Talking Cars (MP3)

We recently purchased the 2020 Audi Q7, so this week we discuss what's new in the freshening of this 3-row midsize SUV, give our take on the new dual screen infotainment system, and how it compares to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7. Also, with hurricane season in full swing, we talk about precautions drivers should consider when driving in heavy rain, what to do if you encounter flooded roads, and share some telltale signs a car might have been previously flooded when shopping for a used car. We also consider which sportback would be the best fit for a family vehicle, if shifting into neutral at traffic lights can save on gas (or potentially harm your vehicle,) and options for a fuel efficient subcompact SUV or a compact pickup truck to serve as a daily driver.

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

00:00 - Introduction

01:34 - Driving in heavy rain and how to avoid buying a flood damaged used car

06:51 - 2020 Audi Q7 First Impressions

14:09 - Question #1: Which Sportback would be the best fit for a family vehicle?

18:50 - Question #2: Could shifting into neutral at traffic lights save fuel?

23:24 - Question #3: What is the best subcompact SUV or compact pickup truck for a daily commuter?

 

---------------------------------- 

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

How to Prepare for a Weather Emergency

https://www.consumerreports.org/emergency-preparedness/preparing-for-a-weather-emergency/

 

How to Prepare Your Home for a Storm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYJnWkQ4aC0&feature=youtu.be

 

Flooded Cars: How to Spot One Before You Buy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT-WtAltmK8

 

First Drive: Freshened, Swanky Audi Q7 Is Brimming With Technology

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-audi-q7-review/

 

2017 Audi Q7 Quick Drive

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

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8AkZXtyxcI

 

4K Review: 2018 Kia Stinger Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z23ztuujxfA

 

2019 Volkswagen Arteon Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKYkg3Jw8HQ

 

2018 Buick Regal Sportback Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K7SsXtZs98

 

2015 Volvo V60 review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggj4-63VrXM

 

2017 Honda Ridgeline Quick Drive

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

 

2019 Ford Ranger Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ09demkO_E

 

2015 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon at the Detroit Auto Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK1BZTEt3fc

 

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

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

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Ford Escape

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

 

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

 

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: 2008CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_270.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

This week we give our first impressions of the 2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, discuss its driving characteristics, and how it compares to its competitors, like the Genesis G70. CR has released a new study which finds that on many vehicles important advanced safety features like AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) and FCW (Forward Collision Warning) are only available in expensive optional packages, and paired with less crucial amenities (such as sunroofs and heated seats.) We talk about the importance of these life saving systems, and why they should be standard on every car. We also answer questions about the safety of Tesla’s chargers and other home EV chargers in wet, rainy conditions; why tires could become noisy after they are rotated; and suggest a fun, manual transmission car for a teen driver under $15k.

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

00:00 - Introduction

01:33 - CR’s Vehicle Safety Features Study

05:58 - 2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe First Impressions

11:39 - Question #1: How safe are EV home chargers in wet weather?

14:10 - Question #2: Why tires might become noisy after a rotation?

16:49 - Question #3: What is a cool and fun, but also safe and reliable, manual transmission car for teen?

 

---------------------------------- 

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

New Consumer Reports Study Finds Automakers Charging Premium for Safety

https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/cr-study-finds-automakers-charging-premium-for-safety/

 

First Drive: 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Makes Luxury More Affordable

https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-cars/2020-bmw-2-series-gran-coupe-228xi-review/

 

2019 Genesis G70 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0

 

2014 Mazda3 first Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAqcc5ykuKY

 

2014 Toyota Corolla first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu6QfFB7fDY

 

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

 

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: 2008CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_269.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:17am EDT

We recently completed testing on the 2020 Cadillac CT4 luxury sedan, and we discuss how it compares to the Audi A4, Genesis G70, and its sister sedan, the Cadillac CT5. Staying with the Cadillac, the GM’s luxury brand recently made headlines with the unveiling of its all-electric Lyriq concept SUV; we talk about the rocky history of electric cars at General Motors, the interesting platform the Lyriq will be based on, and how this car will compete with Tesla's offerings. We also answer questions about fun alternatives to the Hyundai Palisade, how electric truck maker Rivian is stepping up the battery game, tips for snowbirds to maintain their Mazda Miata and Mazda3,  and whether it is a good idea to use a padded seat belt cover.

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

00:00 - Introduction

01:41 - 2023 Cadillac Lyriq First Look

06:15 - 2020 Cadillac CT5 Test Results

13:48 - Question #1: Is Rivian moving towards the 800 volt battery technology and is it worth the wait?

17:23 - Question #2: Are padded set belt covers safe?

19:55 - Question #3: Is it bad for cars to be garaged for long periods of time and how should they be maintained?

24:51 - Questions #4: What are some fun alternatives to the Hyundai Palisade?

 

---------------------------------- 

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

Preview: Cadillac Lyriq Shows GM’s Commitment to Electric Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/cadillac-lyriq-review/

 

First Drive: 2020 Cadillac CT4 Both Thrills and Disappoints

https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-cars/2020-cadillac-ct4-review/

 

First Drive: 2020 Cadillac CT5 Blends Comfort and Sport

https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-cars/2020-cadillac-ct5-review/

 

All-Electric Rivian Pickup and SUV Take Charge

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/all-electric-rivian-r1t-pickup-truck-and-r1s-suv-debut/

 

4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY

 

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI

 

2019 Genesis G70 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0

 

4K Review: 2018 Kia Stinger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z23ztuujxfA

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Cadillac CT5

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

 

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

 

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: 2008CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_268.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 8:31pm EDT

On this episode we share our test results of the all-electric 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus. While it was one of the first mainstream EVs on the market, we discuss if it has kept up with its competitors in this growing market. Our experts give tips on the best way to research, negotiate, and secure the best financing when buying a car. And, we answer questions about how CR decides which models to buy for our testing program, the potential hazards of folding rear seats, and finding the right vehicle for towing a small camper.

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:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 - Introduction

01:48 - How to negotiate the best car loan

08:56 - 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus Test Results

15:49 - Audicence Questions

16:07 - Question #1: How does CR determine which vehicle to purchase from a model lineup?

20:22 - Question #2: Are there potential hazards for kids getting trapped under third-row folding seats?

24:20 - Question #3: What is the best CUV/SUV under $30K to tow a small camping trailer?

LINKS:

What Minority Car Buyers Can Do to Avoid Discrimination: https://www.consumerreports.org/federal-laws-regulations/what-minority-car-buyers-can-do-to-avoid-discrimination/

2020 Nissan Leaf Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2020/overview/

Beginner’s Guide to RV Trailers: https://www.consumerreports.org/other-motor-vehicles/beginners-guide-to-rv-trailers/

Direct download: 2008CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_267.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

1