From the Fleet: 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe

FROM THE FLEET are brief synopses of manufacturer-supplied rides that happen to end up in my laneway – John LeBlanc Like in the fashion industry, if the seasons have changed, it must be time for a new Mini model to hit the runway. Last spring saw the new arrival of the VW Golf-sized Countryman—the largest […]

First Drive: 2012 Toyota Yaris

Old School Toyota goes the tried-n-true route with its new Yaris By John LeBlanc QUEBEC CITY, Que. — If you’ve been shopping for a new subcompact, chances are, you’ve likely discovered small cars aren’t so small anymore. What use to be considered bottom-feeder econoboxes are now available with “big car” features with luxuries like heated […]

From the Fleet: 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid

FROM THE FLEET are brief synopses of manufacturer-supplied rides that happen to end up in my laneway – JL The auto industry’s recent niche-within-a-niche product strategies have left us with some weird and quite often oxymoronic mutant forms of four-wheeled transportation. Strange car type combos like “four-door coupes” and “sports activity vehicles” come immediately to […]

First Drive: 2012 Kia Rio5

Luxury lite Kia’s new Rio brings upscale experience to the bottom-feeder class By John LeBlanc FALL CITY, WA.—Small cars aren’t so “small” anymore. Witness the third-generation 2012 Kia Rio5, where along with being longer and wider than its predecessor, you’ll find a heated steering wheel on its options list — a feature usually reserved for […]

From the Fleet: 2011 Audi S5 Cabriolet

FROM THE FLEET are brief synopses of manufacturer-supplied rides that happen to end up in my laneway – JL It’s hard to ignore the seasonal signs of hibernation. Available daylight has become precious. Lawn furniture is overdue for storage, and you’ve probably already had to rake your yard for fallen leaves at least, if not […]

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