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Car safety technology package comparison

Benjamin Yong on March 19, 2015

2015 Mazda6 GT
The 2015 Mazda6 GT with the Tech Package adds many modern safety options including Smart City Brake Support. Photo by Benjamin Yong.

Like computers and cellphones, vehicles have been leaping forward in the area of tech within the last few years. A lot of the modern electronic innovation has to do with safety, whether it’s making an existing function like cruise control safer by automating part of the process, or trying to prevent accidents by giving the driver tools such as blind spot monitoring to increase awareness.

Every automaker offers some kind of safety feature suite, although they do vary somewhat from brand-to-brand and are sometimes only available on higher-level models, or as part of a larger package. Here is a comparison of what you can get from three popular manufacturers.

Toyota

Toyota RAV4

After driving a vehicle with conveniences like parking aids, it’s hard to go back to doing it the old fashioned way. On the 2015 RAV4 crossover in the AWD Limited trim, customers can opt for the Technology Package (plus $2,135) that includes backup sensors that beep when you get too close to another object, helping avoid bumper dings or worse. It also comes with automatic high beams, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and lane departure alert.

Infiniti

2015 Infiniti Q50

The new Q50 sedan is one of the most technologically advanced cars in the market right now. For $4,300 more, Infiniti has a Deluxe Touring and Technology Package chock full of goodies like their Around View Monitor.

Using a series of strategically positioned wide-angle cameras, this system provides a 360-degree picture of the vehicle’s surroundings from a bird’s-eye view. Other additions include intelligent cruise control and front seat pre-crash seatbelts that utilize motors to ensure passengers are properly restrained.

Mazda

2015 Mazda6 GT parking lot

We all know rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents, and Mazda says 60 per cent of those occur at speeds of 30 km/h or less. That’s why a lot of their safety focus is around braking. The Mazda6 GT with the $2,800 Technology Package adds Smart City Brake Support. 

Mazda Smart City Brake Support

At low speeds, a laser sensor mounted on the windshield monitors the vehicle in front. If the computer detects a collision risk, the brakes are preloaded for maximum efficiency. If the driver doesn’t intervene, the brakes are automatically applied and engine output isreduced. 

Highlights from 2015 Canadian International Auto Show

Benjamin Yong on February 13, 2015

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Lexus RC F GT3 Concept
The face of the Lexus RC F GT3 concept vehicle, introduced at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Photo by Benjamin Yong.

Yesterday marked the official start of the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), the Great White North’s largest automotive event held every year in Toronto. As always, some crazy stuff was presented to audiences, as well as more mainstream examples that consumers might actually be able to get their hands on. If you aren’t able to make the trip out east, scroll down below for a taste of CIAS 2015.

Lexus RC F GT3 Concept

Lexus RC F GT3 Concept front

In case the recently released RC F coupe isn’t already impressive enough for you, Lexus introduced the RC F GT3 concept car to Canadian audiences for the first time. It’s based on the production version but boasts bigger wheels and tires, aerodynamic add-ons, a faster engine and has hopes of racing in the FIA GT3 European Championship.

Lexus RC F GT3 Concept rear

Toyota i-Road Concept

Toyota i-Road

CIAS visitors were treated to indoor demonstrations of the Toyota i-Road concept, a three-wheel, single-occupant electric vehicle. With a range of 50 kilometres, it’s only 870 millimetres wide meaning four of them can fit into a traditional parking space. The i-Road has already been tested on public streets in Japan as well as France.

2016 Honda Pilot

2016 Honda Pilot

A completely redesigned Honda Pilot, a three-row SUV, will be available this summer looking and feeling a lot different than the previous generation. The Pilot goes high-tech with available LED lighting, a Blu-Ray disc player with HDMI input and an Earth Dreams Technology Powertrain consisting of a fuel-efficient V6 engine and first-ever nine-speed automatic transmission.

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration

Alfonso Albaisa, executive design director at Infiniti, used the description “progressive, audacious and ingenious,” as he unveiled the range-topping Q80 four-seater fastback. “The Q80 Inspiration represents Infiniti’s vision of category-breaking, supreme luxury driving,” said Albaisa. It features autonomous driving capability with a hybrid powertrain producing 550 horsepower.

2016 Jaguar XE

The British car company is getting set to launch yet another four-door sports sedan in 2015, slotted below the mid-level XF and XJ flagship. It will be the first Jaguar equipped with electric steering, and is designed to look and drive like a sports coupe with a low and wide profile, partially aluminium construction and a supercharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder powerplant.

Audi TTS Coupé

2016 Audi TTS Coupe

The Audi TT has been reborn for its third generation. The extra S stands for sport, or speed, or probably both: it’s got a 265 hp TFSI turbo engine, Quattro all-wheel drive and a fancy Audi Magnetic Ride Suspension that continously readjusts the dampening settings to match the driving conditions.

Toyota unveils the bold styling of the new, built-in-Canada, 2014 Toyota Corolla

OpenRoad Auto Group on December 4, 2014

2014 Toyota Corolla at OpenRoad Toyota Abbotsford

It’s the world’s best-selling nameplate of all time, with nearly 40 million vehicles sold since it was introduced in the 1960s. It’s a perennial favourite in Canada, too ? with more than 1.3 million sold in this country. It’s the Toyota Corolla ? and the Corolla has never looked better.
As Toyota prepares to introduce the 11th generation Corolla through Canadian Toyota Dealers this year, the company unveiled the next generation model today at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa.
 
“The Toyota Corolla has grown up with generations of Canadians, and with each redesign we seek to capture the imagination of these customers and create a remarkable experience,” noted Seiji Ichii, President of Toyota Canada Inc. “Our duty to Corolla owners and drivers defines our company: The Corolla IS Toyota.”
 
The 2014 Toyota Corolla introduces bold, expressive new styling, a class-up interior and new technologies, even as it remains loyal to Corolla’s DNA ? to provide quality, dependable, reliable and fuel-efficient transportation plus tremendous overall value to millions of drivers.  Furthermore, every Corolla sold in Canada is built at our award-winning plant in Cambridge, Ontario, which is how we continue to deliver Corolla’s reputation for quality and value. 
New details and standard equipment define the new Corolla, with features such as new engine and power train technologies that improve performance and make Corolla even more fun to drive. Other upgrades include LED headlamps as standard, a new audio system with steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth® capability and additional airbags for even better safety.
 
A new mix of models and trim levels will provide even greater choice to Canadian drivers.
The Corolla CE offers more standard safety, technology and convenience features;
The popular Corolla LE builds on Corolla CE’s tremendous mix of features and value, enhanced with comfort and convenience amenities;
The Corolla S features unique, dynamic styling and performance to match that includes available paddle shifters with Sport mode for more engaging driving;
The all-new Corolla Eco simultaneously delivers the highest fuel efficiency while offering the most power available in a Corolla.
“Canadians have always expected good things from Corolla, but they also want us to go further. This year, we definitely have ? with dynamic driving performance, striking design, a high quality finish inside and out and new technology that’s almost unheard of in the compact sedan segment,” Seiji Ichii concluded. “We remain committed to offering Canadians a Toyota Corolla that is an easy, rational choice to own. But with this new, 2014 model, we are also offering Canadians a more emotional Corolla ? a Corolla that is easy to love.”

Cars from SEMA Show part one

Benjamin Yong on November 8, 2014

SEMA 2015 Lexus NX200t
A 2015 Lexus NX 200t customized by 360 Elite Motorworks on display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Photos by Zak Tang.

Every year in November, Las Vegas hosts the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show, an industry-only event that draws over 130,000 individuals largely made up of automotive parts manufacturers, retail store buyers and media from 130 countries.

Automakers also come out in full force displaying unique, souped-up creations that are the result of unique collaborations with aftermarket performance companies and celebrities. Some brands, like Toyota and BMW, use the opportunity to show off factory-tuned vehicles. OpenRoad was at SEMA 2014 and below we bring you part one of some of the best-of-show examples.

Lexus

A lot of people are talking about one of the newest entries into the luxury compact crossover market: the 2015 Lexus NX. Offered as both a 200t with a Lexus-first 2.0-litre turbo motor and new six-speed automatic, as well as a 300h with Lexus Hybrid Drive featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson gasoline engine mated to a new CVT transmission, all models are all-wheel drive.

SEMA Artisan Lexus NX200t

As if the 200t isn’t enough of a looker already, Los Angeles tuners 360 Elite Motorworks got their hands on one and had it painted in a bespoke and retina-tingling “Molten Pearl” bright orange colour. This custom NX is outfitted with a full Artisan Spirits body kit, RS-R Sports coilover suspension, and gigantic gloss black HRE P104 wheels that are a full three inches bigger than the standard 17-inch alloys, wrapped in grippy Toyo Proxes T1R sport tires. Performance modifications are kept modest with a custom intake and exhaust. 

Toyota

The Camry recently received a complete redesign for 2015. The face of the car now looks much more aggressive, keeping inline with the exterior changes found on the Corolla and Yaris. Like the NX, the Camry is available with a conventional gasoline engine (four cylinder/V6) or a four-cylinder hybrid.

SEMA Toyota Camry dragster

Making a little more than the 268 horsepower from the stock V6, Toyota lifted the covers off a Camry that was quickly revealed to be an 850-horsepower tube-frame dragster sitting underneath a deceptively normal shell. The powerplant was borrowed from a Tundra full-size pickup truck: a 5.7-litre V8 with a TRD supercharger and a wet nitrous system added for good measure. Equipped with beefy 335/30/18 drag racing tires, the Camry-from-Hell is expected to do the quarter mile in 9.8 seconds.

SEMA Toyota Camry dragster engine

Scion

Because of its affordable price point, balanced front engine, rear-wheel drive configuration and handsome looks, the Scion FR-S has proved very popular with the young tuner set since its release two years ago.

SEMA Cartel Customs Scion FR-S targa

Scion put a call out to car customizers to put their own spin on the coupe, and Jeremy Lookofsky of Cali’s Cartel Customs responded with his targa top version. Sprayed in a proprietary “Azzuro California Blue” colour, this FRS has a two-tone scheme with a removable black targa roof sitting overtop of a widened all-metal body. Other enhancements include 19-inch wheels, centre-exit exhaust system, GReddy turbo kit, Wilwood brakes and KW coilovers.

In part two of SEMA 2014, we’ll be checking out some showstoppers from the Euro camp. 

OpenRoad at Luxury & Supercar Weekend

OpenRoad Auto Group on September 9, 2014

The Luxury & Supercar Weekend took place at the VanDusen Botanical Garden on Saturday and Sunday, and OpenRoad joined the fun by showcasing luxury and classic sports cars while giving guests the opportunity to experience the brand.

OpenRoad Toyota Charity Golf Tournament raises $25,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation

Chris Eastwood on July 17, 2014

openroad-toyota-charity-golf-2014

The OpenRoad Toyota stores in Richmond and Port Moody recently organized their first annual charity golf tournament, successfully raising $25,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation BC & Yukon. Make-a-Wish Foundation BC & Yukon is a non-profit organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

OpenRoad’s most recent fundraising effort provides enough funding to grant over 4 wishes. A wish could include a child’s travel wish, gift wish, celebrity wish, or fantasy and experiential wishes.

“OpenRoad has been a long-time supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and we believe in giving back to the community we live in. Having their wish granted means the world to the children, but it requires a lot of effort and money. Every dollar counts,” says Barry Chyzowski, General Manager of OpenRoad Toyota in Richmond.

openroad-toyota-charity-golf-signin

Over 140 golfers came out to support the tournament at Morgan Creek Golf Course. The tournament was followed by a live auction, emceed by CTV Sportscaster and CTV Sports Director, Perry Solkowski, and a special guest appearance by one of the wish children and her family.

“It really puts things into perspective when you meet with wish families and hear about the challenges they go through,” mentions Patrick Lau, General Manager of OpenRoad Toyota in Port Moody. “We were fortunate in that our first-ever golf tournament received so much support.”

Colby, age 5, who has a bone marrow transplant was one of the Make-A-Wish recipients through the OpenRoad Toyota Charity Golf Tournament.

colby-make-a-wish

Both Chyzowski and Lau are pleased with the results their inaugural year, but are already looking forward to continuing their fundraising efforts in the following year. “I think we had a pretty successful first year, but hopefully the next one will be even better,” adds Chyzowski. Over the last 3 years, OpenRoad Auto Group has raised over $120,000 towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

From Toyota Prii to Mazda2s: A look at available fuel-efficient vehicles

Benjamin Yong on April 11, 2014

fuel-efficient-vehicles

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.

Mazda2

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.

Honda Fit

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.

Lexus CT 200H

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.

Toyota Prius

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.