Colorado vs Canyon

2017 GMC Canyon and the Chevy Colorado

Colorado vs Canyon

2017 GMC Canyon and the Chevy Colorado

Highly coveted as the pillars of mid-sized trucks, the 2017 Colorado and the 2017 Canyon are cut from the same cloth. Both developed by General Motors, the two are virtually identical

Both developed by General Motors, the two are virtually identical in specifications. However I am going to break them both down to give my opinion on which does pull out ahead. Now, this is going to be similar to deciding which one is better Pepsi or Coke, but it’s ultimately going to boil down to preferability.

Both offer a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine giving effective drivability and tow rating. Both have the capability of hauling 7700 pounds which is impressive for a mid-sized truck. This is ideal for buyers looking for a capable vehicle that is more practical to maneuver around. With a gracious amount of torque (369-lbs) and upgraded 8-speed transmission, there is no usually lag off the line when driving. The Duramax turbo-diesel and turbo-diesel featured in the Chevy Colorado both are surprisingly quiet. I was anticipating that there would be a louder than usual hum from the engine. However, both trucks feature an extra layer of paneling to lower the sound.

Edge: Tie

The offered diesel engine capability makes the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon the most fuel-efficient trucks on the market. The Chevy Colorado offers a 13.6L/100km city and a 9.9L/100km highway. The Canyon edges out over Colorado. The GMC Canyon sports a 10.8L/100km city and 7.7L/100km highway capability. This may be only a slight improvement, but this could be costly since gas prices are sky-high at the moment.

Edge: GMC Canyon

Safety-wise General Motors has supplied both trucks with 6 standard airbags, lane departure warning, collision alert, traction control and StabiliTrak® stability control system. StabiliTrak® seamlessly detects unrecognizable or un-foreseeable road conditions like ice or hydroplaning. Both also offer a 5 years/160 000 km powertrain limited warranty.

Edge: Tie

The interior of both trucks is simple and lacks flare. It’s preferred for most people that don’t want too many complicated nobs and switches, but the lack of push start and keyless entry is a miss. There is seating for five, and is spacious for being mid-sized trucks. The display screen and technology are Apple car play compatible as well as a featured Wi-Fi hotspot. The seats are made of a higher quality material in the GMC Canyon which takes the edge in the category. Not to mention the GMC Canyon features the Denali® upgrade possibility.

Edge: GMC Canyon

The exterior is more of personal judgment and opinion. They both have similar features, both look nice but this comes down to the small features. Similar to the attraction of a person, you may find things that look nice in one, but the nose is a little off, compared to the bad eyebrows on another. This is where people will have to choose for themselves. The Chevy Colorado has a rugged look to the hood in the Zr2 class, giving it a meaner look. However, the GMC Canyon has additions of chrome in the grille and door handles. Now, personally feel the GMC Canyon grille is more appealing than the Colorado. 

Edge: GMC Canyon

Being two identical mid-sized trucks, it’s apparent upon dissecting that the GMC Canyon is suited more for the executive, business class while the Chevy Colorado is for the everyday blue collar worker. Styling wise is important to some, but functionality and performance are what it comes down to. Both mid-sized trucks will get the job done. However one surprisingly comes at a lower price. This brings me to my verdict being the Chevy Colorado is the better truck out of the two.  The Price of the GMC Canyon is starting at $23 160, while the Chevy Colorado starts at $22 130. Regardless, it’s all about priorities. Some people are willing to shackle up more money for the slight increase in luxury. However, I am not. I am as cheap as they come.

Verdict: Chevy Colorado   

Key Points:

GMC Canyon            

  • Starting at: $23 160      
  • 8L/100km City and 7.7L/100km Highway
  • 8-litre 4 cylinder Duramax® Eco-Diesel

Chevy Colorado

  • Starting at: $22 130
  • 6L/100km City and 9.9L/100km Highway
  • 8-litre 4 cylinder turbo-diesel
 
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Automotive Reviews
2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior

2017 Honda Ridgeline – Review

2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior

2017 Honda Ridgeline – Review

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline Touring edition is so versatile; it is like having a Swiss army knife that you can drive.

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline Touring edition is so versatile; it is like having a Swiss army knife that you can drive. Open the tailgate down or swing it open sideways and you have access to a durable steel reinforced composite box that is dent and corrosion resistant. Push a button, and the hatch pops up to reveal an in bed trunk. Now if I could only figure out where they put the toothpick?

Looks:

I had the pleasure of driving the Touring model, which included a truck bed audio system, great for tailgate parties or just singing in the rain. The Ridgeline’s new molded design is not only aerodynamic but stylish, and the swept back headlights blend seamlessly into the front fenders.

In the Cab:

There is seating for five, with lots of leg room in the back. The front seats are heated and are fully adjustable. The navigation system with its 8” touch screen is well positioned and is easy to reach and with the steering wheel mounted controls and voice recognition commands you should have no problem getting where you want to go.

Safety First:

The Ridgeline has many safety features including: side curtain airbags, front active head restraints, vehicle stability control, four-wheel anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, backup camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot alert, rear cross traffic alert and road departure warnings.

Power:

A 3.5 Litre V6 engine with 280 horses and 262 ft-lbs of torque power this truck. It also features variable valve timing and lifts electronic control (VTEC) technology as well as a dual-stage intake manifold. These systems work together to maximize torque and increase horsepower as your speed increases. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with grade logic control that locks in a lower gear when traveling down a hill. There is also an ECON button to help stretch your fuel budget a little further.

Pump Frequency:

Fuel economy numbers are impressive. 12.8/9.5 litres / 100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support:

  • Three years/ 60,000 km standard
  • Five years/ 100,000 km powertrain
  • Three years/ unlimited roadside assistance
  • Eight year/ 130,000 km emissions warranty

Roadworthy:

Honda did nearly everything right with the Ridgeline. Car like traits are immediately noticeable, and the vehicle’s slightly heavy feel is mixed with considerable overall refinement. Performance is strong and confident, if not exactly blistering. The response is quick, easy and seamless from the engine and automatic transmission. The seats are firm and very supportive, and a large speedometer is easy to read.

The Ridgeline Baja Race truck made its debut this year. Strong finish considering a soccer mom was driving with three kids in the back screaming “are we there yet.”

Drivers can expect a smooth ride on good roads and a satisfying experience on rougher pavement. The Ridgeline stays reasonably flat in curves, but it’s not quite as surefooted as some SUVs on narrow twisty roads. It seems a little uncertain through some demanding turns.

Verdict:

Honda first introduced the Ridgeline to us in 2005 and had since improved, made changes, and listened to its customers on all aspects of this truck. Although not the first to offer this combination of an SUV and a pickup, they certainly stuck with it and cut out their own niche market

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Automotive Reviews
2017 Mazda MX-5 RF - Exterior

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF – Review

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF - Exterior

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF – Review

This 4th generation Mazda Miata was an impressive build on the quarter of a century of race-inspired driving. The MX-5 is Mazda’s only current sports car, and as always the only convertible in the lineup.

The MX-5 is Mazda’s only current sports car, and as always the only convertible in the lineup. Mazda pretty much has the small, lightweight and affordable droptop/sports car market all to itself. With a history of being the bestselling roadster, the new addition of the RF or retractable fastback just made sense.  As always MX-5 or Miata as I keep wanting to call it has an excellent power to weight ratio, which has been heightened by the use of premium new aged materials. The use of aluminum and ultra‑high‑tensile steel has shed approximately 20% of the weight of its previous generation model.

Powered by the 2.0 Liter SKYACTIV-G, this naturally aspirated inline-four produces 155hp @6000 rpm. Now while those specs might not be as sexy on paper as the 205hp dished out by the BRZ/86 frankencar, or the 160hp from the very similar Fiat 124. That’s not what this car is about, top speed and acceleration come second to drivability and hugging tight corners. That being said it has an edge on the BRZ/86 by being the lightest in its class and can deliver power more smoothly and on a lower rpm band then its high revving turbo lagging Italian cousin.

Now you don’t sit in a Miata so much as you wear it.  As a shorter guy, I had the feeling that if you were taller than six and a half feet you might start feeling like you are in a clown car, and with the roof down, you probably would be more comfortable with your head looking over the windshield instead of through it. Another common complaint from passengers and our other drivers was it felt like your butt was dragging on the ground, and that feeling is justified with only just over a foot of clearance from your backside to the road. Throwing everything the Miata or sorry MX-5 had into some of our back road mountain twists and turns certainly brought a smile to my face, and it made the driving experience quite enjoyable, the small cramped interior threw a wrench into the whole daily driver/year round car plan. Creature comforts are kept to a bare minimum, while it had things like weirdly placed cup holders, and a minuscule space for items like keys and phone, there was a lack of space and places like door pockets or a traditional glove box were nowhere to be found.

The model we’re testing was the Mazda MX-5 RF, and with the whole “being a convertible” as a huge selling point, it was nice to have the option of a mechanically lowered hard top. Cruising around with some beautiful sunshine and warm weather, it was easy to see why people fall in love with a drop top.  I expected the hardtop to insulate me better from typical road noises, but while driving the MX-5 around I found myself on more than one occasion checking to make sure the windows were closed due to an incredibly noisy cabin. Also, the RF suffered from some visibility issues due to the impossibly small rear window and thick B-pillars. Backing this small car up also threw me off as normally I would place my arm around the back of the passenger seat to assist in swiveling my body to get a better view out the rear window.  However as the MX-5 cabin pretty much ends right behind the seat, this was quite impossible and had me accidentally punching the back window as I attempted to turn my body.

So while the Mazda MX-5 was a fun car to cruise around in the sun, the size and functionality of the vehicle make it just another toy to play with during the summer.  Starting at 30k this is one expensive cruiser that I would be fine doing without.

Key Features:

  • Starting from $31,900
  • Mazda Unlimited features unlimited mileage for our 3-YEAR New Vehicle, 3-YEAR Roadside Assistance, 5-YEAR Powertrain and 7-YEAR Anti-Perforation warranties
  • Fuel Efficiency
    • City – 8.8 L/100 km
    • Hwy – 6.9 L/100 km
  • 4-Cyl 2.0 Liter SKYACTIV-G
  • Horsepower 155 @ 6000rpm
  • Torque 148 ft/lbs @ 4600rpm
  • RWD
  • Curb Weight 1,058 Kg
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Automotive Reviews
Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Front and Logo

2017 Brown Bros Racing – Ford F150

Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Front and Logo

2017 Brown Bros Racing – Ford F150

2017 Ford SVT Raptor is in hot demand; customers are flocking to the dealers trying to get their hands on one of these. Brown Bros Ford racing division has the answer.

They have started a Raptor factory and are cranking out their own version of the Raptor, based on a 2017 F150 XLT Supercrew 4×4 FX4.  The factory F150 starts out with a 3.5L V6 Ecoboost engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This motor produces 375 horsepower at 5750 rpm with 470-pound feet of torque. The 10-speed transmission allows you to save fuel for your everyday driving. Shifting more often means less time putting the twin turbos through their paces. Save that for the off-road.

Factory installed voice-activated navigation shown on a 4.2” productivity screen plots your desired drive route although does not work when you yell “get me out of this mud hole” unless you are talking about the one you created washing your truck outside your house.

The convenience package includes backup sensors, rearview camera, power sliding rear window, remote starter, 400w power inverter, LED box lighting. The truck is then customized by their in-house tech department.

Ford factory trained mechanics install a 4” Zone suspension lift with off-road shocks. This lift will enhance the truck’s abilities off-road, very similar to a Raptor the shocks will absorb the terrain without catapulting the truck in either direction; it will also give you a firm but smooth ride on-road.  The exhaust is changed in favor of a Magnaflow performance system that not only improves performance but sounds great too. The grille is replaced with an aftermarket Raptor grille that looks right at home on this truck. Addictive desert design front bumper is added with Rigid LED lights all across the front. Night becomes day with this many lights.

You can start to see the Baja race-inspired vehicle starting to claw its way out. Bushwacker flares provide ideal coverage for the new Toyo MT 35X12.5X18 tires with 18”x9 Fuel Maverick wheels. I personally have had a set of these tires and found them to be terrific on and off-road. The tires increase your ground clearance and give you much more ability to climb over obstacles such as rocks, falling trees or that futon bed your wife dragged to the curb. The interior is not overlooked, with the addition of Katzkin leather seats with custom stitching.  Add that to the already great factory interior you have yourself a sweet ride.

The 5.5’ truck box is covered by a Bakflip matte black tonneau cover that can open in two sections to allow larger items to be transported.

This truck is ready to play and looks good doing so.  Head down to Brown Bothers Ford and check them out.

Price $75,607

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Product Reviews
2017 Lexus IS 350 Exterior

2017 Lexus IS 350 – Review

2017 Lexus IS 350 Exterior

2017 Lexus IS 350 – Review

The new look of the 2017 IS models being that of the new rear-wheel-drive IS 200t, the all-wheel-drive IS 300, and the almighty IS 350 is that of both swagger and sleekness.

It’s almost as if Lexus has captured Denzel in Man on Fire with its fierceness. The IS 350 looks like it can casually leave a scene of fire chaos and look bold while doing so. The front end has a draped black “netting” outlined in a unique shape. Along with air intake ventilation accompanying the grille, the IS 350 also features a checkmark style LED lights underneath the existing headlights. It has a low stance look to the overall vehicle giving a more powerful look. From the backside, the IS 350 has sleek taillights sharply jagged and wrapping around the sides of the vehicle. The exhaust looks substantially larger and produces a decent roar.

The interior of the IS 350 gets upgraded with the F-Sport. Beginning with the bucket seating, you feel one with the vehicle. It also features nice trim accents along the vehicle which is always a nice touch. The display screen gets a sizable upgrade increasing to 10.3 inches, slopped into the dashboard. Features the standard mouse-type control button to operate the screen, which I found to be finicky due to the inconstant ability to click what you want to. Which is severely dangerous when you are driving due to frustration because you cannot scroll through your ABBA playlist.

The Lexus IS 350 also brings forth the Lexus Safety System+, An innovation that pre-anticipates a collision with vehicles or pedestrians. The system uses the camera and millimeter-wave radar to analyze hazards in the wake of the vehicle. If your reaction is slow to vehicle slamming on the brakes in front of your IS 350, it will inflict visual alerts and brake assistance as needed. If no action is taken by the driver the IS 350 will take over from your unsafe hands, and automatically brake itself.

Powering the engine of the IS 350 is a V6 six-speed transmission that has been tuned to produce 306 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft of torque. This topping the IS 300 AWD’s 3.5L V6 engine and the IS 200t 2-litre turbocharged four cylinders respectively. Standard in all models is the three mode selection of Eco, Normal, and Sports adaptation, however, with the IS 350 it features a Sport Plus mode where it tightens the suspension, alters the throttle, and optimizes the driving experience. The fuel efficiency is standard amongst competitor sedans, with a 12.6L/100km City and 9.2L/100km Highway. This, however, can be improved by sacrificing performance and sticking to the Eco-mode option. 

The overall drive of the IS 350 was impressive. The handling was sharp around bends thanks to the all-wheel drive. The suspension firmly kept the vehicle tight around corners and minimized the body jolting of other vehicles gliding through corners along the Sea to Sky highway. The IS 350 is recommended for anyone that is a performance enthusiast at a very reasonable cost. This sedan is somewhat spacious but, head and legroom for rear passengers are disappointing. Selfishly the IS 350 is made for the driver’s enjoyment.                  

An innovative sedan that does nothing but, holds up to the title.

Key Points:

  • Sticker Price: $53,350
  • V6 engine with 6-speed transmission
  • Lexus Safety System+
  • 10-year/100 000 km warranty
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