New road tests this week:
First drive: 2014 BMW 435i Cabriolet by John LeBlanc:
“Despite graduating from its former 3 Series title, the new 4 Series Cabriolet is as predictable as a German train timetable, a logical next step in a series of compact convertibles from BMW dating back to the 1987 3 Series Cabriolet.”
First drive: 2014 BMW M235i Coupe by John LeBlanc:
“With less weight to manage and a smaller footprint than the 4, BMW engineers have created a chassis that delivers a high level of grip, control and ultimately driver confidence with the M235i.”
The front end styling of the 2014 Volvo S60 features a new hood, fenders, headlamps and a larger grill with a revised Ironmark logo.
Russell Purcell, Driving
People’s Test Drive: Loyal Volvo owner likes the latest S60 by Russell Purcell:
“Styling changes to the rear of the car are less pronounced, but larger tail lights and a pair of integrated exhaust pipes set it apart from the 2013 model. Gone is the deeply stepped waistline that gave the rear of the first generation car much of its visual appeal, but the new version now features a pronounced character line that is carried the full length of the car bridging the fenders.”
Is the 2015 Nissan Rogue a true winter warrior? by Gabriel Gelinas:
“The Rogue delivers very well in the areas of comfort, convenience and even luxury in the compact SUV class, but falls short in the area of driving dynamics. However, as most buyers in this segment tend to favour comfort over performance, the new Rogue should do very well for Nissan in Canada.”
Road test: 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid by Brian Harper:
“As much as I like the family-friendly QX60 generally — as do many Infiniti customers — I’m disappointed with the Hybrid. From a fuel-saving standpoint, the $9,000 premium over a gas-only QX60 AWD makes the higher-contented Hybrid a pricy alternative that won’t pay for itself at the gas pumps.”
Finally, an Italian luxury car that doesn’t require bridge financing.
Andrew McCredie,
Road test: 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 by Andrew McCredie:
“The two previous Ghiblis had a combined lifespan of 11 years. After spending some time with the latest iteration, the third really could be the charm in terms of staying power for the newest member of Maserati Familia.”
Road test: 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid by Rob Rothwell:
“It didn’t raise my pulse, or my cost of living. It did, however, provide me with relaxing, refined, yet reasonably frugal transportation — even if it missed its posted fuel-economy numbers.”
Road test: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 4Matic BlueTec by Tim Yip:
“It’s hard to imagine any Mercedes-Benz being a bargain, but that’s precisely what the E250 is. It’s Mercedes’ base model E-Class, and it’s the sedan’s bi-turbo diesel engine and full-time all-wheel-drive that makes it arguably the best car in the range.”
First Drive: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD by Derek McNaughton:
“GM execs say they wanted to make their new HD trucks smarter, and to show that in real life, it isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about towing and hauling with confidence and comfort. If that’s the rule by which farmers and contractors measure their trucks, they’ll be happy with GM’s approach.
Airstream? What airstream? You barely notice it when you’re hauling it so effortlessly in the Sierra 2500.
,
Top five most popular stories of the week:
5. These are the six fastest cars around the Nürburgring
“In the never-ending game of one-upmanship, lap times around the ‘Ring will always be the universal measurement for supercar bragging rights.”
4. Here are the 8 safest compact cars under $30,000
“From the Dodge Dart to the Toyota Prius, these are the eight safest compact cars as tested by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.”
There are many urban crossovers that will do great double duty as an SUV.
Handout, Driving
3. Six compact crossovers for urban drivers on a budget
“If you live in the city and need some extra cargo capacity and a higher ground clearance than a sedan or hatchback, but a large SUV would too be cumbersome in an urban environment, there are many affordable compact crossovers that are a happy medium.”
2. Watch one lucky owner take delivery of his $4 million Lamborghini Veneno
“It’s easy to see why a guy like Kris Singh is absolutely ecstatic as he takes delivery of his $4-million Lamborghini, one of three in the world and the first one in North America.”
1. A sneak peek at this year’s Super Bowl car ads
“Car manufacturers spend millions for a piece of the coveted advertising time during the big game, but, as has been the trend the past few years, most carmakers are also taking to social media and YouTube to jump-start their annual Super Bowl blitzes with teasers and early releases of their costly ads.”
