Buick’s Encore is updated for 2017 and is therefore an even more enticing prospect for subcompact SUV shoppers. In this review we give you the good, bad and ugly, the only real negative being a great…

2017 Buick Encore Sport Touring Road Test

Each time I schedule a Buick Encore for testing I don't give it much thought. It's a subcompact SUV that needs to be covered because of its reasonably strong sales, but it's not the type of vehicle that elicits a lot of passion. And then once inside I'm reminded of how nice it is, and on the way home how easy it is to drive.

I must say it's even better for 2017. GM just gave it a thorough mid-cycle update including a much more attractive modernized grille, headlights and taillights filled with LEDs, the removal of those silly hood-mounted "ventiports", and of course new wheels all-round, while its interior gets a number of styling and technical enhancements too, plus it continues to drive very well.

My tester came in near-base Sport Touring trim with few options so it featured the standard 138 horsepower 1.4-litre turbo four with 148 lb-ft of torque, and was only configured to drive the front wheels as tested-AWD is a reasonable $2,000 option across most of the line. Read Full Story
If the new 2017 Envision looks like a Buick that might have been envisioned a few years ago, complete with a chromed waterfall grille and “ventiports” atop the hood, there’s a good reason. It was…

2017 Buick Envision Premium II

2017 Buick Envision Premium II
The 2017 Envision offers a classic Buick look in a compact SUV package that’s already appealing to Canadian buyers. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)
If the new 2017 Envision looks like a Buick that might have been envisioned a few years ago, complete with a chromed waterfall grille and “ventiports” atop the hood, there’s a good reason. It was actually a two-year old model when it arrived here late last year, having initially only been available in Buick’s largest market, China. It hails from GM’s very successful SAIC General Motors Corp., which manufactures and sells Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac brand vehicles in Mainland China, a Shanghai-based venture that first produced the Buick Regal in 1999 and has since resulted in one of the most formidable U.S.-Chinese corporate partnerships. Those paying attention to all things Buick have likely heard stories about nicer, more opulently trimmed models available in China that couldn’t be had here in North America, so it’s nice to see some of the fruit from this relationship finally heading our way in the form of this very impressive new compact SUV.
2017 Buick Envision Premium II
It doesn’t look like a smaller Enclave by accident, the Envision playing on the success of its larger sibling. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)
Yes, the Envision is produced in SAIC-GM’s Shanghai facility and then shipped here, which only makes me wonder why it took so long. Certainly they could’ve picked a better year to do it, with President Trump’s anti-offshoring rhetoric and all, but the U.S.’ bombastic new commander in chief seems more twitterpated with “unfair” Canadian trade practices than anything the Chinese might be doing. Of course, I digress as usual, but in the case of anything Buick related, a “Made in China” stamp makes perfect sense. After all, if it weren’t for the Chinese market there wouldn’t be a Buick today, which means our friends across the Pacific deserve all the jobs this once solely domestic brand can allow for. If it were up to the North American market, we’d be wandering through show ‘n shine shows on Sundays telling our kids about this great tri-shield brand that made now legendary nameplates like the GNX/Grand National, Riviera (how I love anything from 1963–1965), Roadmaster (especially the Skylark), or the Model 40, but now this history is still part of a brand that teases us with new dream cars like the fabulous Avista and Avenir concepts, just like the Y-Job did to our forefathers. Yes, if it weren’t for the Chinese market Buick would likely be history along with Pontiac and Oldsmobile.
2017 Buick Envision Premium II
There’s no shortage of premium-level features, but how’s the quality? We’ll tell all in an upcoming review. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)
To be completely clear, global Buick deliveries were 1,432,679 units last year, beating its previous best year ever (2015) by 200,698 for a 16.3 percent increase. Can you guess how many of those sales were from the U.S. and Canada? The world’s largest vehicle market accounted for just 229,631 Buick deliveries during the 12 months of 2016, whereas Canadians purchased just 19,053, no doubt many sold to new Canadians of Chinese descent (or at least that’s what my local dealer tells me). So on behalf of all classic automobile brand lovers, thank you China for saving another storied American brand from elimination. Now, can you please do something about Chrysler before it’s too late? While the 2017 Envision might not be the newest looking SUV on the block, or within Buick’s ranks for that matter, it is ideally positioned in the market to push Buick’s North American sales up considerably. The compact luxury SUV segment is Canada’s third largest category amongst premium brands, just behind D-segment cars (sedans, coupes and convertibles) and mid-size SUVs, but it’s one of the fastest growing and therefore represents the greatest opportunity. This is especially true for Buick that’s a virtual no-show in the D-segment with Regal at 841 units in 2016 compared to BMW 3 and 4 Series at 12,217 or Mercedes’ C-Class at 9,954. It did better in the mid-size SUV class last year with 3,632 sales compared to the bestselling Lexus RX’ 8,147, and to its credit owns the subcompact premium SUV category with 4,765 sales, but its Encore is priced nearly $10k lower than its closest competitor so it’s not really a true premium player there.
2017 Buick Envision Premium II
Those leather-covered seats look comfortable enough. Want to know more? See you soon for details. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)
The Envision is, however, in both its pricing that starts at $40,295 plus freight and fees, which is square in the middle of the premium pack (and a lot lower than GM Canada initially targeted), and its standard and available feature set. As for build quality you’ll need to come back and read my review for the pros and cons, and believe me I won’t hold back. My tester is equipped in full load Premium II trim, which means its equipped with almost everything Buick can throw at it, except some obvious options that should have been added to optimize the experience. That’s no fault of the vehicle, the Envision an SUV worthy of mixing it up in the premium crowd, but I can only imagine the folks in Oshawa didn’t want any of us journos to gripe about a price tag that rubs up against $60k when optioned out (its fully equipped MSRP is $56,825 before freight or dealer fees). Still, do so with most of the Envision’s competitors and you’ll face similar sticker shock, or considerably more if it’s European-sourced, which makes this Buick a more value-oriented premium compact SUV, and reason enough for strong early sales.
2017 Buick Envision Premium II
The Envision’s rear quarters certainly look inviting. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)
A total of 1,208 Envisions left GM dealer lots over the first five months of 2017. That’s pretty good for a newcomer, the compact Buick already outpacing Jaguar’s 1,118 F-Pace sales during the same period, or for that matter the Land Rover Discovery Sport’s 979 units, Lincoln MKC’s 975, Infiniti QX50’s 777, or Volvo XC60’s 559—although these last two long-in-tooth models will soon be replaced. Onward and upward for Buick, the Envision already seventh out of 12 competitors, and it’s only getting started. Come back for my full review when I’ll cover all the detailed, including performance from its optional 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. All Envisions get a six-speed automatic with manual mode, but this more potent powerplant benefits from a torque vectoring rear differential and 19-inch alloys to aid handling, while the rest of the Premium II upgrade list is long and plentiful. Stay tuned…
It’s only fitting that Canada’s favourite family shuttle was the official conveyance in our capital city for our 150th confederation celebrations. Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s ultra-popular Dodge…

Chrysler Pacifica was official vehicle of Canada Day

2017 Chrysler Pacifica
A total of 26 Chrysler Pacificas shuttled Ottawa’s Canada Day celebrants around various events during the weekend. (Photo: FCA)
It’s only fitting that Canada’s favourite family shuttle was the official conveyance in our capital city for our 150th confederation celebrations. Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s ultra-popular Dodge Grand Caravan, dearly departing Chrysler Town & Country, and advanced new Chrysler Pacifica minivans combine for unsurpassed annual seven- to eight-passenger vehicle sales, having found almost twice as many Canadian buyers as all other minivans combined in calendar year 2016. In fact, if commercial vehicle sales were taken out of the overall equation, FCA’s minivans would have accounted for more business than almost any other vehicle line in Canada last year. Canada’s most popular Ford F-150 and runner-up Honda Civic might have been appropriate official Canada Day 2017 vehicles for our July 1st weekend celebrations too, but for the purpose of conveying visitors around Ottawa, the fleet of 26 seven-seat Velvet Red Pearl-painted and “Canada 150” maple leaf decaled Chrysler Pacificas were much more useful.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The choice of FCA vans was fitting for Canada Day, as they’re the most popular large family haulers in Canada. (Photo: FCA)
It didn’t hurt matters that these vans were produced in FCA’s Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario; the result of 6,000 hourly workers on three full shifts. The Windsor facility builds both the conventionally powered Pacifica as well as the Pacifica Hybrid, the former featuring the brand’s class-exclusive second-row “Stow ‘n Go” seating that fold completely into the floor when more cargo space is required, while the latter includes a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain capable of 53 kilometres of pure EV range, up to 911 kilometres of total range, and a five-cycle Transport Canada claimed fuel economy rating of 2.6 Le/100km in the city.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica
All conventionally powered Chrysler vans offer second-row “Stow ‘n Go” seats that fold completely into the floor for added convenience. (Photo: FCA)
During the Canada Day weekend, Ottawa hosted a three-day festival in three venues including Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and Major’s Hill Park. “I can’t think of a more fitting vehicle than the Windsor, Ontario-built Chrysler Pacifica as the official vehicle of Canada Day 2017,” commented Bill Levasseur, VP, Sales and Marketing, FCA Canada. “Our Chrysler and Dodge minivans have been an integral part of millions of Canadian families’ lives over the years and we are honoured to have Chrysler Pacifica showcased in celebration of our nation’s milestone 150th birthday.” Along with the fleet of vans shuttling event-goers from attraction to attraction, those in attendance were able to view 30-second video spots as part of the Major’s Hill event, plus FCA branding broadcasted on big screen displays at other event locations.
On Wednesday June 28, 2017 Ford issued a recall for 402,462 Transit vans and buses in North America. Ford says they are recalling the vehicles to fix a cracked drive shaft coupling that can cause the…

Ford Recalls Over 400,000 Transit Vans and Buses

On Wednesday June 28, 2017 Ford issued a recall for 402,462 Transit vans and buses in North America. Ford says they are recalling the vehicles to fix a cracked drive shaft coupling that can cause the Transit vans and buses to lose power.
Ford Transit Vans with a medium chassis cab are being recalled
The recall affects Transit vans and buses “with medium, long and extended wheelbases and chassis cab/cutaways with medium wheelbases.” In the press release about the recall Ford said “In the affected vehicles, continuing to operate a vehicle with a cracked flexible coupling may cause separation of the driveshaft, resulting in a loss of motive power while driving or unintended vehicle movement in park without the parking brake applied. In addition, separation of the driveshaft from the transmission can result in secondary damage to surrounding components, including brake and fuel lines. A driveshaft separation may increase the risk of injury or crash.” The press release goes on to explain that any Transit van affected that has fewer than 30,000 miles should have no problems with the driveshaft. Ford goes on to say that if the Transit van has had a driveshaft fixed or replaced that those models will also be problem free. If the vehicle has over 30,000 miles Ford will be supplying an interim repair of the driveshaft until a final repair is available and completed. Consumers will be notified by mail and directed to the closest Ford or Lincoln dealership to have the coupling replaced at no cost. Of the 402,462 vehicles being recalled 370,630 are in the United States, 3,217 are in Mexico and 26,540 are in Canada.
The Ford Transit Vans were built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant
The affected vehicles were built in the company’s Kansas City assembly plant between January 17, 2014 and June 15, 2017. Ford says they are not aware of any accidents or injuries that have been attributed to the recalled vehicles faulty couplings. The Transit van recall will cost Ford Motor Company $142 million.
Toyota announced the new safety features in the Lexus LS in Japan this week calling it “the safest car in the world.” Toyota says “(the LS) aims to provide world-leading safety performance through…

Lexus Displays its Advanced Active Safety Technologies for the All-new “LS”

Toyota announced the new safety features in the Lexus LS in Japan this week calling it “the safest car in the world.” Toyota says “(the LS) aims to provide world-leading safety performance through the combination of two advanced Lexus safety systems.” The LS is a pre-emptive step for Toyota in its mission to end traffic casualties. The two safety systems that have been integrated into the new LS are the “Lexus Safety System +” which is based on the Integrated Safety Management Concept. The idea being that instead of using individual safety technologies and systems independently they are instead integrated for a higher level of driver support. The second safety feature that has been incorporated into the new Lexus LS is the “Lexus Safety System + A”. This system is designed with “advanced pre-collision support and sophisticated driving assistance.” The Lexus Safety System + A includes features such as driver emergency stop assist, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, front cross traffic alert, and a two stage adaptive high-beam system. The addition of active steering assist, pedestrian alert and nighttime pedestrian & bicycle response is entirely new to the LS. The addition of the latter three technologies to the Lexus LS helps prevent collisions that cannot be avoided through automatic braking solely. Pedestrian alert and active steering assist are Pre-Collision Systems (PCS) that are a world-first technology that works in four stages. In the first stage the car will recognize a pedestrian and assess the risk and direction in which they are moving. During the second stage, as the car gets closer to the pedestrian an alarm will sound and an animation will appear on the large colour high definition display. The third stage is that automatic brakes will be applied to try and stop the car from striking the individual. The final stage only happens if the car recognizes that a crash is imminent without further input from the driver. The LS will then automatically steer around the pedestrian preventing a crash. Another innovative safety feature on the new Lexus LS is the driver emergency stop assist, which gets engaged when the driver takes their hands off the wheel for an extended period of time. The LS gets “worried” that something has happened to the driver and it engages the hazard warning lights, honks its horn and slowly decelerates until coming to a stop at which point it unlocks the doors and calls emergency services. Toyotas Chief Engineer for Safety Technology Kiyotaka Ise reiterated in the presentation “there still remain wide differences in how OEMs define automated driving. The word automated driving should be handled carefully to avoid the hype that it means that drivers don’t have to do anything”. So despite all of the safety technology which by many accounts already classifies it as autonomous, Ise said that Toyota “does not wish to call this LS an automated driving vehicle, rather, we would like to define it as a vehicle equipped with advanced driver assist technologies that can pave the way toward autonomous driving.” According to Toyota the technology in the Lexus LS will be incorporated into all Toyota vehicles starting in 2018. The new Lexus LS is expected to go on sale in Canada later this fall.
The Tiguan as we know it is ending, but before a larger completely updated model replaces it we review the near decade old original in its final special Wolfsburg Edition duds. This just-above-base variety…

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition 4Motion Road Test

I know what it's like to be small in stature. Throughout school I was always height challenged, as some like to call it. Making matters worse, my overall build didn't easily accumulate upper mass-the type desired-yet had no problem attracting mid-rift bulge-the unwanted variety. I worked hard to overcome the bodily challenges plus greater interest in books and hobbies than sports, combined with a love of sweets, and albeit somewhat unwillingly became a fairly decent athlete. I suppose this is why I relate to the Tiguan.

After all, it's always been pintsized compared to its supposed "compact" competitors, although it's more recently had the ego-boosting benefit of looking large amongst a bevy of new subcompact SUVs-kind of like yours truly "towering" above many of my oh-so wonderfully friendly family, friends and colleagues in my second home of the Philippines. Of course, all of this VW SUV small talk will soon become moot as the German brand prepares to replace this abbreviated Read Full Story
The Rogue has always been a strong seller in the compact SUV segment, but an impressive mid-cycle update makes the 2017 model more popular than ever. Today we review it in its most opulent SL Platinum…

2017 Nissan Rogue SL Platinum AWD Road Test

Just one look and you'll know why the Nissan Rogue sells so well. Its design is ideally balanced between sporty and elegant, with just enough rugged truck-like SUV presence to beef up what's actually a sleek and efficient car-based crossover.

How popular is it? For years the Ford Escape was number one in Canada's compact SUV category, but that ended when 2016 came to a close and Toyota's RAV4 took over the top spot, and then after the first two months of 2017 Honda's recently redesigned CR-V bumped the RAV4 off its pedestal, only to be knocked off by Nissan's new Rogue in March. By the close of May it was all topsy-turvy again, with the RAV4 up top, CR-V second, Escape third and Rogue fourth, although not many deliveries separate these hotly contested compact SUVs from each other. Every other competitor seems to drive off the sales cliff in comparison, with the majority in four-digit territory.

Truth be told, any one of these top-four compact SUVs would be a good bet, Read Full Story