Talking Cars (MP3)

Latest Episodes:

#237 2020 Nissan Sentra; CES Concept Cars; Are Re-Tread Tires a Good Option? Jan 10, 2020

Show notes

This week, we rented the 2020 Nissan Sentra, and give our first impressions on how this compact sedan drives, handles, and has evolved since it was introduced way back in 2013. We also discuss some of the concept cars that were unveiled at CES (including a car from Sony??) We also talk about whether re-tread tires are a good choice when shopping for a new set of wheels for your vehicle, as well as the viability of street parking (and only occasionally charging) a Tesla Model 3 in Boston, what we do with our cars after we've completed testing, and how Consumer Reports' avoidance maneuver evaluation compares to Europe's famous "moose test."

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Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

SHOW NOTES

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00:27 - 2020 Consumer Electronics Show-

06:40 - 2020 Nissan Sentra First Impressions

12:55 - Question #1: Are re-treaded tires a viable options?

16:04 - Question #2: How does the "Moose Test" compare to CR's Avoidance Maneuver Test?

20:49 - Question #3: Is buying a Tesla Model 3 a good idea for a city life style?

25:56 - Question #4: What CR does with their test cars after they complete the test cycle?

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Insider's Guide to CES

https://www.consumerreports.org/consumer-electronics-show/ces-guide/

2020 Nissan Sentra Overview

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/sentra/2020/overview

2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Nissan Sentra

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

2016 Nissan Sentra Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q68KKwGabLY

2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

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

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

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Best Autos Moments of the Decade Dec 30, 2019

Show notes

As we wrap up the final days of 2019, we look back on our favorite moments of the last ten years: our favorite vehicles of the 2010s, the most important innovations in the automotive space, and how Consumer Reports has adapted to this rapidly changing industry. We also discuss our predictions and wishes for what's to come in 2020 and beyond!

SHOW NOTES

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0:43 - how testing has changed at CR in the last ten years

3:15 - the cars CR was testing in 2010

9:13 - favorite automotive innovation of the 2010s

13:39 - most important innovation of the 2010s

23:23 - our predictions for the next decade

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

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

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

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Test Results; 2019 Automotive Naughty & Nice List Dec 27, 2019

Show notes

We have completed testing on Mercedes' 4-door coupe (or is it a sedan?), the 2020 CLA, and discuss whether its lower price makes it worthy of being a "gateway Benz." We celebrate this festive season and the end of 2019 with our own naughty and nice lists, and share our personal highlights and lowlights from the past year. We also talk about the nuances of finding the right adaptive cruise control system, how CR awards points for advanced safety gear across model lines, and the benefits of all-season tires over their summer and winter counterparts.

SHOW NOTES

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0:28 - our 2019 naughty & nice lists

10:06 - Mercedes-Benz CLA test results

15:49 - all-seasons tires, or a winter/summer tire combo?

18:08 - how CR factors in all available advanced safety gear for a model into its ratings

20:02 - the differences between various adaptive cruise control systems

23:50 - drivetrains differences in CR's testing methodology

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

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

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

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

2020 Toyota Highlander First Impressions; Studded Tires & Rustproofing for Winter Driving Dec 20, 2019

Show notes

We rented the all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander SUV this week, and give you our first impressions after taking it for a spin at the Consumer Reports test track. We also discuss whether underbody rustproofing and studded tires (or lack thereof) are must-have equipment for driving in the snow and ice this winter. Other topics include how manufacturers determine their original equipment tires, the importance of proper child seat fitment, and what is one car we would love, if not for a critical misstep.

SHOW NOTES

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:29 - importance of proper child seat installation

3:25 - 2020 Toyota Highlander First Impressions

9:05 - relationship between tires and car in CR's braking tests

11:58 - is underbelly rustproofing worth purchasing for winter driving

14:42 - can studdable tires be used without installing studs?

16:25 - cars that would be great except for one major issue

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2020 Toyota Highlander Review: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-toyota-highlander-review/

How to Avoid Common Car-Seat Installation Mistakes: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/how-to-avoid-common-car-seat-installation-mistakes/

Consumer Reports Tire Selector: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires.htm

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

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

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

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

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

2020 Mazda CX-30 & 2020 Hyundai Venue; Is It Smart to Buy a Used Car Online? Dec 13, 2019

Show notes

Consumer Reports recently rented a 2020 Mazda CX-30, the carmaker's latest small SUV, and purchased the all-new 2020 Hyundai Venue small SUV, and we give our first impressions on what it's like to be behind the wheel of these new cars in this growing segment. We also discuss used car buying sites like Carvana and Vroom, and what you can do to protect yourself when purchasing a car online. In addition, we answer audience questions about the scarcity of the Volkswagen eGolf in the US, how to properly store a car during cold winter months, and the right approach to tire buying when your current set consists of different brands.

SHOW NOTES

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0:30 - 2020 Mazda CX-5 First Impressions

7:42 - 2020 Hyundai Venue First Impressions

17:34 - Is it smart to buy a used car online using services like Carvana?

18:21 - Why is it so difficult to find a late model Volkwagen e-Golf in the US?

21:45 - Dunlops and Kinda tires on my car, should I get a matching set?

24:56 - what's the best way to store a car during the winter months?

LINKS

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First Drive: 2020 Hyundai Venue: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-hyundai-venue-review/

2019 BMW Z4 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1FVQ49MazE

What to Look for When Purchasing a Used Electric Vehicle: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/great-time-to-buy-a-used-electric-vehicle/

How to Save Money When Buying Replacement Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/tire-buying-maintenance/how-to-save-money-when-buying-replacement-tires/

Tire Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires.htm?searchToken=winter%20tires

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

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

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

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

#232: 2020 Toyota Supra Test Results; Confusing Names for Safety Features Dec 09, 2019

Show notes

We've completed testing of the 2020 Toyota Supra. Find out how it performed and if its BMW-based platform lives up to the hype. We also talk about CR's joint effort with AAA, J.D. Power, and the National Safety Council to develop common terms for advanced driver safety systems. Plus, we answer audience questions about crash tests, the performance of different size winter tires, and if leaving a sunroof cracked open will help keep a car cool.

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

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

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

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

SHOW NOTES

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0:22 - CR partners with J.D. Power, AAA and the National Safety Council to create common names for advanced vehicle safety systems

7:55 - 2020 Toyota Supra Test Results

17:22 - Audience Questions

17:34 - Question #1: Are different crash tests weighted differently and how should they influence a buying decision?

21:22 - Question #2: Are hybrid engines designed differently than traditional internal combustion engines? Does the on/off cycle of a hybrid engine affect its longevity?

24:35 - Question #3: If you leave the sunroof of your car cracked open, will hotter air escape and lower the interior temperature?

27:27 - Question #4: Will different sized winter tires (17"/18") perform differently on a vehicle?

LINKS

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2020 Toyota Supra Makes Thrilling Return: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2020-toyota-supra-first-drive-review/

2019 BMW Z4 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1FVQ49MazE

Advanced Car Safety Features Need Less Confusing Names, Consumer Reports Says: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/advanced-car-safety-features-need-less-confusing-names/

The Sobering Reality of Hot Car Deaths: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/sobering-reality-of-hot-car-deaths/

How to Cool Your Car Like a Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4XnoSRtSAo&list=PLVTmjoBWXeFNE0M8qwM0yScDhtGd_VqcO&index=2&t=0s

Tire Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires.htm?searchToken=winter%20tires

#231 Live from Los Angeles; How CA Guides the Auto Industry Nov 28, 2019

Show notes

When it comes to cars, what happens in California doesn't stay in California. In fact, the most populated state in the US has a history of affecting changes in car culture and trends around the rest of the country (if not the world!) We speak to CA residents in person during this live recording of Talking Cars from the LA Auto Show, and discuss how issues like emissions regulations, fuel economy legislation, and alternative fuel adoption began here, and have had an impact around the rest of the world.

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Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

SHOW NOTES

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00:35 - Who is David Friedman?

01:34 - California Car Culture

05:17 - Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles

15:46- California Car Regulations and CARB (California Air Resources Board)

17:31 - Silicon Valley Influencing The Auto Industry

23:02 - Smart Regulation

29:12 - Question #1: What should you consider when purchasing your first EV?

33:22 - Question #2: Why Automakers are Not Fully Embracing EVs?

38:08 - Question #3: Why EV Infrastructure is Not Driven by Car Manufacturers?

43:46 - Question #4: Should Other Manufacturers Follow Tesla's Example of Super Charger Network Infrastructure?

48:24 - Question #5: Why Auto Manufacturers Starting to Charge Fees For Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

52:48 - Question #6: What Happens to a Vehicles' CR Rating When its Reliability Drops Over Time

55:17 - Question #7: How Can States Recoup Lost Fuel Taxes?

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2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ30yGjf7sU

2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyucrV_maH8

4K Review: 2017 Honda Clarity Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0bUhEmXgNo

2016 Toyota Mirai Quick Drive

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

2017 Kia Niro Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA7DkF_I0jA

2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo

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

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

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Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

#230: 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show Nov 22, 2019

Show notes

We're on location at the LA Auto Show where we discuss three of the big trends we saw on the show floor — the continuation of all-electric debuts, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Mercedes-Benz EQC, and the Audi e-tron Sportback; The explosion of all-new small and compact SUVs, like the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Chevrolet Trailblazer; and the changing perception of what's considered a performance car, with examples such as the Audi RS6 Avant, Toyota Avalon TRD, and the Tesla Model 3. We also give our impressions of the updated fuel cell-powered Toyota Mirai, Land Rover Defender, Nissan Sentra, and choose our personal favorites of the show.

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

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

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

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

SHOW NOTES

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0:33 - Electric Vehicle debuts

0:43 - Ford Mustang Mach-E

3:19 - Mercedes-Benz EQC

4:28 - Audi E-Tron Sportback

7:03 - Toyota RAV4 Prime

7:38 - Toyota Mirai

10:00 - What makes a modern performance car

11:30 - Audi RS6 Avant

11:43 - Toyota Avalon TRD

12:28 - Lando Rover Defender

14:46 - Nissan Sentra

16:06 - Small SUV takeover

17:30 - We share our favorites!

#229 2020 Subaru Outback; Consumer Reports' Reliability Survey Results Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

We've completed our testing on the 2020 Subaru Outback, and share the results of this popular crossover. Every year, hundreds of thousands of CR's members take part in our annual reliability survey, answering questions about how well the vehicles they drive every day are holding up, or if they are experiencing issues. We discuss our survey methods, and give advice on making a wise car buying decision. Also, we answer audience questions about why the Toyota Hilux is not available in North America, why some manufacturers seem to have chronic issues with reliability despite using modern production lines, and we recommend a manual commuter car with a balance of driving fun and creature comforts.

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Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQ

SHOW NOTES

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01:10 - Consumer Reports' Reliability Survey Results

06:21 - 2020 Subaru Outback Test Results

12:34 - Question #1: why some manufacturers seem to have chronic issues with reliability despite using modern production lines?

16:28 - Question #2: why the Toyota Hilux is not available in North America?

18:50 - Question #3: What is a good manual commuter car with a balance of driving fun and creature comforts?

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Guide to Car Reliability

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-car-reliability-guide/

2020 Subaru Outback Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovW5kMBdLB0

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Subaru Outback

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCEooaLT3Z0

2017 Audi Q7 Quick Drive

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

2016 Toyota Tacoma Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHnpNycnJ1s

2018 Mazda6 Quick Drive

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

2017 Honda Civic Is Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyKF6jsVIug

2015 Volkswagen GTI first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVL-IczHyl8

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

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

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Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

#228: BMW M850i & Bentley Bentayga Review; FCA/Peugeot Merger Nov 08, 2019

Show notes

We recently rented two very expensive cars to try out at our test track: the 2019 BMW M850i, and the 2020 Bentley Bentayga. While these high-end cars are too rare for CR to purchase and formally enter into our test program, we share our impressions of these cars, and whether these six figure vehicles deliver an experience worthy of their sky high price tags. We also discuss the possible merger of Fiat Chrysler with French automaker Peugeot, and how past automaker mergers and alliances have affected consumers. In this week's audience questions segment, we explain the science behind snow tire performance in wet conditions, choose a mid-life crisis car for an outdoor enthusiast, and tell you why you definitely should not test your car's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system at home.

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

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

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

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

SHOW NOTES

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1:11 - Fiat Chrysler/Peugeot Merger

6:36 - @ the Track: 2020 Bentley Bentayga and 2019 BMW M850i

7:09 - Why did CR rent these high-end vehicles?

8:52 - Bentley Bentayga discussion

15:00 - BMW M850i discussion