Transportation

Subaru has, for once, introduced a new model to their lineup that doesn’t leave a first impression of shock and amazement (remember the 2005 Tribeca?) For all intents and purposes, the XV Crosstrek — known simply as the XV in other parts of the world — looks like a natural fit in-between the popular Impreza and the modern soccer-mom AWD favorite the Forester.

Size doesn’t matter — especially when it comes to the smallest vehicle in Mazda’s lineup: the 2013 Mazda2. The tiny fuel-sipping subcompact won’t wow you with special features or exceptional looks, but you’ll swear you were driving a go-kart that can seat five people comfortably.

Aesthetics

The brand new 2014 Mazda6 has managed to do something that no Mazda6 has been able to do before: turn heads, all the while being more energy saving and fuel-efficient than ever.

Looking more like an expensive European luxury sports saloon (think Jaguar) than a mid-size family sedan—particularly the flagship Grand Touring model which we tested featuring goodies like massive 19-inch alloy wheels—the latest offering from the Japanese manufacturer features a completely redesigned platform following Mazda’s recent split from Ford. The car embodies Mazda’s “KODO — Soul of Motion” design, first introduced in 2010 and inspired by the type of movement seen in animals, as evidenced by the car’s swooping body lines, pointed headlamps and aggressive front fascia.

The creation of separated cycling lanes in Vancouver's central business district are not only the talk of the town locally, but have been noted elsewhere, with praise.

"Just last week one of my colleagues based in New York told me that Vancouver has a great reputation as a place for creative, fresh thinking. He thought it was a benefit in our marketing positioning that we come from here." says Jason Mogus of Communicopia, a local communications and digital design agency serving a global client base."I was proud to hear that, as Vancouver is not usually even on the radar of a big center like NY. Those are exactly the kinds of things that this city needs to become more known for: innovative ideas, real solutions, and leadership on the biggest global issues of our times. Having dedicated bike lanes - some of the first in North America, helps prove the point that Vancouver is a global leader, worthy of being listened to."