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.

Road Test: 2014 BMW 535d xDrive

Story and photos by John LeBlanc It may sport Germanic roots, but with a diesel engine and traction at all four wheels, the new-for-2014 BMW 535d xDrive sedan seems like it was designed with the Canadian luxury sedan buyer in mind.

First Drive: 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD

Story by John LeBlanc TERGENSEE, GERMANY – In the basement of his Hershey, Penn., home in 1928, candymaker H. B. Reese got the crazy idea of putting together two different confections — chocolate and peanut butter — into one candy. Lo and behold, Reese’s peanut butter cup was born. Fast forward more than a half […]

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 […]

keep looking »