Buyers Advice & Car Reviews

The Silverado EV rides on GM’s Ultium battery platform, with front and rear electric motors driving all four wheels. Maximum range is estimated at 640 kilometres. PHOTO: CHEVROLET

Chevrolet’s Silverado EV: If an electric pickup can be popular, the EV movement has truly hit its stride

Electric cars are well and good, but with Dodge, Ford and General…

  • Mar 5, 2023
The Silverado EV rides on GM’s Ultium battery platform, with front and rear electric motors driving all four wheels. Maximum range is estimated at 640 kilometres. PHOTO: CHEVROLET
With a hiked up ride height, the Crown will have plenty of ground clearance to tackle the urban jungle.

The Auto Sleuth: A new Toyota nameplate; Rivian’s R1S heads to market + more

So long Avalon, hello Crown A Toyota nameplate that has existed in…

  • Feb 21, 2023
With a hiked up ride height, the Crown will have plenty of ground clearance to tackle the urban jungle.
The VinFast VF-8 seems like an average player in the EV space, so what will tempt buyers to commit to an unknown vehicle from an unfamiliar brand? The battery leasing should provide some confidence. PHOTO: VINFAST

2023 VinFast VF 8: What will draw buyers to this interesting newcomer from Vietnam?

You have to give credit to VinFast, the Vietnam-based automaker that’s rapidly…

  • Feb 19, 2023
The VinFast VF-8 seems like an average player in the EV space, so what will tempt buyers to commit to an unknown vehicle from an unfamiliar brand? The battery leasing should provide some confidence. PHOTO: VINFAST
There’s no question that new vehicle inventory continues to be a challenge, but those challenges are expected to begin easing through 2023 and into 2024, says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. AdobeStock

Report on state of zero emission vehicle sales states the obvious – but lacks context

By Blair Qualey The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) takes…

  • Feb 18, 2023
There’s no question that new vehicle inventory continues to be a challenge, but those challenges are expected to begin easing through 2023 and into 2024, says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. AdobeStock
During a visit from North Saanich, Kathy Sanderson and Phil Scott powered up their Tesla on Jan. 29 with a new fast charging unit recently installed by BC Hydro at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre. Andrew Bailey / Westerly News photo

BC Hydro installs new electric vehicle charger at Tofino-Ucluelet junction

50-kilowatt fast charging unit doubles charging capacity at Pacific Rim Visitor Centre

During a visit from North Saanich, Kathy Sanderson and Phil Scott powered up their Tesla on Jan. 29 with a new fast charging unit recently installed by BC Hydro at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre. Andrew Bailey / Westerly News photo
The Polestar 3 will have front and rear electric motors and will be built alongside the Volvo XC90 in the United States. PHOTO: POLESTAR

The Auto Sleuth: New SUV for Polestar, Honda’s updated HR-V, Blazer goes electric + more

Enjoy this quick look at what’s happening in the auto world! Polestar…

  • Feb 11, 2023
The Polestar 3 will have front and rear electric motors and will be built alongside the Volvo XC90 in the United States. PHOTO: POLESTAR
All-wheel-drive bZ4X models get front and rear 80-kilowatt-hour motors that produce a net 214 horsepower. The drive system is supported by a 71.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack positioned in the floor. PHOTO: TOYOTA

Meet the 2023 Toyota bZ4X

Toyota’s expertise in hybrid systems makes going electric a natural next step

  • Feb 11, 2023
All-wheel-drive bZ4X models get front and rear 80-kilowatt-hour motors that produce a net 214 horsepower. The drive system is supported by a 71.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack positioned in the floor. PHOTO: TOYOTA
The market share of zero-emission light-duty ZEVs vehicle in Canada hit 9.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2022, an all-time high that shatters the previous best quarterly result of 8.3 per cent, recorded in Q1 last year. Photo courtesy the New Car Dealers Association

ZEV Sales in Canada on the upswing but not yet on pace with British Columbia

By Blair Qualey The latest report by S&P Global Mobility demonstrates that…

  • Feb 6, 2023
The market share of zero-emission light-duty ZEVs vehicle in Canada hit 9.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2022, an all-time high that shatters the previous best quarterly result of 8.3 per cent, recorded in Q1 last year. Photo courtesy the New Car Dealers Association
The Genesis GV60 uses the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, although the GV60 is shorter than both. PHOTO: GENESIS

The Auto Sleuth: EVs from Hyundai, Honda + Volvo; A longer Defender from Land Rover

Welcome to the Sleuth, a look at the hot-of-the-press news from the…

  • Jan 31, 2023
The Genesis GV60 uses the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, although the GV60 is shorter than both. PHOTO: GENESIS
Beautiful to look at and a pleasure to drive, all Electrified G80s use front and rear electric motors that deliver a net 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. PHOTO: GENESIS

2023 Genesis Electrified G80: Could this electric sedan be the benchmark to beat?

With each successive model, Hyundai’s premium Genesis division continues to challenge entrenched…

  • Jan 26, 2023
Beautiful to look at and a pleasure to drive, all Electrified G80s use front and rear electric motors that deliver a net 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. PHOTO: GENESIS
For its quicker reflexes, the Hornet R/T has Brembo-brand brake calipers, Koni-brand shocks, a dual exhaust system and 18-inch wheels (17s are installed for the GT). PHOTO: STELLANTIS

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Dodge Hornet

Dodge’s first new model in years is already creating plenty of buzz

  • Jan 26, 2023
For its quicker reflexes, the Hornet R/T has Brembo-brand brake calipers, Koni-brand shocks, a dual exhaust system and 18-inch wheels (17s are installed for the GT). PHOTO: STELLANTIS
Supply chain issues that have plagued the automotive sector are expected to start easing this year, which should mean more new-vehicle inventory available to consumers.

Rollercoaster Continues for Auto Industry

By Blair Qualey Over the past few years, the auto industry has…

  • Jan 23, 2023
Supply chain issues that have plagued the automotive sector are expected to start easing this year, which should mean more new-vehicle inventory available to consumers.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is 7.5 centimetres longer than the current version and the cargo capacity for the hybrid will no longer be less than the nonhybrids. PHOTO: HONDA

The Auto Sleuth: Honda CR-V updates; Walmart picks Canoo + more

Updated Honda CR-V is larger, but the powertrains carry over The last…

  • Jan 19, 2023
The 2023 Honda CR-V is 7.5 centimetres longer than the current version and the cargo capacity for the hybrid will no longer be less than the nonhybrids. PHOTO: HONDA
While incentives are key to encouraging more people to buy electric, it’s also essential to ensure a robust network of charging stations keeps pace.

2023 will be the year of the EV

By Blair Qualey As we enter the initial days of 2023, our…

  • Jan 19, 2023
While incentives are key to encouraging more people to buy electric, it’s also essential to ensure a robust network of charging stations keeps pace.
Salmon Arm’s Jim McConnell and Juanita Austin spent 58 days over the summer travelling across the country to PEI and back in their electric vehicle. (Contributed)

Salmon Arm couple put their electric vehicle to the test in cross-Canada road trip

A Salmon Arm couple’s cross-Canada journey by electric vehicle had their EV…

Salmon Arm’s Jim McConnell and Juanita Austin spent 58 days over the summer travelling across the country to PEI and back in their electric vehicle. (Contributed)
The base Hornet GT, which has a base price of $40,200 including destination charges, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard. PHOTO: STELLANTIS

Dodge’s first new model in years is generating plenty of buzz

In North America, there are plenty of new and innovative models from…

  • Dec 29, 2022
The base Hornet GT, which has a base price of $40,200 including destination charges, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard. PHOTO: STELLANTIS
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the General Motors CAMI production plant in Ingersoll, Ont., on Dec. 5. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne

Canada moves to mandate electric vehicle sales starting in 2026

One-fifth of all passenger cars, SUVs and trucks sold in Canada in…

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the General Motors CAMI production plant in Ingersoll, Ont., on Dec. 5. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne
In addition to outfitting your vehicle with the right tires – preferably snow tires – it’s essential to slow down, accelerate and brake more slowly, and turn your lights on, day and night, notes Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.

Plan for a safe holiday road trip

By Blair Qualey As the holiday season takes centre stage, this is…

  • Dec 26, 2022
In addition to outfitting your vehicle with the right tires – preferably snow tires – it’s essential to slow down, accelerate and brake more slowly, and turn your lights on, day and night, notes Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.
The Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Palisade (below) are getting revised styling a new trims, but no changes to their powertrains. PHOTO: KIA

Changes coming for the Palisade and Telluride, updates for Leaf, Mustang + more

Changes coming for the full-size Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride Both eight-passenger…

  • Dec 19, 2022
The Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Palisade (below) are getting revised styling a new trims, but no changes to their powertrains. PHOTO: KIA
The electric motor of the Bolt EUV, left, drives the front wheels with 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Maximum range is about 400 kilometres, which is just shy of the Bolt EV, above, which weighs 45 kilograms less.PHOTO: CHEVROLET

Chevrolet Bolt EUV brings space, range and practical design

There are actually very few electric vehicles on the market at the…

  • Dec 19, 2022
The electric motor of the Bolt EUV, left, drives the front wheels with 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Maximum range is about 400 kilometres, which is just shy of the Bolt EV, above, which weighs 45 kilograms less.PHOTO: CHEVROLET