First Drives

First DrivesVolkswagen Golf R: Skidding around the Arctic Circle
The Golf R is a rare vintage, and Volkswagen thinks it’s best served chilled. Or better yet, on ice. And not just any ice. The manufacturer even chose the rarest of dates on the calendar, February 29, to let us drive this new Golf R on the plotted, watered and …
First Drives2012 Nissan Maxima: Good car seeks owner3.5/5
It doesn’t seem like long ago that conversations about Nissan products naturally turned to the Maxima and Pathfinder. Although the company’s other vehicles sold, these two dominated the family. But over the years, Nissan’s product line has evolved, as have buyers’ preferences. As a result, these two former stars have …
First Drives2012 Porsche 911 Cabrio: Topless and loving it
This April marks the arrival of the Cabrio and the beginning of a new cycle for the Porsche 911, mere months after the launch of the all-new 2012 Carrera and Carrera S. A series of variants and trim levels are set to follow with all-wheel drive and turbocharged engines, allowing …
First Drives2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: A Book Worth Judging by its Cover
Having been on the market since 2010, the Genesis Coupe was starting to need a little lift. The rejuvenation process is now complete. Not surprisingly, the vehicle’s Korean engineers seized this opportunity to revamp its appearance, even though it was already a good-looking car. They crafted a more aggressive nose …
First Drives2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in: Step two4.0/5
“Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s.” Toyota was not only a pioneer in the technological development of the hybrid engine, but it also produces more hybrid vehicles than any other company. Now in the second phase of developing this technology, Toyota is about to release a plug-in version, which …
First Drives2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG: Smaller engine, but just as fun
As a devoted reader, you must surely remember that last summer, Mercedes-Benz introduced the all-new generation of its M-Class luxury SUV. Although it was initially only available with two engine options, the line-up is now complete with the arrival of the ML 550, featuring a V8 engine, and the ML …
First Drives2012 Ford Focus Electric: Electricity to the rescue
At the dawn of the automobile age, consumers had the choice between electric, gas and steam engines and could select the one that best suited their needs. Eventually, gas won out for practical reasons: better range, lightness, accessibility, etc. Unfortunately, gas pollutes and is non-renewable. A century later, we need …
First Drives2012 Subaru Impreza: More modern and low-key!4.0/5
For several years now, Japanese automaker Subaru has seen its sales steadily increase. This encouraging trend notwithstanding, Subaru still wants to improve its product line. This time, it’s the Impreza’s turn for a profound transformation. Not only was it time to bring this vehicle up to current standards, but research …
First DrivesThe New Porsche 911: Too good to be true!
The 911 is the unassuming star, the marathon runner and the improbable monarch of sports cars. Seemingly destined to fail with its flat engine perched behind the rear axle, it has somehow managed to become the delight, the fascination and the obsession of several hundreds of thousands of driving and …
First Drives2012 Mazda CX-5: Full circle4.5/5
Mazda recently implemented its ambitious SKYACTIV technological program, which aims to reduce fuel consumption while improving handling and fun. The first salvo was fired in September 2010 during a presentation of this technology’s ins and outs to journalists. The CX-5, whose prototype was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in …
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