What’s new
After a sabbatical year, the VW Golf-based Audi A3 returns for 2022. Only the sedan body is available to start but a convertible is expected.
Comments
The new A3 (and the highpower S3) is essentially the same size as its predecessor. The main model, the A3, is powered by a 201 horsepower, turbocharged 2L four bearing a "40" suffix, in Audi's nonsensical numbering system. The S3 is powered by a high-output 2L that generates 306 horsepower. All-wheel drive (marketed as quattro) is standard and power reaches the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

While the silhouette of the new A3 is similar to that of the old one, but with the huge grille, massive gashes as the lower extremities of the front fascia, prominent fender blisters and a marked accent line on the lower third of the doors, Audi eschewed the lithe elegance that was once its hallmark. Only a sedan is offered at the moment but a convertible is likely to follow and a four-door "coupe", beloved by the German brands, is a possibility. The cabin is fronted by a dashboard with a TFT gauge package, to the right of which is a large infotainment screen that is integrated into the dashboard, rather that perched on top of it, like its predecessor. The remainder of the dash is dominated by a large, low-profile vent system that gives a strong horizontal emphasis to the cabin. The rest of the cabin looks fresh and contemporary and cabin materials appear more luxurious than previously. With the same dimensions as its predecessor, cabin space will be tight, especially for those in the rear seat.

Considering the premium pricing of this model, the lack or standard active safety equipment in shocking. 

Pricing
With L.E.D. headlamps, an alarm system, power driver's seat, heated front seats, leather seating and a dual-panel sunroof, the base A3 Komfort is very well equipped. Migrating to the Progressiv trim adds a power passenger seat, alloy cabin trim, an auto dimming rearview mirror and a few other minor features, but is significantly overpriced. Moving up to the Technik trim adds features such as a memory system and auto-fold door mirrors, but is overpriced. Expensive metallic paint and navigation options. Moving up to the high-power S3 version of the A3 adds from $8300 (Progressiv and Technik) to $9000 (Komfort) to the price of an A3 of the same trim level. Moving up from the S3 Komfort to the Progessive represents reasonable value but the migrating from there to the Technik is woefully overpriced. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go is optional on all trims.

Reliability: Predicted reliability is above average, like the previous Civic it is based on.

Sm. Front Driver: NR

Mod. Front: NR

Side: NR

Roof: NR

Sm. Front Pass.: NR

Head/Seat: NR

Headlight: NR

What’s new
GM announced two new versions for the Bolt but they have essentially been stillborn as GM concentrating on replacing defective battery packs on the previous car. Rumours circulated that the cars would be scrapped the cars before production starts but GM announced the car will be built, starting in mid-March 2022. GM's self driving suite, marketed as Super Cruise, will be available.

Comments
Built on the same platform as the original Bolt, the second generation car is more of a rebody than an all-new car. The EUV version, with a 75 mm (3 inch) longer wheelbase than the regular Bolt, is 161 mm (6.3 inches) longer overall. Although the EUV is marketed as a crossover, it is only marginally taller than the regular version. While the new Bolt is instantly recognizable, the design is cleaner than its predecessor. The EUV is also very much a Bolt, but shares some style elements, like the upsweep of the window line on the back door, and its front-end styling, with the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The cabin will be familiar to owners of the first-generation car. The driver faces a small-format TFT gauge package with conventional displays plus those related to the electric powertrain. The centre of the dash is dominated with a large-format infotainment screen that is neatly integrated into the dashboard, as opposed to being slapped onto the top of the dash. The door panels look very similar to what came before and press photos display attractive two-tone cabin finishes. White trim accents, seemingly de rigueur for electric cars, are shown in press photos. The previous Bolt was a comfortable four seater, and based on a similar wheelbase, the new one should be equally spacious. The longer wheelbase of the EUV should make for generous rear seat legroom. The cabin of the first Bolt had some cheap elements which GM will hopefully have corrected.

The Bolts will be powered by a 65 kWh battery pack that produces 150 kW, or 200 horsepower. The Bolts can be recharged in seven hours using a Level II (240 volt) charger. DC fast charging can add 160 kilometres of range in 30 minutes; that's a lot slower than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Volkswagen ID.4 and may reduce its appeal for long distance travel. Various levels of regenerative braking are offered, including an aggressive one that permits one-pedal driving.

Pricing
Bolt: Only one trim, the LT, is available on the smaller of the two Bolts. Pricing for the LT is just over $38,000. No information is available on what the equipment level of the LT is. The EUV, the larger of the two Bolts, is priced $2000 higher than the regular version. EUV: The LT is the base trim but a range-topping Premier trim is offered as well. With leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting and a 360 degree camerate system, the Premier is priced to reflect the value of its additional content. The Bolt can trigger $8000 rebates from Quebec, $3000 from B.C., and a $5000 from the Federal Government. 

Reliability
Very few complaints have been received. Defective battery packs on the previous-generation Bolt were replaced by GM and was a key reason the second-generation car was delayed so long. The battery pack warranty is eight years/160,000 km. 

Sm. Front Driver: NR

Mod. Front: NR

Side: NR

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass.: NR

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: NR

What’s new
The Ioniq made a surprise return for 2022 except for the full BEV version, which might tread on the toes of the new Ioniq 5 full-electric car. 

Comments
About the same size as an Elantra, the IONIQ is built on a different platform designed to accept conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The exterior is modern, crisp and tidy but doesn’t signal the car is powered by alternative powertrains. With a 0.24 co-efficient of drag, the shape is very slippery. The cabin is practical and straightforward; rear seat legroom is more adequate than generous. In order to try to save some weight as well as reducing the use of oil, the hood and tailgate of the Ioniq are formed from aluminum. The interior door trims are fashioned from plastic, powdered wood and volcanic stone, with sugar cane materials employed to fashion the headlining and carpets.
A 104 horsepower 1.6L four is the basis for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Total system horsepower for the hybrid is 139 and maximum electric-only range for the PHEV is 37 kilometres. The hybrid and the plug-in send power to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission
Pricing
Hybrid (HEV) model: Moving up from the Essential to the Preferred trim adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, L.E.D headlamps, heated rear seats, Keyless Go and a sunroof, is very good value. Migrating up to the range-topping Ultimate model brings a leather seating, a Harmon-Kardon branded audio system and wireless cellphone charging, at a tempting price. PHEV: Migrating from the Essential to Preferred trim adds L.E.D. headlamps, heated rear seats, Keyless Go, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel and blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, at a bargain price. The Ultimate trim, with leather seating, a power driver's seat, navigation, a Harmon-Kardon branded audio system, and a plethora of minor items, is great value. Moving from the HEV to the PHEV versions of the Ioniq ranges from $5200 to $7000. 
Rebates of $3000 for the PHEV is available from Briish Columbia, $4000 from Quebec and $2500 from the Federal government.

Reliability: Insufficient data. Below average reliability predicted. 

Sm. Front Driver: G

Mod. Front: G

Side: G

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass.: G

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: NR

What’s new
Other than bearing the new Kia logo, there are no changes to the Niro for its sixth year on the market.
Comments
Based on the same component set as the Hyundai Ioniq, the Niro is a front-wheel drive, five-door tall hatchback that Kia markets as a compact hybrid CUV. The Niro’s 103 horsepower Atkinson cycle 1.6L four combines with a 43 horsepower electric motor for a total system output of 146 horsepower.
The plug-in hybrid version of the Niro has a maximum possible full-electric range of 43 kilometres under ideal conditions; with a combined power rating of 139 horsepower. The full electric model produces 201 horsepower and a whopping 291 lb-ft of torque. A 64 kWh battery pack can take on 160 kilometres of charge in 30 minutes when using its standard Level 3 charger, and can be fully charged using a Level 2 charger in 9.5 hours.
Though tidy enough and unlikely to offend, the exterior styling of the Niro is not the styling tour-de-force observers have come to expect from Kia. Design aside, the Niro's exterior envelope encloses a commodious cabin with good space for four adults and whatever chattel they choose to bring with them. Attractive instrumentation, practical controls and attractive materials make the Niro a good space to inhabit. 

Pricing
Niro HEV : The base L model is nicely equipped. Upgrading to the EX adds fog lights, a sunroof, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, heated steering wheel, roof rails and cordless cellphone charging, and is priced to reflect the value of the additional content. Migrating to the range-topping SX Touring trim, which includes leather seating, a forward collision and autonomous emergency braking system, ventilated front seats, navigation, active cruise control and a Harmon-Kardon branded audio system, is a bargain. PHEV : The HEV and PHEV only overlap on the SX Touring trim, where the PHEV is priced $3600 higher. Moving up from the EX to the EX Premium trim adds a power driver's seat, lane keeping and lane following assist systems, an enhanced collision avoidance system and a driver alertness warning, and is a very good value. The SX Touring trim includes L.E.D. headlights, leather seating, a memory system, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, navigation, a Harmon-Kardon branded audio system and parking sensors, and is an extreme bargain. On the BEV, moving to the EX+ is good value. The range-topping SX adds leather seating, a sunroof, navigation, a Harmon-Kardon audio seater and a plethora of other features, and is a bargain. 

Rebates for the PHEV version are $1500 from B.C., $4000 from Quebec and $2500 from the Federal government. The BEV can trigger rebates of $3000 from B.C., $8000 from Quebec and $5000 from the Federal government.  

Reliability
Not rated as too little information is available on Kia's hybrid system reliability. Unlike the 2L and 2.4L fours from Hyundai-Kia, the 1.6L four under the hood of the Niro appears to deliver acceptable durability. Long-term durability of the hybrid compentry is unknown.  

Sm. Front Driver: G

Mod. Front: G

Side: G

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass.: G

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: NR

What’s new
No information on updates are available from the manufacturer. 

Performance
The 1.5L turbo triple is quick, flexible and smooth at normal speeds and now has a smoother idle than it did when the current Cooper was released in 2015. The big 2L turbo in the Cooper S furnishes strong acceleration with an engaging exhaust note, but is quiet when cruising. Though very firm, the ride of the Cooper S does not jar occupants, and allies with impressive handling controlled by near telepathic steering.
The cabin of the current MINI may appear to be virtually the same as the previous generations of the car but its ergonomics, with easily scanned gauges and logical controls placed where you expect them to be, is are good. Front seat occupants enjoy comfortable seats and plenty of legroom, but those in back will find space tight and access limited. Trunk space is short from the back of the rear seat to the tailgate but the space is deep below the window line and regularly shaped. Cabin materials and fit and finish are impressive. 

Comments
Two and four-door hatchbacks and a convertible are available. The base engine is a 134 horsepower 1.5L turbo, with two versions of a 2L turbo four, the 189 horsepower Cooper S and the 301 horsepower John Cooper Works, also available. The electric MINI features a 32 kWh battery pack, produces 184 horsepower and under optimal conditions, has a predicted range of up to 250 kilometres.  

Pricing
Too little information is available to make a comment on pricing. 

Reliability
Not rated as too little information is available on the new generation. The previous generation was rated below average. Warranty ends at four years 80,000 km, with no subsequent powertrain warranty.

Sm. Front Driver: G

Mod. Front: G

Side: G

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass: NR

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: A