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.

C

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.

code130r

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

The Chevrolet Volt At Queenston!

If you are considering an electric vehicle, the Volt is the car for you! Come in to one of our 2 Dealerships and test drive the Volt today! www.queenstonchev.com

P.S. Did you know that electric vehicle owners in Ontario are eligible for a Government incentive ranging from $5000 to $8500?  If you were would like more information, Click here!  If you already own an electric vehicle, stop by our free charging stations at  Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial.