“One important way we can build an environmentally sustainable society is by making transportation choices that have a lower impact on the planet, and that includes greener cars.” This powerful statement was made by David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada, who presented the second annual 2014 Canadian Green Car Award to Honda Canada in the Hybrid Category this year!
The Canadian Green Car Award acknowledges vehicles that are commonly available in Canada that possess strong environmental qualities, combined with style and appeal. This, along with objective criteria such as fuel economy, emissions and price, has an impact on who is the winner. The award is voted on by a panel of 19 reputable automotive journalists from around the country who participate in extensive testing and assessments. This award was one of 5 other category winners and was presented during the three-day Green Living Show.
If you are interested in the 2014 Accord Hybrid or any of our award winning vehicles, visit us at www.imagehonda.com or in store at 155 Centennial Pkwy North, Hamilton, ON today!
It’s a new year and a new start. You’ve probably already made your own New Year’s resolutions, but what about when it comes to your car? This year, let’s resolve to take better care of our vehicle and be a more conscientious car owner.
I resolve to use rubber mats seasonally to protect my car
Rubber floor mats protect your interior from dirt, water, mud, and more. At Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC and Image Honda, we sell mats that are custom fit to your vehicle. These floor mats not only provide you with the satisfaction of having OEM quality protection, but you won’t have to worry about them slipping underneath your pedals, which can be a serious safety risk.
I resolve to invest in seasonal tires
Sliding, slipping, zero traction….the list goes on. Winter tires are critical, especially with our Ontario winters. Not only are they a good investment that give you added safety and peace of mind, but they save you wear and tear on your all-season tires. Swapping them out twice a year gives you added life on your wheels!
I resolve to schedule regular maintenance appointments
Our certified technicians at Image Honda and Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC are trained to know your vehicle inside and out and are able to spot things that you might otherwise have missed. Bringing your car in at least twice a year for regular checkups and preventative maintenance may cost you in the short term, but will save you in repair costs and increase your resale value.
I resolve to check for fluid leaks at least once a month.
This is always a good idea and one of the easiest things to check for. We recommend taking a pizza box and placing it under your car for the night – in the morning, bring the box into the dealership and show us your art work. We will be able to tell what is leaking based on the colour and where it dripped on the box.
I resolve to be a more fuel efficient driver
This year, don’t use the old excuse that your vehicle isn’t fuel efficient! True, it may not be the best on gas, but there are always ways to improve your fuel efficiency. Watching your speed, maintaining your vehicle, carpooling with people co-workers are all easy ways to save on fuel costs.
I resolve to kick my idling habit
There really is no reason to leave your car idling – it is bad for the environment, increases your gas consumption and will cost you extra money each year.
I resolve to wash and keep my car clean.
I make this resolution almost every time I clean out my car. Not only will cleaning your car make it look better, but it will extend the life of your car, protect the paint and increase its resale value.
I resolve to be a more patient driver,
Most importantly, don’t rush! Leave plenty of time if you need to be somewhere at a specific time. If you are running late, evaluate the circumstance – will you really be that late if you don’t make the green light?
I resolve to learn new driving skills
No one is a perfect driver and there are certainly driving skills we can all work on. Perhaps, you want to learn how to back into a spot or even parallel park. Whatever it is, work on it – you’ll be glad you did.
I resolve to check my tire pressure and tread regularly
Last Thursday, husband and wife team Garry Sowerby and Lisa Calvi embarked on a challenge some might call crazy. Over the course of 10 days, they will venture on a cross Canada Journey from Vancouver to Halifax on the Trans-Canada Highway in an attempt to set the record for lowest fuel consumption. “We want to set a record that will be difficult for someone else to beat within the same parameters”, said Lisa Calvi.
Sp why did this couple choose to drive the all-new 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel? The answer is simple! It is better than any non-hybrid passenger car in Canada, so what better car to help them break the record. The Cruze diesel offers a segment leading 151 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft torque. Additionally, it comes with a sex speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery 17 inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and more. the starting price of the Cruze Diesel is only $24,945. Even with the $1550 destination charge, the Cruze Diesel is a better value than the comparable Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic.
This current record for lowest fuel consumption was set last year by Volkswagen and Shell with a consumption of 5.59L/100km when they used a 2012 VW Passat with a gasoline engine. this year, with the Cruze Diesel, Garry and Lisa are hoping to have a highway fuel consumption rating somewhere in the four-point something litre per 100km range.
In order to achieve this, the adventurous couple will face a few challenges along the way such; maintaining the speed limits, finding the shortest route possible and having very little time for food, stops and accomodations.
If you would like to follow their journey, visit their blog at driving.ca or keep reading Hamilton Auto Blog for the latest up to date information on all things Chevrolet. If you are interested in purchasing the Cruze Diesel or any other vehicles in our award winning line-up please visit us at http://www.queenstonchev.com.
New to Canada this year is the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Trax. Unavailable in the United States, the Trax is Chevy’s first entry into the small SUV class. This vehicle has the flexibility of a small car, while offering you the feel and practicality of an SUV. Marc Comeau, Vice President of Sales, Service & Marketing for Chevrolet Canada, described the Trax as a vehicle “building on Chevrolet’s long tradition of offering dependable and capable SUVs and crossovers. Trax delivers modern styling, versatility and efficiency, while offering car-like handling and all-wheel drive.”
Operating with the same engine as the Chevrolet Cruze, the Trax drives on a 1.4 litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine with an output of 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The three trim levels available are: the LS, which come with standard front-wheel drive and 6 speed manual transmission; and the LT & LTZ models that come in a 6 speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive option.
The innovative Chevrolet MyLink is standard on the 2LT and LTZ models, and is available as an option in the LS model. MyLink is an in-vehicle connectivity system that provides audio streaming for your devices, as well as wireless control of your smartphone.
Catering to passenger comfort, the Trax provides 60/40 fold down seats. The front passenger seat can also be folded flat providing you with up to 8 seating arrangements. There are also numerous areas for storage and 6 cup holders made accessible for your passengers on those long car trips.
The Chevrolet Trax is set to arrive at Queenston before the New Year. If you are interested in this vehicle or any other vehicles in our award winning Chevrolet line-up, please visit us at www.queenstonchev.com
