Add a Toyota Genuine Dash Camera to your Toyota vehicle
This factory made and installed dashcam can record road trip memories, provide parking surveillance and much more.
Fifth-generation 2019 Toyota Avalon full size-sedan now available
Rather than shy away from selling sedans, Toyota is going all-in and has just released a brand new version of the Avalon.
AJAC EcoRun 2018 showcases latest green vehicles
This year’s EcoRun featured 19 green vehicles and several hundred kilometres of driving through New Brunswick. Photos by Benjamin Yong.
The wave of pure electric, hybrid and other fuel efficient vehicles continues to get bigger, as evidenced by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada seventh annual EcoRun event held in June.
Taking place for the first time in Atlantic Canada, the intention of EcoRun is to showcase the newest green wheels on sale in dealerships, as well as comparing real-world fuel consumption to statistics published by manufacturers and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
“It’s a true joy to be in Moncton today, as this event wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago. New Brunswick has obviously embraced eco-friendly vehicles with a lot of charging infrastructure throughout — it’s been the fastest growing electric vehicle market in the country, and one that’s fully connected,” says co-chair David Miller, referencing the availability of not only Level 2 but also Level 3 fast chargers capable of bringing battery energy level from zero to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
“But this event isn’t just about pure electrics and plug in hybrids. Automakers are doing an admirable job in lowering fuel economy throughout their product lineups, and that’s despite a lot more SUVs and trucks.”
Indeed, the segments represented ran the gamut and included a total of 19 entries comprised of subcompacts, full-size sedans, crossovers and even a minivan. Journalists were assigned six models each, one for every leg of the 570-kilometre journey taking participants from the starting point in Moncton, through several cities, and eventually to Fredericton. Below are three standout examples I had a chance to drive over two days.
2018 Lexus LS 500h
Lexus’ flagship entered its fifth generation this year, more luxurious than any iteration previous. The hybrid version is especially cutting edge, using a powertrain derived from the LC 500h coupe combining a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline mill and two electric motors to produce a net 354 horsepower.
NRCan rates the LS 500h at 9.1 L/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 8.0 L/100 km.
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Plus
The plug-in was the third and final piece to arrive in Hyundai’s trio of Ioniq cars that also feature standard hybrid and pure electric offerings. The 1.6-litre internal combustion engine and electric motor are mated to a sporty six-speed double-clutch transmission with optional paddle shifters, giving a bit of an extra kick to the combined 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque output. In zero emissions mode, this Ioniq can travel nearly 50 kilometres on a full charge.
NRCan rates the plug-in at 3.35 Le/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 3.0 Le/100 km.
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Transformed from sensibly styled to sexy new four-door for 2018, the Camry is lower and wider than before and highlighted by a fresh lower grille dominating most of the front fascia. The next-gen Toyota Hybrid System and 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine work together to generate 208 total horsepower, and a continuously variable transmission boasts a sport setting that can use battery reserves to boost performance.
NRCan rates the Camry Hybrid at 5.1 L/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 4.8 L/100 km.
Overall, among all the vehicles journalists managed to achieve an average of 1.59 L/100 km better than NRCan’s official numbers.
Top three cars for new graduates
For many, the end of June not only marks the official start of summer, but also school graduation. Whether you are a former student shopping for that first brand new, affordable set of wheels or a parent looking for a safe and economical vehicle to gift a child, there is no shortage of fantastic products on the market to suit every need. We’ve rounded up three of our favourites here.
2018 Honda Fit Sport (starting at $20,890)
The third-generation Honda Fit was given a major overhaul this year, highlighted by the addition of a Sport trim. The special model has some exterior garnishes such as an orange-frosted splitter underneath the nose of the car, side skirts and a rear bumper diffuser, as well as 16-inch gloss black wheels. The cabin is draped in all-black interior with orange stitching.
Both fun to drive manual and efficient CVT (automatic) transmissions are offered, the latter bundling the Honda Sensing suite of collision mitigation and driver assistance technologies.
Honda Canada’s Graduate Program helps recent graduates lease a car with little to no credit history. Read more about their program here and contact OpenRoad Honda for details.
2018 Toyota Prius c ($23,960)
The smallest hybrid in the Toyota lineup gets some fresh duds for 2018. Designers have changed up the front and rear fascias leaving the hatchback looking its sportiest since being introduced in 2012. The headlamps are more contoured, black aero strakes surround the foglamps and an installed lower front spoiler and hatch wing promote better airflow.
Interior pieces like the instrument panel, air conditioning controls and steering wheel have been updated as well. A backup camera is now standard making reversing a much more easier and hazard-free affair. Under the hood, the familiar Hybrid Synergy Drive continues to provide a stellar 5.1 L/100 km fuel economy rating. All Prius c’s receive the Toyota Safety Sense package encompassing lane departure warning, automatic high beams and more.
Toyota Canada offers special incentives to recent grads with their Graduate Program. Contact OpenRoad Toyota to learn more.
2018 Volkswagen e-Golf (38,125)
How do you make the already great VW Golf even greater? By making it completely electric (say farewell to costly gas bills!). The EV version of the popular compact finally arrived in Canada in 2017 and boasts a high-capacity 35.8 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery, allowing a maximum travel distance of up to 200 kilometres on a single charge.
The e-Golf — which is eligible for the B.C. Clean Energy Vehicle $5,000 rebate — features the same styling changes found on the gasoline variants, for example LED lighting, revised bumpers and an upgraded infotainment system, and each one is equipped with Volkswagen’s Park Distance Control. Also known as ParkPilot, the technology uses ultrasonic sensors mounted in the bumpers to monitor an area up to five feet in each direction, and issues audible and visual alerts when approaching an object while manoeuvring at speeds of 15 km/h or less.
Volkswagen Canada offers rebates to recent graduates, learn more here and contact OpenRoad VW for details.
Club OpenRoad
Did you know Club OpenRoad members are able to transfer their points to other people in their family who are vehicle shopping? Points can be redeemed for discounts of up to $2,500 off a purchase across 16 new car brands or 500-plus used cars. Check your current balance at clubopenroad.ca.
Not a member yet? Anyone can join and there is no fee. Earn 15 per cent back anytime your vehicle is serviced at any OpenRoad dealership. Other perks include exclusive invites to launch events, driving clinics, and free parking at Grouse Mountain.
To enroll, simply visit an OpenRoad location, call 1-800-859-9820 or visit us online at clubopenroad.ca.
Beijing Auto Show 2018 gets electrified
With over 200 million cars on the road in China, it is represents the largest auto market in the world. Unsurprisingly as a result, greenhouse gas emissions are a major issue. At the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, vehicle manufacturers tried to offer up solutions in the form of fresh hybrid and electric options. We take a look at three of them in today’s blog post.
BMW Concept iX3
Recently, BMW has really ramped up its plug-in portfolio, offering models like the 330e, 530e, X5 Xdrive40e and, of course, the i3 and i8. In China, the company announced its first zero-emissions SUV: the Concept iX3, which introduces the fifth generation of eDrive technology. The 270-horsepower electric motor, transmission and electronics are all bundled in a separate compartment to optimize weight, performance and space.
The crossover wears a reinterpreted and sealed kidney grille, and unlike other concepts, looks remarkably road ready. A high-voltage battery yields an estimated driving range of more than 400 kilometres.
Honda Everus EV Concept
Looking a little like an HR-V from another world, this concept teases the first mass-production EV by Honda for Chinese consumption. No specs have been released, but the car is expected to land in dealerships before the end of the year. The automaker has also revealed car-sharing plans for the Everus through a partnership with China-based business Reachstar.
Toyota Corolla PHEV
A plug-in version of the Corolla is bound for the PRC in the near future, part of Toyota’s bid to have 10 new electrified on sale there before 2021 — the Prius, Corolla Hybrid and six other hybrid Lexus vehicles are currently already available. The PHEV sedan can travel approximately 50 kilometres off the battery alone, and is rumoured to utilize a 1.8-litre gasoline engine for additional assistance.
New York International Auto Show 2018 round-up
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
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 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.
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
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
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
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.
Toyota Prius Prime technology wins AJAC Best Green Innovation award
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.
“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.
Biggest reveals from Geneva Motor Show 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 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
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.
Concept cars from Canadian International Auto Show 2018
The 2018 Canadian International Auto Show is in full swing right now at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and this year it’s all about the concepts. Here are a trio of big ones from three different manufacturers.
MINI Electric Concept
Not even a year after MINI released its first production plug-in hybrid, the Countryman PHEV, the brand has introduced a fully electric concept. Looking like a futuristic Cooper, much of the grille has been smoothed over to reflect to reflect the removal of the internal combustion component. The body sports special aerodynamic pieces, unique badging and “Striking Yellow” paint accents for differentiation. A production version is scheduled for 2019.
Infiniti Project Black S Concept
A collaborative project between Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula One Team — a partnership that has existed since 2016 — Project Black S is a racy reimagination of the Q60 Coupe. Finished in a menacing matte grey, the designers have blacked out all the chrome found on the standard Q60, such as on the front bumper and door pillar surrounds, and utilized healthy amounts of carbon fibre in fabricating the exterior parts. Under the sheet metal, an Energy Recovery System recoups unspent electricity to boost power and torque output.
Toyota i-TRIL Concept
This environmentally friendly compact EV is the product of Toyota Motors Europe and affiliate ED² design studio based in Nice, France. Intended for those living in a so-called SMESTO (small to medium-sized town), the one-plus-two seater uses Active Lean Technology, which allows the front wheels to lean to one side during cornering similar to a motorcycle, while the rear pair stays perpendicular to the road. This allows a super tight turning radius with no physical discomfort to the passengers. The i-TRIL can travel more than 200 kilometres on a single charge and is operable in manual or autonomous modes.
