One owner experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at 119,091 km
By 2012 the Hyundai Sonata was in its sixth generation and benefited from a restyling job and drivetrain changes from the year before. Equipment level was still pretty high, with features like air conditioning, power windows, and heated seats becoming standard. Available extras included a leather interior, a Navi system, and satellite radio. You had…
But it needs improvements to its information system
The 2022 Volvo XC60 is a mid-size, five-seater SUV powered by what’s called a “mild” hybrid system featuring a 48-volt battery to help improve fuel economy. It’s Volvo’s best-selling model, with annual sales in Canada close to the 2,000 unit mark. This test vehicle had a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing a 310 hp engine mated…
Nissan has discovered technology that stifles viruses, including coronavirus
Sounding like something out of Blade Runner or Star Wars, Nissan recently announced that it has helped develop technology that “inactivates viruses using catalyst active species for aerobic oxidation.” In a nutshell, Nissan has discovered technology that stifles viruses of various types – including, apparently, coronavirus – by hitting them with catalysts the company discovered…
Consumer Reports appreciated its affordability and “decent” performance
By 2013, the Kia Soul was firmly embedded in the North American market. It joined the new breed of stubby compact “urban crossover” wagons, such as the Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Honda Element, Ford Flex and so on, and was an instant success. Sometimes it seemed like every other vehicle on the road was a…
The Toyota Mirai feels like any other upscale electric car
Back in the ’80s and ’90s, when alternate fuel technology was at a fever pitch, one of the possibilities that seemed the most promising was hydrogen power. It’s clean burning, abundant, and fuel efficient, and a slew of manufacturers, including Mazda, BMW, and Toyota, spent enormous amounts of time and money pursuing the idea of…
Acceleration is adequate but not outstanding
The Volvo XC 90 shows that a large sport utility vehicle can be luxurious and get good fuel economy. This Recharge T8 AWD Extended Range model has a 2.0 litre supercharged and turbocharged engine and an electric motor, producing 455 combined horsepower. It’s all-wheel drive and has an eight-speed transmission. It’s rated at 9.2 litres…
A thumbs up from Consumer Reports, but mixed results for JD Power
Benefiting from an additional seven horsepower, the 2013 Mazda3 was still in its second generation and pretty much business as usual for the Japanese company. Most of the changes from the previous year were in the form of refinements and interior upgrades, and you could get Mazda’s new thrifty SkyActiv drivetrain for the first time.…
The high performance along with the luxury touches, safety features, and distinguished styling all make the Genesis G70 an attractive vehicle
The Genesis brand, the luxury division of Hyundai, offers a range of crossovers (GV60, GV70 and GV80) and sedans (G70, G80 and G90). I recently test-drove a Genesis G70 sedan, the smallest of the three sedans, sitting on a 2,832 mm (111.6 in) wheelbase and with an overall length of 4,685 mm (184.4 in). With…
It has the hauling capacity of an SUV
Mercedes-Benz, best known for high-end luxury cars and high-performance sports cars, also makes four-door crossovers and sport utility vehicles. I recently test-drove the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 4Matic SUV. Like other Mercedes-Benz models, this vehicle is luxurious and fast – but it also has the hauling capacity of an SUV. There are plenty of other…
The Venue offers great value in a very practical package
Hyundai’s entry-level model, a small crossover called the Venue, is the least-expensive crossover in Canada, with a starting price of $20,853. The Venue sits on a 2,520 mm (99 in) wheelbase and is 4,040 mm (159 in) long, making it slightly smaller than competitors, including the Honda HR-V, Kia Soul, Nissan Kicks and the Toyota…