WomanOnWheels.ca

HID headlights: They're a gas!

Those ultra-bright headlights that you see on some cars are high-intensity discharge, or HID. Instead of a filament, they use a gas, most commonly xenon. And if they're also your high-beams, there's a neat trick to them. Find out all about it in my Driving Force column in Metro by clicking here.

Redline: What it is, and why it matters

It's not as much of an issue as it used to be, since cars today keep an eye on the tach and shut down the throttle if you get too close to that dangerous red line. What's redline, and why is it important? Read all about it in my Driving Force column in Metro by clicking here.

2012 Honda Insight: Fuel-efficient, but not much else ...

The Honda Insight was the first hybrid to reach our shores, more than a decade ago. The company recently resurrected the name on a compact sedan and sent it out to do battle with other gasoline-electric models on the market, but unfortunately, it comes up short. Find out why in my Sympatico Autos review by clicking here.

2012 Honda Civic: Not as all-new as promised

The Honda Civic was redesigned into its ninth generation for 2012, but there really doesn't seem to be that much of a difference. It's still a pleasant enough driver, but I really did expect a bit more from something that's supposed to be "all-new." Read about it in the Toronto Star by clicking here.

So where is your Japanese car made? How about in China?

The Automobile Protection Association, a Canadian consumer advocate group, sent its representatives to the Montreal Auto Show to take in the sights.

Once away from the concept cars and all-new-model reveals, one headed over to Honda's booth and took a closer look at the 2012 Fit ... and found a VIN tag that indicated it was made in China. It seems the strong Yen has made it difficult for companies to build entry-level vehicles in Japan and then sell them at a reasonable price over here. What else to do but outsource, it seems? Check out the APA's blog for a better look by clicking here.

Options: The automaker's dilemma

Customers want options, but what ones? Keeping up with customer preferences - and the speed with which electronics change - can be quite an issue for automakers. I asked Honda about it; you can read the answer in my Driving Force column in Metro by clicking here.

Honda LEEDs with environmental design

The company has a new head office in Ontario, built to the environmental standards of LEED. I got a tour of the place recently and wrote about it in my Driving Force column in Metro, which you can find by by clicking here.

A look at Honda's CR-Z Hybrid

Here's a look at the CR-Z, Honda's new hybrid coupe, which is a lot more fun to drive than I would have expected. Read all about it in Autos.ca by clicking here.

A road trip in a Honda CR-Z

My neighbor asked if I wanted to go shopping in Picton, a lovely area near Belleville, Ontario. Does a bear you-know-what in the woods? So I fired up the 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid that I was test-driving for the week and out we went. You can read all about our adventures in the Toronto Star by clicking here.

Is Salvador Dali working for Honda?

Honda has released pictures of the redesigned 2012 Civic, and here's one of the dash. I suppose it all makes sense when you're sitting behind the wheel, but I can't help thinking that someone left the plastic model out in the sun too long ...

In review: 2010 Honda Crosstour

In today's Toronto Star, I have a review of the Honda Accord Crosstour, which you can find by clicking here.

It's all in the numbers ...

This is Scott Niedermayer, captain of the Anaheim Ducks hockey team, with his new Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. He has just become the first professional athlete to lease one of the zero-emission vehicles.

According to Honda's press release, Neidermayer is a perfect fit for the vehicle because he's an environmentalist. He seeks a "greener lifestyle" that includes adding insulation around his house, and installing a radiant barrier on the roof to conserve energy. He carpools to hockey games with his fellow teammates, and promotes a recycling program in the dressing room.

Oh, and he has four children.

'Nuff said.

In review: Honda Fit

On Canadian Driver, I have a review of the 2009 Honda Fit, which you can find by clicking here.

Confused about hybrids? Here's some help ...

Last week I was in Vancouver with Toyota, where part of the event involved a comparison of the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid. My Toronto Star story, which dealt with the confusion buyers have about hybrids, can be found by clicking here.

In review: 2009 Honda Accord

  On today's Canadian Driver, I have a review of the four-cylinder Honda Accord. You can find it by clicking here.

Showdown: Prius versus Insight

  On todays' Canadian Driver, I have a story outlining the differences between the upcoming 2010 Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. You can find it by clicking here. 

                                                

EnerGuide: The top fuel-efficiency winners

  Each year, EnerGuide announces the most fuel-efficient vehicles in each of its categories. The Toronto Star published a special "Green Wheels" edition today and had me do a mini-review of each of the winners (the Prius is a full review). You can find the page by clicking here; the reviews are found by clicking on the links in the blue sidebar to the right on the page.