I just wrote a story about Canadian Black Book resale values and learned that Tundra retains its MSRP better than any other full-size truck (click “Toyota” under TCM Quick Links below to read the…

2017 Toyota Tundra Double Cab TRD Pro

I just wrote a story about Canadian Black Book resale values and learned that Tundra retains its MSRP better than any other full-size truck (click “Toyota” under TCM Quick Links below to read the entire story), but I’ve covered every recent model year of this pickup in multiple trims as well as generations past (scroll through that same link for previous reviews), plus my dad owned a fault-free first-gen version decades ago, so I don’t need to be sold on how good it is. Then again, the TRD Pro took me off guard.

2017 Toyota Tundra Double Cab TRD Pro
The TRD Pro’s rugged take no prisoners design grabs attention wherever it goes. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

This truck is bold, brazen, and just plain baddass! Chrome? Not. It’s matte black all the way, except for its superb “Cement” grey paint. I can’t tell you how many neck-snapping looks it’s received from passersby over the past few days, but suffice to say it’s pulled more eyeballs than most of the ultra-exotic hardware I’ve driven this year, and the sound of its big 5.7-litre V8 makes at full throttle is almost as intoxicating as the exhaust note of one of those supercars (the amount of gas it guzzles is almost as dizzying too). At 381-hp and 401 lb-ft of torque it’s quick for a 2,480-kilo (5,467-lb) behemoth too, but its ultimate capability is meant to be experienced off-road.

2017 Toyota Tundra Double Cab TRD Pro
Zero chrome makes the TRD Pro stand out, not to mention matte black detailing, glossy black wheels, and “TRD PRO” stamped onto each side of the box. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Without giving too much away ahead of the full review, initial criticisms include gluttonous fuel economy, poorer interior plastics quality than most rivals, and no integrated rear bumper steps (or anything likewise) for climbing up onto the bed when the tailgate is lowered, but before you think I’ve got nothing good to say, the Tundra TRD Pro’s attributes are way too lengthy to list (here at least) so stay tuned for all the details in my upcoming road test…

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

Photo credits: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press

The A3 E-tron marks the return of the previous five-door Sportback body style, making Audi’s most fuel-efficient model also one of the most practical in its compact lineup. Canadians have long loved…

2017 Audi A3 e-tron Sportback

The A3 E-tron marks the return of the previous five-door Sportback body style, making Audi’s most fuel-efficient model also one

2017 Audi A3 e-tron Sportback
Charge for free at many locations including this shopping mall. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

of the most practical in its compact lineup.

Canadians have long loved hatchbacks, even in the premium sector, and now that most of our large urban centers have increased the availability of quick charging stations our inner-city car buyers are adapting to the cleaner more eco-friendly way of life

2017 Audi A3 e-tron Sportback
The A3 e-tron Sportback interior is just as stylish and well made as the conventional A3. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

of plug-in hybrid electric mobility. This makes Audi’s A3 E-tron Sportback an ideal combination of do-all pragmatism and extreme thrift, many of these charging stations not charging a penny to plug-in, while home charging is also much less expensive than filling up with unleaded.

The all-new Audi A3 e-tron Sportback, seen here “filling up” for free at a local shopping mall, is currently in our garage and therefore will soon be featured as the topic of a full review. Could this be the plug-in hybrid you’ve been waiting for? Check back to find out.

I just wrote a story about Canadian Black Book resale values and learned that Tundra retains its MSRP better than any other full-size truck (click “Toyota” under TCM Quick Links below to read the…

2017 Toyota Tundra Double Cab TRD Pro

I just wrote a story about Canadian Black Book resale values and learned that Tundra retains its MSRP better than any other full-size truck (click “Toyota” under TCM Quick Links below to read the entire story), but I’ve covered every recent model year of this pickup in multiple trims as well as generations past (scroll through that same link for previous reviews), plus my dad owned a fault-free first-gen version decades ago, so I don’t need to be sold on how good it is. Then again, the TRD Pro took me off guard.

This truck is bold, brazen, and just plain baddass! Chrome? Not. It’s matte black all the way, except for its glossy black wheels and superb “Cement” grey paint. I can’t tell you how many neck-snapping looks it’s received from passersby over the past few days, but suffice to say it’s pulled more eyeballs than most of the ultra-exotic hardware I’ve driven this year, and the sound of its big 5.7-litre V8 at full throttle is almost as intoxicating as the exhaust note of one of those supercars (the amount of gas it guzzles is almost as dizzying too). At 381-hp and 401 lb-ft of torque it’s quick for a 2,480-kilo (5,467-lb) behemoth, but its ultimate capability is meant to be experienced off-road.

Without giving too much away ahead of the full review, initial criticisms include gluttonous fuel economy, poorer interior plastics quality than most rivals, and no integrated rear bumper steps (or anything likewise) for climbing up onto the bed when the tailgate is lowered, but before you think I’ve got nothing good to say, the Tundra TRD Pro’s attributes are way too lengthy to list (here at least) so stay tuned for all the details in my upcoming road test…