15 New Cars to AVOID

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)

Here is the link if you would like to read the full, dark, ugly article: http://www2.forbes.com/business/15-new-cars-to-avoid/?utm_campaign=cars-to-avoid-int&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=disqus-en-tech-g2-thumbs-above-comments

Child Car Seats, Types and Ratings

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.

On the main page you will find:
STEP 1:
Car Seat Types -- http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Car-Seat-Types.htm
Age and Size Recommendations -- http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Right-Car-Seat-Age-Size.htm
Find a Car Seat -- http://www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/crs/index.htm
Car Seat Ease of Use -- http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Car-Seat-Ratings-Ease-Of-Use.htm

STEP 2:
How to Install a Car Seat -- http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/How-To-Install-Car-Seats.htm

STEP3:
How to Register Your Car Seat -- http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Car-Seat-Recalls-Registration.htm

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

Main Page Link to Parents Central:http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Car-Seat-Safety.htm

2015 Ford Focus ST vs 2015 Volkswagen GTI

Front Face-off


Rear Face-off


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.

2015 VW GTI 5 door Performance Package:
2.0L, in-line 4-cylinder,16V, TSI (Premium unleaded)
220 hp @ 4,700 (162 kW @ 4,700)
258 lb-ft @ 1,500 (350 Nm @ 1,500)
225/40 R18 92H all-season tires
MPG 34/25 (6-speed manual) & 33/25 (6-speed DSG automatic)

Link VW Canada Specifications: http://www.vw.ca/en/models/golf-gti/features_specs.s9_trimlevel_detail.suffix.html/GolfGTI~2F5-door-performance.html
Link VW US Specifications: http://media.vw.com/doc/948/2015_volkswagen_golf_gti_the_icon_reinvented-2015_golf_gti_specifications-15012859415370d15b81c21.pdf

2015 Ford Focus ST:
2.0L GTDI EcoBoost^® I-4 engine
252 hp @ 5500 (Premium unleaded)
270 lb-ft @ 2500
235/40R18 Summer tires
MPG 32/23 (6-speed manual transmission only)
Link Ford Canada Specifications: http://www.ford.ca/cars/focus/specifications/view-all/
Link Ford USA Specifications: http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/specifications/view-all/

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.

Pricing:
2015 Ford Focus ST -- Base Price: $29,999 Canadian
2015 Volkswagen GTI 5-door Performance Package -- Base Price: $36,590 Canadian
If you would like to read the full article from Auto's.ca you can follow this link: http://www.autos.ca/car-comparisons/comparison-test-2015-ford-focus-st-vs-2015-volkswagen-gti/