Talking Cars (MP3)

We wrap 2021 with a roundup of our favorite, and not so favorite cars that we drove at our test track. We also discuss how the car buying market has changed over the last 12 months, share some buying advice for the future and look ahead to some vehicles we hope to buy and test in the new year.

 

SHOW NOTES:

1:13 - Our least favorite cars of 2021

9:08 - Our favorite cars of 2021

18:43 - The Automotive world in 2021

24:55 - Vehicle production in 2022 and beyond

LINKS:

First Drive: Polestar 2 Confuses and Frustrates: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-polestar-2-review-a8033018732/

First Drive: 2021 Cadillac Escalade Proves Powerful, High-Tech, and Truly Luxurious: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-cadillac-escalade-review/

First Drive: Redesigned 2022 Subaru BRZ Proves Nimble and Fun: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-subaru-brz-review-a6225692747/

We Finally Got Our Bronco. Here Are the 7 Things That Immediately Struck Us: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/what-to-know-about-the-all-new-ford-bronco-a3790433538/

Fun to Drive Cars We’re Thankful for This Year: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/fun-to-drive-cars-we-are-thankful-for-this-year-a2619186767/

General Motors Introduces ‘Ultra Cruise,’ an Expanded Hands-Free Driver Assistance System: https://www.consumerreports.org/driver-assistance-systems/gm-ultra-cruise-hands-free-driver-assistance-system-a4904409015/

Global Chip Shortage Makes It Tough to Buy Certain Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/global-chip-shortage-makes-it-tough-to-buy-certain-cars-a8160576456/

Some Automakers Say the Chip Shortage Is Causing the Delay of Certain Features: https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-industry/chip-shortage-causing-automakers-to-delay-certain-features-a1131554218/

Direct download: 2112CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_340.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

It’s finally here; the 2021 Ford Bronco joins our test fleet and we share our first impressions. We discuss everything from Bronco history, livability, off-road chops, and why it took so long for CR to buy one. Plus, we debate if the Bronco will out-Wrangler the Jeep Wrangler and win over the hearts of off-road enthusiasts. We also answer an audience question on CR’s criteria for recommended vehicles.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 2021 Ford Bronco First Impression

14:33 - Question: What criteria are considered when CR recommends a vehicle?

LINKS:

Ford Bronco Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/bronco/2021/overview/

We Finally Got Our Bronco. Here Are the 7 Things That Immediately Struck Us: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/what-to-know-about-the-all-new-ford-bronco-a3790433538/

Direct download: 2112CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_339.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. We discuss everything from driving, styling, control usability, vehicle structure and the Ioniq name itself. Find out what skateboards have to do with EVs and how this all-electric hatchback measures up to Hyundai's three-row SUVs. Plus, we answer a question on recycling old EV batteries.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Hyundai Ioniq 5 Discussion

11:20 - Question: Is there a plan for disposing vehicle batteries?

LINKS:

Hyundai Ioniq 5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/

Preview: Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Accelerates New Sub-Brand Into the High-Tech Future: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-review-a4449361814/

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Quick Drive: https://studio.youtube.com/video/DeYnvaqVHV0/edit

2018 Nissan Leaf Quick Drive: https://studio.youtube.com/video/PBAB7sZj0Fo/edit

Direct download: 2112CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_338.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

On this episode, we drive the 2022 Volkswagen GTI. We discuss how this classic hatchback has evolved since the 1980s, where it fits in Volkswagen’s SUV focused lineup and the one thing that holds the GTI back from being a great all-around vehicle. We also answer a question about the safety of paddle shifters. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Volkswagen GTI discussion

12:20 - Question: Does CR consider paddle shifters a safety hazard?

LINKS:

Perview: 2022 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R Gain Power, Tech, and Sophistication: https://www.consumerreports.org/sporty-cars/2022-volkswagen-gti-gains-power-tech-sophistication-review/

Volkswagen GTI: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/gti/

Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #38: Volkswagen GTI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1uGj5Cv6oY

VW Golf R vs. Golf GTI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uLwY-A35ko

Direct download: 2112CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_337.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This week we discuss our test results of the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. We explain what EUV means and talk about how this all-new EV compares to the original Bolt. Plus, find out why we, and other Bolt owners, have to park the vehicle outside, far away from any buildings. We also answer a question for a skier who’s looking to buy a new car.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Chevrolet Bolt EUV Discussion

17:18 - Question: What’s the best type of vehicle to buy for an avid skier? How does ground clearance play a role in snow traction?

LINKS:

Chevrolet Bolt EUV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/bolt-euv/

GM Announces Fix for Chevrolet Bolt EVs to Address Fire Risk: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/chevrolet-bolt-recalled-again-due-to-fire-concerns-a3566085147/

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

General Motors Introduces ‘Ultra-Cruise,’ an Expanded Hands-Free Driver Assistance System: https://www.consumerreports.org/driver-assistance-systems/gm-ultra-cruise-hands-free-driver-assistance-system-a4904409015/

Tire Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires.htm?searchToken=tires

Direct download: 2111CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_336.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

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