2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Survey says $25k barrier is a problem for EVs

The majority of consumers are more or less priced out of the market.
Electric cars are gaining popularity with the general public, but are they still too expensive? According to a survey 1,084 consumers by Navigant Research, a consulting firm located in Boulder, CO, 71 percent want their next car to cost under $25,000, while 41 percent won't go a cent above $20K. Looks like people are even thriftier than we'd originally thought.

10 of 18 midsize SUVs earn 'good' IIHS side impact safety rating

It's not terribly surprising that midsize SUVs earned better safety ratings than small SUVs in the latest side-impact tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Just how much better they scored, on the other hand, certainly raises an eyebrow. Ten out of 18 midsize SUVs earned the highest rating of 'good' in the stringent new test, altered for vehicles starting with the 2020 model year with a heavier barrier (4,200 pounds) that moves at a higher speed (37 miles per hour) and is fitted with a hard honeycomb frontal structure. By way of contrast, just one out of of 20 small SUVs earned a 'good' score.  SUVs that receiving 'good' scores were the Ford Explorer, Infiniti QX60, Lincoln Aviator, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Volkswagen ID.4. For EV fans, it's worth noting the ID.4 was the only electric vehicle included in the test. The Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse scraped away with 'acceptable' ratings while the Honda Passport, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Wrangler 4-door, Kia Telluride and Nissan Murano were deemed merely 'marginal' in the tough new test. Only two models — the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen ID.4 — earned a "Good" rating in every test category.  Interestingly, the Jeep Wrangler would have scored a 'good' rating if it were equipped with side airbags for the rear seating positions. It would likely be an engineering challenge to equip its removable top and/or doors with airbags, but the lack of that safety feature allowed the head of the rear passenger dummy to hit the vertical support of the top. Otherwise, the Wrangler scored good ratings across the board. The new Ford Bronco, which makes more allowances for side-impact safety, has not yet been tested.  The popular Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride SUVs stand out in the test with 'poor' ratings for driver pelvis injuries. The Nissan Murano, a vehicle last redesigned for the 2015 model year, was the only vehicle tested that received a 'poor' rating for its structure and safety cage. Videos of the tests of 12 of these 18 SUVs can be found on the IIHS' YouTube page. Related video: Green Buick Chevrolet Ford Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jeep Kia Mazda Nissan Subaru Toyota Volkswagen Safety Crossover SUV IIHS Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2016 Chevy Malibu undercuts rivals with $22,500 starting price

Customers eager to get their hands on the new 2016 Malibu may be pleasantly surprised to find that Chevy has actually reduced the price on the base model. In fact the Malibu now undercuts much of the competition. Order up a new Malibu in entry-level L trim and you'll shell out only $22,500. That includes the $875 destination charge (which is $50 more than what Chevy used to charge for delivery). The Malibu L of course won't come with all the bells and whistles of the higher trim levels, but still comes with 10 airbags, cruise control, and push-button ignition. Compare that to the competition and you'll find the base Malibu less expensive than most, but not all. It undercuts the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima – although the Hyundai Sonata and Mazda6, for example, are still marginally less expensive in base trim. Those looking for a little bit more can upgrade to the Malibu LS ($23,995), LT ($25,895), or Premier ($31,795). The L, LS and LT come with a 1.5-liter inline-four, but the Premier packs a 2.0-liter turbo that can also be had in LT spec for $29,495. Pricing for the Malibu Hybrid is slated to be announced at a later date, as will EPA fuel economy figures for the rest of the range. Next-Gen Chevrolet Malibu Starts at $22,500 Lower than Camry, Accord, Fusion and Altima 2015-09-10 DETROIT – The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, the most fuel-efficient, connected and technologically advanced version in the nameplate's history – will be available with a starting suggested retail price of $22,500 for the L model. "We've continued our focus on delivering on the highest levels of quality, as evidenced by recent recognitions from J.D. Power on initial quality and long-term dependability," said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet cars and crossovers. "The 2016 Malibu is engineered and priced to give customers impressive value and technology that's hard to compete with." For 2016, Malibu will be offered in five models, L, LS, LT, Hybrid and Premier. Standard equipment includes 10 airbags, cruise control, push-button start with passive entry and fuel-saving stop/start technology on the base 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. The LS model, starting at $23,995, includes standard Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch screen, available compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rear vision camera. CarPlay and Android Auto are subject to Apple and Google privacy statements and require compatible smartphone and data plans.