In Our Garage | The Car Magazine

You know you want it. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner (or at least we hope), so there’s no better time to contemplate a new convertible. Fortunately, Audi has the ideal answer to…

In Our Garage

2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet Quattro Technik

2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI Quattro Technik — We’re driving the new 2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI Quattro in top-line Technik trim. Like it? (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

You know you want it. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner (or at least we hope), so there’s no better time to contemplate a new convertible. Fortunately, Audi has the ideal answer to your newfound dilemma of which drop-top to buy.

Say hi to the recently updated 2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet, a refreshed version of the entry-level luxury convertible that’s made a comfortable home for itself just below the A5 Cabriolet since it debuted for the 2015 model year.

Audi isn’t alone in this category thanks to BMW’s 2 Series Cabriolet, which gets an even more subtle facelift and interior improvements as part of an early 2018 release (the former appearing to be nothing more than body-colour lower fascia paintwork added where matte black used to be, some chrome splashed onto the top edge of the corner vents, and an interesting new hexagonal take on the corona LEDs within the headlamps, plus more of an M2 design added to the Sport package fascia), but the four-ringed Ingolstadt, Germany-based luxury brand offers plenty of reasons for considering its open-top offering over its Munich-sourced countryman.

First and foremost it looks every bit an Audi and a particularly attractive one at that. While Audi’s horseshoe-shaped singleframe grille is big and imposing, most find it difficult to figure out exactly which model is heading toward them from a distance. This is done intentionally, and while some competitors have attempted to add near full-size versions of their grilles to compact models with questionable effect, none has succeeded as wholly as Audi. As it is, all Audi cars, from the full-size A8 to the comparatively tiny A3, are obvious siblings.

In total, the A3/S3 sedans, the five-door A3 Sportback (only available with the e-tron plug-in hybrid powertrain), and this A3 Cabriolet were refreshed for 2017, the result being a win-win-win aesthetically. I’ve driven and reviewed the other two already, so this convertible version will complete my coverage of the entry-level luxury segment’s bestselling triumvirate.

All receive a new chiseled edginess to their designs in the form of new sharply scalloped standard HID and as-tested optional full LED headlamp clusters bookending a broader more angular grille frame, this latter item visually floating above a variety of reshaped lower fascias; the differing fascia designs dependent on whether the S Line sport package is added or not (my loaner has it). New lenses and a revised array of standard LEDs update the look of the already stunning blade-shaped tail lamps, whereas the bumper below gets a few tweaks to make it new.

On that note, the just mentioned S Line package not only enhances the front fascia, but also provides rocker extensions down each side and a new bumper cap with intricately fashioned diffuser-style details for the rear lower fascia, this latter addition worth the price of admission alone.

As always with a mid-cycle update, Audi added new standard and optional wheel choices to the mix, while also on the expected upgrades menu are new exterior paint finishes. All in all the updates modernize the A3 Cabriolet’s look and aligns it more fully with the rest of Audi’s lineup, but I must say the outgoing version didn’t need many changes to bring it up to speed.

Where Audi often wins against rivals, including BMW, is interior design and execution, and the new A3’s improvements won’t help the Bavarian’s cause. Tasteful minimalism continues, as do high quality surface treatments that include plenty of soft synthetics, genuine aluminum inlays and access, plus rich leathers.

As for all-important electronic interfaces, the A3’s infotainment system continues to power up out of the dash upon startup, which is a bonus for those who’d rather stow it away during night driving, and a negative to others who prefer larger displays (the A3’s is only 5.8 inches diagonally) with tablet-style pinch, swipe and tap touchscreen convenience.

The A3’s display is controlled via a beautifully finished rotating aluminum dial with classy knurled edges. It’s situated on the lower console, which is common in the premium sector, making it easy to perform handwriting gestures on the knob’s matte black circular top. The Audi MMI system’s brains get filled with much of the latest tech, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus various apps like Spotify and WhatsApp, and more when upgraded to the $600 Audi Smartphone interface (which is standard in second-tier Progressiv and top-line Technik trims), while its new iPhone-inspired graphics and more intelligent interface make it easier to figure out.

Even more impressive is Audi’s fully configurable “Virtual Cockpit” TFT gauge cluster, new for the A3 this year and totally worth the upgrade to Technik trim. It’s a 12.3-inch digital display that completely replaces the base and mid-range models’ traditional dual-dial analog gauge package, and in the process offers a number of driver selectable configurations. The most interesting is a steering wheel-mounted “VIEW” button that reduces the size of the digital tachometer and speedometer before placing them to each side, at which point the centre-mounted colour multi-information display grows to epic proportions. When navigation is chosen, an eye-arresting array of colourful maps takes over most of the primary cluster. By scrolling through the steering wheel controls you can use this feature for enhanced readability of other functions as well, and then when needing to check up on vital driving info you can simply press the view button again.

I could go on talking about the Virtual Cockpit ad nauseam, or for that matter the A3 Cabriolet cabin’s improved switchgear, much of which now utilizes white backlighting for a bright, modern look, or we could all just celebrate that a USB port is now standard across the A3 line (it was Apple or the highway before), but I’ve said too much for a garage report already.

In my upcoming review I’ll be sure to spend plenty of time telling you about my on-road driving experience. Just like earlier models, the 2017 A3 Cabriolet automatically upgrades the engine from the A3 Sedan’s base front-drive layout to standard Quattro AWD, which means the drop-top model misses out on the four-door’s all-new 186 horsepower 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder (which replaced the aging 170 horsepower 1.8-litre turbo mill), the engine now making with 236 lb-ft of torque and improved fuel economy thanks to a new combustion process, auto start/stop, and a new seven-speed dual-clutch “S tronic” automatic, but the A3 Cabriolet’s carryover 2.0-litre four is still competitive thanks to 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, as is its mostly carryover six-speed twin-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, the difference being a new auto start/stop system just like on the lesser drivetrain.

There’s plenty more to comment on, including the general quietness of the car (or loudness) with the top up and down, the ease and speed (or not) of its powered retraction and deployment, its visibility (or lack thereof) with the roof closed, overall refinement, rear seat roominess and comfort levels, cargo capacity, how all the features work (or don’t), and the list goes on, so be sure to come back and check out the road test review…

Amazingly, Lexus went from having nothing in the compact luxury SUV segment throughout most of 2014 to being one of the top-three players by the end of 2016. The story is even better in the U.S. where…

In Our Garage

2017 Lexus NX 300h Executive

Amazingly, Lexus went from having nothing in the compact luxury SUV segment throughout most of 2014 to being one of the top-three players by the end of 2016. The story is even better in the U.S. where the new NX is now number one in the entire class.

How the mighty Germans have fallen, not that Lexus is particularly weak and feeble. The Japanese luxury brand is a powerhouse in the crossover sport utility sector where its RX has been the bestselling mid-size luxury SUV in both Canada and the U.S. (by a long shot) for as long as there’s been a mid-size luxury SUV segment, a vehicle class it helped to create. Therefore it only makes sense the NX would do well too.

It helps that it looks fabulous, or at least I like it a lot. The NX’ design hasn’t changed one iota since arriving in December of 2014 as a 2015 model. Lexus didn’t wait long before getting this hybrid variant to market either, joining it up with the NX 200t for the model’s inaugural year and making it an important part of its one, two knockout NX punch ever since.

Now that the Audi Q5 Hybrid is history, the NX 300h is an anomaly within the compact luxury SUV category. In fact, with Audi also eliminating the Q5 TDI (at least temporarily) and Mercedes-Benz doing likewise with its new GLC (again, just for the time being as far as we know), the only alternative-fuel competitors in the class are BMW’s X3 xDrive28d and the unlikely addition of Jaguar’s F-Pace 20d. Still, being that Dieselgate ruined Rudolf Christian Karl’s most fuel-efficient internal combustion engine (ICE) type, most environmentally oriented consumers won’t be turning to diesel as a way to save the planet, leaving the NX 300h as the only real green choice in this burgeoning market segment.

Behind the NX 300h’s bold spindle grille is the same ultra-clean powertrain as the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Lexus’ ES 300h, comprised of a 150 horsepower gasoline-fueled 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle ICE with 152 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels and a 50 kW (67 horsepower) permanent magnet electric motor powering the axle in back, the energy for the latter sourced from a rear-mounted nickel-metal hydride battery that gets recharged via the ICE as well as regenerative braking.

When topped off it has the ability to drive solely on EV power for short distances at low speeds (bumper-to-bumper traffic, parking lots, etcetera), but most of the time it merely assists the ICE for improved performance and reduced fuel consumption. A specially designed continuously variable transmission (CVT) takes care of shifting duties, of sorts, the full result of Lexus Synergy Drive’s combined forces being 194 net horsepower and the same 152 pound-feet of claimed torque (although it feels like a lot more and likely is).

More importantly the NX 300h is good for estimated fuel economy equaling 7.1 L/100km in the city, 7.7 on the highway, and 7.4 combined, which is far and away the best in its class (the X3 and F-Pace diesels achieve 7.9 and 8.1 combined city/highway respectively).

Along with its EV mode, the NX 300h features three selectable drive modes including Eco, Standard, and Sport, these focused on maximizing efficiency or power rather than changing steering and suspension settings.

This being a niche model in comparison to the NX 200t, Lexus’ Canadian division limits trims to just one and options packages to a singular digit as well. Standard trim, which starts at $54,350, is therefore generously equipped with 18-inch alloys on 225/60R18 all-seasons, LED low-beam headlights with washers, LED DRLs, LED clearance lamps, LED fog lights, LED taillights, aluminum roof rails, a rear rooftop spoiler, auto-dimming power-adjustable heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and memory, proximity access, and more on the outside.

Once inside the base NX 300h includes pushbutton ignition, a heatable leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, a powered tilt and telescoping steering column, a colour TFT multi-information display, leather upholstery, heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone auto climate control, touchscreen infotainment featuring a reverse camera with active guidelines and navigation, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, an integrated garage door opener, a powered moonroof, a powered tailgate, hill start assist, all the usual active and passive safety features including airbags for the driver’s knees, and more.

Our fully decked out tester included the $6,650 Executive Package that adds full LED headlamps with auto-leveling and auto high beams, rain-sensing wipers, dynamic radar cruise control, head-up display, Qi wireless device charging, 10-speaker audio, Shimamoku hardwood inlays, powered rear seat releases with switches on the dash and cargo compartment, front and rear parking sensors, blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a pre-collision system with emergency autonomous braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, and more, raising the price to $61,000 plus freight and fees. These latter items earn the NX 300h Executive a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the IIHS.

Where the conventionally powered NX 200t can be had with the sportier F Sport package, the NX 300h makes do with less aggressive styling and more comfort-oriented suspension settings, although you can upgrade the wheels to a unique set of 19-inch F Sport alloys via the accessories catalog for $2,650 and change.

As you may have noticed I haven’t told you diddly squat about my experience behind the wheel, what I think about its overall refinement, or its standard and available feature set, overall roominess, pricing and value proposition, etcetera, etcetera, which means you’ll need to come back for my detailed road test review. Make sure you do, as you may just be surprised at what I have to say…

Volkswagen will soon replace its Tiguan compact SUV with a newer and larger version, which should help it pull in buyers looking for more size and functionality. The current model, which has only received…

In Our Garage

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition 4Motion

Volkswagen will soon replace its Tiguan compact SUV with a newer and larger version, which should help it pull in buyers looking for more size and functionality.

The current model, which has only received a mid-cycle update since 2007, is smaller than most compacts, and therefore sells in much fewer numbers than more popular compacts like Honda’s CR-V, Toyota’s RAV4, Nissan’s Rogue, etcetera. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage suffer from a similar scenario, as they’re sized closer to large subcompact SUVs like Mitsubishi’s RVR, Toyota’s new C-HR, and Nissan’s upcoming Qashqai.

The actual sales numbers might be deflating if VW wasn’t in the process of launching a new 2018 Tiguan, with the current model’s 2017 year-to-date sales of 2,562 units ranking 12th out of 16 models selling into the mainstream compact SUV segment; the bottom feeders are made up of niche brands and models like Mitsubishi’s Outlander and Subaru’s Crosstrek respectively, plus has-beens like Jeep’s Patriot and Compass (yes, surprisingly these two Dodge Caliber-based “classics” are still for sale, the latter even being redesigned for 2018). The Tiguan fared slightly better last year, its 11,229 total sales placing 11th overall after all 12 months of 2016 came to a close.

Does its poor ranking make it a bad choice in the compact SUV class? Not at all. In fact, if you were to compare its sales amongst subcompact SUVs, its 2017 YTD number would put it third out of nine competitors, while its 2016 calendar year sales would find it second overall. Of course, if we did this we’d need to toss the two Korean compact SUVs into the mix, but even knocking that fantasy sales chart standing down a couple of notches would be a good showing for the little VW.

Yes, that’s quite an intro for a “Garage” update, but I find sales details compelling (they’re the only real indicators of how much we consumers like a given vehicle, or not), and as I often say, the one thing the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” taught us was just how often the audience is correct (makes me still believe in the power of democracy despite recent events). So based on that bit of science, is the Tiguan your best bet amongst compact SUVs?

I’ll attempt to answer that question in an upcoming review (and it will no doubt come down to available discounts), but until then I’ll give you a short rundown on the car at hand. First off, all 2017 Tiguans come with VW’s peppy 2.0-litre TSI gasoline-powered four-cylinder, producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual mode puts the power down to the front wheels, while as-tested 4Motion all-wheel drive is optional.

In a nice change of events, VW provided a more basic trim level for we journos to drive this time around, which normally happens when any automaker is trying to promote a special edition model (normally our weekly rides are fully loaded up with loot so we enjoy the best possible experience). Therefore, our tester was the second-rung (out of four) Wolfsburg Edition, which takes a base Trendline and adds 4Motion AWD, an eight-way powered driver’s seat with powered lumbar support, their (new last year) 6.33-inch Composition Media infotainment touchscreen with a proximity-sensing display (cool), App-Connect with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink phone connectivity, an SD card slot, and eight-speaker audio, while supposedly “Wolfsburg Edition” badges were stuck onto the outside B pillars, but I can’t find these at all.

I defer to VW’s associated paperwork (they hand out when picking up each car), and yes it says “Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition 4MOTION” right there in black on white. A quick trip over to the VW.ca website shows that indeed the Wolfsburg Edition is the only trim available with my tester’s unique two-tone black and beige leatherette upholstery (a no-cost option that someone at VW’s PR department checked—black being the alternative), its infotainment system isn’t available with navigation (not included in my loaner), and its only paid option is a $1,450 panoramic sunroof (check). So this $31,648 SUV is indeed a completely loaded 2017 Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition 4Motion in standard Pacific Blue paint (new for this year), sans “Wolfsburg Edition” badging. It must have been an early build.

Anyway, you may want to know that Reflex Silver is new to the Tiguan paint palette this year and available with the Wolfsburg Edition too, while other possible Wolfsburg colours include Deep Black Pearl, Pure White, and Night Blue Metallic (a darker hue than our tester), while yet more 2017 Tiguan additions (can you believe they still updated this eight-year old model for its final partial year before getting replaced?) are relegated to pricier Comfortline and Highline trims.

For now we’ll leave the commentary there, and instead revisit this special Tiguan soon as a full road test review. That means I’ll let you know how it drives, if it’s interior is still up to snuff after all these years, how well the relatively new infotainment system works, is that eight-speaker audio system any good, if there’s enough room in back, how useful the storage area is, etcetera. Stay tuned…

Toyota’s latest 2017 4Runner is in our garage this week, and this particular example is one we especially like. The TRD Off Road is far from top-of-the-line, actually sitting second in a range that…

In Our Garage

2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road

Toyota’s latest 2017 4Runner is in our garage this week, and this particular example is one we especially like.

The TRD Off Road is far from top-of-the-line, actually sitting second in a range that includes five trims, but the only one we’d rather have is the top-tier TRD Pro. Why?

They’re both fully optimized for hitting the trail, the TRD Pro a $52,195 4×4 stuffed full of nearly everything Toyota has available for the 4Runner, including an intense new blackened matte grille, blacked out front and rear bumper caps, and 17-inch matte black alloys on 31.5-inch Nitto Terra Grappler off-road rubber hiding beefy Bilstein dampers with remote rear reservoirs behind. It looks best in exclusive Cement Grey Metallic paint, although that’s just how we feel. Toyota offers it in Alpine White and Barcelona Red Metallic too, while all get black SofTex pleather upholstered interiors with plenty of TRD Pro branded details.

That brutish model is actually based on the $46,720 TRD Off Road we’re testing this week. The latter is less intimidating thanks to a body-colour grille and satin silver bumper caps, these latter items a bit harder to make out with our tester’s Classic Silver Metallic paintwork. Toyota offers a wider range of exterior colour options in TRD Off Road trim, but alas no Cement Grey. Its six-spoke machine-finished 17-inch alloys with black painted pockets more than make up for any lack of exclusivity, as does the bulging scoop atop the hood and circular fog lamps integrated into its angularly carved front corner vents.

The latter two items come standard, but Toyota adds a classier chrome-laden grille strikethrough and unique chromed front fascia design for Limited trims, while chrome mouldings wrap around the sides in an attempt to dress this string-tied cowboy up for a tux and tails black-tie dinner, which is why we like the 4Runner’s purer 4×4 body styles best.

We also appreciate that Toyota never tried to neuter the 4Runner into a raised family wagon like Nissan did with the Pathfinder, a model that continues forward in name only. Instead, Toyota allowed the 4Runner to remain true to its 4×4 roots and created a completely new model to attract less adventurous families that nevertheless wouldn’t dare drive a minivan, and in hindsight the bigger Japanese brand benefits from a Highlander that regular outsells the Pathfinder, and a 4Runner that still pulls in plenty of diehard customers all on its own.

The 4Runner isn’t completely alone in the off-road capable segment, but it has fewer competitors now that it endured through the ‘80s and ‘90s. Ford’s Explorer might be based on the same mid-size car platform as the unorthodox Flex, but it offers a Land Rover-style preprogrammed terrain system that does well enough off the beaten path for many, and Dodge’s Durango, also unibody in design, remains off-road ready too. Of course, Jeep’s Grand Cherokee (unibody too) maintains its muddy reputation, and VW’s Touareg isn’t quite the 4×4 beast it was initially, but still offers some semblance of trailblazing prowess (although nobody seems to care anymore). Still, if you ask the majority of brazen bushwhackers which SUV they’d trust to take them 50 miles inland on an unkempt cattle trail, most will choose the 4Runner.

Four-by-four traditionalists won’t be able to complain about too many creature comforts in this TRD Off Road, as there’s no proximity-sensing access, pushbutton ignition, LED ambient lighting, electromechanical parking brake, colour multi-info display, auto HVAC, big screen high-gloss infotainment, brand name audio, heated steering wheel, perforated leather seats with ventilation, panoramic glass roof, powered liftgate, auto high beams, adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane departure warning, etcetera.

Then again it does get classic lever-style secondary gear shifter for its part-time four-wheel drive along with a real bull low range, plus Multi-Terrain Select, a rear differential lock, four-wheel crawl control, an automatic disconnecting differential, Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (I’ll explain this in an upcoming review), Multi-Terrain ABS, downhill assist control, trailer sway control, fuel tank and transfer case protector plates, and plenty of other 4×4 features.

Not to be misunderstood, the TRD Off Road isn’t all about living life in the wild, with additional standard kit including heatable powered side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, lots of piano black lacquered trim, a powered moonroof, colourful Optitron primary gauges with a monochrome trip computer at centre, cruise control, air conditioning, a 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with a backup camera, navigation with mapping, plenty of stock and downloadable apps, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, SMS/email-to-speech capability, advanced voice recognition, satellite radio, black SofTex leatherette upholstery with red stitching, an eight-way powered driver’s seat with two-way powered lumbar support, a four-way powered front passenger’s seat, heated front seats, handy 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seats, a power-sliding tailgate window, silver roof rails with unique black end caps, tire-pressure monitoring, all the usual active and passive safety features, and much more.

Nobody’s going to buy a 4Runner for its claimed 14.2 L/100km city and 11.1 highway fuel economy rating, but its 4.0-litre V6 is robust enough at 270 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque. More importantly it’s proven reliable, as has its comparatively archaic five-speed automatic transmission. Don’t laugh. It’s more likely to get you out of the wilderness in one piece than most of the 4Runner’s peers, while its 2,268-kilo (5,000-lb) tow rating is pretty decent for a V6-powered SUV as well.

I’ll explain how its innovative X-REAS suspension with cross-linked dampers works on the road in the aforementioned review, plus discuss ride quality and what this unique 4Runner is like to live with day in and day out, as well as how it’s doing in the market, its reliability, safety, resale value, and more. Stay tuned for the full review…

In the mainstream volume auto sector only Daimler’s Smart brand has fewer models than FCA’s Chrysler. Chrysler has three. And next year it’ll be down to two. Just how FCA allowed this to happen…

In Our Garage

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum

In the mainstream volume auto sector only Daimler’s Smart brand has fewer models than FCA’s Chrysler. Chrysler has three. And next year it’ll be down to two. Just how FCA allowed this to happen is anyone’s guess outside of Auburn Hills, but at least the two models that will carry the Pentastar flag into 2018 are very good at what they do.

Case in point, the 300 luxury sedan is the perennial Canadian bestseller in both the mainstream full-size luxury sedan class and the mid-size luxury class. They’re obviously doing something right. The Pacifica currently in our garage hasn’t been so fortunate thus far, and this new plug-in Pacifica Hybrid even less so, but to Chrysler’s credit sales have been rising after a new entry-level model was recently introduced and prices concurrently came down.

Even more importantly it’s the best minivan in its segment, at least in this auto journo’s opinion. I’ll tell you exactly why in an upcoming review, plus give you a few reasons why I believe it’s not selling as well as it could. In the meantime, here are a few details about the model we’ve been living with this week:

Our $56,495 Pacifica Hybrid Platinum includes most everything offered in base $52,495 Hybrid Premium trim, such as a 7.0-inch full-colour configurable in-cluster multi-info display, tri-zone auto climate control, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 360-degree parking camera, heatable front seats, satellite radio, dynamic cruise control with low speed follow plus stop and go functionality, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with active lane keep assist, and much more.

On top of these items the Platinum adds more chrome exterior trim, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, proximity-sensing hands-free dual power sliding doors and liftgate, pushbutton ignition, a more upscale interior with contrast stitching in key areas, a two-tone heated leather and genuine metal trimmed steering wheel, navigation with mapping, perforated Nappa leather upholstery with ventilation up front, rear entertainment with dual flip-up 10-inch touchscreens, and the list goes on.

Both Pacifica Hybrid trims get a 32A socket on the left front fender for recharging its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery, which allows about 50 kilometers of EV driving after which it automatically transforms into a regular gasoline-electric hybrid with the majority of its fuel savings in town as well as a reasonable advantage on the highway. It’s safe to say its estimated 2.6 Le/100km combined city/highway fuel economy (when factoring in EV driving) is best in class, as is its total possible range of 911 km, which makes it the ideal choice for family road trips (we took a load of friends to a local tulip festival and will have their backseat feedback included in the review).

It takes about two hours to recharge the battery with a Level 2 240-volt charger, these available for your home from your FCA dealer or via aftermarket sources, or you can find them (for free most of the time) in front of shopping malls, government buildings, hotels, some retail stores like Walmart and Ikea, or curbside in most urban centres. Alternatively you can plug it into a regular 120-volt socket at home or work, at which point you’ll need about eight hours to top it up from empty.

A big charge indicator on top of the dash lets you know that all systems are working by showing one to five blue lights, these large and bright enough to be seen from a distance. Once unplugged these disappear so as not to distract while driving. This is the best charge indicator I’ve used, so kudos to Chrysler for getting this right.

That’s about all I’m going to say about living with the Pacifica Hybrid for now, leaving the most important details for a full review scheduled later this month (including the positives and negatives of Chrysler’s innovative electrically variable transmission that utilizes twin electric motors for turning the drive wheels).

I’ll let you know now that choosing the Hybrid over the conventionally powered Pacifica brings significant drawbacks, so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. I’ll point out each of these later, along with the various features missing from this pricier Hybrid Platinum that were included in my previous gasoline-only powered Pacifica Limited, some of which made the conventionally powered van look and feel a lot more premium.

In the meantime let’s give Chrysler a big cheer for diving right into the deep end by not only introducing the world’s first hybrid minivan, but also making it a plug-in right off the bat. That takes a lot of courage, especially for such a niche brand. Come back soon for more…

Say hi to the Acura RLX. It’s actually been around since 2013, but slow sales make it a rare sight on Canadian roads so you may not have seen many. The RLX is Acura’s flagship sedan, but it’s no…

In Our Garage

2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Elite

Say hi to the Acura RLX. It’s actually been around since 2013, but slow sales make it a rare sight on Canadian roads so you may not have seen many.

The RLX is Acura’s flagship sedan, but it’s no larger than Mercedes-Benz’ E-Class sedan, which is the most popular luxury model in the mid-size premium segment. By comparison Merc sells about 28 Es to every single RLX, but Acura isn’t the only brand that gets beaten up by the three-pointed star in this category.

2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Elite — The RLX’ tall roofline provides excellent interior headroom. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Mercedes sells almost a third more Es than BMW purveys 5s, while it outpaces Audi’s A6 by approximately 3.5 to 1, Jaguar’s XF by about 5.5 to 1, Lexus’ GS by more than 7 to 1, Infiniti’s Q70 by 19 to 1, and so on. The only car in the segment to outsell it is Chrysler’s 300 that ironically is based on a much older E-Class architecture, and to be fair the near premium 300 is priced much lower and therefore isn’t really targeting the same luxury audience.

So it’s an uphill battle for the RLX and many of its peers, but that didn’t stop Acura from investing thousands of Bordens (my Canadian twist on Benjamins, although I probably should have called them Fukuzawas being that we’re talking yen) into this innovative car.

I say innovative because it’s the only car in its class available solely as a hybrid, and a performance-oriented hybrid at that. Acura claims net output of 377 horsepower and 341 lb-ft of torque via a 3.5-litre V6 and a rear-wheel mounted dual electric motor/lithium-ion battery combination, with the internal combustion engine (ICE) powering the front wheels until rear-wheel traction is needed, which prompts intervention of the electrified AWD. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission provides quick shifting duties enhanced by steering wheel paddles no less, heightening the RLX’ sporty nature, but I best leave it there or you’ll have no reason to return for the full review.

We’ll be covering the top-line Elite model, so everything Acura has to offer is included. Whether you’re seriously interested in purchasing or simply curious, I recommend coming back to take a look as the RLX has long been the mule used for developing much of the sophisticated powertrain technology now harnessed by the fabulous new NSX supercar.

For the time being, enjoy a small assortment of gallery photos that we’ll expand upon when the review arrives…

Cars don’t come more basic than the Mirage in Canada, but here at TheCarMagazine.com we celebrate simple. After all, where else can you buy a new car for just $12,698? Over at Nissan where the equally…

In Our Garage

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Cars don’t come more basic than the Mirage in Canada, but here at TheCarMagazine.com we celebrate simple. After all, where else can you buy a new car for just $12,698? Over at Nissan where the equally small and even simpler Micra hatchback sells for just $9,988 and is a whole lot more fun to drive.

The Mirage focuses more on comfort, especially in new four-door G4 guise, which is how Mitsubishi dressed up our 2017 loaner. We’ll leave our thoughts about styling for the upcoming review, but suffice to say it excites our eyes as much as it’s 78 horsepower 1.2-litre three-cylinder ignites our Evo X aspirations, but then again its as-tested 6.9 L/100km city and 5.7 highway fuel economy put a smile on our faces.

That’s with the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), the base model quite not quite as thrifty with its five-speed manual gearbox. The CVT comes standard in $18,298 SEL trim, lesser models including the $14,498 ES 5MT and the $15,698 ES CVT.

As tested the G4 SEL is actually very well equipped with 15-inch alloys, auto-off halogen headlamps, fog lamps, heated power-adjustable body-colour side mirrors with integrated turn signals, variable intermittent wipers, cruise control, a multi-information display, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with tilt, piano black and chromed interior accents, micron-filtered auto climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, voice activation, a USB port, remote powered locks, powered windows, four-speaker display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Porsche doesn’t even offer the latter), a rearview camera, premium fabric upholstery, heatable front seats, a rear centre armrest with integrated cupholders, hill start assist, all the expected active and passive safety equipment including a driver’s knee airbag, and more.

As noted earlier, the Mirage was built (in Thailand incidentally) for comfort, while it’s also built for peace of mind thanks to a 10-year comprehensive and 160,000 km powertrain warranty (can’t get that at Nissan, or anywhere else for that matter).

As for convenience, the trunk is well proportioned for a subcompact city car at 348 litres, while it offers a lot better security for your belongings than the more accommodating 487-litre hatch.

A full review is on the way, so if you’re looking for a simple, straight-forward commuter car that’s great on fuel, plenty comfortable, feature filled, and backed by an incredibly good warranty, you’d best come back to find out what we think about everything else…

Life is good behind the wheel of Jaguar’s F-Type Convertible. Few premium brands offer anything close to Jaguar’s rich sporting and luxury heritage and no modern car better embodies the spirit of…

In Our Garage

2017 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Life is good behind the wheel of Jaguar’s F-Type Convertible. Few premium brands offer anything close to Jaguar’s rich sporting and luxury heritage and no modern car better embodies the spirit of a model that has long been considered the world’s most beautiful cars ever and one of its era’s best performing, Jaguar’s own ‘61-‘75 E-Type.

The big news for 2017 is the range-topping F-Type SVR that pushes 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque to each of its four wheels. The 550 horsepower all-wheel drive R is carried forward as well, plus the 380 horsepower S in rear- and all-wheel drive, and 340 horsepower base model, also offered in RWD and AWD.

Likewise, you can get every one of these trims as a two-door Coupe or a Convertible, the former featuring a graceful sloped rear roofline ending in a practical liftback, and the latter incorporating a high-quality fabric top ahead of a regular trunk.

The car on loan is the open-top body style with the base engine and just a few upgrades that we’ll soon divulge in an upcoming review. While it doesn’t sprint to 100km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds and top out at 195 mph (314 km/h) like the new SVR Convertible, the base roadster boasts an energetic 3.0-litre supercharged V6 capable of 5.7 seconds from standstill to 100km/h and a top speed of 260 km/h (161 mph), which is more than enough for raising the heartbeat.

Come back soon to get our insights on interior quality, overall refinement, Jaguar’s electronic interfaces and other features, the retractable roof’s ease of use, and of course how its driving dynamics measure up to competitors, while we’ll also share some thoughts about its place in the market and whether you should consider it over a Porsche 911 Cabriolet or one of its other rivals.

Stay tuned…

News & Reviews- Category: In Our Garage