First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

[svgallery name=”2011_Subaru_WRX_sedan_hirez”] The widebody of sports compacts Updated WRX styling goes straight to its hips By John LeBlanc CALABOGIE, ONT.—The Impreza WRX and WRX STI are the kinds of cars automakers build when the times are good. Low-volume cars that build a brand’s image, are fun to drive, and (hallelujah!) have nothing to do with […]

First Drive: 2011 Subaru WRX STI

[svgallery name=”2011_Subaru_WRX_STI_hirez”] By John LeBlanc CALABOGIE MOTORSPORTS PARK, Ont.—Although the big news for Subaru’s performance flagship WRX STI is the return of a four-door sedan to the former hatchback-only lineup, the more important news for driving enthusiasts is the return of the STI as a pure performance machine, and reduced pricing that makes it an […]

Road Test: 2010 Volkswagen GTI 3-door DSG

[svgallery name=”2010_VW_GTI_hirez”] Mr. Automatic Does adding a slushbox diminish a hot hatch fave? By John LeBlanc No doubt you’ve heard of Volkswagen’s GTI. Like Chevrolet’s Corvette or Porsche’s 911, it’s one of those instantly recognizable enthusiast car badges that, in spite of the occasional oil crises or economic downturn, has kept its flame burning for […]

Top 10s: New Hot Hatches

[svgallery name=”Top 10 Hot Hatches”] By John LeBlanc Driving enthusiasts are well aware of the Hot Hatch Formula. Made popular during the first Oil Crisis in the early 1970s, which saw the neutering of the American muscle car and the near-extinction of the V8 engine, the idea of adding a bit of performance to a […]

Road Trip: 2010 Fiat 500 1.4 Sport

[svgallery name=”2010_Fiat_500_road_trip_pics”] Driving la dolce vita Touring Tuscany in the Canadian-bound Fiat Cinquecento Story and photos by John LeBlanc SIENNA, Italy – Zipping by the vineyards that cover central Italy’s Chianti Hills like designer shag carpet, our Fiat 500’s tach freely swinging to its redline, we’re trying to coax the most from the small, Italian […]

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