Ted Laturnus

Facts replacing flash at Detroit Auto Show

By Ted Laturnus | January 25, 2012

Gone is the overwhelming display of horsepower, glitzy paint, chrome, and T & A. This year, hybrid and alternative-fuel cars are filling Motor City.

New bikes take centre stage at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show

By Ted Laturnus | January 11, 2012

Although the weather says otherwise, January means motorcycles in B.C.

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Lexus CT 200h hybrid purrs on through luxury market

By Ted Laturnus | December 28, 2011

When Lexus introduced its CT 200h Hybrid last year, they did so in Canada’s oil capital: Calgary. Why?

Subaru Impreza puts all wheels into action

By Ted Laturnus | December 14, 2011

Do cars need all-wheel drive? Depends on who you talk to.

Hyundai Veloster woos Generation Y with technology

By Ted Laturnus | November 30, 2011

One of the toughest crowds in the car business—Generation Y—now has another new model for its consideration.

Honda CR-V doesn't mess with success

By Ted Laturnus | November 16, 2011

While there have been some changes for 2012, the compact SUV has gotten more tweaking than a full-on overhaul.

Korean cars capture honours at Test Fest auto show

By Ted Laturnus | November 2, 2011

At the 2012 Automotive Journalists’ Association of Canada car of the year awards, the Koreans pretty much stole the show.

Kia's Optima Hybrid is the newest in hybrid cars

By Ted Laturnus | October 18, 2011

Kia Canada's Kyle Buller believes that by 2020, hybrids will control 10 percent of the total car market in North America.

Lively Chevy Volt runs like an electric charm

By Ted Laturnus | October 5, 2011

Most hybrid cars have the same basic drive-train formula, but the Chevy Volt turns that concept on its head.

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Volkswagen CC appeals to the upwardly mobile

By Ted Laturnus | September 7, 2011

Although it’s based on the same platform as the Passat, the Volkswagen CC is a horse of a different colour.

SkyActiv technology gives Mazda new zoom

By Ted Laturnus | August 24, 2011

The car manufacturer is taking a new approach to building automobiles with an overhaul of everything from engine efficiency to transmission.

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Kia’s Forte5 is full of surprises

By Ted Laturnus | August 9, 2011

It seems that every new Kia product these days has an element of surprise—usually in a pleasant way.

Cyclists and motorists can coexist peacefully in Vancouver

By Ted Laturnus | July 27, 2011

Sooner or later, bike riders and motorists are going to have to coexist. There’s plenty of room for everyone.

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Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is a classic showoff

By Ted Laturnus | July 12, 2011

The Fat Boy isn't about speed, but it will turn heads on every corner.

Luxury goes green in Infiniti's new M hybrid

By Ted Laturnus | June 29, 2011

Nissan, through its upscale Infiniti division, is going to attempt to sell its high-performance M Hybrid—or M35h—to show that drivers can have their cake and eat it, too.

Honda Accord pleases on all accounts

By Ted Laturnus | June 14, 2011

If I needed an affordable four-door sedan, I’d buy one of these.

Car-sharing organizations make car ownership unnecessary

By Ted Laturnus | May 24, 2011

For folks who occassionally need a car but don't want the hassle and expense of ownership, car sharing is the best way to go.

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British carmaker Morgan announces its Harley-powered three-wheeler

By Ted Laturnus | May 10, 2011

The iconic manufacturer announced at the Geneva Auto Show in February 2011 that it will build “new” three-wheeled vehicles, and the powerplant of choice will be an 1800-cc Harley-Davidson V-twin.

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Sleek new Civic builds on Honda's bestseller

By Ted Laturnus | April 27, 2011

The old adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies in spades to this car.

Luxury abounds in the Lexus GX460

By Ted Laturnus | April 12, 2011

One day, full-size SUVs will be as out-of-date as bell-bottom pants and patchouli oil. But until that day comes, there are still plenty to choose from, including the Lexus GX460.

Toyota's Scion xD is kind of an oddball

By Ted Laturnus | March 29, 2011

This is a city vehicle, with admirable handling qualities around town and rabbit-quick reflexes.

Consumer Reports best and worst cars of 2011

By Ted Laturnus | March 16, 2011

If you’re a domestic or European manufacturer, the news could be better.

Chevrolet Equinox a rolling demonstration of how GM does vehicles right

By Ted Laturnus | March 1, 2011

The thing to keep in mind about the current generation of Chevrolet Equinox is that, despite the fact that it’s basically an entry-level SUV, it’s a very important model for the company.

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Some highlightsâ��and low lightsâ��for 2009â��10 motorcycle models

Some highlights—and low lights—for 2009–10 motorcycle models

By Ted Laturnus | February 15, 2011

Transport Canada has a lengthy list of motor vehicle safety recalls. Results for 2011 bike models aren’t complete yet, but here are some highlights—or low lights—for 2009–10 models.

Audiâ��s new R8 is a politically incorrect joy to drive

Audi’s new R8 is a politically incorrect joy to drive

By Ted Laturnus | February 2, 2011

Over the years, I’ve driven my share of attention-getting automobiles.

Vancouver Motorcycle Show roars into Abbotsford

By Ted Laturnus | January 17, 2011

Along with static setups from all the major manufacturers, there will be all manner of displays, attractions, and things to do.

Honda's CBR 125 one of the most rider-friendly sport bikes out there

By Ted Laturnus | January 3, 2011

If you’re reentering the sport of motorcycling, or getting your feet wet for the first time, it’s hard to know where to start.

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Honda Ridgeline is not a working truck

By Ted Laturnus | December 18, 2010

If ever there were a truck that had everything in its proper place, this would be it.

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Harley-Davidsonâ��s Heritage Softail has plenty of urge when you need it

Harley-Davidson’s Heritage Softail has plenty of urge when you need it

By Ted Laturnus | December 3, 2010

Although winter is closing in, it’s actually a good time to buy a motorcycle.

Hyundai goes after a higher-end market with the Equus

By Ted Laturnus | November 22, 2010

Korean manufacturer Hyundai has a mission.

Canadian Car of the Year competition picks the best vehicles of the year

By Ted Laturnus | November 5, 2010

It works this way: carmakers bring eligible vehicles to the event and journalists spend four days evaluating the cars, eventually coming up with winners in 11 categories.

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It might be ugly but Nissan's Juke is immensely drivable

By Ted Laturnus | October 25, 2010

Without stating the obvious, this may be one of the homeliest cars to ever come down the pike, at least as far as this aging baby boomer is concerned.

The latest version of the Volkswagen Golf is a little hot rod

By Ted Laturnus | October 12, 2010

Volkswagen has gotten back into the business of manufacturing a competent, well-engineered hatchback that is, in many respects, a cut above its rivals.

Toyota introduces its Scion division to Canada's Generation Y

By Ted Laturnus | September 28, 2010

At just over eighteen large, the xB is a lot of car for the money. That’s something that transcends all demographic pigeonholes.

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Suzuki's 2010 Boulevard M50 provides an accessible, unchallenging riding experience

By Ted Laturnus | September 13, 2010

Gone is the bobbed rear fender and faux chopper styling; in its place is a slick-looking midsize cruiser that bears a family resemblance to its bigger brother, the M90.

Kia's new 2011 Sportage blurs the line between SUV and CUV

By Ted Laturnus | August 31, 2010

Kia has redone its compact Sportage SUV-slash-crossover and, according to the company, it’s now more of the latter and less of the former.

Honda's 2011 CR-Z hybrid shines in its drivability

By Ted Laturnus | August 16, 2010

Although clearly a gas-sipper and aimed at drivers who value fuel economy over just about everything else, the CR-Z should also appeal to those who enjoy driving.

MazdaSpeed3 is all about velocity

By Ted Laturnus | August 2, 2010

It’ll rocket you from a standing start to freeway speed in about six seconds, and will do it all day and for a reasonable price.

Classic chrome unites Vancouver drivers and bike riders

By Ted Laturnus | July 21, 2010

Despite Critical Mass backlash, many bicycle enthusiasts and auto aficionados want the roads to work as common ground.

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Toyota Yaris helps you survive tough economy

By Ted Laturnus | July 5, 2010

The Toyota Yaris is about as basic as econoboxes get, but it’s affordable—and it’s frugal to drive.

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Can't complain too much about Porsche's Panamera Turbo

By Ted Laturnus | June 21, 2010

Introduced last year, the Panamera is a striking automobile, both visually and performancewise.

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Consumer Reports releases results of its annual top cars survey

By Ted Laturnus | June 7, 2010

Over 280 new vehicles were driven, scrutinized, evaluated, and judged by CR, with a view to things like safety, reliability, fuel economy, and road manners.

Zero electric motorcycle is a full-fledged, roadworthy bike

By Ted Laturnus | May 26, 2010

This new lithium-powered motorcycle makes almost no noise, produces no exhaust, and costs next to nothing to run.

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Ford Mustang returns with a power upgrade

By Ted Laturnus | May 13, 2010

You can say what you want about the Ford Mustang, but the company has done its homework.

Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell car emits water vapour

By Ted Laturnus | April 22, 2010

Among the Escalades, Enclaves, and Acadias that filled Vancouver during the Olympics were eight zero-emissions Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell cars.

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Kia gives its Sorento a nifty, thrifty overhaul

By Ted Laturnus | April 15, 2010

With a couple of lively engine choices, fuel-saving features, and even mood lighting, the Korean auto company prices the SUV right.

Call it Kia-ville: in Georgia, carmaker revs up economy

By Ted Laturnus | April 15, 2010

If you drive along the back roads of Troup County, Georgia, you just might see homemade signs stuck in people’s front yards that read Thank you, Jesus, for Kia.