Showing posts with label Car Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Car Review. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2020
2020 Genesis G90 V8 Review
Intro
For people who are not familiar with the brand Genesis, it was established in 2015 as a luxury vehicle division of the Hyundai Motor Group. To quickly fill a lineup, Genesis introduced its flagship, the G90, in 2017 based on the Hyundai Equus. While the G90 was a fine vehicle, its exterior was rather understated as a flagship.
With the newly introduced 2020 G70 being the brand’s first vehicle designed from ground up, the G90 has undergone a mid-cycle redesign as well. The new exterior is a significant upgrade from the original and makes the G90 stand out from the crowd. It also sets the tone for future exterior designs of the Genesis vehicles, including the upcoming luxury SUV, the GV80.
Thanks to Genesis Canada, I was loaned the G90 for one week to test drive. Below is my unbiased review.
2020 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport AWD Review
Intro
The premium car market has long been dominated by the German manufacturers. While the Japanese companies like Acura, Infinity, and Lexus have been slowly making some gains, the Koreans are advancing at a much faster pace.
Last year, we reviewed the excellent G80 by Genesis. For those of you who are not familiar with the brand, the name Genesis is no longer a car model in the Hyundai lineup. It is now a luxury vehicle division of the Hyundai Motor group. A simple look at the list of key people at the Genesis Motor reveals its ambitious plan. Luc Donckerwolke, former design director of Bentley, Lamborghini and Audi, is head of design operations. Filippo Perini, former Lamborghini head of design, is chief designer. Albert Biermann, former head of the BMW M performance division, is executive vice president of performance development. The list goes on.
Genesis is set to compete with the best in the world, and the G70 was designed from the ground up to go head-to-head with the likes of Volvo S60, Audi A4, BMW 3 series, and Mercedes-Benz C-class. Thanks to Genesis Canada. I had the chance to test drive the 2020 Genesis G70 Sport for one week. Below is my unbiased review.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC Coupe Review
Intro
The first generation CLA250 was introduced in 2013 as an entry level luxury vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz brand. It was a success at capturing younger buyers, selling over 100,000 units in its first year worldwide. With the entry level duty taken over by the new A Class, which we reviewed recently, the CLA has the chance to move upmarket. The second generation CLA250 is bigger, sportier, and most importantly, feels more premium from behind the wheels.
Thanks to Mercedes-Benz Canada, I was given the chance to test drive the 2020 CLA250 for one week. Below is my unbiased review.
2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC Sedan Review
Intro
The Mercedes-Benz E class has defined the world "Luxury" in the mid-size luxury car segment. It comes in sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon. With so many body styles, engine choices, and trim levels, potential buyers will most likely find exactly what they are looking for under the budget.
Among them, the Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic catches my eyes the most. The powerful Biturbo V6 engine is not only fun to drive, but also not as thirsty as a V8. The price is not significantly more than its smaller sibling, the E350. Adding all the available packages, the E450 becomes a mini S Class with all the bells and whistles at a more affordable price.
Thanks to Mercedes-Benz Canada, I was given the chance to test drive the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 for one week. Below is my unbiased review.
2019 Mercedes-Benz A Class A220 Sedan Review
Intro
A few weeks ago I reviewed the hatchback version of Mercedes-Benz's excellent fourth generation A Class, the A250. In my opinion, it is the new entry level luxury car to beat in Canada. While the A250 hatchback is not available to the USA, its sedan twin, the A220 is.
Thanks to Mercedes Canada, I have the opportunity to test drive the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 Sedan for one week. Since the two cars are largely identical, this review will be focusing on the differences. For a detailed review of the new A Class, please check out my review for the A250 here.
2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 4MATIC Wagon Review
Intro
I have been lucky enough to test drive some excellent vehicles Mercedes-Benz brings across the pond recently. Mercedes-Benz seems to recognize Canadians' healthy appetite for the hatchback/wagon form factor. As a reward, we are blessed to have some unique offerings like the brand new entry level A250 hatchback and the performance orientated AMG C43 Wagon that is the subject of this article.
Wagons are cool in my book. It is every bit as practical as a crossover, but lighter, more fuel efficient, and in the case of the AMG C43, more fun to drive. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz Canada, I was loaned the 2019 AMG C43 4MATIC for one week to test drive. Below is my unbiased review
2019 Mazda 3 Sport Manual Review
Intro
A few weeks ago, I wrote a review of the newly re-designed 2019 Mazda 3 Sedan. It is a gorgeous car that showcases Mazda's excellent tradition of delivering vehicles that are both great looking and fun to drive. Personally, I prefer the hatchback form factor. As a previous owner of the first generation, I am extremely interested in reviewing the latest rendition of the Mazda 3 hatchback.
Thanks to Mazda Canada, I was given that chance. Moreover, my Mazda 3 Sport GT tester comes in the best package I can ask for: in beautiful Soul Red skin and with a manual transmission. Below is my unbiased review.
2019 Mercedes-Benz A250 Hatchback Review
Intro
An entry level luxury car has the delicate job of luring potential buyers who are moving up-market to invest in the brand, while being careful not to undercut the brand's more expensive, and profitable models. For over a decade, that responsibility falls on the shoulders of the tall-roofed B-Class for Mercedes-Benz in Canada.
This is no longer the case. In 2018, Mercedes has finally decided to bring the fourth generation A-Class to North America as its new entry-level offering for 2019. It comes in 2 flavors, the four-door sedan (A220), and the four-door hatchback (A250). The US consumers will only get the sedan, and we Canadians are blessed to have both. It is interesting to point out that the A250 is made in Germany, while the A220 is made in Mexico.
Thanks to Mercedes Canada, I have the opportunity to test drive the brand new A250 for one week. Below is my unbiased review.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Review
Intro
The compact crossover CX-5 is Mazda's best-selling vehicle in North America. I reviewed the 2018 GT model last year and loved the CX-5 for its handsome exterior, surprisingly upscale interior, and fun to drive nature. One thing I wished the 2018 model would have was an option for a bigger, more responsive engine.
The good folks at Mazda must have recognized the same thing, and the 2019 CX-5 now comes with a 2.5L turbocharged engine for both the GT and the Signature Trim. The new Signature trim adapts a even higher quality interior for a truly premium feel. Thanks to Mazda Canada, I was loaned that exact car for a week to write this review.
2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ Review
Intro
The Mercedes-Benz CLS was the original "four-door coupe" that defines the segment. It offers the good look of a coupe with the practicality of a four-door sedan. While the rear cabin headroom suffers, the design has proven to be popular. The CLS is now in its third-generation, and Mercedes has decided to give it an AMG-tuned performance version, the CLS53.
Thanks to Mercedes-Benz Canada, I was given the chance to test drive this beauty on our short trip to the Salt Spring Island, BC. Below is my unbiased review.
2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Review
Intro
Last year I had the chance to review the Genesis G80. For those who are not familiar with the brand, it is Hyundai's attempt to capture the luxury car market. At the time, the most practical solution to quickly fill a premium lineup is to re-badge and redesign some of its existing models. The G80 was an example of that. The G70 on the other hand, is designed from ground up as a luxury performance sedan that sets the company's future direction.
I went to the media lunch event to test drive the new G70 last year. Genesis puts us in the G70 with former F1 drivers and technical instructors. They were able to push the G70 close to its limit and showcase how capable it is a a driving machine. I have to admit, I was blown away with the performance of the 2019 G70 on track.
Thanks to Genesis Canada, I finally had to chance to test drive the G70 and to see how it performs on the street.
2019 Jaguar E-Pace Review
Intro
The Jaguar E-Pace is the second SUV produced by JLR (Jaguar Land Rover). Jaguar has enjoyed great success with its first SUV: the mid-size F-Pace. In Canada, the F-Pace outsold the rest of the Jaguar lineup combined. It is a similar story in the USA. Seeing how the market is embracing the SUV car format, the Jaguar has launched the E-Pace to capture the growing subcompact luxury crossover market.
Thanks to Jaguar Canada, I had the chance to test drive the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace P250 AWD for a week. Below is my unbiased review.
2019 Mazda CX-3 Review
Intro
Last year I had the chance to review the 2018 Mazda CX-3. I praised the CX-3 for its attractive styling, engaging drive, and impressive fuel economy. It is an almost perfect car for drivers that don't need a ton of cargo space. One of my biggest complaints about the car was the lack of an armrest. For 2019, Mazda has addressed this issue, and also subtly enhanced both the exterior and interior design of the new CX-3.
Thanks to Mazda Canada, I was given the chance to test drive the 2019 Mazda CX-3 GT AWD for a week. Below is my unbiased review.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Manual - Snow Day
Intro
Few weeks ago, I posted my review of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Soft Top here. The RF is largely an identical car. The differences are the fact that the RF has a motorized hard top which weights about 113 pounds more, and of course, the price tag.
I am fortunate enough to be loaned the MX-5 RF equipped with winter tires just when Vancouver started to snow thanks to Mazda Canada. The weather was freezing, but it makes for a beautiful backdrop for the RF. This is going to be more of a comparative review and my driving impression of how the Miata performs in the snow. For a complete review of the 2019 MX-5, please visit this post.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Manual Review
Intro
Since its inception, the Mazda Miata, and now the MX-5 has established itself as a driver's car. A nimble rear wheel drive vehicle equipped with a peppy engine and a crisp manual transmission is enough to put smile on your face. But Mazda has done much more to make the MX-5 truely special.
The 2019 MX-5 is in its 4th generation. Following the debut of the soft-top model in 2015, the MX-5 now has a hard top version, the MX-5 RF. I am lucky to be loaned both versions thanks to Mazda Canada. This review is for the soft top version, and I will follow up with the RF (with winter tires) shortly.
2018 Nissan Maxima Platinum Review
Intro
The 2018 Nissan Maxima is the eighth generation of Nissan's flagship sedan. Although SUV and Crossovers are taking over a large market share, a luxury sedan is still an important statement from any car manufacturer. It sets the standard for being the most complete package the manufacturer has to offer. Courtesy of Nissan Canada, I was given the chance to find out what the 2018 Nissan Maxima Platinum has to offer. Below is my unbiased review.
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