First Drives

First Drives2016 Mazda MX-5: The Wait Is Over!4.5/5
The wait is over. Direct from Barcelona, Spain, behold our first impressions of the world’s most anticipated sports car: the Mazda MX-5. Exclusive to The Car Guide, the program included test driving a rare prototype of Mazda’s new Roadster and the MX-5. The first is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder …
First Drives2015 BMW X6 M: Reality Distortion Field3.5/5
There exists a small sliver of the automotive market that absolutely always wants to be driving the fastest, most powerful version of whatever vehicle strikes their fancy. Be it a rocket-powered school bus or a rider mower outfitted with a turbocharger, these devotees to benchmarks like torque, top speed, and …
First Drives2015 Jeep Renegade: Small, But Still A Jeep4.0/5
The ultra-compact SUV segment is set to see the most growth this year and welcome the largest number of new models. These scaled-down SUVs may look like they were left in the dryer too long, but they are an exciting choice compared to subcompact cars. Their practicality, unique design and …
First Drives2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Built For Versatility4.0/5
Following the makeover that began with the Range Rover Evoque and then the Range Rover, Land Rover is continuing to revitalize its line-up. This time it’s with the Discovery Sport, the vehicle replacing the LR2 in Canada. Going forward, Land Rover is focussing on three main lines. The Range Rover …
First DrivesMercedes-Maybach S600: Change In Strategy4.5/5
A lot of people were taken by surprise when Mercedes announced the return of Maybach, the Stuttgart-based brand’s swankiest label. That’s because most of us thought Maybach was dead and buried following a catastrophic introduction. The brand was launched amid much pomp and circumstance at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show.
First Drives2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: Almost Outruns Its Shadow5.0/5
Pahrump, Nevada – The new Corvette Z06 makes us think of Clint Eastwood’s nameless cowboy in the Sergio Leone movies, re-armed with the massive Magnum .44 wielded by the hero of Dirty Harry. This Chevy is the American product that grunts “Go ahead, make my day”, the unforgettable line associated …
First DrivesTalisman: Daniel Campagna’s New Sports Car
SANAIR, Saint-Pie-de-Bagot – Daniel Campagna has been keeping a low profile since he left the firm that still bears his name and that continues to build his most well-known creation, the T-Rex. That was nine years ago, and he’s been working hard ever since. Creative juices don’t just stop flowing …
First Drives2016 Audi Q3: New Look For The Compact Luxury SUV4.0/5
The Audi Q3 has just made its way to Canada, but it’s been covering ground since 2011 in Europe and other markets, where the compact luxury SUV has already found more than 400,000 willing buyers. This explains why the German brand is currently giving the model a facelift, which includes …
First Drives2015 Subaru Impreza: Thank Goodness For Winter!4.0/5
Let’s be honest. The Subaru Impreza is not the eighth wonder of the world. Nor is it the ninth. Nonetheless, this compact sedan is almost perfectly adapted to our Northern climate—and the ability to adapt is what allows a species to survive. The fourth-generation Impreza was introduced at the 2011 …
First Drives2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS: The Sweetest 911 Package?4.0/5
Wiggle, wiggle. Coming downhill out of turn four at Willow Springs International Raceway carrying a little too much speed in the 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, I was immediately made aware of the coupe’s 3.8-litre flat-six engine’s mounting position at the very rear of the car, hanging out over the …
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