Electric vehicles

The redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser gets a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid system rated at 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. PHOTO: TOYOTA

Auto Sleuth: New Look Land Cruiser; Porsche Panamera & more

What’s new, notable or just plain interesting in the auto world? The…

  • Jan 20, 2024
The redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser gets a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid system rated at 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. PHOTO: TOYOTA
A study by the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association and New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia, with research partner MNP, has underlined the impact of B.C.’s New Car Dealers on the economic and social landscape of the province.

BC New Car Dealers drive economy

By Blair Qualey As we enter the initial weeks of 2024, our…

  • Jan 17, 2024
A study by the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association and New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia, with research partner MNP, has underlined the impact of B.C.’s New Car Dealers on the economic and social landscape of the province.
The 2023 Escape has four powertrain choices, from a small turbocharged four-cylinder to a plug-in hybrid. For 2023, the Escape was treated to a refresh that included a new and more aggressive (but attractive) nose, plus minor changes to the hood and front bumpers. PHOTO: FORD

For saving money at the pumps, consider taking an Escape route

Can the Ford Escape provide a pathway for more affordable travel? The…

  • Jan 17, 2024
The 2023 Escape has four powertrain choices, from a small turbocharged four-cylinder to a plug-in hybrid. For 2023, the Escape was treated to a refresh that included a new and more aggressive (but attractive) nose, plus minor changes to the hood and front bumpers. PHOTO: FORD
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe reminds The Sleuth of a Range Rover crossed with a Ford Expedition. Fearless prediction: it will sell very well. PHOTO: HYUNDAI

The Auto Sleuth: 2024 Santa Fe; New-look Chevy Traverse + more

What’s happening in the auto world? The Auto Sleuth shares all the…

  • Jan 10, 2024
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe reminds The Sleuth of a Range Rover crossed with a Ford Expedition. Fearless prediction: it will sell very well. PHOTO: HYUNDAI
A Japanese news outlet is reporting that Honda Motor Co. Ltd. could invest upwards of $18.4 billion in an electric vehicle plant in Canada. People walk near the logo of Honda Motor Company at a showroom in Tokyo, Feb. 8, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Eugene Hoshiko

Honda considering $18.4B EV and battery plant in Canada: media report

Potential investment decision expected by the end of the year, according to Japanese news reports

A Japanese news outlet is reporting that Honda Motor Co. Ltd. could invest upwards of $18.4 billion in an electric vehicle plant in Canada. People walk near the logo of Honda Motor Company at a showroom in Tokyo, Feb. 8, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Eugene Hoshiko
Electric vehicles made up nearly 21 per cent of all new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in B.C. at the three-quarter mark of 2023, however ensuring winder adoption will require addressing concerns like price and range anxiety.

NCDA Cautiously Optimistic about 2024 But ZEV Mandates remain long-term concern

2023 was a year in which the new vehicle sector faced a…

  • Jan 7, 2024
Electric vehicles made up nearly 21 per cent of all new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in B.C. at the three-quarter mark of 2023, however ensuring winder adoption will require addressing concerns like price and range anxiety.
2023 Genesis Electrified G80. Courtesy Wheelbase Media

Auto Almanac: Genesis Electrified G80; Carbon fibre; Auto trivia + more

Drawing Board 2023 Genesis Electrified G80: The full-size luxury sedan appears almost…

  • Dec 28, 2023
2023 Genesis Electrified G80. Courtesy Wheelbase Media
The 2023 Escape has four powertrain choices, from a small turbocharged four-cylinder to a plug-in hybrid. For 2023, the Escape was treated to a refresh that included a new and more aggressive (but attractive) nose, plus minor changes to the hood and front bumpers. PHOTO: FORD

2023 Ford Escape: For saving money at the pumps, consider taking an Escape route

Can the Ford Escape provide a pathway for more affordable travel? The…

  • Dec 28, 2023
The 2023 Escape has four powertrain choices, from a small turbocharged four-cylinder to a plug-in hybrid. For 2023, the Escape was treated to a refresh that included a new and more aggressive (but attractive) nose, plus minor changes to the hood and front bumpers. PHOTO: FORD
Driving under the influence poses a serious threat to yourself and others, and it’s essential to keep a clear head and stay responsible.

Stay sober behind the wheel during the holidays

By Blair Qualey ‘Tis the season to be merry, but it’s also…

  • Dec 20, 2023
Driving under the influence poses a serious threat to yourself and others, and it’s essential to keep a clear head and stay responsible.
Electric vehicle owners and potential buyers often overlook the logistics and cost of at-home charging setup before bringing their brand-new car to their garages or condo parking lots. An electric vehicle is charged in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Plugging in your EV is not as easy as plugging in your iPhone

Beware costs and logistics of at-home chargers before buying an electric car

Electric vehicle owners and potential buyers often overlook the logistics and cost of at-home charging setup before bringing their brand-new car to their garages or condo parking lots. An electric vehicle is charged in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. Guilbeault will outline today the details of his plan to eventually phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles in Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Gas-powered car and truck sales done in Canada by 2035

Canada lays out its plan to force automakers to transition to electric vehicles

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. Guilbeault will outline today the details of his plan to eventually phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles in Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Top gear, from left: The CupFone from WeatherTech; Lithium-ion battery from Antigravity; caliper covers from MGP; and period-correct battery from Battery Central Mall.

Parts Dept: Aftermarket action for your wheels

Lithium-ion 12-volt batteries According to Antigravity (yes, that’s the brand name), lithium-ion…

  • Dec 14, 2023
Top gear, from left: The CupFone from WeatherTech; Lithium-ion battery from Antigravity; caliper covers from MGP; and period-correct battery from Battery Central Mall.
All-wheel drive is standard on the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport, as are a variety of safety features. Keith Morgan photo

2023 Honda CRV-Sport: A compact ute for all generations

By Keith Morgan It’s the words that condo dwellers like yours truly…

  • Dec 14, 2023
All-wheel drive is standard on the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport, as are a variety of safety features. Keith Morgan photo
The third-generation Acadia, due to arrive in early 2024, looks a bit like the 2023 version, but looks are definitely deceiving. PHOTO: GMC

Size, refinement mark GMC’s 2024 Acadia – a much-improved mode of family transportation

For running the roads with family or friends, it doesn’t get much…

  • Dec 6, 2023
The third-generation Acadia, due to arrive in early 2024, looks a bit like the 2023 version, but looks are definitely deceiving. PHOTO: GMC
A demo of the first electric fire truck in Canada is performed during an unveiling event at the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services Training Centre in Vancouver, B.C, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Canada’s first electric fire truck unveiled in Vancouver

Move part of the city’s push to cut emissions, about 10% of its vehicle fleet now electric

A demo of the first electric fire truck in Canada is performed during an unveiling event at the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services Training Centre in Vancouver, B.C, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
As you embark on your seasonal adventures, always remove all valuable items from your vehicle.

Protecting your ride during the festive season: A holiday guide to car crime prevention

By Blair Qualey With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the…

  • Nov 28, 2023
As you embark on your seasonal adventures, always remove all valuable items from your vehicle.
Compared with the gasoline-powered Kia Telluride, which also has three rows of seats, the EV9 is only slightly longer but there are 20 more centimetres between the front and rear wheels, which means more second- and third-row legroom. PHOTO: KIA

2024 Kia EV9: Kia steps up its EV game with a family-size utility vehicle

Few electric vehicles on the market today can handle more than five…

  • Nov 27, 2023
Compared with the gasoline-powered Kia Telluride, which also has three rows of seats, the EV9 is only slightly longer but there are 20 more centimetres between the front and rear wheels, which means more second- and third-row legroom. PHOTO: KIA
The Free Wheeling option package is available with the Bronco Sport Badlands trim level. PHOTO: FORD

Auto Sleuth: Ford brightens the Bronco Sport; New platform for a new Bolt, and more

The automaker will introduce a retro-inspired option called Free Wheeling for the…

  • Nov 27, 2023
The Free Wheeling option package is available with the Bronco Sport Badlands trim level. PHOTO: FORD
The NCDA wants the B.C. government to adopt a more flexible approach to mandated zero emission vehicle targets and the penalty structure, with concerns existing rules will have unintended consequences.

Flexibility will be key to B.C.’s continued leadership in ZEV adoption

By Blair Qualey Only days ago, the provincial government introduced legislation that…

  • Nov 7, 2023
The NCDA wants the B.C. government to adopt a more flexible approach to mandated zero emission vehicle targets and the penalty structure, with concerns existing rules will have unintended consequences.
There’s no longer a V-8 option for the Grand Cherokee (although it’s available in the Grand Cherokee L) which means either a 293-horsepower V-6 or the 370-horsepower plug-in hybrid system. PHOTO: STELLANTIS

Meet the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

For short commutes, this Jeep could help stretch your fuel budget, but there’s a lot more going on

  • Oct 27, 2023
There’s no longer a V-8 option for the Grand Cherokee (although it’s available in the Grand Cherokee L) which means either a 293-horsepower V-6 or the 370-horsepower plug-in hybrid system. PHOTO: STELLANTIS