.

Less unique is the coupe’s running gear, which consists of a 3.6-litre V6, a standard six-speed manual transmission, and an optional six-speed automatic. That leaves out the 3.0-litre V6 that serves as base power in the sedan. The CTS Coupe can also be ordered in high-performance “V” trim, complete with a massive 6.2-litre V8 and up-rated everything designed to deal with its extra poke. (more…)

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2011 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL hatchback

Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

Review and photos by
Greg Wilson, Autos.ca

In previous reviews of the Nissan Versa hatchback, I’ve mentioned how roomy and practical it is and how it’s a great value for the money in the subcompact class – but I’ve also warned readers that this is not a particularly sporty car to drive, particularly when equipped with the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2011 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL hatchback

2011 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL hatchback

Yet, something happened on the way to the mall, the other day: I was unexpectedly lulled into submission by the Versa’s quiet cabin, comfortable ride, shiftless CV transmission, and easy driving manners. I suddenly realized that, for the majority of drivers, the Versa’s non-sporty attributes are what makes it such a great commuter car.

While other small cars often have a stiff, choppy ride, the Versa’s long (for a subcompact) wheelbase and forgiving shocks provide a comfortable city and highway ride which absorbs pavement breaks and potholes quite well. True, the Versa leans and dives in protest if you go around a corner too fast, but it handles just fine if you’re not in a big hurry. (more…)

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2004-2011 Mazda RX-8

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

Review and photos by
Chris Chase, Autos.ca

The Mazda RX-8 is a cool-looking car, no doubt about it. But what sets it apart has nothing to do with aesthetics, but rather with the unique engine under its hood: the RX-8 is the only mass-produced vehicle of its time to use a Wankel rotary engine.

2009 Mazda RX-8

2009 Mazda RX-8

The Wankel dates back to 1951, when a German named Felix Wankel began developing it while working for automaker NSU. I’ll save you the history lesson and skip to 1967, when Mazda sold its first rotary-powered car, the Cosmo 110S. The RX-7, arguably the best-known rotary-engined car, period, debuted in 1979, lived through three generations, until 2002, when it went away and was replaced in 2004 with the RX-8.

For those who want a more detailed history of the technology, go here; and click here for an animation that shows a Wankel rotary in action. (more…)

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2012 Mazda5 GS

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

Review and photos by
Haney Louka, Autos.ca

Let’s call this the second instalment in my quest to find a worthy replacement for our 2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. I previously entertained the idea that the Toyota Venza might possess that magical combination of cargo utility with car-like handling and efficiency. While the Venza is efficient for its size and can handle about the same cargo volume as our Mazda, it falls short on its ability to satisfy my craving for responsive handling and a sporty demeanour going down the road. It also lost points for a few quirks that I would consider deal-killers.

2012 Mazda5 GS

2012 Mazda5 GS

So, on to the next applicant….

There are two choices that ostensibly fit the bill within the Mazda family; unfortunately neither of these is a wagon. The first is the CX-7, which could be a contender in naturally-aspirated form (the turbo-four is thirstier than many V6s in similarly-sized vehicles).

But this time we’re looking at the more frugal end of the Mazda people-hauler line-up: the new-for-2012 Mazda5. A vehicle that could best be described as a mini-minivan, it’s based on the Mazda3. (more…)

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2011 Subaru Forester Touring

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Review and photos by
Jil McIntosh, Autos.ca

Every now and again, I end up in a vehicle that really doesn’t stand up and holler to me in any regard, and yet, the entire package turns out to be a genuinely nice vehicle that I’m actually sorry to have to return to the company. That turned out to be the case with the 2011 Subaru Forester.

2011 Subaru Forester 2.5X Touring

2011 Subaru Forester 2.5X Touring

I’ve always been keen on this practical-sized SUV, and for 2011, Subaru has made a few important changes, including an all-new engine, gently-revised styling, and on my Touring trim line tester, new wheels and upgraded audio system. Pricing starts at $25,995 for the 2.5X with five-speed manual transmission, and tops out with the naturally-aspirated 2.5X Limited at $32,995, and a turbocharged 2.5XT Limited at $34,595. My tester, the 2.5X Touring with four-speed automatic transmission, was tagged at $29,795.

The new engine is the naturally-aspirated one, found in all but the turbocharged 2.5XT Limited trim line. The 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder has the same displacement as the powerplant used in the 2010 model, and Subaru says it’s the first complete engine redesign in 21 years, following the second-generation boxer engine introduced in the first Legacy models in 1989. (more…)

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2007-2011 Honda CR-V

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Review and photos by
Chris Chase, Autos.ca

The Honda CR-V entered its third generation in 2007, a year that brought many changes to one of the most popular small SUVs in its crowded segment.

2008 Honda CR-V

2008 Honda CR-V

While the first two versions were similar in their long-legged, tall-riding appearance, the 2007 got a more substantial look that was less conventional, yet bore a stronger resemblance to the larger Pilot. This was the first CR-V to be built outside of Japan, with some North American-market models built in Ohio. The manual transmission was gone, making the five-speed automatic that was once optional the only transmission offered; as well, a new front-wheel drive model was added to the line-up. Honda designers also opted to move the spare tire from its previous spot on the tailgate to a new home under the cargo floor. (more…)

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2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Review and photos by
Paul Williams, Autos.ca

Since its most recent redesign in 2008, the Lexus IS compact luxury sedan has been available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, with a choice of two V6 engines: a 2.5-litre or a considerably more powerful 3.5-litre engine. However, if you wanted all-wheel drive you could only purchase the IS with the 2.5 engine.

2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

Along with changes to the front and rear fascias, new trim for the instrument panel and new 18-inch wheels, the big Lexus IS news for 2011 is that the IS 350 is now available with all-wheel drive.

Starting at $44,950, the IS 350 AWD arrives with a six-speed, paddle-shifting automatic transmission and can be optioned to $48,700 with the Navigation Package and $52,950 with Navigation and Luxury packages. (more…)

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