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Top three cars for new graduates

OpenRoad Auto Group on June 20, 2018

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

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

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

Benjamin Yong on May 14, 2018

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 front

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.

BMW Concept iX3

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

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.

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.

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

AJAC finalists for Canadian Car/Utility Vehicle of the Year announced

Benjamin Yong on January 29, 2018

This year, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) chose the Montreal International Auto Show to announce its finalists for the Canadian Car of the Year program. The vehicles chosen, below, were among many 2018 models across multiple segments that have been thoroughly tested by nearly 100 journalists — scored on factors like performance, technology, fuel economy and much more — over the last several months. Here is more on some of the notable category winners.

2018 Volkswagen e-Golf white

Best City Car in Canada for 2018: Volkswagen e-Golf

It’s easy to see why the electric version of the legendary Golf was bestowed with this honour — a massive 35.8-kilowatt-hour battery gives the zero-emissions hatchback a 200-kilometre range, and the motor outputs 134 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of near-instant torque for guaranteed fun, fuel-free driving.

2018 Mazda3

Best Small Car in Canada for 2018: Mazda3

The current-generation Mazda3, featuring the head-turning KODO design and efficient SKYACTIV engineering, has garnered no shortage of accolades, and now chalks up one more on the list. The agile car returns with a truly class-leading looking and feeling interior, full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies and an affordable starting price tag of $15,900.

2018 Honda Accord

Best Large Car in Canada for 2018: Honda Accord

What a year for the ’18 Accord, already having been named the North American Car of the Year and now the Best Large Car in Canada. Rebuilt from the ground up, the sedan is lighter and more rigid than before, touts a more streamlined body shape, runs on a one of two turbocharged VTEC engines and introduces a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is a world’s first for a front-wheel drive vehicle.

2018 Jaguar F-TYPE

Best Premium Sports-Performance Car in Canada for 2018: Jaguar F-TYPE

Anyone who has laid eyes on the beautiful Jaguar F-TYPE can tell the sports car is award winning without even having to do any research. To be specific, the coupe/roadster, available in both supercharged V6 and V8 form, has netted 160 awards worldwide since the original 2012 launch, according to the company. Small improvements have been made for the latest edition such as a new Touch Pro fast response infotainment system, full-LED headlights, refreshed front bumper and lightweight “slimline” seating.

2018 Range Rover Velar

Best Small Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2018: Range Rover Velar

The forth member to join the Range Rover family, the Velar brings a level of elegance and minimalism never quite seen before from the brand (just look at those flush-deployable door handles). From a capability standpoint, however, it’s business as usual. The mid-size SUV boasts a 558-litre luggage compartment, Terrain Response 2 traction aids, Advanced Tow Assist functionality and a choice between a 180-horsepower diesel and 380 horsepower gasoline engine.

Honda's 2018 Clarity Plug-in boasts 76 kilometre pure electric range

Benjamin Yong on January 15, 2018

2018 Honda Clarity front

This new class-leading plug-in hybrid from Honda finally made its way to Canada last month.

Another electric mobility solution arrived in the Honda Canada camp last month: the 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid. It’s claim to fame? A zero emissions range of up to 76 kilometres, which is the highest in its class.

2018 Honda Clarity engine bay

Like the Honda Accord Hybrid, this Clarity utilizes a two-motor hybrid setup consisting of a combination 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder internal combustion engine and starter/generator electric motor, paired with an additional high-output propulsion motor. The former is largely responsible for either providing electricity to the latter that then drives the front wheels, or to recharge the onboard 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Together, the system produces a net 212 horsepower.

2018 Honda Clarity range

Depending on the road conditions, the sedan automatically switches between three modes. In EV Drive, only pure electricity is used. Hybrid Drive uses the engine in a generator capacity, as mentioned above. In Engine Drive, kicking in during medium to high speeds or heavy loads, gasoline becomes the primary power source. When operating under normal conditions, a maximum range of nearly 550 kilometres and fuel consumption rating of 2.1 Le/100 km is possible.

2018 Honda Clarity side

To help achieve these impressive numbers, a number of smart aerodynamic features were implemented. First off, the Clarity was designed to have a sleek, low drag shape. Fully functional front inlets reduce airflow under the hood, and similar ducting in the front fenders and rear doors redirect air to move smoothly over the wheels. Specially shaped C-pillars reduce vortexes forming at the rear of the car, and even the tail light lenses are made with a washboard-like surface to optimize air movement.

2018 Honda Clarity interior

Another benefit such drag-reducing engineering is less noise. On top of that, there have been numerous measures taken to give occupants a quiet ride experience. Both the windshield and front door glass are acoustically laminated, and there are noise-insulating materials installed under the hood, instrument panel and floor as well as inside the wheel wells. The rear suspension bushings are also liquid filled to aid in this effort.

2018 Honda Clarity badge

The 2018 Honda Clarity starts at $39,000 and tops out at $43,900 for the Touring trim. A maximum $5,000 rebate is available via the Clean Energy Vehicle for BC government incentive program.

2018 Honda Clarity rear

Best car tech from CES 2018

Benjamin Yong on January 11, 2018

CES

CES is the biggest trade show of its kind in the world, with the spotlight on automotive innovation growing larger each year.

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is on right now in Las Vegas, highlighting the latest and greatest innovations in consumer gadgetry. In recent years, cars have taken up greater exhibition space as the lines between auto and tech become increasingly blurred — CES itself describes the event as “a turbocharged Detroit,” taking a small jab at the Motor City’s big show taking place immediately after. Have a peek at some of the top reveals from 2018.

Toyota e-Palette

Toyota e-Palette Concept

This self-driving battery electric concept vehicle is designed as a customizable, and scalable, mobile solution for businesses. Indeed, Toyota has already announced partnerships with the likes of Amazon, Mazda, Uber and Pizza Hut (think autonomous pizza baking and delivery). The e-Palette will be open source so partner companies can implement their own driving systems tailored to specific needs. Real world testing is planned for 2020.

Honda 3E-D18

Focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence at this year’s CES, Honda showed off the 3E-D18, an autonomous AI-enabled off-road device designed to support people in a broad range of work activities. The product of Honda R&D Americas, the 3E-D18 is powered by an electric drivetrain and is modular, meaning it can be outfitted with a variety of attachments to make tasks like search and rescue, fire fighting and agriculture safer and more efficient.

Toyota Platform 3.0

Lexus LS 600hL Platform 3.0

Although the above long wheelbase hybrid LS doesn’t necessarily look like the newest automated driving research vehicle produced by the Toyota Research Institute, dubbed Platform 3.0, that’s kind of the point. One of the goals of the project was to engage “intelligent minimalism,” eliminating the unattractive bolt-on equipment commonly seen on such test cars. The sensors and cameras have all been hidden as much as possible, for example some being relocated into available space in the sunroof compartment.

Toyota Platform 3.0 Lexus LS 600hL

Despite the streamlined appearance, the advanced sedan features long-range 200-metre perception in 360 degrees.

Cutting edge concepts at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

Benjamin Yong on November 23, 2017

Honda Sports EV rear

This Honda Sports EV concept was one of many beautifully designed examples unveiled at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show.

Next-level design is what the 2017 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show is all about. We’ve rounded up the boldest of the bunch in the form of concept cars currently on display until Nov. 5 at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre.

Mazda Kai concept

Mazda Kai

Embodying a more evolved form of the KODO design language, this smoothed over compact hatchback might very well be a next-gen Mazda3. Though the slammed suspension and massive wheels likely wouldn’t make their way through production if that really were the case, the combination certainly looks awesome on the concept.

Honda Sports EV front

Honda Sports EV

Remember the boxy Urban EV Concept debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show a few months ago? The Sports EV Concept is the squashed and stretched out fastback version, clearly influenced by iconic Hondas of old such as the S600 Coupe. Don’t hold your breath on picking one up if it’s made however, unless you already live in Japan.

Toyota GR HV Sports

With borrowed elements from the TS050 Hybrid created for the World Endurance Championship auto racing series, the GR HV Sports is purposed as an eco-friendly sports car for the street. Sprayed matte black, this partially electric two-door features a targa top, rear-wheel drive and transmission selection buttons uniquely mounted in series on the centre stack.

Mazda Vision concept

Mazda Vision Coupe

The Hiroshima-based manufacturer makes this list twice with a second unveil at the show: the Vision Coupe, which, surprise, is actually a full-length sedan. It’s considered to be of the same lineage as the RX-Vision concept from 2015 and is meant to show off just how aesthetically appealing Mazda can make a vehicle. The exterior styling is called “one motion,” intended to evoke a sense of elegant speed.

Restyled 2018 Honda Accord features cool looks and three new powertrains

Benjamin Yong on July 19, 2017

The all-new 2018 Honda Accord is quite a design departure from the previous generation.

Honda’s surprised a lot of people lately, in a good way, offering adventurous redesigns of models across their segment range including the new series of Civics, the Odyssey and the Ridgeline. It’s now the Accord’s turn, with the 2018 example set to be a quite a drastic departure, especially aesthetically, from previous.

The mid-size sedan now embodies a fastback shape and is packaged in a slightly wider (+10 millimetres) shell. However, it is 10 millimetres shorter in length than before, and sits 15 millimetres lower. Wheelbase and wheel track have been pushed out further, giving a more refined stance and lower centre of gravity, as well as maximizing passenger space and stretching out legroom by an impressive amount.

2018 Honda Accord front fascia

One of the most striking details found at the nose of the car, where below the signature winged chrome grille is a gaping central air intake. Everything from the hood, which possesses a slightly raised centre section, to the smooth door panels and upswept trunk lid make this the slipperiest Accord yet, altogether raising the aerodynamic efficiency by three per cent compared to the last version.

In addition to the extra room, the cabin features a driver’s seat mounted in a sportier position with 12-way power adjustability and larger supportive bolsters. The infotainment system is comprised of an eight-inch Display Audio touchscreen and a four, eight or 10-speaker stereo system depending on trim level. And due to public demand, Honda has reintroduced physical volume and tuning knobs.

2018 Honda Accord rear

Three powertrains will eventually be released when the new Accord begins rollout later this year: a turbocharged 1.5 litre (192 horsepower) or 2.0 litre (252 horsepower) i-VTEC gasoline engine, and a two-motor hybrid setup for the partially electrified variant to arrive later. The former pair is either mated to a CVT or 10-speed automatic transmission, respectively, and in welcome news, a six-speed manual gearbox is an option for both.

Redesigned 2018 Honda Odyssey: comfort, convenience and a little magic

Benjamin Yong on June 23, 2017

2018 Honda Odyssey front — _{The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey features the company’s modern “flying wing” grille and a sportier-looking front bumper.}

This month, the 2018 Honda Odyssey rolls into dealerships completely redesigned with a more powerful engine, nine and 10-speed transmissions and several interior innovations.

The front of the best-selling minivan receives an all-new face resembling the rest of the current Honda lineup featuring the chrome “flying wing” grille and sporty mesh elements in the bumper air intakes. Instead of the visually jarring sliding door tracks dominating the rear fender, they have been incorporated and effectively hidden in the bottom of the rear quarter panel windows. The C-shaped taillights now wrap around the chrome garnish located on the power tailgate.

2018 honda odyssey cabinwatch

Comfort and convenience are two areas the automaker has focused heavily on. The infotainment system, controlled by an eight-inch high-resolution Display Audio touchscreen, has built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to make smartphone connectivity a breeze. The monitor is also paired to a camera mounted in the interior so drivers can see what passengers are up to. Front and rear occupants can even communicate with each other over the CabinTalk PA system.

2018 honda odyssey rear seat entertainment

People riding along in the back will likely be too busy to talk, however, thanks to the entertainment setup. A 10.2-inch screen is mounted on the ceiling that users can stream content to via a downloadable app for mobile devices. In-vehicle 4G LTE WiFi is optional.

2018 honda odyssey magic slide

The second row seating is where the magic really happens. Dubbed Magic Slide, they can be configured in multiple positions. These include Easy Access mode that slides the centre seat forward and out of the way, Super mode moving the driver’s side seat forward, and Wide mode removing the centre seat and pushing the flanking pair outwards, all in the name of making passenger transitions and cargo carrying a painless process.

The 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 280 horsepower, 32 more than the outgoing model, and is paired to a nine-speed gearbox for all trims except Touring. The top-of-the-line grade receives an ultra-efficient 10-speed transmission helping the vehicle achieve an estimated fuel economy rating of 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.5 L/100 km on the highway.

2018 honda odyssey rear

All Odysseys come standard with The Honda Sensing safety suite encompassing collision mitigation and driver assistance technology like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more.

Prices range from $34,890 for LX to $50,290 for Touring. Visit your local store for a test drive.