by Chris Chase Mid-size family sedans and hybrid cars are among the fastest-fading segments in the auto industry. Sales of the former have fallen off in favour of crossovers and SUVs, while the latter represents yesterday’s technology as electric cars move into the mainstream. Honda and Toyota produced the industry’s […]
by Chris Chase Shrinking demand for subcompact cars has seen many automakers cut their smallest models from their Canadian lineups, forcing fans of little vehicles to move up to pricier crossovers or SUVs. Toyota was not willing to do that when considering the future of its entry-level Yaris. It was, […]
The restart of manufacturing at Toyota’s UK car plant has seen the factory produce its 4.5 millionth vehicle. The milestone model, a Toyota Corolla hybrid hatchback, came off the production line at the Japanese giant’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. Production resumed on 26 May following temporary closure due to the […]
by Chris Chase In a perfect world, every vehicle a car maker launched would be an overnight success and the name attached to it would become a cultural touchstone. That doesn’t happen often, but it does happen, and not just to rarefied performance or luxury models. The Honda Civic and […]
Lexus has been named best car maker for the fourth year running in the annual Driver Power ownership survey, published exclusively in Auto Express. Owners said that no other manufacturer builds more reliable cars, or cars that are built better, than Lexus. And not only do the firm’s customers love […]
The original eco-friendly 4×4 gets a makeover for 2020 and it’s more relevant than ever… Lexus made history in 2005 when it launched the RX 450h – the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV. The RX is now in its fourth generation and its major rivals are in catch-up mode, desperately […]
by Chris Chase In the last two years, the mid-size pickup segment has expanded to include the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator, the latter’s bold styling providing a dose of attitude in a segment geared toward mainstream truck buyers. This fast-growing class also encompasses the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and […]
In the last decade, the auto industry has responded to consumer demands for more fuel-efficient vehicles with a variety of technological solutions. These have included innovations like direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and engines and transmissions with low-friction internal components. And then, of course, there are hybrid drive systems, which save […]
by Chris Chase — Rating: 4.2/5 As I write this, rumours are circulating that Toyota will reveal an electric concept car, powered by a solid-state battery, at next year’s Tokyo Olympics. The main advantage of solid-state batteries is that they can store more electricity in a smaller package. Toyota says […]
Quite simply, the Toyota RAV4 is the biggest-selling SUV in the world. Originally launched way back in 1994 as the “Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive”, it’s now into its fifth generation. It was a new kind of car – one that combined the go-anywhere performance and rugged stance of an […]
