All Sportutil Articles

The times, they are a changing. Though it breaks a long-held North American tradition and contravenes the 'bigger is better' mentality, Ford is pushing powerplant technology to the next level in the name of power and efficiency.

Toyota Canada announced the pricing on the 2009 Venza crossover, and also stated that their vehicles would get an average of 1% in price increases.

From a simple V6 to a snorting twin-turbocharged V8, the Porsche Cayenne SUV offers something for nearly any buyer.

The 2009 BMW X6 is quite a strong-character vehicle and, much like with humans, this character can be pretty intimidating at first glance. It's entirely possible that you find it unattractive and want to look elsewhere, but give it a chance and you'll see how fast this bold new vehicle can grow on you.

A still-unnamed prototype shown here with a digital illustration was spotted for the first time this past summer and based on all the photos accumulated (as well as a few knowledgeable sources), we are speculating - contrary to the camouflaged disguise - that this will have so-called coupe-like styling (similar to BMW's X6).

General Motors is busy getting ready for their hometown show and has announced three more vehicles that will be on display.The beautiful CTS sedan will spawn a Sport Wagon version, which will target buyers currently seeking to dump their SUVs. On sale next summer, the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon will offer 720 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats.

Merrickville, Ontario - Can you imagine an SUV weighing over two tons that can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds while burning about 9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers? No, I'm not talking about gas-electric spinoffs like the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid or Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. This vehicle uses a different powertrain altogether: a modern twin-turbo diesel. It sports the blue-and-white roundel of BMW and is called X5!

The Aspen is Chrysler's first foray into the world of sport utility vehicles. That's right: the storied company had never offered an SUV before, leaving that job to its sportier Dodge division. While the Aspen burst onto the scene fairly late, it now represents a quality alternative, especially in hybrid variant.

Before this year, every time we would get invited to the launch of a small SUV or crossover, the manufacturer lined up only the most powerful versions of their new model. Even if 4-cylinder and V6 engines were available, when we asked if we could try out a version with the smaller engine, we would get an answer that sounded like: "Um... we don't have any right now."

A first impression is hard to change. When you meet someone for the first time, it supposedly takes about 30 seconds to make an idea in your mind of what kind of person is standing in front of you, and if you like that person or not. The same goes for cars and trucks. Walk in a dealership and spot the vehicle you're interested in. After a few seconds, if the exterior shape pleases you, the next step is arguably to open the door and sit down in it.

Saab's all new, 2010 9-4X CUV has now shed all of its camouflage, except for fake taillight covers. The production model looks very much like the Saab BioPower concept that debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show last January.

The 2009 Kia Borrego could certainly be described as an automotive anachronism. While it just arrived on the market, this vehicle belongs in a previous era. What I mean is that Kia could not have picked a worse time to introduce a full-size SUV.

They're a bit late to the party, but Mercedes Benz has been building hype around their upcoming small SUV, the GLK, which goes on sale in the near future. The model is not a 'crossover'- and it's designed to battle the Acura RDX Turbo and BMW X3.

When Jeep first launched the Patriot I was none too sure about it. After all, it's based on the Dodge Caliber, and although I love the value for money aspect of that vehicle, I couldn't quite fathom a Jeep version of it. Aren't Jeeps supposed to be rugged, go-anywhere types of vehicles? Would you call a Dodge Caliber with 4WD one of those? Well, I'm ready to eat my words and take back everything that I have said about the Patriot in the past, because after spending a week in one, I totally get it.

Earlier this year, I attended the North American launch of the Dodge Journey, and I must say that I was rather impressed with the company's new priced-right crossover vehicle. The Journey offers itself up as the almost perfect family transportation device and, as I have already indicated, supplies excellent value for money. In fact, I see it as pretty much the modern interpretation of the well loved family minivan.

Pretend for a moment that I'm taking you for a spin in a new, high performance SUV. There's a twist though to this pleasantry- you're blindfolded. After a short stint through the corners and in the passing lane, I'll ask you to name the vehicle we're in. I can already hear the list of German responses: Porsche, BMW, Audi. Doubtful I'll hear "Volvo" among the slate of exotica.

Are we not worthy? Yet another manufacturer has announced the upcoming European introduction of a new diesel-powered model that will not be available to North Americans.

The Kia Borrego FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) has just made its grand entrance at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It features a slew of innovative features, such as a fuel cell capable of delivering 154 hp, a 450-volt supercapacitor producing 134 additional horsepower as well as a conventional, 147-hp engine. The Kia Borrego FCEV offers an impressive 685-km operating range courtesy of its hydrogen tanks totalling 202 litres at a pressure of 70 MPa.

The new GLK350 is a deceptive vehicle. By itself, it seems as large as an ML-series Mercedes. Put the ML beside the GLK and you can see how your eye gets deceived. The GLK is narrower, shorter and lower, but has the lines to hide it well. The GLK tapers slightly from lower sill to the roof line when you look at it from the back.

True innovations from the American automakers were few and far between at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but they did take the opportunity to demonstrate their know-how in terms of alternative powering methods.

The Lexus RX, the brand's most popular crossover, has inherited a brand-new cloak, unveiled for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show. But the few touch-ups still lend the vehicle an air of déjà vu.

The Nissan 370Z is much anticipated by enthusiasts. More refined, closer to the older versions' styling, namely the 240Z, it has been officially introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The elongated hood and backwards-flung cabin are symbolic of major changes for this sports car. The receding roof line completes its contemporary look. The front light clusters are reminiscent of those of the powerful GT-R launched last year.

Imagine yourself moving slowly through rush-hour traffic. As you drive, you drip some coffee on your lap and look away for just a short moment. At the same time, the car suddenly stops in front of you. Bang!A moment's inattention is all it takes to cause an accident. In fact Volvo research has demonstrated that 75% of all collisions occur below 30 km/h. And in half of the cases, drivers are simply distracted and fail to brake in time.

When the Grand Vitara was redesigned for the 2006 model year, the 4-cylinder Vitara bit the dust. Suzuki's compact SUV was left with only one engine which was shared with the old XL7. For a few years, it was sufficient. Now, as SUV owners are downsizing, 4-cylinder trucks are the new trend. Toyota's RAV4, Ford's Escape and Mazda's Tribute have all received engine upgrades for 2009, so Suzuki didn't have much choice but to follow suit. And the Grand Vitara actually gets two new engines for 2009, a four and a more-powerful six.

Since the introduction of the Miata in 1990, Mazda has understood one important thing: it's not just about building a vehicle, that vehicle has to become an extension of the driver. The idea of driving enjoyment has become the dogma behind each and every Mazda product. The CX-7, widely derived from the 2005 MX-Crossport Concept, perfectly embodies the idea of sport in the term "sport utility vehicle". In addition to devastating good looks for a third year running, the CX-7 boasts the technical prowess true the brand's dynamics.

Nissan plans to enter the commercial vehicle market in 2010, and their latest and largest concept is a hint into the near future for commercial offerings for the brand. The NV2500 concept will take the stage at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, and it represents one of the biggest concepts ever created by the automaker.

AFS Trinity Corporation has just announced that it will be pulling its XH150 hybrid SUV from the Los Angeles Auto Show and presenting it elsewhere in the city during that period. This announcement follows the decision of the manufacturers and the Los Angeles Auto Show authorities to muzzle AFS Trinity, as the fuel consumption of their vehicle has not been verified by the EPA.

You mightn't think there's much fun to be had in a new, twenty-thousand dollar vehicle- but Jeep is determined to continue changing that perception. Their Wrangler doesn't try to blow anyone's socks off with refinement, comfort or spaciousness- but it is the most affordable go-anywhere buggy on the market. Even in its most basic "X" trim with no options, it represents tremendous value for the adventurous, fun-loving and active buyer.

Compact SUVs abound. The choice on the market is huge, and only your budget and needs will help you make an informed decision. Of the many vehicles available, some are somewhat lost in the crowd. Yet it's not for a lack of quality, as the Kia Sportage demonstrates. Lightly updated in 2009, the Sportage is certainly a logical and affordable choice, as is its twin, the Hyundai Tucson. But it isn't perfect.

Designed for the urban adventurer type, the Jeep Liberty first made its appearance as a 2002 model before being upgraded in 2008 to its second-generation platform. Liberty offered shoppers the typical SUV requirements- namely a fair amount of ground clearance, moderate towing capacity, four wheel drive and a selection of options and accessories.