2014 Ford Fiesta ST

Posted on March 14, 2014 by northredline

The Ford Fiesta is the vehicle of choice by rally car racer, and RedlineNorth favourite, Ken Block. You can see him in his Fiesta ripping around various urban race tracks in his immensely popular Gymkhana racing series. While you can’t go out and buy Ken’s version of the Fiesta, you can get a street legal ST version that gives you almost as much fun.

2014 Ford Focus ST

Thanks in part to Ford’s movement towards a global platform, North American buyers are now able to purchase the ST version of the Fiesta. While not a three-door as in Europe, on this side of the pond we get a five-door hatch-back version sporting a 1.6 litre turbo charged engine. The Fiesta ST has a trifecta of performance, ability and style making it a fantastic choice for those looking for a city vehicle, with perhaps a day or two at the track thrown in.

The ST version of the Fiesta comes well equipped as the top of the line trim level with a base price of $24,999. Our RedlineNorth test vehicle also included a power moon-roof, 17 inch premium painted wheels as well as a navigation package. All told the additional options brought the final price to $29,577. While thirty grand might raise some eyebrows for a sub-compact vehicle, the ST is packed with performance enhancing features and well worth the sticker price.

Those looking for a pure luxury vehicle should look elsewhere, as this car is built for performance. However, attention to detail has not been lost on Ford engineer’s and the Fiesta does provide a number of nice touches. Heated front seats and mirrors along with a push button start, rear seat heat ducts and 12-volt auxiliary power outlets for both front and rear round out some of the nice to have features.

The leather wrapped shifter adds to the interior look and feel

Legroom in the Fiesta ST, as to be expected in a sub-compact, is somewhat limited with 42 inches up front and 31 inches in the back. Cargo space is adequate for trips to the grocery store and the seats split 60/40 when additional storage is required. While the Fiesta ST may not be the first choice of vehicle for long road trips, that’s not what it’s designed for either. The first hint are the Recaro seats that suck you in and keep you in your place while cornering. These seats are big and perhaps look just slightly out of place in the ST, however, that’s the price you pay for race track type performance. Seat adjustments, even for the driver’s seat are manual reinforcing the enthusiast nature of the ST model.

The Recaro seats quite literally put you in your place and keep you there

The 1.6L turbocharged EcoBoost Engine delivers 197 horsepower and 202 lb.-ft of torque when using 93 octane fuel. The 6 speed manual transmission is silky smooth and an absolute pleasure to shift throughout the whole gear range. The shift ratio is short in the low end utilizing the 202 ft.-lbs of torque bringing you up to about 75 kilometers per hour by the end of second gear. The ratio smooths out in the upper gears providing some fuel economy savings.

At highway speeds the Fiesta provides a firm, but comfortable ride. With its twist-beam rear suspension, that reduces under steer and increases rear roll stiffness, a low centre of gravity and its sport suspension the Fiesta ST grips the road well. It provides the driver with full control of all the power from under the hood. In short, the Fiesta ST is an absolute blast to drive.

Unlike its larger cousin, the Focus ST, the Fiesta ST does not require premium fuel, however, there are additional performance gains when using 93 octane which is important to note. The US EPA rates the Fiesta ST at 26 mpg city (9.0L/100 km) and 35 mpg (6.7L/100 km) highway. We experienced slightly higher numbers than this during our test period, however, we weren’t necessarily driving with a conscious effort towards fuel efficiency.

The ST version of the Fiesta enjoys a more aggressive look compared to its base model the Fiesta

ST offers some nice exterior and interior styling to match the performance under the hood. On the outside, wide wheel arches, dual chrome exhaust tips, an airfoil and 17 inch alloy wheels all contribute to a more aggressive style than the stock Fiesta. While on the inside, buyers can choose from a variety of colours for the interior ambient lighting found in the foot wells and cup holders, which is a nice touch. The leather accented Recaro seats and the race-inspired aluminum pedals also contribute to a very pleasing interior.

The Fiesta ST offers some nice exterior and interior styling to match the performance under the hood. On the outside, wide wheel arches, dual chrome exhaust tips, an airfoil and 17 inch alloy wheels all contribute to a more aggressive style than the stock Fiesta. While on the inside, buyers can choose from a variety of colours for the interior ambient lighting found in the foot wells and cup holders, which is a nice touch. The leather accented Recaro seats and the race-inspired aluminum pedals also contribute to a very pleasing interior.

The Sony branded audio system provides a good sound experience. We especially liked the ability to adjust the audio balance for the driver only, or for the whole car at the touch of a button. The center media stack uses SYNC currently running Microsoft Windows. While Ford recently announced they will be switching over to a Blackberry QNX based operating system for the next generation SYNC, the current Windows powered SYNC performed well in the Fiesta ST. We found the summary start up screen displaying information in four quadrants both helpful and convenient. The 6.5 inch LCD screen, 2 USB ports, SD card reader and voice-activated communications all provided an intuitive in car interface which we felt was better than average. As an added bonus a six month subscription to SirusXM satellite radio comes with the purchase of a new ST in Canada.

At around $30,000 CAD the fully loaded Fiesta ST does command a somewhat premium price, however, its value is significant based on its stellar performance, and range of features. Its smooth 6 speed manual transmission and great handling characteristics are complimented by some slick interior features. The Fiesta ST, is a great car to consider for around the city that will make your drive to work or to the grocery store a lot more fun.

Key competitors to the Fiesta ST are the Fiat 500 Abarth, Ford’s own Focus ST, along with the Honda Civic Si and the Chevy Sonic RS.

2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Plus

Posted on February 24, 2014 by northredline

2014 Dodge Caravan SXT Plus

In 2014, the Dodge Caravan will mark 30 years in Canada. Introduced in 1984 model year, the Caravan quickly created a new market segment and became the de facto standard for minivans in North America. Currently assembled in Windsor, Ontario the Grand Caravan comes in eight different trim levels for the Canadian market with the Canada value package MSRP starting at $19,985 up to the R/T package at $32,995.

RedlineNorth recently took the Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Plus ($27,995 base, $42,730 as tested) on a family trip to Great Wolfe Lodge in Niagara Falls Ontario. Three adults and two kids loaded into the van to escape the mid-winter blahs. As many readers already know the minivan really is the perfect people mover and the Grand Caravan SXT Plus will not only get you and your family from point A to point B, but it will do it with both performance and comfort.

The Caravan is first and foremost a people mover that has both performance and convenience

Interior storage in the Grand Caravan is very plentiful. Our test vehicle had the 7 seat configuration with second row captain’s chairs and a third row bench. Adults getting into the third row may require a few yoga moves, but for kids it’s more than adequate. Trunk space in the caravan is surprisingly good, even with the third row seats in their upright position. The luggage for our trip to Great Wolfe Lodge was placed with ease with lots of room left over. Leg room is also plentiful with 40.7 inches of space for the front row, 36.5 inches for the second row and 32.7 inches for the third row.

The Dodge Grand Caravan offers a wealth of interior space.

The Dodge Grand Caravan offers a wealth of interior and luggage space.

Minivans, in general, are very good a moving people and goods from point A to point B, but they may not win any style contests. That being said the Dodge Caravan does have some pleasing styling cues, including the black bezel quad lights, and the signature Dodge chrome cross hair grille, as well as the red accents around the interior gauges.

Red interior accents give the Grand Caravan a touch of sportiness

Convenience is where the Grand Caravan excels. The power sliding doors and lift gate along with the interior design made getting in and out of the vehicle a breeze. The infotainment system in the vehicle is Chrysler’s Uconnect system which does a great job of providing information and entertainment and a good job of providing navigation. A one year subscription to Sirius/XM radio is included as part of the Uconnect Hands-Free Group upgrade, which is a nice touch. This coupled with the optional DVD player and fold down LCD screen and the kids were sufficiently entertained on the journey to and from Niagara. Additional nice to haves in the Caravan are the USB charging ports between the second and third row seats and in the central console, along with the three zone climate control and the rear back up camera.

Available in-car entertainment system

The Drive

We were pleasantly surprised with the power coming from the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6. It comes with a six speed transmission and is common across all trims levels. Accelerating on the Queen Elizabeth Way heading towards Niagara was a breeze despite a fully loaded van thanks to the 286 HP and 260 lbs of torque. Sight lines were also very good and one could be forgiven for forgetting you are driving a minivan while on the highway. The towing capacity of the Caravan is a respectable 3,600 lbs, for a minivan.

One aspect of the interior design we weren’t necessarily sold on was the placement of the shifter, which is up high on the dash and takes some getting used to. By the end of the week it still didn’t feel right reaching so high to put the van in gear, however, the additional room saved between the front two seats provides for plentiful armrest storage and in that respect is a good trade off.

Shifter placement gets some getting used to

Shifter placement takes some getting used to

Fuel efficiency in the Grand Caravan is rated at 12.2L city and 7.9L highway. The vehicle does offer a fuel economizer feature which alters the transmission shift patterns to help improve overall efficiency, and is most advantageous during city driving. This is a nice touch and using this feature we obtained near posted fuel efficiency during our test period.

The Grand Caravan was a 2013 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has come a long way since its inception in 1984, but so too has its competition such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. While the base Canada Value package is a bargain, the Caravan faces stiff competition in the higher trim levels. Overall the Grand Caravan is a great family vehicle that offers both performance and convenience and is a worthy competitor in the minivan market segment.

Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 Review

Posted on February 17, 2014 by northredline

Living in Toronto’s east end, space is a premium so driving a full size pick-up truck is not exactly ideal. However, having recently spent a week testing the 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 I have to stay it’s a marvelous machine. With its eight-speed automatic transmission, backup camera, air suspension and smallish five-foot-seven inch box it was surprisingly maneuverable in the tight confines of Canada’s biggest city.

Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4

Having been named Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year five times in the last 20 years the Ram brings a stellar pedigree to the table. With victories in 1994, 2003, 2010 and back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2014, Chrysler’s Ram continues to have success with its winning platform.

In 2011, the Chrysler Group dropped the Dodge Ram model name, re-branding its line of trucks under the shorter Ram brand. This new branding came with an amazing marketing campaign focused on the infamous “Code of the West” theme narrated by Hollywood icon Sam Elliott. The hyper-masculine tone of these ads show the competition as being left in the proverbial dust with Elliott’s voice-over saying the infamous tag line, “Guts, Glory, RAM.” Here’s the original ad that set the creative campaign off.

The Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 model is the third highest trim level coming in at a starting price of $38,895 CDN MSRP. However, our demo model came equipped with a range of additional options pushing the “as tested” price to $59,985. But before you say anything about this being significantly more than the advertised price just hold on since this Ram came with everything you could ever want in a truck.

Our tester came paired with the 5.7L V8 HEMI (395 horsepower and 407 pound-feet) and new eight-speed automatic transmission. The power-train incorporates both variable valve timing (VVT) and a cylinder shut-off system making it quite energy-efficient overall. However, don’t fret, Ram has not gone all soft on you – the HEMI provides tons of muscular power and 0-60 mph times of less than 7 seconds. All this HEMI power is harnessed through chrome exhaust pipes providing a strong but subtle throaty, V8 exhaust note.

The cabin of the Ram is comparable to the look and feel of any of today’s luxury cars or trucks with its rich leather bucket seats and high-end interior materials. Along with the 8.4″ Uconnect Touchscreen with back up camera, 9 speaker amp and subwoofer stereo system, this truck has it all. Some other features especially useful in winter include heated second row seats, dual zone climate control and a heated steering wheel.

Having chauffeured around family and friends there were many compliments about the roominess and comfort of the Ram’s back seats. Whether it’s people or groceries, the Ram provides tons of room with its crew cab model.

Ram Laramie with air suspension set at Off Road 2

Ram Laramie with air suspension set to Off Road 2

In spite of providing all the creature comforts associated with high-end vehicles, the Ram does not compromise on its truck characteristics. The image above illustrates the increased wheel travel available using the air suspension system which provides drivers with the ability to raise the frame of the truck enabling more travel for off-road use. The air suspension system provides a built-in lift-kit at the push of a button which is a dream come true for the off-road enthusiast who does not want to suffer the consequences in ride quality and performance of a lifted suspension. Land Rover has used this technology on their models for years, so way to go Chrysler!

There is one other significant feature which the Ram possessed, it’s called the wife quotient. I have written about this before in past reviews and its utmost importance at the end of the day, since without a high number, the usual result means the vehicle does not stay in the driveway. To my wife’s surprise, she loved travelling around in the Ram over the week, she thought it was the most comfortable vehicle she’s experienced in my life as an auto blogger. She also loved the superior ride height and wide range of luxurious interior features. If my needs were different and I required a truck, the only missing element for a perfect score would be the optional running boards.

With its rugged good looks, stellar performance and keen sense of efficiency the Ram provides consumers with an amazing opportunity to buy a truck that can do it all.

Key competitors to the Ram 1500 are the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tundra.

2014 Cadillac SRX

Posted on January 30, 2014 by northredline

The year 2013 was pivotal in Cadillac’s recent resurgence and although it’s still early it’s looking like their incredible momentum will continue through 2014. As GM’s top luxury brand and iconic symbol of the American auto industry, the stakes are high for Cadillac to change the playing field and re-establish itself as a top global brand.

During the 90s and early 2000s, the brand’s relevance took a major hit as rivals such as Lexus, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz offered some very compelling models. However, over the last few years GM has focused heavily on bringing stellar new technology and designs to Cadillac which has resulted in a series of award-winning models such as the performance focused V-Series, CTS and ATS.

2014 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan

Last year, we reviewed the multi-award winning Cadillac ATS which was a dream to drive in the summer with its manual six-speed transmission. Well, now its winter and it made sense to take a look at Cadillac’s SRX crossover.

Cadillac SRX

The SRX’s interior includes two rows of seating which provides ample space for five passengers. The leather seats are very comfortable and include electronic extendable thigh bolsters in the front seats. The wood trim and high-quality interior materials make for a high-end look and feel.

Interior of Cadillac SRX

Under the hood all SRX models come with a 308-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes its peak torque at 2,400 rpm providing enough low-end torque to accelerate onto the highway or to overtake a slower vehicle. With a 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds the SRX is quick for a vehicle that weighs in the range of 4,500 pounds.

Our tester was an SRX Premium AWD model, the top of line trim level available and comes in at $55,640 CDN MSRP. This is significantly higher than the base FWD model which starts at $40,285 MSRP so you need to weigh the value of all the extra features. However, both prices are in line with its current competition and the SRX’s warranty is very solid.

Our tester came equipped with some amazing features; GM’s very slick CUE infotainment system which includes enhanced steering-wheel and instrument-panel controls, plus an eight-inch touch screen interface. The touch-screen is motorized and can flip-up to reveal a hidden storage cubby. CUE can pair up to ten Bluetooth devices, and incorporates all the latest technology including standard HD radio and Bose’s Centrepoint® premium 10-speaker surround sound system. In addition, other features include Ultra View sunroof, three-zone climate control; adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in sync with vehicle steering; on-board power with 2 USB ports, SD card slot auxiliary input jack and 12-volt power outlet; a power lift-gate with adjustable height setting; and a dual-screen video system for rear entertainment.

Rear seats

Cadillac remains one of the most iconic brands in North America and as a result its place in pop culture is immense. There are so many musical cultural references to Cadillac from both past and present (Elvis Presley, Jay Leno, Ludacris,Travis Barker). However, the biggest one recently comes from Seattle rapper and recent Grammy winner Macklemore’s song titled White Walls which chronicles the singers’s love and appreciation for this American icon. The song’s video captures this vibrant Cadillac spirit as it showcases different Cadillac’s from various eras in all their restored glory.

Efficiency

The SRX is rated at 13.2L/100 km city 8.8L/100 km highway AWD *based on Natural Resources Canada’s 2014 Fuel Consumption Guide

Storage:

The SRX includes 29.9 cubic feet of storage with seats folded forward or 61.1 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down. Our tester came equipped with the Cargo Management System which includes a U-Rail system, which uses a floor-mounted metal track and an adjustable cargo fence to help keep items in place. Also included are an innovative concealed under floor storage bin and an air-conditioned glove box.

roomy back area

Competition:

The North American mid-sized luxury crossover/SUV market is a crowded one and Cadillac continues to have many strong competitors including; Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Lexus RX 350, Infiniti QX50, BMW X3 and Land Rover Evoque.

Final thoughts:

Despite the ever-increasing stiff competition, the Cadillac SRX remains a top option for consumers looking for a luxury crossover. It brings so much with its five-seat, front-drive/AWD options, latest technology, many safety and road refinement features, all matched with a luxurious interior style. It also does not hurt that many of its styling cues are taken from a mix of the beautiful CTS and Escalade.

Side view Cadillac SRX

Driving the SRX you really notice the amount of engineering that has gone into this vehicle from its lack of body roll to the enhanced power steering which combine to offer a European feel. Along with this, a spirited 0 to 60 time, the SRX’s size and ride height make the car feel solid and safe in all driving conditions.

Overall, the 2014 Cadillac SRX’s unique blend of luxury, refinement and driver confidence provides a top-notch choice for those consumers looking for a luxury crossover.

2014 Chevrolet Volt

Posted on January 11, 2014 by northredline

Having reviewed the 2012 Chevrolet Volt back in the summer of 2012 we were curious to see how it compared to the new 2014 model. Upon first glance the two models are very similar in look and feel but after driving the 2014 version for a week it does seem more stately overall.

2014 Chevrolet Volt

Throughout both experiences I really enjoyed driving the Volt and most of all it is just so fun and convenient not have to go to a gas station. Unlike pure battery electric cars like the Nissan Leaf or even the Tesla Model S, the Volt plug-in hybrid can be driven straight across the country if you desire, while only having to fill up the gas tank every 500 km or so. Behind the wheel, the driving mechanics of the Volt are top-notch with ample torque through acceleration and a low center of gravity which provides a sporty “eco” feel. As well, for a small sedan it feels sturdy and carries a genuine confidence even on our snow-covered winter roads.

During the test week, I drove back and forth to work for five days while plugging it in a few times in my garage. The cost for the overnight charge is approx $2-3 according to most industry sources so it’s not exactly going to put your utility bill through the roof. In addition, the number of public charging stations is only going to rise as there are now ~ 200 stations in Ontario with more coming all the time. For full details on these public charging station locations see the following map.

Having a short commute of only 20 kms round trip makes the Volt a perfect vehicle for the city dweller like me. However, one thing I did notice was the electric range was slightly effected in the cold December temperatures which is to be expected with electric power. The Volt’s gas engine actually turns on initially when the car is started in below zero degree temperatures (Celsius) to assist with heating of the engine. However, in spite of this, the fuel use was negligible as after the week the fuel gauge had not moved.

Chevrolet Volt interior

The news just keeps getting better for the plug-in 2014 Chevrolet Volt which now costs $3,000 less than it did initially since Chevy Canada cut the price from $41,545 to $38,595. However, along with the healthy $3,000 drop, there is also the combined purchase incentives available in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia that increase the Volt’s value. For example, here in Ontario, the current incentive value is $8,231 (CAD) resulting in the Volt’s starting price being reduced to $30,364 (CAD). At this price, it’s surprising GM is not selling more Volts as it really is a practical car for a variety of consumer audiences.

Something else consumers should be aware of is the fact that the government of Ontario also offers up to $1000 towards the purchase and installation of a level 2 home charger as well as the green licence plate which provides access to the HOV lane network even with only one occupant up until June 30th, 2015.

Chevrolet Volt

Many people are not aware of the Volt’s overall practicality as a four-door, four-seat hatchback with tons of storage space. Having packed the Volt with our Christmas gifts along with ski and snowboard equipment, I can honestly say it has almost as much room as our 2008 Ford Escape. With the rear seats folded down it is quite cavernous in the back compartment. The only real drawback as a result of its electric power is the loss of the middle rear seat which is taken up by the multiple batteries.

Chevrolet Volt

The Volt’s interior is very luxurious and includes the typical bells and whistles we have come to expect from a car priced in its range including; electronic stability control, seven-speaker Bose® audio system with subwoofer, 7 inch touch screen display with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, SiriusXM®4 Satellite Radio and the very cool Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users.

Chevrolet Volt

Having reviewed two different models years, I can say with honesty that the Chevrolet Volt is a great all around car with tons of functionality for almost all drivers. It’s certainly worth looking at closely if you are in the market for a four door sedan. One additional deciding factor about the Volt vs. an efficient gas-powered vehicle is the lower expected maintenance of electric vehicles as a result of them having less moving parts. This theory will be tested by the industry over the next few years as more plug-in electrics hit the market but most experts agree costs maintenance costs should be lower. As well, GM Canada is offering a 160,000 KM or 8 year warranty on the battery which provides owners with piece of mind.

Currently, there are several key competitors for the Volt including the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Motors’ i-MiEV which are both full battery electric vehicles. The Ford Focus EV and the plug-in version of the Toyota Prius also provide more competition on the plug-in side while the new BMW i3 is expected to be available in Canada by mid 2014 although it is priced slightly higher than the Volt.

2014 Chevy Cruze Clean Diesel Turbo

Posted on December 19, 2013 by northredline

2014 Chevy Cruze Clean Diesel Turbo

September marked the third year anniversary since the Chevy Cruze was introduced in the North American market. Over the past three years the Cruze has found success in the younger market, being one of the top-selling Chevrolet vehicles to buyers under 25. In addition, it’s attracting new customers to the Chevy brand, with 40 percent of overall Cruze sales in 2013 being from non-GM owners. GM is hoping to building on this success by recently introducing a turbo diesel to the 2014 Cruze line up. With a rated fuel efficiency of 4.2L/100 km city and 7.5L/100 km highway, along with a 0-60 mph performance of 8.6 seconds, the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has the potential to bring a whole lot more customers over the Chevy brand.

While diesel passenger vehicles have traditionally been popular in Europe, North Americans have shied away from diesel. There have been a few exceptions of course, with German automakers such as Volkswagen and Mercedes having a number of diesel offerings. Recently, however, other automakers are jumping on board with new diesel introductions such as the upcoming Mazda 6 diesel and the diesel version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The primary benefits of the diesel engine, namely power and efficiency are seen in the 2014 Chevy Cruze. The new ultra lower sulphur diesel engine has also helped GM overcome the historical issue of higher tailpipe emissions associated with diesel. As a result the 2014 Cruze is able to meet the strict Tier 2 Bin 5 emission standards.

The starting price of the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is $24,945. Our test vehicle also included the Enhanced Safety Package which included rear ultrasonic park assist, rear cross traffic alter and side blind zone alert. Add to that the striking crystal red tint coat and the convenience package and the total cost of our test vehicle was $28,225. The Cruze comes with a 3 year/60,000 km new vehicle limited warranty and a 5 year/160,000 km power train warranty and roadside assist.

By the numbers:

Engine: 2.0L Turbo Charged
Transmission: 6 speed automatic
Horsepower: 151
Torque: 264 lb-ft
 0 to 60 mph: About 8.6 seconds
Fuel Efficiency: 7.5L City / 4.2L Highway
 Fuel Tank Capacity: 59 litres
Driving Distance on one tank: over 1,100 kms

A small green badge is all that indicates the turbo diesel engine inside

Despite a tiny green badge on the rear trunk indicating it’s a diesel you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between the diesel and gasoline versions of the Cruze just by looking at it. This is also likely why when this reviewer was filling up the vehicle at the diesel pump of a local gas station two separate concerned drivers warned me that I was filling up my car with diesel. I politely explained I did know what I was doing and that the car was in fact a turbo diesel, which solicited a few long hard stares at the Cruze. The chrome accents on the fog lights along with the swept back look of the headlights give the Cruze a sophisticated and sporty look which at the same time is backed up by the performance of its diesel engine.

Off the line the Cruze diesel is a rocket, utilizing the 264 lb-ft of torque at its disposal. The Cruze also uses a turbocharging feature called “overboost” which can increase torque to 280 lb-ft for about 10 seconds of stronger acceleration. The boost is especially apparently when entering a highway onramp. The car also feels nimble with a short turning radius and good sight lines along with very little body roll in the corners. While there is some turbo lag, overall the performance of the diesel engine is impressive. Unfortunately, the Curze is only offered with an automatic transmission, unlike it’ main rival, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

Upon starting the Cruze there is a distinctive diesel engine sound that is throatier than a gasoline engine. However, once driving it’s very hard to tell the difference in sound emanating from the engine and after a while its easy to forget you are driving a car with a diesel engine.

Technology options in the Cruze are plentiful including the MyLink infotainment system

Entertainment options are plentiful in the Cruze with GMs MyLink infotainment system displayed on a 7 inch touch screen and paired up with a Pioneer premium audio system. Available Sirius satellite radio along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity in addition to available mobile apps means you’re all covered from a technology point of view. Button placement, from an ergonomic perspective, is also laid out well and is convenient.

The Cruze is a compact car and as a result it does have somewhat limited interior space. For example rear legroom could be larger and installing a rear facing car seat is a challenge, while still providing adequate legroom up front. This isn’t specific to the Cruze of course, but rather the compact class of car. That’s not the say the space isn’t functional, it is, and GM has done a good job designing the interior to make efficient use of space. In addition, trips to the grocery store, soccer practice or even IKEA can be handled with ease thanks to the plentiful trunk space, along with the 60/40 split fold down rear seats with centre armrest.

Rear legroom is somewhat limited but interior space is well designed

Competition for the 2014 Cruze Clean Diesel Turbo is similar to that of the gasoline version with key competitors including the Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Mazda 3, Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra.

Enviable fuel efficiency along with spirited performance and a driving range of over 1,000 kilometres on a single tank of fuel help the 2014 Chevy Cruze Clean Diesel Turbo shake the North American image of what a diesel compact car can be. General Motors has finally come to the table in the North American market with some real competition in the diesel market. Those looking for a compact car should add the diesel version of the Cruze to their short list we think they will be pleasantly surprised.

2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ

Posted on December 3, 2013 by northredline

As promised in our recent review of Chrysler’s 300C sedan, we said we would look at how two of North America’s top sedans stack up against one another. This week we will look at GM’s Chevrolet Impala LTZ. Redesigned for 2014, the new Impala is built on GM’s Epsilon II front wheel drive platform (shared with the Cadillac XTS) making it larger and much more upscale than the existing model.

Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet’s full size flagship sedan is totally new from the ground up, providing a muscular appearance while also providing a nod to both its rich history and Chevy’s modern styling cues. This new Impala represents the 10th generation of one of the industry’s most enduring and iconic nameplates as the first Impala was introduced in 1958. According to GM’s official press release, the Impala has been America’s best-selling full-size sedan since 2004, with total sales of more than 169,000 in 2012.

Front Seat Interior

Our tester came in the top of the line LTZ trim and comes with a price tag here in Canada of $39,645 MSRP. At this price you get a host of premium features including:

Leather-appointed seating surfaces
Heated and ventilated front seats
Power 8-way front and passenger seat adjuster
6-speed automatic with overdrive and Driver Shift Control
10 airbags
Advanced Safety Package – includes Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert
20-inch aluminum wheels with P245/40R20 all-season tires
Premium 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround sound audio system
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Chevrolet’s MyLink system with navigation
Rear Vision Camera
3 USB ports
Remote vehicle starter system
Xenon High-intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
LED daytime running lights
Dual exhaust system with bright exhaust tips integrated into rear fascia
Sunroof – power tilt/sliding glass panel, with sunshade and express-open feature

The new Impala model provides consumers with innovative styling, greater interior spaciousness and a host of advanced technology goodies never available in earlier models.

Back End Side View

The Impala offers three powertrain choices which include the 3.6L V6, the new Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder and the Ecotec 2.4L with eAssist. Our tester LTZ model was equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine which is rated at 305 horsepower and 264 lb. ft. of torque. The 3.6L provides the highest horsepower output in this segment from a naturally aspirated V6 engine and translates into a swift 0-60 mph time of only 6.8 seconds. Hence, our tester provided ample power for all types of acceleration requirements in both city and highway driving environments.

As for fuel consumption, GM provides highway numbers of 6.9 L/100 km and city numbers of 11.1L/100 KM for the 3.6L V6. Over our week, we were a touch above those numbers but quite close overall.

As for comfort and convenience, the Impala LTZ impressed us in several key areas. First, the interior is very well-appointed making it feel far more expensive than its actual price tag. Beginning with a rich looking instrument cluster that includes a 4.2 inch screen configurable color driver information center and ice-blue lighting which enhance the “upscale” feel of the interior. Second, the chrome trim with “bleed-through” ambient lighting further reinforces the cabin’s sophisticated flair. On several occasions, both friends and family complimented how great the Impala looked overall.

The interior sound quality with acoustic glass in the windows, extra foam in the body, and added sound deadening material in the floor pan and trunk help create a serene bubble for its occupants. GM has also recently made great strides in this area with its Buick Verano model.

As for interior space, the Impala brings its “A” game with an overall cargo space of capacity of 532L. It has a cavernous trunk and with the rear seats folded down provides an absolutely immense level of cargo space for the average family.

Backseats

These seats give an ultra level of comfort and passenger space equal to that of an airport limo. Not surprisingly, after our week with the Impala it started to feel like a modern version of Lincoln’s Town Car. With Ford no longer building the Town Car we may see the airport limousine industry start to leverage the Impala as their future workhorse.

Having the opportunity to experience the Impala LTZ model in a series of different driving scenarios we can confidently say, it straddles both the full-size sedan segment as well as the entry-level luxury segment.

With its new technology, larger size and sportier exterior this new model should be taken seriously by both competitors and consumers. As well, GM’s Impala pricing brings great value to consumers in this competitive segment as it is slightly lower than some of its competition.

As for our comparison to the Chrysler 300C, it really is not apple to apples as the latter is all wheel drive and the Impala is front wheel drive. There is also quite a delta between the two sticker prices. However, both cars are equally impressive and have a ton of great qualities. If you’re looking for a full size sedan this year, these two vehicles should be on your holiday wish list.

Overall, key segment competitors to the Chevy Impala LTZ are the Chrysler 300C as mentioned above, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis and Buick LaCrosse.

2014 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series AWD

Posted on November 27, 2013 by northredline

The 300 is Chrysler’s roomy full size sedan offered in both rear wheel and all wheel drive versions. It was first introduced in the 2005 model year and underwent a major redesign in 2011. RedlineNorth recently had a chance to test drive the 300C Luxury Series AWD version. First impressions we noted were the nicely appointed interior and the bold exterior styling. By the end of the test period we had a number of other reasons to like the 300C. Read on to find out why.

In Canada, the Chrysler 300 Touring starts at $34,295 with the base price of the ‘C‘ starting at $39,295 and the Luxury Series AWD version starting at $43,495. Optional equipment in our test vehicle included an upgraded Harman Kardon audio package, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and the Uconnect 8.4N infotainment system among other extras. These options brought our test vehicle in at $50,955. The 300 comes with a 5 year or 100,000 km power train warranty, with basic warranty coverage for 3 years or 60,000 km.

The 300C offers plenty of interior room

The stated fuel efficiency of our test vehicle with all wheel drive is a respectable, 11.4L/100 km city and 7.3L/100 km highway, for a full size all wheel drive sedan. During our review we did exceed these estimates by a marginal amount with a combination of 50/50 city and highway driving.

The interior of the 300C is well refined with a leather trim throughout. The analogue clock adds a nice touch, as does the blue backlighting to the instrument panel. Additional nice to haves in our test vehicle included the heated seats and steering wheel, which warmed up quickly, along with the steering wheel mounted shifters. While not a big fan of paddle shifters in an automatic car, they performed adequately in the 300C. The addition of the dual-pane sunroof which covers 70% of the roof gave the interior a very open and airy feeling.

Leather trim permeate the interior cabin

The interior cabin offers plenty of leg room both in the front and rear seats and provides a pleasantly quiet ride even at highway speeds. In addition, a technology feature standard on all models is the humidity sensor, which continuously monitors the windshield for risk of fogging and automatically adjusts the interior climate level to prevent the windshield from fogging up. We thought this was a nice touch.

The 8.4 inch touch screen utilizes Chrysler’s Uconnect system and is one of the more intuitive menu systems on the market. We also appreciated the ability to balance the audio in the vehicle through the touch screen allowing you to target zones within the vehicle. Overall, the sound system in the 300C was above average with very nice acoustics in the interior cabin. This is thanks to the upgraded 19 speaker, 900 Watt Harman Kardon system GreenEdge speaker and amplifier technology.

Combined, these features and the interior fit and finish truly did make the 300C Luxury Series live up to its name. If we were to point to any improvement in the interior cabin it would be in regards to more usable storage space for every day items like smartphones and keys, along with larger cup holders but we’re bordering on nitpicking here.

Blue illumination compliments the instrument panel

Optional with the 300C is a number of safety systems including a forward collision warning system, a blind spot monitoring system and a rear cross-path detection system. The latter providing a warning when backing out of a parking spot as to whether vehicles are approaching. We found the systems worked very well in everyday traffic, identifying potential hazards and were a comfort knowing they were there and in use.

The exterior styling of the 300C is one of those love it or hate it type propositions for some. It has a some what stately look blended with boxy and squared off styling. Combined with the jeweled C-shaped headlamps, chrome grille and bold wheels the 300 lives up to its Made in Detroit moniker. We liked the unique styling which grew on us even more by the end of our time with the vehicle.

The 300C offers unique styling

Although the 300C is a full size sedan, sight lines in the driver’s seat were surprisingly good and parking in a downtown environment was quite easy, especially with the addition of the rear view camera. Another nice feature is the Adaptive Forward Lighting which aligns your vehicle-to-road pitch, automatically turns the headlamps in the direction you’re steering and computes your speed and steering wheel angle to determine headlamp projection. This system both improves safety, but also adds to the driving enjoyment of the vehicle.

Overall, the 300C Luxury Series AWD is a worthy competitor in the full size sedan market segment. The attention to detail in the interior with leather trim throughout really provided that sense of luxury usually found in vehicles at a higher price point. As a full size sedan it provides a roomy interior and significant trunk space, however, the performance of its 3.6L, 8 speed engine and suspension demonstrated that full size can still be fun to drive.

Key competitors to the 300C are the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Chevy Impala, Ford Taurus, as well as the Hyundai Genesis and Buick LaCrosse. We think Chrysler has a lot to offer with the 300C Luxury Series in this market segment. Next week find out how the 300C stacks up against one of its key competitors, as RedlineNorth reviews the Chevrolet Impala LTZ.

Porsche Macan

Posted on November 25, 2013 by northredline

At this week’s 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show one of the models making a big splash is Porsche’s all-new 2015 Macan crossover. Marketed as Porsche’s new entry-level compact crossover with all the comforts of its Cayenne but with a lower starting price. Designed for the soccer mom’s tasks during the week while also providing owners with a solid weekend track day partner. It all sounds pretty good eh? We sure think so, and it does not hurt their pitch person is the “out of this world” Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova.

Porsche Macan – Photo C/O Forbes.com

Set to go on sale in the first half of next year, the Macan will be available in both an S and Turbo trim levels. Prices will start at $49,900 but as is often the case with luxury rides the price ranges dramatically as you choose various options making the total price sky rocket. For example, decide on a Macan Turbo and you’re looking at a base price of in the $72,000 range. Nevertheless, Porsche has kindly provided all its pricing information through its very cool new online configurator.

As for the name, according to the UK’s Car Magazine Porsche continues to leverage its wild naming convention as the name Macan “is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics” – core characteristics of the new off-road car. Well, not sure I love the name but I do eagerly await getting behind the wheel of the Macan for a test drive at some point in the near future.

Review of 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Edition

Posted on November 10, 2013 by northredline

It feels like just yesterday; I was in university with friends driving around Mom and Dad’s hand-me-down Grand Cherokees. Although those years are a bit hazy from all the 90s grunge rock, I have one fond memory of a ride home from a very cute blonde who drove a classic, green Jeep Grand Cherokee. As a young car guy at the time, that combo was equal to a royal flush in poker…..So it comes as no surprise that I have had a soft spot for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Then

Jeep had incredible success with its 1990 Grand Cherokee models which went on to set the standard for the medium-sized SUV. More recently, sales of the Grand Cherokee model have provided significant help to Chrysler’s bottom line through a very critical time in its history. To this day, the Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to build on its success as the benchmark in luxury and performance capabilities within the SUV marketplace.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit – Now

To say the new 2014 Grand Cherokee is not your average soccer Mom’s ride is a complete understatement. This new model is an exceptional piece of craftsmanship and precision built on an outstanding legacy which Chrysler has carefully refined for the past twenty years. Today’s end product is something very special and as a result, we were excited about taking a closer look.

Driver’s view

The new 2014 model has amazingly clean, sleek lines along with an aggressive 4×4 stance that’s ready to take on any type of road or weather condition. Unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to use the selec-Terrain 4 wheel drive system but we can easily imagine how much fun it is for owners to select and go.

Throughout the week, friends, neighbours and car folks we ran into on our travels were all eager to chat about the new ride and many complimented its stellar good looks. Having driven in both city and highway environments we can say the Grand Cherokee was a real treat to drive in both situations. It has the power and rawness when you need it while also providing the creature comforts of a luxury car with its character and function.

Our tester came with the 3.6L V6 which has a posted fuel consumption rating of 12.4L/100 km city and 8.3L/100 km highway. The Grand Cherokee is able to get these stingy fuel numbers as a result of Chrysler’s newly developed eight speed automatic transmission and its Econ fuel saving model. This new improved fuel efficiency does not come at the cost of performance though as the V6 has a 0 to 60 time in the seven second range which is very respectable for a vehicle of approx 4900 pounds.

Side rear view

Our test vehicle came in the top of the line Summit trim which includes a range of extras which brought the sticker price to $62,085 CAD. This prices includes some out of this world features not even imagined yet back in the 90s.

Some of these new technology features include:

8 speed automatic transmission with E-Shift
Steering wheel mounted shift controls (paddle shifters)
3.6L Pentastar™ VVT V6 – 290 hp – 260 lb-ft torque
Power 12-way driver’s seat with lumbar adjust
Memory settings function for driver’s seat and mirrors
7-inch reconfigurable in-cluster display centre
Exotic open-pore wood accents
Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
Heated steering wheel
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
Adaptive Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with headlamp washers
LED tail lamps
Remote start system
Quadra-Trac I™ 4×4 system
Quadra-Trac II™ 4×4 system with Hill Descent Control
Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension System
Select-Terrain™ with Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud and Rock settings
harman/kardon® 19-speaker audio system with 825-watt amplifier
SiriusXM Satelitte Radio
UconnectTM 8.4AN multimedia centre with 8.4-inch touch screen
8-way power passenger seat
Power liftgate
P265/50R-20 All Season Tires
Advanced multistage front air bags
Seven air bags including driver’s knee blocker
ParkView® Rear Backup Camera with dynamic grid lines
Park-Sense® Rear Park Assist System
Park-Sense® Front Park Assist System
Hill Start Assist
Brake Assist

Backseats

The interior is beautifully appointed with all seats covered in a high quality leather with the Summit trim branding (pictured above). A real attention to detail is noticeable as Chrysler continues to up their game in this area throughout their 2014 line-up. The combination of special interior features such as; heated steering wheel, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and wood trim sets the Summit model apart from its competition.

Rear cargo area

The storage capability is huge as you can see from the (above image) which illustrates how small one standard airline carry-on bag, a computer bag and two pairs of shoes appear in its cavernous rear storage area. With a very generous 36.3 feet of cargo space behind the rear seats it has space for all your gear and with the rear seats folded down you have access to a monstrous 68.3 feet of cargo room. Honestly, if you need more room than that just buy yourself a min-van.

Side view

As for its competition, many options are available for North American buyers in this market segment. However, the main competitors include; the Ford Explorer, Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Lexus RX 350, Acura MDX, Range Rover Sport (significantly more money), and Hyundai Santa Fe XL. However, although some of these competitors can actually seat seven (Grand Cherokee only seats five persons) there is a range of varying levels in exterior and interior refinement, towing capacity and off- road capability of which the Grand Cherokee Summit all brings its “A” game.

After spending a week with our Grand Cherokee, I can seriously say if I was in the market for a mid-sized SUV this would be at the top of my list. And most importantly, my wife really liked the look of it since it’s always a good thing when your partner appreciates another vehicle parked in the driveway.

RedlineNorth

Automobile Blog from North of the 49th

Category Archives: Review

2014 Ford Fiesta ST

2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Plus

Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 Review

2014 Cadillac SRX

2014 Chevrolet Volt

2014 Chevy Cruze Clean Diesel Turbo

2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ

2014 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series AWD

Porsche Macan

Review of 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Edition

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