Talking Cars (MP3)

On this episode, we discuss the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Find out how the Sportage Hybrid compares to the gasoline Sportage we tested and why hybrid versions of small SUVs often improve a model overall. We also answer a question about all-wheel drive and determine whether it can be considered a safety feature or convenience feature.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 11:48: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

11:50 - 20:34: Question: Is all-wheel drive a safety feature, a nice-to-have-perk, or over-hyped?

LINKS:

2023 Kia Sportage Is Long on Style and Room, Short on Verve: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-kia-sportage-review-a1593140021/

This week, we share our impressions of the all-electric Mazda MX-30, the automaker's first EV to hit the market. Find out why we think the MX-30 is behind the times and why only 560 vehicles are planned to be sold in the US. We also answer an audience question about the legality of LED replacement headlights.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00-12:22 - 2022 Mazda MX-30

12:22-19:27 - Video Question: Are LED replacement bulbs legal?

LINKS:

Frustrating Mazda MX-30 Can't Match Other Modern EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-mazda-mx-30-review-a1201295576/

Smart Adaptive Headlights Will Soon Brighten U.S. Roads: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/smart-adaptive-headlights-will-soon-brighten-us-roads-a8128257819/

The all-electric 2022 Mercedes EQS becomes the automaker's new flagship alongside the S-Class lines. We share our first impressions of this ultra-luxury sedan, whether or not it can compete with the Tesla Model S, some of the next-generation safety features, and wild luxury comfort options.

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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 [email protected] 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

00:14 - First Impressions: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

19:06 - Question: Are dealers bound to the agreed price when the car was ordered, or they can change the price upon delivery of the vehicle?

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Futuristic EQS Proves Mercedes-Benz's Commitment to EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-mercedes-benz-eqs-review-a2271854355/

Mercedes-Benz Is the Latest Automaker to Go All Electric

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/mercedes-benz-is-the-latest-automaker-to-go-all-electric-a2034098392/

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mercedes-benz/eqs/2022/overview

First Drive: 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Wows With Advanced Technology

https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-cars/2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-review/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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The Slingshot, a three-wheeled street vehicle made by ATV, snowmobile, and side-by-side manufacturer Polaris, blurs the lines between a motorcycle and car. With its single rear drive wheel and an open-air cabin lacking both a roof and doors, the Slingshot positions itself to be an action-packed alternative to weekend cruisers like the Mazda Miata, traditional motorcycles, or any number of classic cars (think Plymouth Barracuda, Road Runner, and Chevrolet Nova). But does the fun factor make up for the price, inconvenience, and lack of safety features?

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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 [email protected] 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

00:14 - First Impressions: 2022 Polaris Slingshot

18:26 - Question: Are engineering emissions test programs that offer monetary incentives by car manufacturers legitimate?

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Radical Polaris Slingshot is part car, part motorcycle, all excitement

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/07/radical-polaris-slingshot-three-wheeler-is-part-car-part-motorcycle/index.htm

Redesigned Mazda MX-5 Keeps Miata Magic Going

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O908JUXgiwk

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

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Toyota kicks off its all-electric vehicle lineup with the bZ4X, joining the rapidly growing EV market with a popular SUV size slotting between the RAV4 and the larger Venza. We share our first impressions of the 2023 Toyota bZ4X and discuss its modest electric range, the recent recall involving wheels detaching while in motion, Toyota already running out of EV tax credits, and why CR will not be buying one for its test program.

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

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 [email protected] 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

00:14 - First Impressions: 2023 Toyota bZ4X

17:25 - Question: Why automatic folding side view mirrors are rare in the US?

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2023 Toyota bZ4X

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz4x/2023/overview

Roomy 2023 Toyota bZ4X Impresses on the Road

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-toyota-bz4x-review-a7787483444/

Toyota Becomes 3rd Automaker to Reach Electric vehicle Tax Credit Limit

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/toyota-reaches-electric-vehicle-tax-credit-limit-a9709089660/

2023 Subaru Solterra EV Has Lots of Room but Its Battery Is Too Small

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-subaru-solterra-review-a1453953544/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

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Acura has resurrected the Integra nameplate, as the classic five-door hatchback returns with an upscale vibe. We share our first impressions on the 2023 Acura Integra, discuss how it performed around our test track, if the interior lives up to the Acura's quality standards, and what sets it apart from the very similar Honda Civic Si. We also debate whether the Integra should be treated as a first year model, or whether it is okay to purchase because many of its components are carried over from the previously released Civic Si.

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

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 [email protected] 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

00:14 - First Impressions : 2023 Acura Integra

18:40 - Question: Is it wise to purchase the first model year of the 2023 Acura Integra?

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All-New Turbocharged 2023 Acura Integra Starts Under $31,000

https://www.consumerreports.org/small-cars/2023-acura-integra-review-a1115778934/

2023 Acura Integra

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/acura/integra/2023/overview

First Drive: 2022 Honda Civic Stands Out Among Compact Sedans

https://www.consumerreports.org/sedans/2022-honda-civic-review-a1347563873/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

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The 4th of July Independence Day holiday is here in the US, and to celebrate we wanted to find out from our audience: what does it mean for a car to be "American?" With a global car market and vehicle parts being made all over the world, it can be difficult to define. We also polled our audience to select what they think is the most American car ever manufactured. We share the responses, and our expert opinions on this star-spangled episode!

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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 [email protected] 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

00:14 - What defines an American Car?

16:32 - What Is the Most American Car?

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How the Tesla Model S Changed the World

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-the-tesla-model-s-changed-the-world-a7291465820/

Best New-Car Deals for July 4th

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/best-new-car-deals-for-july-4th-a1191663902/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

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This week, we give our first impressions of the all-electric Genesis G80 (officially called the Electrified G80). We discuss the styling, electric range, driving dynamics, and luxurious interior of the EV sedan, and how it compares to the gas powered version. Also, with so many electric vehicles on the market, we debate which used EV we would recommend to a first time buyer.

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

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 [email protected] 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

00:57 - First Impressions : 2023 Genesis G80 EV

14:30 - Question: Which used electric vehicle is best suited for a first time EV buyer?

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2022 Genesis G80

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/genesis/g80/2022/overview

Electric Cars Are Becoming Less Expensive

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-are-becoming-less-expensive-a6548270716/

Most Satisfying New Compact Hybrid Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/most-satisfying-new-hybrid-cars-a5029804171/

How to Choose a Fuel-Efficient New Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-to-choose-a-fuel-efficient-new-car-a6176139178/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

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Nissan draws from its 50-plus-year history in resurrecting the Z, a sports car that the automaker calls "all-new" (but is it though??) We debate the provenance of this iteration of the Z, as well as share our first impressions of its performance, interior, and what you might lose by opting for the automatic transmission. We also debate which is the ultimate driving machine: the BMW M550i xDrive, or the Mercedes-Benz AMG E53.

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

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 [email protected] 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

00:58 - First Impressions : 2023 Nissan Z

20:55 - Question: Which is the ultimate driving machine: the BMW 550i xDrive, or the Mercedes-Benz AMG E53?

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Preview: All-New 2023 Nissan Z Combines Classic Cues, Modern Performance

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/nissan-z-preview-a2145463162/

2022 New York Auto Show: Nissan Z

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNp1KyxJv80

Nissan Z Road Test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAndC05ZXzY

2023 Nissan Z

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/z/2023/overview

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

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Subaru jumps into the electric vehicle market with the brand's first widely offered EV, the 2023 Solterra. Sharing its platform with the almost identical Toyota bZ4X, we share our first impressions of this all-electric SUV, including its unique interior design cues, driving characteristics, and power delivery. We also discuss the current state of the semiconductor chip shortage on the car market: why you might see cars selling with a chip shortage discount, whether some manufacturers are dropping options like satellite radio in order to ration the available chips, and if cars from this era will be desirable in the future.

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

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 [email protected] 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

00:52 - First Impressions : 2023 Subaru Solterra

13:39 - Question: Is the semiconductor chip shortage still affecting the car market?

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2023 Subaru Solterra EV Has Lots of Room but Its Battery Is Too Small

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-subaru-solterra-review-a1453953544/

2022 New York Auto Show: Subaru Solterra EV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGi4IJqsab8

2022 New York Auto Show: Toyota's All-Electric bZ4X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR9vD7PEjBo

Why Your New Car May Not Have Everything You Want

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/why-your-new-car-may-not-have-everything-you-want-a9886900049/

When to Buy a Used Car in This Tough Market

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/when-to-buy-a-used-car-a6584238157/

Global Chip Shortage Makes It Tough to Buy Certain Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/global-chip-shortage-makes-it-tough-to-buy-certain-cars-a8160576456/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

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