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Richmond Review ·· Page Page 13 13

Friday, January 30, 2015

DrivewayCanada.ca |

Welcome to the driver’s seat Cadillac Elmiraj

Mazda2

Toyota FT1

Subaru VIZIV2

Hyundai Intrado

Visit the auto show gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca

Concepts in Quebec: Canadian auto show season gets underway auto. Prices will be fixed closer to launch, Montreal, Quebec – Le Salon International de l’Auto de Montreal heralds later this year, but expect it to be compathe opening of the Canadian auto show rable to the current model and come in season, right on the heels of the “Big below $15,000. One “in Motor City (aka Detroit). While there were plenty of econo cars on This year, yours truly attended the preshow, like Detroit, other than the Mazda2 views for both auto extravaganzas and there was nothing new to see in that found optimism abounds in the industry, range. Green cars were in evidence in north and south of the border. Montreal but when the shows reach the As reported last week from Michigan, the west, you can expect to see many more Green cars Daddy of all Auto Shows showed a lot of cars for the eco-conscious drivers. were in evidence in high-end cars and new full size trucks. Montreal but when Montreal has a regional flavour with Four concept cars did turn heads… more exhibits that reflect that market’s the shows reach the Cadillac Elmiraj taste for smaller cars. west, you can expect You won’t see one on the road but the The latter clearly influenced the decision long two-door grand coupe concept will to see many more to unveil the new subcompact Mazda2 influence the near-future design of the here; a select group got the opportunity cars for the econext line of Cadillacs. The Elmiraj features to get up close and personal with the conscious drivers. a 4.5-litre twin turbocharged V8 delivmachine in an artist’s gallery across ering an estimated 500 hp. The engine Keith Morgan town. The next day, the all-new CX-3, takes the baseline technology from the updated Mazda6 and CX-5 joined it on Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 and expands it to the show stand. the classic performance format of a V8 engine. The new Mazda2 was coloured in what I call show-off Hyundai Intrado red and showed off its so-called KODO – Soul of Motion The same can be said of the thinking behind the – design style to its best. I first saw this handsome style, Hyundai Intrado, which is a concept crossover designed which gives the impression that the vehicle is moving to foreshadow a change design direction for the Korean even when stationary, at the Mazda6 launch in Paris manufacturer. It looks a little bit like an oversized Juke, a few years ago. Translating it into a smaller car is not the quirky Nissan product loved and hated seemingly in just a matter of shrinking the original but requires great equal measure. design skill and clearly, Mazda has that in abundance. The Intrado seems a bit more lovable and passersby In Canada, a 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine will indicated a similar looking production would in find power the Mazda2, and a choice of two transmissions favour among many. will be available – a six-speed manual and a six-speed

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The concept features a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain linked to a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that Hyundai boasts will provide a range of 600 kilometres. By the way, British Columbians will soon be able to lease a Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, with a similar powertrain and a reported range of 425 kms. Subaru VIZIV2 The Subaru concept crossover utility hybrid shown is a four-door version of a previously revealed two-door. Get this: Subaru says its “athletic, rugged shape of the sides seem designed in the image of a muscular NHL defenceman, and the fenders flare in a sturdy style.” Ahem. Looks like it came out of the Nissan/Infiniti design studios, and that’s not a criticism. Toyota FT1 Toyota was all about the roar of the engines in Montreal, which certainly pleased the gathered Quebec auto journos, who to a man/woman always appear to be race crazy to me (Given the market reality in Quebec, that doesn’t appear to be reflected in car buyer choices). Nevertheless, most would surely enjoy the sleek lines of the Toyota FT-1, designed to be at home on the track and a heck of a ticket magnet on the highway. Up next is the Toronto Show, which takes the name The Canadian International Auto Show. Bite your lip, Morgan. The Calgary show follows, then the new-look, re-imagined Vancouver International Auto Show debuts March 24-29.

Question of the Week The Canadian auto season kicked off in Montreal and the Vancouver show starts March 24. Do you plan to visit the show? If so, are you looking to buy? Or just to see what’s new? Go to DrivewayCanada.ca for question of the week

Safety Tip: Potholes can be a hazard during cold and wet weather months. For all types of winter hazards, remember two key tips: reduce your speed and increase your following distance. The more time you have to react to any hazard the better.

keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca

What’s Better than finding money in your old jeans? OUR BLOG . . . seriously. Check it out blog.blackpress4good.com Showcasing heartfelt community stories from around the province.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Page 14 Page 14 ·· Richmond Review

Friday, January 30, 2015

driveway

Acura RDX breaks with automotive tradition by Zack Spencer When one manufacturer comes out with a vehicle, you can be sure that the other manufacturers will match the equipment and price, almost to the dollar with their own products. There are exceptions to every rule and the Acura RDX is one of those exceptions. The value that this entry-level premium SUV

offers is so good, it is hard to find a vehicle that can compete on price, features and overall ease of use. Based on the hot-selling Honda CR-V, Acura takes what is good about that vehicle and transforms it into an Acura, full of luxury touches, more power and refinement that makes it the best value in the hyper competitive compact luxury SUV space.

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Looks The RDX is sold in only two trim levels; the base is $41,390, almost dollarfor-dollar the same starting price as all other small luxury SUVs. It is the optional Tech package that makes this a steal. Fully loaded, the RDX Tech is just $3000 more at $44,390. Inside Standard features include heated leather seats, power moon roof, push button start and a multi angle rearview camera. The Tech package adds an 8-inch centre screen with voice activated navigation, a power tailgate, duel climate control and an upgraded stereo system, for just $3000 more. Try and find these features in one of the competitive German of Japanese vehicles for just over $44,000. It doesn’t exist. Drive The RDX is still sold with a trusty 3.5L V6 and a proven 6-speed automatic. Take notice, this might not be the case with the next model so buying this simpler RDX might be a good buy. The 273hp engine is very quick off the line; it cruises with ease and passes without hesitation. In real world highway and city driving the RDX returned 13L/100km just slightly worse than the 12L used in the CR-V. All wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on all models but it is a simpler system than the previous model. The suspension is less aggressive than the past model too. This has all been done to produce a ride that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. In everyday driving, the laid-back approach is welcome but the powerful engine always makes the commute fun. Verdict Some good news, the rumour mill is grinding out potential new updates for the 2016 model year including a refreshed front end and interior tweaks. Stay tuned. As it stands, the RDX is a bargain in the small luxury SUV space but this Acura model almost needs an edge because the brand doesn’t have the same badge-appeal as the German makers and even Lexus. This RDX competes in the luxury space but many potential buyers don’t perceive Acura to be true luxury, more premium than luxury. If you are in the market for a fantastic, very well equipped small SUV with plenty of luxury touches then the RDX should be on your list. Get past the badge-appeal and find out for yourself what this vehicle has to offer. zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca