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In this episode, we test out the fuel economy in the all new 2016 Toyota Yaris Sedan. Drawing platform similarities from the Mazda 2 (not sold in Canada), the Yaris offers a peppy driving experience with impressive fuel economy numbers.

Our tester was equipped with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. Our tests yielded 262km on a half tank of gas and gave a decent average fuel economy of 6.4L/100km.

After using up a half tank of gas, we were able to fill it back up for $24.72 at a fuel cost of $1.02/liter. At that rate, expect to spend around $50 for a full tank of gas.

REAL WORLD TEST RESULTS

Tested fuel range: 262km on a half tank

Tested fuel range: 524km on a full tank

Fuel economy: 6.4L/100km

Fuel economy (mpg): 36mpg

REAL WORLD FILL UP COSTS

CAD $50 @ $1.02/liter

AS-TESTED VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

1.5-litre 4-cylinder (DOHC)

4-speed Automatic

106hp @ 6,000rpm

Front wheel drive

BMW has added a new member to its roster, and this time it's a true 'M' model. The all-new 2016 BMW M2 has finally been revealed, as the successor to the 1-Series M Coupe.

We've seen a lot of M-styled cars come into the picture like the M235i, but the M2 will be the true thing with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine cranking out 365 hp and 343 lb.-ft. of torque, and an overboost function that pumps up torque levels up to 369 lb.-ft.. The engine is matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual that can hit a top speed of 249 km/h and can accelerate from 0-100/km in 4.3 seconds (manual does a 4.5) with the help of Launch Control. 

Along with that performance are impressive rear-wheel driving dynamics and a lightweight aluminum M sport suspension that we've grown accustomed to with the German-brand in its M3 and M4 siblings. The M2 drives on 19-inch wheels with four-piston callipers that are set-up for track braking. The M2 will use an electronic power steering system that according to BMW provides “direct steering feel and precise feedback at both the track and everyday driving.”

The 2016 BMW M2's performance attributes sound exciting, but that same feeling comes with its looks. The M2 receives the typical BMW kidney grille, large intakes, a new bumper that reduces drag, and a quad-exhaust. Inside, you'll find Dakota leather black sports seats with blue contrast stitching to go along with its cool-looking carbon fibre and Alcantara trim throughout.

The 2016 BMW M2 is scheduled to be available at dealerships in the Spring of 2016 with pricing to be announced closer to its market launch.

Markham, ON – Now well into in its ninth-generation that began in 2012, the Honda Accord is still holding court as a family pleaser. The evidence is there with it being the No. 1 choice for Canadian consumers in the intermediate sedan segment, but with current advancements in technology and a strong competition presence, Honda felt that it was time for it to be upgraded.

New for 2016, the Honda Accord has been refreshed with some added styling and technology to take on that competition and according to Honda Canada, “set a benchmark for the intermediate segment.” That statement seems counter intuitive to the conservative styling nature of the brand, but the Japanese-company plans to set those marks by offering modern technology that focuses on connectivity, as well as safety technology not seen throughout the spectrum of trim lines.

The centrepiece of Honda's connectivity plan is Apple Car and Android Auto. It's not new to the automotive game, as I recently encountered this in the new Volkswagen Jetta, but it's a first for Honda. The practice of this system is to create familiarity for the passengers. All you need is your Smartphone plug-in chord and connect it to the Accord. From there, familiar apps pop up on the screen, similar to your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. Therefore, you can use your favourite apps that might include Google Maps or Slacker Radio the same exact way you would use them on your phone in the comfort of your car.

After testing out both Apple Car and Android Auto, the best part about this system is that the functions work quickly without any lag. You don't have to wait for things to load up. Once the Accord detected the device and we went through the approval process, I was allowed to rifle through menu options, or talk via Siri to give navigational or text message instructions.

Honda's intuitive seven-inch infotainment system wasn't just about Apple Car and Android Auto. We tested out its on-board Garmin navigational system, and it was a relief compared to the other archaic and inferior base options around. Honda could better its touchscreen if it does away with the touch volume scrolling system, but that will have to be an argument for another day.

As seen on both the new HR-V and Pilot, the new Accord will come with the host of Honda Sensing safety technology in an aim to be the safest Accord ever. For its efforts, the 2016 iteration has already been awarded top-honours with a Top Safety Pick + from the IIHF. The suite of Honda Sensing technology that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is available for all trims, but comes standard in the sedan from the EX-L trim and up.

Technological additions are not the only changes made to the new 2016 Honda Accord. Both the sedan and coupe have gone through front fascia alterations that come off more aggressive and sporty. I mentioned the conservative nature of Honda, and especially the Accord, but these changes even though not earth shattering, provide a glimpse of a subtle spark within the culture.

The sedan gets a lot of chrome as two horizontal bars sit underneath a larger silver chrome strip that stretches towards the “Jewel Eye” LED headlights. As for the coupe version, it differentiates itself with a copper brushed chrome strip that sits on top of a sporty mesh design. Both get standard LED taillights, as well as an aluminum hood that takes over from the heavier steel version.

Under the hood, the Accord 2.4-litre four-cylinder (185 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque) and 3.5-litre V6 (278 hp and 252 lb.-ft. of torque) are carry-overs, so there's not much new to report. However, Honda has improved fuel economy rating slightly with a revised 8.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway split. All sedans and coupes can be paired with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

On the drive around Markham into the community of Kettleby, situated in the northeastern King Township in Ontario, I was able to take out the automatic Touring sedan that sits on 19-inch aluminum wheels. It wasn't a long drive, but it allowed me to experience the comfort and driving capabilities of the new Accord.

Honda has made improvements in its ride and handling, but they were hardly noticed on this drive, perhaps more time might have played the trick. But for this mid-size sedan transporter, it does everything you want it to. Not only is it super quiet, it drives like a gazelle, smoothly accelerating and coasting on highways and city streets. We managed to achieve a 7.8L/100 km combined rating, which is right in there with the best of them.

The seats have ample legroom and headroom, and place you in a driving position that's upright and comfortable. The same can be said for the rear seats; while the trunk was spacious and had room for at least three-to-four sets of golf clubs.

What more can you want from this family sedan? If I had the choice, I was ready to sign this out for my next long road trip, and it had Sirius satellite radio to boot.

There are many great choices in the market without a clear-cut favourite that include the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Altima. For a starting price of $24,150, and the Touring cost beginning at $31,090, the 2016 Honda Accord is the reliable and respectable choice of the group, and these refreshing changes certainly provide it a modern touch and a little bit of flair that could potentially separate itself from the rest of the pack.

Big Sky, MT – Throughout the auto industry, there's a certain confusion growing that has blurred the lines between mainstream and luxury. Mainstream automakers have been going against the grain, offering luxury touches at affordable prices. This is turn, has forced luxury automakers to go further providing laser-etched wood and hand stitching to please consumers wanting that little bit more.

For 2016, Ford is jumping into the fray with its all new Ford Explorer large-size three-row SUV. The model has been completely refreshed with a new look and an added engine choice that offers best-in-class fuel economy, but the one thing they really wanted to show off was their new Platinum trim offering.

The Ford Explorer Platinum might be classified in the mainstream division, but there's nothing mainstream about it. The Explorer Platinum utilizes a vision of no compromise and is catered to the consumer who wants it all. Not one option will be found, as everything comes standard. The only decision you're left to make is a choice between bench or bucket seats in the second row.

Showing its enthusiasm for this vehicle and trim, Ford created an epic six-leg journey throughout the Western part of North America. In total, nine cities would be crossed covering 4,406 kilometres with the use of 187 media members. We were separated in waves, and yours truly took the third one that had us fly into Bozeman, Montana.

The journey through America's heartland to the west was a great opportunity to take the full-size SUV on a road trip and explore the beautiful roads of Big Sky Country into Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, before concluding in the affluent town of Jackson. It's a trip that many take each year to discover nature and wildlife, not to mention the mountainous backdrop that is just breathtaking.

As you enter the Platinum, luxury surrounds you with a leather-wrapped interior that has a quilted design panel on the doors, dash and seats. My test vehicle had the new Ebony with Anthracite headliner combination that was pristine with a brushed-aluminum Platinum logo. The seats are plush, but they're complemented well by real ash-wood touches and more shiny aluminum.

Ford made sure to show that this Platinum offering is not just another trim choice by changing the famous blue oval centred on the steering wheel with one that is made out of that same brushed-aluminum. Just above the steering wheel, you'll find another first for Ford as a 10.1-inch digital display with analog components put an exclamation mark on the term 'upscale.'

Now that all the luxury touches were described, it was time to set out with the Explorer. My driving partner and I packed our luggage into the trunk within seconds, thanks to the PowerFold third row. After a few button touches, the third row seats get tucked in to expand trunk space to 43.9 cu. ft. from the 21 cu. ft. of space with all three rows up.

Our starting base was in Big Sky, a tourist attraction for skiing in the winter and fly fishing in the summer. If you've ever seen the movie A River Runs Through It starring Robert Redford, you would know how beautiful the Gallatin River is. As the Explorer crosses by that famous river surrounded by mountains, fly fishers are found flinging their rods to reel in some fish.

The scenery is as peaceful as the ride itself. As much as the luxury touches catch your eye at first, it's the calm and quiet nature of the Explorer Platinum ride that wins you over. Ford has focused on sealing off road noise to allow occupants to rest their arms on those thick arm rests, turn on those massaging front-row seats and enjoy the adventure ahead, the original purpose for the Explorer.

We soaked in plenty of Montana's nature, but we knew it was time to start moving on as we needed to see one of the world's greatest attractions and wonders, Yellowstone National Park. We cranked the industry-first 500-Watt Sony audio system with live acoustics and clear phase technology and booked it on US-191 S, testing out the standard 3.5-litre direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that produces 365 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. The Platinum offered plenty of power when needed, while still maintaining that quiet ride that seamlessly transitioned through its six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The roads were relatively smooth, but when we encountered bumps, not much noise or vibration was heard or felt.

Once we hit the park, it was all about adventure. Within 10 minutes of being in the park, we came across our first obstacle, a 2,000-lb. Bison. The Explorer brakes worked to perfection, and we were literally eye-to-eye with the gargantuan hairy land mammal. It was a sight to see; one that was both amazing and scary.

As the Bison slowly walked off heading into the opposite direction, we parked the Explorer off the road and onto the hilly grass to catch a glimpse of Yellowstone's remarkable geysers. The most incredible of them all is called Old Faithful, due to its predictability. It shoots out hot water and steam every 35-90 minutes, allowing visitors to see one of nature's beauties. Through our many stops, we were thankful that the Platinum had a 180-degree camera with a wash for both ends of the SUV, identical to the one found in the Edge. 

We didn't fully get to test the Explorer's Intelligent four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System, but it's there when needed. Just select what terrain mode you want with the dial below the gear shift. You can choose between Normal, Sand, Snow/Grass, or Mud/Ruts.

The 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum has everything you want in a large, adventurous SUV. Its versatility of performance, luxury and off-roading abilities are hard to match, to go along with fuel economy numbers that have improved. We ended up averaging a respectable 10.0L/100 km on the dot, which isn't too shabby for a large SUV that weighs 4,890 lbs. and can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

As luxurious as it is, it comes with a price tag that's typically attached to entry-level Mercedes and BMWs. But for the one price of $58,599 and a destination and delivery charge of $1,690 – this Platinum edition comes with all the fixins. It's only available in all-wheel drive and will be coming to showrooms this September. If you're not about wanting that label, this Platinum Explorer provides all the luxury and performance you will ever need.

In this episode, we look at the 2016 Lexus RC - Fuel Economy Review + Fuel Costs (RC350 - Automatic). The Lexus RC 350's fuel economy numbers are: 12.6L/100 km in the city, 9.1L/100 km on the highway and 11.0L/100 km combined. We tested it and received 13.8L/100 km.

Closest competitors:

- Cadillac ATS
- Mercedes C350 Coupe
- BMW 435i
- Audi A5/S5

Late last week was a big day for Chevrolet Camaro fans, General Motors and the city of St. Catharines. At the GM Powertrain facility in St. Catharines in front of the many visiting and involved in the 17th annual St. Catharines Show & Shine event, the sixth-generation 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS was revealed for the first time on Canadian soil.

It might not be such a big reveal to those who followed its American reveal in Belle Isle over two months ago, but it truly meant something to the hundreds of Camaro owners in attendance. A reveal is nothing new for us auto journalists, but it's a rarity to do one in front of many of your loyal customers. The owners and visitors in attendance flocked to the svelte and shining red Camaro SS, taking turns to sit inside its leather-filled interior, take a grip of its flat-bottomed steering wheel, and take a glance at the the LT1 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 455 hp and 455 lb.-ft. of torque.

The reveal of the Camaro wasn't the only thing Carlisle was excited to talk about. Earlier that day, General Motors Canada announced a $13-million investment in the St. Catharines Powertrain facility that mostly focuses on V6 and V8 engines, as well as transmissions. The LT1 V8, the most-powerful ever made for the Camaro will soon begin production at the St. Catharines facility.

“We’re proud that GM Canada continues to play an important role in the sixth-generation of the Chevy Camaro, with the LT1 V-8 small-block engine being built right here at St. Catharines Powertrain,” said Steve Carlisle, president and managing director, General Motors of Canada.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will have three engine options including the Ecotec 2.0-litre turbo, a 3.6-litre V6, and the aforementioned 6.2-litre V8. According to General Motors Canada, the 2.0-litre is expected to be the most fuel-efficient engine in a Camaro with a highway rating of 7.8L/100 km. A city or combined rating was not provided.

Away from fuel efficiency, what's impressive is that the base engine can achieve a 0-96 km/h sprint in under six seconds. Regardless of which engine is chosen, consumers will get a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

General Motors will not be resting on the success of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. After showing images of its refreshed Silverado, pictures were released showcasing the new looks of its premium option, the 2016 Sierra in SLT, Denali and All Terrain trim.

In the SLT and Denali versions, the chrome grille really stands out with a bold, aggressive look. It's got a no-nonsense truck appeal with LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights and LED headlights, as well as new LED fog lamps at the bottom of the bumper.

The All Terrain version looks more like the refreshed Silverado with less chrome in the grille allowing the bumper colour to match it. It will have the signature “C-shaped” LED lights to differentiate it from its sibling.

All of the new GMC Sierras will have an updated infotainment system inside with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

All trims have their own unique look, and more information will be released closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of this year, around the same time as the Nissan Titan rolls out.

Ottawa, ON – Floundering in a diminishing segment, Nissan was at a crossroads with the Maxima, it's full-size sedan. The choice was simple: completely change or pull the plug on the second-longest Nissan nameplate, beginning in 1981.

Now in its eighth-generation, Nissan went ahead and launched the 2016 Nissan Maxima in a very lucrative Super Bowl advertisement back in February. Nissan executives wanted to create a luxurious marvel that seems to be more premium than what we are accustomed to, a similar situation to what Nissan has done with its Murano SUV.

To test out the new refined showpiece of Nissan, they invited a number of journalists to Ottawa for a drive up to the Quebec Laurentians, and back. It was a great opportunity to not only feel the comfort of what Nissan is calling a jet fighter-styled cockpit interior, but also the power behind this so-called “sports sedan.”

Nissan simplified the buying process by only offering up four trim levels with no options. The base SV starts at $35,900, more than $2K less than the previous starting price; the second-tier SL at 38,950; the sports-tuned SR at  $41,100; and finally, the Platinum edition that tops out at $43,300.

It's a system that's less complicated at the dealership level, but customers might have a hard time deciding what's more appropriate for their lifestyle. The two trims on hand for the drive were the SR and Platinum, and after a day with them, I still can't figure out which I prefer.

On one hand, the range-topping Platinum is decked out with a panoramic moonroof, wood-tone finishes, an around-view monitor and power tilt/telescope steering. That all sounds great, but then you go to the SR and its sporting 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a sports-tuned suspension with some features that include Active Ride Control, Active Trace Control and Active Engine Brake.

A big drawback for the SR is not being able to have it with that panoramic moonroof – it just couldn't be done for lower body rigidity of the vehicle. So instead, you're left with a decision.

One decision that doesn't have to be made is with the engine. All Maximas come with an updated 3.5-litre V6 that not only improves on power from 290 hp to 300, but betters its fuel economy numbers to beat out other like-minded V6s in the premium large sedan category, as well as some in the mid-size sedan range. On our drive, the Maxima managed both in both trims an 8.5L/100 km with plenty of power surges to see what's really under that hood.

Also new in the Maxima is a refined Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) that's been fine-tuned to have a wider gear ratio range that can get aggressive when pushed. I did find their to be a little lag after acceleration contact, but it's miles beyond what we used to think of CVTs.

The drive through the twisty Laurentians areas was a perfect spot to test out the handling of this large sports sedan. The most notable thing about the drive was how quiet it was. Only when that accelerator got pressed down to pass a few slow moving vehicles and trucks when two-lanes turned to one, the Maxima lit up and loudly CVT'd its way passed them. Otherwise, the journey was consistently relaxed and smooth, aided by the updated version of Nissan's NASA-inspired zero-gravity seats.

The interesting thing about the new Maxima is given its large dimensions, its width is not noticeable while driving. It seems less like a full-size, as in the Hyundai Genesis, and more like its sibling, the Altima. I'm not sure whether it's the sleek silhouette design that makes the Maxima feel smaller or the lightweight feel (the Maxima dropped 82 lbs., giving it an excellent power-to-weight ratio), but it was evident and that's a big check mark for me.

The two drive modes offered are: Normal and Sport, so naturally we tested both out. Normal mode added an extra layer of comfort and smoothness in the Platinum trim, especially over some rough chopped up areas around Quebec; while the SR felt more suitable in Sport mode with quicker response times and better cornering stability. Road feel was always present allowing you to manage the steering with crisp and accurate responses.

As smooth as the drive is, so is the design. Nissan turned this sedan from just another number option in its portfolio into a star. The V-motion grille might seem a bit large and more suitable for a larger vehicle, but the signature boomerang LED headlights supply it with a lot of character. The silhouette gets a sleeked-back cool look with a blacked-out A-Pillar and aggressive lines going across its body into its rear, where it takes on a more muscular backside.

Inside, the all-new Maxima shines with soft comfortable leather that's elevated with authentic contrast stitching on the dash, seats, door panels, you name it. The craftsmanship feels luxurious and more in-line with the Infiniti brand than Nissan.

A Nissan-first is a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel that's steals the show. It's thick and handy with plenty of buttons to toggle between the radio stations, making a phone call, or figuring out your fuel economy numbers. If you don't like to use your steering wheel for controls, don't worry, you have a eight-inch colour touchscreen or a display commander rotating dial behind the gearshift. A little redundant, and not necessary, but I gather they're trying to accommodate all preferences.

I had a chance to sit in the back, and there's enough leg room for Dikembe Mutombo to relax in and not have to wag his finger. Headroom can be an issue for the taller individual, mainly due to the sloping silhouette, but if you're under 6'2”, there should be no trouble at all. The trunk is spacious, but it doesn't compare to some of its competitors.

Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima a sports sedan? The quick answer is no, but it's a well-designed full-size sedan that's focused on style and performance. The new iteration is light years ahead of the old, and it comes with many standard luxuries, such as heated seats and steering wheel, navigation, a rear view camera and advanced safety technologies that many other premium offerings don't have.

At $35K, the Maxima seems like a perfect choice, but the sales side can get murky, as we reach the $40K-43K mark. Many consumers in that range want to see a distinguished badge, and I'm not sure the Nissan one is what they want. If you take away the desire for status and take this Maxima out for a test drive, you will be pleasantly surprised not only by its exquisite styling, but also by its opulent cockpit.

The Nissan Maxima is currently on sale at dealerships across Canada.