Rudi’s Suzuki Aerio (technically)

A winter beater is the only way you can save from driving your baby during the harsh winter months. Anything with four wheels that drives. It doesn’t have to have A/C or power windows. I’ve never been lucky enough, or financially stable enough to afford two vehicles so in the three years of owning Blu, I’ve had to drive her every winter.

This will be the first year of owning my car that I haven’t driven it during the winter. I managed to park her before the snow fell and with the way my funds are being allocated I may not have her ready by the time spring weather rolls around.

I’d like to introduce “my” winter beater. A Suzuki Aerio. The ultimate driving machine with a blazing fast 2 litre engine. This amazing piece of machinery has gotten me from point A to B all the way down to G, back up to F and I’m almost to P without fail. Yes, she has some kinks. No 50 Shades fans, keep it in your pants. First of all, it’s a hatchback. Super convenient rear door to load in larger items or whathaveyou. Would be nice if said hatch opened…. ಠ_ಠ

Now, four doors means more doors right? I think that’s how the saying goes… Have you ever been driving with that group of friends and the guy that no one really likes in the group decides to invite himself to your bro lunch date? With this black stallion of the automotive industry, put him on the passenger side and make him sit in the back. I don’t think this is a feature most models share, but the best part is while your other two passengers can get in without hassle, unless someone pulls the lock knob thingy up from inside, that door isn’t opening for anyone.

Inside you’re greeted with the highest quality cloth seats, plastic dash and head unit that only features the wonders of radio. Who actually listens to CD’s anymore anyways right? It would only be a waste to put a CD player in the car. Now what about a cassette player? NO. Welcome to the 21st century.

Needless to say, this thing is a beast. Front wheel drive means less distance between the engine and the drive wheels which means more POWER! (kidding)

Plus the foot worth of suspension travel means no obstacle can hold you back. All your friends have trucks and go 4x4ing every weekend? The Aerio will keep up to those lifted hunks of junk no problem.

Mud?

Easy.

Snow?

Clearly not a problem. Look at that flex!

In all seriousness, this little guy has treated me well over the past few months. While Blu is out for repair I’ve been lent this little trooper. It has taken everything that Winnipeg can throw at it. It starts in -30 temperatures, it takes $40 to fill, and it can flex its little heart out. When Blu is back I can safely say I’m going to miss this little guy.

Chaves’ Subaru WRX

This week is a throwback to last year. New Years Eve I got the chance to shoot a first generation Subaru WRX. Owned by a good friend this car has been around the block quite a few times.

It’s past owner used to autocross the car and nicknamed it the “cone catcher.” This car has seen a lot of action and unfortunately it wears those scars in the form of a broken front lip and some missing pieces here and there.

“I love the sound, the JDM look, the rally lights the boxy look, the way she slides and the power,” Chavez said.

“I love making heads as my straight pipe blare down the streets, it’s just adrenaline rush to me. It’s like the a new car parts you bought and you can’t wait to put it on, you’re just all smiles.”

I’m a huge fan of this car for many reasons as well. The engines can take a beating and still put out power. The front end is aggressive, like its glaring down on you. It’s especially noticeable when you’re being followed by one. Chaves’ in particular features a massive four-inch straight pipe exhaust so no matter what, you’ll always hear him coming.

When I’m drifting or even just taking a cruise and rolling through the gears, it just feels like no other car. It’s just a great feeling.”

Next week I’ll have another Volkswagen to review. I want to try and get into some trucks while there’s some snow on the ground so if anyone is willing to go on a photoshoot with me leave a comment.

2015 Volkswagen Beetle.

This week I found myself behind the wheel of a brand new 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The new generation of Beetle definitely looks better than the one that came before it. It looks a whole lot less bubbly, definitely something I could see more people being interested in.

The Beetle I got to drive was a 2015 Sportline with the 2.0 litre, turbo engine, and the 6-speed auto-shift manual. The boost is noticeable and gives a nice kick when accelerating off the line and the suspension seems to respond well in tight cornering and responsiveness. The interior is bright and classy with accent lights around the door speakers and bright gauges. The steering wheel is soft and comfortable with all the controls you could possibly want within arms reach.

If there’s anything the new Beetle has going for it is the styling. The way the back hatch falls to the bumper mimics the styling of the classic Beetle. A huge improvement over the last design that seemed to be the dream car of every teenage girl learning how to drive.

In the showroom is the Comfortline version, featuring a 1.8 litre engine and some slightly different interior features. The projector headlights give a great modern look to this classic icon, the best of the new with the same classic styling. Some of the differences from the Sportline to the Comfortline include color matched trim pieces around the steering wheel, and along the dashboard. The Sportline definitely feels like an edgier version of the Beetle with leather interior and a pod of gauges above the navigation system. The Comfortline feels roomy and more at home, not in a bad way, Volkswagen still included plenty of awesome details in the center console, gauge cluster, and other trim pieces.

I would have loved more time with this Beetle to get a good idea of how it drives, but for the time I got I’m impressed. I never thought I’d see the day when I enjoyed driving a Beetle. Everything from the look to the power, to the atmosphere inside the car. Everything about it makes me want to take a second look. The Comfortline starts at $30,488 and the Sportline at $35,018 so they may be a little outside of the student budget but for anyone with a better career than I’ve got it’s pretty affordable.

For anyone looking to pick up a new vehicle this year Tim Mitchell at Auto Haus Volkswagen can take care of you. Auto Haus has plenty of options for financing and if you’ve got a trade in, they offer great rates. Contact Tim directly to book an appointment on his cell at 204-599-7612 or at the dealership 204-284-7520 ext 446

Head on down to Auto Haus today to check out what they have in store!

660 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg MB, Canada

tmitchell@autohausvw.com

www.knightvw.ca

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI

For the first (major) post of 2015 I had the opportunity to take out a 2015 GTI from Auto Haus Volkswagen. A good friend of mine who works at Auto Haus, Tim Mitchell, wanted to help me get into some newer cars. From the outside, the first thing, I noticed, was the stylish exterior. Compared to the regular Golf its much more edgy. The model I got to drive came with the 18-inch alloy wheels and the push button start.

Just sitting in the car you can already tell how much thought they put into the drivers experience. All of the gauges are accented with chrome, the six-speed shift knob feels heavy in your hand rather than the lighter version from the older Volkswagens. The steering wheel is covered in a soft leather and the seats hug your body just tight enough to keep the driver secure during turns. The back seats are surprisingly roomy considering the size of the car, and red stitching can be found all throughout the vehicle, from the seats to the shift boot. The navigation system is easy to operate and very responsive. We cranked some music and the Fender audio system pumped out great quality sound with a surprising amount of bass from the factory subwoofer.

As for the driving experience, let’s get to the good part. Now to be fair the roads were pretty snowy and it was my first time back behind the wheel of a manual in a long time. The first thing I noticed was the torque, it doesn’t take much to put you back into your seat. Then next was how sensitive the brakes were. Even in the snow I feel like it could stop on a dime.

She’s got some pickup for sure, the 2.0 litre TSI engine mixed with the new MQB platform makes this GTI super light, quick and responsive. There are so many options in this car as well, the rearview camera pops out from behind the badge on the hatch so it doesn’t get as dirty as it would just mounted to the bumper. The accent lighting in the door sills gives a nice little pop of colour when you open the door.

I didn’t get a lot of time behind the wheel but what I did get, I enjoyed. its comfortable, stylish and it’s a quick little car starting at a base price of 27,995. It’s probably worth it to spring for some of the upgrades, like the 18-inch alloys, the front LED fog lights, or the push button start. Next week we’ll be taking a look at the all new redesigned 2015 Beetle, a Volkswagen icon for over 60 years.

For anyone looking to pick up a new vehicle this year I’d personally recommend Tim Mitchell at Auto Haus Volkswagen. They’ve got plenty of options for financing and if you’ve got a trade in, they offer great rates. Contact Tim directly to book an appointment on his cell at 204-599-7612 or at the dealership 204-284-7520 ext 446

Head on down to Auto Haus today to check out what they have in store!

660 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg MB, Canada

tmitchell@autohausvw.com

www.knightvw.ca

Bradley’s Kia Forte Koup

And here we go…

Kia

First thing that comes to mind….. Grandparents?

Sedona?

The “my first car” Optima?

Well maybe it’s time that we rethink the brand. In the last couple years Kia has been putting in a huge effort to give their product line a facelift. The Optima now looks like a real car, edgy with some class. As much of a family vehicle the Sedona is, I’d rather roll in that then a Windstar.

I’d like to introduce you to the Forte Koup. Never in my life would I have thought about buying a Kia. Even if I was tied to a chair and tortured for weeks, I’d probably pick a Toyota Tercel before an Optima.

The more I look at this car, the more I like it. The angles are sharp and the interior is modern. Overall the car looks really good. I double take almost every time I see one in traffic. I get interested and have to stop and remind myself it’s just a Kia.

All jokes aside the Kia platform is definitely a new one to look out for. 2015 is going to bring a new look to Kia’s lineup and it’s definitely looking in a more positive direction.

A good friend of mine, Bradley, came out with me on a chilly autumn afternoon, and we finally got to shoot some photos together. When it comes to Winnipeg car photography there’s nothing more cliche then photos on top of The Forks parkade. With the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in the background or the city skyline, everyone has done those photos. Including me. A lot. I’m sorry.

Out of all the spots we got to that day, the unpaved alley of sorts was my favourite. I’ve driven past it numerous times and always wished I could get my car into there. In some ways thats good, I’m too low. The paved curb is raised several inches above the soft ground. The ruts in the dirt make it even harder. Perhaps I’ll bring some old two by fours and MacGyver something together.

One day.

For anyone looking for a cheaper, reliable vehicle and don’t mind springing for new, take a look at the Forte Koup.

Kyle’s Honda S2000

It was a pricey upgrade, one that almost seemed like an impulse purchase, but the outcome couldn’t have been better.

Kyle recently sold his Prelude to upgrade to a classic two-door sports car. “The poor mans NSX” of sorts. The first year with his S2000 we brought it out to the drag strip in Gimli to see what kind of numbers it would run. This year Kyle and I spectated the local autocross events and got to ride along with a couple competitors. In the upcoming years Kyle plans to enter some events and put his car to the test in its natural environment.

As with any import the first thing done was replacing the exhaust. Coil overs came next for a healthy drop. After a small fender bender, he got a whole new paint job including a fresh front lip. Up next are wheels and minor maintenance.

Being one of the major members of the Winnipeg Prelude Owners Club, Kyle still wants to pick up another Prelude one day, but for now he squeezes his 6’3″ frame into his S2000 every summer morning and enjoys the top-down drive.

Gonzo Drift

As stressful as things may be in the Formula Drift pro/am series, Gonzo Drift keeps smiling. Sitting fourth in points, The Uprising in Omaha was supposed to be a test and tune day. Gonzo’s S14, brandishing a brand new steering rack, was being put to the test.

Gonzo has a curse with American V8 motors. He’s managed to blow-up 4 in the past 4 years. Omaha was another notch in the bedpost, with another paperweight now sitting in the garage bringing that tally to five. During the event the LS3 motor, pushing around 600 horsepower, gave its last run. A blown motor at this stage in the series meant missing the last event of the season in St. Louis and losing position in the standings.

This hunk of broken metal is the fifth LS engine the Gonzo Drift S14 has destroyed in its history of pro/am drifting. After plenty consideration Gonzo decided to go back to the S14’s JDM roots and run the mother of all Japanese engines, a 2JZ. More commonly found in the MKIV Supra, the 2JZ going in to his car will be lightly built and tuned for reliability, yet still pumping out close to 650 horsepower.

Originally planning to spend more time this winter working on other aspects of his car, Gonzo now has a new motor to build and tune. Putting all the work aside,  he’s looking forward to getting out this winter in his truck and drifting some empty parking lots.

Stephan’s Nissan Silvia

Right hand drive cars are quickly becoming a more common sight in Winnipeg. During the summer everywhere you go you’ll see RHD vehicles of various styles cruising on Sunday’s. Two weeks ago I wrote about my childhood dream car, this week is another RHD and one that has a special connection to the Skyline from two weeks ago.

Stephan was inspired to buy a RHD Nissan after getting a ride in a R32 Skyline. To be more specific, the Skyline I wrote about two weeks ago. Stephan has huge plans to improve this classic import into a real eye catcher. In the upcoming years he plans to do a complete engine swap and rebuild. A fully built RB26 paired with a massive Garrett GTX3582R turbo, the end goal for now is around 500 horsepower. He also has some interior and exterior mods lined up including a new paint job, wide body and aero kit, roll cage and shaved engine bay.

“I’m building my Silvia as a Paul Walker tribute car so it has to have the heart of a true skyline.”

“I’ve been wanting a super clean RHD Nissan for years. I never thought I’d have a car as clean and untouched as mine. Always wanted to build something that can be fast in a straight line, go sideways with ease and be a badass show car at the same time.”

Like many of our generation, Stephan grew up idolizing Paul Walker and the Fast and Furious franchise. The cars in those movies inspired the young gear heads of today to build their dream projects.

“I always grew up wanting an R33 or R34 Skyline one day but realized they were way out of my price range. I bought my Silvia since I love how badass, clean and simple looking the JDM S14 Kouki’s look like.”

“Kouki” refers to the updated body style of the second generation Silvia. The older models were more curvy and referred to as “Zenki.” In 1996 the Silvia underwent some minor exterior modifications including a redesign of the headlights and front bumper for a more aggressive look.

I can’t wait to see the transformation of this classic import in the coming years. After driving so many RHD’s in the last month, it has definitely spurred my interest in owning an import one day. Hopefully I’ll be able to do another feature when the transformation is complete.

Oliver Lau

I decided to space out the car features this week and choose a good friend of mine instead. Oliver Lau started doing automotive photography after using his parents camera to take photos of his new car. Soon after picking up a camera of his own he began taking photos for friends to get some practice.

I met Oliver at the beginning of this year when I showed up to the LowMotive Ice Breaker meet. Upon learning that we lived practically across the street from each other we found ourselves hanging out a lot together this summer. From trips to Gimli for photos to cruise nights in Lockport, many days I would just hang out with him at Option Plus while he was “working.”

His pride and joy is his 2004 Mazda 3 which he’s named Alexandra. Causing more stress to his life than any other woman, his Mazda recently came out of the shop with a brand new motor. Keeping it classy on a black set of RPF1’s and Recaro buckets its a super comfortable ride.

Oliver is currently studying to become an accountant at the University of Manitoba and plans on keeping photography as a hobby. Some of his favourite shoots include:

Stefan’s Subaru

And Stephan’s Silvia, which may or may not be coming up in a future post of mine. 😉

I’m looking forward to more cruises, whether its in the Mazda or whatever project he has in the future. Check him out on flickr and keep an eye out for him cruising up and down Main.