PurchasingB2B CAR Supplement September

Vol. 16 No. 2 September 2014

FALLING for the 2015s

IN THIS ISSUE 4 8 11 14

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2015 Car Previews 2015 Truck Previews Roadtest: Promaster BMW i3

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TAKE THE PATH OF MOST RESISTANCE. 2015 RVR ALL-WHEEL CONTROL (AWC) WITH DRIVE MODE SELECTOR 10 YEAR / 160,000 KM POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY** 2.0L DOHC MIVEC 4 CYLINDER ENGINE (148 HP, TORQUE 145 LB-FT)

Available on RVR SE 4WD and GT models§

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2014 Outlander model shown

THE ALL-NEW

2015 OUTLANDER WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED ALL-WHEEL CONTROL SYSTEM 5 YEAR / 100,000 KM NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY‡ 10 YEAR / 160,000 KM POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY** AVAILABLE 6-CYLINDER 227 HP ENGINE

Available on Outlander GT §

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.

Top Safety Pick Plus applies to Outlander GT only.

2014 Lancer model shown

2015 MIRAGE

2015 LANCER

2014 i-MiEV

ALL-WHEEL CONTROL (AWC) WITH DRIVE MODE SELECTOR 10 YEAR / 160,000 KM POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY** 2.4 L DOHC MIVEC 4-CYLINDER ENGINE (168 HP)

GET A LOT FOR A LITTLE! Available on Lancer SE AWC and GT AWC §

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YEAR 160,000 KM

POWERTRAIN

LTD WARRANTY**

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Excludes Lancer Evolution, Ralliart and Sportback

Winner of the 2013 ecoEnergy Award for “The Most Fuel-Efficient Subcompact Car”

§ AWC standard on RVR SE AWC, Limited Edition and GT/Lancer SE AWC and GT. S-AWC standard on Outlander GT. ‡ Whichever comes first. Regular maintenance not included. New vehicle limited warranty covers most vehicle parts (excluding batteries, with entertainment systems and other items excluded under the warranty’s terms and conditions) under normal use and maintenance. ** Whichever comes first. Regular maintenance not included. See dealer or mitsubishi-motors.ca for warranty terms, restrictions and details. Not all customers will qualify.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON OUR FLEET LINEUP, PLEASE VISIT MITSUBISHIFLEET.CA AND/OR CONTACT OUR CANADIAN FLEET TEAM BY EMAIL AT FLEET@MMCAN.CA. YOU CAN ALSO REACH OUT BY PHONE TO OUR FLEET REPRESENTATIVES LUC GRENIER AT 1-905-214-9068, SHAWN BRYAN AT 1-905-214-9010 OR DAVID MURPHY AT1-905-214-9048.

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Global taxation on tap Used EV batteries can be reclaimed at NAFA Academy With globalization, a fleet manager has to stay on top of the intricacies of the tax policies of every country their company runs vehicles in. It can be a complex web of fuel taxes, Value Added Taxation (VATs), as well as environmental and insurance concerns.

NAFA’s International Fleet Academy was designed specifically to meet the needs of those who manage fleets outside of the United States and Canada, and offers fleet professionals the tools to gain understanding, and the opportunity to discuss the problems and challenges they’re facing with some of the brightest minds in global fleet management.

The fourth annual IFA will take place November 5-7 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. On Thursday, November 6, Bart Vanham, Partner, BVH&C Consulting, Namur, Belgium presents What You Need to Know about Fleet and Taxation around the Globe.

80 VALLEYBROOK DR, TORONTO, ONTARIO M3B 2S9

www.PurchasingB2B.ca

Vol. 16, No. 02

SEPTEMBER 2014

EDITOR: Emily Atkins (416) 510-5130, eatkins@bizinfogroup.ca

Although electric and hybrid vehicles are gaining market share, one significant question remains. How can the used lithium-ion batteries be processed post-vehicle application? A new peer-reviewed Mineta National Transit Research Consortium report, Remanufacturing, Repurposing, and Recycling of Post-Vehicle-Application LithiumIon Batteries, offers three possible alternatives. The study, conducted by Charles Standridge and Lindsay Corneal, can be downloaded at http://transweb.sjsu.edu/ project/1137.html “Lithium-ion batteries provide efficient energy storage,” said Standridge. “Their use in vehicles will continue to expand, but we must deal with disposition once they fall below regulatory standards for use in on-road vehicles. To address that challenge, our studies have shown that many of these batteries may still hold a significant charge level and thus have additional economic value

that can be reclaimed in one of three ways.”

• Remanufacturing for intended reuse in vehicles by replacing any damaged cells within the battery shows promise.

• Repurposing could be accomplished by reengineering a battery for a non-vehicle, stationary storage application.

• Recycling would involve disassembling each battery cell and safely extracting the precious metals, chemicals and other byproducts to be sold on the commodities market or re-introduced into a battery manufacturing process.

Results from forecasting models show that by 2035, the number of available postvehicle-application batteries will range from 1.376 million (conservative) to 6.759 million (optimistic), which is sufficient to justify remanufacturing, repurposing, and recycling efforts. Recycling is economical only if supported by post-vehicle remanufacturing and repurposing applications.

Mazda has begun production of the new Mazda2 (known as Demio) in Japan. The car will be rolled out in global markets starting in there this autumn.

In some markets Mazda2 will be available with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, a new small-displacement clean diesel engine delivering torque comparable to a 2.5-litre gasoline engine. The Mazda2 will come to the Canadian market in 2015, and will get the SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre gasoline engine.

ART DIRECTOR: Sandy MacIsaac (416) 442-5600 ext. 3242, smacisaac@bizinfogroup.ca PUBLISHER: Dorothy Jakovina (416) 510-6899, djakovina@bizinfogroup.ca PRODUCTION MANAGER: Kimberly Collins (416) 510-6779, kcollins@bizinfogroup.ca CIRCULATION MANAGER: Barbara Adelt (416) 442-5600 x 3546, badelt@bizinfogroup.ca BIG MAGAZINES LP EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER: Tim Dimopoulos VICE-PRESIDENT OF CANADIAN PUBLISHING: Alex Papanou PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS INFORMATION GROUP: Bruce Creighton CAR, established 1991, is published twice annually (June and September), by BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. © Contents of this publication are protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher or editor NOTICE: CAR accepts no responsibility or liability for claims made for any product or service reported or advertised in this issue. CAR receives unsolicited materials including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images from time to time. CAR, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort.

Printed in Canada Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069240

Cover Photo by Rusty J. Joerin, SCMP www.woodsgift.zenfolio.com Title: Coming Home-Qualicum Beach SEPTEMBER 2014 CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE REVIEW | 3

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2015 Dodge Charger

A refreshing feeling What’s in store for the 2015 model year For the most part, the auto industry has been prospering mightily this past few months, both at the entry-level and luxury ends of the market. This doesn’t mean they’ll all rush into production with new vehicles by way of celebration. Just about all vehicles sold in Canada are on strict cycles—often just four years—and automakers replace key products exactly when they’re ready to and not before.

Bearing this in mind, 2015 can be described as an “exciting”, if not a “banner”, year and we’ve picked some of the highlight vehicles for this feature. There are fair numbers of all-new cars arriving and quite a few with changes enough to justify makers’

claims of bumper-to-bumper upgrades and re-designs, but expect more widespread changes for 2016.

For 2015, Dodge has re-vamped its full-size Charger sedan, popular with commercial fleets and law enforcement agencies. With new 60s-inspired sheet metal and several engineering updates, Charger engines run from a 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 right up to a 5.7-litre HEMI V-8. All models get a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive is an option.

Chrysler Canada got off to a good start with its 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, recording strong early sales and an enthusiastic reception from the automotive

media. Billed as “Canada’s most affordable mid-size sedan” the car is styled and equipped to compete with segment rivals like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and many others. Both four- and six-cylinder engines are available, as is all-wheel drive.

All-wheel drive is increasingly popular these days and a sound choice for allweather business applications. Adding to what’s becoming a long list of AWD sedans is the 2015 Buick Regal, which also gets technical, safety and styling upgrades. Two four-cylinder engines are available for the Regal. Boasting a sub-$10,000 starting price tag, the new Nissan Micra is bound to

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By Tony Whitney

Nissan Micra

Buick Regal Toyota Yaris

Hyundai Sonata

Toyota Camry

“2015 can be described as an exciting year.”

attract attention. It’s a nicely designed subcompact with a decently-responsive 1.6-litre engine to bolster performance. The basic equipment level is generous, given the car’s low sticker price.

It’s not entirely a “ground up” redesign, but it comes close and the 2015 Toyota Camry includes enough upgrades to attract new attention to a sedan that’s been top seller in North America for 12 years now.

Apart from freshened styling and a bold, aggressive, nose job, there’s new lighting and a refined interior. It’s claimed the quietest Camry ever, whether the buyer chooses a four-cylinder, V-6 or hybrid powertrain.

The distinctive new Toyota Yaris owes much of its design to the company’s European operations and in fact, the

subcompact hatchback will be built in France. The engine remains a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder.

Highlights from Mitsubishi for 2015 include the addition of AWD to the Lancer sedan range and a $6,000 price drop for the electric-only i-MiEV. On the horizon is a new plug-in hybrid, but it won’t appear until the end of next year as a 2016 model.

Hyundai has a new seventh-generation Sonata for 2015 with fresh sheet metal and lots of engineering upgrades. The Korean automaker has opted for a more conservative look this time and it’s certainly a handsome automobile. Buyers have a choice of two four-cylinder engines, the top one turbocharged and delivering 245 horsepower. The car is surprisingly refined and quiet for its class.

Ford’s new Focus does feature freshened styling inside and out, but the big news is an available 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine with fuel economy that’s promised to be nothing short of amazing.

The tiny 3-cylinder (introduced this year in the Fiesta) delivers decent performance and refinement in addition to thrifty running costs.

The new model year brings us an all-new Subaru Legacy, which naturally offers all the qualities on which the Japanese automaker has built its reputation—reliability, dependability, value for money and an outstanding all-wheel drive system. Subaru notes that the 2015 Legacy adds more comfort and a more confidence-inspiring driving experience.

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Ford Focus

Subaru Legacy

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Kia K900 Volkswagen Golf

BMW i3

Subaru is proud of the fact that 96 percent of all Legacys sold over the last ten years are still on the road. Expectedly, Subaru stands by its well-proven horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ powerplant for this new sedan.

Like the Focus, Volkswagen’s Golf is a ‘world car’ sold everywhere and produced globally. Devoted Golf lovers don’t like radical changes and VW has delivered an all-new model with a wide variety of stylistic and technical upgrades, but nothing too dramatic. It’s a solid, reliable and practical car that’s available in many versions, including the ever-popular GTI ‘hot hatchback.’ The ‘Golf with a trunk’ Jetta is also

new for 2015. Later, VW will launch the all-electric e-Golf and join the increasingly competitive EV market.

Executive car buyers have several interesting new models to consider for 2015, including Kia’s entry into the luxury segment—the K900. It’s a large, refined, powerful car fitting into the Lexus/Mercedes-Benz/BMW/Audi segment but with a lower sticker price.

Both V-8 and V-6 engines are on offer for the K900, which starts at just under $50,000. Mercedes-Benz has completely revised its top selling sedan—the C-Class—for the new model year and it aims to pack more youth appeal into a

model that has sometimes been rather staid. The styling is certainly bolder than we’ve seen before in this model and it promises to be even more popular than the last generation car.

BMW is introducing the i3, an EV with a difference for 2015—there’s an optional on-board gas engine that can be slotted into a rear compartment to provide a range well beyond most competitors. This engine is used to charge the batteries, not drive the wheels. The i3 is a compact hatchback with advanced styling inside and out. Performance is surprising for a small EV and the car features all the luxury and convenience expected from BMW. c.a.r.

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EXTRA ROOM FOR YOUR GROWING TEAM. Ford Fleet has the lineup of compact and full-size vans to suit any need. The all-new full-size 2015 Transit offers a selection of configurations. Choose between the full-size cargo van, passenger wagon, cutaway and chassis cab, as well as three length choices and low, medium or high roof versions. For a compact van to handle big jobs, the 2015 Transit Connect offers cargo van or passenger wagon models, and features standard dual sliding rear side doors, with up to 1,710 lb of payload capacity.* With so many options to choose from, these vehicles are a versatile addition to any team. Make Ford Fleet the team behind your team.

Contact us at focfhq@ford.com or 1.800.668.5515

2015 TRANSIT CONNECT

2015 TRANSIT

Vehicles may be shown with optional features. *When properly equipped. Cargo and load capacities limited by weight and weight distribution. Š2014 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

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NOTABLE TRUCKS

for the 2015 model year

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nless you’ve been living an unplugged life in a cave somewhere you know that Ford is bringing the all-aluminum F-150 to market in 2015. And while this first of its kind pickup is making waves (and creating headlines) it really isn’t the big news story for the coming model year.

That distinction falls to the Heavy Duty pickups; primarily because the war of the heavy weights continues to rage. Ford and Ram have routinely taken pot shots at each other in the media; constantly trying to one up the other. Ford has tried to pass off its F450 as a one-ton truck so as to claim the top towing capacity truck, while Ram just recalibrated its 6.7L Cummins diesel to squeeze out 15 more lb-ft of torque—to just edge out Ford’s Power Stroke. GM, while opting out of this King-ofthe-Hill childishness may well come out with top honours anyway—for its new completely integrated electronic system that controls a towed load like never before. Here is a quick hit of what 2015 is bringing down in trucks.

run-up; but then there is a lot to show off.

First, yes the body and box are all aluminum alloy. For those of us living in the rust belt this alone is good news, but the truck also saves 317kg of weight over a steel body— that will equal fuel savings. Aluminum is also (pound for pound) stronger than steel and also less prone to dents; a feature that will be welcomed in the cargo bed. The frame on the new truck is still all-steel, though it too is made lighter than the previous model by utilizing more durable yet thinner highstrength steel (70 percent now).

Under the hood, Ford will continue to offer the veteran 5L V8 and the 3.5L EcoBoost engines. New for 2015 though is a third option; a 2.7L EcoBoost V6. This displacement should have obvious fuel economy benefits. As a curious side note, the new styling on the 2015 F-150 employs two heritage design cues, a headlamp shape and horse collar grille surround that speaks to the first 1948 Ford F-1.

2015 Ford F-150

2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD & Chevy Silverado 2500 HD

Ford’s PR machine has been churning out pre-launch information on the aluminum body F-150 since last year. That’s a long

For the coming year these twins (both of which are already good HD trucks) finally get an inside update to match their technical

2015 Ford F-150 Photo: Ford

prowess. Borrowing from the interior of the new 2014 1500-series, the HDs get quieter inside and are now very well appointed. In addition all its screens, electronics, buttons and controls are updated.

However the single greatest leap in technology is invisible as it’s found in the software programming of the computer. The best description of this new system is a Fully Integrated Cruise Control. Using the cruise control while towing now takes the safety and stability systems and knits them together with the ABS, traction control, sway control and exhaust brake. The effective outcome is the truck holds its set speed uphill as well as downhill. The driver never need touch the brakes—the computer maintains speed using exhaust, disc brakes and transmission automatically. Very slick and currently one-of-a-kind. Like the 1500s the new HDs also get 6.5- and 8-foot boxes with standard CornerStep bumpers, EZ Lift & Lower tailgates, and in-box lighting.

2015 Ram Truck HD 2500 and 3500 & PowerWagon 2014 saw the HD Ram add upgrades to an already good truck. This comes on the heels

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By Howard J Elmer

of the massive jump to a top tow rating of 30,000lb. This is what ignited the war with Ford. The fishy part of this announcement was the lack of a SAE J2807 certification.

This testing formula for determining tow ratings was accepted by all manufacturers—but then not used. So, who was really telling the truth? Well, that is what 2015 finally brings us; transparent usage of the new SAE testing methods by all the builders. Now this has not ended the swaggering bravado when it comes to who can tow what—it just makes it more believable.

For 2015 Ram (which has been constantly updating and improving year in and out) has added air suspension to 2500 and 3500 models. Also offered are a five-link coil rear suspension on the 2500 and a new integrated fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch from the factory. Alternators are improved, 18 and 20-inch wheel packages are offered and the Ram PowerWagon is re-released with an all-new 6.4L V8 Hemi under the hood. This gas engine is now also available in the HD trucks.

By the numbers—for 2015—Ram has the best-in-class torque in its diesel engine at 865lb-ft; top towing capacity at 30,000 lb and top payload at 7,390 lb. Trucks are being built now.

2015 Chevy Silverado Photo: GM

2015 Ram Truck HD 2500 Photo: Howard Elmer

2015 Ford SuperDuty F-250—F-450 For 2015 Super Duty is showing off the new second generation of the Power Stroke diesel. What’s changed (and these are more refinements that outright changes) are the placement and size of the turbocharger, and the engine block material. The first is larger and more responsive and the second is lighter and more wear-resistant.

The net results of these changes are new output numbers for the 6.7L turbo-diesel of 440hp and 860lb-ft of torque. (Which of course Ram felt the need to beat by a scant 5lb-ft of torque).

So with more power, Ford has pushed up its payload and towing numbers; the most important of which is a maximum fifth wheel/gooseneck rating of 31,200lb that beats out the current heavyweight leader—Ram. However this is on the F-450—so hardly apples to apples with Ram’s 3500.

2015 Ford SuperDuty Photo: Howard Elmer

What Ford is not saying right now (but is obvious to me) is that many of these changes were made to accommodate the coming F-650 and F-750. This re-entry into the larger commercial market will be happening in the next year and the Power Stroke in these Class 6 & 7 trucks will require (and get) the hp and torque that is now being bestowed on

F-250 through F-450.

Also new for 2015 is a standard gas engine available in the F-250 and F-350, the 6.2L V8. This powerplant makes 385hp and 405lb-ft of torque. Certainly power enough; and a cash savings for low mileage users who can’t justify the extra cost of the diesel. c.a.r.

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A FLEET THAT APPEALS TO YOUR EMPLOYEES AS MUCH AS YOUR BOTTOM LINE.

*

THE ALL-NEW 2014 NISSAN ROGUE

ROGUE

MURANO

PATHFINDER

FRONTIER

TITAN

The 2014 Nissan Rogue, winner of the ALG award for Best-in-Class Residual Value,* is part of an award-winning lineup that’s fun and affordable. So a fleet of Nissan vehicles can keep spirits up and costs down.

*BASED ON 2014 CANADIAN RESIDUAL VALUE AWARD IN PREMIUM MIDSIZE UTILITY VEHICLE- 3 ROW SEGMENT. ALG IS THE INDUSTRY BENCHMARK FOR RESIDUAL VALUES AND DEPRECIATION DATA, WWW.ALG.COM. THE NISSAN NAMES, LOGOS, PRODUCT NAMES, FEATURE NAMES, AND SLOGANS ARE TRADEMARKS OWNED

BY OR LICENSED TO NISSAN CANADA INC. AND/OR ITS NORTH AMERICAN SUBSIDIARIES.

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CLIENT: NISSAN

PRINT PROCESS: WEB OFFSET

PREFLIGHT CHECK

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Photos and story by Peter Bleakney

MOVING WITH STYLE 2014 Dodge Promaster 2500

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he tall body, Euro-themed commercial van arena is heating up with the addition of a new player. Built in Mexico, the Dodge Promaster is essentially a rebadged third-generation Fiat Ducato van—a workhorse that has been a mainstay in Europe for decades.

Unlike its competitors (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Nissan NV and new Ford Transit), the Promaster is front-wheel drive, giving it the lowest load floor and step-in height of the bunch. Dodge also claims highest ceiling height. Front suspension is of the strut variety while the back uses a beam axle with Hotchkiss leaf spring system.

The base engine is Dodge’s venerable 3.6L Pentastar V6, here making 280 horsepower and 258lb-ft of torque. Another $6,150 nets a 3.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel rated for 174hp and 295lb-ft. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and at each corner we find Brembo brakes.

With a starting price of $31,945 for the Promaster 1500 Low Roof 118-inch wheelbase, this front-drive Dodge handily undercuts the Mercedes, lines up with the Nissan NV and slides in just under the new Ford Transit. The Promaster comes in three wheelbase lengths (118, 136 and 159 inches), two heights and the cargo floor is available in four lengths. The only thing you can’t get is a multi-passenger configuration.

Tested here is the 2500 High Roof 136-inch wheelbase with a base sticker of $35,795. As with all these vehicles, the list of available options is as lengthy as the day is long, and this specimen is spec’d to $42,745 before the $1,695 destination charge.

I had the honour of moving my daughter from one downtown Toronto apartment to another, so this pristine Dodge press vehicle (that looked as though it had yet to see an honest day’s labour) got a serious work out.

Initial impressions from the driver’s seat are good. The dash is pleasing and well laid out with a trio of HVAC knobs and Chrysler’s easy–to-use 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen above—the latter is a $600 option that adds Bluetooth with voice command and steering wheel-mounted controls. GPS is another $500. The fabric seat is comfortable (upgraded here with $350 suspension), and while the steering wheel (75 bucks for leather wrapping) doesn’t tilt, it will extend on its bus-like angle. A plethora of useful cubbies and cup holders are augmented here by the $200 Driver Convenience Group that adds a locking glove box, a shelf above the windshield header and clip for documents on the dashtop.

The standard audio system is surprisingly good too, which can make a day in the saddle much more bearable.

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The dash is well laid out and in this case includes a $600 optional touchscreen display.

directly down at the pavement. The Promaster has a very tight turning circle, and my in-town maneuvering was assisted by the $325 backup camera and $375 rear parking sensors. The V6 powertrain is strong and smooth with brisk throttle tip in.

The overall driving experience is one of a large, heavy duty minivan. It doesn’t show the truck-like solidity or planted feel of the more expensive diesel-only Mercedes Sprinter, but with a payload capacity up to 5,145lb and a tow rating of 11,500lb with the V6 (12,500 with diesel power), this Dodge is certainly up to the task.

For this job, the $500 wood floor made sliding the furniture and boxes around a breeze. We never did open the optional driver’s side sliding door ($750) but the sidewall tie down hooks ($75) came in handy later when moving some smaller items.

The rear doors can be opened to 180 or 260 degrees—a nice feature when loading in tight spots.

Packed to the roof.

The van was stable and had plenty of power.

Within an hour the Promaster 2500 was packed to the roof and on the road. As we were just picking our way through urban neighbourhoods, I don’t have a sense of what this loaded packing crate is like at speed, but there was never an issue with power or stability.

On an extended unladen drive on highways and secondary roads the A/C moved enough air to keep me cool on a sweltering day, and while the ride was pretty bouncy, only the strongest crosswinds pushed me around. Average fuel consumption on this trip was 11.5 L/100 km The Promaster has an interesting snout, sporting a couple of cat-eye headlights and a big plastic proboscis. This tester in Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat ($225) looked (dare I say?) kinda cool.

With its competitive pricing and numerous available configurations, the 2014 Dodge Promaster will be a strong entrant in this hardworking segment.

* Ba co

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2672 TCI-14

BUSINESSES LOVE US. ALMOST AS MUCH AS THEY LOVE SAVING MONEY.

Style, safety, fuel efficiency, advanced technology and a spacious, comfortable interior. With all of that and more, the new Toyota Corolla is perfect for your business. Combine all of its features with the fact that it has the lowest cost of ownership in its class* and you’ve got a fleet vehicle you and your business can feel good about – today and tomorrow.

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fleet.toyota.ca * Based upon 2014 independent 3rd party automotive research company study looking at fuel costs, depreciation costs and maintenance costs for base model Corolla and comparative in market compact segment vehicles over a 10-year period (2004-2013). The study includes competitive models that have been available in Canada for 10 years. Actual cost of ownership may vary.

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Photo & story by Emily Atkins

New technology: BMW’s i3 is an eyeful Interior photo: BMW

B

uilt from the ground up as an electric, eco-friendly car, the BMW i3 is obviously different. It’s styled as a megacity car, designed for people who drive less than 50km a day.

What’s different about the i3 is its range extender. Available as an option—and one that about 60 percent of Canadian customers are choosing—is a 650cc, 2-cylinder gas scooter engine that will charge the EV’s batteries while you are on the go. It does not run the car and is not connected to the drive train—so the car’s not a hybrid.

What it does do is boost the car’s battery powered range of 130 to 160km up to 300km.

The car’s effective range can be tweaked as you are driving it.

Various modes will help save battery power and will return power to the cells using regenerative braking.

On the road the i3 turns heads with its futuristic looks, and is a satisfying car to drive. The batteries keep the centre of gravity low, weight distribution is 50:50 front to back, and it has BMW-style handling combined with the superb, instantaneous power from the electric motor that puts out 170hp and 250lb-ft of torque.

The car’s passenger compartment is completely built of carbon fibre, while the drive module is aluminum. These lightweight components keep the car down to a slim 1,195 kg (1,315 with range extender), while the carbon fibre has a better ability to absorb the shock of a collision than traditional steel passenger compartments.

The i3’s interior is different from any car on the market, with a natural wood dash and minimalistic instrumentation consisting of two computer screens. Sitting inside is more akin to settling into a comfortable sunroom than the usual automotive experience. Access to the rear seats is through what BMW calls “coach” doors, but most of us think of as “suicide” doors. Either way, they offer easy access to roomy accommodation.

Outside, the car has a snub nose and almost negligible rear

overhangs, vast expanses of glass and an interesting belt line that wanders its way up and down the length of the car. From the front the i3 is an instantly recognizable BMW, but from behind it’s a futuristic fantasy.

As expected in a megacity car, there are lots of tech goodies with the i3. The range predictor is quite intelligent, taking topography and traffic into account, so you see a fluid blob on screen with a constantly moving perimeter rather than a steadily decreasing circle.

Still to come for Canadian customers is an “intermodal” route-planning feature that will give you real-time info about connecting with various modes of public transit to get the most from your car. They are in the process of building the database for Canada, and expect to have the service up and running in the next year.

You can get into a new i3 for $36,540. That’s after the $8,500 Ontario EV rebate is applied to the base sticker of $44,950. The entry-level model gives you standard 19-inch wheels, navi, cruise control with distance-keeping technology, A/C and more. The range extender package adds $4,000 to the price.

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Interior photo: BMW

It… is about action not reaction.

ARI is known and trusted by fleet decision-makers throughout Canada to minimize risk control costs. It is about keeping drivers safe. About data. Presenting it through alerts, trends and safety profiles. The result is a world with fewer violations, accidents, costly repairs, downtime—and less exposure. It is about fleet management success.

Moving the needle, and the bottom line.

Learn more about ARI’s professional fleet management services: 1-800-361-5882 www.arifleet.ca

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STANDARD ALL-WHEEL DRIVE ISN’T SO STANDARD.

An easy way to limit your expenses is to make sure your employees drive quality cars. If you opt for the brand new and redesigned 2015 Subaru Legacy and its legendary All-Wheel Drive system, they will. They’re also going to be able to count on renowned safety features, high residual value, and great fuel efficiency.

To consult our Fleet ordering guide or for more information

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fleet.subaru.ca or call 1-877-293-7272

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