Auto Talk

I’m almost never disappointed in a vehicle produced by Mazda. Yet, as cute and cuddly as the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is this little sub-compact SUV doesn’t quite measure up to my expectations.

In a world gone mad over SUVs and CUVs, which for the most part all look the same, there are few that impress me in the $40,000 price range. The 2019 Acura RDX does get my respect.

The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 pickup has made a big splash in the full-size pickup market. In a few months the pickup has accumulated several awards and sales have jumped in both Canada and the US.

This feature was originally going to be about the Ford Fusion Sport with its powerful turbocharged V6 engine. Then Ford announced late last summer they were going to do away with the popular Fusion and the Fiesta, Focus and Taurus.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has been completely redesigned. It’s larger in and out with a wheelbase now at 105.7 inches. Front passengers get a little more room and passengers in the back seat get 1.8 inches more legroom than in the Golf.

“Good things come in small packages” the old saying goes. Not so sure that applies to Ford’s new EcoSport subcompact CUV. Built in India, this model has been selling in Asia for a few years.

In recent years BMW has been putting more emphasis on luxury than performance. This has been troubling to the BMW faithful as the company has a stellar reputation for its legendary performance automobiles.

Honda has a new model in its lineup: The 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, which Honda says provides the best overall combined range and interior volume in its class. The Clarity competes with the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Prime.

I envy people who buy a car new and enjoy it so much they continue ownership for decades all the while keeping their vehicle looking like new. Easily done if you don’t drive during winter.

Two years ago I drove a Honda Accord Touring model and came away pleased with everything about the car. The Accord has been a favourite of owners and journalists for many years, winning numerous awards.