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When it comes to falling in love with a vehicle, there are a few key features that immediately catch my eye or cause me to roll them: curb appeal, exhaust note, and the steering wheel.

That last one might seem odd, but trust me: After nearly a decade of driving a different car every week, you realize the importance of the item that not only helps you keep on the right course, but is also the thing you interact with most while you do so.

What makes a good steering wheel? Well, let's put things into perspective here: My all-time favourite steering wheel (and it has been for a few model years now) is the M3's. It's chunky, I adore the stitching (not uncomfortable or obtrusive), it's on the small side, and it's not overly loaded with buttons and what have you. It drives the dynamic vehicle it's attached to and that's the most important thing. I would say the same of the steering wheel in the VW Scirocco R and/or VW GTI.

On the flip side, any steering wheel from Acura has me wishing for reigns instead. And I absolutely loathe the angle of the wheel in the Chevy Camaro.

Car makers are so obsessed with loading their current vehicles with as much technological gadgetry as possible, and all that hi-tech stuff ends up trickling onto the steering wheel, which really gets to me. I appreciate a button for volume and maybe another one to answer and hang up a call, but that's it! I'm there to drive, not text my mother.

Another steering wheel worth mentioning is the Porsche 911 Turbo's: plain, simple, and absolutely fantastic, I relished every moment with it. Free of buttons and toggles, it only featured backlit words that let you know when you were in Launch Control mode (which really is all that matters).

Sometimes it shocks me when I get into a car and see and feel a poorly designed steering wheel. How can something so integral to the overall experience of a vehicle be so polarizing? At the same time, I also feel like the steering wheel can be a pretty personal affair: What I find appealing you may find annoying, and vice versa.

Where will my next favourite steering wheel emerge? Who knows, but I can't wait to buckle in and take hold to find out.

BMW M3 Coupe cabine (Photo: BMW)

From GMM

He may have a longer contract, but Williams' Pastor Maldonado is on the move.

That is the claim on Wednesday of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, reporting that the Venezuelan has made an approach to Lotus about replacing the Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen.

The patience of the 28-year-old, who brings millions to Williams in the form of his state-connected PDVSA sponsorship, has reportedly run out.

Maldonado is apparently desperate for a better car, but German correspondent Michael Schmidt said Williams can actually "rest easy".

Pastor Maldonado, Williams FW35. (Photo: WRi2)

"The contract with Maldonado's South American sponsors is watertight," he revealed, claiming Williams got the deal re-checked recently by a top lawyer in London.

Schmidt added that the PDVSA contract, worth about EUR 35 million to Williams every year, runs until 2015.

Nonetheless, Maldonado is quoted as saying: "This year I'm here. Next year I don't know where I'll be."

Since there are currently no performance standards or test protocols in the U.S. for pet travel products, Subaru has partnered with the Center for Pet Safety to test the effectiveness of various pet harness systems.

Similar to regular crash test dummies, Subaru uses life-like dog models to provide a realistic representation for testing purposes, including a 25 lb terrier mix, a 45 lb border collie, and a 75 lb golden retriever.

So far, the tests have identified Sleepypod's Clickit Utility Harness as the clear top performing harness brand, as it was the only harness tested to consistently keep a dog from launching off of the seat and the only restraint deemed to offer substantial protection to all passengers.

“Safety for all passengers, including our pets, is very important to Subaru and to our drivers. Selecting the wrong harness could be just as detrimental as not using one at all,” said Michael McHale, director of communications at Subaru of America, Inc. 

“Most pet owners don't know the dangers of not properly harnessing their pet while in the car. With nearly half of Subaru drivers also being dog owners, we want them to be as informed as possible.”

Source: Subaru

From GMM

Sahara Force India has not ruled out signing Kevin Magnussen for 2014.

The young Dane, whose father Jan contested a race for McLaren in 1995, is being backed by the great British team as he closes on the Formula Renault 3.5 title.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport recently made the link between Magnussen and Force India, revealing that a debt owed by the Silverstone based team to McLaren could be forgiven if the 21-year-old is given his grand prix debut.

The rumour would tie in with speculation Sahara Force India is considering a new teammate for Adrian Sutil next year, because Paul di Resta is under-performing.

"We have a competitive pairing at the moment," insists team boss Vijay Mallya, "but it's unlikely we will make any decisions (about 2014) before the Indian grand prix."

Sahara Force India VJM06. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked specifically about Magnussen by Reuters, deputy boss Bob Fernley answered: "Vijay has always taken the best drivers that he could afford. And I don't think he'll change that philosophy.

"So when it comes to actually determining the drivers, we can put our recommendations in. And if Kevin is in that mix then so be it," he added.

But Bob Fernley also said: "I think McLaren have to look at it themselves really. If Magnussen is a wonderful driver, why not take the chance?"

I was recently asked to partake in a vehicular cross-Canada tour. Nothing unusual, as several manufacturers have crossed the country in various attempts to promote their wares. However, this trip was going to be different as we would be solely using Volkswagen's famous diesel products, and it's no secret that I adore diesel vehicles!

Organised in stages, and involving five groups of journalists, the tour would start from Halifax, Nova Scotia and finish in Vancouver, BC. Naturally, with large distances to cover on each leg, the journalists were asked if we'd care to bring a driving partner. So, I went along with Er Indoors (my pet name for well, Her Indoors!).

Now some might think me crazy for doing this, but my better half and I genuinely do enjoy taking road trips together. In fact, we seldom turn on the radio, preferring to chatter about everything from “what cute garden gnomes those are” to “why would anyone keep a rusting Ford Pinto on their front lawn?” Yes, you see the most amazing sights on a road trip, if you pay attention!

Photo: Kevin Corrigan

1st Leg - 2014 Volkswagen Passat TDI
As we set off from Halifax, NS in our comfy Passat 2.0L 4-cyl TDI, I couldn't help but recall my own (UK-based) Passat from almost three decades back. The vehicle was a highway cruiser of the first order, and to this day I miss her. However, time moves on and things change -- or do they? Because the Passat TDI is not only as long-legged as my much-loved previous model, but has now become an up-market product worthy of comparison with certain other German brands. Add to this fuel-economy figures around 5 - 6L/100km (hwy) and what you have is the intelligent buyer's vehicle of frugal luxury.

2nd Leg - 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
The new 2014 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI is a fantastic product, and I was grinning from ear-to-ear as I jumped behind its wheel for the second leg.

I was also thrilled to have my wife's opinion on the vehicle, which was absolutely zilch! You see, my wife drives an older Range Rover which she simply idolizes, so whenever I show her another SUV, she immediately starts pulling it to pieces -- not with the Touareg, however. So, as I drove along delighting in the awesome power of its turbo diesel powerplant (240 hp; 406 lb-ft of torque), she sat there as quiet as a church mouse. That is probably the best testament to an SUV you will ever read by anyone, anywhere!

2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

3rd Leg - 2014 Volkswagen Beetle TDI
En route to our overnight stop in Edmundson, NB, we switched into the 2014 Beetle TDI. Now, I've always liked the Bug. It's been a winner for Volkswagen since forever, and I was one of the cheerleaders when it returned to us in its retro guise. However, I was as pleased to see the new shape arrive as I was to see the over-the-top cutesy flower holder disappear from the previous generation's dashboard. It now appears more grown up, with a sporty stance and performance & handling to match (yes, I'm speaking of a diesel here!). With real world fuel-economy figures around 5L/100km (hwy) this has truly become “the people's car” it set out to be.

4th Leg 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI Wagon
The Golf has always been the much-loved mainstay of Volkswagen, and who am I to argue? After all, a Golf can fit into almost anyone's lifestyle. It's comfy, easy to park, good on fuel, offers great handling and choose any version you like and you still won't upset your bank manager. However, as a diesel wagon, this may well be the first time he/she actually phones to congratulate you on your purchase. It truly is a practical vehicle and well-suited to us Canadians. It's agile in the twists & turns and a real smooth-y on the highway. In fact, of all the vehicles I experienced on the tour, the Golf TDI Wagon supplied the best fuel economy, and would be my first choice for a long-distance driving getaway.

5th Leg: Montreal and our finish line, well almost!
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI was our transportation for the final run into Montreal, and the hotel which was to signal the end of the first leg of Volkswagen's Great Canadian TDI Clean Diesel Tour. It was here we would pass the torch to my fellow journalists, who would then continue the fuel-sipping adventure. Unfortunately, this was not to be, as although the Jetta TDI was pleasurable to drive, its GPS system proved itself as useful as a cardboard snow-shovel, and we never actually made it to the hotel.

Yes, while most Montreal residents are familiar with the location of all four Rue Sherbrooke(s) (the location of our hotel), our GPS companion insisted that there was just one, which proved to be the wrong one!

We then attempted to program the street adjoining Rue Sherbrooke (which was Rue Stanley), only to be tricked again by a GPS which listed only one when, in fact, there are three Rue Stanley(s) in Montreal.

In all fairness, I enjoyed my experience behind the wheel of the Jetta TDI, but if you purchase one, you may want to add the price of a decent TomTom unit because without it you'll have better luck asking the village idiot for directions! (Note: The GPS worked very well in the other VW models I drove.)

2014 Volkswagen Jetta (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

While I typically enjoy the sights of Montreal, spending 3 ½ hours lost in its rush-hour traffic before racing to the airport, is not my fondest memory of the city. However, the tour did reinforce one or two things in my mind: First, when it comes to diesel transportation, Volkswagen is way out in front with an amazing range of diesel offerings, and second, how can you not love a woman who loves going on road trips?

From GMM

Ross Brawn on Wednesday added his own denial to reports he has decided to leave Mercedes at the end of the season.

Chairman Niki Lauda has already played down the reports, saying he is in negotiations with 58-year-old team boss Brawn, who he would like to keep at Brackley.

But the big rumour is that Brawn has decided to leave because his obvious successor at Mercedes is Paddy Lowe.

Brawn is being linked with a move to 2015 McLaren engine supplier Honda, but the Japanese carmaker's motor racing boss Yasuhisa Arai on Wednesday denied that.

"I've never heard of that and it is a surprise," he told British broadcaster Sky.

"I don't think it will happen," said Yasuhisa Arai.

Ross Brawn added his own denial on Wednesday. "The situation is the same as it has been for the last few weeks. I am still talking to Niki about my role in the team," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

He was even more strident when asked about McLaren and Honda.

"I have not spoken a word with Honda or McLaren. My decision can wait until the winter," said Ross Brawn.

"I'm not someone who makes a decision overnight. Should I look elsewhere, I would think about it very hard and consider the options carefully. It takes time," he insisted.

Auto Motor und Sport said Brawn, a keen salmon and trout fisherman, has not even ruled out taking a sabbatical.

"It would not be the first time," he smiled.

Mitsubishi will unveil three utility concept vehicles in world premiere at the 43rd Tokyo Auto Show, which opens on November 22nd, 2013.

The GC-PHEV is a full-size SUV that uses the same plug-in hybrid technology as the new Outlander. It's a “connected car” that also offers next-generation preventive safety technology and driver support technology through wireless connectivity.

The XR-PHEV is a compact, lightweight SUV which uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain, too. The body is shaped like a coupe's.

Finally, the AR concept is a next-generation compact crossover that features a downsized, turbocharged engine with direct injection for outstanding fuel economy.

Mitsubishi provided a couple of teasers, but we'll likely have to wait until the Tokyo show to get the full picture.

From GMM

Another theory about Sebastian Vettel's late-season dominance has emerged.

Rumours in Korea last weekend spoke of a clever but legal engine mapping system aboard his Red Bull that mimics the benefits of banned traction control.

Now, Spain's El Confidencial has reported burgeoning rumours that the Adrian Newey-penned RB9, which in Vettel's hands has won the last four grands prix on the trot, is in fact somehow deploying its KERS system to enhance cornering traction.

First rumour about a Red Bull traction control emerged in Canada with Mark Webber. (Caption: FOM)

The rumours, which date back to Singapore last month, say Red Bull could have linked KERS to suspension sensors, with the engine being subsequently 'dragged' through the process of energy harvesting.

The report made a potential link between the system and the fact that Red Bull tends to have frequent reliability problems with its KERS units.

Mark Webber said immediately after retiring in Korea that "there was a KERS fire", but Red Bull later said it was caused by oil leaking onto the exhaust after the crash with Adrian Sutil.

Adrian Newey, meanwhile, played down the link between Red Bull's KERS system and its superior traction.

"I doubt the gain is from KERS," he is quoted by Racecar Engineering.

"We, like everyone, do work on how to best deploy it, but I think everyone is similar in how they use it," added Newey.

From GMM

Jacques Villeneuve has urged Sauber to think again after the Swiss team ruled out signing Rubens Barrichello for 2014.

Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn in Korea quashed rumours Brazilian veteran Barrichello count mount his return to F1 next year with Sauber, with the help of an eight-figure sponsorship purse.

1997 world champion Villeneuve, however, said Sauber should not dismiss the former Ferrari and Williams driver so hastily.

"Rubens would be worth considering," he is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

"Why would a team boss ignore the experience factor so easily? 2014 will be a complex year," said the French Canadian.

"Barrichello would always be better than (Esteban) Gutierrez. What has he given to Sauber until now? Nothing. Look at him compared to Hulkenberg," Jacques Villeneuve insisted.

Rubens Barrichello and Monisha Kaltenborn, earlier this season in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

Outspoken Villeneuve, now a F1 television pundit, also recently chided the talents of Caterham's Charles Pic.

On French television, it was put to Villeneuve - a staunch critic of 'pay-drivers' - that Frenchman Pic had denied he is in fact a pay-driver.

Villeneuve hit back: "Then he should explain why he and not Kovalainen is in that car."

Finn Heikki Kovalainen, in the running to return to the race seat in 2014, will in fact be driving Pic's car in Friday morning practice at Suzuka.

Nissan is vowing to press ahead selling taxis in New York this month despite a court ruling today that voids its lucrative exclusive contract with the city.

The National Automobile Dealers Association said Tuesday it has chosen New York dealer Bill Fox as its next vice chairman, putting him in line to become chairman after Forrest McConnell III of Alabama, who -- as expected -- was named NADA's 2014...

Remember the turbulent launch of the

The auto industry is well represented on a new list of the world's most influential chief marketing officers.

Chrysler Group will add about 500 workers at a Mexican engine plant, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg.

It's alive! Well, sort of. Ford has developed a car that can not only seek out empty parking spots, but park itself, tooand#8212;all sans driver.

This is a big week for spy shots, and apparently a friend of a friend of a and#8220;friendand#8221; snapped this little ditty of what could be the motor of the next Z06, or ZR1.

The United States auto industry's new-vehicle sales in 2014 will hit their highest level since 2006 as consumers continue to replace aging cars and trucks, a research firm said today.

News 8 Oct, 2013

Current Land Rover Freelander will be replaced by a new model rebranded as Discovery

Volkswagen sold 4.4m cars worldwide in the first nine months of 2013, up 3.6% year on year.

News 8 Oct, 2013

Figures from Ministry of Justice show 170 motorists were convicted every week last year