Convenience Comes Standard!

Convenience is something we all look for in a vehicle and now, Buick has taken this one step further with standard connectivity! The ability to stay connected, while exercising safety and following the rules of the road, has become a desired and sometimes costly feature in a vehicle. Well, we have exciting news to share with you, as Buick makes the announcement that all 2015 models will have standard hands-free connectivity with Apple Siri Eyes Free and text message alerts. Additionally, most 2015 models will also include a built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot, powered by OnStar with 4G LTE, a feature that will be standard next year on all 2016 models.

2014-buick-homepage-masthead-image-1920x1153

Using the Buick IntelliLink system, drivers are able to experience the convenience of a text message alert feature with a Bluetooth profile (M.A.P), which reads incoming texts through the vehicle’s speakers.  The Siri Eyes Free feature works with iPhone 4s or later and must operate with iOS 6 or later.  Whether you want to place a call, find directions, music, or hear and compose text messages, Siri is your go to vehicle companion for connectivity and peace of mind.

Available on the Buick LaCrosse, Verano, Regal and Encore for the 2015 model year, OnStar’s 4G LTE with built in Wi-Fi creates a mobile hub for passengers.  The hotspot is accessible whenever the vehicle is on or in accessory mode.  Owners are provided with a 3 Month/3GB data trial with the option to purchase additional data plans later.

If you would like more information on the Buick line-up, please call Queenston on the Mountain at 905-528-7001 or visit us online at http://www.queenstononthemountain.com

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel UPDATE

The wait will soon be over – the new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD (Diesel) is said to be in Canadian Dealerships by as early as this summer. This new Cruze has an estimated range of 700 highway miles on one tank of diesel fuel, which is roughly equivalent to 10 hours of highway driving.

Chevrolet logocruze TD

With a starting price of $26,495 including freight, this new Cruze has a better value ($510 lower) than its competitor – the comparably equipped 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic.

Offered in one trim level, the Cruze 2TD offers some excellent standard features.

Interior product highlights include:

Heated leather seats with 6 way power driver seat
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Cruise control
USB port & Bluetooth for phone
Remote start, MyLink & rear view camera

Exterior product highlights include:

Unique 17-inch alloy wheels
Standard rear spoiler
Diesel badging

Mechanical Product highlights include:

2.0L Turbo Diesel – engine built in Europe
148 hp and 25lb-ft. torque
Z-link rear suspension from the RS
4-wheel disc brakes
DEF system

Surpassing its competitors, the Cruze Diesel has an estimated 148 horsepower and can go 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds, which is better than the Volkswagen TDI automatic.   Powered by the cleanest diesel passenger engine GM has ever produced, this car generates 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide and particulate emissions then past generations.

For more news and updates on the Cruze 2TD and other General Motors vehicles, please visit Hamilton Auto Blog and queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Chevrolet Canada, GM Canada

2013 Chevrolet Spark

The Spark is so action packed; you would never know it is the first mini-car from Chevrolet!  Aside from the eccentric colour pallet – Jalapeno, Salsa Red, Denim, Techno Pink and Lemonade – Chevy’s new vehicle has been coined as a “small engine in the big city”. The 1.2L, 4 cylinder engine with variable valve timing allows the Spark to run more efficiently by conserving fuel.  Another fantastic feature is the Hill Start Assist, which keeps the brake engaged while your foot switches from the brake to the gas pedal on inclines.   

This 5 door, 4 passenger mini car is easy to park and so much fun, you will be offering to drive your friends everywhere! Although the Spark is small, it is surprisingly roomy and high volume for its size.  With the 7 inch Chevrolet MyLink display screen, you have everything at your fingertips. MyLink allows you to get directions, take phone calls, watch movies and listen to your favourite music. This car has so much to offer, it is without a doubt an attractive option for anyone who is in the market for a small, economy minded car.

If you are interested in the Spark or any of the vehicles in our award winning Chevrolet line-up, please visit us at http://www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: GM Canada

Distracted Driving: How you can prevent it!

We all know that distracted driving is dangerous, but are we aware how dangerous it truly is?  Ontarians have now had a couple years to get used to the “new” law, banning hand held devices while driving, yet we continually see people texting, using their mp3 players, GPS units and the like.  The law, which was put in place on October 26, 2009, makes it illegal for drivers to talk, dial, email or text using hand held devices.  Additionally, it prohibits drivers from viewing display screens that are not related to operation of the vehicle.

Do you know your crash odds?
People texting while driving are 23 times more likely.
People talking on a cell while driving are 4 to 5 times more likely.
People who read while driving are 3 times more likely.
Individuals applying makeup while operating a vehicle are 3 times more likely.
Individuals reaching for a moving object while driving makes you 9 times more likely.
Dialing on a mobile device makes you 3 times more likely.

What is alarming given these statistics is how many people don’t take this offence seriously.  According to a study completed at the University of Utah, distraction caused by cell phones or mobile devices delay someone’s reaction time the same as an individual driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08.  Furthermore, driver distraction is a factor in about 4 million motor vehicle accidents in North America each year.

In recent years we have seen a great improvement with in vehicle technology. Most new vehicles are now equipped with devices such as; Bluetooth, OnStar and HondaLink.  These are all programs that can help drivers embrace the new distracted driving laws. There are also new smartphone applications that have been made available to drivers.  One such app is called “Text Ya Later,” (Android only) which allows you to create a message letting others know that you are driving and will text them later.  This message can be set so that it is automatically delivered when activated.  Another application, more suited to parents, is “Mobile Tattletale”. (For a list of supported devices, click here)  When installed on a mobile device and the driver is moving, Tattletale will generate a warning message to the parent’s phone, giving them the ability to temporarily disable their child’s mobile device until the vehicle has come to a stop.  Keep in mind that while these new technologies are helpful, for your safety and those around you, it is best to keep your eyes on the road and save the distractions for later.

If you are interested in purchasing a new vehicle or would like more information on OnStar or HondaLink, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com and www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit:

CAA http://distracteddriving.caa.ca/education/index.php
MTO http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/index
Ontario Provincial Police http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=545
go.drive www.godrivemag.com
http://mobiletattletale.com/supported-devices