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AWARD WINNERS

Best new vehicles for 2013 voted on by Canadian experts

Vechicles are test driven on the runway at Niagara District Airport, which was shut down from 8-5 for five days for The 2013 Canadian Car of the Year Awards TestFest event in Niagara-on the-Lake in October 2012. (Michelle Siu for AJAC)

More than 80 of Canada's most authoritative automotive journalists have concluded four intensive days of real-world testing of 60 new 2013 model year vehicles to determine the `Best New' winners in 11 different categories as part of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's annual Canadian Car of the Year program. The journalists are all members of the AJAC. See the full list of winners here.

NEW CAR PREVIEW

2013 Lexus ES: More of the good stuff

By Bill Roebuck

More style. More substance. More fuel economy with a new hybrid model. Lots of luxury goodies (and even so, lots of expensive options too). But wait, is this is simply a tricked out Toyota Camry? After all, it shares the 268-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 used in the Camry, and the new hybrid drivetrain is also from the Camry hybrid. Having witnessed Toyota and Lexus models being manufactured in the same plant, the Lexus marquee does get special treatment - a separate production line in the plant and separate, specially trained assembly workers - that really do make the it a step better. With a starting price of 44 large, it well outprices competitors such as the Lincoln MKZ and the Cadillac CTS. For Lexus fans - and there are many - the new ES is likely to simply enhance an already loved model. 2013 Lexus ES

NEW CAR PREVIEW

2013 Chevrolet Spark ignites mini-car segment

2013 Chevrolet Spark (rear view with hatch open). The rear opening is crowded by the bumper and taillights and, of course, by the rear seat when it's in the upright position. There are no miracles here: the Spark is a small runabout, not a minivan.

By Bill Roebuck

Finally, Chevrolet has launched a new mini-car for Canada. The original version of the soon-to-be-for-sale Chevy Spark is already on sale in Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico and South America, where it has received several styling and safety awards. It's interesting that the Spark looks like a three-door hatchback, but it's actually a five-door. The designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. It's well done. And with the destination charge, it starts at $15,000 (it's just over 21 large with all the coveted options). The term 'ignites' in our headline is a bit misleading when you consider the Spark's engine produces just 85 horsepower. But that may be enough for an economical-to-drive city car. How brightly do we think the Spark's light will shine in this newly competitive market? Read on. 2013 Chevrolet Spark

NEW CAR PREVIEW

2012 Ford Fusion Electric: 160 km on a 4-hour charge

By Bill Roebuck

Interestingly, the 2012 Ford Fusion Electric looks a lot like a regular 2012 Ford Fusion, except it gets a distinctive front end. The charging port door on the front fender on the driver's side is a giveaway that this is not a gas-powered hatchback. The quick charging time is impressive -- but that's only using a 240-volt system, otherwise it's tediously slow. The big question is how this electric model will stand up to a Canadian winter. 2012 Ford Fusion Electric

NEW CAR REVIEW

2013 Nissan Altima: Whoa, this is nice

By Bill Roebuck

With its slick new design, a more glamorous presence, less weight, nicer materials inside, more horsepower yet much better fuel economy, and the innovative Easy Fill Tire Alert -- what's not to like? 2013 Nissan Altima

NEW CAR PREVIEW

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: The horsepower wars return

By Bill Roebuck

We have the Dodge Challenger at 470 hp and the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 at 550 hp. With bragging rights on the line, you just had to know that Chevrolet would eventually retaliate, thus the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at 580 hp is coming to market. And this is no ordinary Camaro with more horsepower. It's been beefed up top to bottom to handle the power. Read the details about the forthcoming reincarnation of the ZL1 (you may never have heard of the original, as only 69 were built for 1969 ... but you're sure to hear about this one -- or at least hear its rumble down the road). 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

TOP 10 LIST

The 10 Best All-Round Models for 2012

CarTest.ca

As the competition grows stronger with each passing year, it has been increasingly difficult for a single automaker to dominate Consumer Reports' annual Top Picks list. This year, Toyota is the first brand to earn half of the top 10 spots in nearly a decade. Five Toyota models are named Consumer Reports' Top Picks. It is the first time in nearly a decade one brand has dominated. The new Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Hyundai Sonata and the Subaru Impreza make their top picks list debut. Top 10 List for 2012

NEW CAR REVIEW

2012 Fiat 500, Abarth and Cabrio: Fun-to-drive, but ...

By Bill Roebuck

Colour-coordinated dash panel makes the interior feel wider than it really is. The Fiat 500 is a small car with a small price tag. It also makes an interesting style statement.

Can North Americans really buy into the concept of owning a new Fiat? Back in the 70s, when new Fiats were last sold in Canada, some of those little cars literally collapsed on themselves after a single winter of road-salt-induced corrosion. It's wasn't long before the Italian maker left Canada with its tailpipe tucked between its legs. (I owned one -- a new '71 Fiat 128, so I'm speaking from personal experience). However, the market being targeted by Fiat today does not include the likes of me -- so most of those who would consider purchasing a Fiat today have no recollection of its past history in this country. That said, the new-to-North America Fiat 500 -- available at your local Chrysler store -- is pretty darn cute. I've noticed it seems especially attractive to female drivers so it'll likely become a 'chick' car (not that that's a bad thing). I like the fact that there are many ways to configure the Fiat 500, even on the base model. And the sporty Abarth seems a worthy upgrade, while on the Cabrio, the top can be fully opened and closed while the car is travelling up to 80 km/h, which is pretty cool. Read more on the 2012 Fiat 500.

USED CARS

Seven ways to avoid a lemon

CarTest.ca

When buying a used car, choose a model from the most reliable brands and one that will age gracefully over time. However, any vehicle can become a clunker if it has been neglected or has sustained damage from an accident or flood damage. See the list of 7 Ways to Avoid a Lemon.

FIRST LOOK

2013 Dodge Dart full of pointed surprises

By Bill Roebuck

The 2013 Dodge Dart looks nothing like the Alfa Romeo Giulietta on which it is based.

As an all-new front-wheel-drive compact sedan, the soon-to-arrive 2013 Dodge Dart is full of surprises. While customers were expecting Chrysler to finally replace its long-gone Neon compact, in fact the company has done much more. That's thanks to its having been taken over by Fiat. And unlike Chrysler's previous unsuccessful marriage to Daimler, it looks like the Fiat-Chrysler honeymoon will last for some years. Especially unexpected from this fuel-frugal compact is the fact it can be impressively kitted up with full luxury accoutrements. Or for those who want their fancy under the hood and not under their butt, enthusiasts can check off a growling 184-hp 2.4-litre four-banger on the option chart. There's also a torquey turbo choice in between, borrowed from the Fiat 500 Abarth. We've sat behind the wheel of the Dart in its fancy trim, and came away impressed with the looks and the roominess inside. Read on for more details: 2013 Dodge Dart.

SUV REVIEWS

Head-to-head tests of 2012 compact luxury SUVs

The 2012 BMW X3, which originated the compact luxury SUV market, handily outpointed its European rival, the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, in a head-to-head matchup by Consumer Reports. CR also tested three other vehicles: The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, which got some updates for 2012 and scored a Very Good test score; the 2012 Toyota Prius V, a family-friendly wagon version of the Prius; and the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Despite some recent improvements, the iconic off-roader remains CR's lowest ranked vehicle with a Road Test score of 2012. See the comparison of 2012 Compact Luxury SUVs

NEW CAR REVIEW

2012 Toyota Camry:

More of what you really want

By Bill Roebuck

The refreshed design is certainly sporty for a Camry and not exactly a radical departure from the previous model. Toyota has never really needed to dramatically change the Camry formula to keep it on top.

The refreshed design of the 2012 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid is certainly sporty for a Camry and not exactly a radical departure from the previous model. Toyota has never really needed to dramatically change the Camry formula to keep it on top. The much-improved cabin in the 2012 Toyota Camry stands out against the previous model's. On the road, it's the mid-line SE that's the most fun to drive, with its sporty suspension tuning, steering-wheel paddle shifters, more supportive front seats and a quicker-shifting transmission that blips the throttle when downshifting to match the engine speed to the new gear. Wow, all that in a Camry? We think that's smart. 2012 Toyota Camry

FIRST LOOK

2012 BMW 3 Series adapts to keep up with the times

By Bill Roebuck

BMW's most important model, considered one of the best entry-level luxury cars on the market, has been revised to keep up with demands for better fuel economy, the latest technology, improved styling and more room for passengers. The new 2012 BMW 3 Series, to be available early in 2012, delivers all that, while maintaining the performance characteristics the car is traditionally known for. New are the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 240-hp, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. A six-speed stick is still available for those who prefer to do their own shifting. Also new in the 3 Series models is a horsepower-reducing economy mode that will tell you how much your driving range has been extended when you use it. 2012 BMW 3 Series.

FIRST LOOK

Pump-passing fuel economy comes to Subaru Impreza for 2012

By Bill Roebuck

The 2012 Impreza kicks up the styling with some clearly defined body creases and fender arches. The styling is not necessarily shared with the rally-inspired WRX model, which has been past practice.

Worried about gas prices. And worried about winter driving? Subaru has an answer to your worries in its new 2012 Impreza compact sedan. While it gets slightly updated sheet metal, the real Impreza story is that Subaru engineers eeked out 30% better fuel economy than the current model (abeit with an optional CVT transmission, although this does include paddle shifters). And yes, like all Subarus, it still has all-wheel-drive for stability in all kinds of nasty weather. Focus, Civic and Corolla better watch out for this newly agressive contender in the small-car market. 2012 Subaru Impreza

NEW CAR REVIEW

2012 Hyundai Accent vies for status as most improved car

By Bill Roebuck

Yes, the new Accent from Hyundai is way better for 2012 than any of its predecessors. Offered in sedan and hatchback versions, Hyundai's subcompact contender finally adopts the wow-look-at-that styling of its bigger siblings, the Elantra and Sonata. Along with a slick new exterior comes enhanced interior space, good cargo room for a car this size, and more horsepower and torque than before. All this comes for under $15 grand. It's the ideal cheap date! 2012 Hyundai Accent

FIRST LOOK

2012 Nissan Versa: Big space, small price

By Malcolm Gunn

The versatile Versa has hit its stride as the kind of car that even big and tall folks can ride in without having to be bent, folded or pretzeled. It's an approach that in the past five years has garnered a devoted following for Nissan's little runabout and should continue when the next-generation model makes its debut this summer. 2012 Nissan Versa

NEW CAR REVIEW

2012 Ford Focus: World class for North Americans

By Malcolm Gunn

The days of North Americans being one step behind the rest of the world seem to be coming to an end. It was assumed that we simply weren't interested in stylish, firm-riding hatchbacks that Europeans were driving, so they were seldom offered here. After all, we liked soft, pudgy cars with spoilers and plastic body cladding, right? We never did, really, but that's what we got. 2012 Ford Focus

NEW CAR REVIEW

2012 Honda Civic: There's nothing else like it

By Bill Roebuck

Try as they might to be different and innovative, the Honda Civic's designers really are afraid of change. Having best-seller status creates a stifling effect on bending the rules, so the Civic gives us more of the same, albeit in a nicer, bigger package for 2012. Like its predecessors, the 2012 Civic is one of those compact cars that's a no-brainer decision. It runs really well, it looks nice, it's roomy inside, it's safe, it's got some cool technology -- even a hybrid version -- and it's fuel-friendly in all versions. We also think the interior design is innovative and interesting. What's not to like? 2012 Honda Civic

FIRST LOOK

2012 Hyundai Veloster: Tiburon's replacement aims at affordability and good looks

By Bill Roebuck

The stuff coming out of Hyundai's design studios just gets better and better. Not only are its newly skinned sedans sweet, the latest model, a three-door hatchback (yes, there's a 'real' third side door) makes it both an stylish oddity and yet a practical contender in the small car market. Unfortunately, there won't be a good supply of them till late summer 2011. 2012 Hyundai Veloster

NEW CAR REVIEW

2012 Volkswagen Passat: Even more 'juice' than before

By Bill Roebuck

I've loved the Passat since the day Volkswagen brought it to Canada. Quiet, solid and uncannily swift, it's also one of those cars that's so smooth, it could take you up to law-breaking speeds without you noticing (I unfortunately report this fact based on a very expensive personal experience). And now it's bigger and classier than ever. 2012 Volkswagen Passat

DRIVING TIPS

Sorry signal aims to reduce road rage

Use this signal to say you're sorry when you make a mistake while driving.

By Bill Roebuck

The problem of road rage never seems to go away. Drivers make mistakes for various reasons, but what do you do if you want to apologize? In our culture, it's nearly impossible! A single hand gesture would do the trick. We have common hand gestures to tell people 'where to go', but what about one that would say 'Yes, I know I made a mistake, and I'm sorry'. Think of the possibilities if there was one. So CarTest.ca has come up with one. Try this next time you mess up behind the wheel. Hold up your right hand, flat, fingers apart. That's it. The idea is to have a very simple, easy-to-remember, easy-to-understand hand signal that says 'I'm sorry'. Sorry signal

CLASSIC AND COLLECTIBLE CARS

A guide to classic and collectible vehicles in Canada

By Bill Roebuck

Inspired by the thousands of readers who have an interest in old cars, classic cars, collectible cars and investment vehicles, CarTest! has launched a new section of descriptions of such vehicles, including their current Canadian prices at the time they were offered for sale. Our purpose is to provide a simple reference point to the value of a vehicle, as well as giving you a few interesting details in the descriptions of the models listed. Classics and collectibles