Talking Cars (MP3)

New at the track this week is the 2020 Nissan Versa we recently purchased for our test program. We share our first impressions, and discuss the struggles of the subcompact sedan segment.  We also talk about NHTSA's (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) new initiative to overhaul its vehicle crash test program, and how this will benefit consumers. In our Q&A segment, we answer audience questions about the long-term reliability of Ford's Ecoboost engines, if there are too many safety features on modern cars, and what is a good solution to replacing expensive LED headlights.

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!


From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!


We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/


Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6


 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:27 - NHTSA Crash Test Program Overhaul

05:03 - 2020 Nissan Versa First Impressions

11:43 - Question #1: How reliable are Ford’s EcoBoost engines?

14:24 - Question #2: Is the abundance of safety features making cars more expensive?

19:00 - Question #3: Why are the inexpensive halogen headlights being replaced with expensive LEDs?

20:50- Question #4: What is a quieter, more luxurious replacement for a 2008 Camry Hybrid?

 

 

---------------------------------- 

Federal Car Crash Testing Needs Major Overhaul, Safety Advocates Say

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/federal-car-crash-testing-needs-major-overhaul-safety-advocates-say/

 

Nissan Versa Gets Much-Needed Redesign for 2020

https://www.consumerreports.org/small-cars/2020-nissan-versa-preview/

 

Nissan Versa review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx8jbNVggRI

 

2014 Nissan Versa Note quick take

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcWFDkkBPis

 

4K Review: 2018 Toyota Camry Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpOUrt8sLGE

 

4K Review: 2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFEpKCeM9w

 

2019 Toyota Avalon Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsYrBRbjUok

 

 

-----------------------------------

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 


Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 1910CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_226.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT

We've completed testing of the 2019 Mercedes A-Class, and discuss how it performed at our track - does the small sedan live up to the luxury nameplate? We also discuss Ford's issues with its Explorer and Aviator models, and why problems with a brand new car aren't as uncommon as you might think. And why are windshield replacements becoming more expensive? We answer that, as well as questions about our tire testing, and the lack of Japanese cars on European roads in our audience Q&A segment.

—————————————————

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

0:40 - The all-new Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator experience production problems

6:44 - CR’s test results of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class

12:20 - Preview Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

13:03 - Send us your questions at TalkingCars@icloud.com!

13:23 - Video Question #1: Will tires of the same make, model and brand perform differently on front-wheel, rear-wheel and AWD cars?

17:04 - Video Question #2: Will it take longer to replace a windshield on a new Subaru Forester?

22:11 - Question #3: Why aren’t there as many ‘reliable’ vehicles on the road in Europe versus the United States?

LINKS

-----------------------------------

2020 Ford Explorer First Impressions; Talking Cars #216: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsYFGPyX9F0

2017 Genesis G70 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0

2020 Lincoln Aviator First Impressions | Talking Cars #221: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3R3Uwsr77s

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 First Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6l5FVyFGD8

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

2020 Kia Telluride | Talking Cars #196: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_tVIA945WE

Wet Tire Testing at CR’s Test Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTNMhBiflLc

Direct download: 1910CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_225.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:22pm EDT

Tesla's latest vehicle software update includes a feature called Smart Summon. We talk about the use and effectiveness of this autonomous feature and share our experiences of how it performed on our Model 3. Plus, we completed testing on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, find out how it stacks up against its sister SUV, the Kia Telluride. And, we answer audience questions about head-gasket replacement, run-flat winter tires and Autobahn-worthy convertibles.

 

-----------------------------------

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!


From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!


We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/


Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6



SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:28 - Tesla’s Smart Summon Feature

08:17 - 2020 Hyundai Palisade

14:43 - Question #1: Should I replace the head casket on my older Subaru?

18:15 - Question #2: Are regular winter tires better than run-flat winter tires?

20:40 - Question #3: Autobahn-worthy convertible?


----------------------------------  

Tesla’s Smart Summon Performance Doesn’t Match Marketing Hype

https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/teslas-smart-summon-performance-doesnt-match-marketing-hype/

 

2020 Hyundai Palisade Is Packed With Features and Refinement

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-hyundai-palisade-first-drive-review/

 

2020 Kia Telluride Ready to Meet Family Needs

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-kia-telluride-first-drive/

 

2018  LA Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Palisade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFbbBDcCYYg

 

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Kia Telluride

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDr5uu7QheQ

 

2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo

 

Tesla Model 3 360 Track Tour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuFRoLqa1JY

 

2016 Tesla Model X Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GhvTUDuEds

 

-----------------------------------

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 


Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 1910CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_224.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

This week we share our first impressions on the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor that we rented, discuss its impressive off-road capabilities and who is this unique machine targeted towards. We also examine AAA's new study on vehicle pedestrian detection systems, and talk about the importance of these safety features and how they can save lives.  We also answer audience questions about when is the right time to change your car's brake fluid, what is the proper way to match a new replacement tire to other worn tires on a vehicle, and how we really feel about the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer.

 

 

---------------------------------- 

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!


From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!


We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/


Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6


 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:26 - AAA Study about Pedestrian Detection in Vehicles

05:36 - 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor

12:03 - Question #1: Should you trust your mechanic over the owner’s manual?

14:00 - Question #2: What is the proper way to match a new replacement tire to other worn tires on a vehicle?

18:32 - Question #3: How does CR really feel about the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer?

 

---------------------------------- 

Pedestrian Detection Works, but Technology Still Has Ways to Go, AAA Study Finds

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/pedestrian-detection-works-but-technology-still-has-ways-to-go-aaa-study-finds/

 

2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGEmjjPCCeQ

 

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1XFgYyH00o

 

-----------------------------------

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 


Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 1910CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_223.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT

1