3-day long-term test drive: Kia Spectra LX Convenience A/T
Price as tested: CDN$19395
Total mileage through the test: 350km
When Kia introduced the 2nd generation Spectra 3 years ago, it was a remarkable improvement over its original iteration. We had a chance to put the facelifted 2nd generation Spectra into a long-term test.
Other than the minor styling and [...]
Vehicle: 2007 Hyundai Elantra Comfort Plus Auto
Price as tested: CDN$21740
Performance: The Elantra is powered by a single powertrain. This DOHC 16-valve 2.0 liter mill is good for 138 horses and 136 lb/ft of torque. While its not the best-in-class horsepower and torque, this engine certainly get its job done nicely. Hyundai’s latest engine technologies already [...]
Vehicle: 2007 Saturn Aura XR with Premium Trim Pkg and sunroof
Price as tested: CDN$35600
Performance: The Aura is powered by 2 V6 engines. The XE is powered by a pushrod 224hp with 4-speed automatic. Our tester, XR, is powered by a 252hp with 6-speed automatic with Driver Shift Controls, or what the rest of the world [...]
Vehicle: 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T with Premium Convenience Pkg and ESP
Price as tested: CDN$32525
Performance: The Avenger, just like its Sebring silibing, are powered for 3 engines. The legthegic 172 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC that is a collaboration between Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai standard on SE. A slightly better performing 186hp 2.7L 24-valve DOHC V6 [...]
Vehicle: 2007 Hyundai Accent SR
Price as tested: CDN$19795
Performance: Even though SR is Accent’s performance model, its more of a sporting pretentions because it doesn’t have any performance upgrades. It receives the same 110 horses and 106 lb/ft of torque as its more sedate silibings. This little engine’s refinement and smoothness, as we have driven it [...]
Vehicle: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5SE with Xtronic CVT pkg and Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$36698
Performance: The Altima Coupe, just like its popular sedan silibing, is available with 2 engines. The base engine is VQ25DE, which is good for 175 horses and 180 lb/ft of torque. This powerplant is more than enough for most daily [...]