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Split personality
When I first laid eyes on the 2013 Honda Crosstour, I was approaching it from the front, head on. I thought, “What a great looking vehicle!” Then my vision travelled around the side, and to the bulbous, upturned rear and my opinion quickly changed. Somewhere sorely between a wagon and a crossover sits the Crosstour, and it seems as uncomfortable with its looks as it makes onlookers feel.

Yet, my time behind the wheel of the Crosstour was nothing short of fantastic. It might be bipolar on the outside, but on the inside it has it all worked out, as any good Honda is apt to do.

This truly is a “don't judge a book (read: car) by its cover” situation.


What is a Crosstour?
Indeed, what is the 2013 Honda Crosstour? It seems not even Honda is sure. Visit their Canadian website and you will see the Crosstour listed in both their “car” section and their “trucks & minivans” model lineup. So, that means it's a crossover... and/or a wagon. Of course, my colleague Matt St-Pierre insists on calling it a wagon.

Names and labels aside, the Honda Crosstour is a practical city slicker with a spacious cabin and cavernous trunk. Initially branded the Accord Crosstour, it hit North American soil in 2009 as a 2010 model.

Visit their Canadian website and you will see the Crosstour listed in both their “car” section and their “trucks & minivans” model lineup. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Technicalities
The 2013 Honda Crosstour shares the same mechanicals as the 2008-2012 Accord, including two engine choices found in both: a 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder and a 3.5L SOHC V6. However, the output from the 2.4L in the Crosstour is slightly higher than the Accord offering up 192 horses. The V6 (only available on the 4WD Crosstour model) pumps out 278 hp.

Front-wheel drive models feature Honda's 5-speed autobox, while the two AWD models have a 6-speed automatic transmission, no manual is available on the Crosstour. .

Pricing for the 2013 Honda Crosstour ranges from $28,990 for the base EX model and goes up to $39,290 for the top-of-the-line EX-L 4WD.

The 2013 Honda Crosstour shares the same mechanicals as the 2008-2012 Accord, including two engine choices found in both: a 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder and a 3.5L SOHC V6. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the Crosstour
Here's why the 2013 Crosstour can be forgiven its identity-crisis looks: it drives like a Honda. There's something to be said for a vehicle that can make you forget about design flaws once you're behind the wheel.

The Crosstour is responsive, and even in FWD setup (as tested) performed quite well in the snowy conditions I drove in throughout the week. Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control kept me on course, and even when slippage did occur, the Crosstour righted its wrong quickly. As well, the independent suspension setup soaked up even our most pothole-ridden streets in style and smoothness.

Visibility out the rear split window is rather unfortunate. The split sat squarely in my line of vision no matter how I adjusted my seat and mirror. When the rear wipe was engaged in falling snow, because it pushed everything down, it simply made a pile of snow, which further hampered any visibility.


Safety abounds in the 2013 Honda Crosstour as well with a plethora of acronyms I could list, however, the most intriguing feature is their highly distracting LaneWatch blind spot display. Via a small camera below the passenger sideview mirror, when you activate the right turn signal a side view of the street around you is displayed in the top 8” screen.

Here's why the 2013 Crosstour can be forgiven its identity-crisis looks: it drives like a Honda. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Ins and outs of the Crosstour
I righty assumed that the wagon-esque roofline of the vehicle would mean large door openings in the rear and make it easy to place my son in his car seat. In fact, the rear doors on the Honda Crosstour open quite wide. The height of the vehicle also meant no bending over to strap him.

I see what Honda was trying to do styling-wise here; design a vehicle that could be many things to many people: car, wagon, SUV, CUV, hatch. Maybe that's what really throws me off.

Slip inside the Crosstour and it's a very different story. With dual screens (which I've come to get used to, but not like), one being the 8” i-MID system, and an onboard entertainment system that takes some serious getting used to, the 2013 Crosstour is every bit a Honda. This vehicle is perfectly prepped for long hauls with comfortable seats front and back.

Slip inside the Crosstour and it's a very different story. With dual screens (which I've come to get used to, but not like), one being the 8” i-MID system, and an onboard entertainment system that takes some serious getting used to, the 2013 Crosstour is every bit a Honda. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the Crosstour
Competing against the likes of the Subaru Outback, Toyota Venza and even the Chevrolet Equinox, it's clear that the 2013 Honda Crosstour's redeeming factor is the fact that it can slip from one segment to the next.

Prefer telling people you have a crossover? You do. Think a wagon is cooler? Go for it. Crossover's all the rage? Well, lucky you; you own one of those, too.

Priced well and with a decent amount of options and trims available, the pleasing-to-all Crosstour is just that.

From GMM

Former F1 driver Mika Salo has questioned whether Williams has the ability to recover from a bad start to the 2013 season.

In a similar slump early this year is McLaren, but Finn Salo - a former Toyota and Sauber driver - tipped the great British team to bounce back soon.

"I think we will see an improvement from them (McLaren) as early as the next race," the 46-year-old pundit told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

"With those resources you can improve, as we have seen before. If they've had a bad start, very quickly they have improved and started to win races," he added.

Salo, however, questions whether Oxfordshire based Williams can stage a similar turnaround, given its comparatively inferior size and resources.

Referring to his countryman Valtteri Bottas' Melbourne debut, Salo said: "He handled things well, but it was miserable. The car is not good. Almost the last of all the teams. Williams has a lot of work ahead now. Yes, it is an experienced team, but do they have the resources to improve when the car is this bad?"

Williams FW35. (Photo: WRi2)

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2009 gave the world a good insight into the world of Kimi Raikkonen.

After having his contract cut a year early by Ferrari for reasons that only they and one of the most enigmatic of Formula 1 drivers will ever truly know, the pressure was truly off; the 2009 Ferrari was the Scuderia's worst effort since 2005, Kimi had already bagged a world title in 2007 and given his relationship with the team was strained at best, they had paid him 20 million euros to not drive in 2010.

Little wonder then that given his situation, when asked his thoughts on F1's then latest Middle Eastern instalment, he replied “the first few turns are quite good but the rest of it, it's sh**.” He finished the race in 12th, duly packed his bags, and then shipped it to the World Rally Championship for a few seasons in a Citroen.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

Despite not -in terms of results at least - being the most successful period in his career, in retrospect Kimi's two years in the WRC may have actually been just that.

Whilst fifth place on Rally Turkey 2010 behind the wheel of Citroen C4 may not have set the world alight, it was the Kimi Raikkonen that the world saw on the stages of the WRC that made him appeal to Formula 1.

No more 'stock' answers
In a world that thrives on corporate answers, ‘stock' answers and a lack of personalities, the Raikkonen who now dwelt in the service parks of the WRC was the complete antidote to the “for sure” answers and awkward sponsor events that are so intrinsic for Formula 1.

With clear Oakley sunglasses perched on newly grown shoulder length hair, Kimi was free to do what he wanted. If he didn't want to do a media event, he wasn't obliged. If he thought something wasn't to his liking, he'd say (after beaching his C4 on Rally France 2010, he mused “it was a stupid place to go off”) and if he fancied a beer, he could.

His role in the WRC was also welcomed, as Citroen teammate, Sebastien Loeb will tell you with the following story.

Following Kimi's failure to turn up on time for a mini bus transfer to the stages, Loeb grinned “well, it takes some of the pressure off of me” after the Finn arrived 30 minutes late. Dani Sordo, another one of the Citroen drivers also enjoyed having Kimi around: “[he] seemed quiet at first, but it turned out he's funny and not like his public image at all.”

Despite his laconic personality thriving in the WRC and winning him yet more fans, the results still did not come. Something did not gel, and it seemed that Kimi - as he did with Ferrari - was losing interest in WRC due to lack of success. He'd tried his hand at something new, and whilst he believes “with zero experience [for that] I did pretty well”, he still couldn't quite match his F1 triumphs.

Photo: WRi2

Naturally then, for a man so motivated by winning as Raikkonen, it seemed Kimi needed Formula 1 as it was where his speed lies. For a sport so lacking in personalities, it seemed Formula 1 needed Kimi. The two just went together.

A new life at Lotus F1
So for 2012, he returned; the newly branded Lotus F1 team confirmed Kimi as one of their drivers alongside Romain Grosjean and the (now) 33-year old exceeded all expectations by finishing every race in 2012.

He also finished third in the championship after scoring five podiums and winning the ‘sh**' Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where he famously delivered the “leave me alone, I know what I'm doing” line to his race engineer...

... And it's that atmosphere at Lotus that has made its partnership with Raikkonen the success it is. The ethos of ‘leave him alone and in the race he shall deliver' became apparent again in Australia last weekend when he delivered his second win for the team.

Speaking ahead of the 2013 season, Lotus owner, Genii's Gerard Lopez commented in Gazzetto dello Sport that he wants ‘drivers and not robots'. In Kimi, he has exactly that. Lopez continued that at the Enstone based team, “Raikkonen feels utilised for what's most important [driving], while he is free for everything else. He has found balance.” Just let him get on with what he does best; driving.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

Lopez's comments seem true as following his popular win at the 2013 season opener, journalists around the paddock commented on how fit Kimi looks, and were in awe at what was possibly the longest ever answer he'd ever given at a press conference.

If the atmosphere at Lotus continues as it is and if its E21 car is as good as it looked throughout last weekend, then expect Kimi to make a serious go at claiming a second championship.

Don't expect any drama though. It simply isn't the Raikkonen way...

From Zele Racing

Austrian race team Zele Racing has invited former Grand Prix driver, Narain Karthikeyan to join them and compete in the first round of the 2013 AutoGP World Series at Monza, Italy.

In 2005, Karthikeyan became the first Indian driver in the history of Formula One, making his debut with Jordan F1. He then was a third driver for Williams, competed in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport with Team India before he returned to F1 in 2011 and 2012 with HRT.

Left without a ride this season, the Indian driver has therefore decided to test new waters and take on a new challenge with Zele Racing, a well-established Austrian racing team, competing in the Auto GP World Series.

Photo: AutoGP

"I was looking forward to continuing my Formula 1 career in 2013 with HRT. Unfortunately circumstances within the team lead to the operation shutting down. I have decided to accept the invitation from Michael, as it keeps me driving a high powered single seater, and with a heavily revised car for 2013, lap times are said to be on par with other single seater series. I've worked with Zele Racing before, and have known Michael (Zele) for a long time. I'm looking forward to the first race in Monza, as it's a track I know well," Narain Karthikeyan said in a press release.

Karthikeyan's teammate will be reining Formula 2 champion, Luciano Bacheta.

Auto GP is managed and promoted by Coloni Motorsport and will be running eight rounds, featuring two races every race weekend at each venue with 21 cars registered. Notable past champions include Lotus Formula 1 star Romain Grosjean in 2010 and his success helped him to spring board back to Formula 1. The season starts on March 24th in Monza, Italy, and finishes on October 6th in Brno, Czech Republic.

Auto123.com spoke Thursday morning with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion who is currently in Malaysia to cover this weekend's Grand Prix.

This season, Villeneuve is working as a Formula 1 expert for French television Canal+. He will therefore attend all Grand Prix event's this year.

During our conversation, Villeneuve confirmed that he has moved. “I sold my house in Montreal and I am now living in Europe. I left Canada for good. But I don't want to go over the reasons,” Villeneuve declared.

Photo: WRi2

The 1995 CART champion and Indy 500 race winner added that he is still looking for a competitive ride.

“I will not race in the Porsche Cup as the rumours said. I tried GT endurance racing last year, but there are no talks at this moment with them. For the moment, there's nothing on my agenda. But I know I will race this season, one way or another.” Villeneuve continued.

During the three days of each F1 race, Villeneuve provides his comments and answers the questions of Canal+ host, Thomas Senecal.

“I started doing it occasionally last year and I kind of liked it. But this is now a full-time job with Canal+. It's a real job with a lot of planning to do before each race with the crew. I really enjoy it. The downside is that like in Australia we had to spend two hours in the pouring rain during our broadcast!” Villeneuve said.

From GMM

Red Bull might need to tweak its focus if it wants to win in 2013.

That is the admission of the energy drink-owned squad's forthright management figure Dr Helmut Marko, on the eve of round two of the newly-commenced world championship in Malaysia.

In Melbourne last Sunday, Sebastian Vettel continued his reputation for mastering a single lap by dominating qualifying, while his teammate Mark Webber was second.

But Vettel ultimately finished just third, while Kimi Raikkonen eased to victory from seventh on the grid, in a victory credited on the Finn and his Lotus best handling Pirelli's heavily-degrading Pirelli tires.

Photo: WRi2

Helmut Marko told Austrian broadcaster Servus TV: "Kimi Raikkonen did not simply make a pitstop less than us, he was also consistently faster without suffering from the high tire wear with which we struggled.

"We do need to master the tires better," he admitted, saying the secret is in the setup.

"Mark Webber had slightly different settings (in Australia) and that was a little bit better," said Marko.

"What we have learned is that we should not be fixated on qualifying. There are more important things than being fast on a single lap, such as being fast over the whole race distance. That's what we are going to focus on more now," he added.

From GMM

Claire Williams could be shaping up to take over at the helm of her father's famous British team.

When Claire's mother, Ginny Williams, died in the days preceeding the recent 2013 season opener, it emerged her father Sir Frank Williams would also not travel to Australia.

As technical boss Mike Coughlan stepped up to stand in as acting team boss, he declared in Melbourne that he was only running the team for one race "until Claire is able to come back".

The comments triggered reports that Claire, 36, is already the team boss.

Claire and Frank Williams. (Photo: WRi2)

Officially, she is head of marketing, having quickly gained a few promotions at the Oxfordshire based team in the past 18 months.

A report in the Telegraph on Thursday said Frank Williams, 70, has already declared that a succession plan is in play.

"It really freaked me out when he said that," Claire, whose boyfriend is Pastor Maldonado's engineer, said. "When I first came here, he was not keen on the idea at all. He didn't want to be seen to have his children working at Williams."

But things have changed. Last year, Frank stepped down as a director on the board of his own team and was replaced by Claire.

She admitted things have been speeding ahead "quickly".

"People have been speculating, whispering 'that will be your role one day', and as I keep making these steps up I suppose it is becoming a deeper conversation. But Frank is still our team principal," said Ms Williams. "At the moment I'm very content to work alongside him, learning as much as I can. Whether I take over one day is yet to be seen."

From GMM

Two former drivers have questioned whether reigning triple world champion Sebastian Vettel weighs up against his highly rated rivals.

David Coulthard, who made room for German Vettel's Red Bull debut at the end of 2008, said the jury is out as to whether the 25-year-old can be considered a 'great', despite dominating formula one at the wheel of his Adrian Newey-designed car.

"Do I think he has to move (teams) to cement his legacy? Yes, I do," he wrote in the Guardian, amid reports elsewhere that Vettel may in fact have signed a contract extension through 2016.

"Seb is a good driver, a world-class driver. But he hasn't overcome adversity yet in terms of being with another team or being up against a teammate who was already world champion. If it appears as a magic carpet ride, none of us like to see that. We like to see people overcome a bit of adversity," added Coulthard.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Typically much more outspoken on the matter is Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion and, like Coulthard, now an expert television pundit.

He told Germany's Auto Bild that Vettel is: "Super fast but makes mistakes under pressure. If he's in front, all is well, but otherwise he does not control his nerves well. The difference with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton is that they are always fighting, regardless of their place and whether their car is good. They always give everything. On this level, Vettel does not impress me."

From Caterham F1 Team

CNN International and Caterham F1 Team have announced Thursday that the leading international news network has renewed its multi-year partnership deal with Caterham F1 Team.

The sponsorship will see CNN's logo on both of the Caterham F1 Team cars as well as the drivers' overalls and signals the fourth year that CNN has sponsored the growing Angl /Malaysian F1 Team.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

“Our partnership with Caterham F1 Team provides CNN with a powerful worldwide marketing platform and we're delighted to continue the alliance of two aspirational global brands,” said Rani R. Raad, Chief Commercial Officer for CNN International.

“As a forward thinking company this sponsorship plays to the heart of what CNN is all about, engaging new audiences and exploring new affiliations beyond the traditional or the expected.”

“This partnership will provide us with a comprehensive platform allowing us to deliver additional exposure for the team and its sponsors through CNN media platforms worldwide,” said Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal, Caterham F1 Team. “We also look forward to welcoming CNN and their partners to the races to further promote F1, Caterham F1 Team and develop real B2B opportunities."

Renault-Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn believes that China will save the electric car industry, according to Reuters.

The country plans to build production capacity for two million electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2020 -- arguably in response to the major air pollution issues across the land.

“This isn't speculation,” Ghosn said. “China's decisions are among the most audacious that have been taken by any government.”

Together with Dongfeng, Nissan will launch a new electric car for the Chinese market in 2015. Renault also plans to build and sell an electric car in China.

While global sales of zero-emission vehicles have yet to take off, more and more people like Ghosn are now counting on China as a saviour.

Source: Cnetfrance.fr

Scion will host the world premiere of its all-new 2014 tC sports coupe during a press conference on March 28th at the New York Auto Show.

Unfortunately, that's all the information we have so far. Don't miss our coverage of the New York Auto Show starting next Wednesday.
Source: Scion

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Browse our photo gallery of the sexiest machines at the 2013 Daytona Bike Week, and tell us which one's your favourite. We'll soon come up with a reader's Top 10. Enjoy the eye candy!

Hyundai's HND-9 Concept might just be a preview of what the second-generation Genesis Coupe will look like when it goes on sale around 2015. The car will be featured at the Seoul Auto Show next week.

According to a press release from Hyundai, the HND-9 Concept boasts a 3.3L turbocharged V6 that produces 370 horsepower, all of which drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other advanced technologies will be announced in Seoul. Stay tuned!

Photo: Hyundai

Photo: Hyundai

Highlights*
The 2013 Scion xB stands out with unique looks, generous interior room, a reliable powertrain, comfort, and easy access.

Lowlights*
Inside trim quality is disappointing, the interior is noisy, and the shock absorbers are too firm. Poor ergonomics also betray this ageing model.


Pricing
The 2013 Scion xB starts at $18,860. The lone trim level comes standard with an impressive list of features, including air conditioning, cruise control, heated mirrors, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

Buyers can add options such as a Pioneer sound system, 16” or 17” alloy wheels, as well as a number of TRD performance parts. Scion is all about customization, so a wide array of accessories are available, too.

Fuel consumption
The Scion xB burns 9.5L/100km in the city and 7.2L/100km on the highway, which represents an average of 8.4L/100km -- no matter which transmission you select.

New for 2013
The 2013 Scion xB offers a “Release Series 9.0.” special edition with many unique features, such as a Hot Lava exterior finish, an exclusive honeycomb-style grille, LED lighting, and perforated suede-like seats. Only 200 Hot Lava units are available in Canada.

Styling
With its signature boxy shape, the 2013 Scion xB is easy to spot in a crowd. The blocky front fascia, stylish air intakes, and high beltline make it an attractive urban crossover. Muscular wheel arches, protruding taillights, and an oversized chrome exhaust tip add a sporty touch. As mentioned earlier, the brand offers plenty of tuning parts and accessories to make your Scion xB a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Powertrain
The 2013 Scion xB is motivated by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions include a standard 5-speed manual and an optional 4-speed automatic.

Cargo capacity
Versatility is one of the strengths of the 2013 Scion xB. The trunk alone can hold up to 329 litres of cargo. Folding the rear seatbacks forward creates a flat floor that increases cargo possibilities.

Safety
In addition to six airbags, the xB benefits from Toyota's STAR Safety System, which consists of Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Smart Stop Technology, and Brake Assist.

Competitors
Nissan cube, Nissan JUKE, Kia Soul, Suzuki SX4

Photo: Scion

About the brand
Scion is owned by Toyota and targets younger drivers. The company started selling cars in Canada in 2011.

* Based on expert reviews.
journalmetro.com
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions de l'homme, 2012, p.538
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.530

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - Visiting New York

It can make it anywhere.

We recently sent our Range Rover Evoque to the New York City area, where it spent time with senior editor Joe Lorio. Rather than muddle around in the suburban snarl, Lorio drove the Evoque some 250 miles north on a family trip to the Adirondack Mountains. Here are his thoughts:

Photo Gallery: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - Four Seasons Update - February Update - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - Four Seasons Update - February Update - Automobile Magazine

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - Visiting New York | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

The UAW has won the backing of the head of an influential German union in its effort to represent the hourly workers at Volkswagen AG's Chattanooga, Tenn., assembly plant.

The Detroit Electric name is being revived in the Motor City. The company says it will reveal its first electric sports car -- based on the Lotus Elise -- at the

The problem with the 24-hour news cycle, and also the Internet, is that there is no shortage of space to fill. Instead of a

U.S. automakers and South Korean affiliates Hyundai and Kia are boosting their share of sales to younger U.S. buyers at the expense of Japanese brands, according to a pair of market researchers.

Also in this episode: Subaru is set to debut a hybrid XV Crosstrek at the New York auto show; BMW releases more info about the i3.