Talking Cars (Video)

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

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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?

 

 

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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!

 

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

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

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

Direct download: 2307CRO_Talking_Cars_422_HQ.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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? 

 

 

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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

Direct download: 2307CRO_Talking_Cars_421_HQ.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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?

 

 

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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

Direct download: 2306CRO_Talking_Cars_420_HQ.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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_HQ.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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

Direct download: 2306CRO_Talking_Cars_419_HQ.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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