I would like to end 2015 on a lighter note with a funny YouTube blog.
It's a John Oliver Volkswagen commercial which pokes fun at the TDi scandal that plagued the automaker in 2015.
I dare to say that I have never placed Nissan at the top of my list for both styling or quality. Although ever since the strategic partnership in 1999 between Renault and Nissan things have changed especially in the styling aspect. (Infinity is Nissan's upscale brand name)
Here is a wonderful example of that, the 2017 Infinity QX30:
As you can see from the pictures there is a very close resemblance to the styling job done on the Nissan Murano.
First of all this SUV is not built in Japan, not France, not the US, wait for it, Sunderland, England.
It is powered by a 2 Liter turbocharged four cylinder that produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is coupled to a 7 Speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with available AWD (up to 50/50 split)
Safety features include: Around View Parking cameras, Intelligent Parking Assist, Adaptive-Cruise-Control radar and an AWD system capable of a 50/50 torque split.
Sounds impressive but there's already tons of competition in this space, especially from earlier entrants such as the Lexus NX, Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and Buick Encore
The QX30 goes on sale in the second quarter of 2016, will there be a demand? That as well as the starting price remains to be seen.
Pictures from Google images, full article can be found on caranddriver.com by following this link: http://www.caranddriver.com/infiniti/qx30
Another great related article on thecarconnection.com, follow link:http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/infiniti_qx30_2017
Below you will find a list of winners from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
For the 2016 model year there are 48 winners of a Top Safety Pick+ award PLUS 13
recipients of a Top Safety Pick award.
Top Safety Pick award:
Good ratings in the small
overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head
restraint tests, as well as a standard or optional front crash
prevention system.
Top Safety Pick+ award:
Have superior or advanced rated front crash prevention system with automatic
braking capabilities. Vehicles must stop or slow down without
driver intervention before hitting a target in tests at 12 mph (20
km/h), 25 mph (40 km/h) or both.
(Models with a basic rated front crash
prevention system, which typically only issues a warning and doesn't
brake qualify for Top Safety Pick)
I remember growing up in the 80's always wanting a Chevy Camaro V8. Of course lack of sufficient funds and high gas prices always kept me away from a purchase. Closest I came was a rusty used 1977 Chevy Nova (305) V8 with double exhaust, but wow did it move.
Back to the battle.
The 2016 Mustang GT packs under the hood a Coyote 5L V8 engine producing 435 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm. Engine power is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.
Now for 2016 Camaro SS receives Corvette’s LT1 6.2 L V8 producing 455 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 455 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm. Like the Mustang engine power is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.
Another factor at play is the weight difference, at at 3,672 pounds (1665 kg) the Camaro is much lighter than the Mustang which comes in at 3,825 pounds (1734 kg).
The 2016 Mustang GT has a 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) time of 4.6 seconds, quarter mile comes in 12.9 seconds at 110 mph (177.03 km/h).
The 2016 Camaro SS has a 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) time of 4.0 seconds, quarter mile comes in 12.4 seconds at 114.6 mph (184.43 km/h).
While the Mustang laps the figure eight in 24.4 seconds averaging 0.82 g, it is bettered by the Camaro. Camaro will complete the figure eight in 24.1 seconds and averaging 0.85 g.
Spec wise on paper it looks like the Camaro SS has an slight advantage over the Mustang GT. Although is it worth paying almost $9000 more for that slight extra performace? ($47,350-$38,600 US dollars)
Full specifications:
2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS
2016 Ford Mustang GT (Perf Pack)
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT
Front-engine, RWD
Front-engine, RWD
ENGINE TYPE
90-deg V-8, alum block/heads
90-deg V-8, alum block/heads
VALVETRAIN
OHV, 2 valves/cyl
DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
DISPLACEMENT
376.1 cu in/6,162cc
302.1 cu in/4,951cc
COMPRESSION RATIO
11.5:1
11.0:1
POWER (SAE NET)
455 hp @ 6,000 rpm*
435 hp @ 6,500 rpm
TORQUE (SAE NET)
455 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm*
400 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
REDLINE
6,500 rpm
6,500 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER
8.1 lb/hp
8.8 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO
3.73:1/1.87:1
3.73:1/2.43:1
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR
Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
STEERING RATIO
15.8:1
16.0:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK
2.3
2.7
BRAKES, F; R
13.6-in vented disc; 13.3-in vented disc, ABS
15.0-in vented disc; 13.0-in vented disc, ABS
WHEELS, F; R
8.5 x 20-in; 9.5 x 20-in, cast aluminum
9.0 x 19-in; 9.5 x 19-in, cast aluminum
TIRES, F; R
245/40R20 95Y; 275/35R20 98Y Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
Funny post of the month.........
Very few drivers actually get pulled over for driving too slowly, but in this case who should the officer make the ticket out to?
"In California this week, a shocking arrest as a Google self-driving
car was photographed being pulled over by a motorcycle policeman for
driving too slowly, as posted on the Re/Code website, which took the
photograph from the Google+ page of the Google Self-Driving Project.
The
incident took place after police noticed a car moving at only 25 mph
(38 km/h) on a road with a 35 mph (56 km/h) speed limit.
Ultimately
no ticket was issued by police, although according to some news outlets
the policeman did explain to the car’s occupant – self-driving car only
means there is no driver – that it was slowing down traffic."
Source, Auto123 article: http://www.auto123.com/en/news/google-car-stopped-driving-too-slow/61447/
The APA (Automobile Protection Agency) just released a fairly long and detailed list of winter tires for the 2015-2016 season. This is one of the few web-sites I really trust for unbiased testing information. Using the most standard size of 205/55/16 on compact cars, here are their conclusions:
TOP RATED:
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 $189
Nokian Hakkapelitta R2 $209
VERY GOOD:
Continental WinterContact SI $170
Gislaved Nord*Frost 100 $165
Michelin X-Ice Xi3 $205
Pirelli Ice Zero FR $157
Toyo Observe GSi5 $175
I strongly suggest you follow this link to the APA for a full description of the pros and cons of the above tires. There is also another list called "budget priced" tires. http://www.apa.ca/wintertire_reviews.asp
2017 Acura NSX
In my younger days I remember there was a hit song from Aldo Nova, 'life is just a fantasy'
Well this wonderful design from Honda will most probably be just a fantasy for most of us.
Auto123.com has posted some known specifications for the 2017 Acura NSX.
Three electric motors, two up front and a third in the back. All are powered by a
lithium-ion battery pack and a twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a
9 speed dual-clutch transmission. Producing a whopping 573
horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a final top speed
of 307 km/h.
There are four driver selectable dynamic modes, Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track, allowing drivers to go from all-electric operation to
racecar-like performance.
The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) controls the
steering, braking, throttle, vehicle
stability assist, magnetorheological dampers, engine, transmission, and
Sport Hybrid SH-AWD control systems. (Driver optional, I guess)
The NSX body and chassis has a multi-material space frame that combines aluminum with carbon fibre and magnesium.
Price for the 2017 Acura NSX is yet unknown.
Update 19.10.2015
Fresh winter tire review from auto123.com for the 2015-2016 winter season, posted 15.10.2015. Here are the results for cars: Best tire in the $100-$150 range
Champiro IcePro (studdable) and WinterPro -- Decent overall winter tire, excellent bang for buck (arguably the best Chinese winter tire)
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter -- Performs well in deep snow and slush, studdable
Best tire in the $150-$200 range
Toyo GSi-5 -- Microbit compound, good durability, deep thread, very good in snow and slush
Yokohama Ice Guard IG52 -- Yoko’s version of the Blizzak: Good all-round tire, softer compound, quiet
Pirelli Winter Ice Zero FR --
Reasonably priced, compound resists temperature changes (gets more
flexible in the cold, firms up when warmer), non-studdable, very quiet,
good overall traction with limited squirming (this is a crossover or
4-season tire)
Dunlop Winter Maxx -- Good bang for the $$, performs well in deep snow and slush
Continental WinterContact SI -- Replaces ExtremeWinterContact (new tire), expected to be good all-round winter performer for slush, snow and ice
Best tire: $200+
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 -- Aggressive tread pattern, improved snow traction over the previous R (Hakkapeliitta 7 and new 8 are also good selections)
Bridgestone LM-32 (performance) -- Aggressive, V high-speed rating, better in deeper snow than Dunlop, however, slightly more expensive
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 -- Quiet, soft compound, great all-round performance
Michelin X-Ice Xi3 -- Very good road manners, feels like an all-season, good performer, but with reduced tread depth
SUV winter tire results: Best tire in the $125-$175 range (P225/65R17)
Champiro IcePro (studdable) and WinterPro -- Decent overall winter tire, excellent bang for buck (arguably the best Chinese winter tire);
Goodyear Ultra Grip winter -- Performs well in deep snow and slush, studdable.
Best tire in the $175-$225 range
Toyo GSi5 -- Microbit compound, good durability, deep tread, very good in snow and slush;
Yokohama Ice Guard IG51V -- Yoko’s version of the Blizzak: aggressive design, deep tread, good all-round tire *most positive reviews from consumers*;
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 --
Everything we like about the Blizzak but for a CUV; quiet, soft
compound, great all-round performance, remains a benchmark, deep tread,
brand new but expected to do well;
Dunlop GrandTrek SJ8 -- Deep tread, good bang for the $$, good deep snow and slush, decent on ice.
Best tire: $225+
Nokkian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV / 8 SUV -- Aggressive tread pattern, excellent snow and slush traction;
Pirelli Scorpion Winter -- Aggressive tread design, decent tread depth, improved over last generation, pricier;
Michelin Lattitude X-Ice2 -- Very good road manners; feels like an all-season, good performer, but with reduced tread depth.
Update: 12.10.2015
Found this YouTube video from AutoTuning. Test and results of the 2015 winter tire tests were performed by AutoReview, At the wheel, Tuulilasi & Test World from Finland. Having visited Finland for Christmas several years ago I can vouch for the need of studs on their winter tires. The Finns are known to be very environmentally friendly people. In the harshest of the Finnish winter, apart from the capital, there is no road salt used (only gravel). Therefore in the central part of Finland that I had visited you are driving on a fairly thick dense sheet of compacted ice with gravel layers embedded in it. Thus the need for studs, this list has some serious studded rubber, probably not required for most major metropolitan cities. Such as here in Montreal, the municipality goes insane with the use of road salt/gravel mix on our roads.
Here are the results of their seriously heavy duty test, ALL tires are STUDDED for extreme winter conditions.
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
2. Continental Contiicecontact
3. Gislaved NordFrost 100
4. Pirelli Winter Ice Zero
5. Michelin X-Ice North 3
6. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic
7. Dunlop Ice Touch
8. Hankook Winter IPike
9. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01
10. Kama-Euro 519
It's that time once again when most of us start shopping for winter tires. Unfortunately I do not have the 2015-2016 new winter tire test results yet. I will post those as soon as they are available, there are some new winter tire models this year. That information may be too late for most buyers.
For the time being here are the 2014-2015 winter tire test results from clicktire.com. They are a fairly large tire retailer here in Quebec Canada. Unfortunately the information is in French but here is the vertical column information translation to English from left to right.
Heading on Top:
Tire name --- (First section top left) Slush Traction / Ice Traction / Snow Traction
Tire name --- (Middle section) Ride Comfort / Noise Level / Durability
Tire name --- (Right section) Dry Traction / Wet Traction (Rain)
Tires are rated with 10 being best.
Last year as in previous years the Finns ocupy the top three spots with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded, the Hakkapeliitta R2 and the Hakkapeliitta 8 unstudded. (Really on two tires)
While the bang for buck champion Yokohama IG52C take the 7th spot. At $50 per tire cheaper than the Hakkas it's may be too good a deal to pass up for some making them my third favorite choice after the Hakka 8 and Hakka R2. If leasing your car they may be a good bet for the duration of the lease.
Personally both my cars run on Hakkapeliittas, got the 7's on one and the studded 8's on the other. As far a grip is concerned they are worth the extra $200. Especially if you consider their long life expectancy. There is a previous posting on my blog concerning my personal testing of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8's.
It's Rebate season don't forget to ask about mail in rebates in your area. Sometimes a larger rebate on a better tire (more expensive tire) can make it a better buy. Rebates will usually run from mid October to early December.
Wow after creating a very nice looking Corolla and Camry last year Toyota introduces this thing! A bloated fish out of water.
In my opinion this is the ugliest new car release of the year. Looks like a Ford Fiesta (or Mazda2) had an accident with a Mazda3, and it doesn't get better on the inside.
Maybe it's just too futuristic for me but it seems the interior parts were sourced from several different cars.
They have managed to get the back of the Yaris done fairly nicely, again a bit too Mazda3ish, still nice.
OK so here it is the Mazda2. Yes the Mazda Yaris, built in Mexico by Mazda for Toyota, based on the Mazda2 sedan.
The 2016 Yaris is powered by a 1.5L direct-injected four cylinder engine producing 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm to the front wheels.
Prices start at $16,995 Canadian for the 6 speed manual equipped
with: push-button start, tilt-telescope steering wheel with cruise and
audio controls, four-speaker audio, USB, Bluetooth and 16-inch steel
wheels with covers.
The manual transmission attains a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 6.7
L/100 km.
An automatic transmission Yaris can be had for an additional $1,205. At $18,200 canadian it gets a 6 speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter and sport
mode. This automatic transmission attains an even better combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 6.4 L/100 km.
The interior of the 2016 Yaris sedan is lifted right out of the new Mazda CX-3 crossover. Where the large central
speedometer is back-lit, but the digital tachometer just to the left is fairly small and hard to read.
Here is a leaked look at the new 2017 Hyundai Elantra:
Above photos are showing the Korean market Hyundai Avante, in our part of the world it's known as the Elantra.
Looks like a scaled down Hyundai Sonata, with this new "Hyundai style" grill that all their new cars and SUV have been receiving.
Hyundai has confirmed the 2017 Elantra will get it's first reveal at the Los Angeles auto show in November.
Everybody knows it as the VW hippy bus of the past.
Well here is the modern day concept of that original hippy machine the Type 2 VW Microbus (Bulli Concept).
Not too much is known of it yet except that it will have an electric powertrain. From the VW canada website "The Bulli is designed with an electric powertrain and completely interactive driver interface, integrating an iPad touch screen." http://www.vw.ca/en/concept-cars/concept-cars/bulli.html
There is some broad information on the Bulli Concept design in the links below but no concrete specifications as of yet.
The new VW Microbus Bulli will be manufactured in Puebla, Mexico alongside the Beetle.
This van should be a hit with older gen "hippies" most of them now retired, as well as the modern day Eco-activists, looking to lower their carbon footprint on the world. Unfortunately if this vehicle is released this year it may not be the optimal time. What I'm trying to say is that here in North America we've been seeing the lowest oil and gasoline prices in over a decade. I'm sure if oil prices were back at $150 US per barrel this van would be a home-run and then-some.
Ever come home from an oil change at the dealer or local garage, just to find oil drip spots all over your driveway? This is probably the result of a mechanic over or under torquing an oil plug gasket (washer) at some point in the vehicles life cycle.
I will try to communicate with you my recent experience with my real life situation. Keep in mind that for the last 25 years now I have been performing all my oil changes on all my vehicles past and present. I only use high quality oil filters and fully synthetic oil, in this vehicle's case 5W20.
The second vehicle in my household is a Hyundai Elantra Touring Wagon (i30 for those in Europe). The vehicle was purchased not too long ago from a local Quebec Hyundai dealer, it was sold as a "certified vehicle". While performing the oil change two weeks ago I had a rather difficult time unscrewing the oil pan bolt (did not inspect the gasket). Shortly after the change I started noticing drips of oil all over my recently sealed driveway. To my astonishment this has not happened to me since my early oil changing days, bad gasket then as well. So last week I loosened the oil pan bolt and re-tightened it again applying a sufficient amount of torque. Same problem drips, that is when I knew that the oil plug gasket was no good. Most dealers and mechanics will recommend the aluminum gasket be changed on a regular basis. During my life experience I have found the aluminum gaskets to last between 3-5 oil changes when properly torqued with no leaks. Here is a picture of my over torqued oil plug gasket.
As you can see from the above picture both the bolt and washer were in really bad shape. The washer was in such bad shape that the originally once flat surface has produced a lip on the inner circle. The bolt you can clearly see is almost stripped from too much torque. Both items should have been replaced under Hyundai's certification program. Cost for my new bolt ($4.45) and gasket ($1.94) tax in total $7.34 Canadian. Pissing me off having to scrub the oil stains off my driveway priceless.
I cannot place the blame for the actual over-torque on the dealer because I am not sure where the maintenance on the vehicle was done prior to my purchase. Although under the "certified vehicle program" these items should have been changed since an oil change would have been done under the "certified vehicle program".
It's amazing how we see the ads on TV describing how "nobody knows your car like your bla-bla dealer" or "don't open your hood to strangers". I don't exactly know which brand uses those types of slogans nor do I care.
For whatever maintenance I am not capable of performing I take my cars to an independent garage. Over the last 28 years I have developed a trusting relationship with my independent mechanics Nick and Lazo at Outremont Garage here in Montreal. Knowing full well that whatever maintenance is requested on my cars it will be done to my satisfaction.
I am not saying that all dealers are "bad" I just prefer a more personal relationship. Hanging out at the shop, good explanations, being offered a choice of products in all repair situations. Most times after market or rebuilt products are cheaper and are not offered at the dealer level. For those who have been reading my previous blogs you know I am all about "choice of products"
The final decision is yours.
There are six new performance tires for 2015, the summary review and article are provided by auto123.com
Yokohama Advan Sport A/S V405 (high-performance): Should be very good on dry and wet surfaces with reasonable tread life
GT Radial – Champiro UHP A/S (high-performance): Decent price, expected good tread life and wet-surface handling
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 (high-performance): Should provide good stability and be quiet for a W and Y speed-rated tire
Pirelli P Zero Nero A/S + (performance/touring): Expected good handling and a good comfort/performance compromise
Continental ControlContact Sport A/S (true all-season – performance): May or may not replace the DWS, should be very good on dry, good on wet. Expected to only be available later this year
Bridgestone Potenza RE71R (extreme performance): Should turn out to be an excellent track/street use compromise tire with mitigated wet traction
I really do not like purchasing a new model tire or car for that matter, in it's first year of production. I prefer to have some sort of reliability information at hand. Others always like to be the first to have the latest and hopefully the greatest items. I'm not one of them, I will generally wait till the second year of production and do my research before making my purchase.
I have begun my research for a new set of performance all-season tires to replace my almost worn out Bridgestone Turanza EL470's. I have never been fond of these tires ever since I bought my car (stock tires). They will not exceed 40000 km (25000 miles) of wear and them and never performed well in the rain to begin with (when new). I admit I am a bit of a spirited driver (manual shift) but I always check my tire pressure on a regular basis. I do as well check the ratings and tests on TireRack.com which scores the EL 470's tires as poor.
For those of you like myself, below you will find the link and list of good dependable tires with a track history. These are the top picks according to the auto123.com article dated 26/03/2015.
The most unfortunate issue for myself is finding a good tire in my cars awkward size.
Here are the picks: Best tire in the $100-$150 range (P205/55R16)
Pirelli P4 A/S Plus (touring): Comfort biased, good handling, low-rolling resistance
Continental PureContact (performance): A high mileage, DWS rating*, low-rolling resistance tire with a “V” rating
Toyo Extensa A/S (touring): High mileage tread, good handling
Best tire in the $150-$200 range (P205/55R16)
Toyo Proxes 4+ (performance): A fairly high mileage performance tire with a “V” rating
Toyo Versado Noir (touring): Eco low-rolling resistance technology, average mileage, and quiet tire
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 (performance): Good low-temp and wet grip, excellent dry, strong lateral grip
Michelin Premiere (touring): High-mileage tread, good wet traction, EverGrip Technology**
Pirelli P7 A/S Plus (performance): Comfort biased, good handling, low-rolling resistance with a “V” rating
Yokohama Avid Ascend (touring): Eco low-rolling resistance technology, high mileage and quiet tire
Bridgestone Turanza Serenity + (touring): Quiet, comfort biased, good handling
Bridgestone Driveguard (touring): Comfort biased, good handling, quiet runflat replacement
Best tire: $225 + (P225/45R17)
Michelin Pilot Super Sport (summer performance): Fairly high mileage ultra-high performance, good wet traction
Michelin Pilot A/S 3 (all-season performance): Good low temp and wet grip, excellent dry, strong lateral grip
Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS (all-season performance): Quiet, comfort biased, superior handling
The 2016 CH-R Concept
It's a rather slick looking compact SUV, Toyota’s all new CH-R concept was unveiled at last year at the Paris auto show. We all know the majority of time the actual finished product will not look like the concept version. Concept vehicles have more outrageous styling than the actual production version which have a more "toned down" styling.
The CH-R will be a new breed of small crossover vehicles for Toyota. The CH-R will be revealed at next year’s
Geneva auto show according to credible rumors.
It will likely have a gas-electric version (hybrid powertrain) of whatever production model the concept leads to.
The only specifications available thus far from the Toyota Global Site are the exterior dimensions:
Overall Length 4,350 mm (171.26 in), Overall Width 1,850 mm (72.83 in), Overall Height 1,500 mm (59.06 in), Wheelbase 2,640 mm (103.94 in).
On Toyota Europe website there is little new information to be found. It does confirm a hybrid powertrain. https://www.toyota-europe.com/world-of-toyota/articles-news-events/2014/chr-next-big-thing.json
Here is a 2:47 minute video from Toyota's Global Site displaying and explaining the CH-R's features.
The brains behind Forbes have created what they call the 15 new cars to avoid.
They consulted J.D. Power for the latest results in the company’s initial
quality and long-term reliability surveys and its scores for performance
and design.
The rankings for resale value depreciation came from the
automotive valuation experts at ALG.
Consumer Reports was used to check which models received
particularly paltry scores for performance and overall value.
Some vehicles may come as a surprise to you, I know I was.
Here is their list from 15 to 1.
15. Smart For Two -- “tiny, two-passenger cabin, a herky-jerky transmission and an under-powered engine”
14. Scion iQ -- “the rear seat is awful, the cabin is loud and acceleration is molasses-like”
13. Nissan Titan -- "noted as being among Consumer Reports’ worst values"
12. Nissan Armada -- “its overall fuel economy of 13 mpg is abysmal, reliability is poor and ownership costs are the worst in the category”
11. Mitsubishi Mirage -- "J.D. Power give it below average marks for performance, it’s among Consumer Reports’ lowest scoring models"
10. Mitsubishi i-MiEV -- "receives a rock bottom rating for residual value from ALG, Consumer
Reports gives it one of the publication’s lowest overall performance
scores"
9. Lincoln MKT -- "receives below-average scores for initial quality and reliability from
J.D. Power and below-average marks for depreciation from ALG"
8. Lincoln MKS -- “doesn’t cut it as a luxury sedan” "below-average performance rating from J.D. Power and a below-average residual value ranking from ALG"
7. Jeep Wrangler -- "low marks in initial quality, performance and reliability from J.D. Power"
6. Jeep Patriot -- "gets low marks in performance and reliability from J.D. Power and a below-average residual value rating from ALG"
5. Jeep Compass -- “dull and sluggish, cramped and cheaply trimmed” from CR, "It receives low marks in initial quality, performance and reliability
from J.D. Power and a below-average resale value rating from ALG" sister car to Patriot (model not included in price)
4. Fiat 500L -- "The 500L receives low marks in initial quality and performance from J.D. Power and a below-average resale value rating from ALG"
3. Dodge Journey -- CR, “below-average reliability, lack of agility and a transmission that’s
reluctant to downshift.” It receives low scores in reliability and
performance from J.D. Power and a below-average resale value rating from
ALG.
2. Cadillac XTS -- CR, "among the industry’s worst values, and we think the Chevrolet Impala
offers equivalent accommodations for less money", "low marks for initial quality and performance from J.D. Power and a
below-average resale value rating from ALG"
1. BMW 7 Series -- CR, “a ponderous, technology-laden vehicle with ungainly handling” "worst overall values and most expensive operating costs in its class, rock-bottom resale value rating from
ALG and a below average performance score from J.D. Power. (Surprise)
With all the different types of baby and child seats out there it's no wonder most new parents may be overwhelmed.
On safecar.gov, which is a US vehicle crash safety website there is an abundant amount of information available on child car seats.
This link will bring you to the PRODUCTS RATINGS page. The different models are rated on Evaluation of Labels, Evaluation of Instructions, Securing the Child, Installation Features and Overall Ease of Use Rating. Each category is given a rating between 1 an 5 stars. You can choose between the different types of child seats by clicking on the 8 tabs near the top of the page. http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa_eou/info.jsp?type=infant
The Autos.ca comparison article rates these cars in four categories:
Exterior Styling Score – GTI: 3.5/5 ST: 4/5
Interior Styling and Ergonomics Score – GTI: 4/5 ST: 3.5/5
Practical, Grown-up Stuff Score – GTI: 4.5/5 ST: 4/5
Fun To Drive Score- GTI: 4/5 ST: 4.5/5
First of all I have to file my complaint, I really hate the plaid seating material on the GTI. Yes it's a retro look from the older GTI models but were now in 2015, VW let it go already!
I believe the ST is a better looking vehicle as far as the exterior styling is concerned. I would leave out the skunk stripe, just too 80's boy racer look for me. Besides I really don't need the cops following me around all the time.
Giving the ST 1 point.
Interior styling clearly goes to the GTI (plaid material excluded). VW has always produced beautiful interiors using classy high quality materials in all their interiors, the GTI is no exception. The ST's plastic interior looks too low rent for a $30000 vehicle, I believe a bit of chrome or carbon on the interior dash may have helped.
Giving the GTI 1 point.
Practicality, the GTI has a maximum cargo volume of nearly 1500 L vs the ST’s 1269 L. Fuel efficiency ratings of 6.9 L/100 km Highway and 8.3 City, the GTI betters the ST numbers of 7.3 L/100 km and 8.9 City.
Even though the GTI betters the ST on fuel efficiency the discrepancy is not significant.
Still I must give the point to the GTI
Fun to drive sore. Even though I have not driven these vehicles I will provide you with the full specifications and links for both.
Point here will depend on your driving style. Ford has more torque and hp but at higher RPM's. The GTI will get it's torque at a really low almost diesel like 1500 RPM. For my driving style the GTI would be my preference, having all that torque at such a low RPM will really launch you of the start. As well for those who don't like to do their own shifting only VW provides the auto box.
Point to the GTI
Ford's interior styling
VW's interior styling
In my opinion the GTI is the winner, even with is toned down styling and plaid seat fabric.
The modern day SUV has been increasing in popularity over the past decade. These are not serious off-road vehicles but do include AWD (all-wheel drive) and are perfect for rural and bad weather situations. Below you will find the list of top 10 most fuel efficient SUV based on the study from Kelly Blue Book.
All SUV in the list are 2015 models, fuel consumption numbers are city/highway (mpg and L/100km)
1. Hyundai Tuscon Fuel Cell ** 48/50 (4.9/4.7) ** 134 hp (hydrogen fuel cell with electric motor)
2. Lexus NX hybrid ********* 35/31 (6.7/7.6) ** 194 hp (2.5-liter inline-4 engine & electric motor)
3.
Subaru XV crosstrek ****** 29/33 (8.1/7.1) ** 148 hp (2.0-liter boxer-4 petrol engine)
4. BMW X3 *************** 27/34 (8.7/6.9) ** 180 hp (2.0-liter turbo diesel inline-4)
5. Lexus RXh ************** 32/28 (7.4/8.4) ** 245 hp (3.5-liter V6 & 123-kW electric motor)
6.
Nissan Juke ************* 28/32 (8.4/7.4) ** 188 hp (1.6-liter turbo 4 cylinder petrol engine)
7.
Chevrolet Trax *********** 26/34 (9.0/6.9) ** 138 hp (1.4-liter turbo 4 cylinder petrol engine)
8.
Honda CRV ************* 27/34 (8.7/6.9) ** 185 hp (2.4-liter 4 cylinder petrol engine)
9.
Mazda CX-5 ************ 26/32 (9.0/7.4) ** 155 hp (2.0-liter 4 cylinder petrol engine)
10.
Mercedes-Benz GLA **** 25/35 (9.4/6.7) ** 208 hp (2.0-liter turbo 4 cylinder petrol engine)
Colour codes: fuel cell technology, electric hybrid technology, diesel, all non coloured are petrol powered (gas).
If you are opting to purchase any one of these SUV try to compare similar technologies. As well take a look at the maintenance schedule and warranty information of the vehicle. You may save fuel in the early years but pay some hefty repair costs in the later years. Of course this should be considered by those who plan on keeping their SUV for a long term period.
Full article may be found on the Kbb.com site by following this link: http://www.kbb.com/most-fuel-efficient-cars/suv/2015/10/
More detailed information can be found by clicking on the picture of the SUV. All pictures are courtesy of Google images.
Smart For Two -- “tiny, two-passenger cabin, a herky-jerky transmission and an under-powered engine”
Scion iQ -- “the rear seat is awful, the cabin is loud and acceleration is molasses-like”
Nissan Titan -- "noted as being among Consumer Reports’ worst values"
Nissan Armada -- “its overall fuel economy of 13 mpg is abysmal, reliability is poor and ownership costs are the worst in the category”
Mitsubishi Mirage -- "J.D. Power give it below average marks for performance, it’s among Consumer Reports’ lowest scoring models"
Mitsubishi i-MiEV -- "receives a rock bottom rating for residual value from ALG, Consumer
Reports gives it one of the publication’s lowest overall performance
scores"
Lincoln MKT -- "receives below-average scores for initial quality and reliability from
J.D. Power and below-average marks for depreciation from ALG"
Lincoln MKS -- “doesn’t cut it as a luxury sedan” "below-average performance rating from J.D. Power and a below-average residual value ranking from ALG"
Jeep Wrangler -- "low marks in initial quality, performance and reliability from J.D. Power"
Jeep Patriot -- "gets low marks in performance and reliability from J.D. Power and a below-average residual value rating from ALG"
Jeep Compass -- “dull and sluggish, cramped and cheaply trimmed” from CR, "It receives low marks in initial quality, performance and reliability
from J.D. Power and a below-average resale value rating from ALG" sister car to Patriot (model not included in price)
Fiat 500L -- "The 500L receives low marks in initial quality and performance from J.D. Power and a below-average resale value rating from ALG"
Dodge Journey -- CR, “below-average reliability, lack of agility and a transmission that’s
reluctant to downshift.” It receives low scores in reliability and
performance from J.D. Power and a below-average resale value rating from
ALG.
Cadillac XTS -- CR, "among the industry’s worst values, and we think the Chevrolet Impala
offers equivalent accommodations for less money", "low marks for initial quality and performance from J.D. Power and a
below-average resale value rating from ALG" 
BMW 7 Series -- CR, “a ponderous, technology-laden vehicle with ungainly handling” "worst overall values and most expensive operating costs in its class, rock-bottom resale value rating from
ALG and a below average performance score from J.D. Power. (Surprise)
