First Drives

The all-new Kia Optima is replacing the relatively unknown Magentis. The soporific lines have been brushed aside with a better design. This is just as true on the inside the car, as the interior earns as many gold stars as the exterior. What’s more, the very modern design doesn’t compromise …

Underneath that modern, trendy, sportback look, the new Lexus CT 200h (CT for Creative Touring) has a lot in common with the Prius: same engine, same (modest) power, same platform, same hybrid system.Will people be fooled? First of all, never let it be said that Toyota/Lexus doesn’t know how to …

When big automakers introduce a new model, the process is relatively simple. Journalists are invited from all over the world to come and try the latest creation. In an effort to win them over, the companies often propose an exotic destination. These events are generally impeccably organized and we are …

Porsche used all the features of the Boxster Spyder to create the lightest and fastest Cayman ever – the new 2012 Cayman R, which will be available in Canada as of April at a base price of $75,600. When it comes to performance, weight-to-power ratio is everything. This prompted Porsche’s …

In 2000, in its infinite wisdom, Ford management decided to replace its popular Escort with the Focus. It featured a brand new European-designed platform, an interesting range of engines and a modern shape. Moreover, the line-up included a very useful and well-liked wagon. The Focus made a great first impression, …

It’s no secret that Italians are crazy about sports cars. You may think it’s just a stereotype, but I saw the proof first hand during a very special test drive of a Lamborghini Gallardo Ultraleggera. As part of a program organized by Audi and Lamborghini dealing with ultra-light materials, our …

For the past two years, Audi has been floating on a cloud as its products are scooped up quickly, without any real incentives required. Sales in Canada are up by 27% over last year, and the number of models offered just keeps on climbing. You could say that Audi has …

A few weeks ago in San Diego, California, Chrysler unveiled the convertible version of its new 200. Kudos to Chrysler for knowing that it would have been a bad idea to test drive a convertible in Canada in February! You guessed it, the 200 convertible is closely related to the …

Among the more impressive new products to come out in recent months, the Nissan LEAF ranks high on the list. My colleague Gabriel Gélinas was one of the first Canadians to take a ride in this electric vehicle. Then, as the Los Angeles Auto Show approached last November, my other …

In 1957, as Italy was slowly and arduously recovering from the Second World War, Fiat unveiled a small car that would give Italians the means to get around. The 500 – the Cinquecento, as the Latins say – helped get both the country and the national economy rolling again. As …