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 […]
First Drive: 2013 Ford Fusion
Story and photos by John LeBlanc SANTA MONICA, CALIF. — The family sedan segment has become a virtual game of leapfrog. Seemingly, every few weeks, some automaker is debuting an all-new, mid-sized four-door of some sort, quickly followed by a rival launching shortly thereafter. In the past year alone, we’ve seen redesigned versions of mainstream, […]
Road Test & Video: 2013 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro
Story, photos and video by John LeBlanc Fire up the time machine, and you have go all the way back to the 1980s’ AMC Eagle for the new Audi A4 Allroad Quattro’s automotive roots. Just like AMC then, Audi in the 1990s had no true sports-utility-vehicle. And just as the Eagle was a Hornet wagon […]
Comparo: 2012 Buick Regal GS vs. Acura TSX V6
Story and photos by John LeBlanc The idea of comparing any Acura against any Buick may seem laughable. Stereotypes would have you believe that Buicks are luxury-first floatmobiles, designed for your Great Aunt to get to church on Sunday with no fuss. Acura, on the other hand, is Honda’s attempt at taking on more sporting […]