2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Automotive Review
Ian Harwood
September 16, 2018
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is ready to excite.
2017 BMW X4 M40i - Review
BMW blends the lines between its class of SUVs and car with their all-new 2017 X4. This lineup is labeled as an SAV or sports activity vehicle. The acute angles and fastback sloped rear has this vehicle reminiscent of a coupe in overall appearance with the larger aggressive stance of an SUV.
This new addition to BMW’s lineup is very similar to their very popular X6. I found the exterior to be more exciting and sporty than the typical blocky right angles found on most SUVs including the very similar X3. This coupe-like design does create a smaller space for the second-row seating, with about 45mm lost in leg and headroom. Now the spec’s do show a decrease in cargo volume, with the foldable seats and nearly identical exterior dimensions as the X6, I felt there was ample room for an SUV in this class.
The X4 was truly designed to be driven under the M badge as the M40i, with its “TwinPower” turbo 3.0l inline 6. This is the same engine found in BMW’s M2 coupe. And after being tuned for the SUV, it delivers 0-100km/hr. in 4.9 seconds with 355hp and 343 ft./lbs. of torque. With these impressive specs, it beats the similar priced; Porsche Macan S having 0-100km/hr. in 5.0s and the Audi SQ5 at 5.3 seconds. Providing some of that speed and acceleration are technologies like “TwinScroll” turbo, high precision injection system, DoubleVANOS variable camshaft control system, and the VALVETRONIC fully variable control system. The additional $12,000 at MSRP between the Xdrive 28i and the M40i provides an increase of almost 100hp, which allows it to live up to its sports car-like appearance. An interesting point to note is that the performance doesn’t come at a sacrifice to fuel consumption as both the competition above had a combined fuel consumption of 12.2l/100km, whereas the X4 M40i was only 11.3l/100km
As expected with a luxury brand such as BMW, the driving experience was always unapparelled. The exciting new role of a small sports SUV, showcased all their advances in racing technology, while still providing ample space for the daily commute or weekend escape. For someone who doesn’t want to fully give up the thrill of driving a small coupe like the BMW M240i, you can find all that power and excitement in the larger and more versatile BMW X4 M40i
Key Features
- MSRP $61,000
- Power 355hp @ 5,800 – 6,000rpm
- Torque 343lb-ft @ 1,200 – 5,000rpm
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.9s
- Combined fuel consumption 11.3 l/100km
2018 Mazda6 – Automotive Review
Andrew Harwood
September 12, 2018
With a slogan of “Driving Matters”, Mazda has produced a juggernaut sedan that’s a leader in its class. While most North American consumers are leaning towards SUV’s and Crossovers, it hasn’t stopped Mazda from quietly outperforming its competition in the sedan market.
2018 Mazda CX-9 – Automotive Review
Jared Syrenne
September 9, 2018
The 2018 Mazda CX-9, proving that being altruistic doesn’t mean you can’t also take care of yourself. As the pilot that everyone is depending on to get them to their destination, the CX-9 shows us that you don’t have to give up your driving passion when buying a large SUV.
2018 Ram 1500 – Automotive Review
Ian Harwood
September 5, 2018
The 2018 Ram 1500 now referred to as the “Classic.” The fourth generation of the pickup that was first introduced in 2009, and to this day has done very well in Canada.
2018 Range Rover Sport SVR – Automotive Review
Jared Syrenne
September 2, 2018
The Range Rover Sport SVR, a thoroughbred English racehorse SUV, that is good enough for the royal family.
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio – Automotive Review
Andrew Harwood
August 29, 2018
Just as many were asking for an exotic and unique flair to the crossover class, Il solo e unico, the Godfather himself has granted their
2018 Infiniti QX80 – Automotive Review
Ian Harwood
August 22, 2018
In 2011 the QX56 was introduced at the New York International Auto show with an all-new design. No longer sharing the platform with the Nissan Armada, it now was a luxurious version of the Nissan Patrol that had not been sold in North America since 1969. With a few minor tweaks and adjustments, we arrive at new 2018 Infiniti QX80, the next level of refinement for first-class travel.
2019 Acura RDX – Automotive Review
Jared Syrenne
August 19, 2018
This BC day long weekend, the wife and I decided to go explore our backyard and really enjoy what was left of our summer. With an invitation to visit a relative’s slice of paradise out on Vancouver Island, and the keys to the all-new 2019 Acura RDX we had it all figured out.
2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Automotive Review
Vince Sandhu
August 15, 2018
If you liked the last box on wheels, you’re going to be happy about this one. The G-Class stays true to its heritage but adds a slew of technology making this luxury SUV more capable than ever.