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What happens when you want it all? The best of both worlds; your cake and to eat it, too? Most would laugh and say you're asking for too much, that you don't understand how life is and that we all have to make compromises along the way, that's just the way the world works. Well, we're here to tell you that those people just haven't heard the term "Grand Coupe" -- and it's high time they did.

See, there's no need to give anything up along the way, in fact we're all for bigger is better. Less is more? We think not.

So, that's precisely why we gathered a group of larger-than-life vehicles to prove that there really is a solution for those who don't want to sacrifice, don't want to compromise, when it comes to their daily drivers. While these individuals may have outgrown their sport coupe models and are in need of more space, they don't want to give up that sporty, responsive ride. What to do? Why, buy a grand coupe of course.

What exactly is a grand coupe? Well, in simple terms it's a four-door coupe. Confused? Don't be. Vehicle designers conjured up a nifty little way to maintain the coupe shape of their vehicles without losing two doors. Along with that external design they also managed to engineer their four-door automobiles to drive and handle like coupes, too.

No compromise needed.

If you're in the market for such a vehicle, your choices aren't just grand in size, but also in performance and price. So, how to choose the best? Well, we decided to do the legwork for you (and what truly hard work it was, trust us) and we put together a quartet of grand coupes. Despite the below-zero temperatures and fresh layer of snow, we put these grand rides to the test (three of the four were equipped with an all-wheel drive system anyways, so why not?).

The players? In no particular order: the ">2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive, 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG, and the 2014 Audi RS 7. All grand. All German. All good.

Continue reading 2014 4-door Super Coupes Comparison Test

Pros: A pleasant ride, impressive safety content, good visibility, as well as an available turbo engine and MyLink infotainment system make the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic a compelling sub-compact car.



Cons: The base powerplant is not really fuel-efficient, material quality is disappointing, and the rear seats prove tight and uncomfortable.

2014 Chevrolet Sonic Price: The sedan offers three trim levels -- LS, LT, and LTZ -- with prices starting at $13,995. The hatchback comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and RS models ranging from $14,495 to $23,995. That does not include options and other charges.

2014 Chevrolet Sonic Fuel Economy: Ratings for the base engine in the city are 7.7L/100km and 8.3L/100km for the manual and automatic versions, respectively. On the highway, they drop to around 5.5L/100km. 

Meanwhile, the turbo engine sips between 7.3-7.8L/100km in the city, and 5.1-5.6L/100km on the highway, depending on the transmission. The sporty RS model is a bit thirstier, though.

Photo: Chevrolet

Improvements and Changes: All-new for 2014 (available on LT and LTZ models) is the Advanced Safety Package that includes Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. A rearview camera has also been added to the options list.

2014 Chevrolet Sonic Powertrain: The 1.8L 4-cylinder Ecotec produces 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque via a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. 

LTZ and RS models use a 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec that also generates 138 horsepower, but increases peak torque to 148 lb-ft. With this mill, the manual transmission gains a sixth gear, and the automatic is once again optional.

Cargo Capacity: The sedan can load up to 422 litres in its trunk -- more than a number of compact cars. The 5-door hatchback can hold 538 litres of cargo behind the rear seats, and 1,351 litres when you fold them down.

Safety: Boasting a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic comes standard with no fewer than 10 airbags, OnStar assistance, stability control, and hill-start assist.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic: Several other sub-compact cars are available on the Canadian market including the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa Note, and Toyota Yaris.

Pros: The Lexus lineup is undergoing a rejuvenation, and that includes the Lexus ES. Styling has been revised so as to make the car look much sleeker and more organic than in years past. The interior has benefited from significant upgrades, too, not to mention extra rear-seat legroom. On the road, this Lexus remains super-smooth and reliable.

Cons: All is not roses and sunshine with the ES 350. The mouse-like Remote Touch controller is hardly what I'd call ''user-friendly'' -- why not a conventional touchscreen instead? Also, beware of pricey options.

2014 Lexus ES 350 Price: Speaking of which, a single trim level appears on the ES 350 menu, and it starts at $39,750. However, buyers can select one of four different packages including Premium ($2,000), Leather & Navigation ($4,600), Technology ($12,100), and Touring ($8,900).

Photo: Lexus

2014 Lexus ES 350 Fuel Economy: Despite weighing 1,610 kilos, the Lexus ES 350 boasts middle-of-the-pack ratings of 9.9L/100km in the city and 6.4L/100km on the highway.

Improvements and Changes: Other than a few cosmetic updates, there's nothing new outside or inside the Lexus ES 350 for 2014.

2014 Lexus ES 350 Powertrain: The smooth 3.5L DOHC V6 engine under the hood of the ES 350 produces 268 horsepower through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the larger GS, all-wheel drive is not an option.

Cargo Capacity: The accommodating trunk of the 2014 Lexus ES 350 can swallow 430 litres worth of luggage for your long trips.

Safety: Standard features include stability and traction control, disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, as well as smart stop technology, which automatically cuts engine power and allows the brakes to take precedence over the accelerator when both pedals are pressed at the same time. Let's not forget the 10 airbags and available technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Comparing the 2014 Lexus ES 350: Similar luxury sedans worth checking out include the Volvo S60, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Pros: The 2014 Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV with a cute, bulldog-like face, impressive safety content, a comfortable ride in the city, and a perfect size for easily navigating through traffic. Let's not forget the highly affordable base model, numerous storage compartments, and available MyLink interface.

Cons: On the other hand, the Trax has a number of drawbacks including a fairly soft suspension that results in significant body roll in corners, a noisy engine at higher revs, less-than-ideal fit and finish, as well as expensive high-end models.

2014 Chevrolet Trax Price: From LS to 1LT, 2LT, and LTZ, the Trax lineup offers plenty of selection. Prices vary a lot, too -- from $18,695 to $30,345.

Photo: Chevrolet

2014 Chevrolet Trax Fuel Economy: Depending on the transmission you select, the 2014 Chevrolet Trax burns 7.8-8.1L/100km in the city and 5.7-5.9L/100km on the highway in FWD configuration. These numbers rise to 8.7 and 6.5L/100km, respectively, when AWD is part of the equation.

Powertrain: The 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged Ecotec engine generates 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The base LS model gets a standard 6-speed manual transmission; the optional 6-speed autobox is the only transmission available with higher trim levels. While all-wheel drive can be specified, the 2014 Chevrolet Trax is not designed for off-road driving.

Cargo Capacity: The trunk can haul up to 530 litres of cargo. Once you fold the rear seats, the volume increases to 1,371 litres.

Safety: Standard features include no fewer than 10 airbags, OnStar assistance, stability control, ABS, and hill-start assist.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Trax: Interested in a small SUV/CUV? Your shopping should also include the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi RVR, and Subaru XV Crosstrek.

Pros: The 2014 Cadillac XTS delivers remarkable handling for a large sedan. Credit goes to GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which continually adjusts to road and driving conditions to maximize ride quality and grip. Meanwhile, the lavish interior features plenty of refined materials. It's a Cadillac, after all!

Cons: Technology is good, but do potential XTS customers really care? The new infotainment system called CUE (Cadillac User Experience) has a slick touchscreen interface with motion recognition and voice command, but it's generally slow to respond. Designers need to keep working on it.

2014 Cadillac XTS Price: The front-wheel-drive XTS comes in four trim levels including base ($50,990), Luxury ($54,700), Premium ($59,450), and Platinum ($67,910). With all-wheel drive, there are five models to choose from: Luxury ($56,550), Premium ($61,470), Premium Vsport twin-turbo ($67,625), Platinum ($69,940), and Platinum Vsport twin-turbo ($75,795). These prices include freight and delivery charges.

Photo: Cadillac

2014 Cadillac XTS Fuel Economy: A naturally aspirated Cadillac XTS will burn around 10L/100km during combined city-highway driving. A twin-turbocharged variant will slightly exceed 11L/100km on average.

Improvements and Changes: For its second year on the market, the 2014 Cadillac XTS gains a twin-turbocharged V6 (optional) as well as some advanced technologies like Automatic Parking Assist, automatic headlights, rear-seat entertainment, and a front passenger seat with memory.

2014 Cadillac XTS Powertrain: Aimed at younger buyers, this full-size luxury sedan offers two compelling V6 options starting with a more fuel-efficient 304-horsepower unit. As mentioned, the alternative is a twin-turbocharged version producing 410 horsepower. Both use direct injection and transfer power to the driving wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Cargo Capacity: In true Cadillac fashion, the 2014 XTS boasts a massive trunk that can swallow up to 509 litres worth of luggage.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. Options include Forward Collision Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, plus the Safety Alert Seat which generates vibrations on the left or right side of the driver's seat to signal which side a vehicle is approaching.

Comparing the 2014 Cadillac XTS: You should check out other great sedans such as the Acura RLX, Audi A6/A8, BMW 5 Series/7 Series, Hyundai Equus, Infiniti Q70, Lexus LS, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class/S-Class, and Volvo S80.

Pros: Buy the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro if you're looking for a genuine American sports coupe that offers plenty of selection, acceleration, and recognition, not to mention the added confidence of top-notch safety features. Performance enthusiasts will love the ZL1's infernal V8, while the frugal V6 will help you save money at the pump.

Cons: Skip the Camaro if you're after something extremely small, light and nimble. Despite providing a lot of grip and handling prowess, it's a big, heavy car and drives like one. What's more, the rear seats and trunk opening are tight, visibility is poor, and the steering wheel should be revised.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Price: Pricing for the 2014 Camaro lineup was not available at the time of writing.

Photo: Chevrolet

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Fuel Economy: With no changes to the powerplants, expect the same ratings as last year. Thanks to a direct-injected V6, the Camaro burns as little as 6.6L/100km on the highway in its most fuel-efficient setup.

Improvements and Changes: The most significant styling update since the launch of the fifth-generation Camaro in 2010 includes high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. Compared to the previous model, the design represents a strong visual change front and rear, resulting in a wider, lower, more contemporary appearance. The headlights and taillights sport a new shape, too, while Recaro front seats are now available in SS trim and standard in the ZL1.

Of course, the biggest news for 2014 is the return of the popular Z/28 -- the lightest and most track-capable Camaro ever. This one receives the outgoing Corvette Z06's 7.0L V8, a full aerodynamics package, as well as unique braking and suspension components. It's scheduled to hit the market this spring.

Powertrain: The base LS and LT models get a 3.6L V6 that produces 323 horsepower. SS models benefit from a 6.2L V8 generating up to 426 horsepower. The extreme ZL1 adds a supercharger and other high-tech bits to destroy the road with 580 ponies and 556 lb-ft of torque.
All Camaros are rear-wheel drive, and most can be specified with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission (Z/28: manual only).

Photo: Chevrolet

Cargo Capacity: The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro's trunk can hold up to 320 litres of cargo.

Safety: Standard equipment includes stability and traction control, OnStar assistance, and six airbags. Some of the higher trim levels stand out with high-performance Brembo brakes.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro: The Camaro's arch nemesis is the Ford Mustang, but let's not forget other great coupes such as the Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and more upscale models like the Audi A5.

Pros: The 2014 Audi S4 stands out with a lowered and tightened suspension (featuring an available sport rear differential), sexy looks, standard all-wheel drive, a powerful V6 that's surprisingly fuel-efficient, as well as a rich combination of luxury, refinement, and technology.

Cons: Once again, the multimedia interface will not prove user-friendly to all drivers. Some would have liked a more aggressive design, too. As for driving dynamics, our reviewers say the S4 is heavier and less dynamic than a BMW, yet not as comfortable and accommodating as a Mercedes-Benz.

2014 Audi S4 Price: As was the case last year, the lineup includes two trim levels -- Progressiv, and Technik. The first one starts at $53,000, and the second retails from $57,800.

Photo: Audi

2014 Audi S4 Fuel Economy: Expect to burn 13.1L/100km in the city and 8.3L/100km on the highway with the manual transmission. These numbers drop to 11.7L/100km and 7.7L/100km, respectively, when opting for the dual-clutch autobox.

Improvements and Changes: A new colour can be specified -- Volcano Red. Standard Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights not only create a striking on-road impression, they use less energy and have a longer service life than conventional lighting. Also, an innovative S sound actuator integrated in the exhaust system enhances the acoustics and emphasizes the performance attributes of the engine.

Powertrain: The 2014 Audi S4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a mere 5.1 seconds thanks to a 3.0L supercharged TFSI V6 engine with direct injection that channels its 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque through a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or the available 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. As mentioned earlier, power is distributed to all four wheels by way of Audi's acclaimed quattro system.

Cargo Capacity: Seat configuration can be arranged to expand cargo room from 352 to 962 litres.

Safety: Six standard airbags keep 2014 Audi S4 occupants protected from the front and sides, while stability control helps secure the trajectory at all times. In the event of a collision, intelligent sensors automatically unlock the doors, switch on interior and hazard lights, and cut off fuel flow to the engine. Audi side assist (blind spot monitoring) and a parking system with rearview camera are optional.

Comparing the 2014 Audi S4: The BMW 335i xDrive, Cadillac ATS Premium V6 AWD, Lexus IS 350 AWD, Mercedes-Benz C 350 4MATIC, and Volvo S60 T6 AWD are all worthy competitors of the S4.

Pros: Buy the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Cabriolet if you're looking for a genuine American convertible that offers plenty of selection, acceleration, and recognition, not to mention the added confidence of top-notch safety features. The thick and durable cloth top makes the interior comfortable and quiet. Plus, as a 2+2 car, you can drive your kids (or grandkids) around.

Cons: Skip the Camaro Cabriolet if you're after something extremely small, light and nimble. Despite providing a lot of grip and handling prowess, it's a big, heavy car and drives like one.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Cabriolet Price: Pricing for the 2014 Camaro lineup was not available at the time of writing.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Cabriolet Fuel Economy: With no changes to the powerplants, expect the same ratings as last year. Thanks to a direct-injected V6, the Camaro Cabriolet burns as little as 6.6L/100km on the highway in its most fuel-efficient setup.

Photo: Chevrolet

Improvements and Changes: The most significant styling update since the launch of the fifth-generation Camaro in 2010 includes high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds, as well as a wider, lower, more contemporary appearance.

Alas, the newly resurrected Z/28 -- the lightest and most track-capable Camaro ever -- won't be available in drop-top configuration, at least not immediately.

Powertrain: The base LT models get a 3.6L V6 that produces 323 horsepower. SS models benefit from a 6.2L V8 generating up to 426 horsepower. The extreme ZL1 adds a supercharger and other high-tech bits to destroy the road with 580 ponies and 556 lb-ft of torque.
All Camaro Cabriolets are rear-wheel drive and can be specified with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity: The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Cabriolet's trunk can hold up to 289 litres of cargo with the top up, but just 221 litres when it's down.

Safety: Standard equipment includes stability and traction control, OnStar assistance, as well as front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Some of the higher trim levels stand out with high-performance Brembo brakes.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Cabriolet: The most direct threat obviously comes from the Ford Mustang Cabriolet, but we should also mention the Nissan 370Z Roadster (two seats only). The more upscale Audi A5 Cabriolet, BMW 3 Series Cabriolet, and Infiniti Q60 Convertible deserve consideration, too.

Pros: Sleek styling (especially with the S line Sport package), a high-quality interior, quiet ride, impeccable handling, supportive seats, and the legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system are some of the attributes that make the 2014 Audi A4 very attractive.

Cons: On the other hand, one could take issue with the relatively tight rear quarters, the not-so-intuitive human-machine interface, the absence of VW/Audi's acclaimed TDI engine, as well as some pricey options.

2014 Audi A4 Price: The lineup includes three main trim levels -- Komfort, Progressiv, and Technik. The first one starts at $37,800 (FWD only) or $39,900 (AWD); the second retails from $43,900; and the most luxurious trim costs at least $46,100.

Photo: Audi

2014 Audi A4 Fuel Economy: Expect to burn 8.6L/100km in the city and 6.2L/100km on the highway with a FWD model. Meanwhile, a Quattro equipped A4 with manual transmission has ratings of 9.4L/100km and 6.3L/100km, respectively.

Improvements and Changes: The TFSI engine gets a 9-horsepower bump for 2014, yet drinks the same amount of fuel. A few amenities were added as standard equipment, while a new black optics package is available to enhance the A4's looks. Reminder: The car received its mid-cycle update a year ago.

Powertrain: Under the hood of the 2014 Audi A4 is a 2.0L, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine that churns out 220 horsepower, plus 258 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm. In FWD version, it's mated to a multitronic CVT; when paired with Quattro, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. In all cases, the new A4 sprints from 0-100 km/h in less than seven seconds.

Cargo Capacity: Seat configuration can be arranged to expand cargo room from 352 to 962 litres.

Safety: Six standard airbags keep 2014 Audi A4 occupants protected from the front and sides, while stability control helps secure the trajectory at all times. In the event of a collision, intelligent sensors automatically unlock the doors, switch on interior and hazard lights, and cut off fuel flow to the engine. Audi side assist (blind spot monitoring) and a parking system with rearview camera are optional.

Comparing the 2014 Audi A4: Consider this small luxury sedan along with the Acura TSX/TL, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volvo S60.

Pros: Like its entry-level cousin, the Dodge Grand Caravan, the 2014 Chrysler Town & Country is arguably the ultimate family vehicle. With numerous configurations available, tons of interior room for your passengers and cargo, and a perfectly matched engine/transmission combo, it's one the most versatile and flexible people haulers in Canada.

Cons: Reliability issues continue to affect the Town & Country, particularly in the braking department. Chrysler should keep working on improving build quality and material selection, too.

2014 Chrysler Town & Country Price: Pick one of four trim levels that best suits your needs and budget including Touring ($41,495), Touring-L ($43,495), 30th Anniversary ($44,990), and Limited ($47,495).

Photo: Chrysler

2014 Chrysler Town & Country Fuel Economy: Don't expect record-breaking numbers from the Town & Country, which weighs nearly two full tons. An average fuel consumption in the 10L/100km range is par for the course, here.

Improvements and Changes: No significant changes other than a new Blacktop edition with subtle design touches.

2014 Chrysler Town & Country Powertrain: Chrysler's lone powertrain option for this vehicle is a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Output is rated at 283 horsepower, while peak torque amounts to 260 lb-ft.

Cargo Capacity: This is one of the strengths of the 2014 Chrysler Town & Country. With all the rear seats up, there are 934 litres available for your gear. Once you fold the third-row seats, cargo room increases to 2,340 litres. Drop the second-row seats as well, and you'll wind up with 4,072 litres.

Safety: The Chrysler Town & Country features ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control, along with seven airbags including one for the driver's knees and side-curtain airbags that blanket outboard positions in all three rows of seating. Buyers can add a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-path detection, the Park-Sense rear park assist system, as well as rain-sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps.

Comparing the 2014 Chrysler Town & Country: Minivans are a dying breed, but you should take a look at the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, and Toyota Sienna before you go out and buy a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country.

Pros: The Lexus lineup is undergoing a rejuvenation, and that includes the Lexus ES. Styling has been revised so as to make the car look much sleeker and more organic than in years past. The interior has benefited from significant upgrades, too, not to mention extra rear-seat legroom. On the road, this Lexus remains super-smooth and reliable. In hybrid configuration, it's also more fuel-efficient than ever.

Cons: All is not roses and sunshine with the ES 300h. The mouse-like Remote Touch controller is hardly what I'd call ''user-friendly'' -- why not a conventional touchscreen instead? Also, beware of limited trunk space (due to the battery) and pricey options.

2014 Lexus ES 300h Price: Speaking of which, a single trim level appears on the ES 300h menu, and it starts at $44,100. However, buyers can select 1 of 3 different packages including Leather ($5,050), Navigation ($1,800), and Technology ($9,250).

Photo: Lexus

2014 Lexus ES 300h Fuel Economy: Despite weighing nearly 1,700 kilos, the Lexus ES 300h boasts impressive ratings of 4.7L/100km in the city and 5.1L/100km on the highway -- significantly better than the gas-only ES 350.

Improvements and Changes: The Lexus ES 300h is a new addition to the ES lineup for 2014.

2014 Lexus ES 300h Powertrain: As part of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the smooth 2.5L DOHC Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine under the hood of the ES 300h teams up with an electric motor to produce 200 net horsepower through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Cargo Capacity: The large battery reduces trunk space from 430 to 342 litres, which is still commendable.

Safety: Standard features include stability and traction control, disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, as well as smart stop technology, which automatically cuts engine power and allows the brakes to take precedence over the accelerator when both pedals are pressed at the same time. Let's not forget the 10 airbags and available technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Comparing the 2014 Lexus ES 300h: Midsize sedans with a focus on luxury and especially fuel economy include the Buick LaCrosse eAssist, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, and Volkswagen Passat TDI.

Pros: The 2014 Chevrolet Volt is an electric car with range-extending technology that can cover up to 65 kilometres in zero-emissions mode, making it very clean and efficient. It's also a modern, comfortable vehicle with a convenient rear hatch. Provincial rebates for EV buyers and leasers make the Volt even more attractive.

Cons: While exclusively propelled by its electric motor, the Volt uses a small gasoline engine/generator to feed the motor whenever the lithium-ion battery runs empty, which adds considerable weight to the car. Also, the brakes are touchy.

2014 Chevrolet Volt Price: A single trim level appears on the menu, and it starts at $38,845 (freight and delivery charges included). Of course, you can select various options. As for green-car incentives, the Quebec government, for instance, gives a $7,865 check to every Volt buyer or leasee.

Photo: Chevrolet

2014 Chevrolet Volt Fuel Economy: Obviously, as long as the gas engine sleeps, the Volt won't burn a single drop. On average, though, it achieves the equivalent of 2.4L/100km.

Improvements and Changes: Not much to report here, aside from new body colours. That being said, GM has significantly cut the price for 2014.

2014 Chevrolet Volt Powertrain: Under the hood is a 149-horsepower electric motor that produces a V6-like 273 lb-ft of torque. As mentioned earlier, there's also a 1.4L 4-cylinder gasoline engine/generator whose sole purpose is to feed the motor whenever the lithium-ion battery runs empty. A continuously variable transmission completes the equation.

Cargo Capacity: The 2014 Chevrolet Volt's trunk can hold no more than 300 litres of gear.

Safety: Standard equipment includes ABS, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control, OnStar assistance, and eight airbags. You can boost safety by adding a rearview camera, ultrasonic rear parking assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Volt: The Volt competes against fully electric cars such as the Nissan LEAF and Ford Focus Electric.

Pros: The 2014 Jaguar XJ is a decidedly British luxury sedan (notwithstanding the Indian ownership of Tata Motors). The lavish interior is full of premium touches and amenities, while the exterior is oh-so classy. Moreover, driving feels sporty thanks in large part to a selection of muscular engines.

Cons: Most people would be proud to have a Jaguar XJ in their driveway, even with a few interior issues like a complicated array of controls or concerns about reliability (despite the recent improvements).

2014 Jaguar XJ Price: There are five models to choose from including the XJ, XJL Portfolio, XJ/XJL Supercharged, XJ/XJL Supersport, and XJR. Prices range from $88,000 to $136,000 to start.

2014 Jaguar XJ Fuel Economy: With powertrain options that start at 340 horsepower, expect to burn at least 8.1L/100km on the highway and up to 16.9L/100km in the city.

Photo: Jaguar

Improvements and Changes: This year sees the addition of a high-performance XJR model in the lineup.

2014 Jaguar XJ Powertrain: The base V6 engine is a 3.0L supercharged unit producing 340 horsepower. Then there's a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 rated at 385 horsepower. With the help of a supercharger, the same engine puts out anywhere between 470-550 horsepower. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, but only the V6 offers all-wheel drive as an option.

Cargo Capacity: With 430 litres of trunk space, the 2014 Jaguar XJ sits in the middle of the pack.

Safety: XJ occupants can relax knowing they are protected by a full suite of airbags, sophisticated brakes, stability and traction control, adaptive cruise control, as well as a blind spot monitoring system.

Comparing the 2014 Jaguar XJ: Rivals of the XJ include the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Maserati Quattroporte, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Pros: The 2014 Chevrolet Spark is a youthful city car built in South Korea by GM DAT, a division of General Motors. Despite its small size, four adults can sit inside. Expect superb manoeuvrability around town, in addition to great fuel economy -- especially from the Spark EV (available starting this spring). As for styling, it think it looks very cute.

Cons: The gasoline engine lacks gusto and therefore affects the car's performance. While the entry price is attractive, the numerous options and packages may compromise your budget.

2014 Chevrolet Spark Price: Speaking of which, there are six trim levels to choose from this year, from the base LS with manual transmission ($13,745) to the top-of-the-line 2LT with automatic transmission ($20,945). These prices include freight and delivery charges.

Photo: Chevrolet

2014 Chevrolet Spark Fuel Economy: Expect to burn an average of 5.7L/100km with a manual Spark, and 5.9L/100km with an automatic version.

Improvements and Changes: The biggest news is the introduction of the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV, which offers a range of 132 kilometres and can fully charge in 14 hours through a 120V household outlet.

2014 Chevrolet Spark Powertrain: On one hand, you have a 1.2L 4-cylinder engine that produces 84 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque, either through a 5-speed manual transmission (standard) or a 4-speed autobox (optional). On the other hand, the upcoming Spark EV houses an electric motor rated at 130 horsepower... and as much as 400 lb-ft of torque!

Photo: Chevrolet

Cargo Capacity: You can nearly triple the 2014 Chevrolet Spark's cargo capacity -- from 323 to 883 litres -- by folding the rear seats. In the case of the Spark EV, these numbers fall to 271 and 663 litres, respectively, due to the location of the battery.

Safety: The Spark features ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control, hill-start assist (manual transmission), and 10 airbags as standard equipment.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Spark: As a microcar, the Spark competes with the Fiat 500, Scion iQ, and smart fortwo. You can throw in other sub-compact cars like the Toyota Yaris, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Mazda2.

Much like he did in 2004 (Athens), 2008 (Beijing), and 2010 (Vancouver), 65-year-old German actor Rolf Becker recently drove his famous Trabant from Madgeburg to Sochi to attend the 2014 Winter Olympics -- a trip of nearly 3,000 kilometres.

The iconic Trabant was built in East Germany from 1957-1991 by VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau. Capable of reaching speeds of 90 km/h thanks to a 26-horsepower engine, it mainly stood out with body panels made of Duroplast composite material.

Source : olympiques.radio-canada.ca

Photo: Wikipedia

Pros: The luxurious 2015 Porsche Macan already brags about offering unparalleled performance and excitement in the compact SUV/CUV segment, in large part thanks to powerful engines and brakes, as well as the driving dynamics of a sports car. At the same time, it can tow up to 3,500 kg (7,860 lb). Smaller than the Porsche Cayenne, the Macan will also prove easier to drive in the city.

Cons: Unlike its big brother, though, no diesel option has been announced for the Macan in Canada. Expect a firmer ride than most competitors. Finally, some people may not like its ultra-aggressive looks.

Photo: Porsche

2015 Porsche Macan Price: The Macan will go on sale in Canada this spring starting at $54,300 in S trim, and $82,200 in Turbo trim (freight and delivery charges not included).

You'll find standard features such as dual-zone climate control, a multifunction sport steering wheel that's reminiscent of the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar, a 7” HD touchscreen, and heated leather seats. Numerous options will be available to customize the interior of the Porsche Macan; for instance a 545W Bose or 1,000W Burmester audio system, plus Dark Burl Walnut or Carbon finishes.

2015 Porsche Macan Fuel Economy: It's still too early to know the official fuel ratings for the Macan in Canada. However, the German automaker promises an average of 8.7-9.0L/100km with the base engine, and 8.9-9.2L/100km with the more powerful engine.

Design: The Porsche Macan (whose name is the Indonesian word for “tiger”) became Porsche's first-ever compact SUV after making its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November. Visually, this model features headlights and taillights that were styled after the 918 Spyder, “side blades” at the bottom of the front and rear doors, a pair of dual tailpipes in the back, as well as 18” (S) or 19” (Turbo) alloy wheels as standard equipment (21” wheels are optional).

2015 Porsche Macan powertrain: The Macan S exploits a new 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 340 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque -- good for 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.4 seconds. The 3.6L variant in the Macan Turbo produces 400 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Both models team up with a 7-speed, dual-clutch PDK transmission and all-wheel drive system.

Photo: Porsche

Cargo Capacity: The trunk can hold 500 litres of gear; by folding the rear seats, you'll triple its capacity.

Safety: The 2015 Porsche Macan will stay on the right track with the help of Porsche Traction Management and stability control. For extra confidence, lane departure warning and lane change assist systems, active cruise control, and Porsche Active Safe technology are available. In the event of a collision, front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags will protect occupants.

Comparing the 2015 Porsche Macan: The compact luxury SUV/CUV segment is getting more and more crowded, not to mention extremely competitive. The Macan will square off against the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Range Rover Evoque, and Volvo XC60.

Pros: A wagon body style with increased ground clearance for superior versatility and capability, sleek yet robust looks, a highly refined interior, as well as a great engine/transmission combo are highlights of the 2014 Audi A4 allroad.

Cons: At higher speeds, the variable electric power steering's assistance feels uneven at times. What's more, some reviewers argue the A4 allroad is short on content for the price. The expensive options don't help.

2014 Audi A4 allroad Price: The lineup includes three trim levels -- Komfort, Progressiv, and Technik. They retail for $46,500, $50,500, and $52,700, respectively.

2014 Audi A4 allroad Fuel Economy: Expect to burn 10.4L/100km in the city and 7.4L/100km on the highway.

Photo: Audi

Improvements and Changes: For 2014, the Audi A4 allroad offers a number of additional standard features, as well as enhanced package content. Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, 18" wheels, light & rain sensors, and a power tailgate are just some of the new extras adding style and function to the already progressive A4 allroad.

The new Audi load-securing rail system provides many different possibilities for transporting your items safely, while the TFSI engine gets a 9-horsepower bump.

Powertrain: Under the hood of the 2014 Audi A4 allroad is a 2.0L, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 220 horsepower, plus 258 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm. It's mated exclusively to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (the A4 sedan also offers a multitronic CVT and a 6-speed manual). The key element, of course, is the brand's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. Using a self-locking centre differential, it has a typical torque split of 40/60 front to rear; however, this ratio changes when necessary for optimized traction.

The 2014 Audi A4 allroad sprints from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.

Cargo Capacity: The trunk is well finished and capacious enough (782 litres), although not quite as much as a Volvo XC70.

Safety: Six standard airbags keep 2014 Audi A4 allroad occupants protected from the front and sides, while stability control helps secure the trajectory at all times. In the event of a collision, intelligent sensors automatically unlock the doors, switch on interior and hazard lights, and cut off fuel flow to the engine. Audi side assist (blind spot monitoring) and a parking system with rearview camera are optional.

Comparing the 2014 Audi A4 allroad: There are few wagons available on the Canadian market, let alone in the luxury segment. The aforementioned XC70 proves to be the biggest rival of the A4 allroad, but you should also check out the Volvo V60, BMW 3 Series Touring, and Subaru Outback.

Pros: The 2014 Land Rover LR2 is the company's entry-level SUV, yet it provides superb comfort, a quiet interior, and exceptional off-road capability. The new 4-cylinder engine is lighter, more advanced, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient. Residual value remains high.

Cons: On the other hand, reliability is still an issue, and some will not like the amount of plastic inside, especially for the price.

2014 Land Rover LR2 Price: Buyers have a choice of four models including the base LR2 at $39,990, SE at $44,590, HSE at $46,990, and HSE Luxury at $48,190.

2014 Land Rover LR2 Fuel Economy: Expect to burn 12.0L/100km in the city and 8.4L/100km on the highway with your LR2.

Photo: Land Rover

Improvements and Changes: Gone is the inline 6-cylinder engine. Subtle tweaks inside and out also bring the LR2 up to date.

2014 Land Rover LR2 Powertrain: Just like the Range Rover Evoque, the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine under the hood of the LR2 produces a healthy 240 horsepower along with 250 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and all-wheel drive system featuring Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response technology.

Cargo Capacity: The LR2's trunk can hold up to 756 litres of gear. However, you can get as much as 1,670 litres when you fold the rear seats.

Safety: The 2014 Land Rover LR2 comes standard with seven airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, hill descent control, traction control, and stability control with rollover mitigation.

Comparing the 2014 Land Rover LR2: In the entry-level luxury SUV/CUV segment, you'll also find the Mercedes-Benz GLK, BMW X3, and Audi Q5. None are more competent off the beaten path than the Landie, of course.

* Note: This preview doesn't include the X5 M, which has yet to be redesigned.

Pros: The 2014 BMW X5 is the result of two generations of refinement. It isn't radically reformed, but didn't need to be. A highly profitable vehicle for BMW, the American-built X5 is also a dynamically and aesthetically pleasing crossover with enough travel amenities and off-road equipment, not to mention advanced technologies (including three superb engines), to justify its price.

Cons: Like many German products, however, the 2014 BMW X5 may suffer from electronic problems and other reliability issues. It's a pretty heavy vehicle, too, which carries a penalty at the pump. What's more, the long list of options can seriously hurt your bank account.

2014 BMW X5 Price: Buyers have a choice of three models:
• X5 xDrive35i at $62,900;
• X5 xDrive35d at $64,400;
• X5 xDrive50i at $76,500;

Photo: BMW

2014 BMW X5 Fuel Economy: The official combined city-highway ratings are 7.6L/100km for the diesel-sipping xDrive35d, 9.6L/100km for the standard xDrive35i, and 12.2L/100km for the more powerful xDrive50i.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 BMW X5 has been fully redesigned. Evolutionary in nature, it features updated styling, revised engines, and slightly more interior space.

2014 BMW X5 Powertrain: Two 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbocharged engines are available, including a 300-horsepower gasoline version and a 255-horsepower diesel unit producing 413 lb-ft of torque. Then there's a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that cranks out 445 horsepower. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity: The cargo area expands from 620 to 1,750 litres when you fold the rear seats.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. Head-up display, night vision, adaptive cruise control, park assist, high-beam assist, and various camera systems around the vehicle are some of the advanced features available to boost safety.

Comparing the 2014 BMW X5: Other medium-to-large luxury crossovers worth checking out include the Acura MDX, Audi A7, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti QX60/QX70, Range Rover Sport, Lexus RX/GX, Mercedes-Benz ML, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, and Volvo XC90.

The naming of Tetsuro Aikawa as Mitsubishi Motors' next president marks a key step toward independence for the carmaker. It may finally be getting out from under the thumbs of its largest shareholders.