First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT Turbo

[svgallery name=”2011_Chevrolet_Cruze_hirez”] Chevy’s crucial Cruze Is Chevrolet’s latest compact a serious threat to the leading imports? By John LeBlanc TORONTO, Ont. – Contrary to its laid-back name, the new Cruze is Chevrolet’s first serious challenger in Canada’s all-important compact car segment. After decades of disappointing Vegas, Cavaliers, and Cobalts, Chevrolet thinks it finally has the […]

Paris 2010: Hyundai

By John LeBlanc PARIS – Like a lot of automakers, Hyundai-Kia Motors continues to keep the good stuff for its European customers. Exhibit A: The just-redesigned subcompact Hyundai i20, ix20 mini-MPV (below left), and i20 Sport by German tuning haus Brabus concept (above)  that popped up here in Paris. Small cars that should be the […]

Paris 2010: Honda

By John LeBlanc PARIS, France – You have to think Honda Canada would like to take a Mulligan on its current small hybrid strategy As has been duly noted, its Insight hybrid has been anything but a success. In fact, I always wondered why the Japanese automaker didn’t simply put the Insight’s drivetrain into its […]

Paris 2010: Toyota

By John LeBlanc PARIS – It’s no news that Toyota ‘s subcompact Yaris is getting a little long-in-the-tooth. Especially when rivals like the Honda Fit and new Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 offer frugality, features, better build quality and more fun-to-drive characteristics the yawn-fest Toyota can’t match any day of the week.

Paris 2010: Volkswagen

By John LeBlanc PARIS – All you need to know about VW’s plans for North America can be found in the crisp-looking new 2011 Passat, unveiled here this morning in Paris, and a car that is not coming to Canada.

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