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GM Diesel Pickup Fast Facts

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A third Duramax GM diesel becomes available.

GM’s latest Duramax diesel is this inline-six.

The General Motors Company makes diesel engines under the Duramax name. Most of us are familiar with the 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 available with heavy-duty Chevrolet and GMC models. We may even be familiar with the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine available in smaller trucks such as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

But there is a third engine, this one a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six, which has received much press lately. This particular engine is available in light-duty Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models. Importantly, it is the first time in a generation we’ve seen a light-duty diesel engine for these models. Thus, we’ll explore certain salient points about the new engine, an option to consider when shopping these models.

7 Fast Facts

1. Delayed by one model year.

GM originally planned to release the new diesel engine late in the 2019 model year. It was the last engine on the docket for the rollout of the all-new 2019 models, but the EPA slowed things down. After a three-month delay, GM decided to release the engines for the 2020 model year. As of publication, the first models equipped with the new turbo-diesel are available.

2. A clean-sheet design.

The new Duramax diesel isn’t a derivative of any other engine on the market. It is a clean-sheet design, which utilizes a lightweight aluminum engine block and cylinder head. Ceramic glow plugs ensure a quicker start on frigid days, thus an engine block heater isn’t needed until temperatures reach -22 degrees F (-30 C).

3. Copious amounts of power.

Small in size, the inline-six is a powerhouse with an output of 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Ninety-five percent of its peak torque is reached at a very low 1,250 RM, with 100 percent sustained from 1,500 to 3,000 RPM. GM marries this engine to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford also utilizes a 10-speed, while Ram has an 8-speed. One further note: neither the competing Toyota Tundra, nor the Nissan Titan offers a diesel option (The Titan XD has a 5.0-liter Cummins turbo-diesel, but that engine is going away after 2019).

4. Robust payload and towing.

Choose the four-wheel-drive Chevy or GMC and you’ll find maximum payload of 1,870 pounds and a top towing capability of 9,300 pounds. The truck’s trailering capabilities will satisfy most needs, with the 6.2-liter gas V8 handling the rest.

5. Top-notch fuel efficiency.

Fuel economy hasn’t always been a big deal in a segment that emphasizes size, payload, and towing capabilities. Indeed, gas engines typically average 15 mpg, which pales in comparison to what cars are making these days. The new engine, however, changes that as equipped two-wheel-drive models earn an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for a combined 27 mpg. Choose the four-wheel-drive model and these numbers are 23/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined.

6. Best in class fuel economy.

GM claims bragging rights with the new diesel, beating its top competition, namely the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Both manufacturers have diesels with nearly identical displacements. The two-wheel-drive 2019 Ram makes an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined, while the four-wheel-drive version comes in at 19/27/22 mpg. As for the 2019 F-150, its best fuel rating is 22/30/25 for two-wheel drive, while the four-wheel-drive model earns 21/28/24 mpg. It’ll be interesting to track how these numbers hold up under real-world conditions.

7. No price penalty.

Shop for an efficient engine and you’ll pay through the nose for it, right? This seems only logical, but happily, it isn’t so. You’ll still pay extra to acquire this engine, but GM assures us that you won’t. Notably, the company says this about the cost: “It is priced identically to the 6.2L V-8 as a $2,495 premium over a 5.3L V-8 model or $3,890 over a 2.7L Turbo model.” We like that GM is holding the line on prices.

Looking Ahead

The new turbo-diesel engine should serve as a boon for Chevrolet and GMC. Much has been made about the Chevrolet Silverado ceding its second-place sales standing to the Ram 1500 this year, but we think the new engine will serve as an important marketing catalyst. Competitively priced and efficient, we may see a spike in diesel demand across the board. The only significant downside is availability, as not all service stations carry diesel. And for those that do, diesel costs .25 to .50 more per gallon than regular gasoline, yet still costs less than premium-grade gasoline.

See Also — Like a Rock: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado

Photo copyright the GM Company.

Hypermiling Defined!

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Disclaimer: Never put yourself or other drivers in harm’s way when practicing some of these techniques which may, incidentally, be illegal in some jurisdictions.

Hypermiling with three pedals at the ready.

There is a group of people on the roads who seek to squeeze more miles out of a gallon of fuel than seems scientifically possible. Known as hypermilers, these individuals examine the EPA fuel ratings for their vehicles, then find ways to beat those numbers by 5, 10 or 20 or more miles per gallon.

Hypermiling may seem like some off-beat way of driving, but it just may be something that you are already embracing in a bid to save fuel. Let’s take a look at hypermiling and what it means for those who participate in this fuel-saving strategy.

Hypermiling Defined

Simply put, hypermiling is a process where car owners make adjustments to their vehicles or to their driving techniques (usually both) in an effort to maximize a vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Such drivers typically operate their cars at lower speeds and engage in coasting to maximize their mileage. You should know that not every method here is safe and Auto Trends isn’t endorsing the practice, but we are pointing out the strategies that some drivers employ to increase their gas mileage.

Enhance the Tires

Importantly, never do anything with your tires to potentially harm them. Tires should always have sufficient tread and be inflated to the car manufacturer’s recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) rating when cold. Some drivers opt for low-roll resistance tires, which can increase fuel economy, but may also affect handling.

What some hypermilers like to do is to attach wheel skirts to the rear wheels in a bid to better manage airflow, a method used to increase fuel efficiency. If you install skirts, ensure that they are securely fastened, otherwise, they may fall off and litter the highway.

Kill Your Comfort

Serious hypermilers also resist using the air conditioning as they know that the climate control system is a drain on fuel efficiency. It is a comfort-killing method that can be brutal to employ on a warm day.

But keeping the A/C off isn’t enough — all windows must be tightly shut, otherwise, wind drag will adversely affect fuel economy. As you might imagine, this step is only for the truly dedicated people who can withstand intense heat and the odoriferous results.

Cruise and Speed Control

One of the best ways for all drivers to save on fuel is to activate the cruise control at highway speeds. However, you do not want to activate the cruise control when roads are wet as you may inadvertently cause your vehicle to spin.

Hypermilers, though, may not rely on cruise control as they prefer to be in control of the car’s speed at all times. On the highway you can see them in the right lane, typically going well below the speed limit and hugging the white line on the right side of the far-right lane.

Where hills are involved, a hypermiler practitioner may build some momentum while climbing and then cut off the engine while moving down the hill, coasting his way along before restarting the engine. This step is possible only if the steering wheel doesn’t automatically lock when the engine is turned off. As long as you have control of the wheel and your foot is ready to apply the brake, you can pursue this option.

Go Light as in Real Light

If the previously mentioned tips are leaving you frowning, there are some other methods of achieving higher fuel mileage that may be more to your liking. Certainly, a number of hypermiler techniques seem extreme and some are not particularly safe.

For the rest of us, you can squeeze more miles out of a gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel by doing the following:

1. Empty your trunk. For every 100 pounds of stuff in your trunk or behind your back seat, your vehicle fuel economy will fall by about 1 percent. As you might imagine, smaller cars benefit more from removing junk than larger vehicles.

2. Remove your roof rack. If you carry anything on the roof of your car, wind drag will harm fuel economy, dropping it by as much as 25 percent according to the EPA. Hypermilers not only avoid this practice, but they are also likely to remove the roof racks. However, they don’t stop there — some drivers remove the back seat and anything else inside the vehicle that can save weight without compromising safety.

3. Idling is awful. Hypermilers live for green lights and will often time their driving to avoid stops of any kind. You can’t always avoid the lights, but if you are stopped at an intersection for more than a minute or are waiting for a freight train to pass, cut off your engine and you will save fuel.

4. Start slowing and avoid braking. You will kill your fuel mileage if you employ any number of aggressive driving techniques, including rapid acceleration, quick braking, and speeding. Hypermilers essentially crawl away from a stop and gradually build back to their intended speed. When it comes to braking, they often do so only when absolutely necessary, timing their driving to pass through synchronized green lights.

Hypermiler Considerations

Devout hypermilers also employ a number of other strategies to help them improve their fuel economy. On highways, some prefer to ride immediately behind an 18-wheeler, allowing the big rig to absorb wind drag. The problem here is that some ride too close to trucks, thus the rig driver is not able to see them in his mirrors. Where a safety issue exists, avoid that practice.

Smart ways to save on fuel involve taking roads that are less traveled, taking advantage of tailwinds and avoiding crosswinds as well as headwinds. Taking to the road when the weather is warm, where traffic is light and when road conditions are favorable are other ways to save fuel. And if you have a GPS system, use it to avoid traffic delays or what can seriously hamper your fuel economy.

Notes

Jalopnik: Hypermiling Is Awful And I Sort Of Hate It — http://jalopnik.com/hypermiling-is-awful-and-i-sort-of-hate-it-1647016853

Ecomodder: 109 hypermiling / ecodriving tips — http://ecomodder.com/forum/EM-hypermiling-driving-tips-ecodriving.php

FuelEconomy.gov: Driving More Efficiently — http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp

See Also — Driving Green With the All-New 2016 Toyota Prius

Photo attribution: Public domain photo via Wikimedia.

Chevrolet Bolt Will Beat Tesla Model 3 to Market by at Least a Year

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GM will have at least a year advantage to make a case for the Chevrolet Bolt. Will it be enough to convince EV fans?

The big automotive news since the beginning of this month has been all about the Tesla Model 3, the next vehicle coming from America’s electric car manufacturer.

On March 31, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a prototype of the compact sedan and immediately tens of thousands of people placed $1,000 refundable deposits on a car that won’t arrive until late 2017 at the earliest.

By late last week, the so-called pre-orders (advanced orders) totaled 325,000 and included early adopters from around the world. That’s a staggering number of people demonstrating interest in a car some believe will help make electric vehicles mainstream within the next few years.

Although Tesla is receiving much-deserved press, perhaps the attention should now turn to GM and what this company is doing to bring electric vehicles to the masses.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt

Indeed, the Chevrolet Bolt is on its way and will arrive on the market before 2016 comes to a close — a full year before the Tesla Model 3 arrives. For this reason alone, the Bolt is worth discussing.

Furthermore, there is a very good chance the Model 3 will miss its target date — we’ve heard Musk set ambitious goals in the past, only to delay them by months, if not years. Witness the long wait for the Tesla Model X SUV, arriving on the market more than two years after Musk promised.

Mainstream Electric Vehicles

Both the Chevrolet Bolt and the Tesla Model 3 will do something that no other electric vehicle has done thus far, including the groundbreaking Nissan Leaf. Specifically, range anxiety, an important detriment to consumer consideration, will be largely alleviated thanks to improvements in battery technologies.

In fact, GM promises 200 miles of range for the Bolt or about twice the distance of the Nissan Leaf’s current limits. Similarly, the new Tesla will deliver a projected 215 miles of electric driving. That both vehicles are priced in the $35,000 to $38,000 range is important too — with federal and state incentives available to qualified buyers, the two models may parallel the cost of buying a similar gasoline-powered model.

Electric Vehicle Proviso

Before we become all giddy about electric vehicle mainstreaming it is important to note one highly significant caveat — the range numbers are realized when an electric vehicle is operated in optimum weather conditions, such as at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. At the extremes, especially in sub-freezing driving, vehicle range may fall dramatically.

For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that fuel economy for hybrid electric vehicles “…can drop about 31% to 34%…” under extreme conditions. Given that hybrids and electric vehicles share similar battery componentry, that 200-mile range may fall to 130 miles.

That’s still better than the range limits for today’s crop of mainstream electric vehicles, nevertheless it is a constitutive matter that should not be easily dismissed.

On Closer Inspection

As for the Chevrolet Bolt, what we have here is a five-passenger, front-wheel drive five-door compact electric vehicle. Its battery, motor, and drive unit will be manufactured in Incheon, Korea. Final assembly will take place in Orion Township, Michigan.

The Bolt’s battery system is composed of a rechargeable storage system comprised of multiple linked modules. The 60-kilowatt lithium-ion system contains 288 cells. As for the drive system, a single permanent magnetic drive motor and gear set will be utilized.

In all, the Bolt should provide 200 miles of electric driving range, make 200 horsepower with an output of 266 foot-pounds of torque. This model’s 0-to-60 mph time should come in at just under 7 seconds with a top speed of 91 mph.

Taking long trips with an electric vehicle means finding a public charging station and making the connection. Although a 240-volt connection adds 50 miles of range in under two hours, customers will be on the hunt for an SAE combo DC fast charge connection, what adds 90 miles in about 30 minutes. That’s long enough for most people to take a meal break before continuing on with their journey.

Tesla Model 3 Advantages

Some people have argued that the Tesla Model 3 has several advantages over the Bolt, including its slightly longer range as well as the free Tesla charging network. Certainly, an estimated 15-mile range advantage is welcome, but it isn’t significantly better than what the Bolt should deliver.

And as for connecting to the Tesla supercharger network, Model 3 owners will have access. What isn’t known yet is whether they’ll have to pay for it points out Teslarati. With far more customers queuing to tap the network, imagine the lines that may form in some places, especially in car-crazy California.

Fully Revealed Bolt

Another matter not settled with the Model 3 is what the interior will look like. Tesla’s introduction focused on the vehicle’s exterior (sans grille) and provided only a cursory examination of the cabin. Musk took to Twitter in the days following the big unveiling and addressed those concerns, noting that a followup reveal will show what the automaker has in mind.

As for the Bolt, GM has revealed several things about this EV, especially from a technology standpoint.

Specifically, the Bolt will feature a 10.2-inch Chevrolet MyLink color touchscreen display. GM describes it as a customizable, widget-based with a flip-board style operation.

A rear view camera will be standard, but what may be most fascinating is “surround vision” providing a bird’s-eye view of what’s around the Bolt, a safety advantage realized when driving at low speeds as well as when parking.

App, Navigation, and Gamification

Chevrolet Bolt owners will also have access to the MyChevrolet Mobile App, proving owner and vehicle information and functions, including remote start, vehicle charge status, cabin pre-conditioning, and other features.

To aid drivers as they search for charging stations, the Bolt’s navigation system will be geared toward finding the most efficient routes and provide locations of nearby charging stations, if needed. And in acknowledging the growth of vehicle connectivity and “gamification,” Bolt owners will eventually be able to “compete” with each other by comparing driving styles, including identifying who is the most efficient. That feature won’t become available until sometime after the Bolt arrives.

Chevrolet v. Tesla

GM is a pioneer in electric vehicles, although its 1990s EV-1 never made it into full production. Introducing its plug-in hybrid electric Chevrolet Volt in 2011 has given this automaker an important advantage over most other traditional automakers.

On the other hand, Tesla Motors is the industry’s disruptive force and so far is winning the hearts and minds of the media, the people who plan to buy the Model 3, as well as individuals who might never have considered an EV in the past, but are intrigued by all things Tesla. GM will have at least a year’s lead time to make a case for the Chevrolet Bolt for what may very well be the most important product introduction of our day.

See Also — Give Me a “B” for Chevrolet Bolt

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company and Tesla Motors.

The Top 10 Fuel Efficient Cars of 2016

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What are the most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2016? Our list excludes electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles, and features 10 models each averaging a combined 40 mpg.

With gas prices at or near the lowest levels we have seen this century, fuel efficiency concerns have been placed on a back burner. Currently, consumers are flocking to SUVs and pickup trucks in greater numbers, with sales of subcompact and compact car models taking a significant hit.

Although fuel economy may not be a preeminent concern for most new car shoppers, for those people who comprehend the vagaries of oil prices, they know efficiency still matters in the long run. To that end, we’ve explored current data supplied by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine the top 10 fuel-efficient cars of 2016. However, our list excludes electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, models beyond the cost consideration of the average new car buyer.

No. 1 — Toyota Prius

Should there be any surprise that the Toyota Prius is at the top of this list? Perhaps the surprise here is that the traditional Prius, not the subcompact “c” or the versatile “v” were able to beat out this model — review the No. 2 and No. 7 positions and you’ll discover where the other Prius models landed.

The most efficient Toyota Prius is EPA-rated at 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway for a combined 56 mpg. This model comes with a lithium-ion battery pack, although the traditional nickel metal hydride pack can be selected instead. Models equipped with the latter make 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway for a combined 52 mpg.

No. 2 — Toyota Prius c

10Although the Toyota Prius c (for compact) technically seats five like its larger brother, its cabin is smaller and passenger space is much more limited. But it is also a budget pleaser, coming in at under $20,000 for the base model.

It also comes with a less powerful, but not as efficient 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine compared with the 1.8-liter “four” moving the mainstream Prius. By delivering 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway for a combined 50 mpg, this model is a clear winner for penny-pinching hybrid vehicle shoppers.

No. 3 — Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Wait, Chevrolet has a hybrid that is actually efficient? Say it ain’t so! After playing around with partial hybrids for much too long, GM went back to the drawing board to develop a proper hybrid. The new model coincides with the release of an all-new Chevrolet Malibu, itself a vast improvement over the previous generation model.

The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has the distinction of having the best combination of interior room and fuel economy of any car sold in America that’s not a PHEV. The EPA rates the Malibu Hybrid at 47 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway for a combined 46 mpg. Compare the hybrid’s fuel efficiency numbers to the standard model’s 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway for a combined 31 mpg, and you should be duly impressed by its parsimony.

No. 4 — Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Coming in right behind the Malibu Hybrid is the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. Based on Volkswagen’s top-selling compact Jetta sedan, this hybrid utilizes a 1.4-liter, turbocharged engine and pairs that with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid makes 42 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway to deliver a combined 44 mpg — better than any diesel it has sold. Thus, it is the most efficacious compact hybrid model based on a standard model architecture (unlike the Prius, a dedicated hybrid).

No. 5 — Ford Fusion Hybrid

Toyota and Honda may have been the earliest adopters of all things hybrid, but Ford beat out its domestic rivals when it released the Ford Escape Hybrid in 2004. Unfortunately, no Escape hybrid is available these days, but the Ford Fusion Hybrid is and it delivers optimum fuel economy.

Indeed, the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid equipped with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and an electric motor is EPA-rated at 44 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg. Where the Prius emphasizes efficiency, the Fusion Hybrid answers with performance, delivering a combined 188 horsepower. Moreover, Ford designed the Fusion Hybrid to operate in electric-only modes at speeds of up to 85 mph.

No. 6 — Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai arrived late to the hybrid game, introducing its Sonata Hybrid in 2011. In 2015, the next generation Sonata went on sale, but Hyundai continued with the previous generation hybrid edition for one more year.

Consequently, that extra year was worth the wait as a more fuel efficient Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was prepared. The latest generation model matches the Fusion’s combined 41 mpg fuel economy while delivering 40 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. The improved savings come by using a smaller 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine instead of the previous 2.4-liter powerhouse. Further, the Sonata comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while a lithium-polymer battery pack stores the electricity.

No. 7 — Lexus CT 200h

Half the models appearing on this list are from Toyota Motors. Of the five, the Lexus CT 200h is the only one from Toyota’s luxury brand. Introduced in 2011, the CT 200h is the smallest and most efficient of Lexus’ hybrid models, squeezing out the 40 mpg achieved by the Lexus ES 300h.

Underneath the CT 200h, there is something very familiar here as this model shares its architecture with the Toyota Prius. But there are many differences too as this vehicle sits lower to the ground, has a sporty stance, and has been optimized for handling. Furthermore, the CT 200h’s interior is all Lexus too. The EPA rates this model 43 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg.

No. 8 — Toyota Prius v

The third model in the Prius arsenal of standard hybrids is the Toyota Prius v. The “v” stands for versatility, what gives this hybrid model line a wagon-like or crossover-type SUV model. In essence, the Prius v is based on the standard Prius model with a longer, wider, and taller body. Fold the rear seats and this model offers 67 cubic feet of storage capacity.

Introduced in 2012, the Prius v remains relatively unchanged. Its fuel economy doesn’t match the standard bearer, but at 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg, the Prius v delivers. The Prius v also has the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder found in the traditional Prius and comes paired with a continuously variable transmission.

No. 9 —Toyota Camry Hybrid

The best selling car in America is the midsize Toyota Camry sedan, so it stands to reason that a Toyota Camry Hybrid would also be available. Introduced in 2007, the Camry Hybrid is one of the earliest non-Prius hybrid models.

Just as the Toyota Camry has been regularly changed, the Camry Hybrid has kept up with those changes. Its natty interior, updated exterior and very good overall value make this sedan one of the better ones out there. All Camry Hybrids are powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and are paired with a continuously variable transmission. Together with its high-torque electric motor, the hybrid system produces an impressive 200 horsepower. Equally important, this model makes the grade in fuel efficiency, delivering 43 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 41 mpg.

No. 10 — Ford C-MAX Hybrid

The C-MAX is to Ford what Prius is to Toyota. Offering room for five, this five-door raised hatchback is proportionally similar to tiny crossover SUVs such as the Honda HR-V, Nissan Juke, and the Fiat 500X. In addition, a plug-in Ford C-MAX Energi hybrid model is also available.

Introduced in 2013, the Ford C-MAX is marketed in two trim levels. All models are moved by the same 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine powering the Ford Fusion Hybrid. A continuously variable transmission and an electric motor are also present. The EPA gives the C-MAX a rating of 42 mpg in the city and 37 mpg for a combined 40 mpg.

Honorable Mention

Several other models also cracked the 40 mpg barrier, coming in under the C-MAX’s city fuel economy, but offering better efficiency on the highway. Specifically, these models include the Lincoln MKX Hybrid, Lexus ES 300h, and he Toyota Avalon Hybrid.

The Mitsubishi Mirage also delivers a combined 40 mpg, a three-cylinder gasoline model with an EPA rating of 37 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. Finally, if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient diesel, you’re out of luck due to the Volkswagen diesel scandal. Those models, however, were rated no better than a combined 36 mpg.

Making the Grade

Every model that cracked the top 10 is a hybrid. What’s important for shoppers to consider is that hybrid efficiency, especially in colder weather, will fall. Indeed, that’s a fact supported by the EPA, which notes “fuel economy can drop about 31 percent to 34 percent” when operating at 20 degrees Fahrenheit compared to an ideal 77 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, conventional cars experience a more modest drop of about 12 percent under the same conditions.

See Also —  9 Bright Stars at the 2016 New York International Auto Show

MPG Leader Mazda Does it Without Hybrids or EVs

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The Mazda brand has once again achieved the top miles per gallon (mpg) rating amongst all manufacturers in the US, reaching a fleet-wide average of 29.4 mpg for 2014, according to a report published by the EPA this week.

2016 Mazda CX-5

2016 Mazda CX-5.

SKYACTIV Technology Leads the Way

For the third consecutive year, Mazda beat out all comers and did so without the usual hybrid and electric vehicle models other manufacturers rely upon to achieve higher numbers. Instead, the company has been working diligently to improve its engines and transmissions, what it calls “SKYACTIV Technology”. The technology also extends to vehicle platforms as extensive lightweighting and sleek designs are employed.

“At Mazda, driving matters and so does fuel economy,“ said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “Using SKYACTIV Technology, Mazda has been able to achieve class-leading fuel efficiency in nearly every segment it competes in. This achievement verifies that Mazda has evolved to offer what others can’t, vehicles that are of high-quality, great looking, fun-to-drive and fuel efficient.“

Besides exceptional fuel efficiency, the EPA noted that Mazda is the leader in CO2 emissions, specifically the manufacturer offering the lowest output of all. With a rating of 302 g/mile, the automaker easily outpaced the next two brands, Subaru and Hyundai.

2016 Mazda CX-3

2016 Mazda CX-3.

New Product Offerings

Mazda’s success can be attributed to a host of new products released in recent years, including its compact Mazda3 and midsize Mazda6 car lines, its MX-5 Miata roadster, and a pair of crossover SUVs: the tiny CX-3 and the compact CX-5. Yet another model, the next-generation CX-9 arrives in 2016 and comes outfitted with a turbocharged, 2.5-liter engine, replacing the current V-6. The automaker expects the new CX-9 to deliver “great performance…and excellent fuel economy.”

Granted, Mazda is more of a niche player as it doesn’t match the product offers of the top brands, including Chevrolet, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and Honda. The first four brands along with Fiat Chrysler are heavily reliant on larger SUVs and trucks, vehicles that skew mpg numbers accordingly.

Other Manufacturers Represented

Subaru, another niche manufacturer, came in second with a fleet-wide average of 27.6 mpg. This automaker relies on all-wheel drive models nearly exclusively, with only the rear-wheel drive BRZ lacking such a system. Subaru offers only one hybrid model: the XV Crosstrek.

Hyundai, with a fleet average of 27.5 mpg is another manufacturer with just one hybrid model: the Sonata Hybrid. This Korean manufacturer has no trucks and also has a relatively low presence in the utility vehicle segment. But it also has larger models such as the Genesis and Equus sedans that neither Mazda nor Subaru offer.

2016 Scion iA.

The Mazda-supplied 2016 Scion iA.

Among the largest manufacturers, Honda (inclusive of Acura) achieved a 27.3 mpg average. All three major US manufacturers brought up the rear with Ford and GM averaging 22.8 mpg and Fiat Chrysler coming in last at 20.8 mpg. These manufacturers dominate the full-size truck segment; FCA also lacks a hybrid or an electric vehicle (other than the California Fiat 500e) to help lift its numbers. FCA also finished dead last in CO2 output.

Incrementally Rising EPA Requirements

All manufacturers have a long way to go before reaching the 54.5 mpg corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) requirement for 2025. In fact, incremental year over year increases are mandated, therefore greater use of alternative fuels and power sources are likely, including for Mazda.

Beginning in 2016, Mazda will discontinue its last V-6 engine even as competitors continue to rely upon both V6s and V8s for some models. However, Mazda hasn’t announced what products will eventually get hybrids, but when it does the automaker will rely upon Toyota’s green technologies to achieve its goals according to Green Car Reports.

See Also — December Sales Momentum May Mean Record Sales

Crossing Over With the Audi Q3

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Audi has the luxury utility vehicle market sewn up. The German automaker offers three distinct model lines — Q3, Q5 and Q7 — along with the Allroad and the very wagon-like A3 Sportback e-tron, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a very sensible price.

What is missing from the Audi range, at least thus far in the 2016 model year, is its line of turbo-diesel engines. Audi is the major luxury marque for the Volkswagen Group and it is VW that admitted in September to fabricating its emissions testing to circumvent the EPA’s pollution guidelines. As a result, Audi’s 2.0-liter TDI engine is not available in any model. At least not until the automaker presents a fix that is acceptable to the EPA.

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro

That leaves just one engine choice in some models, including in the 2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro, a recent weekly visitor and part of my ever changing test fleet. The Q3 is a compact SUV, with the Q5 serving as the midsize model and the Q7 as the full-size SUV. I’ve driven all three vehicles, including a previous Q3 TDI and have always been fascinated by Audi’s styling, build quality and its performance.

Despite not having a diesel under the hood this time, I was impressed by the gas-powered Audi Q3. More about that later, but first let’s take a look at its styling and interior attributes.

Like its larger siblings, the Audi Q3 is marked by a distinct fascia with a large trapezoidal grille featuring the expected four-ring Audi logo. Wraparound headlights and LED daytime running lights as well as large pockets housing the available fog lamps are also present.

Deep creases run along the hood and are repeated along this model’s profile. Body sculpting, an even belt line, aluminum wheels, and rocker panel embellishments are also present. To the rear, this model is equipped with a liftgate spoiler, upper and lower combination lamps, and dual-tipped exhaust pipes.

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic

Leather and Aluminum Interior

Inside, the Audi Q3 provides room for five. Its compact interior, however, doesn’t skimp on comfort: the front bucket seats provide 12-way power adjustment with lumbar support. The 60-40 split folding rear seat includes a center pass through — a welcome feature when you need to tote something long, such as skis, and you don’t want to miss more than one seating position.

And even if a seating position is absent, the rear seat is best enjoyed by two adults — hip and shoulder room are crowded back there. Further, if you are considering a model of the Q3’s stature and have teenagers, the Audi Q5 may be the superior choice here — rear leg room is tight in the Q3 for anyone remotely close to adult size.

Audi presents interior layouts that are refined, uncomplicated and comfortable. In the Q3 you’ll find leather nearly everywhere with aluminum trim providing rich accents across the dashboard around the center console and on to the door inlays.

The instrument panel features a two-analog dial display — tachometer and speedometer — with a digital driver’s information center in the middle. The information center is controlled by switches found on the face of the steering wheel. On the dashboard just above the center stack is a stand up screen with a multi media interface (MMI).

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic

Multi Media Interface (MMI)

The MMI arrangement is fairly straightforward — the sharp screen makes everything easy to understand. You can also access secondary hardware switches if preferred — and that’s a fine feature when the touchscreen gesture control doesn’t work out for you. The one big drawback of this system is that there is no USB port included — you must connect your phone to one of the supplied cables, provided that cable is right for your phone.

Below the display screen in the center stack are large vents, followed by audio system and climate control switches and knobs. Dual-zone climate control and heated front seats are standard. All models come equipped with a 10-speaker Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear view camera.

Audi prices the Q3 from $33,700 for its Premium Plus edition and $38,600 for the Prestige model. The base model is front-wheel drive; the Prestige is all-wheel drive. Most customers will likely opt for all-wheel drive as it is the preferred handling option of the two.

All models come equipped with a panoramic sunroof, eight beverage holders (including in-door drink holders in each door), 12-volt power outlets, ambient LED lighting, and a rear view camera. Choose the Prestige model and you have the navigation system, Audi side assist safety, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and the S Line appearance package.

For $40,300, the all-wheel drive test model added a rich monsoon gray metallic finish ($575) and a power liftgate ($400) to the option list. That’s an attainable price point for anyone aspiring to own an Audi with its famed quattro system included.

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic

On the Road

You attain all of 200 horses to move the Q3 as you make your way down the road. It is a turbocharged system, designed to minimize lag while offering optimum power. The suspension system is composed of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link layout for the rear — both are attached to the SUV’s body by subframes.

A rigid body structure aids in mitigating body roll and this SUV’s agility is apparent when making normal turns as well as handling the twisty roads that always reveal the true capabilities of such models. Its higher ground clearance is not much of a negative attribute — I found the Q3 remains composed under a variety of driving conditions.

Opt for the sport package ($550) and your Q3 brings in Audi drive select, a leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, and front bucket seats. Audi drive select is managed by a button — when activating the system it controls the shift points and throttle mapping. Yes, you can enjoy a more robust driving experience even with an SUV.

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic

The Chief Competitors

Diesel absence notwithstanding, the gas-powered Audi Q3 should deliver everything shoppers in this segment want. The Q3’s chief competitors are a formidable lot and include the Cadillac SRX, BMW X1, Lexus NX, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and the Lincoln MKC. Like the Audi, each model seats five, but four is always the better choice.

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic
2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic
2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T Quattro

  • Sticker price from $35,800
  • Price as tested: $40,300
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine
  • 200 horsepower @ 5,100 to 6,000 RPM
  • 207 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,700 to 5,000 RPM
  • 3.19 inches bore by 3.44 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9.6-to-1
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 102.5 inches
  • Length: 172.8 inches
  • Width: 79.5 inches (including mirrors)
  • Height: 62.6 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 16.71/48.2 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 16.9 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,682 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top safety pick
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 12 years/Unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Martorell, Spain

Chevrolet Colorado Diesel Earns 31 MPG EPA Rating

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A positive spotlight shines on the GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado, a pair of midsize pickup trucks with an available turbo-diesel engine.

Chevrolet Colorado Diesel
The diesel-powered Colorado has excellent towing capabilities.

In light of the Volkswagen diesel scandal, GM has managed to undergo extra scrutiny of its new-to-the-US-market turbo-diesel engine and has emerged with both its reputation and its mileage claims intact.

Indeed, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4×2 equipped with a 2.8-liter, four-cylinder turbo-diesel is EPA-rated at 31 mpg on the highway. The Colorado and its GMC Canyon twin will also get 29 mpg on the highway for its 4×4 models. All models come paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Not Scandalized by Volkswagen

GM was preparing for EPA testing, when the Volkswagen scandal broke in September. In response, the EPA noted that it would pay extra special attention to diesel models seeking certification.

Not only do the GM twin midsize pickup trucks set a new fuel mileage bar, but these trucks discharge pollutants within the federal government’s stringent emissions range. The new trucks are now certified to go on sale within the next few weeks.

Both pickup trucks arrived on the market in 2015 after a three-year hiatus. The segment had long been declining with two aged models — the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier — remaining. The Ford Ranger and the Dodge/Ram Dakota were also canceled as buyers turned their eyes to larger trucks.

But the Colorado and Canyon brought fresh attention to the segment and sales have increased across the board. For 2016 a new Tacoma debuts; a new Frontier should arrive by 2017.

New MPG Threshold

The 31 mpg threshold is two mpg better than the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, a full-size pickup truck. The Ram model is the first light-duty pickup with a diesel offered in about 15 years. Only heavy-duty models have offered diesel variants, trucks powered by substantial turbo-diesel six- or eight-cylinder engines.

Moving into diesels will give GM an immediate edge as neither Toyota nor Nissan has such choices available. Toyota is the undisputed segment leader and with its most recent update it should easily retain its position. But, for customers desiring the ultimate in pulling power — up to 7,700 pounds in 4×2 trucks equipped with the trailering package— and engine longevity, the GM diesels are certain to thrive.

“The Colorado Duramax diesel is in a league of its own,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “Colorado’s gas models already led the segment in fuel efficiency, and the new diesel – which no other non-GM competitor offers on a midsize truck – gives customers even greater freedom to go where they want with fewer fill-ups.”

That range is an estimated 651 miles for the trucks’ 21-gallon fuel tank. The trucks are also flex fuel capable, designed to take B20 fuel — 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent straight diesel.

The trucks also come with what is known as smart diesel exhaust braking — designed to depreciate brake wear by reducing the need for braking on downgrades, thereby providing improved vehicle control. An integrated trailer brake controller works in tandem with the antilock brake system in a bid to supply brake force and to dispense with an aftermarket trailer brake controller.

Diesel Engine Availability

The diesel engine is an upgrade option with LT and Z71 Crew Cab models only. It can be had in two- and four-wheel drive variants.

Place this engine against a comparably equipped V-6 gasoline model and you’ll pay a $3,730 premium for diesel. That’s a 5 mpg edge, one that may take years to recoup with the added cost, but the long-term benefits of owning such an engine should help customers enjoy a premium market value as well.

See Also — Astonishingly Low Price Point for the High-End 2016 Cadillac CT6

Photo copyright the General Motors Company.

US Congress to Interrogate Volkswagen CEO Today

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Among the perks of a senior executive are a generous salary, excellent benefits, and stock options. Typically, these are the advantages the rest of us focus on when we consider the awe-inspiring lives of CEOs.

But there is one aspect of the job that drives home why these individuals are so handsomely compensated: when things go wrong, they become the very public face of the company, as neither internal marketing nor external public relations can answer the questions lawmakers insist are answered. Behind the scenes stands the board of directors who will quickly learn if their chosen executive can withstand a withering confrontation.

U.S. Capitol Building
The US Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

The legislative focus today is on Volkswagen Group of America President and CEO Michael Horn, the German-born director whose time for scrutiny has come. In particular, Horn will testify under oath before the House Energy and Commerce Committee to explain why so-called “defeat devices” were installed in select 2009 to 2015 model year diesel-powered cars in a bid to circumvent EPA regulations.

Such regulations require manufacturers to certify that diesel engines release no higher than a certain threshold of particulates. An independent investigation of VW’s 2.0-liter, turbo-diesel engine — found in five Volkswagen brand products and in one Audi model — spew 10 to 40 times the legal limit. Not only was this practice deceptive and illegal, but it is harmful and can sicken, perhaps kill people with respiratory problems.

Volkswagen has had nearly three weeks to prepare for the inevitable hearing before the congressional oversight panel to answer questions. Lawmakers, acting on behalf of the American people, will ask Horn why the defeat devices were installed, how the decision to install them was made, and why the scandal went undetected for so long. Officials from the EPA will also have their chance to grill Horn today.

The German automaker — the world’s largest in terms of volume for the first half of 2015 — has a disproportionately small slice of the US market. Indeed, its top competitors, GM and Toyota, are domestic leaders and sell far more cars than the Volkswagen Group. Brands such as Kia and Subaru easily outsell the Volkswagen brand alone. The new line of diesels, introduced in 2009, were expected to play a big part in delivering Volkswagen from relative obscurity. Although sales have yet to spell a significant difference, the diesel crisis has cast a shadow over the entire US operation.

Though the initial scandal revealed 482,000 affected vehicles in the US, Volkswagen management quickly followed the revelation with an announcement that nearly 11 million vehicles are impacted worldwide. Volkswagen has also set aside $US 7.2 billion to cover the anticipated cost of addressing the emissions scandal. Those funds, however, won’t come to close to covering fines that potentially could approach $18 billion in the US alone.

Despite its global size, Volkswagen’s political capital in America is small. An AP “big story” focusing on Volkswagen’s clout revealed that it invests only a fraction of what GM, Toyota and Ford spend to curry the favor of lawmakers. All three automakers contribute funds commensurate with their US footprint. For example, Toyota has 10 manufacturing plants in America and Volkswagen has just one.

Besides today’s congressional and regulatory grilling, other action is certain to follow, including administrative, civil, and criminal prosecution. Fraud charges and money laundering investigations will be conducted.

Some states, such as California, have already begun proceedings. And the usual attorney pools are working with the affected owners to protect their rights. Unlike the typical recall where a safety issue looms large, Volkswagen owners do not have that concern. Still, Volkswagen must offer a fix, compensation or a buy back plan, details that might emerge during today’s proceedings.

Related Volkswagen Stories

Diesel Resurrection: How Volkswagen Might Win Back Customers

Volkswagen Scandal No Surprise to Those Who Have Been Tracking It…VW Management Included

Volkswagen Diesel Cheating May Cost the Company Billions

US Capitol Building photo copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Volkswagen Scandal No Surprise to Those Who Have Been Tracking It…VW Management Included

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VW Clean Diesel

Lateral view of a Volkswagen Golf TDI “clean diesel” at the 2010 Washington Auto Show.

By the reading of it, Volkswagen management expressed what seemed like genuine shock when the EPA and California’s Air Resources Board revealed their joint findings regarding the automaker’s manipulation of US emissions testing for diesel cars outfitted with a particular 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.

Last Sunday, the company’s then CEO, Martin Winterkorn, issued a brief statement declaring that the Board of Management at Volkswagen AG “takes these findings very seriously.” What those findings revealed was that the automaker used “defeat devices” to fool emissions testing, effectively concealing the reality that certain cars spew emissions some 10 to 40 times the legal limit.

Approximately 482,000 US cars are equipped with the affected engines and will be recalled. The remaining models sitting on new car dealer lots are under a stop-sale order.

Within a few days of the initial response in which the now terminated Winterkorn added, “We do not and will not tolerate violations of any kind of our internal rules or of the law,” it was revealed that the extent of Volkswagen’s emissions manipulation had been known for at least two years, perhaps much longer.

Indeed, that knowledge was confirmed when a small research staff at West Virginia University completed a report in May 2013, then shared those findings in a public forum. Volkswagen representatives were on hand and even questioned Daniel Carder, the university’s engineer who led the study. Carder serves as Interim Director of CAFEE — the Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions, at the university.

The CAFEE study, commissioned and paid for by the nonprofit International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), was shared with and substantiated by the EPA and CARB.

Regulators met with Volkswagen in 2014 and the company agreed to a voluntary recall to fix the problem. Volkswagen subsequently sent notices to some customers declaring that their vehicles were in need of an “emissions service action.”

That notice was served in April 2015 to an unknown number of 2010 to 2014 model-year owners in California according to Reuters. It was offered by Volkswagen as a potential solution agreed upon by CARB, but it didn’t work.

In July 2015, the CARB conducted follow up testing and discovered that the scrubber technology — which sprays a liquid comprised of 30 percent urea and 70 percent water into the diesel exhaust system and ultimately cuts carbon dioxide to levels within acceptable emissions parameters — was turned off. Those findings were shared with the EPA and led to the agency’s recall order on Sept. 18.

This fast changing and expanding story later revealed that as many as 11 million cars are affected worldwide, vehicle’s powered by a family of turbo-diesel engines with displacements of 1.6 and 2.0 liters. Further, Volkswagen has set aside approximately US$ 7.5 billion to handle repairs and related claims.

Class action lawsuits on behalf of consumers will likely follow to help owners recoup the “diminished value” of their vehicles. When a fix is announced, it is expected that the cars will lose performance and suffer a corresponding decline in fuel economy.

Volkswagen executives now find themselves sitting on a hot seat with some facing dismissal, including Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn. However, US Volkswagen dealers are opposed to his ouster as they credit him with representing their interests before upper management at Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Horn, a 25-year Volkswagen company representative, assumed his current position in January 2014, just months after the CAFEE study was shared and a mere three months before the CARB-initiated recall. Although Volkswagen dealers laud Horn for his representation in Wolfsburg, what has yet to be revealed is whether he shared the emissions findings with senior management in Germany, including the now-deposed Winterkorn.

This story, like so many other far-reaching scandals has had its shares of twists and turns.

As far back as 2011, the non-governmental environmental organization Greenpeace initiated its own crusade against Volkswagen. That campaign included releasing an anti-Volkswagen video with a Star Wars theme whereby the organization alleged that “VW is threatening our planet by opposing cuts to CO2 emissions.” The video concluded by inviting viewers to “join the rebellion.” It was uploaded to YouTube on June 27, 2011.

If there is a darker side of the Volkswagen scandal, you can be certain that it will eventually be exposed. However, some questions remain unanswered, including whether Wolfsburg was kept in the dark as well as why it took the EPA so long to address the matter.

Photo credit: Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Volkswagen Diesel Cheating May Cost the Company Billions

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turbodiesel

A Volkswagen Group TDI supplied to Audi.

Over the weekend, news that the Volkswagen Group had cheated on EPA emissions testing began to spread across the Internet. By late Sunday afternoon, the extent of the scandal became fully known. On Monday, the commercial markets reacted and dropped the automaker’s worth by approximately 20 percent, effectively erasing US$ 17 billion from its market value.

Once again, a major car manufacturer found itself embroiled in a steep controversy. But unlike Toyota and GM where deaths were directly involved, Volkswagen’s transgression involves technological manipulation, whereby the manufacturer wrote vehicle software designed to activate anti-pollution control equipment only while tested.

Specifically, when the equipment is tampered with to not function in real world conditions, it spews many times the amount of harmful pollutants than it claims. In effect, vehicle owners became unwilling contributors to “rolling coal,” what purposefully manipulates computer-controlled diesel engines to emit more soot to the tune of 10 to 40 times the allowable limits.

So, although no immediate deaths have occurred as in the case of GM and Toyota, some may make the argument that the increased emissions lead to a corresponding and lasting rise in illnesses, including cancer.

Clean Diesel Engines

Volkswagen launched its line of “clean diesel” or TDI engines in 2009. Since then, the company has sold five Volkswagen and one Audi models equipped with the 2.0-liter, turbo-diesel engine that is at the heart of the controversy. Not included is a larger V-6 turbo-diesel displacing at 3.0 liters. That engine is widely used in Audi models as well as in some Volkswagen brand models.

As the scope of the crisis began to set in, Volkswagen responded to the charges levied jointly by the EPA and the California Air Resources Board.

On Sunday, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG, issued a press statement that reads in part, “The Board of Management at Volkswagen AG takes these findings very seriously. I personally am deeply sorry that we have broken the trust of our customers and the public. We will cooperate fully with the responsible agencies, with transparency and urgency, to clearly, openly, and completely establish all of the facts of this case. Volkswagen has ordered an external investigation of this matter.”

Winterkorn went on to add, “We do not and will not tolerate violations of any kind of our internal rules or of the law.” He concluded by explaining that the “…trust of our customers and the public is and continues to be our most important asset.”

EPA Fines and a Stop Order

The statement followed the revelation that the EPA could fine Volkswagen as much as $37,500 per affected vehicle. With approximately 482,000 of the affected diesels sold since 2009, that fine could mount to a staggering US$18.075 billion.

Furthermore, the company has also placed a stop order on its leftover 2015 four-cylinder turbo-diesel models. No word yet on how this will impact the upcoming 2016 model year diesels.

Compensation for Owners and Investors

As for the owners of the soon-to-be-recalled vehicles, they’re waiting to see what steps will be required of them. If the remedy is a software change, then each vehicle’s performance and fuel economy will likely be affected. That would also mean a corresponding decrease in a vehicle’s value — owners should and will seek compensation.

That remuneration may come by means of a class-action suit, what could take years to settle. However, several law firms have already served notice that they intend to file in a bid to help owners recoup the diminished value of their cars. So, if you’re planning to dump your VW or Audi because of the pending recall, you may want to wait.

As for Volkswagen investors, your knight in white armor may also be forthcoming. At least one company, the Rosen Law Firm, announced that it “…is preparing a class action lawsuit to recover losses suffered by Volkswagen investors.” Expect more suits as well as statements from environmental groups condemning Volkswagen’s deception.

The Death of Trust

Perhaps the biggest sufferer here is “trust” or what consumers expect when buying a product from a company that espouses strength and confidence in its products. With record recalls hammering the industry, including not a few based on corporate deception, the trust factor is most certainly in peril. Although that won’t necessarily stop people from buying new cars, it could cause them to rethink their Volkswagen and Audi brand aspirations.

Audi A3 TDI photo copyright Auto Trends Magazine.