May 23, 2013
- The Jaguar XF is one of the best cars to own, according to survey results Jaguar has been named the best manufacturer in the 2013 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.The survey of 16,000 car owners in the UK covers 116 models that are between a year and three years old. Owners rank their vehicles on 66 criteria, which are grouped to deliver an overall score. Points are accumulated for good reliability, performance, service and running costs.Jaguar's victory came off the back of the Jaguar XF...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Great handling and visibility and attractive interior design make the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic a strong sub-compact contender. Cons Unproven reliability, small and uncomfortable rear seats, outdated 1.8-litre engine and numerous additional options are certainly not in its favour. Price Both hatchback and sedans start at $13,665 with automatic transmission versions starting at $15,965. The LT model has a MSRP of $16,815 which...
- The same recent global economic crises that have led luxury automakers to invade the small car market are also somewhat responsible for the influx of near-luxury sedans from mainstream automakers. As the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Audi are reaching down for new customers, automakers like Hyundai, Chevrolet and Toyota are reaching up to bridge the gap and fill in the white space between the industry's typical high-volume large sedans and established luxury sedans. Joining this emerging market,...
- The Detroit News reports automakers are coming out in support of proposed free trade legislation between the US and the European Union. The Association of Global Automakers, representing major Asian manufacturers, says the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will promote economic growth, increase jobs and make US and EU companies more competitive on the global market. The legislation will also open the door for EU and US regulators to agree on one standard for emissions, crash...
- Ford began manufacturing cars in Australia in 1925 with the Model T. In 2016, Ford will stop manufacturing cars Down Under, including the Falcon and the Territory SUV. Ford Australia CEO Bob Graziano has reportedly confirmed the closure of the company's Broadmeadows assembly plant and the Geelong engine plant, both in the state of Victoria. There will be 650 jobs lost at Broadmeadows, 510 sacrificed at Geelong. Of the roughly 3,000 workers the Blue Oval has in Australia, it's said it will try...
- Holden, Toyota stand firm in the wake of Ford Australia closure announcement
May 21, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Great handling and visibility and attractive interior design make the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic a strong sub-compact contender. Cons Unproven reliability, small and uncomfortable rear seats, outdated 1.8-litre engine and numerous additional options are certainly not in its favour. Price Both hatchback and sedans start at $13,665 with automatic transmission versions starting at $15,965. The LT model has a MSRP of $16,815 which...
- U.S. automaker says it's catching up in quality; Ford 4-banger forecast; Chevy plays along with 'Mad Men' plot.
May 20, 2013
- U.S. automaker says it's catching in quality; Ford 4-banger forecast; Chevy plays along with 'Mad Men' plot..
- There was a time when the relationship between Detroit and Japanese automakers could be summed up by photos of Big Three workers smashing a Honda or a Toyota with a sledgehammer. That’s not really the case these days. The latest example of Japanese-American cooperation comes via Nissan and Che...
- The Subaru Forester is the brand's smaller mid-size crossover, slated below the Outback, but above the XV Crosstrek. A tall wagon with good ground clearance and a pragmatic take on styling and utility, the Forester is new for the 2014 model year. It competes with models like the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4. See our 2014 Subaru...
May 18, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox distinguishes itself from its competition with its passenger-friendly cabin, excellent build quality, generous interior space and sliding rear seats. Cons The oversized A-pillars that reduce forward visibility, complex audio controls, anemic 4-cylinder engine and expensive options hinder its desirability. Price The base LS model starts at $26,935, to which $1,950 must be added for those who desire all...
May 17, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Offering a wide choice of engines and ergonomic controls, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door is comfortable and handles the road smoothly, yet with agility. Cons However, the back seats are tight for room and the heavy fuel consumption and high prices of a few of its premium models may deter some buyers. Photo: Volkswagen Price The basic model starts at $21,475. For $23,025, you get heated seats and...
- Audi hasn't been shy in telling the world that it has big plans for growth. In fact, its parent company Volkswagen has plans to take over the world overtake General Motors and Toyota as the world's largest automaker, and the four-ringed luxury brand is going to play a critical role in meeting that goal. How you ask? With new performance models...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Offering a wide choice of engines and ergonomic controls, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door is comfortable and handles the road smoothly, yet with agility. Cons However, the back seats are tight for room and the heavy fuel consumption and high prices of a few of its premium models may deter some buyers. Photo: Volkswagen Price The basic model starts at $21,475. For $23,025, you get heated seats and...