Talking Cars (MP3)

The redesign of the new BMW 2 Series coupe goes more than skin (or steel) deep, as we discuss our first impressions of its ride, handling, powertrain, and what separates the coupe version of the 2 Series from the sedan option. We also consider whether the driver monitoring in Ford's BlueCruise and GM's Super Cruise active driving assistance systems can lead to tunnel vision behind the wheel, and potentially cause drivers to zone out on the highway.

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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

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00:00 - Intro

00:49 - First Impressions: 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe

10:54 - Question: Can driver monitoring in Ford's BlueCruise and GM's Super Cruise active driving assistance systems lead to tunnel vision and zoning out on the highway.

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Preview: 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe Is Bigger, More Powerful

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-bmw-2-series-coupe-review-a8434610934/

Ford BlueCruise First Impressions | Talking Cars #342

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdhjM6QtXU

Self-Driving System Ranking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06tXpg7yiA

Ford BlueCruise Rivals GM's Super Cruise for Balancing Automation and Driver Monitoring

https://www.consumerreports.org/driver-assistance-systems/ford-bluecruise-active-driving-assistance-system-review-a5728630415/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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BMW has launched their first all-electric SUV, the 2022 iX. We share our first impressions on this new EV's technological advancements, styling, controls, and what makes it stand out from competitors like Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. We also discuss whether or not an EV is actually greener than a gas powered vehicle when taking into account how the electricity is generated.

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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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:48 - 2022 BMW iX First Impressions

18:42 - Question: Are EVs really greener than gas powered vehicles?

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Preview: All-Electric 2022 BMW iX Offers Fresh Design and 300-Mile Range

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-bmw-ix-review-a9545113527/

2022 BMW iX

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/ix/2022/overview/

Best 'Green Choice' SUVs That Are CR Recommended

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/best-green-choice-suvs-that-are-cr-recommended-a4957536468/

How Your Car Can Make the Air Cleaner

https://www.consumerreports.org/emissions/how-your-car-can-make-the-air-cleaner-a1128097361/

Alternative Fuels Data Center

https://afdc.energy.gov/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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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 2022 Tundra marks the first thorough redesign of Toyota's full-sized pickup in 15 years. We rented the 1794 Edition, and share our first impressions of its handling around our test track. We also discuss the slick powertrain, upgraded cabin, multilink rear suspension with coil springs, and how it stacks up against competitors like the RAM 1500, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado. Also, with the variety of all-wheel drive systems on the market, we discuss what to consider when choosing a vehicle with AWD, and why Subaru's Symmetrical system is unique.

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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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:50 - 2022 Toyota Tundra

12:36 - Question: Are all AWD systems created equal?

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Preview: 2022 Toyota Tundra Boasts Hybrid Powertrain, Key Safety Features

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-toyota-tundra-review-a1706208187/

2014 Toyota Tundra first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmMJytTx-Fs

Do you really need all-wheel drive?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

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

Follow Us on Social:

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Gas prices are surging in the United States, and could reach all-time highs in the near future. We share the best ways to improve fuel economy in your vehicle, backed by data from tests performed at our Auto Test Track.

The EV6 is Kia's first pure all-electric vehicle, based on Kia's new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that also serves as the foundation for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. We share our first impressions on how the EV6 drives, and the interesting design choices made in its interior, and how it compares to the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and others. Limited supply and historic demand have led some car dealers to demand thousands of dollars over MSRP for new vehicles. We share our advice on what you can do to avoid being taken advantage of at the dealership, especially when it comes to purchasing an EV.

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

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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - 2022 Kia EV6 First Impressions

15:24 - Question: How to avoid being taken advantage of at the dealership, especially when purchasing an EV?

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Preview: 2023 Kia EV6 Launches the Brand's Electric Revolution

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-kia-ev6-review-a1953327658/

2022 Kia EV6

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/ev6/

How to Negotiate a New-Car Price Effectively

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-pricing-negotiation/how-to-negotiate-a-new-car-price-effectively-a8596856299/

Guide to Car Pricing Terms

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-pricing-negotiation/guide-to-car-pricing-terms/

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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Is there any chance of hydrogen-powered vehicles becoming mainstream in the US? Toyota still thinks there's a market for fuel cell vehicles, and with our first impression of the 2022 Mirai, we discuss how the convergence of hydrogen infrastructure and availability will make or break the Mirai, as well as the fuel cell Hyundai Nexo. We also discuss what role LIDAR mapping plays in Ford's BlueCruise driving assistance feature in the Mustang Mach-E.

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:17 - 2022 Toyota Mirai First Impressions

10:57 - Question: What role does LIDAR mapping play in Ford's BlueCruise?

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Preview: 2021 Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-toyota-mirai-fuel-cell-vehicle-review-a6180665724/

2022 Toyota Mirai

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/mirai/2022/overview/

Futuristic 2019 Hyundai Nexo Showcases the Company's Technological Prowess

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/futuristic-2019-hyundai-nexo-showcases-companys-technological-prowess/

Ford BlueCruise Rivals GM's Super Cruise for Balancing Automation and Driver Monitoring

https://www.consumerreports.org/driver-assistance-systems/ford-bluecruise-active-driving-assistance-system-review-a5728630415/

Driver Monitoring Systems Can Help You Be Safer on the Road

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/driver-monitoring-systems-ford-gm-earn-points-in-cr-tests-a6530426322/

BONUS: Driver Monitoring Systems to Be Awarded Extra Points in CR Scoring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcDo_iWCh-g

Tesla's and Ford's Driver Monitoring Systems

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

How We Tested Tesla's and Ford's Driver Monitoring Systems

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

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

Follow Us on Social:

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We give our first impressions of the 2022 Subaru WRX, and how this rally-inspired sedan's powertrain, styling, and handling compare to previous models. Also, we discuss the differences in driving a front-wheel versus rear-wheel drive vehicle, and why so many EVs opt for the less-common rear-wheel drive approach.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - 2022 Subaru WRX First Impressions

17:02 - Question: Why so many EVs opt for the less-common rear-wheel drive approach?

LINKS:

2022 Subaru WRX:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/wrx/2022/overview

Preview: Reborn 2022 Subaru WRX Moves the Needle:

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-subaru-wrx-review-a1159563584/

Guide to Car Safety:

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

It’s that time of year again! We share CR’s Top Picks for 2022. Find out which 10 vehicles we think are the best according to our tests and member survey data. This year, we categorized our Top Picks by price, ranging from under $25K to $45K and beyond. We also discuss our Brand Report Card and reveal the best brands of 2022.

SHOW NOTES:

2:30 - Top Electric Vehicle

4:49 - Top Picks Under $25K

6:30 - Top Picks $25K-$35K

10:20 - Top Picks $35K-$45K

18:15 - Top Picks $45K+

22:47 - Best Brands of 2022

LINKS:

Top Picks 2022: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-best-cars-top-picks-2022/

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles/

Are You Ready For a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid or Fully electric Vehicle: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/are-you-ready-for-a-hybrid-plug-in-hybrid-or-fully-electric-vehicle/

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer has joined our test fleet, and we share our first impressions. This large, three-row SUV has a lot to offer by way of its size, towing ability and creature comforts. We discuss its viability as a do-it-all family vehicle and debate whether the Jeep brand has enough cache to sway buyers from other popular SUVs. We also answer an audience question about the cost of EV registration fees and why they are higher than fees for gas-powered vehicles.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 2022 Jeep Wagoneer First Impressions

11:48 - Question: Why are registration fees for EVs more expensive than for gas-powered vehicles?

LINKS:

Jeep Wagoneer: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jeep/wagoneer

First Drive: 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is the Automakers 6-Figure Flagship: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-jeep-grand-wagoneer-review-a9641610773/

More States Hitting electric Vehicle Owners With High Fees, a Consumer Reports Analysis Shows: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/more-states-hitting-electric-vehicle-owners-with-high-fees/

On this episode, we give our first impressions of the 2022 Ford Maverick. We discuss everything this small pickup has to offer; from styling, functionality, and driving impressions, to the variety of available powertrains. Find out how the Maverick stacks up among competing pickups and why Ford placed QR codes on the truck itself. Plus, we answer an audience question on buying an electric vehicle.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 2022 Ford Maverick First Impressions

16:49 - Question: Is it worth trading in two used vehicles for two newer EVs?

LINKS:

Preview: 2022 Ford Maverick Priced Under $20,000 With Standard Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-ford-maverick-review-a1068008639/

6 Things We Love About the New Ford Maverick story by Alex: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/things-we-love-about-the-2022-ford-maverick-pickup-truck-a9538949538/