Nissan markets the Maxima as a budget-oriented upscale sport sedan, but we think they’d do better to drop the sport label and instead emphasize the car’s comfortable interior and smooth, efficient powertrain. Read my full review at TractionLife.com.
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What I think: 2018 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento surprised us in ways we didn’t expect with a 2016 redesign, and in its top-end SXL trim, it continues to be one of the best values for a luxurious crossover vehicle. Read my full review at TractionLife.com
What I think: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
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The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas marks a turning point for this German company in the wake of the diesel emissions scandal that rocked it in late 2015. The Atlas is an all-new large SUV that shows VW is serious about turning its fortunes around by focusing its efforts on SUVs and crossovers that can compete in North America, where there is a seemingly endless appetite for such vehicles.
Read my review at Autotrader.ca
What I think: 2018 Honda Accord
The family sedan faces an uncertain future, but Honda thinks it can extend the life of this segment with the latest version of its Accord. This is as new as new gets for an existing model these days: along with updated styling, the well-known Accord also has a pair of new turbocharged engines.
Read my review at Autofocus.ca.
What I think: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan marks the second generation of the German brand’s compact crossover. It’s a strong effort that adds a lot more space — including an available third row of seating — but between styling that doesn’t catch the eye and a boring engine, I’m not sure they’ve done enough to make it stand out against more popular cars like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Read my review at Autofocus.ca.
What I think: 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
The Kia Optima Hybrid is a comfortable and efficient car, but it faces two hurdles. One is that family sedans like this are falling out of favour. Another is that there are already a number of more sophisticated electrified cars like plug-in hybrids and full electrics on the market now — and more set to arrive soon. This gas-electric version of the Optima finds itself in the unenviable position of being outclassed in a class of car that’s on its way out.
Read my review at Autotrader.ca.
What I think: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is a handsome little car that brings a dose of style to entry-level end of this South Korean automaker’s lineup. Overall, it’s a well-done compact hatchback, but if you don’t ante up for the turbocharged Sport trim, you have to make do with an uninspiring suspension that makes the car feel cheap and unsophisticated in highway driving.
Read my review at Autotrader.ca.
How a butler is improving Ford’s customer service
Recently, I had afternoon tea with a butler. He was hired by Ford of Canada to help the company improve the customer experience at its dealership service departments. Have a look at my story here, at Driving.ca.
Reviewed: Toyota Camry and Honda Accord Hybrid
Looking for a new family car?
2014 Toyota Camry
First, have a look at my Autofocus.ca review of the 2014 Toyota Camry, a big comfortable sedan that, despite having been last redesigned in 2012, still feels current among today’s crop of mid-size sedans.
Meanwhile, the Accord Hybrid, also reviewed at Autofocus.ca, signals Honda’s renewed commitment to hybrid vehicles, with a new gas-electric powertrain that kicks the company’s old integrated motor assist (IMA) system back to the dark ages, where it belongs.
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
What I think: Long-term Hyundai Genesis Coupe
This summer, I spent a few weeks with a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T. I did a little bit of everything with this car: city slogging, highway cruising, and hauling heaps of stuff. Click through the links below to read my impressions of a car that was fun, but far from perfect.
Chris Chases Cars 