Car reviews and ratings: CanadianDriver This Week

Canada's Online Auto Magazine

www.canadiandriver.com

Monday, November 29, 2010

If you can't view this newsletter, you can read it online at www.canadiandriver.com/archive/newsletter/2010/11/101129.htm.

New on CanadianDriver

First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg by Greg Wilson

Starting at $48,440, the redesigned 2011 VW Touareg is better looking, roomier, and more capable than its predecessor, reports editor, Greg Wilson, who tests its winter capabilities at minus 29 degrees in Banff, Alberta.

First Drive: 2011 Dodge Charger by Paul Williams

Increased horsepower and revised styling aside, "the big surprise was the almost European sport sedan-like handling of this big, rear-drive car... and the smoothness of the new V6 engine under the hood," says Paul Williams of the new Dodge Charger.

Test Drive: 2011 Subaru WRX Sedan by Haney Louka

For 2011, the Subaru WRX sedan is treated to the same aggressive flared bodywork that's been an STi trademark, reports Haney Louka. The WRX is "always a willing partner," he says. "It's eager, it's slick, and it's very, very quick."

Test Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by Peter Bleakney

This $198,000 two-seat rear-drive sports car from the denizens of speed at AMG is "gloriously, and unapologetically, retro – in a very modern way," says Peter Bleakney. "Its formidable performance is easily accessible," he reports.

Used Vehicle Review: Dodge Caravan, 2001-2007 by Chris Chase

If you can find a sweet deal on a plum Caravan among all the stinky prunes, go for it, and stash the money for that rainy day when the transmission, or some other pricey component, requires attention, says Chris Chase.

Feature: Chrysler rolls out new vehicles for 2011, Part two by Paul Williams

Last week, we revealed half of Chrysler's new-for-2011 vehicle line-up. This week, we take a close look at the new 2011 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 200, and Chrysler Town & Country.

Feature: TOMCAR UTV by Russell Purcell

Originally designed for military use, the TOMCAR utility vehicle is designed to take severe punishment while keeping the passengers comfortable over rough terrain, reports Russell Purcell. It's both overbuilt and easy to maintain, he notes.

Motoring Memories: Mercedes-Benz 300 and 300S, 1952-1958 by Bill Vance

Introduced at the Frankfurt auto show in April 1951, the Mercedes-Benz 300 sedan "immediately established itself in the top class of European luxury cars," says auto historian, Bill Vance. The stylish and expensive 300S convertible was a favourite of celebrities.

Auto Tech: Slippery roads by Jim Kerr
Nowadays, ABS, traction control and stability control are standard equipment on most vehicles. Technical Editor, Jim Kerr examines how the work and how they help both inexperienced and experienced drivers.

Steering You Right: Caught by a cell phone camera by Jordan W. Charness
While trying to get her car out of a tight parking space, a driver backed into the car behind her, then left without leaving a note. Unfortunately for her, the whole scene had been videotaped on a cell phone.

What's New
Every day CanadianDriver features a new 2011 vehicle from our 2011 Buyer's Guide. This week:

In the news this week
Top headlines on CanadianDriver this week included:

Fiat plans to build U.S.-based cars in Europe

Expect a nasty winter: Weather Network

GM invests in three U.S. manufacturing sites

First Fiat 500 models sell out in Canada

Montreal, Toronto among the worst for congestion

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.

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Coming up*
November 29 - December 5, 2010

Monday
Test Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet, by Jil McIntosh

"You take your open-roof days whenever you can find them," says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who found the Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet's special seat-mounted heating system just the ticket. It handles cooler days "in comfort and in style," she says.

Steering You Right: Stop the car!, by Jordan W. Charness
What's New: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Tuesday
Test Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX Long-term test, Part four, by Grant Yoxon
Book Review: Weekend Projects for Your Mustang, 2005-Today, by Dan Sanchez; and Weekend Projects for Your Classic Corvette 1953-1982, by Tom Benford; review by Russell Purcell
What's New: 2011 Ford Fusion

Wednesday
Feature: Nissan's bold new designs, by Paul Williams
Day-by-Day Review: 2011 Infiniti M37, by James Bergeron
Auto Tech: 50 = 37? by Jim Kerr
What's New: 2011 Lincoln Navigator

Thursday
Used Vehicle Review by Chris Chase
Modern Classics: Ford Focus SVT, 2002 - 2004, by Jeff Burry
What's New: 2011 Volvo XC90

Friday
Feature: GM's new fuel-efficient models, by Jil McIntosh
Motoring Memories: Lotus Europa, 1966-1975, by Bill Vance
What's New: 2011 Chevrolet HHR

... and, of course, Canadian automotive news updated daily Monday to Friday

*Schedule subject to change