First Drive: 2015 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro

Story and photo by John LeBlanc MALMO, Sweden — In the past, American new-car buyers haven’t shown the same level of affection for diesel-powered vehicles as we Canadians. But that difference between our two car-buying cultures seems to be changing, especially if vehicles like this 2015 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro become more readily available.

Dear John: Help me find the right luxury CUV

Story by John LeBlanc With hundreds of vehicles available to choose from, today’s new-car buyers have never had so much selection. Even educated buyers find the differences between models are slimmer than a hipster’s wallet. To help new-car buyers with that burden of choice, I welcome you to Dear John, my new-vehicle consultation column.

Comparo: 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro vs. Volvo XC60 T6 AWD

By John LeBlanc For such a short time as an automotive genre, the compact luxury crossover segment has become awfully crowded, awfully fast. It’s been only a little over a decade since the first-to-market Lexus RX 300 arrived. Yet in that time, rivals from BMW (X3), Acura (RDX), Cadillac (SRX), Infiniti (EX35), Mercedes-Benz (GLK) and […]

2010’s Top SUVs/CUVs under $50k

By John LeBlanc Every year, the Toronto Star’s Wheels section asks its contributors to scratch together a shortlist of what they think are the top new cars—as in what’s available in showrooms, not just “new” for 2011—in various segments. Here are my picks for the Top SUVs/CUVs under $50k:

Top 2010 Utility Rides between $35 and $60k

Story and photos by John LeBlanc AUDI Q5 The Q5 is a hot-selling product in the hot-selling luxury compact crossover segment – and with good reason. Based on the Audi A4 sedan, it offers the slightly taller ride height and five-door utility customers are looking for today, but with few driving compromises.