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Prestige morphs into many different forms, as upscale German brands move down-market, seeking new buyers with tighter budgets. This episode of "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports" looks at the new Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, both part of this year's test fleet. Each of these SUVs is a step down in size and cost for their brand, but only one delivers what you'd expect.
Sticking to a small SUV theme, we next discuss the updated-for-2015 Honda CR-V. A new continuously-variable-transmission (CVT) promises to improve fuel economy in this top-seller, but a new touchscreen radio proves infuriating. Further proof that not all changes are improvements, Honda also stiffened the ride.
Next we move to answering car-buying questions. A viewer from snowy Saskatchewan wants a comfy sedan for their commute, leading us to issues of exchange rates and cars produced by our friendly Northern neighbor. Finally, another viewer asks about comparing the Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf. For cars that seem so similar, turns out they have very different personalities.
As with the other shows, this episode is also available free through the iTunes store. Subscribe to the video or audio. You'll also find the video on YouTube.
Also view:
"Talking Cars" Episode 54: Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang
"Talking Cars" Episode 53: Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Colorado
"Talking Cars" Episode 52: Reliability
"Talking Cars" Episode 51: Tesla, Camry, CarPlay
"Talking Cars" Episode 50: Reader questions
"Talking Cars" Episode 49: Ford F-150
"Talking Cars" Episode 48: BMW i8
—Tom Mutchler
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