DRK - Desi Road Kings

Vol. 4 - Issue 2 March / April 2017

ENVISION

A Motorsports & Lifestyles Magazine

FORD RAPTOR

BUICK

ENVISION

GMC

YUKON DENALI

VOLKWAGEN NISSAN TIGUAN

PATHFINDER

MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450

Get Revved Up for The 97th Vancouver International Auto Show! www.rackandopinion.ca

PROVEN HERE.

HERE.

AND HERE.

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DRK Contents

Reviews & Previews

10 16 26 34 36 38

2017 Ford Raptor

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2017 Porf Raptor 2017 Buick Envision 2017 ibauk Envision 2017 GMC Yukon Denali 2017 jI.AYm.sI Yukon Denali 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

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2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 2017 voksvYgn Tiguan

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DRK News / Views / Stuff

07 20 22 23 24 42

Latest Buzz r`b dw vwsqw ! iDAwn nwL , ies Kyqr ‘c auswrI c`l rhI hY

Keanu Reeves ‘Prudent’ on His Bike Dining with Pash-ion

Quick Looks DRK Classic Car

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42

The Subaru XT

Technology & Innovations

44

32 44

Gadgets & Gears

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Be the DRK or DRQ of the Issue

DISCOVERY SPORT

FOR THOSE WHO ARE MORE OFF-ROAD THAN MIDDLE OFTHE ROAD

THE 2017 NEW DISCOVERY SPORT SE STARTING FROM $44,375* Some people expect a little more from life. And when you combine the capability of a Land Rover vehicle with a folding second and third row† for versatility, as well as a panoramic roof †, it’s no wonder you attract drivers who are anything but average.

1730 Burrard Street Vancouver Tel: 604-738-5577 | landrovervancouver.ca Optional Feature. *Starting from price of an (in stock) 2017 Discovery Sport SE starting at $44,375 includes MSRP of $41,790, freight/PDI of $1,970, dealer admin fee of $495, air-conditioning levy of $100, EHF tires, filters, batteries of $20. Vehicle license, insurance and registration are extra. Vehicle may not be exactly as shown. Retailers may lease for less. Limited quantities available. Please visit Land Rover Vancouver or www.landrovervancouver.ca for details.

MARCH / APRIL 2017 5

†

DRK Editorial

Editor’s Note

Jag Dhatt Editor-in-Chief

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ith March now upon us and the clocks set ahead by one hour, we can enjoy more daylight, which means, more time outside. We’ve had a colder than usual winter this time around, but with Spring just ahead, make sure to share the roads with motorcycles and cyclists alike.

March is also the month for the annual Vancouver International Auto Show, where you can view the latest and greatest in cars, trucks, custom work, and yes, even classics and supercars. The event will once again be taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

DRK Magazine and JGK Media were honoured to be invited to some great events in the recent past. Land Rover has just introduced the newest variant of their luxury off-road superstar, the Discovery. We were flown to breathtaking Utah to be one of the first to drive the all-new Discovery – this just may be the best luxury offroad capable SUV built. Look for some teaser shots in this issue and full coverage in the next issue and at www. rackandopinion.ca. Ford Canada invited our team to beautiful Quebec to drive the new 10-speed Ford F150, the beastly Raptor, and the track ready Focus RS. We had the chance to drive these vehicles on the road and track, and let me tell you, what a blast!

This issue will cover some great test drives, including the Ford Raptor, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Nissan Pathfinder, Buick Envision, GMC Yukon Denali and the VW Tiguan.

And a reminder, if you want to be our DRK/DRQ of the Issue, contact us and show off your ride!

Ride and drive safe, stay attentive and share the roads.

We would appreciate it if you share DRK Magazine with your friends and family and of course, like our Facebook Page!

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Publisher // JGK Media Inc. Managing Director // Ron Dhaliwal Senior VP, Marketing // Jag Dhatt South Asian Marketing Director // Tony Arora Art Director // Avee J Waseer Cover Design // Ranj Bhamra Events Photography // Jag Dutt Swank Studios Legal Advisor // Keystone Law Group Accounting Advisor // Pacific Chartered Advisors LLP Translator // Tirath S. Khabra Contributing Writers // Aman Sundher Anthony Jarantilla Anuraag J Singh Chris Chase Dawn Thornton Jag Dhatt Jasleen Dutt Pash Brar Ryan Sahota Zack Spencer Advertising Inquiries // Jag Dhatt 604.767.4433 jag@jgkmedia.ca

#235 - 8138, 128 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 1R1 Phone: 877.598.3374 | Fax: 604.598.9264 www.drkmag.com PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #42226512.

Postmaster if undeliverable Canadian Address to #235 - 8138 128 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 1R1 All Rights Reserved.

No material herein or portions thereof may be printed without the written consent of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER: JGK Media Inc. assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for any and all liability for their claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement it may find unfit for publication. The opinions expressed in articles and features are of the writers and may not be those of the publisher.

THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY KIND.

Get Revved Up for The 97th Vancouver International Auto Show!

MAR / APR 2 0 17

Ford Issues Safety Compliance Recall in North America

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estern Canada’s premier and best attended consumer automotive extravaganza, the Vancouver International Auto Show, returns March 28 to April 2, 2017 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West!

Featuring more than 450 new and customized cars and trucks of all sorts, including luxury brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, McLaren and Porsche, Canada’s premier automotive event is not to be missed. The 2017 show will also have two Grand Prize vehicle contests for; a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, and a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. See, sit in, learn about and even drive the newest vehicles

of all kinds right in one location at the show.

Be prepared to be blown away by feature vehicles, lifted trucks and Jeeps, classic cars and the newest vehicles and technology trends hitting the automotive market. The 2017 Vancouver International Auto Show will also feature Canadian and North American debuts of neverbefore-seen luxury and consumer models, ensuring you’re the first to see the newest vehicles taking the industry by storm.

An absolute must-attend for all car enthusiasts of every kind, tickets start at just $16. For more information, visit www.

VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

ord is issuing a safety compliance recall for approximately 6,000 2017 Ford Mustang vehicles to inspect the left interior door handle return spring. In the affected vehicles, the lefthand interior door handle may have been built with a misoriented return spring, which could increase the potential for the return spring to become unseated. If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the inertial loads experienced by the interior door handle may cause the door to unlatch during a side impact, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue. Affected vehicles include certain 2017 Ford Mustang vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Jan. 13, 2017 to Jan. 31, 2017. There are approximately 5,756 vehicles located in North America, including 5,470 in the United States and federalized territories, 20 in Mexico and 266 in Canada. The Ford reference number for this recall is 17C04. Dealers will inspect the left-hand interior door handle spring and service the vehicle as required at no cost to the customer.

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DRK’s Latest Buzz

Government of Canada Invests up to $7 Million in Electric Vehicles

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he Government of Canada is committed to creating the clean-growth economy we need to ensure the health, prosperity, and security for this generation of Canadians—and the next. That is why Canada is investing in clean and efficient transportation now so that Canadian families can live in healthier, more productive communities. Today, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, and Minister of International Trade, François-Philippe Champagne, announced on behalf of Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, that the Government of Canada will invest up to $7 million to develop advanced electric-vehicle charging stations across Canada. The ministers made the announcement at the Shawinigan plant of AddEnergie, the Quebec-based electric-vehicle charging company that will receive the funding. AddEnergie will use the investment for projects to install more than 1,000 new charging stations across Canada by 2019 and to develop the next generation of fast-charging stations and other innovative technologies that will help get more charging stations in homes, businesses, and cities.

Today’s announcement follows through on the commitment made in our pan-Canadian plan for climate change and clean growth to expand the number of zero-emission vehicles on Canadian roads.

World Premiere of All-New Subaru Crosstrek at 2017 Geneva International Motor Show

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ubaru Canada was pleased to announce that the all-new 2018 Crosstrek was unveiled today at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a crossover SUV that combines a compact body, SUV capability based on the Subaru symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive, and rugged yet sporty design that offers versatility in both urban areas and the outdoors.

This is the first redesign for the Crosstrek, which initially launched in Canada for the 2013 model year as the XV Crosstrek, but now simply goes by ‘Crosstrek’ in Canada. For the 2018 model year, the Crosstrek moves to the new Subaru Global Platform to provide drivers with enhanced body and chassis rigidity and strength.

It also offers world-class collision safety and hazard avoidance performance, as well as more responsive handling and ride comfort while enhancing the Crosstrek’s unique design and all-road/allweather capability.

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Indian is Supposedly Working on an Electric Motorcycle

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ccording to a report from Reuters, Indian is working on an electric motorcycle. Supposedly, a single charge could take the new bike as far as 225 km while being ridden aggressively, which is a far cry (no pun intended) from the Empulse TT electric bike that Indian’s parent company Polaris just axed. The new electric Indian would theoretically debut in the next four or five years, Reuters said. There’s no word on what the new battery bike would be called, or what it would look like. While most of Victory’s lineup espoused traditional cruiser styling, the Empulse TT kept the sportbike lines originally developed when Brammo owned the design. Will the new Indian electric bike have similar sporting intentions, or will it tend towards the muscle cruiser genre, as Harley-Davidson’s Livewire concept does? Indian’s competition with Harley-Davidson in the electric segment will be interesting to watch. Emerging battery technology could give either manufacturer a chance to reinvent themselves for a new generation of riders, but will they take it? Will they have any choice? Harley-Davidson is supposed to release their first electric motorcycle by 2020; expect the next few years to be have lots of competition in the North American motorcycle manufacturing industry.

Rumour: Supercharged Honda Motorcycle Patents Spied

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everal motorcycle news sites are reporting Honda is working on a supercharged motorcycle engine, after patent drawings surfaced online. The rumour seems to have originated at MoreBikes, which published the patent drawings. We can’t say for sure whether the drawings are genuine, but if they’re faked, someone has gone to a lot of trouble for a prank (although we’ve seen this happen before).

You can see a couple more drawings at that site. If the report is true, it wouldn’t be surprising; it would be more of a surprise to find Honda was not working on some sort of forced induction technology. While the technology has mostly been ignored since brief appearances on production bikes in the 1980s, Kawasaki’s H2 and H2R brought superchargers back to the forefront. Suzuki is also experimenting with turbocharging in the Recursion platform (which is taking forever to come to production). Honda’s a big company with eyes on the future, and you can bet Big Red has had its own engineers also working on similar tech for the past few years. The Honda drawings seem to indicate a machine that’s not a pure sport bike, probably because the technology would increase a bike’s weight and wouldn’t fit into any current major roadracing series, since the FIM has a puzzling tendency to shoot down a lot of useful experimentation in its technical regulations.

DRK’s Latest Buzz

Volvo Cars Named as One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2017

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olvo Cars announced last week that it has been recognised by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as a 2017 World’s Most Ethical Company®. This is the first time that Volvo Cars has received this recognition.

124 companies have been listed this year, with Volvo Cars one of only four from the automotive industry.

“I’m very proud that Volvo Cars has been recognised as one of the world’s most ethical companies,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “Responsible business is a fundamental part of Volvo Cars’ heritage, and engrained in our corporate culture.

An ethical approach is not just the right thing to do, but it brings financial value too.”

Maria Hemberg, Senior Vice President Group Legal, General Counsel and Chair of Volvo Cars’ Sustainability Board, commented: “The World’s Most Ethical Company assessment process has helped us drive the continuous improvement of our Compliance & Ethics programme. This achievement is a welcome acknowledgement of

our work to date in promoting ethical and responsible practices, both internally and externally.”

“Congratulations to all at Volvo Car Group for being recognised as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies,” said Timothy Erblich, Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer. “Volvo Cars embraces policies of diversity and inclusion, is committed to ethical leadership and demonstrates the values of a true global citizen.”

Volvo Cars has a comprehensive Compliance and Ethics Programme aiming at preventing and mitigating a range of legal and ethical risks, covering areas such as corruption, human rights, competition law, export control and data privacy. This includes a Code of Conduct, based on international conventions and standards, which governs and guides the actions of all our employees and business partners. Volvo Cars is committed to fostering a culture of Ethical Leadership. Last year, a new training program for managers was launched, focusing on responsible and ethical business practices. To date, over 400 employees have received this training.

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FIRST DRIVE

“brand new 3.5L EcoBoost V6” “FOX Shox” “500 lbs lighter” “beast-mode enabled”

The Truck Built for a

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a Zombie Apocalypse MARCH / APRIL 2017

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2017 Ford Raptor

2017

FORD

Raptor

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happened when team Ford decided to pull the 6.2L V8 and sterel, QC: Imagine you wake up, turn on the TV swap it with a more powerful, 2nd generation 3.5L EcoBoost and see something dreadful. What people thought V6, which now churns out 450HP and 510 lb-ft of torque – yes, would never happen, has happened – World War you’re reading that right! That’s a lot of power and torque from a Z has become a reality and your family needs to V6. This beast of a powerplant is mated to a brand new 10-speed get to the safe zone. Trouble is, you need to find a SelectShift automatic transmission (which is across all F-150’s) bullet-proof vehicle that will go through anything while keeping that is geared to keep the engine in its sweet spot at all times. you safe. With your survival-of-the-fittest skills in full throttle, Although we had the Raptor for only a few hours, I can confirm under the guise of darkness, you make your way over the Ford that the new transmission is quite good, with shifts being timely dealership, just a couple of blocks away. Nobody’s there…it’s and quite quick. When needing to get away quick during the quiet. And you see it, the all-new Ford Raptor, and let out a sigh zombie apocalypse, the Raptor won’t disappoint. What’s more of relief – you’re going to be okay. is the sweet sound that resonates out of the real dual exhausts While the above situation is, fingers crossed, not likely to with dual tailpipes – these are raised and tucked happen, the Raptor may be the vehicle of choice in away under the rear bumper to improve departure case it does. To test out just how good the new Raptor angle. is, we were invited to beautiful Quebec to drive the Terrain won’t be a problem either for this truck on not only roads, but on special snow and ice Raptor – it’s already built a reputation for being tracks at Megaglisse and boy, were we impressed. able to handle most types. Now with six driverWhat’s New? selectable pre-set modes, you can be assured that The Raptor made its debut in 2009 as a SVT this truck will be able to go anywhere and over (Special Vehicle Team) model. Rather than being a anything. The redesigned, larger FOX Racing street rocket like the Lightning, this truck was built Shox allow for more suspension travel, making on Ford’s baja truck, offering amazing off-road the ride not only comfortable on the roads, capabilities. The truck was able to go head-to-head but appropriate when off-road – Ford says the with custom built vehicles to tackle baja type races, Jag Dhatt suspension travel is enough to help prevent the and did so admirably.

Accredited AJAC Journalist Raptor from bottoming out in most situations.

For the 2017 Raptor, one of the biggest changes There’s also reinforcement to the suspension mounting points that won’t cause the truck to bend if severely abused.

What I really liked was Sport Mode, in which the gear shifts and ratios are tuned perfectly for a great sporty driving experience.

For anyone standing in front, the Raptor has a menacing presence, like any raptor should. Its massive signature grille, aggressive and muscular stance, and giant front skid plate are enough to tell everything else, alive or dead, to get out of the way.

This new Raptor is the best-looking so far; in fact, I wasn’t a fan of some of the previous iterations of the truck, but this one is quite a piece of work. With the truck six inches wider than a regular F-150, it’s not an easy beast to park, especially in your average garage. Live in a condo or apartment? Good luck!

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2017 Ford Raptor

Road Driving Impressions Let’s face it, the people buying this truck and either those who want the oomph factor for social reasons or serious enthusiasts who need a true and tried truck that can compete in desert or gruelling off-road competitions – either way, you’re set!

I hadn’t driven the Raptor for a few years and as I climbed into the cockpit, I knew I was in for some serious smiles. Engine started, seat adjusted, belt buckled, Sport mode activated, and I was ready to go. Right off the bat, I had to hit the throttle to see if the new 3.5L V6 was all that it should be and yup, two big thumbs up! This truck really hauls and in Sport mode, using the magnesium paddle shifters, the shifts were abrupt, as expected. I was able to fly through the 10 speeds easily – the first 7 being for spirited driving while the last 3 more for highway use.

What surprised me most was for such a beastly truck, it was surprisingly quiet in the cabin. Like its non-steroid “regular” F-150 counterpart, the Raptor is very well insulated. The militarygrade aluminum used for the body and bed can help shave the weight of the truck by up to 500 pounds, which you can feel when driving and cornering.

For the few hours we had this truck on the road, it drove better than I expected it to – it was civil when I needed it to be and downright psychotic every other time.

Interior: For the most part, the Raptor and its more docile sibling, the F-150, share the same interior. The Raptor does add bolstered seats with contrast stitching, a contoured steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters, and six overhead auxiliary switches to control aftermarket equipment. It’s a great interior space for the

enthusiast, worker, and regular driver.

Winter Off-Road Driving As I said earlier, we all know what the Raptor is capable of in off-road conditions, especially the desert. However, Ford Canada had something special for us at Megaglisse – a winter driving course that we journalists were to power through first, and then, a hot lap as passenger with a professional driver.

Navigating through the course was a little tough; the path was tight and the truck is huge. Never-the-less, through snow, ice, and mud, the truck pulled through without a glitch. The exclusive 2nd generation BF Goodrich KO2 tires provided exceptional traction and are built to take on the toughest off-road threats that can be thrown at them. Again, I have to say that even as our heads bobbed around as we pummeled through the rutted track, the interior was quiet and comforting. The bolstered seats, unique to the Raptor, provided excellent support and yes, the heated seats and steering wheel were great too. For the hot lap, I really was able to see what the Raptor could do. The professional driver disengaged traction control and took off. My self-proclaimed driving skills were shot down by the time we finished the hot lap. When you put a truck as impressive as the Raptor in the hands of a professional driver, you really get a sense of the what’s possible; even more impressive is that both the driver and Raptor weren’t pushing the limits.

Some Final Thoughts The 2017 Raptor is everything you would expect from an extreme truck and then some. Yes, people will look at it and get out of the way, with most doing a double-take. And if you’re ever caught in a zombie apocalypse, the Raptor will scorch the road and trails to make sure you get to the safety zone.

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2017 Ford Raptor

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

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2017 Ford Raptor

sPr Arwm vwLw hI nhIN bxdw, sgoN jdoN gYr sVkI rsqy ‘qy jweIdw hY qW audoN vI toey it`ibAW qoN lMGx smyN ib`lku`l hI mihsUs nhIN huMdw hY[ Porf vwiLAW dw kihxw hY ik bhuqy hwlwq ‘c rYptr nUM hyTW l`gx qoN rokx leI sspYNSn tRYvl kwPI hY[ pr mYnUM sB qoN vDIAw l`gw Sport Mode ijs ‘c gyAr bdlx ‘qy aunHW ivckwr dy Pwsly nUM sportI fRweIivMg Anuswr iblku`l shI sY`t kIqw igAw hY[ jy ies dy A`gy KVHy ho jwE qW Raptor frwauxI Skl vwLw lgdw hY ijs qrHW hr rYptr l`gxw hI cwhIdw hY[ies dI Swndwr isgnycr igR`l, SkqISwlI id`K v`fI PRMt sikf plyt sB ku`J hI ies dI ivSySqw bwry d`sdy hn[ nvW rYptr dyKx nUM vI bhuq suhxw lgdw hY[ g`l Asl ‘c ieh sI ik mYN pihlW ies qrHW dy tr`kW nUM bhuqw psMd nhIN sI krdw[ pr ieh qW kwrIgrI dI Swndwr imswl hY[ Awm F-150 nwloN ieh 6 ieMc Ku`lHw hY[ ies v`fy jwnvr nUM pwrk krnw vI sOKw nhIN, Kws krky quhwfI Awm grwj ‘c[ iksy kONfo jW ApwrtmYNt ‘c? r`b Blw kry! sVk ‘qy clwaux smyN dy pRBwv auh s`jx ijhVy ieh tr`k KRIddy hn ieh jW qW auh hn jo smwijk kwrnW krky KRIddy hn jW ies nUM KRIdx leI bhuq auqSwhI huMdy hn qW ikauN ik ies tr`k nUM hr qrHW dI sVk jW gYr sVk Bwv BYVIAW sVkW Aqy mwrUQl ‘c vI clwieAw jw skdw hY- jwxI ik iksy vI qrHW dw rwh hovy sB ‘qy[ ku`J swl q`k mYN rYptr clwieAw nhIN sI Aqy hux jdoN mYN kwkip`t ‘c cly igAw[ mYnUM pqw sI ik mYnUM AnMd Awvygw[ ieMjx stwrt kIqw igAw, sItW AYfjst kIqIAW geIAW, bYltW dy b`kl k`sy gey, sport mof nUM AYktIvyt kIqw igAw mYnUM Xwd hY mYN qurn leI iqAwr sW[ SurU ‘c hI mYnUM ieh vyKx leI QrOtl d`bxw ipAw ik nvW 3.5L V6 vwikAw hI auh hY ijs qrHW dw hoxw cwhIdw sI[ Aqy ib`lku`l kmwl ho geI[ ieh tr`k bhuq vDIAw cldw hY Aqy sport mof ‘c mYgnISIAm pYfl iSPtr dI vrqoN kIqI jWdI hY, Aqy ijvyN ik ibnw iksy hIl hu`jq dy gyAr pYxy cwhIdy hn vwikAw hI aus qrHW hI pYNdyy hn[10 spIf A`K Jmkx vWg bdlx dyy Xog sI[ pihlIAW s`q qW joSIlI fRweIivMg leI jdoN ik AglIAW iqMn sn hweIvyA vwLIAW [ ies v`fy tr`k dI ijs g`l ny mYnUM sB qoN v`D hYrwn kIqw auh sI ies dI kYibn ‘c psrI SWqI[ Awpxy non-steroid “regular” F-150 counterparts vWg rYptr bhuq vDIAw FMg nwL iensUlytf kIqw igAw hY[ies dI bwfI ‘c imltrI gryf AlmInIAm dI vrqoN kIqI geI hY[ ies qrHW bY`f

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

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2017 Buick Envision

2017

BUICK

Envision

P

riddis, AB: While most domestic manufacturers build locally and then sell overseas, especially to the Asian markets, GM has done just the opposite with one of their classic brands, Buick. With the Trishield emblem proudly sitting center stage on the waterfall grille of the new 2017 Envision, the auto maker is certainly doing something right. How do we know? Well, for starters, the Buick Envision is the vehicle of choice for the contemporary business person in China, with vehicles sales five times the amount as in North America. If the vehicle is such a success in China, how will it do in the North American market? To find out, we were whisked away to the foot-hills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains to the Azuridge Estate Hotel, located on the outskirts of Calgary, to drive North America’s newest compact SUV.

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

The Azuridge Estate Hotel is a beauty in itself, with the private residence now converted into an ultra-luxury exclusive hotel, complete with a 24car garage and limited number of guest suites.

Private butlers took my belongings to a spacious suite that gave spectacular sunrise views of the mountains.

Unlike some of the awkward designs of Buick a few years ago, the 2017 Envision is nicely sculpted, with lines and curves that are easier on the eyes.

It’s a nice blend of bigger brother Enclave and younger brother Encore. I don’t know if I’d call it a handsome SUV, but for sure it looks modestly elegant. The waterfall grille up front is flanked by LED daytime lamps that enclose HID headlamps.

The side profile of the Envision is probably its best angle, making the SUV seem longer. And here was something unique that I felt about the Envision – normally, I really like a shade of

Jag Dhatt Accredited AJAC Journalist

2017 Buick Envision

white on most vehicles; however, the Envision looked much nicer in Bronze Alloy Metallic. I know it’s a minor detail, but a couple of other journalists noticed this as well. Comparatively speaking, the Envision actually looks and feels bigger than the Lincoln MKC, Lexus NX and the Acura RDX, both on the outside and the inside.

Compact crossovers and SUV’s are the hottest market items these days, with more and more buyers choosing these than the traditional car, truck or van. In a ring with more fierce competitors than a Royal Rumble, Buick will surprise buyers with an interior that is beautiful. There’s a great mix of materials, from elegant (fake) wood, quality leather, piano black trim, and handsome plastics. The chic dash and layout is on par with Buick’s aim at attracting a younger audience here in North America. The Envision also boasts the title of being the “Most Connected” vehicle – there’s 4G LTE, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MyBuick App, Live OnStar Advisor and a standard touchscreen. Also to be noted is that the connected system is quite responsive. During our test drive through the back country roads, we used all aspects of the infotainment system and it all worked flawlessly – way to go Buick.

Interior seating is comfortable, with room for five adults – 3rd row isn’t available. Front passengers will enjoy ample room and rear passengers also get great legroom. Taller adults in the rear may feel the roofline is slightly lower than expected, but it’s no hindrance, especially since the panoramic roof lets in tonnes of light. One thing that annoyed me was that although the seats are comfortable, the material used allows any bag or backpack to slide around if placed on the rear seats. Maybe I should have buckled them in!

The plains area of Canada starts in Alberta and heads west to Manitoba, with nothing but flat straight roads – lucky for us, the Priddis area offers a variety of roads to test the new Envision. Immediately when driving, even on dirt roads, it becomes apparent how quiet the Envision really is. Thanks to GMC’s QuietTuning technologies, the cabin is almost hospital quiet. This is all due to GMC’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is very similar to what you would find in noise cancelling headphones.

Coupled with the ANC, the Envision has lots of advanced sound-proofing materials that reduce engine, road, and tire noise.

Power for the Envision comes from two engine choices: the base 2.5L EcoTec or the 2.0L Turbo, which is standard on AWD models. We didn’t have the chance to test the

2.5L engine and thus, cannot comment on it. However, the 2.0L Turbo is quite the engine, putting out 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, complete with full-time Start/Stop technology; yes, that means you can’t turn it off. But it’s so unnoticeable that you won’t even notice.

Now, the 2.0L is becoming quite the popular motor, with many auto makers utilizing this power house. The Envision’s engine is responsive, with most power available at 1,800 rpm. For all that we threw at it during our drive, the Envision powered through without hesitation. Fuel economy is pretty good as well, with Buick rating it at 11.8L/100 km city and 9.2L/100 km highway.

After spending a day with the vehicle, I found the Envision to be a smooth riding vehicle. The steering is on the lighter side, but remember, this isn’t a sport SUV. The suspension does a great job of soaking up the imperfections of the road. The Active Twin-Clutch all-wheel drive system didn’t really get tested as the grounds were mostly bare and dry. Similar to the XT5, the Envision’s AWD system can send up 100% of power to either axle.

If you have the 2.5L engine, only 70% of power is sent to the front or rear. The result of the Envision’s AWD with Active Twin-Clutch is better performance during acceleration and cornering, especially during emergency maneuvers. Overall, the Envision is solidly planted and poised. GMC said that they looked to the Audi Q5 as the benchmark to make the Envision a refined vehicle, and for the most part, they’ve succeeded.

As I alluded to earlier, Buick affirms that this SUV is the most connected vehicle; but there’s another neat feature that will make parents feel secure, and it’s called the Teen Driver Mode. This mode is linked to a key fob which can be connected to a smart phone, allowing a report card to be available that describes driving characteristics of any teen (or assigned) driver. In my opinion, and as a parent, this should be a standard on all cars. And of course, the Envision comes complete with many standard and optional safety options that keep all loved ones secure.

Most believe that Ford was the first car manufacturer in North America, with the Model T being the first car. Uhm, no it wasn’t.

David Dunbar Buick founded Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company in 1899 and the make has withstood the test of time and remains as one of GMC’s upscale brands. Today, Buick is back with more vigour than ever before, with the Envision slated to take on some of the other big boys. I mean, if Buick it good enough for the Emperor of China, how can we, the common folk, go wrong?

MARCH / APRIL 2017

17

2017 Buick Envision

2017

ibauk

Envision

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

2017 Buick Envision

mYnMU bhuq AnoKI l`gI auh ieh ik AYnivizn bRONz AYloey mtYilk rMg ‘c ieh sB qoN suhxw lgdw hY – myry leI ieh nvIN g`l sI ikauN ik nhIN qW Awm qOr ‘qy mYnMU izAwdw vhIkl ic`ty rMg ‘c vDyry sohxy lgdy hn[ mYnUM pqw hY ik ieh mwmUlI ijhI g`l hY pr ku`J ie`k hor p`qrkwrW ny vI ies g`l dI puStI kIqI ik myrI g`l shI hY[ jykr mukwbly dI g`l krIey qW AYnivizn AMdroN bwhroN vyKx Aqy mihsUs krn nMU ilMkn MKC, lYkss NX, Aqy AYkurw RDX nwloN v`fw lgdw hY[ A`j k`l dI mwrkt ‘c kMpYkt krwsEvr Aqy SUV dI ivkrI bhuq ho rhI hY, ikauNik izAwdw KRIddwr rvwieqI kwrW, tr`kW jW vYnW dI bjwey ienHW nMU KRIdx nMU qrzIh idMdy hn[ mhW mukwbly dy AKwVy ‘c ibauk AwpxI AMdrUnI idl luBwvIN id`K nwL gwhkW nMU izAwdw moihq krygw[ ies ’c bhuq vDIAw l`kV (nklI), kuAwltI lYdr, ipAwno blYk tir`m Aqy KubsUrq plwsitk vrgy mtIrIAl bhuq hI vDIAw FMg nwL iesqymwl kIqy gey hn[ nOrQ AmrIkw ‘c nOjvwn qbky dy gwhkW nMU luBwaux leI ibauk ny fYS dI id`K Aqy lyA AwaUt bhuq hI vDIAw bxweI hY[ AYnivizn, ijsdw mqlb hY “most knYktf” Aqy ieh Awpxy nWA au`qy ib`lku`l shI au`qrdw hY – ies ‘c 4G LTE, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MyBuick App, Live OnStar Advisor hox dy nwL nwL t`c skrIn vI l`gI hoeI hY[ ieh g`l vI iDAwn dyx Xog hY ik ieh swry hI bhuq vDIAw kMm krdy hn[AwpxI kMtrI rof dOrwn tYst fRweIv krdy hoey AsIN ieh swry isstm cMgI qrHW tYst kIqy Aqy vyiKAw ik ieh swry hI bhuq vDIAw kMm krdy hn[ ies dIAW sItW bhuq hI Awrwmdyh hn Aqy ies ‘c pMj bwlg Awrwm nwL bih skdy hn – ies ‘c qIjI sIt auplbD nhIN hY[ mUhrly Aqy ipCly pwsy bYTx leI kwPI Ku`lHw fu`lHw QW hY[ ipClIAW sItW ‘qy bYTx vwLy lMby AwdmIAW nMU Swied ies dI C`q QoVHI nIvIN l`gy pr ieh koeI bhuq rVkx vwLI g`l nhIN hY Kws krky jdoN ies ‘c pYnorYimk C`q hY ijs rwhIN ies ‘c bhuq rOSnI AwauNdI hY[ jo ie`k g`l mYnUM cMgI nhIN l`gI auh ieh sI ik jdoN ipClIAW sItW ‘qy koeI smwn r`Kdy ho qW auh iqlkdw bhuq rihMdw hY Swied mYnMU vI r`Ky smwn nMU sIt bYlt lw dyxI cwhIdI sI[ knyfw dy p`Dry ielwky Albrtw ‘c SurU ho ky p`Cm nMU mYnItobw vwLy pwsy nMU jWdy hn, ij`Qy ik ib`lku`l p`DrIAW Aqy is`DIAW sVkW hn Aqy hor ku`J vI nhIN[ pr swfI ieh KuSiksmqI smJo ik nvIN AYnivizn nMU tYst krn leI pirifs ielwky ‘c hr iksm dIAW v`KrIAW v`KrIAW sVkW hn[ jdoN qusIN ies nMU clwauxw SurU hI krdy ho qW J`t hI ies g`l dw Aihsws ho jWdw hY

ik AYnivizn,vk`cy rwhW ‘qy vI ikMnI SWq cldI hY[ ieh GMC dI QuietTuning qknwlojI dy sdky hY ik ies dw kYibn iksy hspqwl dy kmry vWg ie`k dm SWq hY, koeI vI Sor suxweI nhIN idMdw[ ieh sB dw ishrw GMC dI Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) isr b`Jdw hY, ieh l`g B`g aus qknwlojI vWg hI hY ijs qknwlojI dI vrqoN hY`fPonW ‘c Sor Srwby nMU Kqm krn leI vrqI jWdI hY[ANC dy nwL nwL AYnivizn ‘c hor bhuq swry Ajoko swaNUf prUP mtIArlW dI vrqoN kIqI geI ijnHW krky AMdr bYiTAW nMU ieMjx, twierW Aqy sVk dI Awvwz nw-mwqr hI suxweI idMdI hY[ AYnivizn ‘c do qrHW dy ieMjx dI vrqoN kIqI geI hY; byisk 2.5L EcoTec jW 2.0L Turbo jo ik swry hI AWD mwflW ‘qy stYNfrf AwaNudw hY[ swnMU 2.5L EcoTec nMU prKx dw mOkw nhIN imiLAw ies leI AsIN ies ‘qy koeI kmYNt nhIN kr skdy, pr 2.0L Turbo dy ikAw kihxy! ieh 252 hp Aqy 260 lb-ft of torque dI SkqI vwLw ieMjx hY[ ieh 6-spIf AwtomYitk tRWimSn jo ik pUrw smW stwrt/stOp qknwlojI vwLw hY, nwL sMpUrn huMdw hY; ib`lku`l, ies dw mqlb hY ik qusIN ies nMU bMd nhIN kr skdy[ pr ieh ieMnI SWqI nwL kMm krdw hY ik quhwnMU ies bwry ib`lku`l vI pqw nhIN lgdw[ A`j k`l bhuq swry AwtomykrW vloN ies SkqISwlI ieMjx dI vrqoN kwPI kIqI jwx krky ieh 2.0L bhuq hI mShUr ho irhw hY[ AYnivizn ieMjx bhuq vDIAw cldw hY Aqy ies dI bhuqI SkqI 1800 RPM ‘qy hI auplbD hY[ AsIN ies dI prK BwvyN ijs qrHW vI kIqI ieh aus hr prK ‘qy Krw au`qirAw[ qyl Kpq vI bhuq hI vDIAw hY, ibaUk vloN ies nMU 11.8L/100 km Sihr Aqy 9.2L/100 km hweIvyA dI ryitMg id`qI geI hY[ ies vhIkl nwL pUrw idn guzwrn qoN bwAd mYN ies nqIjy ‘qy phuMicAw hW ik AYnivzn ie`k ieho ijhI vhIkl hY ijhVI bhuq hI itk ky Arwm nwL cldI hY[ies dw styAirMg lweItr sweIf ‘qy hY[ pr Xwd r`Ko ik ieh sport AYs XU vI nhIN hY[ ies dI sspYNSn mwVI sVk ‘qy vI pqw nhIN l`gx idMdI[ pr myry koLoN ies dw AYkitv tivMn- kl`c Awl vIHl fRweIv ies krky tYst nhIN ho sikAw ikauN ik sVkW swP Aqy su`kIAW sn[ iesy qrHW XT5 vWg, Envision dw AWD iksy vI AYksl nUM 100% SkqI phuMcw skdw hY[jy quhwfy koL 2.5L ieMjx vwLI kwr hY qW ies ‘c A`gy jW ip`Cy 70% pwvr hI jWdI hY[spIf vDwaux Aqy moVW ‘qyy vDIAw kwrguzwrI dyx leI Envision’s AWD with Active Twin-Clutch bhuq hI vDIAw hY[jy g`l smu`cy qOr ‘qy kIqI jwvy qW AYnivizn bhuq mzbUqI vwLI kwr hY[jI AYm sI kMpnI vwiLAW dw kihxw hY ik auh cwhuMdy sn ik AYnivizn bhuq vDIAw vhIkl bxy Aqy ies ‘c Audi Q5 vwLy bhuq kwmXwb rhy hn[ ijvyN mYN pihlW hI ieSwrw kIqw hY ibauk dw ieh dwAvw hY ik AYs XU vI bhuq hI juVvIN vhIkl hY; pr ies ‘c ie`k bhuq hI vDIAw PIcr hY ijs kwrn mwipAW dw iPkr jWdw l`gygw[ ieh hY tIn fRweIvr mof [ieh mof kIA Pob nwL juiVAw hoieAw hY ijs nUM smwrt Pon nwL joV ky fRweIvr dIAW hrkqW dw pqw l`g skygw[ ies qrHW tInyjr fRweIvrW sbMDI icMqq mwpy Awpxy b`icAW dI fRweivMg dI ingrwnI r`K skdy hn[ie`k mwpw hox nwqy mYN ieh cwhuMdw hW ik ieh mof swrIAW kwrW ‘c stYNfrf hoxw cwhIdw hY[Asl ‘c AYnivizn ies qrHW dy kwPI AwpSnW nwl lYs hY ijnHW kwrn fRweIvrW dy im`qr ipAwry vI cYn mihsUs krngy[ bhuq swry lokW dw i^Awl hY ik au`qrI AmrIkw ‘c pihly kwr bxwaux vwLy Porf vwLy hI sn[Aqy ienHW dI kwr dw pihlw mwfl sI mwfl tI[pr Asl ‘c ies qrHW nhIN hY[fyivf fnbr ibauk ny ibauk Awto-ivm Aqy pwvr kMpnI 1899 dw inrmwx kIqw sI[ieh mwfl iemiqhwn ‘c pUrw auqirAw Aqy Ajy vI jI AYm sI dy vDIAw bRWfW ‘coN hY[pr hux Pyr bVy joS nwL ibauk Aw rhI hY, jdoN ik AYnivizn horW nwL mukwbly leI iblku`l iqAwr hY[myry kihx dw Bwv hY ik jy ibauk cIn dy mhwrwjy leI vDIAw hY qW ieh Awm lokW leI ikauN cMgI nhIN ho skdI?

MARCH / APRIL 2017

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DRK News / Views / Stuff

r`b dw vwsqw ! iDAwn nwL , ies Kyqr ‘c auswrI c`l rhI hY ipCly ie`k do mhIinAW ‘c jdoN sVk ‘qy lMGdy smyN hr pwsy sweIn Aqy imQI spIf dI h`d dw iKAwl r`Kx pr ies qrHW huMdw auswrI ho rhI vyKdy hW Aqy aus auswrI Kyqr ‘coN lMGdy hW qW ies nhIN[ipCly mhIny ijs QW ieh icqwvnI id`qI geI sI ik spIf 60 qrHW lgdw hY ik hux AsIN AwriQk qr`kI dy dOr ‘c hW[ijDr iklomItr pRqI GMtw hoxI cwhIdI hY ie`k vhIkl ies qrHW dI vI mrzI vyK lE, ieh vYnkuvr hY, srHI hY, lYNglI, brnbI, jW tRweI PVI geI ijhVI 109 iklomItr pRqI GMty dI rPqwr ‘qy jw rhI sI[ istI hY hr pwsy auswrI hI c`l rhI hY[ ikDry ieh nw smJ lYxw ik mYN auswrI dy iKlwP hW, Asl ‘c mYN ies dy iblku`l h`k ‘c hW[ pr ieh kMstRkSn jW auswrI Kyqr hI hY ij`Qy mYnUM fRweIivMg dy sB qoN BYVy ivvhwr vyKx nUM imly hn[ hwl dI g`l hY ik mYN tRweI istIz nUM grOsrI KRIdx jw rhI sI[ tRYiPk TIk FMg nwL c`l irhw sI Aqy bhuq swry fRweIvr ijs qrHW krnI cwhIdI hY tRYiPk inXmW dI pwlxw vI kr rhy sn Aqy auh PlYg lY ky KVHy ivAkqIAW dy ieSwirAW Anuswr hI c`l rhy l`g B`g inscq nwloN ieh du`gxI hI qW sI[ ksm nwL PLYg prsn sn[mYN Awpxy iDAwn ‘c jw rhI sI ik ie`k AYs XU vI ibnw aufIk nUM Awpxy bcw leI Cwl mwr ky pwsy hoxw ipAw[ jy auh ies qrHW kIqy myrI lweIn ‘c Gusx leI Acwnk myry iblku`l A`gy Aw geI[ nw krdI qW koeI Bwxw vwpr skdw sI [ ies Gtnw qoN bwAd aus mYN Awpxy iDAwn jw rhI sI ik Acwnk mYnUM AwpxIAW bRykW pUrIAW AOrq PLYg lyfI dw srIr su`ky p`qy vWg kMb irhw sI[ d`bxIAW peIAW Aqy ienHW lokW v`l vyK ky m`Qy ‘qy h`Q jdoN kMstRkSn eyrIey ‘c imQI spIf Aqy inXmW dI mwirAw[ aulMGxw krn ‘qy bhuq izAwdw zurmwny qW huMdy hn sgoN ies dw fRweIvr kI soc ky AYs XU vI clw irhw nwL fImYirt puAwieMt vI imldy hn qW fRweIvr ies hovygw? kI aus ny myrI kwr dI ipClI ivMfo ‘qy l`gw qrHW dI aulMGxw krn bwry iks qrHW soc lYNdy hn[ ku`J hoieAw “ cweIlf ien kwr”, dw sit`kr vI nhIN imMtW Kwqr lok 500 qoN 1000 fwlr q`k brbwd krn vyiKAw? mYN qW au`cI hOrn vjw ik aus nUM lwhnq pwauxI bwry ikauN soc lYNdy hn? cwhuMdI sW pr ipCly SISy rwhIN AwpxIAW bYTIAW pr jy jurmwny vI quhwnUM ieh glqI krn qoN nhIN rok hoeIAW b`cIAW dy ichry vyK ky ies qrHW nw krn dw skdy qW zrw ies g`l v`l hI iDAwn idE ik kI ku`J hI PYslw kIqw[ ies qrHW dI hrkq cMgI g`l QoVHI hY? imMtW bdly qusIN Kqrw mu`l lY skdy ho? kI qusIN ies mYN ieh smJ ilAw ik Swied ieh glqI jwx bu`J ky qrHW vI nhIN soc skdy ik quhwfy kwrn iksy dw b`cw, nhIN sihbn ho geI hovy[ pr myrw idl ieh nhIN mMn mwpw, jW pqI pqnI Gr nhIN phuMc skygw? r`b nw Jasleen Dutt irhw sI[ kry, jy Blw quhwfw koeI pirvwirk mYNbr Gr nw phuMcy Certified Full-Time Mom mu`kdI g`l ieh ik mYN ieh socdI hW ik auswrI Bwv qW iks qrHW l`gygw? zrw soco! hOlI c`lo! inXmW dI and Part-Time Writer kMstRkSn dy Kyqr ‘c swry vhIklW dy fRweIvr au`Qy l`gy aulMGxw krky vhIkl clwauxI iksy qrHW vI TIk nhIN[

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

MARCH 28 TO APRIL 2, 2017 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE

See the Acura NSX at #VanAutoShow17

Enter to win a Grand Prize Car at

VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com

MARCH / APRIL 2017

21

DRK News / Views / Stuff

Keanu Reeves ‘Prudent’ on His Bike

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eanu Reeves is more “prudent” when it comes to riding his motorcycle now that he’s older.

The 52-year-old actor has been an avid fan of motorcycles since he was 22, and despite saying he went “very fast” when he was in his youth, the ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ star admits his older age, coupled with a variety of nasty injuries - including a burst spleen which left him hospitalised for “a week” - has meant he now takes more care when he dons his helmet.

He said when asked how fast he rides his motorcycle: “When I was younger I went very fast. Now I’m getting older and I’ve had some crashes. I broke some teeth. I burst my spleen and I was in the hospital for a week. I broke my ankle. But everything’s okay.

“Now that I’m older I’m more prudent but sometimes I still go fast. I go to the race track. I love it.”

And ‘The Matrix’ actor says his love for riding motorcycles - which led him to start his own motorcycle company Arch Motorcycle - comes as he developed a

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passion for the “sense of freedom” that the high speeds gave him.

He said on stage at the Sanremo Music Festival: “I started riding motorcycles when I was 22 and I loved it. It was something that had a sense of freedom. The wind, the air, the sound. I fell in love and so I started a motorcycle company, Arch Motorcycle. Yeah I ride my motorcycle every day.”

It’s not the first time the ‘Point Break’ star has gushed about his love for riding either, as in 2015 he was offered the chance to ride his own custom bike on the Suzuka race track in Japan, which he described as “incredible”.

He said at the time: “[It was] like the best dream you could possibly have ... Incredible ... Just a real honour and something that I could never imagine in my life, to be here and to be riding a motorcycle with my partner and the designer of the motorcycle that I love is very special.”

Dining with Pashion

Restaurant l’Initiale 54 rue St-Pierre Quebec, Qc G1K 4A1 (Relais & Chateaux)

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had the pleasure of visiting Quebec City, Quebec, and you may think that I’m crazy to go to such a cold area in the dead of winter. But I did and had lots of fun! I was able to go barrelling down the ice toboggan 1884 and visit the famous ice hotel, Hotel de Glace in Valcartier which are both amazing experiences! But one of the big highlights of my trip was a visit to Restaurant l’Initiale!

Firstly, you must book this restaurant several weeks in advance to get in. Even booking six weeks prior I still had problems obtaining a reservation. Leading up to the last few days before the reservation, the restaurant was sending emails trying to convince me to come in earlier for dinner than I wanted. I actually thought they were giving me a hard time, but when I got there I understood why.

As we pulled up in a cab, I saw the Relais & Chateaux flag flying proudly outside. For those who don’t know, Relais & Chateaux is a global collaboration between luxury boutique hotels run by renowned hoteliers and top chefs in the world for an ultimate experience in luxury . We were greeted at the front door where our heavy winter coats were taken and ushered in through another door which was the main dining area. As we sat, the incredible and attentive staff commenced meeting our every need.

I have never seen staff so passionate about food before. The enthusiasm as they described each drink and food was all consuming and you could not help but get caught up in their eagerness.

We were presented with two menu choices; A nine course menu or a six course menu. There were also two optional extra courses which could be added to the meal. I chose the nine course menu and added one optional course involving scallops and black truffle. I was sold when I heard the words “black truffle”.

Over the next three hours+ , we ate. Now I understood why the push for an earlier dinner reservation. They were not being rude at all like I had thought. It was almost 10:00 PM before we left. There were wine pairings offered and an extensive wine list. We delighted in the bread girl. She served one slice of bread at a time and poised

it vertically on your plate so you were never without bread. But the bread girl and all of the staff were amazing. When our cheese service started I wish I could have filmed just how emotional the lady was as she described each cheese.

All of the food was absolutely amazing. I’ve had a lot of French food as my sister, brother in law and their two children are all residents of France. Never have I had such attention to detail, beautiful presentations and skillful food pairings which blended with such fluidity in any part of the world, including France.

Our courses were as follows, an amuse buche, sturgeon, black cod, lobster, foie gras, the extra scallop and black truffle course, quail, wapiti, the cheese course, dessert and then an after dessert.

Along with the monstrous invoice, we received a chef signed copy of our menu in a lovely folder along with meringue cookies. The cookies were a treat, but did not soften the blow of the huge invoice.

It cost a LOT, but an experience like this is once is a life time. The signed menu is meant for framing to treasure the memory always and look back fondly to your experience.

I have no hesitation recommending this spectacular dining experience. But you should budget as much as a flight roundtrip to Quebec City from Vancouver to eat here.

This excellent experience does not come cheap and should only be indulged in for happy occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries etc. If you go to Quebec City and want to try Restaurant l’Initiale, I suggest you make your reservation for about 6:00 PM and book your flight after you have your restaurant booking confirmation.

Bon appétit ! Merci au revoir Quebec City! C’est tres tres bien!

Column by- Pash Brar // Mobile Leasing Rep. at Auto One Leasing LP MARCH / APRIL 2017

23

Quick Looks

Powered by:

by - Jag Dhatt

2017 Honda Civic Type R

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2017 Ford GT

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onda took the wraps off one of the most anticipated models with the unveiling of the 2017 Civic Type R at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Type R will share the same body style as the 5-door hatchback variant of the 10th generation global Civic platform and will be powered by an Ohio built 2.0-liter DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder. This powerplant will put out 306hp and 295lb-ft of torque. To match this engine, the Type R has an upgraded body and chassis and other track-ready, Nurburgring-tuned and tested performance components. According to Honda Canada, the Civic Type R is designed to reward the driver in all driving conditions on the track and on the street, and features three driving modes: Comfort, Sport and +R. For Canada, there will only be a premium-coated trim that features a 7” display touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heavily bolstered sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum shift knob and sport pedals. The Type R goes on sale in Canada this summer.

hat’s more special than having one of the iconic supercars be built in our very own Canada? Especially one that took the podium at the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans last year. The 2017 Ford GT is easily one of the hottest and most anticipated supercars in history. Based on looks alone, it’s a piece of fine art, fit for display in any exclusive art gallery. Gone is the supercharged V8 from the previous GT – the 2017 Ford GT features a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that will push more than 600hp. The engine is linked to a sevenspeed dual clutch automatic gearbox. To keep the body weight down to a minimum, Ford will be using both carbon fibre and aluminum. Built by Multimatic Inc., who are masters in the autoparts and motorsports world, the Ford GT will feature technology systems that are ground breaking.

For example, the active aerodynamic elements include a multi-position rear wing that mirrors the likes of the P1 and LaFerrari to make sure the rear end stays planted at top speeds. Also cool is that the doors hinge up and forward and don’t incorporate portions of the roof.

2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2017 Land Rover Discovery

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robably known as the hottest hatchback for the past 30 years, the 2017 Golf GTI still gets the hearts going for those who want a great pocket rocket at a decent price. Since 2016 was the year for the major upgrade, there are only minor changes to the 2017 model. I had the chance to drive the 5-door variant of Golf GTI not too long ago and I loved it. The design is still distinctly Golf, but has a modern look to it. The fully tricked out GTI has a host of cool features, including ambient lighting to set the mood, red calipers, bi-xenon headlights and a fantastic multi-function steering wheel, which has to be one of the best in the industry – you can access everything without taking your hands off the wheel. The 2.0-liter TSI engine is a gem, providing 210hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for this small car. The Cross Differential System (XDS) does a great job of making sure brakes are applied properly if a wheel spins after turning a corner. In a nutshell, it’s a fantastic car!

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ust a couple of weeks ago, I was among the first and lucky few journalists to drive the all-new Discovery in Utah. Replacing the legendary Land Rover LR4, the Discovery is everything the LR4 was, and more! To start, the 2017 Discovery has a completely new design; it’s doesn’t share the LR4’s boxy look; rather it has more in common with the Disco Sport and Range Rover, which I really like. The body has been stretched by 5.5 inches to offer a lot of more usable interior space. The interior is completely brand new and is beautifully elegant – it now shares more similarities with the Range Rover, which will make buyers smile ear to ear. Power for the 2017 Discovery comes from either the 3.0-liter gasoline V6 (340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque) or the new 3.0-liter diesel V6 (254 hp and a massive 443 lb-ft of torque), which is mated to the true and tried ZF 8-speed transmission. But where the Discovery really shines is in its off-road capabilities. This SUV went through everything that was thrown at it without missing a beat. This could just be the most perfect luxury off-road capable SUV.

DRK News / Views / Stuff

Jaguar I-Pace Hits the Streets of London

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aguar has unleashed its first electric vehicle – the Jaguar I-PACE – onto the streets of London for the first time1.

Driving on the streets of London’s famous Olympic Park, the electric performance SUV concept previews the Jaguar brand’s first electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE, which will be revealed in late 2017 and will be on sale in the second half of 2018.

“The feedback on the I-PACE Concept has been fantastic. With the I-PACE Concept we’ve torn up the rule book to create a vehicle with supercar inspired aesthetics, sports car performance and SUV space, in one electric package.

It has surprised people and the enthusiasm for our first electric vehicle has been beyond all my expectations. Driving the concept on the streets is really important for the design team. It’s very special to put the car outside and in the real-world. You can see the true value of the I-PACE’s dramatic silhouette and powerful proportions when you see it on the road, against other cars. The I-PACE Concept represents the next

generation of battery electric vehicle design. For me, the future of motoring has arrived.” – Ian Callum (Director of Design, Jaguar) Powered by a 90kWh lithium-ion battery, the I-PACE will be able to accelerate from 0-60mph in around 4 seconds, with a targeted range of approximately 220 miles on EPA test cycles.

Charging is easy and quick; an 80 percent charge can be achieved in 90 minutes and 100 percent charge achieved in just over two hours using 50kW DC fast charging (1).

Compact, lightweight electric motors at the front and rear axles generate a combined output of 400HP and 516-lb ft of all-wheel drive torque, putting power down and maintaining traction on a variety of surfaces and weather conditions1. Response is immediate and the system provides exceptional control over the front and rear torque distribution, responding immediately to driver inputs, road conditions and vehicle characteristics.

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

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2017 GMC Yukon Denali

2017

GMC

Yukon DENALI

I

’m a slightly larger than average guy, with slightly larger than average friends. So, when my friends call me and say we have tickets to the Abbotsford airshow and they want me to drive, I’m normally less than excited. Four 6’1”+ guys, starting at 205 pounds each, really tax my poor little C-class Mercedes. Thankfully GMC called and let me take a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali to test for the week. I couldn’t believe it – we made it to the show and back without a single complaint! Not to mention we stopped on the way home to pick up a transmission for one of my projects and had trunk space to spare. This Yukon means business!

Let’s start with the obvious. The 2017 GMC Yukon Denali is big and I mean REALLY big. It’s one of the largest, if not the largest SUV available to the public. Driving the Yukon gives you a sense of presence that is like driving a Peterbilt down an alley. Everyone gets out of your way and you can see 3 cars ahead. The body just oozes class, almost like a well-tailored suit. The jewel-like LED headlights are very tasteful but not too flashy and the grill reminds everyone that under this fancy suit beats the heart of a full-size truck. 22” wheels fill out the wheel wells perfectly and help keep the proportions

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of the enormous body. My favorite feature of all is the automatic side steps. Not so much for me, but for the general public. The Yukon Denali is a fairly high truck, and the last thing you want to do is to rip your nice suit pants climbing out for a very important meeting. Not that that’s ever happened to me, recently.

Anyway, being this big does have its drawbacks. I’m sure the Yukon Denali would feel right at home in the suburbs of Texas or even Las Vegas, but Vancouver is a totally different story. Parking this beast at the movie theater was a six, yes six-point turn. And the Yukon still stuck out two and a half feet past the lines. Just for laughs I thought I’d park in the small car spot at the local grocery store and the parking lines stopped just short of the rear tire. The truck is so long that the bumper was almost in oncoming traffic. Not to mention I was way too scared to pull into underground parking. I’m 6’1” and this truck is taller than me. I did, however, manage to parallel park downtown though – the rear view camera is definitely a necessity.

Being as big as the Yukon Denali is, GMC gave it a powerful engine. The 6.2L Ecotec3 (no, that’s not a typo) is more than capable of moving this GMC Denali straight to Mach 10 in a hurry. It sounds great and the Ecotec3 is equipped with cylinder cut out technology, which barely makes a difference in fuel economy at all. It’s the thought that counts, right? But seriously, the engine is more than capable and the 8100lb towing capacity is pretty substantial for a seven-seater SUV. I do wish GMC came with a Diesel option though. If there’s room for a 6.2L V8, is it that much more to ask for a 6.6L Duramax?

Alas, we can always dream. Moving down the line, Aman Sundher the 8-speed transmission is a dream. The rpm’s stay Certified Heavy Duty nice and low on the highway and nice and high Technician

2017 GMC Yukon Denali

anyone would buy the Escalade if the Yukon is this well-equipped and I couldn’t agree more. The Yukon Denali has more buttons and gadgets than a commercial jet. It has the standard backup camera, front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. But it’s the other options that really set the Denali package apart. There’s a massive 8” touch screen that is easy to read and simple to navigate. The voice recognition actually works without you having to shout at it for 10 minutes. And there’s enough USB and Auxiliary ports to charge everyone’s phone, laptop, tablet, MP3 player, microwave and well, you get the picture. Heated and air conditioned front seats are fantastic and the rear captain chairs, with heat, are a nice touch too. Unfortunately, the interior is so quiet that the front A/C seats sound like a wind turbine spooling up. I guess there is such a thing as too quiet. The big party piece is definitely the electronically folding middle and rear row seating. It’s surprising how convenient this feature actually is. Rather than going door when you bury it. Much like the GMC’s of yesteryear, the steering is about as responsive as a yacht in a storm. This can be both good and bad. Good in the sense that the ride is phenomenal. Magnetic ride control treats speedbumps like pencils and the hydraulic engine mounts soak up any and all vibrations from the grumbling V8. The downside is the lack of confidence on windy roads and literally zero steering wheel feedback. Now the brakes, in my opinion, are the biggest failing in the GMC Yukon Denali. If you don’t go to the gym and you plan on buying a Yukon, it’s time to start. The amount of force needed on the brake pedal is actually scary. The first day of driving it I nearly rear ended more than a few cars. I understand the Yukon is a big heavy truck but the brakes are fairly large. If I needed to stop in a hurry I was literally standing on the brake pedal, definitely something to seriously consider.

Older GMC Suburbans and Yukons typically shared the same interiors of their full-size truck brothers. Thankfully, the new generation seems to borrow more parts from its Cadillac cousins. More and more people were commenting on why

to door collapsing the seats, simply open the trunk and hit the switches on the side. Very posh. The moral of the story is if I needed a vehicle to drive passengers in limo-like luxury, the GMC Yukon Denali is definitely my first choice. Yes, it’s big and yes it has a few minor issues, but it’s cheaper than the Cadillac and has more space than its German competitors. At its $86,000 sticker price, it’s not for everyone, but it’s one of the best 7-seaters I’ve ever driven.

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2017 GMC Yukon Denali

2017

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Yukon DENALI

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2017 GMC Yukon Denali

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In Your Corner

MO’ MONEY, MO’ PROBLEMS:

CROWDFUNDING

“

Currently, there are two types of crowdfunding methods, with I don’t know what they want from me, it’s like the the first model being more of a donation or contribution style and more money we come across, the more problems we the second model being an investment or equity style based concept. see”. As hard as it is to believe that tax and hip-hop The first model is usually where a large number of individuals will could exist in the same sentence, the lyric’s from The place differing amount of monies to finance a specific project in Notorious B.I.G.’s hit single Mo Money Mo Problems could not ring truer with regards to startups and the different exchange for a reward or some form of recognition by the issuer techniques used to raise cash. While the golden age of hip-hip (for example Kickstarter). The second model is where businesses seeking capital injection, source equity or debt stakes in their ushered in a new platform and direction for today’s artists, it too companies to venture capitalists or large groups of can be argued that today’s online world of raising investors online (for example Crowdfunder). cash, specifically crowdfunding, is setting the tone for the future while also bringing in new problems.

With startups and business ventures raising financing from crowdfunding models at an estimated For those not familiar with crowdfunding, it is $34 billion US in 2015, it really hits home when you a way by which to fund projects, business ventures, consider that B.C. is home to the second highest or not-for-profit organizations through online percentage of small and early-stage businesses in websites made available to large crowds of people who will then “donate” or contribute money to the Canada. A good chunk of these businesses in B.C. use alternative sources of raising capital and equity with cause if it resonates with them. Crowdfunding has gained traction in the last few years, with 2016 a good number of them using online crowdfunding platforms. While crowdfunding is a relatively easy seeing crowdfunding platforms such as Indiegogo, Ryan Sahota Crowdfunder and Kickstarter become household way to obtain necessary capital to finance your BBA, CPA, CA business or ventures, it is also not without its legal names in the startup world.

Pacific Chartered Advisors

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In Your Corner

and tax implications.

Currently, there is no official tax policy in Canada with regards to revenues and funding received by businesses or individuals for the use of business or income purposes. Depending on the facts and circumstances, income received by a taxpayer under a crowdfunding arrangement could represent a loan, capital contribution, gift, income, or a combination of these methods.

Since the terms and conditions of these types of arrangements may vary greatly from one situation to another, the CRA’s approach is to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis before making a determination on the income tax consequences of a particular crowdfunding arrangement. However, CRA has issued two specific rulings in 2013 and 2015 with regards to their view on the taxation of these monies received by businesses and individuals.

Generally speaking, where funds are received by you as a result of crowdfunding for the use in a business or a business venture, the CRA generally considers such funds to be taxable income under subsection 9(1) of the Income Tax Act. The funds are not taxable if it can be shown that they clearly represent a loan, capital contribution or other form of equity. Interestingly under the equity method of crowdfunding CRA has no official position to date or any ruling letters.

From a legal perspective, B.C. is one of the few provinces in Canada that has adopted crowdfunding registration and prospectus exemptions aimed at non-public startups and early stage businesses. Startups and early stage issuers intending to rely on the new exemptions must use a funding portal that is either relying

B u i l t

F o r

on the crowdfunding exemptions or is operated by a registered dealer. In B.C. registrants would have to comply with the Startup Crowdfunding Exemption and ensure that they meet ongoing disclosure requirements, annual financial statements, and annual disclosure on how proceeds are used.

While most certainly, the more money startups and businesses do come across the more problems they see, it is also a sign of the times where non-conventional methods of capital raising are perhaps ushering in a new era of financing for small businesses and startups. As always, depending on which method of crowdfunding you do proceed to use, please remember to consult a qualified lawyer and tax accountant on the pitfalls within securities regulation and tax compliance.

T h e

L o n g

R i d e

SERV ING T HE W E ST COA ST Pacif ic Chartered Advisors LLP PROV I D I NG TA X A DV I SO RY S E RV I C E S

w w w. p a c i f i c a cco u n t i n g. c a

# west co a st st r o n g

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DRK Launches / Events

2017 Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Gala

Photo Credits:

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Pelman Photography Cosimo Peronace Photography

DRK Launches / Events

2017 Landrover discoverY launch in utah

ford winter driving experience in quebec

MARCH / APRIL 2017

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

2017

Nissan

PATHFINDER Platinum 4WD

W

e got the opportunity to drive the 2017 What I mean by that is it’s well put together and handles and drives Nissan Pathfinder for a week and evaluate very well. Nissan says they tweaked the suspension making it a little Nissan’s latest contribution to the midsize stiffer and the addition of rebound springs in the front help with crossover/ SUV market. 2017 is a refresh body roll. What you get is a vehicle that takes corners reasonably year for the Pathfinder, making some notable flat and brakes very well with very little nose dive, considering it improvements for performance and seeing some aesthetic changes. almost weighs six thousand pounds. An attributing factor to good The Pathfinder made a big change in 2013 going from a body on handling is how the weight is allocated throughout the vehicle. The frame (truck chassis) to a more car like uni-body, which continues in as tested model has a 55/45 weight distribution, which is very good 2017. For those who prefer the rugged capabilities of a truck and are considering it’s a crossover and not a sports car.

Nissan fans, you’ll have to look at the Armada or the Frontier (put a The power plant is Nissan’s latest version of the good old canopy on the back and pretend it’s an SUV). This Pathfinder is the (transversely-mounted) VQ engine. Over the years, this engine has type of design that majority of the market wants, and even though it’s received a lot of praise for its power, smoothness, and excellent build not my style, it does make a lot of sense for this segment. quality. Rated at 284HP @ 6,400 RPM and 259lb-ft of torque @ Driving Impressions (8) 4,800RPM, the Pathfinder has more than enough power to move Now I’ll be the first one to admit, I wasn’t a big fan when through traffic and merge easily on the highway. Keep in mind I’m Nissan decided to leave its rugged truck roots in the SUV market in the only one in the vehicle for the test and I was not able to see how it favour of a more “wagon like” design. I like my trucks being trucks was affected if I drove with a load of full grown adults. Even though underneath and cars being cars. But the switch to a the power is up a little, Nissan says fuel economy is unibody does make a lot of sense for today’s market. not affected. I think the fuel consumption is reasonable A majority of owners that own 4X4 or AWD vehicle as I have been driving it to and from work, downtown almost never take their vehicles off road on a regular on the highway and getting a return of around 11 basis. What they do is use the vehicle for commuting, L/100km travelled, which is in between its Energuide running errands, road tripping and the vehicle may see fuel consumption rating. For the most part, I tried the road less travelled when going camping the odd to keep it in 2WD since it’s the only vehicle in this time. They also need their vehicle to be able to handle category that can do it which helps maximize fuel a variety of weather conditions on pavement no matter economy. However, with a spirited take off the front what the season. So, building an SUV with car like wheels can break traction slightly. Putting the vehicle properties with some ground clearance and 4-wheel into auto gives the vehicle more grip immediately Anthony Jarantilla traction just makes sense. I own a 2006 Nissan 350Z and it just seems to drive different. I don’t know what Vehicle Installation Manager and I have to say the Pathfinder “drives like a Nissan”.

Nissan’s torque split is but there is no slippage then Visions Electronics, Surrey

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

engagement to get traction, so it seems that in the “Auto” setting, all four wheels are receiving power as opposed to only sending power to the rear when it detects wheel slippage. The CVT transmission is interesting because it acts like a typical CVT, kind of just holding the revs as you accelerate but when you pass or slow down it tries to simulate “gear changes” giving you the sensation of a regular gear box. I’m just going to vote to put a 6-speed automatic transmission with the ability to select gears; I prefer it for engine braking purposes, especially if you like to tow. I also prefer having gears for the driving experience.

As for off-road, I would keep it to gravel roads and terrain, preferably without a lot of ruts and big rocks. The Pathfinder only has about 7 inches of ground clearance, lacks skid plates and has a “Low” selection on the transmission, but lacks a transfer case with a 4 Low setting for further gear reduction. It will however conquer snow and dirt roads well with its seamless 4WD system and a fully independent suspension to adapt to the road conditions. In my opinion, this is all you need for a vehicle like this. Remember, its name is Pathfinder, not Pathconqueror!

Overall, the Pathfinder is a very pleasant vehicle to drive with good handling, ample power and a steering feel that is more on par with their sporty sedans.

Safety (9) We talked a little about passive safety with the suspension updates which helps control the body of the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder is equipped with decent sized rotors on all four corners (12.6 inches in the front and 12.13 in the rear) giving it a very powerful bite when you get on the binders.

The Pathfinder we drove was also equipped with a plethora of electronics devices: anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, emergency crash detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, front, seat mounted and roof mounted airbags as well as a full 360-degree camera system to assist with parking. I thought the 360 camera system was great and worked well when in tight areas. The forward camera will turn off as soon as you hit 10 KM/h. Other piece of mind safety items included are an immobilizer and an alarm.

I thought it was a good thing the Pathfinder was equipped with winter tires given the season. Proper tires depending on the season is the single greatest safety item that can be put on any vehicle.

Interior (8) I like the interior of the Nissan a lot. Everything flows nice and the materials feel good. Yes, looking at it from a distance it’s simple, but that’s what you want. You don’t need the interior to

call attention to itself. The gauges are simple but have depth and a pleasing look and the screen in the middle is useful. The center entertainment screen is large (8 inches) and is easy to look at. The navigation system seems a bit dated as when it’s tracking you, it isn’t that smooth. Also, compared to the aftermarket, the navigation can get busy and a little difficult to read at a quick glance. Unfortunately, you can’t just change it out so it is something you’ll just have to live with. The factory sound system does come equipped with auxiliary and USB connectivity which is nice. The Bose sound system sounds decent, relatively clear and provides lots of mid-range bass from the doors. Its problem, however, is you can’t hear that mid-range bass until you’re at about 7/8 up on the volume and at high volume, it seems to lose sound clarity. I would, at the very least, build a custom enclosure with a sub to help pick up the low end frequencies but also not take up that much cargo space.

Styling (7) The 2017 Pathfinder is a decent looking vehicle, but a little more on the mundane side, which it’s probably supposed to be. When you need to make a vehicle practical, you can’t hit cool looking lines that evoke emotion, like the 370Z, for example. The front treatment is nice – it looks tougher and the LED lights are a pleasing accent.

It would have been nice to see some fenders similar to the old Titan or Armada to give it a beefier look. I do like how Nissan didn’t opt for a “dual exhaust” look at the rear of the vehicle because it looks tacky and should be reserved for sport sedans, coupes and sports cars. Big points there for just keep the exhaust hidden, clean and avoiding an unnecessary cost. I prefer the older more boxy looks, but aerodynamics take priority here for the front of the SUV, giving it more of a car/ wagon appearance as opposed to more “truck like”.

It’s a respectable looking vehicle that doesn’t draw attention to itself.

I would consider changing the wheels if you want it to look more aggressive. Nissan does make some nice wheels that are concave for some of their cars and I wish they brought some of that styling over to the Pathfinder.

Conclusion The Pathfinder suits its purpose. It traded it’s rugged off road capability for better road manners, practicality and fuel economy, which is what the market wants from vehicles like this.

Score: 32/40 Price As Tested: $50,193

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35

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450

2017

Mercedes-Benz

GLS450

W

inters on BC’s Western Coast are usually the same year-after-year; dreary, rainy, and depressing, with remote chances of snow that actually sticks and stays. Well, such was not the case this winter, with the weather gods pummeling the area with one snow storm after another. Vancouver hasn’t seen this much snow in at least fifteen years, and it’s not over yet.

When it snows on the West Coast, traffic problems compound, with many people fearful of taking their vehicles on the road. But, if you’re driving the new 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450, you will want to venture on the snowy roads as you’re in good hands.

For those who may be slightly confused on the nomenclature, the Mercedes GLS is the new version of the GL. This is MB’s largest SUV and although it’s not as big as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, or the Infiniti QX80, it continues to occupy a soft spot in people’s hearts. How popular is this vehicle? Well, if you want one in Canada, you’re going to have wait a few months.

The 2017 GLS gets a refresh with things that really up the look, feel, and drive of the vehicle. It’s still recognizable as MB’s flagship SUV; however, tweaks to the grille, emblem, fascia, lights and tailgate definitely make the vehicle prominent on the road. I’ve always been a fan of the GL, now GLS’, look because it exemplifies the brand’s luxury bloodline very well.

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The GLS is a tall vehicle and there’s definitely a step up to get into the vehicle. Luckily, our press vehicle Jag Dhatt was equipped with running boards to Accredited AJAC Journalist make that climb more manageable.

Once inside, occupants are caressed

by MB’s luxury cabin, complete with supple leather, fine carpet, wood inserts, and some great technology and gadgets. The attractive new steering wheel is much better than the outgoing one with the control buttons feeling more ergonomic. The new dashboard also looks and feels great. Overall, the colour combination that came in this press vehicle was perfect. The wood trim inserts perfectly matched the brown dash and seats.

Speaking of seats, all occupants of the GLS rest their behinds on large supportive seats, most of which are heated. Up front, driver and passenger also get variable massage options and trust me, you will get spoiled.

The 3rd row seats are always hit and miss – either legroom is next to nothing or the seats are flat and uncomfortable. I can say that with the GLS, even adults can sit in the 3rd row without complaining. Another great feature is the available electronic “easy-entry” feature of the 2nd row. Press

a button and the 2nd row seats fold and tumble. Necessity? No, but cool factor for sure. The only gripe here is the you have to put them back manually.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450

One option that every vehicle should have is a panoramic roof and if you add the Premium Package to your GLS, the heavens open up. During the winter months, the extra light really helps, especially for those who tend to get disgruntled easily. A recent study showed that people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) show improvement if their vehicles have a panoramic roof. All manufacturers, take note please.

New for 2017 is a 9G-Tronic transmission, adding two more gears to the outgoing 7-speed. Some might think that 9 speeds are overkill – well, the new Ford F150 and Mustang will have 10 speeds – but it works great for the GLS. The first seven gears have shorter ratios, making Sport Mode or Manual Mode driving quite fun. The last two are for highway driving and better fuel efficiency.

The 9G-Tronic is matched with a 3.0L bi-turbo gasoline engine. A diesel variant will be offered as well and in my opinion, that’s the brute to get. Not only will you get much better fuel economy, but way more torque. For now, the GLS 450’s V6 does a great job for every day driving, even when carrying the whole team or pulling a boat.

As one would expect, the GLS delivers a great plush ride for those who expect luxury. During my time with this SUV, Vancouver streets were getting riddled with potholes; but not to fret as the GLS tracked over them without spilling any of my home-made chai tea. Normally, Vancouver drivers rarely get to test the all-wheel drive functionality of most vehicles, but this time I was in for a treat. MB’s 4Matic

low as 1,800 rpm. If you need more insanity, then go with the AMG GLS63, which gets the SUV from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

As mentioned before, my choice would be the diesel variant as it’s the perfect engine for this vehicle.

Driving in Sport Mode really shows the “S” in the GLS. Shifts are quick, especially if using the paddle shifters, and the aggressive throttle mapping is more than expected. More so, ride height drops just slightly to improve aerodynamics. Match this with a stiffer steering and you’ve got a big SUV worthy of the “S” badging. In Comfort Mode, everything becomes plush, period. The steering is so light that I doubt anyone would get tired after driving for hours.

While driving the GLS for the week, there were a couple of quirks that really stood out. The first being the storage areas in the front doors. Granted the large, wide seats are great, but if you had to reach for something in the door storage areas, good luck. My hand got stuck so many times that it became annoying.

The other quirk, although it’s becoming a norm in the industry, is the infotainment system screen. It’s a beautiful, large 8” screen, but seems like an aftermarket bolt-on. BMW has also gone the similar route in some of their cars. Yes, it allows for more real estate on the dash, but takes away from the classy look of this luxury vehicle.

On the same topic, the infotainment system seems dated and definitely needs a refresh.

Those buying an SUV in this category always expect loads of safety features, because come on, it’s for the

permanent all-wheel drive worked amazingly well. Whilst others were staying off the roads, I got to my office and all meetings without missing a beat. Also, the street from my home has quite a steep slope. With the snow and ice compounding the slope, I switched on the GLS 450’s Hill Descent mode and the MB creeped down with confidence. It was quite neat in fact – I had to do nothing except navigate the vehicle.

On roads that were somewhat bare, I tested the GLS 450’s Dynamic Select modes, which include Sport, Comfort, Snow and Off-Road.

As mentioned earlier, Snow Mode was useful at times, for obvious reasons. Sport Mode was fun and made the drive much more dynamic than I expected. Honestly, I didn’t think the 3.0L bi-turbo gasoline motor would provide as much get-up-and-go as it did for a vehicle this size. The V6 gasoline puts out 362 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque as

family. In addition to the basic safety features, there’s some unique systems in the GLS. If you’ve ever driven across the Fraser Vally of BC, or highways of Saskatchewan and Manitoba in incremental weather, you’ll want the Cross-Wind Assist. Rather being tossed around by cross-winds, this system ensures a straight stable ride. The Brake Assist Plus, Cross Traffic Assist and Collision Prevention Assist all work well together to bring the GLS to a stop in case the driver doesn’t take action during a potential impact situation. Finally, the Distronic Plus with Steer Assist are active cruise control systems that not only keep the vehicle in its lane, but can follow traffic from a stop up to 200 km/h.

True to Mercedes-Benz roots, the 2017 GLS450 is a fantastic SUV that will look great in any driveway. It’s got a lot going for it, from exceptional safety and comfort features to various driving modes that will appease most drivers. Currently, the gas-powered engines are the only option, with the diesel variant hoping to makes its presence in mid to latter 2017. Pricing for the 2017 MB GLS450 starts at $82, 900.

MARCH / APRIL 2017

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2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen

Tiguan

2017

F

ollowing a successful 10-year-run, it’s time to say farewell to the firstgeneration Volkswagen Tiguan. A bigger replacement is coming in 2018, but until then, the current version of the compact SUV that has sold over 2 million globally is the most well-equipped it has ever been, and thanks to its underlying Golf platform, a fun car to drive.

The name of the vehicle is a combination of two German words: TIger (tiger) and LeGUAN (iguana), picked by readers of a magazine VW 38

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Benjamin Yong Freelance Auto Journalist

partnered with in a contest for the then-new model.

When launched, it was the company’s initial stab at the young crossover segment, a lucrative space every manufacturer now occupies.

Last significantly updated back in 2012, the Tiguan was given the familiar Touareg-like face we now know, featuring twin chrome horizontal blades running across the grille. The front bumper gained a honeycomb cut-out joined to a contrasting off-roadready skid plate below. Redesigned foglights, twopiece taillights and 19-inch wheels completed the exterior transformation.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

The press loaner DRK evaluated, sprayed in an attractive Pacific Blue colour, came equipped with the special mid-grade Wolfsburg Edition, available for 2017. Paying homage to the automakers original factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, the package tacks on a lot of extras: eight-way power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats and windshield washer nozzles, keyless entry and push button start, Climatronic dual-zone electronic climate control, Sirius XM satellite radio, a rearview camera, some sharp looking 10-spoke silver “Novara” alloy wheels, black roof rails and a cool circular badge depicting a lone wolf inside a castle.

Technology has drastically changed since the CUV’s early days with one of the biggest leaps being the area of smartphones. The recent addition of App-Connect to the infotainment system (part of the Wolfsburg bundle) allows users to link up their mobile devices through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, accessing navigation, entertainment and messaging directly from the in-dash touchscreen display. This is a huge win, as just a couple of model years ago another Volkswagen product I was sitting in didn’t even have USB inputs.

The rest of the interior is pretty minimalistic, which is just the way I like it. A few subtle pieces of aluminum trim, a sporty threespoke steering wheel and beige-on-black two-tone leatherette seating surfaces. The driving position is comfortable; there’s plenty of legroom for all passengers, and storage is not a problem. Fold the 60/40-split rear bench down and nearly 1,600 liters of storage space awaits your cargo. In the upright position, approximately 675 liters.

Only one engine has ever graced the Canadian-spec offering — the tried and true 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI mill generating 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and although Tiptronic is included (who really manually changes gears with the lever?), some paddle shifters would have made things that much more enjoyable. Nevertheless, output is greater compared to a couple of the Tiguan’s direct competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 that receives a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 176 horsepower engine or the Mazda CX-5 (GS/GT) generating 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.

The performance numbers are adequate enough to let the 1,544-kilogram crossover feel quick on its feet. The CUV really behaves like a compact car rather than something quite a bit bigger, since as we mentioned earlier the chassis is shared with VW’s best selling Golf. I had a sweeping view of the road from all angles minus the sensation of being in a truck or van one sometimes gets piloting an example from this segment.

A weird little quirk I discovered while starting the Tiguan is that you have to hold the start button until the engine turns over, rather than just a short press as per normal. When I did the latter, I experienced a half crank and an unceremonious sputter before the motor stopped.

Volkswagen’s proprietary 4MOTION all-wheel drive system comes on all grades except the entry-level Trendline. Depending on surface conditions, torque is split between the axles to increase traction when the road is slippery or during a high-speed corner. Basically, it’s nearly always sure-footed, as long as you’re running seasonally appropriate tires, of course. I spent time behind the wheel during the peak rainy season in Vancouver, and never felt any squirreliness whatsoever.

As tested, the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition retails for an MSRP of $31,648. The base starts at $27,885.

Gen two is expected to reach our shores soon, and will be the first utility vehicle built on the Volkswagen modular MQB platform.

MARCH / APRIL 2017

39

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

2017

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Tiguan

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rwhIN ilMk A`p kr skdw hY, nyvIgySn q`k phuMc bxw skdw hY, ien fYS t`c skrIn ifsplyA rwhIN mYsyijMg Aqy mnorMjn kr skdw hY[jdoN ku`J swl pihlW v`l vyKIey ijnHW voksvYgnW dI mYN svwrI krdw sI ijnHW ‘c XU AYs bI ienpu`ts vI nhIN sn, aus nwLoN ieh bhuqI v`fI pRwpqI hY[ bwkI dw AMdrlw pwsw AYnH myrI psMd dw hY[AlmInIAm dy ku`J sUKm tukVy, sportI QRI – strok styirMg vIHl Aqy bIj AwnblYk- tU-ton lYdr sIitMg srPysz vI bhuq vDIAw lgdy hn[ clweI smyN dI puzISn vI bhuq Arwm vwLI hY[ swry bYTx vwiLAW leI l`qW r`Kx leI vI kwPI QW hY[ies ‘c nw hI koeI storyj dI icMqw hY[ipClIAW 60/40 spilt sItW nUM Polf kr ky hyTW kro Aqy qusIN 1600 iltr q`k sto kr skdy ho[ jy ausnUM hyTW nhIN krnw qW vI 675 iltr q`k r`iKAw jw skdw hY[ knyfw dIAW inrDwrq SrqW muqwbk ie`k ieMjx pUrw auqirAw

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

41

DRK Classic Car

The Subaru XT

S

ubaru of America in Pennsylvania was formed on February 15, 1967 when Malcoln Bricklin and Harvey Lamm contracted with Fuji Heavy Industries to import the Subaru in 1968. Five Japanese companies merged in 1953 to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, with a ‘Subaru’ cluster of stars that became its official logo for its vehicles. Subaru is Japanese for ‘unite’, and the company is better known by the Greek name Pleiades, part of the Taurus constellation.

In February 1985, the Subaru XT, considered to be the ‘most aerodynamic car in the world’ was introduced. The 2-door sports coupe was revolutionary in its design with all sharp angles and wedges, rather than the rounded lines of previous models. This design was done in an effort to improve aerodynamics and enhance both handling and performance. Due to the engine’s flat horizontally opposed cylinder layout that was featured in all 85 Subaru’s, the unique wedge body shape was made possible. Extreme and extensive wind tunnel testing was used to lower wind resistance, and along with other features, resulted in the most aerodynamic production vehicle of its time with a coefficient of drag or Cd of ‘0.29’.

The XT came in three trims, the base DL, the betterequipped GL, and the top-of-therange GL-10. In the early stages of its introduction, the XT was offered as either front-wheel or on-demand fourwheel drive, but in 1987 it switched to permanent all-wheel drive. Two available engine choices were either a 97-hp flat-4 or a turbo version at 111hp. Not considered a sports coupe yet, the all new XT6 was introduced in 1987 and featured a new 145-hp flat-six.

The Subaru XT also introduced ‘aircraft type’ door handles that were completely flush with the outside of the door and could be accessed only by tapping a retractable panel. Offering much in the way of standard power features, the XT was well endowed as a sports coupe, with available sports seats and only one sweeping front wiper. The XT was also quite impressive inside, with a cockpit-like interior, and pod gauges. Innovative for this time period, the inside featured a digital dash display, adjustable suspension height and a trip computer. To maintain visibility, the instrument cluster was attached to the tilt steering so that it moved with the wheel. ‘Joystick’ shaped, the shifter had a thumb trigger interlock and ‘on-demand’ 4WD engage button. Turbo models were enabled with a ‘artificial horizon’ orange backlit LCD instrument display with the boost indicator, tachometer, temperature and fuel

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gages features as 3D graphs that tilted back out to the horizon.

Receiving a minor update in 1987 for the second half of the ‘87 model year, the XT could be easily distinguished from later models by the taillight and reverse light configuration. Six-cylinder models and all wheel drive turbo models can be distinguished by the shape of the headrests. Base models featured solid headrests, while the turbo AWD and six-cylinder models had a large rectangular hole through the center.

The XT6 was introduced in 1987 as a ‘88 model with the intention of upgrading the powerplant to a more competitive drive. The new XT6 featured145 hp 2.7 L flat-six ER27, along with additional upgrades that included heavier suspension to handle the larger engine and 5-bolt hubs and wheels that accommodated the extra torque.

Also fitted was a unique Cybrid adaptive electrohydraulic steering system, that changed the level of assistance based on the vehicle’s speed, the system didn’t use a conventional belt-driven power steering pump, which freed up much-needed space in the cramped engine bay. The Subaru XT6’s Cybrid system also used hydraulic fluid that was compatible with conventional steering fluid.

Unfortunately, the XT failed to deliver enough performance to become popular enough with the racing public and was eventually replaced in 1992 by the much larger Subaru SVX. Burdened with a larger and heavier body, the SVX also fared poorly. It wasn’t until the Impreza WRX that Subaru finally delivered to the sporty driveroriented crowd.

Swank Studios

MARCH / APRIL 2017

43

DRK Gadgets & Gears

BF Goodrich T/A KO2 Tires

Napolean LEX Gas Grill

For those needing a great off-road, truck and winter tire, look no further than the KO2, as it’s BF Goodrich’s toughest all-terrain tire ever. The sidewall is 20% tougher, featuring race-proven CoreGard technology that is able to handle the toughest road hazards. Providing improved tread life and more traction, this tire will make sure you don’t get stuck.

Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite

JAG D H AT T ’S

MAR / APR 2 0 17

Everyone is starting to get into juice mixes and for good reason – it’s a healthy choice that’s easy to do. Breville delivers another smash hit with its 800JEXL. The die-cast materials make this well-built juicer sturdy and attractive. It features a 1000-watt power supply, linked to two speeds. It’s easy to clean and looks great on any counter.

The Napolean LEX is the perfect choice for those looking for an attractive builtin gas grill on a budget. With innovative accessories and features, the LEX is an excellent value option for your outdoor kitchen, featuring a reliable jetfire ignition system, stainless steel wave cooking rods, and I-Glow backlit blue control knobs. It’s a high-end grill with an affordable price tag.

Winnergear Hero True Wireless Earbuds

Thule Urban Glide Jogger This is a favourite among many parents who require a great jogging stroller. It delivers top performance in run-ability and maneuverability at a very attractive price. The Urban Glide is easy to fold, compact for storage in your car, and offers great seating position and comfort for your bundle of joy.

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Winnergear has been providing some great gadgets, the latest being the Hero wireless earbuds. Used in mono or stereo mode, these earbuds provide 12 hours of on-the-go or 3 hours of continuous playback time. Features include a sweatproof coating, 8mm customized dynamic driver, portable charging case, on-earbud controls and 2 built-in microphones for taking calls.

“WE TAKE CARE OF YOUR FINE AUTOMOBILE”

Overseas Autobody & Glass Service Centres: • Facility of choice for luxury vehicle repairs • Expertly trained professionals • Precision work • Original factory parts • State of the art equipment • Loaner vehicles available • Over 22 years in business

SURREY 7638 Anvil Way Surrey, BC V3W 4H7 Tel : 604-594-9707 Fax : 604-594-9744 ABBOTSFORD 2342 Windsor St. Abbotsford, BC V2T 6M1 Tel : 604-853-9707 Fax : 604-853-9774

REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS Monday-Friday : 7AM - 6PM Saturday : 9AM - 4PM Sunday & Holidays : closed

e: overseasautobody@telus.net w: www.overseasautobody.com MARCH / APRIL 2017

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Photography By:

DRK/DRQ OF THE ISSUE

Be our DRK / DRQ of the Issue.

Show off your ride and get an excellent profile for your personal or business needs.

To be in next issue, contact us at jag@jgkmedia.ca or call 604.767.4433. Have a great 2017!

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Performance is in the details.

A master of the road in any season, the AMG GLC43 boasts standard AMG Sport Suspension, and its AMG styling boldly wears that confidence and control in full view.

Visit Mercedes-Benz Langley and experience a new pinnacle of enjoyment.

The 2017 GLC 43 4MATIC: Total Price $63,015*

Visit our Sales and Leasing Consultant:

Nav Dhindsa

Tel: 604.644.4424 Email: ndhindsa@mercedesbenz-langley.ca

20801 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC Tel: 604.533.1205 | langley.mercedes-benz.ca *Total price for the Mercedes-Benz 2017 GLC 43 4MATIC includes MSRP of $59,900 freight/PDI $2,395, admin fee $595, EHF tire fee $25, air conditioning tax $100. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra.

Other products or services not listed that may be available to you through your selected Mercedes-Benz dealership. Vehicle prices subject to change without notice. Dealer may sell for less./Visit Mercedes-Benz MARCH APRIL 2017 47Langley or langley.mercedes-benz-vans.ca for details.

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