First Drive: 2014 Volkswagen Golf

Story and photos by John LeBlanc PORTO CERVO, Italy –  Chances are you or someone you know has owned a Volkswagen Golf at some time or other. Over 29 million been sold since the compact hatchback was introduced in 1974, essentially replacing the German automaker’s Beetle as its People’s Car. And for many Canadians who […]

First Drive: 2012 Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi

Story by John LeBlanc ZILINA, Slovakia – How serious is Korea’s Kia at taking on the more established European brands? Driving a diesel version of the automaker’s Sportage crossover in the country it was built should give us some clues.

First Drive & Video: 2012 Kia Cee’d

Story and photos by John LeBlanc KRAKOW, Poland – Compact cars are one the largest new vehicle segments in Canada. But if you think small cars are “big” back home, come over here to Europe. With seating for five-in-a-pinch, easy-to-park dimensions, and low operating costs, compact cars lead the best-seller lists overseas — trucks and […]

First Drive & Video: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

By John LeBlanc GENEVA – There are plenty of advantages when you arrive late to a party. Looking back now, Mercedes-Benz seems to have benefited from not being one of the first to crash the luxury compact crossover festivities started almost a decade ago.

First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco BlueMotion TDI

By John LeBlanc NICE, France – Whether they are hyper-French super minis, molto bene-Italian hot hatches or English-cottage-industry sports cars, Canadian driving enthusiasts have been forced to adopt a “look, but don’t touch” stance towards a variety of niche European cars not sold in our country. Arguably the one car that elicits the strongest feelings […]

« go back — keep looking »