NHTSA

The Recent, Worrisome Spike of Software-Based Defects in Vehicles

February 10, 2020 by Cole McKeon Leave a Comment

More and more technology is being integrated into vehicles in today’s world. Much of this technology is complex, leading to significant problems, as seen in the skyrocketing number of software-related vehicle recalls in the past few years. These problems were especially pronounced in 2018, which was a record year for software-based defects in vehicles.

The new Stout Automotive Defect and Recall Report, released in late 2019, suggests the increase in software-based electronic defects was “the most significant trend of 2018.” The report also reveals that 2018 had a record-breaking number of vehicle recalls based on software defects, for a total of 8 million–a higher total than the five previous years combined. 2018 also saw electronic defects accounting for the largest percentage of vehicles recalled, which was 26-percent or 6.3 million of all vehicle recalls.

How Stout defines software problems

Stout looked at a variety of sources, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall data, Part 573 letters, quarterly completion reports and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). They’ve compiled the data from those sources and divided it into four digestible groups. The first three groups have defined the data based on a common failure/defect, while the last group, where the failure/defect could not be pinpointed precisely, is defined by its remedy.

1. Integrated Electronic Components (IECs): Failures involving electrical components that failed because of physical defect–from water intrusion to wiring failure.

2. Software Integration: Failures that occur because the software fails to properly interface with a vehicle’s components or systems.

3. Software Defect: Failures relating to a defect in the operating software.

4. Software Remedy: Failures where a software defect has not been found, but a software flash or replacement has remedied the failure.

2018: The worst year for software-based recalls

Software-based problems–of which software integration, software defects, and software remedy categories are all a part–increased for the second year in a row. One recall, in particular, was responsible for this increase, namely, the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) vehicle speed control system recall involving 4.8 million vehicles.

According to Stout’s data, software-based defects/recalls have skyrocketed and, conversely, IECs–which aren’t caused or fixed by software–have plummeted. The report expects this inverse relationship to continue, as it anticipates software-based systems and components will dominate the car market. Software remedies will become more commonplace than traditional methods of delivery.

Overall, the number of vehicles recalled in 2018 due to software issues (8 million) was three times greater than the vehicles recalled in any other previous year. This figure also involved about one-third of all the vehicles that were part of non-Takata recalls for the year. The Takata airbag recall was the biggest safety recall in American history, according to the NHTSA.

When Software Defects Are Likeliest to Occur (Emergence Patterns)

In general, software-based defects occur within the first two years of a vehicle’s life, while non-software issues appear later and can be a potential risk throughout a vehicle’s life. This happens because software issues are more likely to be present from the start of a vehicle’s life. Conversely, non-software issues may emerge only after physical components are exposed to wear and tear or environmental exposure.

Since software integration is relatively new, this emergence pattern is subject to change, as consulting firms like Stout continue to monitor the data in coming years.

The Remedy Procedures in Detail

Stout looked at 10 years of data involving the narrative remedy descriptions for every electronic component recall to make the following findings.

Remedy Procedures

Depending on the issue, the remedies for IEC component defects may vary greatly from remedies used for software-based defects:

IEC repairs are performed at dealerships, while remedies for software-based components can be delivered remotely.
Costs for IECs are determined by the cost of materials, retail mark-ups, handling costs, labor and the number of vehicles involved, while costs for software remedies are dictated by the cost of developing a remedy for the software issue.

IEC remedy procedures involve the traditional process of inspection, repair or replacement of failed components, and software-based component defects could be remedied with the replacement of a component, but may also be fixed with an update to the software associated with the defective component.

Remedy Time

Software-based remedies are more standardized than IECs. For that reason, the Stout report has designated a general timeframe of 0.2 to 2 hours–with an average time of 0.6 hours–as the remedy time for software-based defects.

Non-software-related defects are less standardized, as they vary based on static factors such as the nature of the defect and location of the component. The Stout report listed average remedy times for various component defects, including airbags (0.8 hours) and engine & engine cooling (1.1 hours).

Remedy Delivery

Most software-related defects still require taking the traditional route of traveling to a dealership to meet with a technician. However, with software remedies, more options for delivery exist, including:

1. USB Flash Drives

These remedies are delivered via removable media, either sent to the vehicle owner on a USB flash drive or available for a vehicle owner to download onto their own removable media drive.

2. Over-the-Air Remedies

These remedies are delivered to vehicles via wireless transmission.

The Final Takeaways

If the findings of the Stout report hold true, an increase in software-based defects/recalls and a decrease in non-software problems will continue to trend in the future. This trend can be analyzed through Stout’s method of grouping the IEC, software integration, software defects and software remedies in separate categories.

By looking at this data, Stout determined that, in 2018, the number of software-related defects (software integration, defects and remedies) climbed astronomically, while the number of IECs dropped dramatically.

Stout’s data also reveals that software-related defects are often found within the first two years of the life of the vehicle, while non-software-related defects can be exposed much later on in a vehicle’s life. The remedy process for software-based component defects is generally more streamlined than the remedy procedure for IECs: By the use of removable storage devices and Wi-Fi, a trip to the dealership may not even be required.

Photo supplied by Free Images.

Child Heatstroke Dangers and Your Car

July 17, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

Parents and caregivers understand the importance of restraining children in their car booster seats, an effective way to protect youngsters during an accident. However, even with children safely in place, one significant and overlooked hazard may be lying in wait: heatstroke. Heatstroke can lead to death, a severe medical condition that kills more than three dozen children annually when they are left unattended in a passenger vehicle.

Signs of Heatstroke

While adults may understand the signs of heatstroke, small children do not. Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when the body’s temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher according to the Mayo Clinic.

As a body overheats, heat cramps set in. Heat cramps are muscle spasms caused by a loss of salt and water, an affliction that commonly affects people that exercise in very warm conditions. Heat cramps can quickly give way to heat exhaustion, what the Mayo Clinic notes is evident when “heavy sweating, nausea, lightheadedness and feeling faint” is present.

As the body’s temperature begins to rise, heatstroke may set in. Heatstroke can damage vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles. Without quick medical intervention, death may occur.

Hot Car Conditions

Whether children are accidentally left in a car or somehow get in unlocked cars or trunks without their parents’ knowledge, such vehicles can become very hot, particularly during the summer months. Even when outside temperatures are relatively cool, such as in the 60s, the inside temperature of your car can rise above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, cabin temperatures can rise by about 20 degrees within just 10 minutes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Deadly cabin temperatures can be reached within just 10 minutes if the outside temperature is in the low 80s. And, leaving a window open an inch or two with the car running and the air-conditioning on may do little to keep a car cool. Children’s bodies do not regulate heat in the same way as adults. Indeed, the NHTSA notes that a child’s body temperature may increase from three to five times faster than an adult’s when sitting inside a vehicle.

Taking Preventive Measures

There are two ways that parents and caregivers can prevent heatstroke.

First, all unattended vehicles should be locked, the trunk included. Children should be instructed to never play in or near vehicles.

Second, the KidsandCars.org advocacy group advises people to “look before you lock,” offering a safety checklist to encourage parents to be extra vigilant when children are in the car.

That checklist advises parents to leave something in the backseat of the car that they’ll need when they stop, such as a purse or a briefcase. That way, when reaching for the item, they will remember that their child is still in the car.

Janette Fennell, the founder of KidsandCars.org, notes that fatigued or distracted parents and caregivers may leave a child in the car while going to work, forgetting to drop her off at daycare. Parents can also arrange with a caregiver to automatically call them if the child does not arrive at their drop off location on time. Leaving the child’s stuffed animal or another favorite toy in the front seat while you are driving is another way to remember that your little one is with you.

Safety Measures Work

When you are tired or busy you tend to forget things, perhaps even your child safely strapped in his car seat. Heatstroke is a potentially deadly condition that can be avoided, provided you take the recommended safety measures.

See Also — How to Keep Children Safe in a Crash

Photo attribution: Stiller Beobachter from Ansbach, Germany [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

After the Crash: Replace the Car Seat?

September 28, 2018 by admin 1 Comment

Timely tips for Child Passenger Safety Week

You never saw it coming. A driver cuts into your lane, clips your right front fender, spins your SUV and forces it into a guardrail.

The airbags deploy, you’re momentarily stunned and then suddenly you’re jarred into full alert mode as your toddler lets out an ear-piercing wail. Fortunately, your daughter isn’t hurt — she’s just confused and frightened. Her car seat protected her from injury and for that you’re immensely grateful.

Although your car can be fixed, did you know that your child’s car seat or booster seat should be replaced following a moderate to a severe accident? It may look okay, but that doesn’t mean it is fit for duty. Indeed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises that car seats or booster seats involved in certain types of accidents should be discarded.

Child Passenger Safety Week

Recently, experts from CARSTAR — North America’s largest network of collision repair specialists — teamed with Evenflo, an innovator in child safety equipment, including car and booster seats, to shine a light on this little-known fact.

Working with Shannon Spake, a Fox Sports host who covers football, basketball and motorsports, the companies drew attention to car seat safety as part of Child Passenger Safety Week this week. Spake is the mother of twin boys and like other parents is well versed in car seat safety.

Said Spake, “When your car is involved in a crash, it’s just as important that you take care of your car seat or booster seat as it is to address the car damage. CARSTAR and Evenflo want to make sure parents everywhere are aware of the potential need to replace their car seat or booster seat after a crash.”

Minor Car Crash Defined

So, what defines a minor crash, one that DOES NOT require the replacement of a car seat or a booster seat? The NHTSA is very particular about what this means, identifying five points that must apply across the line:

The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.
The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash.
If the vehicle has airbags, the airbags did not deploy during the crash; and
There is no visible damage to the car seat.

On the flip side, the NHTSA says to NEVER use a car seat that has been involved in a moderate to severe crash. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

“CARSTAR is committed to repairing accident damage and getting families back on the road in a safe vehicle, and the child safety seat is a major part of that vehicle’s safety system,” said Dean Fisher, Chief Operating Officer for CARSTAR. “Any time you’re replacing sheet metal, bumpers, airbags and other safety systems, you’ve been in an accident hard enough to damage the car seat. It’s a cost that many insurance policies cover, so it’s always smart to replace the car seat and ensure your child is safe and protected on the road.”

Turn to Your Car Seat Manufacturer for Guidance

What should consumers do? Evenflo recommends that consumers contact their car seat manufacturer if they have questions about car seat replacement after a crash.

“Crash damage to a car seat or booster seat may not always be visible,” said Evenflo Safety Advocate Sarah Haverstick. “Damage can occur even if the child restraint is unoccupied during the crash. If a consumer has a question about whether their car seat should be replaced, it is important to contact their car seat manufacturer directly for guidance.”

Essential Child Protection Safety Tips

Beyond the likely replacement of a car seat following a moderate to severe accident, Evenflo offers three helpful reminders regarding child passenger safety:

Make sure your child’s age, weight and height are within the requirements for any car seat you are considering for purchase.
Check the NHTSA guidance to help determine what type of car seat is appropriate for a child’s size and development level.
For help with car seat installation and use, contact your car seat manufacturer or find a certified child passenger safety technician near you.

Keep Your Child Safe

Car seat safety is no small matter. There are child passenger safety (CPS) technicians in your area who can help ensure your car seats are installed correctly and teach you how to install a car seat on your own.

For more information, visit Safe Kids Worldwide.

Photo courtesy of CARSTAR.

How to Keep Children Safe in a Crash

February 1, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

Children need special protection when riding in a car.

children and car seat safety — Child car seat safety PSA. How *not* to buckle your child.

More than 30,000 Americans die in car crashes each year, including 1,300 children aged 12 and younger. Car safety begins by properly buckling in all occupants with special consideration given to ensuring that children are adequately protected. The kind of protection used varies by age with the federal government recommending that all children under 13 sit in the back seat if one is available.

Vehicle Occupant Basics

Children aged 12 and under should ride in the back seat if there is one. Moreover, in some states such as California, Georgia, New Jersey and Wyoming, state law mandates using a rear seat for younger children if one is available. For the past 25 years new cars have been equipped with airbags, a safety protector for adults, but a lethal weapon that can kill kids according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Babies and Toddlers

From birth thorough age 2, kids should be placed in a rear-facing child safety seat. That safety seat should carry a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to provide the protection your kids need and the instructions you can understand. Specifically, the Ease-of-Use Ratings furnished by the NHTSA go beyond seat safety to cover four essential areas: evaluation of instructions, vehicle installation features, evaluation of labels and securing the child. The NHTSA notes that child safety seats “must fit right to work right.”

See Also — Child Heatstroke Dangers and Your Car

Pre-Kindergarten Children

When young children outgrow their first child safety seat, a larger forward-facing seat should be used. Such seats hold children who weigh up to 40 pounds and must be used with the seat’s harness. Some of the newer seats have a higher weight limit and provide protection for kids older than the customary four-year-old child limit.

Your School-Aged Children

Children from about aged four to aged eight can move to a booster seat once they reach the height and weight limits of their child safety seat. Belt-positioning booster seats provide adequate protection and should be fitted with the upper (shoulder) strap crossing the chest and out across the shoulder near the neck. Kids should sit up straight with their knees bent at the seat’s edge advises the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Preteen Vehicle Occupants

Once children reach 4 feet 9 inches tall, a booster seat is no longer needed. Instead, youngsters should use seat belts just as an adult does. The lap portion of the belt should cross the upper thighs and the shoulder belt portion should cross the chest and out across the shoulder near the neck.

LATCH Requirements

To make it easier for parents to strap their kids in, the federal government mandates that car manufacturers install lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system to make it easier to attach child restraints to vehicle seats securely. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to connect child safety seats and booster seats.

Child safety seats and booster seats can help reduce injuries and death, but they’re only as effective as they are used properly. Keep tabs on the safety of your seats by following the seat recall list and responding to those recalls immediately.

See Also — Pet Safety: Subaru Goes for the Dogs

Photo credit: Steven DePalo

Stylish Mazda CX-5 All New for 2017

September 1, 2017 by admin 6 Comments

Mazda packs in a little zoom-zoom for some fun-fun.

Compact SUVs dominate the market with some models jockeying for best-seller status this year. Consumers love these vehicles, which explains why the 2017 CX-5 remains Mazda’s top model. If you’re looking for something that isn’t a Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet or Honda, the Mazda CX-5 should be on your list.

Just four years removed from its 2013 introduction, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is all new. Besides a fresh design, this second-generation model has updated cabin materials, new convenience features, and an expanded list of available safety features.

The 2017 CX-5 is available in four grades: Sport ($24,045), Touring ($25,915), Grand Select ($28,895), and Grand Touring ($29,395). The Grand Select grade rolled out later in the model year, so it won’t receive more than a mention here.

Front-wheel drive is standard; add $1,300 for all-wheel drive. The destination charge is $940. All models have a four-cylinder engine paired solely to a six-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Mazda CX-5

Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

It is common for manufacturers to deliver well-equipped, top-trim level models for media inspection. Although there are occasional exceptions, Mazda supplied a CX-5 Grand Touring AWD for Auto Trends testing.

The Grand Touring edition starts at $29,395 or $30,695 with all-wheel drive. My test model came in at $34,060, reflecting a $595 charge for the Soul Red reflective paint and an $1,830 premium package offering a two-position driver memory seat, an 8-way power-operated front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, windshield wiper de-icer, and an active driving (head up) display.

Exterior Highlights

Not everyone is smitten with Mazda’s KODO (soul of motion) design language, found on every vehicle it sells. The look is at once sporty as it is upscale, taking an otherwise plain canvas and transforming it into something entirely vibrant.

Now in its second generation, the expression continues, with the front fascia marked by a gaping maw grille, narrow wraparound headlamps, and much sculpting.

2017 Mazda CX-5

High wheel arches, a raised beltline and a sweeping roof line mark the profile. From the rear, you’ll find a spoiler, wraparound tail lamps, and on some models there are dual exhaust tips.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, daytime running lights, dual power side mirrors, a rear roof spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Also available are automatic leveling headlights, automatic on/off lights, LED front fog lights, LED taillights, a power sliding-glass moonroof, and a power rear liftgate. The Grand Touring model comes with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Interior Highlights

The 2017 CX-5 seats five with bucket seats up front and a 40:20:40 bench seat in the rear. Base sport models have cloth seats; imitation leather dresses Touring models, while the Grand Touring features leather-trimmed seats. A power driver’s seat and heated front seats appear on the Touring; driver lumbar support comes with the Grand Touring.

You’ll find a sporty instrument panel marked by three cowls — one each for the speedometer, odometer, and fuel information.

2017 Mazda CX-5 My Grand Touring model had a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted auxiliary controls. A tilt and telescopic steering column is standard.

On top of the dash and aligned with the center stack is a 7-inch full-color touchscreen display. The center console is neatly organized with knobs and switches, managing the climate control system. At the base of the stack is a deep open storage compartment, large enough to hold a pair of smartphones. Dividing the seats is the transmission shifter and a multi-function control knob for managing the infotainment system.

Storage compartments are many and go beyond the glove box to include a deep storage area with a removable tray underneath the center armrest. That’s where you’ll also find a pair of USB ports and an auxiliary input. All four doors have storage compartments and drink holders. Four cup holders — two up front and two in the rear round out the drink compartments.

All models have keyless entry and push-button start, full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, and an overhead console with sunglass holder. Available equipment includes dual-zone climate control, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, a leather-wrapped shift knob, rear air conditioning vents, and a rear seat center armrest.

The Touring grade offers a Preferred Equipment Package ($780), bundling such features as automatic headlights, HomeLink, the Bose audio system, navigation, power moonroof, and a power liftgate. You’ll also find an available Premium Package ($1,830) on the Grand Touring trim, with those features mentioned above.

On the Road With the Mazda CX-5

It isn’t uncommon for models in this segment to offer one engine choice, namely a four cylinder. That’s how Honda, Jeep, Nissan, and Toyota do it.

The 2017 CX-5 comes with a 2.5-liter engine making 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It is exclusively paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Paddle shifters are not offered.

I found the CX-5 sufficient for the task, although it isn’t an outstanding performer. Flick to sport mode and the engine kicks it up a notch and the transmission shift points offer longer intervals. Along with surprisingly engaging handling, this is where the CX-5 offers a bit of zoom-zoom making for a measure of fun-fun.

If you’re looking for more power, you’ll have to cast your eyes elsewhere. For example, the Ford Escape offers three engine choices, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, you have the Hyundai Tucson offering a 2.0-liter engine, but it is skewed toward fuel economy, delivering just 164 horsepower. If you have diesel on your mind, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is the sole model with this engine choice.

2017 Mazda CX-5

Safety & Technology

Mazda nailed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2017 CX-5. This is the highest rating offered by the institute, representing a consortium of insurance companies and associations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Mazda a four-star rating out of a possible five stars. The only demerit was a four-star rating for rollover.

The 2017 CX-5 comes with a rearview monitor, brake assist support, and expected support such as stability and traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Not available on the base model, but offered as an option on the Touring model is an i-Activsense Package ($625) composed of high beam control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, radar cruise control, automatic headlights, and other features.

A four-speaker audio system is in the Sport model. Touring models have a six-speaker system, while the Grand Touring has a Bose 10-speaker audio system. Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, and a rearview camera come standard. The Mazda Connect infotainment system comes with each model and includes Aha internet radio integration, voice command, Pandora, SMS text messaging, and Stitcher.

2017 Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5: Parting Thoughts

So, there you have it. My impressions of the 2017 Mazda CX-5. All in all, the CX-5 brings flair to the segment, although a number of competing models can claim the same. That’s great for consumers as there isn’t a dull looker among them.

If you shop the CX-5, the Touring edition is a great place to start. Most customers won’t need all-wheel drive, therefor stick with the front-wheel drive. With the Preferred Equipment Package, your price reaches $28,000, and that’s before discounting and your deft negotiating skills kick in.

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

Sticker price from $30,695 (plus $940 destination charge)
Price as tested: $34,060
Seats 5 occupants
Engine: 2.5-liter I4 gas
187 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
185 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,250 (FWD); 4,000 (AWD) RPM
Wheelbase: 106.2 inches
Length: 179.1 inches
Width: 72.5 inches
Height: 65.3 inches
Passenger volume: NR
Storage volume: 30.9 (behind 2nd row)/59.6 (behind 1st row) cubic feet
Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
EPA: 24/31 mpg (gas); 23/29 mpg (diesel)
Regular grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 14.8 gals. (fwd); 15.3 gals. (AWD)
Curb weight: From 3,527 to 3,655 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
Limited vehicle warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 60 months/unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Hiroshima, Japan

See Also — Zoom-Zoom and a Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class & Toyota Avalon Pace Large Car Crash Safety Testing

July 7, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

The IIHS tests six large sedans. Three earn the institute’s highest safety grade.

2017 Lincoln Continental — Lincoln’s flagship Continental achieved the IIHS’ highest
safety rating in its first year back on the market.

The larger the vehicle the safer it is, right? Certainly, mass plays a significant role in making vehicles safer, an inescapable truth that safety cages, side-impact airbags, and rollover mitigation cannot overcome alone. Your safety, however, is also in your hands with defensive and distraction-free driving among the important factors for reducing crashes in the first place.

Six large sedans were recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an organization funded by insurance companies and related associations. Like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the IIHS routinely tests new vehicles for crashworthiness. However, IIHS testing is much more expansive, as it includes categories such as head restraints and headlight efficacy.

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners

Three sedans notched the institute’s Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest honor. The Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Toyota Avalon finished on top. The Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala, and Ford Taurus missed the mark as each received only “acceptable” scores in small overlap front tests.

The IIHS assigns grades of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor in five crashworthiness categories: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. The same grading exists in the crash avoidance & mitigation category covering front crash prevention and headlights, each with optional equipment. A grade is also assigned to child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use.

“This group of large cars includes some with stellar ratings, but our small overlap front test remains a hurdle for some vehicles,” says David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer.

The Toyota Avalon joins two other large sedans in garnering a Top Safety Pick+ award.

The IIHS noted that the Lincoln Continental outfitted with an optional front crash prevention system earns a superior rating. Specifically, the 2017 Continental avoided a collision on IIHS’ test track in Virginia when traveling at speeds of 12 mph and 25 mph. The institute noted that the Continental’s forward collision warning system meets the NHTSA’s criteria.

The Continental also achieved top ratings for its optional LED projector headlights, available on the Reserve grade. The institute measures headlamp effectiveness on both straightaways and curves. On the other hand, Continentals outfitted with the standard high-intensity discharge (HID) lights earned a poor rating.

Like the Continental, the 2017 E-Class is all new. This model offers a standard front crash prevention system and an optional one — both achieved top grades in IIHS testing. Toyota’s Avalon rounded out the trio of top-performing models, achieving the award following modifications to its headlights in cars built after March 2017.

The Next Three: Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala & Ford Taurus

Finishing behind the trio of top safety recipient winners were the Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala, and the Ford Taurus.

Like the Avalon, the Tesla Model S underwent mid-model year safety upgrades, in this case to the driver’s safety belt. Unfortunately, the change wasn’t sufficient as the test dummy’s torso moved too far forward as before, allowing the dummy’s head to strike the steering wheel.

The Chevrolet Impala performed well in crash testing, but all available headlight options earned a poor rating. The Impala scored high with its front crash prevention system, however. As for the Taurus, this model also rated poor for its available headlights. Although the forward collision warning system meets the NHTSA’s criteria, it lacks automatic braking.

2015 Dodge Charger — Not all large sedans were tested, including this Dodge Charger.

Your Next Car

Auto Trends recommends car shoppers take safety ratings into consideration when shopping for a vehicle. Indeed, when evaluating any model, we rely on both IIHS and NHTSA scoring to round out our personal findings.

Of the six models tested by the IIHS, just three have passed through the Auto Trends press fleet rotation: the Lincoln Continental, Toyota Avalon, and the Chevrolet Impala.

Premium Compact: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

April 1, 2017 by admin 6 Comments

Top-of-the-line 2017 Elantra trim delivers the trappings in style.

Compact sedans typically offer great value, supplying an ideal entryway to new car ownership for the majority of consumers. Nearly all manufacturers offer one, although the segment has been taking a hit as shoppers continue to shift their purchase decisions to small SUVs.

The Hyundai Elantra is one such model, a five-passenger front-wheel drive sedan offered in five grades: SE ($17,150), Value ($20,250), Eco ($20,650), Sport (21,650), and Limited ($22,350). Add $835 for destination.

Yes, the Elantra is a sedan-only model, but there is a hatchback, the Elantra GT, and it is sold separately. A coupe version was discontinued in 2015.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited.

My test vehicle was a 2017 Elantra Limited outfitted with a pair of packages — tech ($2,500) and ultimate ($1,900). The final tally came in at $27,890, near the top end of the segment.

The Elantra name can be traced all the way back to 1990 when the first-generation model was released. The current and sixth-generation Elantra rolled out in early 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle.

Hyundai is making a significant deal about the Elantra’s starting price, coming in at $100 lower than the previous model. That $100 savings tells only a small part of the story: two new powertrains are offered and a driver’s knee airbag is included.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

But the focus of this review is on the top-of-the-line Limited edition. Like other top trims, this one overlaps the next model up, namely the Sonata midsize sedan.

Indeed, you can obtain a fairly well-equipped Sonata for about the same price as the Elantra. Then again, if you want the tech and ultimate packages offered in the Elantra Limited, you’ll find yourself shopping for similarly packaged Sonata Limited costing about $33,000.

The Elantra Limited does a commendable job of transforming a mainstream compact four door into a premium sedan. No, it isn’t a luxury model, although it does possess a few extravagances you typically won’t find in this segment.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited.

A Matter of Style

For starters, the exterior is dressed to impress, featuring a unique chrome grille, chrome beltline molding, and chrome door handles. You’ll also find LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and door handle approach lights. Hyundai’s well-received hands-free smart trunk is included — no need to swish a leg back and forth under the bumper in a sometimes vain effort to make the lid lift. All Limited models are outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels set within all-season tires.

Inside, the premium features are nearly everywhere. Right off, you’ll notice the standard leather seats. You’ll also find heated front seats, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and keyless entry with push-button start.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited. The hits keep coming with the dual climate control system, a seven-inch color display with an audio package, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual charging USB ports, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and BlueLink telematics. On the safety front, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is also included.

Choose Your Package

What absolutely elevates the Elantra Limited is its two package options: tech and ultimate. You can buy tech alone, but the ultimate package requires you to pay for tech too. As you read on you’ll learn how beneficial the duo are to this model.

The tech package brings in a navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen. You’ll also enjoy a sweet sounding Infinity audio system with eight speakers, including a center channel and subwoofer. Hyundai adds a 4.2-inch color instrument cluster display, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated (outboard) rear seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass.

The ultimate package brings in the driver assist features consumers want. For starters, you’ll receive HID headlights with dynamic bending light technology — the better to view around corners. Automatic high beam assist is included adding to the standard automatic on/off headlamps.

Further, you’ll find automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, smart cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a memory system for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors.

All in all, Elantra Limited offers a complete package, delivering the broadest range of amenities for the money in this segment.

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)

The absolute bugaboo with some small cars is NVH: noise, vibration, and harshness. That’s understandable as budgetary constraints typically mean manufacturers place price above all else.

No small car cabin is whisper quiet, even the Elantra Limited. The din of the engine is always heard inside and at times it is quite loud. As for vibration, this sedan does everything to ensure it is mitigated — no creaking dashboard or door shimmy detected. And when it comes to harshness, traveling over bumpy surfaces doesn’t produce the jarring feel through the steering column common to certain models. No, the Elantra isn’t a Sonata, but it certainly does a credible job in all matters NVH.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited.

On the Road

An all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Elantra Limited. This engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and sits between the available 1.4- and 1.6-liter turbo engines in the power spectrum. This naturally aspirated engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The lion’s share of drivers should find the Elantra Limited’s engine suits their needs. Certainly, it isn’t a performance boss, but it is no slouch either. Off-the-mark acceleration is more than sufficient and when you press the pedal to the metal, the engine delivers a distinct roar (a purr is more like it).

If you want more performance, the larger turbo delivers it, but it does so at the cost of fuel economy, coming in about 4 mpg less than the standard engine.

Safety Features and Rating

Besides its seven standard airbags and the usual traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes, Hyundai delivers top scores in all things crashworthiness. But there is one caveat.

Notably, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2017 Elantra with its highest honor — Top Safety Pick+. In testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2017 Elantra scored four stars out of five, missing the top rating in frontal crash and rollover. This is an unusual discrepancy between the two main North American crash testing authorities, one worth keeping in mind.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited.

Parting Thoughts

If you aren’t a Hyundai owner, why should you consider one? After all, the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta, and Mazda 3 are compelling reasons to consider the competition.

That said, Hyundai still offers the best warranties in the business, including a five-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. On top of that, you’ll have five years of complimentary roadside assistance.

The warranties alone are a difference maker for certain buyers. Drill down on the amenities list and you’ll find that Hyundai backs up its “class above” claims quite well. Moreover, it does so at a price point that shouldn’t be easily dismissed.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited Specifications

HYUNDAI	ELANTRA
Segment	compact car
Base Sticker Price	$22,350 (sedan); $15,395 (hatchback)
Price as Tested	$27,585
Standard Engine	2.0-liter, four cylinder
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Horsepower	147 @ 6,200
Torque (lb.-ft.)	132 @ 4,500
Seating	2+3
Curb Weight (pounds)	2,976
Wheelbase (inches)	106.3
Length (inches)	179.9
Width (inches)	70.9
Height (inches)	56.5
Head room (f,r — inches)	38.8, 37.3
Leg room (f,r — inches)	42.2, 35.7
Shoulder room (f,r — inches)	56.2, 55.3
Hip room (f,r — inches)	53.4, 51.9
Storage (cubic feet)	14.4
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	3,924
Towing (pounds)	N/A
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	14
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	28/37
Manufacturing Plant	Montgomery, Alabama or Ulsan, Korea

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Lexus NX Hybrid Shines in a Niche Segment

February 25, 2017 by admin 9 Comments

Compact NX is the smallest of four Lexus SUVs.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Low fuel prices haven’t halted Lexus’ advance in all things hybrid. Piggybacking on Toyota Motors’ technology, Lexus’ gas-electric vehicles currently number five model lines and soon will be joined by two 2018 models: the LC 500h coupe and the LS 500h.

Of the current models, the Lexus NX 300h is the newest. Introduced in 2015 along with the Lexus NX Turbo, this compact SUV slots below the wildly popular midsize RX, the smallest of four SUVs offered by Toyota’s luxury brand.

Where the NX Turbo relies upon a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to move this SUV, the NX Hybrid uses a normally aspirated 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors. One of the motors sends torque to the rear wheels when needed, so the NX Hybrid is standard all-wheel drive, while the gas NX offers front- and all-wheel drive choices.

2017 Lexus NX Hybrid

A recent weekly driver for Auto Trends Magazine was a 2017 Lexus NX Hybrid. Although the NX Hybrid is a mono-spec (one trim) model, several packages are available. Indeed, my test model had a base price of $39,720 (plus $975) for destination, but $15,000 in upgrades.

Those upgrades included a $4,545 luxury package — 18-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, LED daytime running lights, and a 10-way driver’s seat with lumbar support. A $1,815 navigation package also brought in a 10-speaker premium Lexus audio system. Then, for $3,900, the luxury package was upgraded to 19-inch forged wheels. Other add-ons included a power-folding rear seat, parking assist, and safety features.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Differences and Similarities

There are a number of similarities as well as differences between the standard and hybrid models. both vehicles offer distinct styling cues marked by profound body sculpting, strong character lines, a rising belt line, and a flowing roofline.

Some find the look polarizing — as if the designers went wild with a sculpting knife. Certainly, today’s Lexus style is much more evocative than ever before, playing an integral part in raising the brand’s profile. Yes, Lexus has heard that their designs were “boring” and has set out to do something about that. The result is evident, especially in the updated fascias, including the pronounced spindle grille.

The NX’s spindle grille dominates the front fascia. But there is an important distinction between gas and hybrid models. Yes, the outline is the same, but the hybrid is marked by four distinct horizontal slats with a blue highlighted Lexus logo in the middle. The gas model dispenses with the bars and employs a honey-combed design, itself marked by a black highlighted Lexus logo.

Other standout features of both models include the L-shaped accent lights, sporty headlamps, a narrow lower grille opening, huge wheel arches, a rear spoiler, and wing-like rear combination lamps. Dual exhaust ports are also present.

Wheel choices range in size from 17 to 19 inches, and include alloy wheels with both five- and 10-spoke designs. All-season tires are standard.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Take a Look Inside

The Lexus NX seats five, although four is the ideal number. There is ample head, shoulder, hip and leg room up front. The rear seat is sufficient in all four categories, but can provide tight hip and shoulder room if someone is sitting in the middle position. Tall passengers may find the sloping roofline somewhat limiting, although the bulk of the slope occurs behind the rear seat.

That said, you’ll find just 16.8 cubic feet of standard storage space. Fortunately, the battery pack is located beneath the rear seat and therefore doesn’t keep that seat from folding. And a good thing too: you’ll enjoy 53.7 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seat is folded.

A modern interior graces the NX Hybrid, dressed in NuLuxe trim. NuLuxe has the look and feel of leather, but it isn’t the real thing. Leather seats are available, but don’t immediately dismiss the imitation material — it is one of the best I’ve seen (and felt) in the industry. As for the rest of the trim, opt for the luxury package if wood trim is your requirement. Here, you’ll find linear black shadow wood as an upgrade from the usual metallic trim.

All models come with keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. Individual options include heated front seats, power folding and reclining rear seats, a power moonroof, or heated and ventilated front seats.

The front seats are very comfortable, the driver’s seat more so with the available 10-way power seat with lumbar support. Kudos to Lexus for supplying a quiet interior and a comfortable ride. If you’re a fan of the RX Series, the NX will not disappoint.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Safety and Technology

All Lexus NX models come with a generous list of safety features. Eight standard airbags, a backup camera, Siri Eyes Free, stability control, and Lexus Enform Connect are included. You can also choose triple-beam LED headlamps, lane departure alert, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, parking assist, and a pre-collision system with radar cruise control.

When it comes to safety ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2017 Lexus NX with its Top Safety Pick+ rating, its highest score. Similarly, both the NX 200t and NX 300h garnered top five-star scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Technology and Lexus go hand in hand and the NX Hybrid delivers. You’ll find a full LCD color display in the instrument panel and you’ll also have Lexus’ touch pad to control the center stack color screen. That pad works much in the same way as a mouse. There is a learning curve present — my advice to new owners is to practice the pad while at home to avoid distractions on the road. When you grasp the system, you’ll manage the scratch pad with only minimal distraction.

An eight-speaker Lexus premium sound system is present, but you can upgrade to a 10-speaker system. The expected tech features such as Bluetooth, USB connectivity, HD Radio, traffic and weather updates (subscription), and an auxiliary audio port are also present. A Qi-compatible wireless device charger is available — just remember to remove the cover from your smartphone, otherwise it won’t work for you.

On the Road

The NX Hybrid “rolls” differently than the gas model, using a hybrid propulsion system to get the work done. Where a six-speed automatic is paired with the gas model’s engine, Lexus employs an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with the hybrid.

You also have more horsepower to work with in the gas model — 235 hp v. 194 hp. Torque numbers are even more skewed toward the turbo — 258 pound-feet v. 152 pound-feet. Nevertheless, the hybrid delivers sufficient power when you need it.

Furthermore, the NX Hybrid offers a distinct fuel efficiency advantage, delivering 33 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway to the 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway of the turbo model. Importantly, the hybrid has a 7 mpg overall edge to the gas model — 31 v. 24.

For the uninformed, hybrids sometimes get a bad rap. Thought by some as generally weak alternatives to gas engines, hybrids do provide a lot of kick when you need it most — especially when passing.

As for the NX Hybrid, its toughest assignment is battling the performance boost of the turbo. Quite frankly, there is no contest there. The turbo has an edge that can’t be overcome, namely a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. As for the hybrid, a leisurely 9.1-second 0-60 mph time is offered. Again, you’re considering a hybrid for efficiency, not performance, so you’ll need to manage your expectations accordingly.

Two things to consider about this hybrid, no *most* hybrids — uninvolved steering and squishy brakes. That’s something you’ll deal with the NX Hybrid, but it shouldn’t be a surprise either — the brakes not only stop the SUV, but send kinetic energy to the lithium-ion battery pack for use later. And if you’re someone who likes to tow, the NX Hybrid has a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Compare that to the 2,000-pound capacity of the NX 200t.

Parting Thoughts

Is the NX Hybrid the best choice for you? It could be although it starts about $4,500 more than the base NX 200t. But the hybrid is all-wheel drive, thus the gap narrows to $3,000 when comparing AWD to AWD. Still, if you’re looking to get your investment back with the hybrid, you may be disappointed.

What the NX family does is to provide a sensible gateway to the Lexus brand. Several other models do likewise, including the compact CT hatchback, as well as the IS and ES sedans. All four can be had for under $40,000 and that means you can easily upgrade from Toyota or slide over from another luxury brand.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Chevrolet Cruze Adds Hatchback and Diesel Options for 2017

January 1, 2017 by admin 8 Comments

Chevy’s small car is big on efficiency.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan. — 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Premier.

Car sales are getting clobbered in a market where SUVs and pickup truck growth continues to expand. Even as we finish yet another strong sales year, manufacturers are shifting production capacity away from cars in favor of the vehicle types consumers want.

Yet, brands such as Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Nissan, Kia, and Mazda are not retreating from segments that have long provided a logical entry point to each brand. Indeed, both subcompact and compact cars afford a sensible gateway for manufacturers, enticing consumers to buy new and, hopefully, win their continued allegiance for decades to come.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact model, originally available as a sedan since its 2011 US release, but is now supplemented by a hatchback and will soon offer a diesel variant. Both changes could reverse a recent slide in sales, one that saw double-digit losses throughout the 2016 calendar year. Some of that drop can be attributed to a shift in customer tastes, while a case can also be made for customers opting for the midsize and vastly improved Malibu sedan.

Chevrolet offers the 2017 Cruze sedan in L ($17,850), LS ($19,400), LT ($21,025), and Premier ($24,350) grades. The hatchback is offered in just two grades: LT ($22,115) and Premier ($24,350). All L, LS, and LT models come with a six-speed manual transmission; add approximately $1,000 for the automatic (not offered with the L). Prices include a $875 destination charge.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan.

The Cruze LS offers a pair of packages — interior protection ($200) and ground effects ($1,495). Both LT grades offer a convenience package, an $850 upgrade. Add $230 for a chrome appearance package. Further, LT and Premier customers can choose an RS package ($695 in the LT and $995 in the Premier).

The Premier grade also offers an $865 enhanced convenience package (e.g., heated rear outboard seats, wireless charging for devices, a 110-volt outlet); a $1,995 sun and sound with navigation package (e.g., power sliding sunroof, 9-speaker Bose audio system, Chevrolet MyLink with navigation, and advanced instrumentation); and a $795 driver confidence package (e.g., automatic headlamps with high beam detection, rear park assist, forward collision alert, and other safety features).

Sedan and Hatchback Choices

So, which body style should you choose? To be fair, my review vehicle was the Premier sedan, so I can tell you only about that body style. That said, both models sit on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and that means there is ample room inside.

From bumper to bumper, the sedan measures 183.7 inches; the hatchback comes in at 175.3 inches. The sedan’s trunk measures upwards of 14.8 cubic feet, while the hatchback offers 24.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat or 47.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan

Exterior Highlights

The 2017 Cruze sedan offers a sleek appearance with a lower grille larger than that of the upper grille. Body sculpting is evident around the available fog lamps, across the hood, and along the profile. That profile features a rising belt line and standard steel wheels. Alloy wheels are available. To the rear, you’ll find wraparound combination lamps, additional sculpting, and diffuser-like trim.

Beyond the available alloy wheels, optional equipment includes a sport body kit, LED daytime running lamps, fog lamps, and a rear spoiler. All-season tires are standard across the model line. Wheel sizes range from 15 to 18 inches; machined wheels with high-gloss black pockets are now available — 18-inch size only. Other equipment available includes power-folding and heated side mirrors.

Interior Highlights

With 42 inches of legroom, the Cruze offers midsize cabin space up front. To the rear, you’ll find 36 inches of legroom, which is about average for the segment. This front-wheel drive model seats five, although it is best used by four.

Swoopy lines dominate the dashboard with the instrument panel composed of two large and two small analog displays along with a digital driver’s information center. Standard cloth seats give way to leather seats in the Premier. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, power windows and door locks, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and air conditioning.

Also available is push-button start, automatic climate control, cruise control, a rear center fold-down armrest with a pair of cup holders, dual reading lights, a remote vehicle starter system, a power driver’s seat, and heated seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated steering wheel, and illuminated visors are also available.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan

Tech and Audio Features

The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system is standard across the Cruze line. The audio system is comprised of a seven-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth music streaming and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

All models come with a USB port and OnStar with 4GT LTE Wi-Fi. Navigation and various audio packages comprised of four, six, and nine speakers are available.

Safety Highlights

On the safety front, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has conducted only partial tests thus far on the 2017 Cruze. The sedan achieved top scores of “good” in two categories: moderate overlap front and side. The IIHS also acknowledged the sedan’s available, but basic, front crash prevention system.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to rate the 2017 Cruze, but the federal agency awarded the similar 2016 model with its top five-star crash test rating. All models are equipped with 10 airbags, a rearview camera, and the usual stability and traction control technologies.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan

On the Road

As of this writing, there is only one engine choice with the 2017 Cruze: a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine. Making 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, this engine will be joined by a turbo diesel this spring.

The gas engine offers excellent fuel economy, delivering as high as 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway in some models. These numbers are at the upper end of the fuel economy range and are achieved with the six-speed automatic transmission. Stay with the standard six-speed manual gearbox and your model will make upwards of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

As for the diesel, it’ll displace at 1.6 liters compared with the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel offered earlier. This means that the new engine should better the previous four banger’s 44 mpg on the highway. No word about performance numbers, but we’re expecting some significant torque.

Even with the diesel, Chevrolet has ignored not just the performance side of the house, but consumers wanting something more than the base engine. While the base engine gets the job done, it is slow off the mark and just lacks the oomph customers may be expecting. A normally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline engine or something slightly larger would be ideal, but Chevrolet isn’t offering it.

I give the Cruze high marks in several areas, including its quiet cabin, relatively smooth ride, and decent handling. There isn’t anything exciting about this car’s drive, but at least its stellar fuel economy and nicely laid out interior are strong attributes. Move away from the base “L” model and you’ll find a well-equipped little sedan or hatchback for your consideration.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan

Parting Thoughts

The Chevrolet Cruze checks off some of the boxes shoppers want, including value, efficiency, and technology. However, its weakest point is performance, with only one gasoline engine offered. In effect, Chevrolet has decided not to challenge the likes of the Ford Focus ST, Volkswagen Golf GTI, or the Subaru WRX by offering an SS variant with a more powerful engine paired with a short-throw manual gearbox and tied in with a sport suspension.

That said, two new features will only help make a case for the Cruze. Adding a hatchback enables Chevrolet to challenge the Focus as well as give customers an alternative to the Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf, and the Kia Forte5, among others. And by offering a diesel option this spring, Chevrolet fills a void left by Volkswagen when the German automaker had to pull its engine from the market following an emissions scandal of its own making.

All in all, the Chevrolet Cruze is light years ahead of every small Chevy offered previously. That fact alone makes the Cruze a model to put on your small car shopping list.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Tiny Cargo Transporter: 2016 Nissan NV200

October 28, 2016 by admin 3 Comments

A small cargo van for a niche market.

Did you know Nissan has a burgeoning commercial vehicle business? This Japanese automaker with a huge manufacturing and distribution presence in the United States has pickup trucks, vans, and taxis designed with commercial customers in mind. With this particular sales division, Nissan has successfully carved out a significant slice in a highly competitive segment.

One of those vehicles is the NV200, a compact cargo van expressly designed to meet the needs of business enterprises. The NV200 is the ideal complement to the full-size NV, itself a competitor to the Ford Transit, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana. The NV was introduced in 2012.

As for the Nissan NV200, it followed the larger van to the market in 2013 and directly competes against the Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster City cargo vans. However, unlike its two top competitors, the small Nissan van is not available as a passenger wagon except in taxi form. You’ll find such taxis plying the streets of New York, for example.

Model Year Updates

The model tested was a 2016 NV200 as the 2017s arrive later this fall. The 2016 NV200 was unchanged from the previous model year.

Nissan offers the NV200 in two trims: S ($20,870) and SV ($21,760). Add $885 for the destination and handling charge.

Package and accessory options are thin, but include a Bluetooth hands-free phone system package ($250), a rear door glass package ($190), and a cruise control package ($200) among other choices. Accessory items include body side moldings ($190) and a Nissan VTRS (vehicle tracking and recovery system) for $500.

Exterior Overview

Take a large van and boil it down to a compact size and you have the NV200. Well, not exactly. This model was designed from the ground up to serve customers who want van utility, but don’t need a beefy V8 engine or even a V6.

Front to back, the NV200 offers a boxy design with a sloping hood, rising side window arches, and slab sides along with dual sliding doors. Small, 15-inch wheels, long expanses of sheet metal, and large mirrors mark the sides (available power heated). From the rear, you’ll find 40-60 outside pivoting doors with an enhanced ability to open at a 180-degree angle following the quick adjustment of each hinge. A low entry cargo floor provides ease of access — with a payload of up to 1,480 pounds, your carrying capacity is quite high.

Interior Highlights

Small van shoppers may be surprised to find just two seats in the NV200. Then again, with no rear side windows present, two makes sense. There is no second-row option — this van was designed for small business operators such as florists, plumbers, electricians, delivery drivers, and anyone else wanting an efficient vehicle for the requisite roomy cargo space.

This model features a pair of bucket seats and surprisingly comfortable ones at that. Nissan calls the passenger compartment a “mobile office space” thanks to the fold-down front seat which can serve as a work desk. Also present is a multifunctional center console.

You’ll enjoy ample legroom too, as all controls are out of the way, including the transmission shifter fixed to the bottom of the center console. The NV200 is equipped with power windows, power door locks (SV), air conditioning, a two-speaker audio system, cruise control (SV), a passenger slide-out storage tray, two cup holders, and a 12-volt outlet.

You also get 20 integrated reinforced cargo-mounting points for custom shelving, six floor-mounted D-rings in the cargo area, interior cargo panels, a rear cargo floor protector, pre-wiring for telematics upfitting, and a cargo area work light.

As for cargo space, you’ll enjoy 122.7 cubic feet. And it is usable space too — from front to back as well as from side to side. Further, if you need slightly more interior space you can fold down the passenger seat to hold that lengthy ladder you might prefer not carry on top.

Technology

You aren’t considering the NV200 for its advanced technologies. In fact, if you like such features as Bluetooth, SiriusXM traffic, a USB connection port, or a rearview mirror, each are options.

An auxiliary jack is included as is a two-speaker audio system. You can also get NissanConnect with navigation and mobile apps, including a 5.8-inch screen. Add $1,050 to your price for this factory-installed option.

Key Safety Features

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the 2016 Nissan NV200.

You do get such standard safety equipment as a suite of airbags, vehicle dynamic control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Opt for the rear sonar system package ($250) if you frequently back your vehicle into place. This system works when the ignition is on and the transmission shifter is in reverse. The system detects obstacles behind the vehicle as far away as six feet — as you move the NV200 closer to an obstacle, the rate of the warning tone increases. The tone shifts to a continuous output when you’re within one foot of the obstacle, effectively signaling you to come to a standstill.

It is a switch-operated system too, one you can turn off on demand. The system automatically resets when the ignition is turned off and best works at speeds no higher than 3 mph.

On the Road

Nissan offers one powertrain combination with the NV200. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

This arrangement is an efficient one too, as the little van makes an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Even when loaded and pushed to its payload limit, I can’t imagine the NV200 not making at least 20 mpg. That’s a far cry better than some large vans and the 12 mpg you might get under similar big van working conditions. Why opt for something larger and the higher upkeep costs involved when a small van is all you need?

Typically when I review a vehicle, I keep in mind several things about the drive, including its ride, steering, handling, and braking. I also take my weekly drivers on my favorite twisty roads to gauge those results. Let’s just say the Nissan NV200 is best tested by putting it to work as a tradesman vehicle. Nevertheless, when you step on the accelerator, the engine quickly responds. Press the accelerator hard and you’ll hear the engine straining, but it doesn’t labor. When you need optimum power it is there for the taking.

Apart from outfitting and upfitting the vehicle, loading it with barrels full of leaves to take to the dump does provide a reasonable way to determine van utility. Depending on the size of said barrels, the cargo area holds six to nine containers. What helps matters most is the pair of sliding side doors supplementing the wide pivoting rear doors — providing ease of access at its best, giving you excellent room for setup and maneuverability.

On the road, the Nissan’s tight turning radius (36.7 feet) certainly helps when swinging u-turns and when leaving narrow loading dock environments. I took the NV200 to my local and unused loading dock, backing it into place. As long as said dock has a ground-level entry point you’re good to go. Even without one, a quick curbside drop off can be made and you’re on your way.

Parting Thoughts

I don’t tell people which vehicles to purchase. Instead, I put out the information to help people make an informed decision. The Nissan NV200 and vehicles like it take aim at the commercial sector, essentially inviting customers to consider a smaller option. In fact, I have witnessed a growing number of such vans on the road, usually with a cable company or other media outlet markings along the sides as well as the occasional plumber, electrician or other handyman utilizing same.

A decade ago, some workers were using the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Chevrolet HHR as their compact service vehicles. Both are now gone. Certainly, if you’re considering a replacement for these two smaller models or simply would like to downsize to a more efficient package, you can’t go wrong by choosing the Nissan NV200.

Opt for the SV edition along with the technology package and the rear sonar system, and your final price comes in around $24,000, including destination and handling. That’s a very reasonable cost, one designed to attract small business owners as well as Fortune 500 enterprises.

Recent Review — Midsize Luxury Sedan: 2017 Genesis G80

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