2016 Chevrolet Camaro and 2016 Honda Accord make Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars List

Car and Driver has released their exciting list of 10 Best Cars for 2016 and it’s an impressive lineup.  Every year, Car and Driver enters a weeklong evaluation, looking for these new and improved vehicle virtues: value and engagement, performance and poise, sights and sounds, soul and character.

“It’s our job to unearth gems. Cars on the 10 Best list should have your neighbors asking questions, sometimes relating to your sanity. Issues of personal taste, social conformity, and other base impulses rarely factor in.”, says Eddie Alterman, editor at Car and Driver.

For us at Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC and Image Honda, it’s exciting to see two of our models appear on this prestigious list.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro – “A Corvette with a back seat”, J. Gall

chevrolet-camaro-2016-10best-cars-feature-car-and-driver-photo-663657-s-original

The Camaro’s Highs: Uncommonly precise chassis, stonking performance, spectacular seats and steering wheel.

For the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro’s full review, click here.

 

2016 Honda Accord – “Someone who cares obviously headed development”, D. Sherman

2016-honda-accord-coupe-v-6-manual-test-review-car-and-driver-photo-662252-s-original

The Accord’s Highs: Peerless powertrain, roomy interior, subtle good looks.

For the 2016 Honda Accord’s full review, click here.

 

 

Visit us at www.queenstononthemountain for our full lineup of Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models and at www.imagehonda.com to view our exciting Honda cars, trucks, vans and SUVs.

 

Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2016-10best-cars-the-winners-features-photos-and-more-feature

Trailer and Towing Safety!

Whether it’s towing your boat to the cottage or beach, heading on a camping adventure or just everyday fun, your vehicle plays an important role in summer activities!  When partaking in such, it is not uncommon to use a trailer for towing.  However, as many of us can surely attest, people often tow things in an unsafe manner.  The picture below is a clear example of what NOT to do!

After witnessing the above, we felt it important to share some tips on towing and trailering to keep you and others safe on the road.  First and foremost, it is important that you know your vehicle’s towing capacity.  Exceeding this capacity can not only cause damage to your vehicle, but can seriously endanger others on the road.  Each vehicle has a different capacity, so keep in mind that what you are able to tow with one of your vehicles may not be the same on another.  If you are unsure, such information is provided in your owner’s manual.

If your current vehicle is not equipped with towing capabilities, be aware that most GM and Honda trucks, SUV’s and crossovers have the option for a factory-installed trailering package.  If you are interested in more information on such products or installation, please contact our one of our three dealerships: Queenston Chevrolet, Queenston on the Mountain or Image Honda.

Towing Safety Tips:

  • Ensure that your vehicle can withstand your trailers capacity.
  • Make sure you have thoroughly inspected your trailer tires, brakes and hitch and ensure they are in working order before hitting the road.
  • DON’T overload your trailer and always make sure that the weight is balanced out.
  • If you have loose items, make sure that they are securely fastened or covered to prevent them from moving.  Accessories such as cargo nets and other products are available for purchase from our parts departments.
  • Keep a safe distance when travelling behind other vehicles.  The additional weight of the trailer will make it harder to stop.
  • Always adjust your mirrors so you can see the traffic behind you.

Please keep these safety tips in mind for your benefit and others on the road.  If you have any questions concerning your vehicles towing capacity or are interested in installing a trailering package on your vehicle, please contact us at any of our three locations and we will be happy to assist you!

By: Amy Cochren

Image Honda

Queenston on the Mountain

Queenston Chevrolet on Centennial

The Chevrolet Hockey Helmet Program Is Back At Queenston!

Safe and Fun Hockey 2013

The Chevrolet Hockey Helmet Program is back in conjunction with Chevrolet’s Safe & Fun Hockey.  This program was created in 1999 for today’s youth to adopt proactive attitudes toward safety, as well as foster a healthy and positive attitude toward “competition, teamwork, fair game and grace under pressure” in hockey.

Through an ongoing partnership with Hockey Canada, in the last 2 years, Chevrolet handed out over 25,000 free hockey helmets to parents of 5 year olds in Canada.  This year, all players born in 2008 who register with Hockey Canada are eligible to receive a free Bauer Hockey Helmet.  It is important to note that parents must register their child to receive this offer.  coaches, managers or other team officials may not do so.  What is required?

  • A printout of the registration form; click here to register
  • Your child’s birth certificate/passport or other provincial/federal documentation that states his/her age.
  • Proof of registration with a Canadian Minor Hockey Association in this current hockey season.

If you meet the above requirements, all you have to do is drop by one of our two dealerships’ Queenston on the Mountain or Queenston on Centennial.  Present us with the appropriate documents for verification purposes and we will present you with a voucher to redeem for your child’s helmet at your local Forzani store (SportChek, Sport Mart, Hockey Experts, Intersport or Sports Experts).  In your package, you will also receive information and hockey-related items from Chevrolet Safe and Fun Hockey, Hockey Canada, Forzani and Bauer.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this outstanding program from Chevrolet, please contact us by visiting our webpage http://www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit:
Chevrolet Safe & Fun Hockey http://www.safeandfunhockey.ca/en/helmet

5 Star Safety Score For The 2014 Chevrolet Impala

Last month, we were excited to announce that General Motors topped the list for the 2013 J.D. Power Awards with Chevrolet and GMC being the only non-luxury brands to rank in the top 5.  Well, it’s another first for Chevrolet with the redesigned 2014 Impala receiving a five-star safety score.  This score is the highest possible five-star overall vehicle score for safety, as part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.2014impala

So what makes the Impala so outstanding?  Well, it offers a variety of safety features that are attributed to this ranking.  The Collision Mitigation Braking allows for radar technology to sense traffic in front of the vehicle to adjust the vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in traffic and accelerating again after.  This is the first time that such a feature has been offered in a Chevrolet.  Some additional features include: forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines, ultrasonic rear park assist, brake pre-fill feature, hill hold/start assist and full-speed-range-adaptive cruise control.  The 2014 Impala’s also come with 10 standard airbags and OnStar, providing you with an additional sense of comfort.  OnStar’s GPS and cellular phone technology will automatically call for help in case of a crash.

Gay Kent, GM general director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness had the following to say. “Safety is a key consideration for all car buyers, and Impala sets a new benchmark for Chevrolet’s flagship sedan.  The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is designed to provide excellent crash safety, and offers customers several safety technologies not previously available in Chevrolet.”

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the 2014 Impala for yourself, we welcome you to either of our Chevrolet dealerships: Queenston on Centennial or Queenston on the Mountain.  Come and take a test drive today in the award winning Impala and see exactly what it has to offer.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Chevrolet Canada, GM Canada

J.D. Power Awards Honda of Canada Mfg.

We have more good news resulting from the 2013 J.D. Power Awards.  Honda of Canada Mfg. Plant in Alliston, Ontario has been awarded the bronze plant ranking for North/South America in the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey. Not only has the plant been recognized individually, but the Honda Civic, Canada’s best-selling vehicle for the last 15 years won for initial quality in the compact car category.  Honda CR-V and Ridgeline also placed first in their categories for initial quality.

Betty Jones, Quality Division Manager for Honda of Canada Mfg was quoted the following: “These results are validation of the dedication of our Associates…our Associates work exceptionally hard to produce the best possible quality for our customers, so it is encouraging to see those efforts reflected in this year’s results.  We are particularly thrilled to see Civic win its category because the 2013 Civic has some significant changes from its predecessor.”

This annual survey, now in its 27th year, closely measures the number of problems on 2013 vehicles reported after 90 days from purchase and ran from February to May of this year.   This survey had many updates, including more consumer feedback with particular focus to newer technologies such as: lane departure warning, navigation and voice activated systems.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada, autos.jdpower.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

HondaLink iOS Update

An update to the iOS app is now available to all Honda Customers using HondaLink.  The affected vehicles include: 2013 Accord Sedan, 2013 Accord Coupe and the 2013 Crosstour.

The update to HondaLink is currently available if you visit the Apple App Store.  This upgrade will provide many improvements such as:

  • Bluetooth and USB dual connectivity issues
  • Apps crashing while music is playing through the “Aha” audio source
  • Improved overall navigation and performance
  • Searching for and adding stations has been simplified
  • App crashing when phone’s OS is set to a language other than English or French
  • Added a “play/pause” button on the station list.

If you are currently using HondaLink, we strongly recommend you complete the upgrade.  Additionally, if you have any questions or would like help completing it, please stop in at Image Honda anytime – we would be happy to help!

Credit: Honda Canada

Chevrolet unveils the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

When the 2014 Corvette Stingray was unveiled earlier this year at the Detroit Auto show, we were all left wondering – What about the convertible Stingray? When will it make its’ debut?

Our minds were put to rest today as the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show.Stingray Convertible 1

The convertible Corvette Stingray comes with almost everything you would find on the coupe version. The only notable changes are limited to accommodating the folding fabric top and repositioned seatbelts. Unlike other convertibles, the top can be dropped at speeds of up to 50km/hour. The key fob can also be used to raise or lower the top remotely.Stingray Convertible 2

“The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953,” said Ed Welburn, General Motors  Vice President of global design. “With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously. As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.”Stingray Convertible 3

If the Stingray Corvette wasn’t enough already, the convertible takes it another step higher.  We can’t wait to see it out on the open road.

 

Source: GM

The 2013 Honda Accord named Canadian Car of the Year

Earlier this morning at the opening of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the winner of the Canadian Car of the Year was awarded by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The top honour went to none other than the 2013 Honda Accord sedan, and deservedly so. The Honda Accord beat out the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT and the 2013 Porsche Boxster.7964949

AJAC’s annual test in October had about 80 leading auto journalists from across Canada gathered to test drive and evaluate over one hundred 2013 vehicles.

“We are extremely proud to see the Accord recognized by so many of Canada’s top journalists as Canadian Car of the Year and we thank AJAC for this great honour,” said Takashi Sekiguchi, President and CEO, Honda Canada who was there to accept the award. “The Accord is one of our most important vehicles, so we’re thrilled to receive the great feedback that we’re continuing to raise the bar in the family car category.”image

Congratulations to Honda Canada and Honda worldwide for this great achievement. For anyone who hasn’t had a chance to take a 2013 Honda Accord out on the road, it is definitely one to put on your list.

For more information on booking a test drive, any additional information and videos on the 2013 Honda Accord be sure to visit our Image Honda YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/imagehonda and our main page at http://www.imagehonda.com

By Nerissa Mohamed

Source: Canada Newswire

Chevrolet Youth Concepts Canadian Debut

Making their introduction at last year’s 2012 North American International Auto Show, were the Chevrolet Youth Concepts – Tru 140S and Code 130R. Designed by Nicholas David and Joe Baker at GM North Hollywood Design, these concepts were based on input from people in the United States under the age of 30, regarding what features and styling they would like to see in their vehicle.

Over the last year, GM gathered feedback from close to 16,000 interested individuals and a similar consensus will be conducted throughout the 2013 Canadian Auto Shows, as well as, a pole that is to be conducted on the Chevrolet Canada Facebook Page.

Tru 140S is a front wheel-drive, 4-seated Coupe that was designed to be attractive, yet affordable.  Because it is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt, it leaves the car open to the possibility of designing one with electric range technology.

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The Code 130R takes a different approach to its styling, offering a boxier appearance.  This 4-seated coupe is rear wheel-drive and resembles the Camaro.

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Both the Tru 140S and Code 130R will be making their Canadian debut at the Montreal International Auto Show, which started on Friday and will run through to the 27th of January.  GM Canada has yet to announce whether the Youth Concepts will be making an appearance at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto running February 15-24th.  If you would like more information on these vehicles and the upcoming Auto Show in Toronto – please follow us at Hamilton Auto Blog and AutoHwy.com for the latest updates.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: GM Canada