Buyers Advice & Car Reviews

There’s no question that new vehicle inventory continues to be a challenge, but those challenges are expected to begin easing through 2023 and into 2024, says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. AdobeStock

Report on state of zero emission vehicle sales states the obvious – but lacks context

By Blair Qualey The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) takes…

  • Feb 18, 2023
There’s no question that new vehicle inventory continues to be a challenge, but those challenges are expected to begin easing through 2023 and into 2024, says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. AdobeStock
The Polestar 3 will have front and rear electric motors and will be built alongside the Volvo XC90 in the United States. PHOTO: POLESTAR

The Auto Sleuth: New SUV for Polestar, Honda’s updated HR-V, Blazer goes electric + more

Enjoy this quick look at what’s happening in the auto world! Polestar…

  • Feb 11, 2023
The Polestar 3 will have front and rear electric motors and will be built alongside the Volvo XC90 in the United States. PHOTO: POLESTAR
All-wheel-drive bZ4X models get front and rear 80-kilowatt-hour motors that produce a net 214 horsepower. The drive system is supported by a 71.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack positioned in the floor. PHOTO: TOYOTA

Meet the 2023 Toyota bZ4X

Toyota’s expertise in hybrid systems makes going electric a natural next step

  • Feb 11, 2023
All-wheel-drive bZ4X models get front and rear 80-kilowatt-hour motors that produce a net 214 horsepower. The drive system is supported by a 71.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack positioned in the floor. PHOTO: TOYOTA
The market share of zero-emission light-duty ZEVs vehicle in Canada hit 9.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2022, an all-time high that shatters the previous best quarterly result of 8.3 per cent, recorded in Q1 last year. Photo courtesy the New Car Dealers Association

ZEV Sales in Canada on the upswing but not yet on pace with British Columbia

By Blair Qualey The latest report by S&P Global Mobility demonstrates that…

  • Feb 6, 2023
The market share of zero-emission light-duty ZEVs vehicle in Canada hit 9.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2022, an all-time high that shatters the previous best quarterly result of 8.3 per cent, recorded in Q1 last year. Photo courtesy the New Car Dealers Association
The Genesis GV60 uses the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, although the GV60 is shorter than both. PHOTO: GENESIS

The Auto Sleuth: EVs from Hyundai, Honda + Volvo; A longer Defender from Land Rover

Welcome to the Sleuth, a look at the hot-of-the-press news from the…

  • Jan 31, 2023
The Genesis GV60 uses the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, although the GV60 is shorter than both. PHOTO: GENESIS
Beautiful to look at and a pleasure to drive, all Electrified G80s use front and rear electric motors that deliver a net 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. PHOTO: GENESIS

2023 Genesis Electrified G80: Could this electric sedan be the benchmark to beat?

With each successive model, Hyundai’s premium Genesis division continues to challenge entrenched…

  • Jan 26, 2023
Beautiful to look at and a pleasure to drive, all Electrified G80s use front and rear electric motors that deliver a net 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. PHOTO: GENESIS
For its quicker reflexes, the Hornet R/T has Brembo-brand brake calipers, Koni-brand shocks, a dual exhaust system and 18-inch wheels (17s are installed for the GT). PHOTO: STELLANTIS

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Dodge Hornet

Dodge’s first new model in years is already creating plenty of buzz

  • Jan 26, 2023
For its quicker reflexes, the Hornet R/T has Brembo-brand brake calipers, Koni-brand shocks, a dual exhaust system and 18-inch wheels (17s are installed for the GT). PHOTO: STELLANTIS
Supply chain issues that have plagued the automotive sector are expected to start easing this year, which should mean more new-vehicle inventory available to consumers.

Rollercoaster Continues for Auto Industry

By Blair Qualey Over the past few years, the auto industry has…

  • Jan 23, 2023
Supply chain issues that have plagued the automotive sector are expected to start easing this year, which should mean more new-vehicle inventory available to consumers.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is 7.5 centimetres longer than the current version and the cargo capacity for the hybrid will no longer be less than the nonhybrids. PHOTO: HONDA

The Auto Sleuth: Honda CR-V updates; Walmart picks Canoo + more

Updated Honda CR-V is larger, but the powertrains carry over The last…

  • Jan 19, 2023
The 2023 Honda CR-V is 7.5 centimetres longer than the current version and the cargo capacity for the hybrid will no longer be less than the nonhybrids. PHOTO: HONDA
While incentives are key to encouraging more people to buy electric, it’s also essential to ensure a robust network of charging stations keeps pace.

2023 will be the year of the EV

By Blair Qualey As we enter the initial days of 2023, our…

  • Jan 19, 2023
While incentives are key to encouraging more people to buy electric, it’s also essential to ensure a robust network of charging stations keeps pace.
Salmon Arm’s Jim McConnell and Juanita Austin spent 58 days over the summer travelling across the country to PEI and back in their electric vehicle. (Contributed)

Salmon Arm couple put their electric vehicle to the test in cross-Canada road trip

A Salmon Arm couple’s cross-Canada journey by electric vehicle had their EV…

Salmon Arm’s Jim McConnell and Juanita Austin spent 58 days over the summer travelling across the country to PEI and back in their electric vehicle. (Contributed)
The base Hornet GT, which has a base price of $40,200 including destination charges, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard. PHOTO: STELLANTIS

Dodge’s first new model in years is generating plenty of buzz

In North America, there are plenty of new and innovative models from…

  • Dec 29, 2022
The base Hornet GT, which has a base price of $40,200 including destination charges, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard. PHOTO: STELLANTIS
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the General Motors CAMI production plant in Ingersoll, Ont., on Dec. 5. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne

Canada moves to mandate electric vehicle sales starting in 2026

One-fifth of all passenger cars, SUVs and trucks sold in Canada in…

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the General Motors CAMI production plant in Ingersoll, Ont., on Dec. 5. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne
In addition to outfitting your vehicle with the right tires – preferably snow tires – it’s essential to slow down, accelerate and brake more slowly, and turn your lights on, day and night, notes Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.

Plan for a safe holiday road trip

By Blair Qualey As the holiday season takes centre stage, this is…

  • Dec 26, 2022
In addition to outfitting your vehicle with the right tires – preferably snow tires – it’s essential to slow down, accelerate and brake more slowly, and turn your lights on, day and night, notes Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.
The Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Palisade (below) are getting revised styling a new trims, but no changes to their powertrains. PHOTO: KIA

Changes coming for the Palisade and Telluride, updates for Leaf, Mustang + more

Changes coming for the full-size Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride Both eight-passenger…

  • Dec 19, 2022
The Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Palisade (below) are getting revised styling a new trims, but no changes to their powertrains. PHOTO: KIA
The electric motor of the Bolt EUV, left, drives the front wheels with 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Maximum range is about 400 kilometres, which is just shy of the Bolt EV, above, which weighs 45 kilograms less.PHOTO: CHEVROLET

Chevrolet Bolt EUV brings space, range and practical design

There are actually very few electric vehicles on the market at the…

  • Dec 19, 2022
The electric motor of the Bolt EUV, left, drives the front wheels with 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Maximum range is about 400 kilometres, which is just shy of the Bolt EV, above, which weighs 45 kilograms less.PHOTO: CHEVROLET
Due to ongoing supply chain issues, the New Car Dealers Association of BC has decided to cancel the Vancouver International Auto Show for 2023. Photo courtesy NCDA BC

2023 Vancouver International Auto Show cancelled – but other event options being explored

By Blair Qualey As owners of the Vancouver International Auto Show, the…

  • Dec 12, 2022
Due to ongoing supply chain issues, the New Car Dealers Association of BC has decided to cancel the Vancouver International Auto Show for 2023. Photo courtesy NCDA BC
The Maserati Grecale, pictured, is based on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio platform. Both brands are owned by Stellantis. PHOTO: MASERATI

Maserati’s Grecale, A new-look Escape + more news from the auto world

Maserati officially unveils the Grecale The Italy-based automaker, part of Stellantis, will…

  • Dec 12, 2022
The Maserati Grecale, pictured, is based on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio platform. Both brands are owned by Stellantis. PHOTO: MASERATI
All 2022 NX models come with all-wheel-drive, and only the NX 350 gets a turbocharged four-cylinder, although it isn’t the quickest model. That’s the domain of the plug-in hybrid. PHOTO: LEXUS

2022 Lexus NX: A little more style + a lot more powertrain choices

You might not be able to tell by looking at it, but…

  • Dec 10, 2022
All 2022 NX models come with all-wheel-drive, and only the NX 350 gets a turbocharged four-cylinder, although it isn’t the quickest model. That’s the domain of the plug-in hybrid. PHOTO: LEXUS
Getting home safe is a shared responsibility. Take your turn being the designated driver – your friends and family will thank you. If no one can be a designated driver, there are still plenty of options for you to get home. AdobeStock

Plan ahead for a safe holiday season

By Blair Qualey The holiday season is now upon us and that…

  • Dec 7, 2022
Getting home safe is a shared responsibility. Take your turn being the designated driver – your friends and family will thank you. If no one can be a designated driver, there are still plenty of options for you to get home. AdobeStock