Dear Rudolph,

Since you’re the team lead with the reindeer, I want to respond to their request to replace the sled. (more…)

When it comes to picking a shade to best represent your vehicular product, sometimes silver or a black just won’t do.

There were some standout hues on vehicles displayed at the recent LA Auto Show, goodness knows which, if any of them, will make it your local showrooms.

Here are a few vehicles that not only had flair, but the paintwork to match.

2015 Ford Edge

If the name “Electric Spice” doesn’t grab your attention, then the actual colour itself will. You could label it as bright gold. But not a gaudy gold. Yes, it’s bright, and probably will repulse some crossover shoppers, but it doesn’t look half bad on the 2015 Ford Edge.

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2015 Chevrolet Spark

Lime and Electric Blue are just some colours you will find on Chevrolet’s pint-sized cars. While they might not attract your gaze because of their size, they can certainly catch your eye because of their electrifying tones.

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2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA

While you might not be able to option your new Mercedes-Benz GLA out with this paintwork, it’s pretty darn cool. Mr. Brainwash, an LA-based but world-renowned street artist, partnered with Mercedes-Benz to create a one-of-a-kind GLA crossover that toured eight cities. Aside from it being awesome, you can see that the paint literally got everywhere.

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2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger

Don’t call me baby, even if it might be blue. The head-turning colour I’m referring to is the B5 Bly that was draped over Dodge’s two new models: the Challenger and Charger. You can see it from miles away, and whether you option it out on the sedan or coupe, you’re bound to get some attention. That’s if your HEMI isn’t doing its job!

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2015 Nissan Juke

Love it or hate it, the Nissan Juke is here to stay. And rightfully so. If you can get past its quirky looks, it’s quite a fun vehicle to drive. But what would a Juke be without some exterior zest? For 2015, it is redesigned and offers a long list of standard tech features, more connectivity and importantly, a way to stand out in the crowd. With Nissan’s Color Studio, Juke owners can find nearly unlimited color personalization for their new ride.

Grey and orange, anyone?

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Lexus LF-C2 Concept

It think the metallic sunbeam-like yellow speaks for itself, don’t you think?

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Contact: alexandra [dot] straub [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Stylish yet practical, the good ride qualities of the Ford Edge make it an excellent road trip vehicle…

The Edge was the first mid-sized cross-utility vehicle from Ford when it was launched in 2007.

It has been a resounding sales success, especially in Canada, where it’s also built. Compared with a more traditional utility vehicle, such as the then truck-based Ford Explorer, the Edge is a lighter car-based vehicle that offers better fuel economy, sexier styling and superior road manners, yet the Edge is packed with practical utility features.

Focusing on a popular vehicle choice has advantages for used vehicle shoppers. To start with, there should be a larger selection used product available out there and this allows you to be a pickier buyer. You might even get the exact colour and content you want. Parts and servicing are also less of an issue and generally less expensive.

The first big styling revamp of Edge came with the 2011 model year. While mainly a front/rear exterior restyling job over 60 per cent of its components were redesign and the interior was completely re-worked. It also earned Ford Edge the overall Best New Utility Vehicle Award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

The interior make-over included the introduction of MyFord Touch, an advanced connectivity system that has its critics in the media and consumer groups. Ford has tried to address these user issues with system updates. The main touch-screen is divided into four colour-coded sections (Phone, Audio, Climate and Navigation) and it can be operated with voice commands.

A major under-hood change followed in 2012 with the introduction of Ecoboost, an engine series that has revitalised the entire Ford product line. The turbocharged 2.0 litre (240 horsepower) four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection in the Edge provides excellent power and great fuel economy. The claimed city/highway fuel economy is 9.9/6.6 L/100 km.

Edge comes in three front-drive trim levels SE, SEL and Limited editions. It’s also offered with a 3.5-litre V-6 engine that can produce 285 horsepower. City/highway fuel economy is 11.9/8.0 L/100 km.  This engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and there’s an optional all-wheel drive system. The top “Sport” edition of Edge comes with a 3.7 litre V6 that can produce 305-horsepower and comes with huge 22-inch polished-aluminum wheels.

The Ecoboost editions are strictly front-drive and come with an aero body kit package with an active front grille, which has concealed shutters that controls air flow through the radiator and the engine bay. The aero body kit includes unique side skirting, side mirrors and rear liftgate spoiler.

Edge is bigger on the inside than it might appear from the outside. The cabin is spacious and the room provided for rear passengers is particularly good. Rear riders also get adjustable seatbacks and top trim levels come with a power fold-down feature that allows the seatbacks to be remotely released by switches in the rear cargo area.

Two highly desirable (originally optional) active safety features are Blind Spot detection and Cross-Traffic Alert. The blind spot system not only warns when another vehicle is lurking or approaching in an adjacent traffic lane. When backing out of a parking stall, the cross traffic alert system can detect and warn of vehicles approaching from either side.

Stylish yet practical, the good ride qualities of the Ford Edge make it an excellent road trip vehicle, especially with the fuel-saving Ecoboost engine under hood.

Price Check: 2011 to 2013 Ford Edge (January 2014)

Year                    Edition                                                 Expect to Pay Today

2011              Limited (fwd)                                                 $22,000 to $26,000

2012           Limited Ecoboost                                              $26,000 to $30,000

2013           Limited Ecoboost                                              $29,000 to $34,000

Prices vary depending on a used vehicle’s condition, mileage, usage and history. A complete mechanical check should always be performed by a reliable auto technician prior to purchase.

Safety Recalls: 2011 to 2013 Ford Edge

2011 – A control module problem may disable the locking function for the liftgate. Dealers will update the control module.

2011 – The Body Control Module (BCM) may develop an internal short and overheat, which could result in a vehicle fire. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the Body Control Module.

2012 – In vehicles equipped with the 2.0L engine, the fuel line pulse damper may develop cracks and leak fuel, which could result in a vehicle fire. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line assembly.

Contact: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca