First Drive: 2016 Toyota Avalon

Story and photo by John LeBlanc GATINEAU, Quebec — While stopping for a much-needed shot of java at a coffee shop along our drive route, the nice young lady behind the counter asked what kind of “sharp-looking” car we were driving.

First Drive: 2016 Toyota RAV4 & RAV4 Hybrid

Story and photo by John LeBlancGATINEAU, Que. – Everybody wants to buy a crossover these days, and everybody wants to save a bit of money at the pumps. So, who wouldn’t want to buy a crossover hybrid? At least, that’s the assumption Toyota is making with its new 2016 RAV4 Hybrid. First seen at last […]

First Drive: 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Story and photo by John LeBlanc FRANKFURT, Germany — Traction at all four wheels and a taller seating position are two of the main reasons why so many former car owners have recently moved into crossovers, trucks and SUVs. And these two features are the highlights of a new compact station wagon, the Volkswagen Golf […]

First Drive: 2016 Volkswagen Golf R

Story and photo by John LeBlanc CALABOGIE, Ont. — I’ve just been handed the keys to an all-wheel-drive turbocharged hatchback, hotter than the shade of red it’s wearing, poised at the entrance to a remote Ontario racetrack. After a handful of “follow the leader” laps behind the watchful gaze of retired Canadian Champ Car World […]

First Drive: 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S

Story by John LeBlanc MIRABEL, QUEBEC — By simultaneously employing the steering wheel column-mounted shift paddles and arresting carbon fibre brakes, the new Aston Martin I am piloting at Quebec’s iCar race track instantly drops two gears from fourth to second and suddenly sheds speed. With its front mid-mounted engine and rear transaxle, the British built car’s […]

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