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Top three minivans for parents

Benjamin Yong on September 20, 2017

As September has rolled around, parents will once again be turning into a transportation service for their kids taking them to school, band practice and wherever else their extracurricular activities will take them. With their sliding doors and plethora of other modern conveniences, there is still no better vehicle to accomplish the task than the minivan. Below are three models that deserve some special attention.

2018 Toyota Sienna

2018 Toyota Sienna

A perennial favourite, the Toyota Sienna just received a brand new powertrain last year. It consists of a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, rated at 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which was an upgrade from the previous six-speed.

For 2018, the seven seater (or eight, depending on configuration) receives Toyota Safety Sense P pre-collision safety system across all trims. The front grille and foglight recesses have been enlarged and side sill rockers added for extra swag points. There are now five USB ports in the cabin for charging electronics, and Limited grade owners enjoy a 360-degree Bird’s Eye View camera.

2017 Mazda5

2017 Mazda5

This mini-minivan provides an option for those who would like a family vehicle with a slightly smaller footprint. Mazda calls the six-passenger Mazda5 a “Multi-Activity Vehicle” with lots of neat features not commonly found in the segment, like the availability of a six-speed manual transmission and fold-out storage trays inspired by bento boxes stashed underneath the second row sliding/reclining captain’s chairs.

2018 honda odyssey

2018 Honda Odyssey

It’s true, the redesigned 2018 Odyssey has been covered in a previous post, but we simply couldn’t leave out this modernized offering from Honda. Unique technologies make it easy for parents to keep tabs on their little passengers in the back.

For example, CabinWatch relays real-time images from an interior camera pointed at the rear seats to the eight-inch infotainment screen, and CabinTalk allows the driver to speak to people sitting in the second and third row through the stereo speaker system or rear entertainment headphones.

Top new cars for students going back to school

Benjamin Yong on September 9, 2017

The month of September can mean only one thing: back to school. That means many students (and parents) will be shopping for a set of wheels that is safe, economical and of course, looks fantastic. The news is that manufacturers have been busy putting the finishing touches on refreshing favourites like the Toyota Prius c and Honda Fit.  These are our top picks for this year’s latest back-to-school rides.

2018 Toyota Prius c

2018 Toyota Prius c

The smallest hybrid in the Toyota lineup gets some fresh duds for the 2018 model year. The front and rear fascias have been facelifted leaving the hatchback looking the sportiest it’s been since being introduced in 2012. The headlamps are more contoured, and black aero strakes surround the foglamps. In addition, a new lower front spoiler and a hatch wing have been fitted for better airflow.

Interior pieces like the instrument panel, air conditioning controls and steering wheel have also been redesigned. A backup camera is now standard making entering and exiting parking spots a cinch. Under the hood, the familiar Hybrid Synergy Drive continues to provide a stellar 5.1 L/100 km fuel economy rating.

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

How do you make the already great VW Golf even greater? By turning it completely electric, that’s how. The EV version of the popular compact is finally available in Canada and boasts a 35.8 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery, which allows a maximum travel distance of up to 200 kilometres on a single charge. The e-Golf receives the same styling changes found on the gasoline models like LED lighting, revised bumpers and an upgraded infotainment system.

2018 Honda Fit Sport

2018 Honda Fit

Recently pulling in to showrooms this summer, Honda has added a Sport trim to the Fit family. The new addition adds 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 inside features an all-black interior with orange stitching.

Both manual and CVT (automatic) transmissions are offered, the latter includes the Honda Sensing suite of collision mitigation and driver assistance technologies. 

OpenRoad gets personal with Todd Talbot, Co-host of Love It or List it Vancouver At OpenRoad Toyota Richmond

OpenRoad Auto Group on July 10, 2017

JULY 10, 2017 (RICHMOND, B.C.) – B.C.’s largest automotive retail group is getting personal with one of Canada’s hottest TV personalities – Todd Talbot, the co-host of Love It or List It Vancouver. OpenRoad Auto Group recently partnered with Talbot to produce a series of videos profiling Talbot and his new Toyota Tacoma from OpenRoad Toyota Richmond as part of a social media campaign being rolled out this week.

“You couldn’t get a better or more genuine spokesperson for your brand,” said Christian Chia, President & CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “Todd has been a long time customer of ours at MINI Yaletown, so we’re delighted to extend our relationship in this way to showcase his personal side and demonstrate how his OpenRoad vehicle fits into his lifestyle.”

The first video is titled “73 Questions with Todd Talbot” which features Talbot walking through OpenRoad Toyota Richmond while answering rapid fire questions and performing celebrity impressions and showing off his dance moves. OpenRoad will release a second video showcasing Talbot in the Toyota Tacoma later this month, followed by another series featuring another vehicle in early 2018.

The partnership between OpenRoad and Talbot also includes his work as an emcee at OpenRoad’s annual charity golf tournament and social media posts from Talbot directly which will highlight the diversity of his vehicle for his work and lifestyle as a TV host, a realtor, renovator and a family man.

“Like most people, I’m really busy between working, moving, renovating, and being a dad, so the Tacoma plays a big role in my daily routine,” said Talbot. “I look forward to sharing a glimpse behind-the-scenes, and I hope our friends on social media will come along for the ride!”

 

 

Interviews with OpenRoad spokespeople and high-resolution photos are available upon request. 

ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO GROUP
OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1,000 associates representing 18 quality automotive brands at 22 full-service car dealerships. Established In 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group offers car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. OpenRoad is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards. openroadautogroup.com

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Tanis Sullivan
604-230-8008
tanis@tanissullivan.com

A Night to Support The Pacific Autism Family Centre

Chris Eastwood on January 25, 2017

OpenRoad Toyota Port Moody and Puzzled Jewelry have teamed up to present A Night to Support the Pacific Autism Family Centre on February 18, 2017. The second annual event will be filled with music, food, drinks, dancing and casino fun, all with the purpose of raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a highly complex developmental condition that targets typical brain growth. ASD is characterized by communication difficulties, social behavioural challenges, and repetitive behaviour. ASD is believed to be a lifespan disorder that affects 1 in 68 children.

OpenRoad proudly supports the work of Patricia James, Keri Kennett and Debbie Sui, all of whom came together to create Puzzled Jewelry after autism diagnoses that affected each of their boys. Puzzled  Jewelry is a brand with a cause, offering unique puzzle piece jewelry designs that represent autism awareness, made with high quality sterling silver. Proceeds from the sales of their jewelry go towards the Pacific Autism Family Centre, which provides individuals and their families with resources for their children.

OpenRoad sees the importance in supporting organizations such as Puzzled Jewelry and working towards a common goal – to spread awareness and advance research for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Each year Puzzled Jewelry creates a unique item to build awareness for autism. This year Puzzled Jewelry has released special sterling silver puzzle piece earrings available for sale at all London Drugs location throughout BC, and various locations in Alberta, from February 27th to March 31st 2017. All proceeds will go to the PAFC.

Tickets are limited and can be bought online, to purchase tickets for the event or to learn more about Puzzled Jewelry please click here: https://tricitiesbc.snapd.com/#/events/view/1015018