Jim Bray, CFP Automotive Editor
Jim publishes TechnoFile Magazine. Jim is an affiliate with the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada and his careers have included journalist, technology retailer, video store pioneer, and syndicated columnist; he does a biweekly column on CBC Radio One's The Business Network.
Jim can be reached at: bray@technofile.com Older articles by Jim Bray
Most Recent Articles by Jim Bray, CFP Automotive Editor:
Lambert and Stamp a fascinating look behind The Who’s scenes
August 27, 2015
Lambert and Stamp is available now on DVD and Blu-ray
Tired of airline luggage fees? Here’s a way to fight back
August 6, 2015
Maybe it's time to look at divesting airline stock and investing in couriers.
Entry level Acura a nice ride once nannies shut off
August 6, 2015
The base 2016 ILX starts at $29,490 Canadian, which seems decent considering the car you get
Sennheiser headphones cut the umbilical cord
July 30, 2015
The Sennheiser RS 175's aren't the highest end headphones on the market, but they sound darn good anyway
Small BMW coupe an open air delight - mostly
July 30, 2015
Even with only a four banger under the hood, it's a remarkable driving experience - and with hardly any turbo lag to worry about, and the handling and overall driving experience is sublime.
Mazda’s new small SUV’s a real winner
July 23, 2015
The CX-3 is available in a variety of trim levels, starting with the front drive GX ($20,695) and ranging up to the top line GT with the optional Technology Package ($30,495)
It appears that - at least to date - people aren't warming up to the concept of self-driving vehicles and those pushing them are going to have to work a lot harder before the citizenry is convinced of the benefits
Big Ram truck a big hauler for big people
July 16, 2015
As utilitarian as a truck like this is meant to be, that doesn't mean you have to do without the latest comforts and conveniences, and this particular Ram is Rammed full of stuff
The Subaru Impreza starts at $19,995 Canadian, which is a pretty good deal for an all-wheel drive vehicle. The top of the line five door 2.0i Limited with the Technology Option starts at $30,295.
Taking one of these trips down memory lane is going to set you back quite a bit, but if you're into it you might find it worthwhile
One feature I found really handy but which you undoubtedly won't use much is its capability to transfer information from your old phone wirelessly
Mazda6 gets a 2016 update but same ‘Zoom-Zoom’
July 3, 2015
The Mazda6 starts at $24,495 for the base version with manual transmission. The fully loaded 6 GT with the six speed automatic and the technology package starts at $35,095.
One quarter of all Canadians who responded to the survey admitted that speed is a pet peeve
Lincoln MKC a small but major step forward for automaker
June 25, 2015
Direct competitors to the MKC include Lexus' new NX 200t, as well as the small SUV/crossovers from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
Obviously, either of these cars should serve their owners well, and for a long time, and they both perform the same basic functions, though in very different ways
"Gently lift you from your fast-paced life on Earth into the colorful, floating bliss of the cosmos"
Kia Sportage offers good power, features, value
June 11, 2015
The Kia Sportage starts at a reasonable $22,995 Canadian for the base LX trim level model, with front wheel drive
Jaguar XJ sedan a classy and engaging beast
June 2, 2015
This is one Jaguar that doesn't pussyfoot around!
I came away from the demo quite impressed with the Sprinter 4x4s' performance
Entry level Honda gets an annoying update
May 8, 2015
The Honda Fit starts at $14,575 Canadian. Honda Canada's sample wore the top line EX L-Navi trim level (there's also DX, LX and EX) and started at $23,011.25.
A tip of the hat to a company that did what it said it would to keep one customer happy, quickly and efficiently. Way to go, Epson.
If you're having trouble sleeping, a stint behind the wheel of a Prius may just cure it.
Acura TLX: blending two cars into a different type of hybrid
April 16, 2015
It's nice to see Honda/Acura getting its styling ducks in order again, and I hope the TLX does well for them. It's a very nice car.
CorelDraw X7 adds more power, flexibility, to design tasks
April 16, 2015
The Canadian-based Corel company's offering has sported similar capabilities for many years now and there are a lot of compelling reasons for designers to look at it when they're shopping for a new powerhouse app.
Porsche Macan Turbo: fast family hauler
April 9, 2015
It's a fantastic vehicle, one of the sportiest SUV's you can find yet still roomy enough to carry the family and its stuff practically anywhere you might want to take it
As great as OPPO's HA-2 is, it isn't for everyone – as Mr. Liao noted it's targeted at a specific customer base
Toyota Yaris gets a 2015 tweaking
April 2, 2015
For 2015, the Yaris gets a styling upgrade inside and out, with a new front end that looks like the little car wants to be an Avalon when it grows up
Interstellar wormholes its way onto Blu-ray
April 2, 2015
Visions of Kubrick's masterpiece 2001 kept going through my head while watching Interstellar, which is high praise, but I believe Christopher Nolan's movie is the more accessible of the two
Acura flagship sedan causes rethink for hybrid denier
March 20, 2015
The Acura RDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD lists for $69,990 Canadian, plus the usual fees etc.
Toyota gives Camry a refresh that gives one pause
March 13, 2015
Toyota has come up with a Camry that even enthusiasts can drive reasonably happily, without resorting to wearing a paper bag over their heads. Who'd have thunk!