Road Test: 2013 Kia Sportage SX

Story and photos by John LeBlanc If evolution is supposed to improve the breed, how did we end up with the crossover-utility vehicle? Taller, heavier, thirstier and less cargo-accomodating than the station wagons they’ve essentially replaced, here we are 13 years into the 21st century and there are more crossovers on new car dealer lots […]

Best 2011 Family Car between $21k and $30k

By John LeBlanc As the new 2012 models start to infiltrate new car showrooms, here are my top picks of remaining 2011 models that may still be lingering on dealer lots:

Comparo: 2011 Kia Sportage SX vs. Volkswagen Tiguan Highline 4MOTION

Sports Crossovers Is the Kia Sportage or the VW Tiguan the best mix of small, fun-to-drive utility? By John LeBlanc Listen up. Today’s subject is the evolution of the car. A self-propelled vehicle that originated 125 years ago in Germany, popularized by American Henry Ford during the beginning of the 20th century, and arguably as […]

The Crank: 2011 CAJ Best of the Best nominees released

By John LeBlanc Here’s the deal. If you’re reading my blog, it’s safe to assume that you’re one of the wisest, sharpest, most knowledgeable car enthusiasts on the planet. So it goes without reason that if yours truly is to put his name behind an annual new car award, it’s going to be the “best” […]

Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage, 2012 Optima & Cadenza

[svgallery name=”2010_Kia_Seoul_preview”] By John LeBlanc NAMYUNG, South Korea –As part of the Korean automaker’s aggressive move up market, Kia will have replaced every vehicle in its showroom by 2012. So to give Canadian media a “taste” of things to come, Kia officials bused a dozen of us to its expansive research and design facilities it […]