2019 Nissan Qashqai - Cover
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2019 Nissan Qashqai – Automotive Review

2019 Nissan Qashqai - Cover
Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2019 Nissan Qashqai – Automotive Review

The Nissan Qashqai is Nissan's 2nd most popular model, behind the better-in-every-way Rogue.

With virtually identical safety features, front ends, and interiors, it would almost make more sense to go with the Rogue for the more appealing style, space, and engine. Pricing isn’t very far off from the two also. So, why did Nissan green light the mass production of a car that is virtually identical to a vehicle they’ve already perfected? An even better question is: Why are people buying it?


Coming in at a whole foot and an inch shorter than the Rogue, the Qashqai will fit five average-sized people very comfortably. The styling is best described as a “Toned down version of the Rogue.” How many times will I mention the Rogue in this article? Keep reading to find out. The front and rear end are very alike. The side profile is when you see the subtle difference in the shapes. The Qashqai takes a sloping roof design and the hood is noticeably shorter.

2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Front
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Full Side
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Rear
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Side
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The Nissan Safety Shield 360 and the ProPILOT Assist keep you in your lane and away from the careless drivers out there. The Safety Shield 360 includes the Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist. On the inside, dead center between your RPMs and your speed, all of these safety features are displayed for your viewing pleasure (and safety of course). The 7.0” touch screen infotainment system is smooth and intuitive, and the nine-speaker Bose sound system is impressive. The Around View Cameras are displayed on this 7.0” screen but the resolution is a tad suspect. This isn’t just a Nissan issue, but a large group of cars and manufacturers in 2019 still have low-resolution cameras as back-up and around view cameras and its quite annoying. The dash and interior are identical to the Rogue with the glossy black accents and a nice, soft, and sporty designed steering wheel. And, the seats are comfortable as all get out. The leather is soft and whatever is under it is even softer.


The Qashqai runs a 2.0L 4-cylinder, 141hp engine. 4-wheel Independent strut suspension is the culprit of the smooth ride and somewhat “darty” steering. The CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) is rough. It works the way it should, but the drone of any CVT is something I don’t think I will get used to. Just like every other CVT, when slowly letting off the gas, the weird surge of power shows up. It sure is fuel efficient though, with fuel economy ratings estimated at 8.1 L/100 km highway and 10.0 L/100 km city. Better than the already very fuel-efficient Rogue. The Qashqai comes in an Xtronic Transmission or a six-speed manual in the FWD models. It’s a competent car for the weekend go-getters.

2019 Nissan Qashqai - Interior Cockpit
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Interior Front
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Interior Cargo
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Rear Blue
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The Nissan Rogue and the Nissan Qashqai (Rogue Sport in the US) have many similarities. In every aspect of the car, you can find a handful and more similarities, but the Qashqai has its own personality. It seems to stray away from the “perfect family” vehicle and cruise in the lane of “adventure seeker.” It has more space in all the right places to hold your weekend activities, but it also brings you the convenience and modern styling of any new car on the market, all while not breaking the bank. It comes in 3 trims and there are plenty of balloon-like colors to choose from

Key Features:

  • 2.0L 4-cylinder
    • Horsepower 141 @ 6,000 rpm
    • Torque (lb-ft) 147 @ 4,400 rpm
  • Fuel Economy
    • Xtronic AWD City/highway/combined 9.1/7.6/8.4 L/100km
    • Xtronic FWD City/highway/combined 8.6/7.2/8.0 L/100km
    • 6 MT FWD City/highway/combined 10.1/8.1/9.2 L/100km
  • Available AWD
  • 5 passenger
    • Cargo w/2nd row seat folded down (S 61.1) (SV/SL 53.3) cubic feet
    • Cargo w/2nd row seat upright (S 22.9) (SV/SL 20) cubic feet
  • 7″ multi touch NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
    • Optional Bose® Audio System with 9 speaker
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2019 Nissan Kicks
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2019 Nissan Kicks – Automotive Review

2019 Nissan Kicks
Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2019 Nissan Kicks – Automotive Review

The Nissan Kicks is coming in hot with a fun and perky attitude.

With efficiency and affordability in mind, the Kicks will get you from point A to point B without hurting the bank. Compact size and responsive steering will get you in and out of the busy city with ease. It was hard to find anything negative to say about this car. From the moment you see this car to the moment you hit the lock button, you know precisely what this cars job is, and it does it well.

2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
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The boxy styling of the Kicks is adorable. The ground clearance is ample, and the ride is excellent. It’s a shame it isn’t available in all-wheel drive but given the fact that it isn’t the most powerful car, front-wheel drive suffices. Trunk space is more than convenient, and the headroom available is fantastic. From the outside the Kicks looks small, but when sitting in the driver seat you notice the space. Well done, Nissan. The Bose speakers in the headrest are the feature you never knew you needed. That being adding to the already great sound system, even the local radio station will sound premium. You won’t be getting the same novel-like list of safety features like the lane-keep assist, or the semi-autonomous steering that the Rogue or Qashqai offer but the around view monitor, blind-spot warning, ABS, and TCS will keep safe. Leather seats are comfortable, but the one complaint I have is the armrest. It’s a smidge too high, making you hike your shoulder into an unnatural position, for me at least. Making it adjustable, or even getting rid of it altogether and using a storage compartment as an armrest could do the 2020/2021 model some good.

2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
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Every 2019 Nissan Kicks comes standard with the 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS). The engine is rated at 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a smooth, fuel-efficient Xtronic transmission, fuel economy is anticipated at 33 mpg combined. The best way to describe this car is “Go-Kart with leather seats.”

The Kicks will not be your first choice for track day, but it can be your first choice when it comes to your daily drive. It’s cozy, it’s perky, it’s fun, and it’s affordable. Heated leather seats and an excellent sound system are great additions for anyone looking for value. Toss in a touch-screen infotainment system and a fun exterior color, and this is at the top of your list when searching for your next ride!

Model tested: $25,498

Models available: S, SV, SL

Fuel Economy combined: 33mpg

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2019 Mazda3 - Cover
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2019 Mazda3 – Automotive Review

2019 Mazda3 - Cover
Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2019 Mazda3 – Automotive Review

“Despite sharing the same Mazda3 model name, the two forms represent entirely different personalities”. The completely new design of these vehicles is on the border of drastic and subtle, you could almost call it perfect

Overview

Mazda graciously lent me the all-new Mazda 3 Sport AWD in a beautiful Polymetal Grey Metallic paint. I fell in love with this car as soon as I laid eyes on it and I was not disappointed after driving it. It was comfortable, quiet, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing. It ticks just about every box when it comes to sporty hatchbacks. It’s fun, its AWD, it’s nimble, and the price isn’t outrageous. During my “Month of Mazda” test driving the CX-9, MX-5, 3 Sport, and 6 Signature, the 3 gets the top spot in my books and my heart. There’s a reason the Mazda 3 has been Mazda’s best-selling car since 2003, and this year’s model shows you why.

2019 Mazda3
2019 Mazda3
2019 Mazda3
2019 Mazda3
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Styling

When coming across a 2019 Mazda 3 in the wild, you will look twice. The new design is on the border of drastic and subtle. You could almost say perfect, almost. The 3 has a new aggressive face and a round and sporty looking back end. The hashmark grill sits well between 2 narrow and long LED headlights while the shiny and large Mazda emblem sits dead-center and also doubles as the front-view camera when parking. The taillights are a gem to stare at, and they help the 3 give it it’s the wide-body look. The model I had the honor to test had the 18” alloy rims finished in black which went exceptionally well with the Polymetal gray body color. The 2019 Mazda3 finally adopts the all-new Kodo design. The Japanese styling is on point and not in your face about it at the same time. There aren’t any swooping, sharp body lines as you usually see these days on sporty cars, but the silhouette of the 3 is what definitively separates itself from the pack — nothing else in its class like it.

When hopping inside, the sleek styling continues. The Mazda3 seemed to be the only vehicle of Mazda’s 2019 line-up to have the slightly upgraded and tweaked interior. This interior is with the times and well thought out while the other models were a tad dated and a little annoying. In the Mazda6 Signature, the armrest was set a little too far back for your arm to sit comfortably. The CX-9s infotainment system was the previous version, and the cameras were low resolution and tough to use. This was not the case in the Mazda3, as Mazda clearly saw these flaws and gave the driver a clear, almost 4k like back-up camera, and an adjustable center armrest with plenty of cargo space. The red leather accents throughout the dash and door panels, color matching the seats, set a very luxurious and high-end feel. The infotainment is clean, modern, and user-friendly. Android Autoplay and Apple CarPlay work fine, but I found myself using Mazda’s software as it just looked more natural to the inside of the car. Digital tachometer doesn’t look digital at all and is wildly smooth. The quietness of the cabin is one of the first things I noticed when driving. It is quiet. Scary quiet. The cabin was designed with a “double insulated” structure. Engine noise and road noise are reduced immensely. Being 6’1”, I didn’t feel cramped, and visibility was ample. As for the back seats, don’t expect your taller passengers not to complain when squeezed back there.

2019 Mazda3
2019 Mazda3
2019 Mazda3
2019 Mazda3
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Driving

Out of the two engines offered for the 3, 2.0L and 2.5L, I was given the 2.5L. 186hp and 186 ft/lbs of torque powering all four wheels with the i-ACTIV AWD.  Seven seconds after the light turns green you can be at 60mph, and for a bit of added fun, you can give the paddle shifters a flick, or 6.  It’s a hair faster than its competition, the Honda Civic Touring, which comes with a 1.5L turbocharged engine. As fun as a turbo is in most cars, its fastened to a snooze-fest of a CVT engine. I can go on for hours about how annoying the CVT engine is, but I won’t, today. The Mazda 3 after 4000rpm sounds nice, and maybe after a few minor upgrades, it can sound great on the daily. The G-Vectoring Control Plus, MacPherson struts, and a newly developed torsion bar in the rear keep the Mazda 3 planted and in control when cornering hard; it’s quite impressive. It gives the driver plenty of control regardless of the circumstance. The safety features seem endless. With a plethora of acronyms on the invoice, just know you will be safe out there. Lane-keep assist, Auto breaking at low speeds, Rear Cross-traffic sensors, Driver fatigue warning, Windshield active driving display, and the list goes on.

Summary

For my money, there isn’t a car that will make you feel special like the Mazda 3 will in this class and for this price point. You’ll forget you’re sitting in a Mazda. The only thing I could muster up to criticize is the lack of excitement. It holds itself together well. No loud noises. No aggressive and darty steering. The engine has some “pick-up-and-go” but nothing surprising. A turbo would be nice to get the juices flowing. Other than that, the 3 is an exceptional car for Mazda. It shows the progression Mazda is making, and it’s setting a new standard for this, and other classes. Here’s to hoping the competition sees the progress and steps up their game, because currently, Mazda’s getting my money.

Key Features

  • As tested: $33,295 (Fully loaded)
  • Fuel Economy: 9.8L/100km (City) 7.4L/100km (Highway)
  • 2.0l SKYACTIV-G
    • 155 hp @ 6000 rpm
    • 150 ft-lbs torque @ 4000 rpm
  • 2.5l SKYACTIV-G
    • 186 hp @ 6000 rpm
    • 186 ft-lbs torque @ 4000 rpm
  • 8.8” MAZDA CONNECT infotainment screen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard
  • Available 12 speaker BOSE premium audio system
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2018 Jaguar E-Pace – Automotive Review

Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2018 Jaguar E-Pace – Automotive Review

With coupe-like lines, wide low stance, with wheels ranging from 17” to 21, subtle F-Type features, the E-Pace immediately looks the part of a Jaguar SUV.

The E-Pace is Jaguars very first compact SUV. They’ve been making quite the name for themselves in the luxury SUV market with the incredibly desirable F-Pace, but will the E-Pace be able to join its ranks? With the single available engine offering, with two different power figures, the E-Pace already puts itself ahead of the competition. 

Sitting on the Evoque and Discovery chassis, the E-Pace’s shell embodies an F-Type inspired design, and I love it. The headlights and taillights are straight from the F-Types blueprints, and the front end is delicately aggressive with its mesh grill accents. Above the rear wheel arches sit body lines that resemble shoulders for a beautiful widebody look. The E-Pace struts more of a boxy look than the F-Pace does with its shorter wheelbase, making visibility a tad bit more driver friendly. The rear hatch window still sits at a wild angle which makes looking for on-comers a little tricky at times. Jaguar had always made the right choice when it came to wheel design and size, making sure the rims didn’t look too cartoonish while still filling the wheel wells perfectly.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace - Exterior Front
2018 Jaguar E-Pace - Exterior Rear
2018 Jaguar E-Pace - Exterior Side
2018 Jaguar E-Pace - Rear Side
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The interior is snug but not crowded. It gives you a nice sporty feel with practical and straightforward media controls. Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system is on duty in the E-Pace, with a 10” touchscreen featuring tiles that include a touch of whimsy: The tile to connect your phone bears an image of the iconic red telephone booths that were once scattered on the British landscape. WiFi hotspot is available in the S trim level and up. The front seats are comfortable, and the rear seats offer acceptable legroom, with their lower cushions providing good under-thigh support. With better but still only okay visibility, the crystal-clear parking cameras and 360-degree sensors come in handy. There is an optional panoramic glass roof that lets a significant amount of light in, but it doesn’t open, meaning Jaguar does not offer a sunroof for the E-Pace which is odd. Ambient lighting puts you in the mood for a nice calm drive, and the color options for the leather seats are eye-catching.

The E-Pace offers single available engine offering, with two different power figures. It comes with a 2.0 litre in-line four AWD engine that produces 246hp and the R-Dynamic models are tuned to fire out 296hp and do the 0-60 stint in 5.9 seconds (versus 6.4 seconds for the X2 and 6.5 for the XC40) and features a more advanced AWD system that will power all 4 wheels only when needed. To add the cherry on top, its all connected to a 9-speed ZF transmission that gives you the acceleration at any time in the perfect gear and cruises at highway speeds at low revs. The engine has a great growl at wide-open throttle, and it revs eagerly to it’s red-line. All models come with the auto-start/stop feature. The E-Pace offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sports setting, which provides maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. EPA estimates 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for the E-Pace P250, similar figures for the R-Dynamic.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace - Interior Steering
2018 Jaguar E-Pace - Interior Cabin
2018 Jaguar E-Pace - Interior Infotainment
2018 Jaguar E-Pace - Rims
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To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the E-Pace offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. For a few extra bucks you can opt for the Park Assist that’ll take the lead on attempting the treacherous parallel park. Forward collision warning and lane-keep assist come standard in the E-Pace. Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA, Volvo XC40 are in the same class, have similar safety features, comparable price tags, competitive power figures, and are all good contenders for your ownership. The midrange P250 SE trim starts at $45,295, and the R-Dynamic reviewed above came with a hefty dollop of options that lifted the final tab beyond $54,000. So, if you’ve got the wallet, a test drive wouldn’t hurt.

Key Features:

  • P250 – 2.0L i4 246 HP TURBOCHARGED GAS AWD
    • Starting at MSRP $49,500 CND 
    • 0-100km/hr 7 sec.
    • Combined Fuel Efficiency of 9.8L/100km
    • 246 HP @ 5,500 RPM
    • 269 ft-lbs torque @ 1,200 – 4,500 RPM
  • R-Dynamic P300 – 2.0L i4 296 HP TURBOCHARGED GAS AWD
    • Starting at MSRP $55,200 CND
    • 0-100km/hr 6.4 sec.
    • Combined Fuel Efficiency of 10.1L/100km
    • 296 HP @ 5,500 RPM
    • 295 ft-lbs torque @ 1,200 – 4,500 RPM
  • Curb Weight 1832 Kg.
  • Trunk Volume 577 L.
  • Seats 5
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2018 Nissan Maxima – Automotive Review

Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2018 Nissan Maxima – Automotive Review

Nissan’s new line up of vehicles is taking the roads by storm. With their updated styling and incredible value, it's easy to find one at just about any red light.

Things like the uniquely styled LED headlights, and front grille the Maxima will help you standing out while people spot these cars a mile away. Their vehicles are looking sleeker and sportier every year, especially the Maxima. The self-proclaimed ‘4DSC’ comes with a plethora of trim levels to choose from that all share the same engine.

The interior is clean and functional. It looks and feels modern, with Navigation coming standard on every trim. The infotainment center slants towards the driver in a very “Saab” like style with a modern twist, adding to the functionality. The 2018 Maxima now comes with Android Auto to add to the Apple CarPlay that is featured on a clear 8.0” screen. It may come to you as a surprise, but the Maxima doesn’t share any styling plaques with the Altima. The center console, the infotainment screen, the seats, even the steering wheel, all newly designed for the Maxima, but it’s a different story when it comes to the exterior. Nissan decided to “beef” up the Altima, add some sharper angles, fix a few sporty accents here and there and slap a Maxima badge to it. Curiously, the Maxima doesn’t offer as much cabin space and leg room in the back seats as the Altima, which baffles me. A revised grille design cleans things up in front, but you’ll probably have to park it next to last year’s Maxima to spot the differences. The automatic rear window shade throws a dash of elegance into the mix which comes in handy more often than you may think.

Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
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The Maxima comes with a name ‘4DSC’ (4 door sports car) and they say it’s because of the 3.5-litre 300hp engine that’s fastened to a CVT that comes in every trim level available, from the S to the Platinum. 0-60 happens in 5.7 seconds with the standard FWD setup. It’s nothing special, but its right in the wheelhouse of its competition. The high-effort steering helps the Maxima feel decidedly more athletic than rivals such as the Toyota Avalon. For a mid-size sedan, it’s surprising how the handling and drive are praised by others considering most 4 doors have a huge amount of body roll. All 2018 Maxima’s come standard with six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, a rear-view camera, and automatic emergency braking with forward-collision warnings. Standard on SL and higher trim levels is even more advanced gear: blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Lots of features that come for a very reasonable price when compared to its colleagues. The Maxima offers 25 mpg combined which makes it justifiable, although Nissan recommends premium unleaded fuel.

Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
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Nissan has built their brand around a few simple concepts that include: reliability, affordability, and now they’ve added a dash of luxury into the mix. The Maxima Platinum is an incredible showcase of these qualities. Sleek and modern interior, updated and eye-catching styling, fuel efficient yet sporty engine. The back seat and the cargo space in the trunk were a little disappointing but other than that, the Maxima checked all the boxes and Nissan seems to have hit the mark with this one. The Base price for Maxima is in the ballpark, starting at $36,990 CAD with some very nice standard features that others don’t offer. The model reviewed above comes in at $41,500.

Key Features:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment
  • 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6
    • 300 HP & 261 lb-ft torque
    • 11.1/7.8 City/Hwy L/100 km
  • Legroom front 1143mm
  • Legroom rear 870mm
  • Cargo volume 405L
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2018 INFINITI Q60 – Automotive Review

Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2018 INFINITI Q60 – Automotive Review

Offering both a 2.0L and 3.0L engines in 5 different model options all with stunting sharp, slick body lines -- the INFINITI Q60 has all the pieces to the puzzle for a great sports coupe. While the Q50 is the popular sports sedan, the Q60 stands apart with its compact coupe design with a clear focus on the driver.

Design

The interior is on point. The front seat/cockpit is snug, driver-focused and functional. I never found myself overreaching for controls. The infotainment system is simple but a little cluttered. The leather seats are designed to keep your hands at 10 and 2 while being comfy enough for long drives. The rear seats are not easy to get in and out of but, that usually isn’t one’s concern when shopping for a 2-door car. Coupes, in general, usually have a problem with visibility and blind spots, but with the Around View® Monitor and the Moving Object Detection, it is no longer an issue in the Q60.

In my opinion, the major 2017 redesign of the Q60 exterior made it one of the best-looking coupes on the market. With the competition featuring massive mouthy grills and deep cut and swooping body lines, the Q60 is organic and eye-catching at the same time. Compact, sporty, with a low, mean stance, and you’ve got yourself a car that looks like it’s in its own league.

The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
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Driving

The Q60 comes with 3 pretty much different engines, but only one of them really matters. The new 400 hp 3.0-litre twin turbo V6, found only on the INFINITI Q60 Red Sport. The main difference is having a boost pressure of 14.7 psi, versus 9.5 psi for the 300-horsepower version. The impressive twin-turbo system enabled smooth and immediate responses under both careful and aggressive acceleration. The 100 hp will set you back almost $10,00 CND, but the 12.5 city/9.2hwy L/100km is only is almost the same as the standard 3.0l. V6.

The AWD system is clever and adaptive and if you want a bit more excitement there is an RWD option, but it is only available in the USA. Around corners, the Q60 stays planted with minimal body roll, but in the city, the ride isn’t the smoothest. The steering and suspension have been a common criticism, many saying it “feels numb”, and that is to do with INFINITI’s Direct Adaptive Steering. Essentially, DAS is a steering setup with no physical connection, just sensors, and switches. The system is constantly, automatically making subtle adjustments to increase stability but at the cost of feeling the road. The good thing about the DAS setup is that you can adjust the steering via the vehicle settings to fit your needs best. But no matter how much you adjust and tinker with the steering, it comes second in my mind to the feeling of a mechanical setup.

The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60 brings INFINITI’s powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
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Summary

The Q60 is an eye-catching vehicle no doubt, but is 400hp worth the $60,000? With team Germany offering the comparably priced 320hp BMW 4 Series Coupe, and the 362hp Mercedes AMG C 43, the INFINITI Q60 represents a viable alternative to the leaders in sports coupes. I can say with confidence that (in my opinion), the Q60 has the competition on the ropes in the styling department. My final thought is that the Q60 is a great car, looks incredible and the engine sounds mean without being rambunctious and obnoxious. Its luxurious inside the cabin and is quiet on the highway, the steering situation can be something you get used to, the Q60 is worth a test drive for anyone looking for a sporty 2 door car.

Key Features

  • Starting at $46,295 CND for Q60 2.0T PURE AWD
    • $61,295 for the Q60 RED SPORT 400 AWD
  • Around View Monitor® (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD)
  • Available twin-turbo V6 that can put up to 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft maximum torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm
  • With up to 336 customizable driver settings on the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
  • The worldwide debut of the new Bose® Performance Series Audio System with Advanced Staging Technology
  • INFINITI Total Ownership Experience
    • Trip Interruption Benefits covering meal, lodging, and transportation costs if you break down more than 100 km from home
    • 24-hour Roadside Assistance
    • Complimentary Service Loan Car when you drop off your INFINITI for warranty repair
  • Basic Coverage is 48 months or 100,000 kilometers, (whichever comes first), for all parts and components of new INFINITI vehicles
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2019 Acura TLX – Automotive Review

Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2019 Acura TLX – Automotive Review

Since 2014, Acura decided to make something smaller than the TL but bigger than the TSX. With that in mind, the TLX has been holding the fort down very well.

To provide more “character and performance” Acura introduced a new trim level called A-Spec. Entry-level luxury sedans have been always a win-win for the masses. Luxurious interior, more power, and a sportier chassis gives everyone the best bang for their buck. BMW had an answer for all those amenities with their classic 3-series. They set the bar high over the years and became the go-to for that customer, but in the process, these types of cars have evolved into more of a luxury vehicle with even pricier options. The TLX could be the under the radar answer that you may be looking for.

The TLX’s styling is near the top of the list along with Audi and Mercedes. Introducing the new Signature Diamond Pentagon grille, replacing the bright satin finish grille. Dead center of the new grille is a large Acura emblem that hides the hardware for the Adaptive Radar Cruise control. The front end has become larger and larger over the years and it is noticeable, but it isn’t as theatrical as the Lexus’ front ends. Adding to the new front end are the re-shaped full LED headlights that help tie the front end together very meticulously as well as show you what’s ahead in the late hours of the night. Large dual-exhaust tips provide a very aggressive looking rear diffuser.

2019 Acura TLX
2019 Acura TLX
2019 Acura TLX
2019 Acura TLX
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Inside the cabin, the optional red leather seats offer a nice pop to what some would usually call a boring and familiar interior. The dual level infotainment system survives the year-to-year updates but has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay added. The enhanced phone connection lives in the upper-level screen, which is not a touchscreen. You interact with it via the rotary knob that lives at the bottom of the center stack. The controversial push-button gear selector made its way into the 2019 model. It’s difficult to understand why Acura went with this setup of buttons when it takes up no less space than the conventional stick gear selector.

The TLX comes in a 2.4-litre 206-horsepower engine or a 3.5 litre 290-horsepower V6. The engine is tied a 9-speed ZF transmission which in turn, provides you with 267 ft-lbs of torque to play with. A 0-100km/hr run comes in at 6.1 seconds which is very similar to the comparably priced fully loaded Audi A4 which runs at an even 6 seconds.  Under low load, the TLX will decide to shut off 3 of the 6 cylinders to save your wallet at the pump when it comes to highway cruising. In the city the stop-start idle comes standard in the V6 models. Combined city/hwy driving, the 3.5L TLX sips a mere 9.8L/100km. As for the handling, when you decide to swing your SH-AWD around a corner with the throttle down, the instrument cluster will show you as more power is delivered to the rear outside wheel. The A-Spec package gets you firmer dampers and a re-tuned electric power steering system. A-Spec models with SH-AWD (in other words, all V6 models) get firmer springs and a more rigid rear stabilizer bar for better wheel and body control.

2019 Acura TLX
2019 Acura TLX
2019 Acura TLX
2019 Acura TLX
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Starting at around $35,000 offers the most value for the TLX, but the fully loaded model reviewed above comes in at around $51,000. Which is fair when compared to a fully loaded sedan in the same class, like the previously mentioned comparable Audi A4. But other competitors at this price range such as the 400-hp INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400, or the classic 320hp BMW 340i xDrive might start making more sense if that is what price range you are shopping for. I find the TLX a great, well-designed sedan, with a great sounding engine and it feels nimble for something with 4 doors. The interior is nice and there are many options to make it unique to you. Acura offers lots of convenient tech to add also.

Key Features:

  • Starting at $36,890 CND
  • 2019 TLX SH-AWD Elite A-Spec $51,890 CND
    • 5L Direct Injection SOHC, i-VTEC® V6 Engine
    • 290 HP and 267 Ft Lbs. Torque
    • 0-100km/hr in 6.1 seconds
    • 4/7.7/9.8 City/Hwy/Combined
  • Cargo Volume 405L
  • Apple CarPlay™* and Android Auto™*
  • Available 490-watt, 10-speaker ELS Studio® Premium Audio System
  • Array of driver safety and assistive technologies, AcuraWatch™
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2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Automotive Review

Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Automotive Review

The Mercedes G-Class is the latest victim of the “redesigning” phase Benz is going through. Something that hasn’t been done in over 4 decades. The exterior still screams a “demanding box on wheels” with a just a few minor touch-ups and a few added inches to the stance. The changes made to the exterior are so subtle, they aren’t noticeable to the casual fan unless they are placed side-by-side. The interior, on the other hand, has been completely overhauled and upgraded, and it is a sight to see. 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.

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The G-Class interior has gone through an aggressive, but a much-needed update. More space, more tech, sleek design, all while keeping a few imperative features that have survived previous tweaks. Talking about the grab handle in front of the passenger and the side-hinged barn door with the full-size spare fitted at the rear. The pop-up screen has been replaced with a 12.3” infotainment system (will not come with MBUX interface, yet) that has been molded into the dash. The steering wheel has been swapped for a much more modern looking one with more appealing controls. Mercedes updated the air vents with the classic-style vents that were once used in the older models while removing the out-dated climate control dials and oversized buttons; although the toggle switches for the locking differentials remain a staple design. The shifter has been replaced with what looks to be a touch style writing pad, while the new gear selector sits below it. The cabin has loads of space, which means you will finally be able to fit average sized adults in the back seats now. The driver and passenger receive more shoulder and elbow space, and the backseat passengers are gifted an extra 6 inches of leg room. The driver seat will come with air-filled side bolsters that will adjust according to the driving styles. The G-Class’ interior will (finally) be on-par with the E-Class and S-Class vehicles.

Under the aluminum hood will sit a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 that will pump out 416hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque and will deliver a reasonable 21mpg. Coupled with the V8 will be a 9-speed transmission, and all together we will get a 0-62mph time of around 5.5 seconds. The AMG version will crank out 577hp and jump to 60 in 4.4 secs. Thanks to the aluminum fenders and doors, the G-Wagen sits 375lbs lighter, meaning exiting and entering doesn’t involve a loud “guh-gunk” anymore. There will be 10.6 inches of air between the G-Wagen and the dirt it drives on, and an independent front suspension which will make it even more capable off-road than before. With the rack and pinion steering set-up, it will make the steering feel very light and will be a breeze to drive around town.

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If you are wondering why the G-Class went through a redesign, it is because the Range Rover was becoming more popular with buyers. The out-dated style and tech in the G-class were far behind what Land Rover was able to offer. The Lexus LX570, Lincoln Navigator, and Toyota Land Cruiser are part of the conversation when it comes to size and practicality, but include luxury and the G-Class stands alone. The 2019 G-class has gone through a redesign and has come out the other side better in every way. The exterior tweaks were minimal but effective. The interior overhaul was drastic but vital. Something not many car manufacturers are able to accomplish. The G-class is for making a statement, but throw a bit of practicality and legroom into the mix, and you might be able to justify spending the $130,000 for the G550. Keyword being might…

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Lamborghini Urus – Review

By Palvinder Sandhu

By Palvinder Sandhu

Lamborghini Urus – Review

A few years back, Lamborghini released some concept sketches of an SUV that looked too good to be true, as most concepts do.

They then went quiet, and nobody knew what was going to come from it. Years went by, and in the most recent years, the demand for luxury SUVs sky-rocketed, and Lambo’ decided they wanted a piece of the market. On December 4th, 2017 they debuted the Lamborghini Urus. A luxury SUV, with the claim of being the “fastest SUV on the planet,” and surprisingly, the concept sketch seemed to be the final draft.

The good thing about the Urus is that it looks like it is a Lamborghini. They stuck with their winning recipe and made an SUV that Bruce Wayne would drive (in black). Offering big 22” and 23” wheels that fill in the hexagonal wheel wells very nicely. Sharp and aggressive lines running along the body, and huge front-end vents that would vacuum up your puppy if it got too close. The headlights and taillights are shared with the Aventador and Huracan. Also taken from the Aventador is the width of the Urus, 79.37 inches without the mirrors. The lowered stance that you may notice provides much less body roll than expected from an SUV weighing 4750 lbs. At first glance though, the silhouette of the Urus looks oddly familiar (to the F-Pace). The Urus looks utterly fast, and later you’ll understand just how fast it is.

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Lamborghini Urus Exterior #3
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Lamborghini Urus Exterior #1
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Lamborghini claims the be able to seat 4, 6’ tall people comfortably in the Urus, and from the images, it seems viable. The dimensions all check out. They also added that it has a “low seating” style which would seem awkward for someone who is over 6’ tall. Other than that, the interior looks fantastic. The centre console has the same pilot-like control scheme as the Aventador and Huracan with the addition of 2 touch screens. The lower screen is used for climate control or a writing pad, and the top screen is for the navigation, and media, as seen in the new Audi A8. Honey-comb stitching in the optional Alcantara seats, or the optional 18-way seats with massage and cooling, will keep you comfy on the long drives. The boot has enough space to take some of your belongings with you, with leather and Alcantara covered 600-litre trunk.  Whereas the supercars from Lamborghini were more focused on an interior mimicking the cockpit of a fighter jet with leather seats, the Urus takes a different route and brings a more luxurious and high-quality feel.

Under the hood is a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine (same as the Audi RS6 and Bentley Benteyga) strapped to an 8-speed transmission, that powers all four wheels. Which is a big deal because this is the first time Lamborghini has fitted a turbo, let alone 2, to a vehicle. It produces 641hp and gives the driver a 0-60 time of just 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 187mph, which makes it the fastest production SUV on earth, over the Jeep Trackhawk. Lamborghini used the V8 instead of the V10 that’s in the Huracan, and V12 in the Aventador because it was lighter and better for the fuel economy of 22.2mpg. Speaking of weight loss, the exterior and interior are littered with carbon fiber to shave off the lbs, which give it the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. Mix that in with a 48-volt electrical system and anti-roll suspension and the Urus will go around corners nearly flat. The 4-wheel steering doesn’t hurt either when it comes to track day, which Lamborghini says the Urus will be more than suitable for. The Urus comes with a wild 6 driving modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, Sabbia (Sand), Terra (Off-Road), and Neve (Snow), one for each terrain. As convenient as these driving modes may be, it’s hard to imagine the Urus being driven on any surface but pavement. Having the option may change your mind

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Before asking yourself why a twin turbo V8, dual touch screens, six driving modes, and 0-60 in 3.6s are needed in an SUV, understand that they aren’t. This wouldn’t be a Lamborghini if it didn’t though. Lamborghini’s identity is taking practicality and throwing it out the window and making bedroom wall poster cars. The reassurance with all these bells and whistles is that they’re proven. The V8 in the RS6 is wildly impressive. The A8s infotainment system is user-friendly and fluidly intuitive. The suspension system is from the Audi Q7 and Bentley Benteyga (heavy and bulky), and they drive smooth and stay flat. This is very much a product of VWs best and proven.

With the demand for luxury SUVs hitting all-time highs in recent years, Lamborghini has brought to us another option to consider. For around $200,000 US, the price of the Urus is a little higher than its competition, but with that gap, it comes with tons of features and an immense amount of ability. From what I’ve seen, I am impressed with what Lambo’ has been able to produce. The body and styling are demanding, the power and ability are mind-blowing, and the interior is sleek, luxurious, and intuitive. It seems to check all the boxes that one needs to pull the trigger and buy one. They’re expected to roll out this spring, and if you’re feeling a little polar bear-friendly, the hybrid model is set to roll out in 2019. So, if you’ve got the cash, dishing it out for the best wouldn’t be the worst investment you’ve made.

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Tesla Roadster Concept
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Tesla Roadster Concept – Review

Tesla Roadster Concept
Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

Tesla Roadster Concept – Review

The Tesla Roadster, a 2-door hyper-car. A car with a removable glass roof, boasting numbers that some can’t wrap their head around.

Elon Musk has done it, he has broken the internet, for car enthusiasts that is. He revealed an all-electric Semi truck that will have a range of 500 miles with a full load behind it. Without a payload, it will do 0-60mph in 5 seconds, which means no more needing to find space to overtake a Semi when the light turns green. Due to some wind tunnel configuring, the Tesla semi will have a less drag coefficient than a Bugatti Chiron, and it will only take 15 minutes or so to charge. Impressive. The big rig will also come with Teslas enhanced autopilot to help avoid collisions. They are also claiming a 2-year payback period, which only adds to the list of pros.

But, the Semi wasn’t what broke the internet. It was what the Semi was hauling in its trailer at the reveal. The Tesla Roadster, a 2-door hyper-car. A car with a removable glass roof, boasting numbers that some can’t wrap their head around. Producing over 10,000 NM of torque to the wheels from a 200kwh battery, the Roadster will do 0-60mph in 1.9 seconds, and 0-100mph in 4.2 seconds, thanks to its AWD system. If your neck hasn’t snapped from the acceleration, you may be able to see the car reach a top speed of +250mph. Numbers unheard of from an all-electric car, with four seats. All these claims, are available on the base model of the Roadster, which will start at $200,000. A Special Founders edition will be available with a $250,000 price tag.

These times and torque figures and prices are all impressive. They become even more impressive when compared to some of the most popular cars that are available today. Let’s look at the McLaren P1, a personal favorite. With an invoice of $1,150,000, you get a monster twin-turbo 3.8L V8 shouting out 727hp and 531 ft-lbs of torque, and a lithium-ion battery with a more modest 177hp and 96 ft-lbs of torque. Combining to create a 903hp stunner. 0-60mph is 2.7 seconds. 0-100 is 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 217mph. Not sounding as impressive anymore following the Roadster.

Tesla Roadster Concept
Tesla Roadster Concept
Tesla Roadster Concept
Tesla Roadster Concept
Tesla Roadster Concept
Tesla Roadster Concept
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The Acura NSX has a receipt that is closer to the Roadster. $156,000 will let you play with the twin-turbo 3.5L V6 hybrids 573hp, 476 ft-lbs of torque, and a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds. Again, for a bit more money, you can have something that is quite literally from the future. Unless you’re looking at only torque numbers, in that case, the SRT Dodge Demon has the upper-hand over the Roadster, sending 10,000 ft-lbs to the wheels at launch. Other than that, the Roadster isn’t matched by any production car available today. Unfortunately, street races don’t happen as often as they do in the Fast and Furious movies. From a practical point of view, The Roadster offers the buyer four seats and a range of 620 miles, compared to the NSXs 328, and the P1s 300 miles. The NSX and P1 will only give you one passenger too.

All rainbows and unicorns, until we dig into some of the details of this vehicle. Like how the horsepower figure is nowhere to be seen. Without that number, everything else doesn’t seem to have much meaning. Some have come out and said a 0-60 time under 2.05 seconds isn’t possible with the tire technology available today. Unless Elon Musk has gone to Michelin (which from pictures seems to be the tire on the Roadster) and partnered to make a super grippy tire. Another concern we are having is the weight of the car. Teslas P100D weighs an insane 5000lbs and holds a 100kw/h battery, whereas the Roadster is going to lug a 200kw/h battery. Tesla also sells separate 210 kW/h battery packs, and they’re weighing 3,600lbs. So, without the weight of the car provided, people have been taking some guesses, and it seems that people are content with the 2,500lbs number, for just the battery alone that is. This will be a very heavy car if this holds true. A lot of energy is required to move and stop that much mass which can result in overheating. As some of us may already know, Tesla has been having trouble giving consistent lap times with previous cars due to the cooling rejection system failing, calling it the “limp mode.” Hopefully, by 2020, they’ll be able to find a solution to this problem. The last thing to remember about the Roadster, is that all the times and numbers are only claims, nothing has been tested or proven.

Tesla Semi Concept
Tesla Semi Concept
Tesla Semi Concept
Tesla Semi Concept
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Shortly after the reveal, Elon Musk tweeted out that a “special edition” of the Roadster may or may not be able to “fly short hops.” Saying it’s a question of safety, but “Rocket tech applied to a car opens up revolutionary possibilities.” Meaning the Roadster Elon mentioned that already has impressive numbers, will be available in an outrageously more impressive model that will be faster, and could potentially give it the ability to “fly short hops.” The future is near, Elon Musk wants it here now, and I’m not complaining.

Although, A few things went thru my mind when I heard the news about the Roadster. Like, why the timing? Why does it seem like Tesla has been working on this [roadster] when they’ve had an enormous bottleneck issue with the Model 3? Are they trying to hide something about the Semi? It’s odd (to me) to reveal such an innovative and progressive Semi, then take all the shine away from that and throw the Roadster in everyones face. Understandably, Elon Musk isn’t one to color within the lines.

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