OpenRoad Auto Group and Make-A-Wish Foundation gave 9 year-old Dominic and his family a vacation to San Diego in February on his wish to visit the San Diego Zoo. Dominic and his brother had an incredible experience feeding a giraffe.
With gas prices approaching $1.50/litre in Metro Vancouver this summer, the topic of fuel-efficient transportation is on a lot of people’s minds. Fortunately, with modern technology many manufacturers are able to squeeze more performance out of small engines, like Mazda with their subcompact Mazda2, or offer gas-sipping hybrids such as Toyota and their extensive lineup of legendary Prii (yes, that is the official Prius plural term). For the consumer, that means there is something to suit virtually every taste and budget. Below is a look at what’s currently available on the market.
Fuel consumption*: 8.0 L/100 km city, 6.7 highway (manual)
Estimated annual fuel cost*: $1,625
The 100 horsepower produced by the Mazda2’s 1.5-litre engine might not seem like much, but with an impressive power-to-weight ratio and a manual transmission option, expect a lot of fun in the corners as you row through the gears. It’s quite well equipped for its class as well, with standard power door mirrors, locks and windows, MP3-capable head unit, USB inputs and 15-inch wheels. The car will undergo a complete change for the 2015 model year.
Fuel consumption: 8.3 L/100km city, 6.4 highway (automatic)
Estimated annual fuel cost: $1,638
In its second generation and about to enter a third, the Honda Fit has been a popular choice for a wide demographic from budget-conscious students to families looking for an additional car. Like the Mazda2, the engine is also a 1.5-litre but makes slightly more power at 117 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque. Despite its sub-compact form factor, the Fit can still carry plenty of stuff with 585 litres of storage space behind the rear seats. Fold them down and the hatch will swallow up 1,622 L of cargo.
Fuel consumption: 5.5 L/100 km city, 5.8 highway (CVT)
Estimated annual fuel cost: $1,196
Paving the way for entry-level luxury hybrid vehicles to come, Lexus launched the CT 200H a few years back giving consumers the option of being eco-friendly while enjoying upscale features. Refreshed for this year, the front fascia gets the “Spindle Grille” as found on other models across the lineup, the rear spoiler has been redesigned, and the speakers now include bamboo-fibre components. The hatchback is powered by a 1.8 L Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor making 134 net hp.
Fuel consumption: 4.7 L/100 km city, 4.9 highway (CVT)
Estimated annual fuel cost: $968
There can be no discussion of fuel-friendly vehicles without the mention of the Toyota Prius. Available in Canada since 2000, it now comes in four configurations (standard, plug-in hybrid, the smaller “c” and the “v” station wagon) and tops the Natural Resources Canada list for best in-class fuel efficiency year after year. Utilizing Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, it has the same powerplant as the CT 200H that shifts smoothly between gasonline engine and electric motor.
There are just some examples of what you can expect when you walk into any OpenRoad Auto Group dealership in the Lower Mainland, with more on the way! For a full list of vehicles, visit openroadautogroup.com/new-cars.
* Based on the 2014 Natural Resources Canada Fuel Consumption Guide with revised federal testing methodology.
MINI customers and fans were invited to the official launch of the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S at MINI Langley on Thursday April 10th.
Amongst the gastronomic delights and flavoured teas by Railtown Catering, attendees also had the chance to participate in a game to win a weekend drive in a MINI, including a four star luxury hotel stay at Whistler.
Now in its 3rd generation, the MINI Cooper and Cooper S are slightly larger with more creature comforts and more features to accompany the extra inches here and there.
MINI fans at the MINI Langley Open House launch event had the opportunity to sit in this latest model with its extra 1.1 inch in wheelbase, 1.7 inch in width, and 4.5 inch longer length.
Despite these gains, the MINI has not gotten grotesquely larger. Thanks to clever packaging, this all-new model also drives with more presence and security on the road, despite a smallish package that is shorter than the current Honda Fit.
The upgraded materials of the new interior, including more soft touch materials all around, were noticed and appreciated by guests.
The new car is more grown up and substantial without losing its fun-to-drive and funky cabin, as evidenced by a new jukebox-like strip of LEDs around the centre dash that glows various shades of red, green, and yellow depending on the car’s driving mode or what button you’re pushing.
To experience this new car, and possibly the coolest engine Start/Stop button I’ve ever seen, head on down to MINI Langley and check it out for yourself!
Diners had their voices heard online with the Chinese Restaurant Awards 2014, presented by OpenRoad Auto Group. In total, there were 19,612 votes cast for 20 categories decided based on popularity of the dish or as a staple dish in a region in China.
Notable winners included Max Noodle House for Best Wonton Noodles, S&W Pepper House for Best Sichuan Boiled Beef, and Bamboo Grove for Best Honey Garlic Spareribs.
The 6th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards ceremony will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver on April 23, 2014.
Max Noodle House
#185 – 8291 Alexandra Road, Richmond
604-231-8141
S&W Pepper House
6400 No. 3 Road, Richmond
604-304-0118
4500 Kingsway, Burnaby
604-451-3916
Bamboo Grove
6920 No. 3 Road, Richmond
604-278-9585
Dragon Ball Tea House
1007 W King Edward Ave, Vancouver
604-738-3198
Lido Restaurant
#150-4231 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
604-231-0055
Peninsula Seafood Restaurant
#140 – 650 W. 41st Ave, Vancouver
604-428-9999
Peninsula Seafood Restaurant
#140 – 650 W. 41st Ave, Vancouver
604-428-9999
Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant
#150-8888 River Road, Richmond
604-232-0816
The Jade Seafood Restaurant
8511 Alexandra Road, Richmond
604-249-0082
Peaceful Restaurant
#110-532 W. Broadway, Vancouver
604-879-9878
43 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver
604-559-9511
2394 4th Avenue W, Vancouver
(604) 559-9533
Long’s Noodle House
4853 Main St, Vancouver
604-879-7879
Golden Szechuan Restaurant
3631 No. 3 Rd, Richmond
604-288-9058
Lucky Noodle Chinese Restaurant
#3 – 3377 Kingsway, Vancouver
604-430-8818
Bubble World Tea House
7980 Granville St, Vancouver
604-263-6031
#2-3377 Kingsway, Burnaby
604-451-7658
1325 Robson St, Vancouver
604-689-8987
555 North Rd, Coquitlam
604-931-8788
#1136 – 8328 Capstan Way, Richmond
604-232-5222
Landmark Hotpot House
4023 Cambie St, Vancouver
604-872-2868
Old Buddies Seafood Restaurant
#1120-8391 Alexandra Road, Richmond
604-370-4833
Po Kong Vegetarian Restaurant
1334 Kingsway, Vancouver
604-876-3088
Deer Garden Signatures
2015-8580 Alexandra Road, Richmond
604-278-9229
#1118-3779 Sexsmith Road, Richmond
604-278-3779
6270 Fraser Street, Vancouver
604-322-6116
La Patisserie
8278 Granville St, Vancouver
604-269-0002
#2- 6360 No.3 Road, Richmond
604-270-3092
Wah Yuen Noodle House, Yaohan Centre
3700 No. 3 Rd, Richmond
604-231-9080
I must have been dreaming, because when I think back on this past Saturday I remember seeing hundreds of exotic modified cars, the city’s best food trucks, and a stunning view of the NorthShore mountains from the indisputably beautiful Spanish Banks. People tell me I was at the 2014 Revscene Spring Meet. An event which has over a decade-long history of hosting Canada’s largest outdoor automotive get together. And you can bet your biffy that OpenRoad was in attendance.
The event was open to the general public and completely free, with people of all ages welcome to stroll through the many Spanish Banks parking lots featuring everything from a low mileage 1980’s E28 BMW to a modified by MTM Audi R8 V10. From rally-prepped Subaru WRX STI’s to boosted Toyota Supras, the sights and sounds of this year’s meet did not disappoint in the slightest.
Right across from DougieDog’s food truck, and right in the center of the busiest lot, stood OpenRoad Scion with their mighty and unique Rockey Bunny FR-S. Our long time followers may remember that this was the car built to celebrate OpenRoad Scion’s “Number One Scion Dealership in Canada” title one year ago. In addition to allowing visitors oogle the wild Bunny, people were also invited to enter in a contest that would grant the winner a $500 accessory credit at OpenRoad Scion.
A bit later in the day, car clubs began leaving in groups, and the exhaust noises began echoing off of the Spanish Banks hills and into the ears of the appreciative crowd that had weathered the early morning rain and the temptation of visiting the DougieDog food cart for a second time in a row. The fact that this show wasn’t indoors, and that cars were constantly arriving and taking off made it that much more special.
At one point I found myself nearly falling over backwards at the sight of an original Audi RS2 Avant, Audi’s first RS car and a direct collaboration with Porsche, while 20 minutes later I was able to hear the in-line 5-cylinder turbocharged scream away down Northwest Marine Drive.
And that’s probably the best way to sum up the RevScene Spring Meet – it’s Canada’s most involving car show with a serious helping of good food, great people, and a beautiful view. See you there in 2015!
OpenRoad Auto Group is part of Canada’s Best Managed Companies 2014, achieving the honour for the second consecutive year. Its success is attributed to investing in its employees through endeavours such as an in-house leadership development program among other training opportunities encouraging advancement.
“Our greatest asset has always been our people. We believe that through employee development, we can continually find ways to better ourselves as an organization,” explains Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “Our slogan, ‘Open to a better way,’ represents our commitment to offering better guest experiences and finding better ways to do business.”
Empowered employees have shined by offering the best service, unparalleled guest experiences, and comfortable work environment.
OpenRoad was a winner of the award in 2012 and requalified in 2013 to maintain its status. With sales and service in 22 languages, OpenRoad encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. OpenRoad makes up a team of over 600 associates and represents 11 dealerships and 2 body shops. Another 4 dealerships are expected to open by the end of 2015, expanding the Group’s lineup to a total of 14 import brands. Over the years, the organization has been recognized with numerous business awards, as well as a prestigious automotive industry award for outstanding business innovation.
Canada’s Best Managed Companies is the country’s leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in Canadian-owned and -managed companies with revenues over $10 million. Hundreds of copmanies compete for this designation in a rigorous process each year. The award selection process evaluates the calibre of management abilities and practices within a company.
See the full list of requalified winners of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
The Vancouver International Auto show has returned to town! In keeping with the Eco theme that is so on trend this days, there are quite a few electric and hybrid vehicles on this year’s show floor. Here are my top 3 electric and hybrid car picks of the show.
While it may seem like an unlikely top choice, the Camry hybrid is truly what brought affordable hybrid technology to the masses in an unassuming package that didn’t scream “eco” as loudly as a Prius.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Special Edition, unveiled at the 2014 Vancouver auto show, combines the advanced power and fuel efficiency of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive with the popular Camry SE grade’s desirable appearance features.
“Special Editions showcase design and sportiness, and those attending this month’s Vancouver International Auto Show will be among the first in Canada to see the very new, very special edition first hand,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President at Toyota Canada. “But like all Special Editions, these unique versions…will be available in limited quantities – so speak with a Toyota Dealer to get the best selection”.
With an MSRP of $29,540, the Camry Hybrid SE Special Edition is immediately recognizable by its full skirt package, rear spoiler, sport-style grille, and other exterior details.
Inside, the cabin receives unique front sport seats and special sport fabric, a power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, aluminium scuff plates, and more.
For more information on the Camry Hybrid – including the Camry Hybrid SE Special Edition– visit: www.toyota.ca/camryhybrid
One of the most anticipated cars at this year’s autoshow, the i8, a plug-in hybrid 2 + 2 sports car, is supposed to compete with other performance cars in its general price range.
The i8 is a significant vehicle because it is the first plug-in hybrid from BMW Canada and “the world’s most progressive sports car,” as they’ve put it.
With a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic that is 50% lighter than steel and 30% lighter than aluminium, the i8 weighs in at a relatively low overall weight of 3285 pounds.
Powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cyliner gasoline engine, and electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, this is the first BMW hybrid in which different sets of drive wheels are operated by different motors. The gas engine sends power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed auto transmission whereas the electric motor sends power through the front wheels via a 2-stage auto transmission. Combined system output is an impressive 362 hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque.
0-100km/hr sprints are expect to take just 4.4 seconds, and the vehicle has a range of up to 35 kms and a top speed of 120 km/hr on electric power alone.
If you’re a high-tech early adopters/pioneers, or just someone who can afford the latest and greatest , you are likely the perfect customers for this vehicle.
It may not look exactly like a traditional BMW, but for city folks interested in an electric vehicle, the new-age BMW i3 should make a compelling choice.
Conceived from the outset as a dedicated EV, it has seating for four people and a surprising amount of space for both passengers and cargo. The i3 is also sure to turn heads wherever you go.
This rear-wheel drive electric vehicle has a passenger cell made up of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, similar to the i8.
A 168hp electric motor producing 184 ft-lbs of torque sits crossways between the rear wheels along with its 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This layout gives the i3 the added bonus of perfect 50/50 weight distribution similar to other BMWs.
BMW claims that the i3 will reach 100 km/hr in 7.2 seconds and should run on EV power alone for 128 to 161 kms of range.
An optional “range extender” 650cc gasoline engine, which acts as a generator, can add up to another 144 kms to the above EV-only range.
If you’re a fan of electric vehicles (or even if you aren’t), the i3 is truly unique and interesting machine that will give you a glimpse into how a growing number of cars will be built in the future.
The Vancouver International Auto show is at the Vancouver Convention Centre West and is now open daily to the public till Sunday March 30th at 4pm.
From the broadest point of view, the Porsche 911 and the Porsche Cayman are very similar cars. They have 2 doors, a raking roofline, rear-wheel-drive, a trunk in the front, and “Porsche” spelled out on the back. And as of late, they are now both engineered and assembled in Germany. Not that different then. Well not so fast. Once you walk into the dealership, you’ll realize that they aren’t similar at all.
The 911, the daddy, has been around for just over 50 years and has since become an icon of design, pedigree, and motivation. It requires no introduction, and it would be fair to say that it is the most evolved car in the world, with the current generation reaching perfection ever so closely. At Porsche, the mantra has always sounded: “evolution, not revolution,” which couldn’t be summed up any better than by looking at the 911 lineage, from its humble beginnings in 1963 all the way to 2014.
The Cayman on the other hand is, in relative terms, the new kid on the block. And since its recent second generation model debut, which turned the power, handling, and looks dial to full 11, it’s become even more difficult to decide between the classic 911 or the fresh and nimble Cayman. Do you opt for pedigree, GT-type road behavior and a set of rear seats, or do you opt for the grass roots sportscar; engine in the middle, drive to the rear, and no compromises whatsoever? What the Cayman lacks in power it makes up by weighing less. What the 911 lacks in nimbleness it makes up with by being more powerful and practical.
It should be a difficult choice, especially given that the Cayman foregoes the 911’s price premium to make up for the lack in size and pedigree. But from a handling and performance perspective, or in other words, the qualities people look for in a Porsche, they are on relative equal terms. So which one are people picking up? When looking at the 2013 year end sales numbers for both Canada and the US, it’s the 911 – by a long shot. In fact, in both markets, for each Cayman that is sold, three 911s drive off the lot. Looking around town, those numbers seem about right, as spotting a Cayman is nearly as difficult as spotting a limited production Porsche like a GT2 RS or Carrera GT. But why is that so? Let’s examine what makes people opt for the 911 over the Cayman, and let’s find out if these reasons can be justified.
In the case of the Cayman, we can deduce its target audience from Porsche’s motivation behind producing it. The Cayman is the product of Porsche catering to a small but vocal segment of their growing customer base, that demands a no-compromise “entry-level” machine that strikes the right balance between power and weight. A car for the die-hards. Coincidentally, it is also a car aimed at a younger audience – an audience who perhaps isn’t quite ready yet to buy a 911.
Because after all, Porsche is all about brand loyalty. Just ask the next person you see driving a 911. Most likely it wont be their first 911, and even more likely, they’ll tell you a story from their youth about the time they decided that a 911 just had to be the one. But on the flipside, there’s a large, silent group of mature customers who’d happily forego the no compromise, go-kart abilities of the Cayman for a slightly more enjoyable-in-all-conditions 911 with 2 extra seats, and a smidgen more pedigree.
And that last part, the pedigree bit, plays a huge role in the decision on which Porsche to buy, as I’m convinced that the average buyer of a new 991 has at least at one point in their lives, whether 10 years ago or 40 years ago, drooled over a glossy magazine advertisement of a now classic 911 with the promise that one day,… one day they will too join the Porsche family.
At the end of the day, I firmly believe that the choice between 911 or Cayman comes down to your lifestyle. I believe that the people who chose for a 911 generally drive it on a daily basis and therefore appreciate the added practicality of two rear seats. They are generally older than your average Cayman driver and most likely have some connection, and place great importance, on the 911 lineage. They enjoy the finer things in life and have an eye for design. The Cayman driver is, I believe, more adventurous and more performance-oriented. The Cayman will remain tucked away until it’s the weekend and time for some canyon blasts. You’ll find that the Cayman is used less, but when it does get fired up, it’ll go on greater adventures. Perhaps even with a kayak or bicycle strapped to the roof. It’s not that the Cayman driver doesn’t enjoy the finer things in life, it’s just that these things are defined very differently.
If you believe you fit distinctly in one of the two catagories, then I’d like to think I’ve just made your choice for you. However, there’s a great deal of overlap between both the 911 and Cayman’s abilities, and the best advice I could provide is to go test drive them at your local Porsche Centre.
OpenRoad Auto Group is a proud Porsche Premiere dealer of both the Porsche 911, and also the Porsche Cayman at Porsche Centre Langley, and Porsche Now Richmond. Book a test drive for a new Porsche available at OpenRoad Auto Group here.
What would I choose? It would have to be the 911. Why? Because I’m six foot six inches and I’m just a tad too tall to fit in a Cayman. And that’s a real shame.
The Vancouver International Auto Show is returning into town this week and I’ve managed to get my hands on the advance media preview vehicle list. Here are the performance car debuts that I am most excited to see in the flesh at this year’s show!
BMW Canada is making a strong offering of new products this year. The much anticipated M3 sedan and M4 coupe duo will sure to be sure to win the hearts of many BMW fanatics.
Both cars are lighter than their outgoing models and feature a return to the traditional BMW straight-six cylinder design. In this latest iteration, this engine makes 425hp (more than the outgoing V8) but yet sips less fuel.
These cars will do 0-100 km/hr in 4.0 seconds and will be available in late spring 2014 as 2015 models.
A reincarnation of the limited edition 1 Series M coupe that BMW produced in 2011-12, the 2-series is next in the line of compact sport coupes from BMW.
Longer and wider than the 1-series coupe, this little pocket rocket makes 322hp/332 ft-lbs of torque from its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. Inside, the cabin has been upgraded and the new car should no longer feel like it plays second fiddle to its bigger 4-series sibling.
The 7th generation of this iconic hot hatchback makes its regional debut at this year’s auto show. Longer in wheelbase and overall length, there is more space inside and the interior décor, while familiar is also completely updated.
A new platform called MQB is both lighter and stronger than before, making this car a sure fire winner with hot hatch fans and VW fanatics alike.
The Vancouver International Auto Show opens to the public from Tuesday noon on March 25th, 2014 till Sunday March 30th.
Stay tuned for more auto show top picks (in different categories) over the next couple of days!
The Vancouver International Auto Show is returning into town this week and I’ve managed to my hands on the advance media preview vehicle list. Here are my top 3 supercar unveilings that I am most excited for at this year’s show!
There’s just something that I love about an uber fast large luxury super sports sedan, and Audi is an expert in this category.
The 520hp 2015 Audi S8 makes its regional debut at this year’s autoshow. Like the more pedestrian A8, it receives some stylistic nips and tucks to both the exterior and interior, along with the expected technology upgrades. Pay particular attention to its amazing new Matrix LED headlights!
Unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the much anticipated plug-in hybrid supercar has finally made its way (in production form) to Vancouver!
This car was first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision EfficientDynamics, and made its silver screen debut in Mission Impossible 4 (part of which was filmed in Vancouver) with Tom Cruise.
With a 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an expected all-electric range of 37 kms, BMW conservatively estimates a 0-100 km/hr time of 4.4 seconds. A 3-cylinder 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo range extender engine eliminates pure electric car range anxiety. When combined with the eDrive technology the system produces a whopping 362hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque.
The everyday driving range of the i8 with a full tank of gas and a full charged battery is expected to be more than 500 kms in COMFORT mode.
Now this is something ultra-special and I’ve saved the best for last. McLaren has chosen this year’s Vancouver International Auto Show as the place for its North American unveiling of their latest model, the 650S.
Sandwiched in between the 12C and the ridiculously awesome hybrid super supercar P1, the all-new McLaren 650S is not exactly your average middle child.
This midrange model from the British exotic car manufacturer is the brand’s latest bid to compete with Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari at the top of the supercar league.
While the 650S also has a carbon-fibre MonoCell backbone like the 12C, it has been tweaked to shave some extra weight. The 650S’s additional changes and improvements required fitting 25% new components versus the 12C.
With the 641hp/500 ft-lbs of torque from its 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 able to catapult the car from 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds, this latest British supercar is something that you will not want to miss at this year’s show!
The Vancouver International Auto Show opens to the public from Tuesday noon on March 25th, 2014 till Sunday March 30th.
Stay tuned for more of auto show top picks (in different categories) over the next couple of days!
