I started out as an automotive journalist almost by coincidence, when I became friends with Bertrand Godin back when I was working as editor in chief of a local weekly magazine, and together we worked on common projects. I started writing articles, then did television research before finally getting my first local editorial, and I then went on to collaborate with various mass media companies.
But first times are always impressive. Hard to forget, for instance, my first SUV featuring a back-seat screen. My wife and I were so impressed that we used to escape to the driveway once we’d put our bouncing baby boy down for the night.
We settled ourselves comfortably in the GMC Envoy, popcorn and soft drinks in hand, and watched a movie. Don’t worry, we brought a baby monitor too.
It takes a little more to impress me today, but some cars still managed to do so these past ten years. Here they are, in no particular order.
Bentley Continental GT
This fantastic coupe gave me a few sleepless nights: I was getting up every twenty minutes to make sure it was still parked in my driveway. This car is stylish, powerful, and oh-so-comfortable. But it’s when you actually get behind the wheel that you know you’re in a whole other world. The materials are noble and refined and the instruments are dignified. The Breitling clock sitting imposingly in the middle of the dash serves as a constant reminder of this. Despite the power of the twin-turbo engine, and its exceptionally delicious purr, inside the incredibly soundproof cabin all is still. And to top everything off, it was my very first experience aboard a famous Bentley. I’ll never forget it.
Pontiac Aztek
I know, I know. But it’s impossible to walk by an Aztek without looking at it, if only to besmirch it. I drove an Aztek as a press vehicle, and I went so far as to buy my very own model. The drive was definitely not inspiring, and its style, even inside, required some getting used to, but the versatility of the beast, the comfort of its seats that long appealed to the whole family and the abundance of ingenious storage spaces were well worth the small aesthetic sacrifices. As for the engine, it was shared by a number of other GM models and was never the subject of public outcry. Can you find one person who doesn’t know the Aztek?
But first times are always impressive. Hard to forget, for instance, my first SUV featuring a back-seat screen. My wife and I were so impressed that we used to escape to the driveway once we’d put our bouncing baby boy down for the night.
We settled ourselves comfortably in the GMC Envoy, popcorn and soft drinks in hand, and watched a movie. Don’t worry, we brought a baby monitor too.
It takes a little more to impress me today, but some cars still managed to do so these past ten years. Here they are, in no particular order.
Bentley Continental GT
| |
This fantastic coupe gave me a few sleepless nights: I was getting up every twenty minutes to make sure it was still parked in my driveway. This car is stylish, powerful, and oh-so-comfortable. But it’s when you actually get behind the wheel that you know you’re in a whole other world. The materials are noble and refined and the instruments are dignified. The Breitling clock sitting imposingly in the middle of the dash serves as a constant reminder of this. Despite the power of the twin-turbo engine, and its exceptionally delicious purr, inside the incredibly soundproof cabin all is still. And to top everything off, it was my very first experience aboard a famous Bentley. I’ll never forget it.
Pontiac Aztek
| |
I know, I know. But it’s impossible to walk by an Aztek without looking at it, if only to besmirch it. I drove an Aztek as a press vehicle, and I went so far as to buy my very own model. The drive was definitely not inspiring, and its style, even inside, required some getting used to, but the versatility of the beast, the comfort of its seats that long appealed to the whole family and the abundance of ingenious storage spaces were well worth the small aesthetic sacrifices. As for the engine, it was shared by a number of other GM models and was never the subject of public outcry. Can you find one person who doesn’t know the Aztek?