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 |  Monday, August 16, 2010 If you can't view this newsletter, you can read it online at www.canadiandriver.com/archive/newsletter/2010/08/100816.htm. New on CanadianDriver CanadianDriver This Week keeps you up to date with the latest news and information at CanadianDriver.com, including Canadian automotive news, test drives, features and articles. This newsletter is sent only to people who have specifically requested it, subscribed to it or agreed to receive it when they entered a contest on CanadianDriver.com. Our list of subscribers is confidential and we promise never to share or sell your e-mail address to anyone without your permission. To view our privacy policy, click here. To remove yourself from this mailing list, click here. If you experience any problems with this newsletter, please don't hesitate to let us know. Send us an e-mail at newsletter@canadiandriver.com. |  | |
August 16 - 22, 2010 Monday
Steering You Right: Cat and mouse, by Jordan W. Charness What's New: 2011 Smart Fortwo Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday ... and, of course, Canadian automotive news updated daily Monday to Friday *Schedule subject to change | | |||||||||||||||||
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"Eye-catching" styling, "generous" standard equipment, "superb" road-holding, and a powerful new four-cylinder engine highlight the new 2011 Kia Sportage, reports Paul Williams, but visibility to the front and rear is "compromised," he says. 
It stops, it starts, and it goes really fast: Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh gets the opportunity to open up the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG in Germany, and then watches its new start-stop function turn it off when the light turns red. 
With 300 horsepower, the new Panamera V6 doesn't give up much in performance to its V8 siblings, says James Bergeron. The rear-wheel drive V6 model offers a more "sporting feel" than the heavier all-wheel drive V6 model, he says. 
"Stronger, tougher, more comfortable and more fuel-efficient," the new 2011 Chevrolet and GMC HD pickups have impressive towing and hauling capabilities, reports Grant Yoxon. But when comparing Ford trucks, "buyers shouldn't get caught up in the numbers game," he advises. 
The Fiesta is one of the rare cars in which James would prefer the automatic transmission; its six ratios are better suited to the car's motor than the manual's five gears. And while it doesn't unseat the Mini Cooper as the ultimate fun subcompact, the Fiesta is plenty willing to play along if you want to get frisky. 
The roomy, practical Jeep Patriot 4X4 with the optional Freedom Drive II Off-road package is a good alternative to a Jeep Wrangler or compact sport utility vehicle, says Editor, Greg Wilson. But fuel economy isn't great, he notes. 
The compact, six-passenger Mazda5 micro-van received an average used vehicle reliability rating for 2007-2009 models, while 2006 Mazda5s earned a below-average rating from Consumer Reports. Chris Chase outlines the potential trouble areas with links to owner's discussion forums. 
An eleven-day RV vacation in a Gulfstream Conquest Class C motor home "proved a pretty cushy way to dive into the peripatetic lifestyle," says Peter Bleakney. But it was "hardly inexpensive," he notes. 
This all-in-one product plays CDs, has two USB ports (one for your iPod), is Bluetooth/Satellite radio-ready, and costs just $239, reports Paul Williams. But its "appealing price... was soon ratcheted up by several unexpected items," he says. 
Promoted as "The greatest automobile race in the history of the industry," 80,000 fans came to see the first Indianapolis 500 in May, 1911, won by Ray Harroun, driving a yellow Marmon "Wasp" Model 32 single seat race-car. 
Mercedes-Benz is making major changes to its volume-selling V6 and V8 engines to reduce engine vibrations, improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, reports Brian Early from Stuttgart. 
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