The Smallest Engine Available – Ford’s 1.0 L

At just 1.0L, Ford’s all-new engine is the smallest for sale in Canada, and at about 11 inches, it will fit into a piece of luggage – really!

It’s available only on the Fiesta, which was all-new last year, so, same interior and exterior styling, and new Aston Martin inspired grille.

* this 1.0L engine is available only in manual. 

Interesting huh. I’m fine with that, but considering 80% of Fiesta buyers choose automatic transmissions, hmmm. Certainly though, it helps with its excellent fuel economy, which is the purpose of this engine – gas powered that’s fun to drive, while still achieving a low rating.

Read my full review on Autonet.

My driving partner for this test was Jeremy Sinek… Mega Test Team, UNITE.

I’ve tested more cars with him than anyone else, and it’s a good match because we are opposites.

At 1.7 years of auto journalism, I’m still the new kid, and at 40 years, he’s a veteran. He’s into hyper-miling, whereupon I “drive like a pig” (I actually got that line in the paper ha.)

Read his review here, that’s me he’s talking about, 9th paragraph.

Best part of the test was the track.

I hurled the little guy around, and there was even some clapping after one particular hairpin.

(photo: Jeremy Sinek)

I’m nothing special behind the wheel, but as I’ve said before in video, I have great enthusiasm, and the appropriate amount of aggression.

My new skills were thanks to my trainers.

Left is Paul Caravello, and right is Daniel Bois, welcome to my blog guys!

How’s this for a closing-post shot?

 2014 Ford Fiesta

Add the 1.0 L engine, the “SE Manual EcoBoost Package”, for $1,295

 

 

Driving in Kentucky Looks Like This

Kentucky is quite pretty, too bad it’s all grey and not showcasing that.

I was there a week ago with Chrysler, and their all-new 200 mid-size sedan.

Read my full review on Autonet.

Short review: the 200 went from barely competing, to the one to compete against.

Driving in the video is Jeremy Sinek, not me.

We are a Road-Test-Mega-Team.

Jeremy: why are you making us pose with our heads down?
Me: because you always say you don’t like your photo taken. Even though you have a whole blog section here :|
Jeremy: ugh Keri fiiiiine
Keri: Road-Test-Mega-Team unite!

 

 

To Nashville with Nissan

Nashville, Tennessee – where the all-new 2014 Nissan Rogue is built; that’s why there.

I’ve always liked this city, here’s the blog tag.

Jeremy Sinek and I were drive partners again, I’ve introduced you before. We are hilarious.

We found this odd, movie-set-town inside the city; fake-land.

Not being a fan of music, the best of this city is lost on me.

Still fun night out with the auto journalist gang.

Some of us became obsessed with this street magician; he was so good, I’ll put him in his own post later this week. He put a cigarette out into my shirt.

Brand-new hotel, the Omni, it’s 2 weeks old new.

Which is how this came to be…

What’s wrong with this photo?

I’m laying on a hotel bed spread.

Cesspool!  Usually soon as I enter the room, that thing gets ripped off and kicked in a corner.

Read my Nissan Rogue review here on Autonet.ca.

 

Off-Roading in the 2013 Ford Raptor

Ford’s extreme pickup truck has a very enthusiastic fan base, but having never driven one, didn’t understand why.

Ford invited KeriBlog to Alberta a couple months ago, to test their F150 truck lineup, part of which was, “here’s a Raptor and a crazy course, have fun”.  I totally get it now.

The Raptor eats it, all unaffected.

 

(photo: Jeremy Sinek)

It’s a 6.2L V8 engine, outputting 411 hp and 434 lb-ft. of torque with a 6-spd automatic and 4-wheel drive

Comes in one trim only, love that.

Limited options include: a moonroof, bed-liners, and a graphics package, (say no to all). Front and rear cameras are extra, $1000 for both (meh, use your eyes).

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Starting at – $56,599

Then around the track with Jeremy Sinek, chief road-tester at MSN Autos, and a far better driver than I.

Me losing control of my neck ha.

I also learned how to tow on that trip, here’s a video of that; and here’s another video about their clever infotainment input design.

Lastly, here’s the post about that Alberta trip, where the sky really is bigger, and the drive instructors are awesome.