Benjamin Yong, Author at The OpenRoad Blog

Welcoming the 2019 Genesis G70

Benjamin Yong on April 19, 2018

Genesis’ first true luxury sport sedan has finally touched down on our side of the pond, joining bigger brothers the G80 and G90. The G70 is offered in no less than six variations, ranging from an Advanced trim featuring the model’s base turbocharged 2.0-litre 252-horsepower engine to the top-of-the-line Sport boasting a 3.3-litre twin-turbo 365 horsepower mill.

Driver-focused

The car was first announced last fall and now as the delivery date draws near, additional information has been made available. Genesis says the G70 will deliver “confidence-inspiring agility” thanks to multi-link independent suspension set up to balance comfort and handling. The hood and other components are also crafted out of aluminum to cut the weight down (1,673 kilograms for Canadian spec) and increase nimbleness.

Stepping into the cabin, occupants will notice a deep seating position designed to keep a low centre of gravity. An optional mechanical limited-slip differential distributes torque to the appropriate wheel when built-in sensors detect a loss of traction. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control are standard, and customers of the 2.0Ts can opt for a slick six-speed manual gearbox and rear rear-wheel drive.

Tailored performance

Once on the road, drivers have at their disposal control over various vehicle dynamics to suit various moods and/or whatever environment they may be facing. Powertrain response, steering feel, engine sound, front/rear bias, and even suspension dampening and automatic side bolster adjustment (3.3T Sport only) are all customizable.

The higher grades benefit from additional performance and cosmetic upgrades such as large 350-millimetre vented brake rotors and Brembo calipers, 19-inch alloy wheels and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

Like the other products in the lineup, the Genesis G70 may be ordered through the brand’s online purchase platform and home delivered via the Genesis at Home concierge service.

Three subcompact SUVs available with standard transmissions

Benjamin Yong on April 17, 2018

honda hr-v manual transmission

The Honda HR-V is available with a five-speed stick shift.

In the auto world, a movement has brewing in recent years known simply as “save the manuals.” In an increasingly CVT, dual-clutch and plain old automatic transmission dominated North American landscape, some manufacturers are still choosing to produce vehicles equipped with standard gearboxes, albeit only on certain models and in limited quantities (hey, we’ll take what we can get.) Surprisingly, it’s not just sports cars that are benefiting from this effort, but even small crossovers like these ones we’ve highlighted below.

BMW Cooper S Clubman ALL4

MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4

For people who don’t need a full-blown crossover yet want more room than a car and all-wheel drive, it doesn’t get much better than the Clubman ALL4. Under the hood, a zippy turbocharged 2.0-litre motor serves up 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, and towards the back there is a load of cargo space behind the second row and of course the signature dual split rear doors.

mini cooper s clubman dash

A six-speed manual is regular equipment, implementing a little electronic wizardry not immediately obvious. A special internal sensor has been outfitted enabling “active engine speed adaptation,” which in plain English means downshifts are automatically rev-matched so transitions to a lower gear are quick and smooth.

mazda cx-3

Mazda CX-3

Mazda’s answer to the subcompact SUV craze is the award-winning CX-3, a vehicle built for urban adventurers. The base trim starting at $19,995 packs in a lot of features for the price including push button start, air conditioning, seven-inch touchscreen display, backup camera and most importantly, a slick shifting six-speed standard gearbox.

2018 honda hr-v

Honda HR-V

Any gearhead will tell you Honda has a reputation for building excellent manual transmissions, which rings true whether we’re talking about the one found in the classic S2000 or the new Civic Type-R.

The technology is proven to trickle down throughout the lineup, because while the HR-V has a CVT option, a six-speed standard tranny belonging to the same lineage is otherwise the norm front-wheel drive grades. The lever clicks into each gear with such precision and tactile feeling — and the fact that it’s mated to a peppy 141-horsepower i-VTEC engine — you almost forget you’re in a subcompact crossover.

Perfect convertibles for all-season driving

Benjamin Yong on April 13, 2018

We’re officially well into spring, but it certainly doesn’t appear that way some days here in the Lower Mainland. So it’s still too early to shop for a convertible, right? The answer is most certainly not, especially if you pick the right vehicle capable of being comfortably used all year round. Here are three picks, all with different features ideal for daily driving.

BMW 4 Series Convertible

Representing the spiritual successor for the two-door 3 Series, the beautiful 4 Series knocked a lot of people’s socks off when it first debuted in 2013. The convertible version released shortly after is no less impressive, utilizing a fully powered, three-piece hardtop that can fully open or close in 20 seconds, and at speeds of up to 11 miles per hour, meaning drivers are ready for rain or shine by simply pushing a button.

The weatherproof top has an advanced headliner designed to soak up noise and provide insulating properties making occupants think they’re in a regular coupé. When stashed in the trunk, a load and unload assistant can pivot the folded roof to accommodate bigger items like luggage or equipment.

You can find the BMW 4 Series Convertible at The BMW Store or BMW Langley.

Audi A5 Cabriolet

The Audi A5 family entered just its second generation a couple of years ago, completely updated and culminating in the new Cabriolet model. The two-plus-two seater comes packaged with a quick 2.0-litre TFSI motor producing 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission or grin-inducing six-speed manual. Although running a soft top, it uses thick thermal fabric and is operable when the car is travelling up to 31 miles per hour.

Audi A5 Cabriolet interior

Most importantly for colder seasons, the automaker’s legendary Quattro full-time all-wheel drive system is standard equipment, which sends power to all four wheels. Grip and traction are always available helping maintain vehicle stability in all road conditions, and especially around corners.

Volkswagen Beetle Coast

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

The roofless VW Bug gains a more robust powertrain for 2018, in the form of a bigger and torquier turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder engine replacing the outgoing 1.8. A Coast trim is all new and comes with a unique Deep Sea Teal exterior paint colour option, surfboard-wood look dashpad, houndstooth cloth-covered seating surfaces and Monster Mats thick rubber floor mats that can contain all the dirt, mud and slush dragged in during the fall and winter.

Other all-season attributes include the quickest articulating top of the bunch, taking only 9.5 seconds to go between the two positions, and a predictable front-wheel drive setup giving those behind the wheel a sense of confidence in inclement weather operation.

New York International Auto Show 2018 round-up

Benjamin Yong on April 10, 2018

Even though the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) takes place at the tail end of the show circuit, it is nevertheless a must-see event for any consumer slash car enthusiast. Established in 1900, the more than a century-old spectacle now takes over four floors in the beautiful downtown Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre with nearly 1,000 cars and trucks on display this year. Read on for three particularly interesting reveals from NYIAS 2018.

genesis essentia concept

Genesis Essentia Concept

People got a taste of what could be a future Genesis high-performance battery electric vehicle when the upscale brand revealed the Essentia Concept, a zero-emissions gran-touring coupe. This EV is guaranteed to turn heads with its low-slung carbon fibre body, flashy butterfly doors and Genesis Quad Lights, which are razor thin, flush mounted laser optical head and tail lamps. A high-density battery pack and multiple electric motors help the Essentia get from 0 to 100 km/h in a flat 3.0 seconds.

2019 toyota rav 4 front

2019 Toyota RAV4

The best-selling vehicle in Toyota’s lineup receives a complete overhaul for the upcoming model year. Wearing the latest signature face revolving around a bold hexagonal grille, the once diminutive SUV is no longer gaining 30 millimetres in wheelbase length, 10 millimetres in width and an extra half-inch in ground clearance.

2019 Toyota Rav4 side

The RAV4 will be sold in two 2.5-litre four-cylinder flavours, both utilizing new Dynamic Force Engine tuning. One runs on pure gasoline, mated to an eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission, and the other is a hybrid driven by a continuously variable transmission. The Japanese automaker is also debuting an available Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive system on the platform significantly improving traction in different environments.

classic mini electric concept

Classic MINI Electric

The BMW Group had one of the most fun world premieres at NYIAS: a fully electric powerplant stuffed into a classic MINI shell. The unique amalgamation is a way of celebrating a commitment to preserving its heritage, and to set the scene for the MINI 3 Door EV due out next year, coinciding with the nameplate’s 60th anniversary. The one-off restoration features dazzling red paint, a contrast white top and yellow MINI Electric badging similar to those on the plug-in Countryman.

OpenRoad's top three picks from Vancouver International Auto Show 2018

Benjamin Yong on April 3, 2018

This year marked the 98th edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS), and as a testament to its growing popularity the event took over the entire Vancouver Convention Centre West for the first time adding 30,000 square-feet of exhibition space. In this post, we’ve rounded up some of the top vehicle debuts that happened at VIAS 2018. Read on.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

A proper hatchback version of the best-selling Corolla finally returns to the Toyota lineup. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture that also underpins the Prius and CH-R, the hatch on display looked stunning painted in a vibrant blue colour. Performance specs have yet to be released but we know it will sport a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force Engine mated to a choice of a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.

2019 Honda Insight

Showgoers got to check out the production version of the third generation Honda Insight, a hybrid model originally introduced back in 1999. Formerly a coupe, the electrified vehicle has been reborn as a premium sedan and shares the same platform as the 10th-generation Civic. The Insight combines a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine and an electric propulsion motor together generating 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of torque, and a fully independent suspension setup ensures the car is as nimble as it is efficient.

2019 BMW X4 front

2019 BMW X4

The second generation BMW X4 made its initial North American appearance at VIAS, bigger and more refined than the outgoing model. The crossover has grown 81 millimetres in length and 37 millimetres in width while dropping three millimetres in overall height resulting in a solid, planted appearance. The signature kidney grille now has a 3-D quality to it, and the thin, horizontal foglamps integrated with the lower air intakes replace the previous round units. A new option for the X4, customers can get an M performance M40i variant putting down 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque via an inline six mill.

2019 BMW X4 rear

MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept returns brand to motorsports roots

Benjamin Yong on March 28, 2018

If you go far back enough through MINI’s timeline, you will discover a past steeped in racing. The BMW Group is trying to rekindle that competitive flame with the John Cooper Works GP Concept design study, a model bred for the track.

“The MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept is all about the unfettered feeling of driving and levels of performance found in motor sport competition,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the BMW AG board of management also responsible for Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad. “This is driving fun in its purest form.”

MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept closeup

Called the “maximum MINI” because of its exaggerated proportions, the model is a larger than life version of the standard variant. For example, the GP possesses a much wider stance thanks to flared fenders, aggressive front and rear lower bumper aprons, deep side skirts and a massive hatch spoiler. Much of the body aero is constructed out of carbon fibre to keep the weight low and the fun factor high.

MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept rear

Designers have created a new take on the signature black and red paint scheme of JCW — the body is dipped in Black Jack Anthracite, which depending on the light changes shades slightly, and the accenting trim is finished in a more vibrant Curbside Red Metallic. The number 0059 stamped into the quarter panel is a reference to the 1959, the year the brand was born.

MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept rollcage

Peer inside the racy vehicle and you’ll notice the cabin is just as serious as the exterior. A roll cage provides reinforcement, surrounding only a pair of bucket seats with five-point safety belts. The instrument cluster is all digital, and is paired with a Head-Up Display feeding the driver important information directly into his or her line of sight so concentration remains on the road whipping by.

MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept interior

While sparse, the interior has still been given a dash of style using smooth leather on the headrests bolsters, a third Highspeed Orange highlight colour on the belt straps and steering wheel stitching, and an interesting 3-D knitting technique used to create the textured central section of the seating.

Range Rover introduces world's first full-size SUV coupe

Benjamin Yong on March 22, 2018

Move over Evoque Convertible, you’ve got some competition in the two-door Range Rover segment: introducing the Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations-designed SV Coupe.

This limited edition model is not only the world’s first full-size SUV coupe, but also the fastest full-size Range Rover produced to date with a 0 to 100 km/h speed of 5.3 seconds and a 265 km/h top speed.

Range Rover SV Coupe front three quarter

“The Range Rover SV Coupe is a celebration of the Range Rover bloodline,” said Land Rover chief design officer Gerry McGovern.

“With a dramatic two-door silhouette, this breath-taking four-seat coupe alludes to its unique heritage while being thoroughly modern and contemporary. Beautifully realized and superbly engineered, the Range Rover SV Coupe delivers the most distinguished, luxurious and exclusive Range Rover ever built.”

Range Rover SV Coupe top

Boasting the same beautiful design features as its stablemates like blacked-out pillars creating the appearance of a floating roof and a rear-tapered upper profile, the coupe adds a few personal touches as well including frameless door glass, the introduction of a 23-inch alloy wheel option and an exclusive liquid metal Liquesence paint finish.

Range Rover SV Coupe interior

Inside, semi-aniline leather front seats finished in a gradated diamond quilt pattern are unique to the SV Coupe. Consumers can select from a range of bespoke cabin colour schemes in either a traditional single tone style or front-to-rear contrast. In addition, there are three wood veneer choices including a new Nautica veneer comprised of a fusion of walnut and sycamore.

Range Rover SV Coupe interior

Those seeking some performance to go with their luxury need look no further — under the hood is a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine delivering a 557 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Although the suspension is more sport focused than other Range Rovers, lower by 8 millimetres, the SUV still comes with the Terrain Response 2 traction system providing grip in virtually all driving conditions, is capable of wading water up to 900-millimetres deep and can tow a maximum 7,716 pounds.

Hand assembled at the SVO Technical Centre in Warwickshire, UK, the Range Rover SV Coupe is limited to 999 units worldwide and starts at $335,000. Deliveries are anticipated towards the end of 2018.

Toyota Prius Prime technology wins AJAC Best Green Innovation award

Benjamin Yong on March 13, 2018

Toyota Prius Prime Best Green Innovation award AJAC

The Toyota Prius Prime uses a unique energy-saving heat pump design helping extend cold-weather driving range by 21 per cent.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Innovation Awards — recognizing the very best examples of new automotive technology available to Canadian drivers — have just been announced, and the winner of Best Green Innovation? A heat pump.

Toyota’s Gas Injection Heat Pump System, to be exact, designed for the automaker’s lineup of electrified vehicles. It reduces the need to rely solely on a gasoline engine or onboard battery to provide heat, the latter significantly cutting down the amount of pure electric range. Traditional heat pumps do not operate in freezing temperatures, however this particular example utilizes what is called a Cyclone Separator integrated valve that bolsters performance and allows operation even in -10 C environments.

“Creating the world’s best-selling family of fuel-efficient, low-emissions hybrid vehicles means developing new, advanced technologies that ensure the ownership and driving experience is the same as that of a conventional automobile,” said Toyota Canada vice president Cyril Dimitris.

Toyota Prius Prime

“The Gas Injection Heat Pump System, a world-first developed for the Prius Prime, helps this plug-in hybrid achieve remarkable range, year-round. We’re honoured that the members of AJAC have recognized our commitment to cleaner motoring with this important award.”

The Prius Prime uses approximately 63 per cent less energy than a traditional heating setup, helping extend the range of the plug-in hybrid by 21 per cent during cold weather driving. First launched in Quebec last year, it is now available to the rest of Canada and has an advertised combined city and highway fuel economy rating of 1.8 Le/100 km.

Sister brand Lexus was also recognized, receiving the Best Safety Innovation award for its Lexus Safety System+, a suite of integrated safety tech such as collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, automatic high-beams, radar cruise control and more.

Toyota Lexus AJAC award winners

Biggest reveals from Geneva Motor Show 2018

Benjamin Yong on March 9, 2018

One of the more extravagant auto shows to make the annual rounds, the 88th Geneva Motor Show did not disappoint this year with huge unveils from the likes of Toyota, BMW, Audi and others. Read on.

Toyota GR Supra Concept

Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept

It seems like people have been talking about a replacement for Toyota’s legendary sports car for ages now, and the Japanese automaker adds fuel to the fire with the debut of the GR Supra Racing Concept. Created by Toyota Gazoo Racing, this two-door, front-engine rear-wheel drive concept is constructed almost entirely out of lightweight composite material. Performance parts by BBS, Brembo and OMP can be found sprinkled throughout the vehicle. The number “90” on the doors is a reference to the “A90” codename for the upcoming fifth-generation version.

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion concept

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion

The latest VW I.D. concept to come out of Wolfsburg is the Vizzion, an autonomous electric vehicle demonstrating what transportation could be like in the year 2030. It’s the first Volkswagen to be built without a steering wheel or pedals — the EV utilizes a “digital chauffeur” that navigates, steers and even automatically sets the climate controls by learning individual occupant preferences. Front and rear electric motors provide all-wheel drive and a combined output of 302 horsepower.

BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe

Showing what is possible with a new BMW lineup flagship model, the company says the “M” in M8 stands for “more,” as in more of everything. The opulent four-door features several design flourishes like gold-coloured kidney grille trim, an aggressive front apron, severely flared fender arches, duckbill-style spoiler and a quad exhaust system. The entire body is sprayed in a Salève Vert colour that changes from green to greyish-blue depending on the light.

Audi A6

After a long seven years since the last redesign, Audi’s executive A6 sedan is about to enter generation five. Sporting sharp, defined body lines indicative of the new styling language also seen on bigger brother the A8, the car will launch in Europe as a 2019 with both a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and a diesel utilizing mild-hybrid technology. A turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder will also be available at a later date.

Tune up: easy auto maintenance for spring

Benjamin Yong on March 2, 2018

For those fortunate enough to live in the warmer regions of Canada, cherry blossoms are already starting to sprout from once-barren tree branches: a sure sign that spring is nearly upon us. To officially welcome the sunnier months ahead, why not give your vehicle a proper spring tune up? Follow this checklist to get your ride running and looking in tip-top shape.

Oil change

After a long season of driving, full of temperature fluctuations, your engine oil has been through a lot and is overdue for a change. If you swapped to thinner viscosity oil for easier cold starts, switch back to whatever the factory recommends for spring/summer. Swing by your dealership and pick up an OEM oil filter for best results, or, if you’d rather let the pros handle it, book an appointment with the service department.

Replace your wipers

Dirty, rain-splattered windshields in the winter mean your wipers have likely been working overtime. The icy mornings can also wreak havoc on the rubber blades making them less effective — you’ll know it when they make that loud, squeaky noise as they streak their way across the glass. It’s an inexpensive and easy item to replace yourself, and while you’re at it, pop the hood and top off the windshield washer fluid.

Inspect brakes and suspension

Constantly slowing down the car in inclement weather can quickly wear down your brake pads and rotors. If it’s been awhile since you’ve had a mechanic look at your braking system, or if you notice any odd sounds or feeling when you step on the pedal, now would be a great time to have it inspected. The same goes for the suspension and alignment that may have been knocked slightly out of whack from driving over all those potholes.

Battery check

Another vital part that can experience a lot of stress during sub-zero conditions is the battery. The chemical reactions that place inside to generate electricity slow down at lower temps, and there is more strain placed on it when starting in a cold environment. Did you know most automotive batteries last between approximately three to five years? Most shops should have the equipment to test the voltage and overall health.

Wash and wax

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t detail your car too often in the winter, if at all. Four-plus months of grime and salt build-up isn’t a pretty sight, so break out the soap, bucket and sponge and give the paint a good once (or twice) over. After the wash, apply a nice coating of automotive wax to seal in the shine and protect the finish. Don’t forget about the interior, either. Dispose of those empty bottles and gum wrappers, vacuum the carpets and wipe down the steering wheel and dash with a damp towel.