When GM released the EV1, the first mass-produced electric vehicle (EV) of the modern era 15 years ago, it was received with much content, even though it was available only through lease. In a controversial fashion, however, GM killed off the EV1, citing unprofitability as its demise. Because public perception shifted towards eco-friendly transportation, major automotive manufacturers have changed course.

For the past few years, the auto giants have been trying to win over the eco-conscious with their fuel-efficient hybrids and battery-powered EVs. But while EVs are great city cars, their limited battery life has been the source of nail-biting “range anxiety,” and hybrids still use gasoline regularly.

[View with PicLens]

The Volt, the EV1’s successor, on the other hand, strikes a middle ground. It’s been trumpeted as the only EV with “extended range,” but in reality, it’s more of a neo-hybrid. In its initial electric mode, the Volt runs off of battery power for 40 – 80 kilometres, depending on factors such as speed, use of climate control and outdoor temperature. When the battery runs dry, the 84-horsepower, 1.4-litre combustion engine kicks in. It doesn’t drive the wheels, however. Instead, it acts like a generator, powering the battery and giving the Volt an impressive 500 km of additional life. Among the celebrities to own the Chevy Volt is car aficionado and TV host Jay Leno, who, after driving the car to work for a year, has yet to top up the electric car with gas after clocking in 17,000 km.

This new engine configuration means if your commute totals around, say, 50 km, you may start to forget how to work the pumps. But if you’re up for a road trip beyond the city limits, this mid-size sedan won’t cause you to sweat, either.

It’s difficult to determine the actual fuel economy of the Volt, as it varies depending on driving style and daily use, yet you’ll be getting the equivalent of 3-L/100 km when running on electricity. When the petroleum-powered engine kicks in, you could be using as little as 5-L/100 km. However, the U.S.’s Environmental Protection Agency gave it a more conservative rating of 6.4-L/100 km. Either way, that’s fantastic fuel economy – great for the environment and your wallet.

The inaudible 111 kW electric motor obviously isn’t a thoroughbred, but it does deliver a respectable 149-hp and diesel-like 273 lb-ft of torque, will hit a top speed of 160 km/h, and do 0 – 100 in about nine seconds, providing plenty of functionality for both city and highway driving.

When it’s time to recharge, a standard 120V socket will top off the 16 kWh lithium-ion battery in 10 –12 hours – about four if you use a 240V – costing roughly a buck to charge.

What’s more, compared to other eco-friendly hybrids and electrics, the Volt actually looks quite sharp. An athletic posture gives it a sporty esthetic, and the reserved design avoids being ostentatious. On the inside, after the Volt hums to life, a LCD display relays standard info like remaining range, gasoline levels and speed. A neat little efficiency gauge also helps you drive as economically as possible. An intuitive seven-inch touchscreen is mounted in the centre dash for navigation, climate control, energy information and XM satellite radio use.

While there’s much to praise, the Volt does come with a price tag: $41,545 MSRP for the base model. Owners are eligible for an $8,230 rebate from the Ontario government, and don’t forget the substantial savings on fuel. As well, due to the sizeable battery situated down its centre, the Volt only seats four. There’s decent cargo space under the hatch, but if you have a larger family, the Volt might only be a secondary vehicle. If you’re an environmentally focused bachelor/bachelorette, newlywed couple or daily commuter looking for the pinnacle of fuel efficiency, the Volt will more than serve your needs. www.gm.ca

SPECIFICATIONS: Chevrolet Volt
Five-door hatchback extended-range electric vehicle

Engine: Drive motor, 111 kW
Horsepower: 149 (electric motor)
Torque: 273 (electric motor)
Top speed (km/h): 160
Transmission: Electric drive system
Drivetrain: Front engine/front-wheel-drive
Fuel economy L/100km: 6.4 on gasoline, 3.0 equivalent on electricity
Base MSRP: $41,545

Remember the Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible? It launched about three years ago unsuccessfully. I had driven one from a rental fleet at the time, and it was certainly clear that some serious re-work was required!

Fast-forward to today and the Sebring gets an extreme makeover in bodystyle, interior design and powertrain, with a new name summing it up as the Chrysler 200. Developing an all-new car from the ground up would have been overly costly and time-consuming. So what the engineers and designers did was address all the major weak points of the unloved Sebring and raise its appeal factor to a level where the buying public will notice an almost all-new car. A huge marketing blitz with the ‘Imported from Detroit’ tagline certainly helped with the awareness for the 2011 Chrysler 200. The only visible parts that seem to look familiar from the Sebring predecessor are the door and roof design on the sedan bodystyle. Kudos to the design team that was able to jazz up the exterior styling with some visual pizzazz. Bright trimming and the use of LEDs for rear lighting and front parking lamps add a more upscale touch to the exterior. Viewed from the rear, the design details give the Chrysler 200 a stylish appeal.

[View with PicLens]

Another area that sees a major upgrade is the passenger cabin with a huge improvement in interior design for a much more hospitable environment. The use of higher grade materials and new improved dash and seat design helps to elevate the quality to more desirable levels, which are comparable to some of its competitors. Subtle chrome trimmings and nice detailing on the centre dash controls, together with the nicely illuminated gauges, gives the impression of a much classier interior when compared to its forerunner.

Size-wise, the sedan offers average room. But if you’re looking for a convertible with a comparatively roomy backseat, the 200 convertible provides more space than most and seems to be the darling of the fleet. The 200 convertible is available with either a conventional soft top or a more costly retractable hardtop, which ensures better security comparable to a closed coupe design, and also lowers cabin noise levels. With either top design, the easy-to-operate system takes about 30 seconds to lower.

Two engine choices are offered with the front-wheel-drive Chrysler 200. Standard on the base LX and mid-level Touring trim is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, which develops a stout 173-horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The available brand new design 3.6-L V-6, which is standard on the up-level Limited trim, puts out a healthy 283-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which when matched to the six-speed automatic transmission, provides strong acceleration. Having tried this engine, the refinement level is high combined with a good quality exhaust note exiting the rear dual tailpipes.

The standard transmission on the 4-cylinder is an antiquated  4-speed automatic that buyers can thankfully upgrade to a more refined and efficient 6-speed automatic. On the safety side, it is surprising to learn that Vehicle Stability Control System is optional on the base LX model. This feature is standard on even some sub-compact cars!

To Chrysler’s credit, the design and engineering team did a tremendous job in upgrading the Chrysler’s 200 appeal with better-looking sheet metal, nicer interior quality and mechanical refinement. The look of quality that was woefully absent in the past model is much more evident in the new 200.
www.chrysler.ca

SPECIFICATIONS Chrysler 200
Four-door sedan or two-door convertible bodystyle

Engine: 2.4-litre I-4, DOHC, 16 valves / 3.6-litre V-6, DOHC, 24 valves
Horsepower: 173 @ 6000 r.p.m. / 283 @ 6400 r.p.m.
Torque: 166 @ 4400 r.p.m. / 260 @ 4400 r.p.m.
Fuel economy L/100km, I-4: City – 9.9 / Hwy – 6.7
Fuel economy L/100km, V-6: City – 11 / Hwy – 6.8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic / 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front engine/front-wheel-drive
Base MSRP: $16,495 (sedan) / $29,995 (convertible)

“The car was made to really appeal to the public, and that’s what it did,” says Remo Ferri, president of The Remo Ferri Group of Automobiles, regarding the original Fiat 500 that launched in 1957. “And of course, the car made so much history, in movies and so on, that it became part of the Italian style in life … It’s part of the Italian heritage.”

Originally founded on July 11, 1899, Fiat opened its first factory in 1900 in Corso Dante in Turin. Employing 150 workers and producing 24 cars its first year, Fiat wasn’t just laying the foundation for the Italian automotive industry, but paving the way for Italian racing, winning the Sassi-Superga uphill race in 1902 with the first genuine race car, the 24 HP, driven by Vincenzo Lancia.

[View with PicLens]

In 1908, Fiat expanded, bringing its slanted ‘A’ logo across the Atlantic and into the U.S. market. However, after decades in the New World, a sullied reputation of persistent breakdowns caused Fiat to throw it in reverse and backed out of the American market in 1983. But in 2004, Sergio Marchionne took the wheel as Fiat’s new CEO, giving the brand a contemporary tune-up.

Marchionne’s new direction combined state-of-the-art technologies with Italy’s chic styling, once again winning over consumers. It also saw the resurrection of the small yet practical Fiat 500 in 2007. Traffic jams of enthusiastic drivers swarmed towards the new 500, as over 500,000 were sold in a three-year span – even before cracking the North American market. Like a tailored Italian suit, the little 1.4-Litre seemed to perfectly fit modern motoring markets.

The Remo Ferri Group of Automobiles obtained its first 2012 Fiat 500s in March, and customers raced to the lot. “There’s lots of women, men, younger people, older people, we see all sorts of people,” says Ferri, who keeps a restored 1960 500 in his dealership’s showroom. “It appeals to a lot of people.”

“It gives a lot of bang for the buck,” says Marco Pasquariello, who has already purchased three of the 2012 500s. “A great style as well. A lot of cars look too everydayish, where as this car looks retroactive like the old car, but functional like a new car.”

Pasquariello feels it’s a great city car, economical on petrol and fun to drive. “You can get around the city pretty quick and you conserve a lot of gas,” he says. Indeed, according to JATO Dynamics, an international information supplier on vehicle specifications and news, in 2010 Fiat ranked No. 1 in lowest average automobile emissions for a manufacturer for the second straight year. The 500 reportedly gets 55 m.p.g. highway driving and 42 in the city.

For Joe Marchese, a longtime Fiat owner, the new styling is certainly a thing to behold. “It’s a beautiful car,” says the Fiat 500 Lounge owner. “It’s got beautiful handling and it’s very, very well designed.”

A Compasso d’Oro Industrial Design award winner, the 2012 500 is a car meant to be seen in, easily standing out on North American streets. Its unique, fashion-forward interior is busy yet clean, and it’s unmistakable exterior styling screams vintage Italian. www.remoferrigroup.com www.fiatcanada.com

[View with PicLens]

Photos:
1. Red Bull Racing / Infiniti’s Sebastian Vettel
2. Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil; Wendy Durward, director Infiniti Canada; Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil; Mario D’Amico, senior vice president marketing of Cirque du Soleil.
3. Fernando Zerillo, publisher of Dolce Vita Magazine at the Red Bull Racing garage.
4. Jacques Lafitte, former French Formula 1 driver and winner of Montreal Grand Prix in 1981; Didier Marsaud, senior manager Corporate Communication Infiniti Canada, Fernando Zerillo, publisher of Dolce Vita Magazine
5. Fernando Zerillo with Jean Alesi, former French F1 driver, winner of Montreal Grand Prix in ‘95.
6. Nikki Lauda, former F1 Champion in ‘75, ‘77 and ‘84.
7. Fernando Zerillo and Lucio Giacomino enjoy the weekend events.
8. Red Bull engineers monitor their team from the pit lane.
9. Fernando Zerillo with Remo Ferri, founder of The Remo Ferri Group of Automobiles.
10. Wendy Durward, director Infiniti Canada; Andreas Sigl, director F1 program Infiniti Global; Tanya Kim, anchor of E-Talk (CTV); David Coulthard, former F1 driver.
11. Fernando Zerillo, publisher of Dolce Vita Magazine with Lucio Giacomino
12. Red Bull Racing / Infiniti’s Sebastian Vettel

Now in its fourth generation, the EVO is packed with the latest go-fast hardware that allows it to compete in a rarified crowd that includes Porsche 911, BMW M3, Mercedes AMG, and other supercars. Its main rival with similar performance and pricing is the Subaru STI, which is also built off a humble compact econobox. Having driven both, the Mitsu EVO is the more extreme and satisfying car for hard-core performance. Using the compact Mitsubishi Lancer sedan as its platform, the EVO adds a high-strung 2-Litre turbo-charged engine with intercooler, which brings horsepower up to 291 and torque to a very strong 300 lb. ft. – a killer combo when taking into account that the car weighs under 3,600 pounds.

[View with PicLens]

The Lancer Evolution GSR, which is the base grade, gets the standard 5-speed manual transmission, while the higher grade MR is equipped with the 6-speed automated Dual Clutch (TC-SST) transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters for lightning-quick shifts. For a car that has fast reflexes and a lively chassis that revels in sideways cornering styles, the dual clutch transmission is actually preferable, as the driver can operate the transmission via the steering wheel paddles and not have the hands off the helm during banzai manoeuvres! Talking about the chassis, the EVO’s suspension with forged aluminium arms is fully modified and tuned with very aggressive settings for total driver enjoyment and exploitation. The MR grade adds performance name brands like Eibach for the springs and Bilstein for the shock absorbers, which take the handling performance to an even higher level that can terrorize Ferrari and Lamborghini drivers in twisty road sections. High-performance brakes with strong stopping power and fade-free performance are also part of the package. The one other crucial power train component that really makes the Mitsubishi EVO is the Super All-Wheel Control full-time all-wheel-drive system that incorporates tricks like Active Yaw Control and front limited slip differential that allows the power to get to the road in a very effective manner. It is one of the most confidence-aspiring systems in the marketplace, allowing the driver to feel comfortable with the car at high speeds and able to fully exploit the chassis and engine performance almost with very little learning. Supporting the driver firmly are Recaro seats – mandatory when you consider the very high cornering and braking limits the EVO is capable of.

Rumours have been spreading around the Internet about the future of Mitsubishi’s Evolution and its eventual demise due to ever-tightening fuel mileage regulations and relevance in the marketplace. Let’s hope that the powers that be continue to let the EVO evolve to another generation as the franchise has earned a rightful place in the automotive world.

SPECIFICATIONS
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Engine: 2.0-L 4-Cylinder Turbo / Intercooled
Horsepower: 291 @ 6,500 r.p.m.
Torque: 300 lb. ft. @ 4,000 r.p.m.
Fuel economy L/100km: City – 12.9 / Hwy – 9.0
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission / 6-Speed Dual Clutch
Drivetrain: Full-Time All-Wheel-Drive with Torque Vectoring
Base MSRP: $41,998

www.mitsubishi-motors.ca

Fast-forward and the picture is decidedly different, with American-branded companies such as GM, Ford – and recently Chrysler – experiencing a resurrection in sales from a post-bankruptcy recovery period. Ford, as most people already know, was the only American brand that didn’t require government bailout. Toyota and Honda, on the other hand, have not bounced back as expected, due to extensive safety-related recalls on Toyota’s part, and unpopularly styled new products from Honda. North American sales of Japanese cars may also be slightly affected by the Japan earthquake and tsunami, which forced the closure of some plants that produce Japanese parts and speciality cars.

[View with PicLens]

So, what’s driving us back into GM, Ford and Chrysler? These companies are on a launch blitz, with a host of new cars and trucks that are attracting plenty of positive attention from the automotive media and the buying public.

The smallest of the American brands, Chrysler is only now starting to shine with a host of new desirable vehicles: the Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Adding Fiat will undeniably help in new conquest sales.

The one American carmaker that currently stands out is Ford, with excellent new products in most of the segments in which it competes. Recently making headlines in Ford’s broad vehicle lineup is the all-new Ford Explorer. For those of us whose memory goes back about 20 years, it was the Ford Explorer that created the whole mainstream SUV category and almost overnight became a sales sensation and cash cow for Ford. This sales king held the crown for over a decade. Soon a new category of SUVs started gaining popularity, providing car-like attributes, which made the truck-based body-on-frame Explorer feel dated and unpopular.

To capture lost sales and make a huge comeback, Ford’s product planners wisely chose to adopt a front-wheel-drive car platform as the basis for the latest Explorer. The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer is stunning for a mainstream SUV, with impressive interior design, quality materials, new state-of-the-art power trains and infotainment systems like MyFord Touch and SYNC. The standout exterior design looks upscale and modern and offers family hauling practicality. Under the hood resides a 290-horsepower 3.5-Litre V-6 engine that either powers the front wheels or all four of them. A new fuel-efficient engine option will be made available shortly in the form of a 237-hp EcoBoost 2.0-L Turbo four-cylinder engine. This will be the first appearance of a four-cylinder engine in the Explorer, and Ford must be anxious to see if the public will gravitate to the smaller, more fuel-friendly engine. The mid-size SUV segment once dominated by standouts like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot is now being humbled by Ford’s revived Explorer.

Another carmaker making huge sales gains is GM, with its leaner brand portfolio of Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC. The one brand in the group that is seeing a tangible increase in its car sales is Cadillac with its CTS lineup. Cadillac rose to recent popularity, thanks to its Escalade SUV, which was embraced by the Hollywood and MTV crowd. Now, with the revived Cadillac CTS franchise, which includes the stunning CTS Wagon and the all-new Coupe, Cadillac is on the buy-me radar for those looking beyond an Escalade. The CTS lineup also includes the high-performance CTS-V models, which offer overwhelming performance under the hood and world-class handling dynamics that amaze established European brands. It’s quite shocking to learn that the CTS-V series, with its 556-hp, supercharged V-8 engine, can go toe-to-toe with a BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG and Audi S4. Its angular good looks and “art and science” design language works very well in the sedan, wagon and coupe body styles.

Having been on financial life support just recently, it’s reassuring to see that North American brands have made a strong comeback with great new rides.
www.ford.ca
www.gm.ca
www.chryslercanada.ca

For more than 25 years, Engineered Automotive has been providing premier service in the high-end auto segment, specializing in a large spectrum of services from body repair, upgrades, sales and tuning, to dynamometer services (torque testing), detailing, vehicle storage and corporate events. With founding partner Billy Smilovsky behind the wheel, the company has fine-tuned its customer-geared philosophy of ensuring that quality, integrity and cleanliness are at its core.

“Today, my vision of what Engineered Automotive should be is as close as it has ever been. I’ve always wanted a facility where everything happens under one roof: total efficiency, total value and my key beliefs applied on a daily basis in a warm, comfortable environment,” says Smilovsky. As a licensed mechanic certified to work on small engines at 14 and a former crew chief for Porsche Motorsport racing, Smilovsky has always had an innate spiritedness for all aspects of the auto industry. “He’s constantly thinking and expanding his knowledge and I think that our success really comes from his passion, which he passes along to his employees here,” says Mark Wilkins, who oversees the company’s marketing department and racetrack events.

[View with PicLens]

Complementing an impassioned staff, Engineered Automotive uses advanced automotive diagnostic software that enhances proficiency and affirms that all vehicles receive outstanding service in any situation, whether it’s collision repair, automotive restoration or body and tuning enhancements. “We have a very consumer-centric focus. We’re well-aware of how busy people’s lives are and how time-consuming it can be to get their cars maintained, so our goal is to really make the process as smooth as possible and their lives a little easier,” says Wilkins, adding that every car that enters the facility receives a complimentary car wash.

To better serve the needs of Engineered Automotive’s clientele, Condor Properties and Angelo DeGasperis designed and built a state-of-the art automotive facility at 355 Confederation Parkway, exclusively for Engineered Automotive. It is here that licensed technicians have the knowledge and expertise to perform upmarket maintenance across a diverse spectrum of vehicles. “We are extremely passionate about perfection when it comes to servicing vehicles. My direction is to focus on quality work, attention to detail and the confidence our customers have in us when they leave with their vehicle,” says service manager Dave Tomassetti.

Along with unparalleled attention to detail, the Engineered Automotive team brings a little more exhilaration to its customers’ lives annually, by hosting track events across Ontario at Mosport International Raceway, Toronto Motorsports Park and Calabogie Motorsports Park. “Engineered Automotive is your one-stop automotive facility where all of your needs can be met, in addition to always finding an exciting project on the go,” says Smilovsky.

www.engineeredautomotive.com
905.660.1884

Serpa has been in the auto industry all his life. Starting in 1977, at age 15, he worked his way up the ladder from a simple clean-up boy to mechanic, parts and service manager, and eventually to owner in 1995. Raised in the industry, Serpa fostered a resolute desire for customer satisfaction. “After being in the business from ’77 to now – 34 years – when a customer leaves my dealership with a car, whether new or used, and are extremely happy, I still get those little goosebumps that make it all worthwhile.”

A fan of the modern design and meticulous quality control of Japanese automotives, Serpa feels the key to his success stems from repetitive business and client referrals that are based on the company’s philosophy of transparency.

Serpa cuts no corners when it comes to satisfying customers. With several great promotions, including an Avante Loyalty Program that gives repeat customers half off their brake pads for life, as well as a three-to-five per cent price reduction for civil workers, Avante Mazda does what it takes to help customers afford the car they desire. “The economy made everybody shift to smaller payments so we accommodated,” explains Serpa. “We’ve approached our banks and communicated with them properly to make sure each customer can
afford their car.”

Serpa’s company philosophy and phenomenal staff have also garnered the praise of the Canadian Automobile Dealer Association’s president and CEO Rick Gauthier as one of the most trusted names in the car industry. “We have always been greatly impressed with him (Serpa) as an individual and with his company,” says Gauthier.

“I always say, as a business owner, if I was looking for a car I would buy from my staff,” exclaims Serpa. “Our staff will treat your mother the way they treat their own mother; that I can guarantee you.” Stop by Avante Mazda for more on the reliable, value-packed automotives they carry, and be treated the way a customer should be.

www.avantemazda.ca
1.888.AVANTE8

The all-new QX was developed in conjunction with the Nissan Patrol, a model not sold in North America. They both share componentry, which is a good thing as the Nissan Patrol, a traditional body-on-frame SUV, has proven serious off-road credentials and ruggedness. When playing in the full-size body-on-frame luxury SUV segment, nothing less than a high-power V-8 will do. The QX has this covered as it shares the same sophisticated V-8 with the Infiniti M56 sedan. The variable valve timing, direct-injected 5.6-litre V-8 makes an astounding 400-horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Together with the seven-speed automatic transmission, this 5,850 pound luxury SUV can easily hit 100 kilometres an hour from a standstill in under seven seconds if the driver chooses to do so! If towing is required, the 8,500-pound capability will be more than sufficient. Heavy fuel thirst is expected and very unfriendly to the wallet, but most folks getting into this type of vehicle won’t be surprised by this fact.

[View with PicLens]

As with vehicles of this nature, a sophisticated full-time, four-wheel-drive system is standard with a computer-controlled transfer case and limited slip differential. With the availability to select 4WD Lo setting, the QX56 should be able to traverse over challenging terrain with ease. Located on the centre console is a silver knob that controls the driver-selectable four-wheel drive modes. For toughness, the QX56 continues as a body-on-frame design with 9.2-inches of ground clearance for rough off-road trails. In reality, off-road for most vehicles in this class is backing a trailer down a boat ramp or the weekend trek to the cabin in the woods.

In keeping with the luxury theme, the suspension is designed to keep the big Infiniti from rolling around too much in the corners, thanks to the use of its Hydraulic Body Motion Control System. In the past, most body-on-frame SUVs utilized a beefy solid rear axle for strength and ruggedness but in the interests of better handling and ride, the QX uses a rear independent control-arm suspension.

When viewed in person, the full-size QX56 can be somewhat mesmerizing. All the required “bling” is present in the form of super-sized diameter wheels at 20-inches, heavily chromed front grille and lots more chrome accents adorning various bodywork jewelry. If that’s still insufficient, there’s a wheel-size upgrade to optional 22-inch wheels! Interestingly enough, the V-8 powered QX56 wears a three port-hole trim piece on its front fenders, which usually signifies a six-cylinder power plant.

Once inside, the roomy seven-to-eight passenger cabin surprises with opulence in the use of rich materials and attractive design. Lots of supple leather and wood trimming adorn the classy interior. As expected, the QX is packed with just about every feature you can think of. From a wireless rear-seat DVD system and heated seats in the first two rows, to power-folding third-row seats and second-row seats you can fold and tumble from the front seat with the push of a button. A hard-drive navigation system is also equipped with a Zagat restaurant guide. There are always folks out there who demand a vehicle like the QX and they will not be disappointed with all the high-end features and capability the QX56 delivers.  www.infiniti.ca

SPECIFICATIONS: Infiniti QX56
Engine: 5.6-L V-8 DOHC 48-valve, Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing
Horsepower: 420
Torque: 413 lb. ft.
Fuel economy L/100km: City – 15.7 / Hwy – 10.3
Transmission: 7-speed Automatic
Drivetrain: Longitudinal front engine / All Mode Four-Wheel-Drive
Base MSRP: $73,000

The steering has just the right amount of feel and feedback from the front tires and combined with the taut suspension, allows the chassis to be entertaining and fun in the corners. There’s very good body control, which gives lots of confidence to the driver. Even the brakes have a nice feel for easy modulation when driven hard. Equally enjoyable is the smooth-revving 2.5-L four-cylinder that makes a nice racy growl at high revs. The throttle pedal and clutch is ideally designed for blipping when downshifting to lower gears, adding to the driving experience. I must admit: the Mazda3 2.5 GT has an ideal balance of power and handling without getting into too much trouble, as the speeds are not overly high to attract unwanted attention from you-know-who. There is, of course, the much more powerful Mazdaspeed3 with its turbocharged engine that can run with much more powerful cars like the BMW 335i or Mercedes C350.

[View with PicLens]

Two body styles are available to choose from: a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Then there are three available four-cylinder engines: base models are equipped with 2.0-L, 148-horsepower, as well as higher grades with a 167-horsepower, 2.5-L engine that is also shared with the larger Mazda6 Sedan. The overachiever in the Mazda3 lineup is the hatchback-only Mazdaspeed3 with 263-horsepower from its turbocharged, direct injected and intercooled 2.3-L motor. Two transmissions are available and the popular choice will be the five-speed automatic that has a manual sequential shift mode for added driver involvement. The enthusiast choice is the slick shifting six-speed manual that is a joy to use, and combined with the light-feeling clutch, transforms the nature of the Mazda3 from an already great car to a serious sports sedan or hatch, depending on which one of the available body styles the buyer chooses. The manual transmission is the only choice in the Mazdaspeed3. On the safety side, four-wheel disc brakes come with anti-lock braking, and the 2.5-L and Mazdaspeed3 models also get a Standard Vehicle Stability Control System, which is a nice little insurance policy to have as backup if the driver runs out of talent!

In the styling department, Mazda3s stand out with their attractive sheetmetal and interesting look. The only area that could be toned down is the front facia with the overly large smiley face. The good looks also continue inside the high grade and spacious cabin with an attractively designed dash, seats and door panels. Unlike other cars with simple dash controls, operating the Mazda3’s audio and climate controls takes a bit more concentration.

In the crowded and competitive compact segment, the Mazda3 is also a strong sales performer as it offers style, driving enjoyment and that special something that is absent from most cars in this class.

www.mazda.ca

SPECIFICATIONS
Mazda3
Engine: 2.5-L 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve, Variable Valve Timing
Horsepower: 167
Torque: 168 lb. ft.
Fuel economy L/100km: City – 9.29 / Hwy – 6.8
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual or 5-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sport Mode
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel-Drive
Base MSRP: 2.5-L GT Sedan – $22,995 / 2.5-L Sport – $23,995 / Mazdaspeed3 – $32,995