Wed, 26 July 2023
See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Alfa Romeo advances its electrification with the 2024 Tonale, the small SUV slots beneath the Stelvio and is aimed to compete against the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. We discuss its plug-in hybrid powertrain, spirited driving performance, and whether or not it delivers Alfa's Italian styling glamour. We also talk about why many plug-in hybrid vehicles start their gasoline engine during strong acceleration even with full battery in EV mode.
SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - First Impressions: 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale 01:38 - The Powertrain 03:33 - EV Mode 06:52 - Driving Experience 11:27 - Interior 14:34 - Infotainment 18:10 - Visibility 18:49 - Is it worth buying? 20:48 - Question: Why many plug-in hybrid vehicles start their gasoline engine during strong acceleration even with full battery in EV mode?
---------------------------------- First Drive: 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is a Disappointing Effort https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-alfa-romeo-tonale-review-a1132347197/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/alfa-romeo/tonale/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Is an Electric Car Right for Your Next Road Trip https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/is-an-electric-vehicle-right-for-your-next-road-trip-a3742578426/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Car Safety Guide https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-safety-guide-a6462424223/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
----------------------------------- 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!
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----------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT
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Wed, 19 July 2023
See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
This week we discuss several topics requested by our audience, including: How does an EV's extra battery weight affect braking? Is it necessary to turn a vehicle's front wheels toward the curb when parking on a steep hill, even if it has an automatic transmission? What are the best practices for storing hybrid cars for long periods of time? We also explain how CR's used-car reliability data is gathered for each vehicle's model year.
SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - Question #1: How does an EV’s extra battery weight affect its braking distances over ICE competitors? 05:14 - Question #2: Which vehicle segment you would revamp, given the opportunity? 10:28 - Question #3: What is the proper way to store a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle for long periods of time? 15:05 - Question #4: How does CR collect used-car reliability data for each model year? 16:37 - Question #5: Should a Jeep Wrangler be considered a convertible? 19:33 - Question #6: Is it necessary to turn a vehicle’s front wheels toward the curb when parking on a steep hill, even if it has an automatic transmission? 22:05 - Question #7: Is using an extremely thin engine oil, like the 0W-8 used in the new Toyota Crown, for improved gas mileage or just planned obsolescence?
---------------------------------- Is an Electric Car Right for Your Next Road Trip https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/is-an-electric-vehicle-right-for-your-next-road-trip-a3742578426/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Brake Lights Can Fail to Provide Fair Warning on Some Electric Vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/brake-lights-can-fail-to-provide-fair-warning-on-some-evs-a9533519285/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How Well Can an Electric Pickup Truck Tow? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-well-can-an-electric-pickup-truck-tow-a1149286680/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Car Safety Guide https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-safety-guide-a6462424223/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
----------------------------------- 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
----------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT
Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
Follow Us on Social: TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 |
Wed, 12 July 2023
See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Maserati’s first entry into the vibrant luxury small SUV segment is the all-new 2023 Grecale, which is meant to compete with many desirable models including the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The 2023 Maserati Grecale GT we bought for CR's auto test program promises high-performance flair by combining potent powerplants and an air of exclusivity. We discuss whether or not the Grecale's sporty handling, modern cabin, and Italian glamour will help to distinguish it from its rivals.
SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - First Impressions: 2023 Maserati Grecale GT 02:33 - What is Maserati? 05:10 - Maserati’s Reliability 08:48 - Which segment does the Grecale fit in? 11:29 - Controls 12:09 - Know what you’re getting into 12:45 - Functionality 13:42 - Driving Dynamics 14:57 - Competitors 18:43 - Question: When selling a used car is it better to sell privately or use a service like CarMax or Carvana?
---------------------------------- Preview: 2023 Maserati Grecale Promises Elegance and Performance https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2023-maserati-grecale-review-a7956084032/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2023 Maserati Grecale https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/maserati/grecale/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Car Safety Guide https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-safety-guide-a6462424223/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
----------------------------------- 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 |
Fri, 7 July 2023
See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Brake lights are a major safety feature on vehicles that provide a fair warning to drivers traveling behind them. On this bonus episode we discuss recent findings in Consumer Reports' tests that discover potential safety issues with brake lights on EVs from Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz.
SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:22 - Topic: Braking without brake lights 01:02 - Disclaimer 01:55 - What is one-pedal driving 03:57 - Hyundai; Kia; Genesis: issue with one-pedal driving 05:21 - CR’s test findings 07:46 - Federal law for vehicle brake lights 09:09 - CR’s recommendation for one-pedal operation in Hyundai; Kia; Genesis EVs 11:36 - Mercedes-Benz: one-pedal driving issue 14:21 - CR’s recommendation for one-pedal driving in Mercedes-Benz EVs 15:12 - Conclusion
---------------------------------- Brake Lights Can Fail to Provide Fair Warning on Some Electric Vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/brake-lights-can-fail-to-provide-fair-warning-on-some-evs-a9533519285/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hybrids/EVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Is an Electric Car Right for Your Next Road Trip https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/is-an-electric-vehicle-right-for-your-next-road-trip-a3742578426/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
----------------------------------- 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
----------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT
Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
Direct download: 2306CRO_Talking_Cars_One_Peddle_Driving_Bonus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT |
Wed, 5 July 2023
See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
The newly redesigned Chevrolet Trax is almost a foot larger than the outgoing model and offers a tempting low price tag. We purchased the 2024 Chevrolet Trax 1LT for our test program, and discuss if the small price will compel buyers to look past the dull driving experience and uninspired cabin and overcome competitors including the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and Nissan Kicks.
SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 - 2024 Chevrolet Trax first impressions 02:17 - Driving dynamics 07:35 - Ride 09:48 - Seat comfort 11:36 - Cabin design 13:17 - Controls 16:18 - Rear seat comfort 17:02 - Cargo space 17:22 - Lack of AWD 19:08 - Fuel economy
---------------------------------- First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Tram Brings Brilliant Packaging and a Tempting Low Price https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-chevrolet-trax-review-a4562224665/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Cars, SUVs, and Trucks With the Best Fuel Economy https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/best-worst-fuel-economy-a3183445363/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2024 Chevrolet Trax https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/trax/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
First Drive: 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Makes a Comeback https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-chevrolet-trailblazer-review-a6072541768/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Many Americans Are Overpaying for Their Car Loans https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-financing/many-americans-overpay-for-car-loans-a8076436935/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
----------------------------------- 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
----------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT
Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
Follow Us on Social: TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 |