First Drives

First Drives2017 Mercedes-Benz SL: More Evocative and More Refined4.0/5
If ever there was only one legendary model in Mercedes-Benz’s history, it would be the SL Gullwing. Designed in the 1950s to withstand the Carrera Panamericana and other gruelling tests, its success on the racetrack prompted Mercedes-Benz to build production model in its likeness. Today, these models are some of …
First Drives2016 Infiniti QX60: Hauling the Family in Utter Comfort4.0/5
Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti always emphasized performance and driving pleasure in order to compete with the other protagonists in the aristocratic vehicle segments. In fact, Infiniti uses the expression “inspired performance” as their creed, striving to offer anything but boring cars. It’s somewhat ironic to realise that the brand’s bestselling …
First Drives2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400: Understated Power4.0/5
Formerly known as the G37, the Infiniti Q50 is the second-best selling model for Nissan’s luxury brand. It ranks just under the QX60 seven-passenger crossover. Barely two years after Q50’s last makeover, the manufacturer is making some significant changes to the sport sedan, including new lines, more technology and, most …
First Drives2016 BMW X4 M40i: May Contain Traces of M24.0/5
The X4 M40i is proof that BMW has hopped on the current trend of developing – at little cost – new and more dynamic versions of already established models, all with the goal of increasing profit margins. With a base price of $57,900 (that’s $3,700 more than the X4 xDrive35i), …
First Drives2016 MINI Cabriolet: Stylish and Fashionable3.0/5
The latest model of the brand’ new generation of products, the MINI Cabriolet keeps its classic proportions, but grows in size as it’s longer, wider and slightly higher than the outgoing generation. It’s bigger because it’s elaborated on the new architecture that also serves as the base for the MINI …
First Drives2016 BMW M2: The Soul of BMW4.5/5
FWAAAP… FWAAAP… FWAAAP… that’s one of the most enjoyable sounds heard behind the wheel of the BMW M2 on the Laguna Seca track in California. That particular sound comes from the contact between the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and the low-profile ridges at the entry points, apexes and exit …
First Drives2016 Toyota Prius: the Manufacturer’s Ethos4.5/5
The Camry is the bestselling car in North America and the Corolla is the world’s top seller, but the Prius is Toyota’s ethos. It’s the most eloquent demonstration of the manufacturer’s technical know-how. The Prius debuted in Japan in 1997 and then came to North America in 2000. Since then, …
First Drives2016 Ford Focus RS: A Sizzling Hot Hatch4.5/5
It’s rare that a car’s spec sheet alone gets my right foot tingling, but the 2016 Ford Focus RS is such a car. Scroll down the lines of published data and you’ll see that this five-door hatchback is nothing like the Focus ST. You’ll note that its 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder …
First Drives2017 Hyundai Elantra: Taking the Honda Civic Head On4.5/5
For years, the Honda Civic has been Canada’s top-selling vehicle, but the Hyundai Elantra is hot on its heels. In fact, the Korean car very nearly stole the first-place title two years ago. It’s easy to understand why crowning the category is so important to the Elantra. In response to …
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