The 2011 hatchback had a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, which made it kind of a hot rod
The Volkswagen Golf was completely restyled and redesigned in 2010 and little changed in 2011. The 2011 hatchback came in three and five-door variations and was propelled by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, which made it kind of a hot rod. With some 170 horsepower pushing a 1,376-kg body, the three-door version with a manual gearbox,…
The GTI is more than enough for most drivers
Essentially unchanged from 2010 to 2011, this generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI model actually debuted in the fall of 2006. In the 2011 version of this hatchback, power is ably provided by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 200 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or a…
Few competitors could keep up when things got interesting and the GTI was more than enough for most drivers
Essentially unchanged from 2010 to 2011, this generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI actually debuted in the fall of 2006. Power was ably provided by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that developed 200 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque. Premium gas was required. Transmission choices were either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with…
We need a national mining strategy so Canada can supply the global market with the lithium needed for electric vehicle batteries
Political pundits, politicians and talking heads in the media for the most part spend very little time watching for disruption and innovation in the marketplace. A global consensus has formed that oil as a form of transportation energy should become a stranded asset. Alberta’s vast lithium reserves mean the province can forget about yesterday and…
The Volkswagen Rabbit was the original hatchback pocket rocket when it was introduced to North American in 1974. It quickly morphed from sensible urban transport to a lively, performance-oriented corner-carver that was immediately popular with enthusiasts and racers around the world when the GTI was introduced two years later. Over the years, it has been…
In the economy market, this model has always been a cut above the rest
Car buyers have plenty to choose from in the economy market segment. Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, etc., all have tons of models available and, by and large, they’re pretty good. But one model has always been a cut above the rest when it comes to getting maximum bang for the buck – at least, as…
This sport sedan has above-average handling and braking, and beautiful styling, but it's otherwise unremarkable
Believe it or not, one of the major hurdles faced by car manufacturers is what to name their products. After all the research and development, focus groups, engineering studies, clinics, workshops and roundtable discussions, you have to decide what to call the thing. And it’s extremely important – get it wrong and people stay away.…
If you’re in the market for a compact four-door at a reasonable price with exceptional performance, this is a good bet
Next to the Golf, the Jetta is Volkswagen’s longest-running model. Debuting in 1979, it’s been a mainstay for the company and has proven to be more than just a Golf with a trunk. For 2019, it’s on the receiving end of a variety of changes and improvements. And it’s still offered in three variations: Comfortline,…
In every way, it’s a mainstream family sedan and as comfortable and civilized as anything in this corner of the market – and it’s sporty
Aside from a minor – and welcome – blip with the CC version, Volkswagen’s Passat is arguably the most North American-flavoured model the company makes. It’s the company’s biggest sedan (for the time being), has the largest engine, has the most nondescript styling in VW’s entire lineup and is built in Chattanooga, Tenn. The aforementioned…
Here are some choices if you're looking for something that's easy on gas, affordable, dependable and, if possible, good in the snow
With winter just around the corner, it might be time to start thinking about a beater. Something to get you through the nasty weather and salty roads while your ‘other’ car is nestled snugly in the garage. The parameters are straightforward – we’re looking for something that's easy on gas, affordable, dependable and, if possible, good…