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Consumer Reports Names Six New Top Pick Cars for 2010

Mazda5, Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen GTI among the new additions

Consumer Reports names six new models to its annual Top Picks car list for 2010. Comprised of nine different car brands, this year’s list is the most diverse group of Top Picks in over a decade. The article in Spanish is available on www.consumerreportsenespanol.org.

Findings from Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Issue, including the new Top Picks, were announced today at a Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) press conference in Washington, D.C.

The Mazda5, Nissan Altima, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen GTI, and Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado join the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Toyota Prius and Lexus LS460L as Consumer Reports’ selections for best models of the year based on performance, reliability, and safety.

“The diversity of this year’s Top Picks reflect how competitive the industry has become,” said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports’ Automotive editor. “Today’s car buyers have more choices than ever when looking for good all-around cars.”

Consumer Reports’ Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories and must meet stringent road test, reliability, and safety requirements. Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among the more than 280 vehicles Consumer Reports recently evaluated at its Auto Test Center; has average or better predicted reliability (based on the problems subscribers reported on more than 1.4 million vehicles in Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Survey), and performed adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or insurance industry. In addition, each model must offer electronic stability control (ESC), a proven lifesaving safety feature as standard equipment or as a readily available option. All of this year’s Top Picks provide standard ESC and curtain air bags.

In recent years, Toyota and Honda models have had their share of spots among Consumer Reports Top Picks list. But the automotive landscape continues to grow more competitive. This year, the Nissan Altima managed to dethrone the Honda Accord as the Top Pick for Family Sedan–making it the first time since 1998 that a Honda model was not selected.

The Toyota Prius retains its position as the Top Pick for Green for the seventh consecutive year, while the Lexus LS460L returns as Consumer Reports pick for Best Overall vehicle. At the time of publication, sales of the Toyota Highlander and RAV4 had been halted and currently Consumer Reports has suspended its recommendation for both vehicles removing them from contention in the Small and Family SUV category..

“The competition is quite fierce, and often the difference between a Top Pick and a runner-up can be slim. We believe all of our Top Picks this year to be exceptional vehicles that excel in a number of areas,” Paul added.

Consumer Reports’ testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Roughly 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process. CR buys all its test cars anonymously from dealers. Other reviewers base their evaluations on press cars that are hand-picked by the automakers.

Here, by category, are the 2010 Top Picks.

SMALL SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra SE. The Elantra SE ($18,695) made the Top Picks list for the third time this year. It is a solid, all-around car that’s relatively comfortable, quiet, and roomy, and provides good fuel economy and plenty of features for the money. The SE comes with standard ESC, a critical safety feature that’s absent on other small cars (including the lower-end Elantras).

FAMILY SEDAN: Nissan Altima. The Altima ($23,970 to $30,335) has been a Consumer Reports top-rated family sedan for a couple of years, but lacked easily available ESC. A 2010 freshening made it better and improved gas mileage and for the first time provides standard ESC in all trim lines. It offers an appealing balance of comfort and performance, while getting some of the best fuel economy in its class: 26 mpg overall in four-cylinder models and 24 mpg with a V6. The cabin is roomy, well finished, and quiet. And the secure handling, comfortable ride, and spirited acceleration make the car enjoyable to drive.

SPORTY CAR: Volkswagen GTI. Freshened for 2010, the GTI ($27,504) is the sport version of the Volkswagen Golf (formerly called the Rabbit). The GTI is exhilarating to drive and easy to live with. It delivers the agile handling, spirited acceleration, and responsive steering of a true sports car, along with a decent ride, a well-finished interior, and the cargo-carrying practicality of a hatchback. Good fuel economy of 27 mpg overall is another plus, although premium fuel is required.

SMALL SUV: Subaru Forester. The Forester ($20,972 to $28,860) provides ne of the most carlike driving experiences of any SUV. It combines
agile handling with the most comfortable ride in its class. Passengers are treated to a spacious cabin, with a roomy rear seat and excellent visibility. The 2.5X provides an impressive 22 mpg overall with an automatic, 24 mpg with a manual. And the turbocharged 2.5XT delivers effortless acceleration and 20 mpg, but it takes premium fuel. The 2.5X has had excellent reliability, while the 2.5XT’s is average.

BEST CAR OVERALL: Lexus LS 460L. The LS ($76,572) scored an outstanding 99 out of 100 in Consumer Reports road tests, making it the highest-rated vehicle. It provides a comfortable ride and luxurious driving environment, including a roomy, well-crafted and exceptionally quiet interior. It offers a plethora of electronic amenities, including an optional self-parking system. Yet, its controls are easy to use. Its efficient 380-hp V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver smooth, brisk acceleration and a relatively good 21 mpg overall. All-wheel drive and a hybrid version are available.

FAMILY SUV: Chevrolet Traverse. The Traverse ($39,920) stands out as an impressive overall package with a quiet, spacious cabin that can comfortably seat up to eight adults and leave room for cargo. It provides a pleasant ride, communicative steering, and responsive handling. The tested model returned 16 mpg overall, which is respectable for its size. Rear visibility isn’t great, but small convex side mirrors and an optional rear-view camera help.

SPORT SEDAN: Infiniti G37. The G sedan ($37,225) tops this category for the fourth straight year. It is one of the highest-rated sedans tested, with a score of 95 out of 100. It provides agile handling, blistering acceleration, a refined powertrain, a fairly comfortable ride, and a high-quality, luxurious interior. The G37 is as inviting to drive on a twisty road as it is on the highway. But compromises include a snug cabin and small trunk. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Coupe and convertible versions are also available.

FAMILY HAULER: Mazda5. The Mazda5 microvan ($23,805) offers lots of practicality in a compact, affordable package. With three rows of seats and sliding rear side doors, it combines the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and stingy fuel economy–24 mpg overall–of a wagon. The interior is airy, with good fit and finish. It’s fun to drive, with a nimble feel and a comfortable ride. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 improved its emergency handling. If you need more room, consider the Honda Odyssey minivan.

GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius. The Prius ($26,950) received a redesign for 2010 and leads this category for the seventh straight year. It’s still the most fuel-efficient car in Consumer Reports’ ratings, with 44 mpg overall. The Prius is a pleasant car to drive, with a roomy interior, a steady ride, hatchback versatility, and excellent reliability and crash-test results. The 2010 redesign also gave it a more solid feel and a dedicated EV mode that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds, an advantage in slow, congested traffic.

PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado 1500 ($37,235) returns to the top of the list after a year off. The crew-cab 4WD model is a well-rounded pickup with a roomy cabin, generous payload capacity, decent ride quality, available full-time 4WD, and, on higher-end models, very good interior fit and finish. The GMC Sierra is a twin of the Silverado. Reliability has been average.

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Issue goes on sale March 2 wherever magazines are sold. Free highlights from the issue will be available at www.ConsumerReports.org. Subscribers will be able to access all the stories and ratings from the issue.

Chevrolet introduced the 2011 Silverado HD truck lineup, with an all-new chassis that helps deliver segment-best towing and payload capability, as well as an available new Duramax 6.6L diesel engine and Allison 1000 transmission combination expected to achieve best-in-class fuel economy. The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks go on sale this summer.

“We reached out to our customers during the development of the 2011 Silverado HD and considered their input to produce a truck that offers class-leading strength and capability with more power, quicker acceleration and lower emissions,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD lineup offers all-new, fully-boxed frame assemblies; stronger independent and new asymmetrical leaf-spring rear suspensions; a strengthened 6.0L Vortec 6L90 standard powertrain; a new, exclusive exhaust brake system; larger brakes; improved ride, handling and steering; and comprehensive safety and functional technologies such as 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models and state-of-the art connectivity.

The Silverado heavy-duty lineup grows to 11 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models – including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered and popular features, including the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system, return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control. Depending on the model the Silverado HD offers:

• On the available Duramax 6.6L diesel, horsepower and torque are expected to top the previous model, along with expected segment-best fuel economy and B20 biodiesel capability
• Segment-best fifth-wheel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg)
• Segment-best conventional towing capacity increases up to 23 percent, with a maximum of 16,000 pounds (7,272 kg)
• Segment-best payload capability of 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg) with a complete vehicle
• Segment-best Gross Combined Weight Rating increases to 27,500 pounds (12,500 kg)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings increases up to 17 percent to 13,000 pounds (5,909 kg)
• Front Axle Weight Rating increases by up to 25 percent to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
• Exhaust brake system designed to extend brake pad life and help avoid overheating on long descents
• Snow plow capability enabled for all 4WD cab configurations

“Along with all their heavy-duty equipment, these trucks are designed to be stylish and refined, inside and out,” said Campbell. “We paid close attention to all the details, giving them a distinctive, muscular appearance on the exterior and a well-appointed interior with the comfort, convenience and safety features customers appreciate.”

On the outside, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are distinguished by a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. A new lineup of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations is featured, too (20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels available on 2500HD).

Chevrolet Suburban turns 75 with special-edition model

When the first Chevrolet Suburban went on sale in 1935, America had not yet put a man in space, the microwave oven did not exist and there was no Internet. While times have changed, the Suburban – the industry’s longest-running model – is still serving families and businesses that need maximum passenger and cargo space and truck-like towing capability.

To commemorate this milestone, Chevrolet introduced the 2010 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban in Chicago. Limited to 2,570 units (including 350 for Canada and other markets), it seats up to nine; features premium LTZ content; a White Diamond Tricoat exterior color and Cashmere interior; unique 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and new roof rack rails. Special badging adorns the C-pillar sail panel and steering wheel center cap, while “Diamond Edition” lettering is used on the sill plates and embroidered on the front headrests.

“We are grateful for the 75 years of support our customers have shown for the Chevrolet Suburban, and we look forward to many more years of being their vehicle of choice,” said Campbell.

The 2010 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban goes on sale this summer.

Chevrolet Volt

Production of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range begins later this year in Hamtramck, Mich. Chevrolet has announced that sales will start simultaneously in California, Michigan and Washington D.C. with other markets to follow. In addition, Chevrolet is partnering with utility providers in each lead market and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) on development and demonstration programs designed to introduce customers to electric vehicles.

Chevrolet will deliver more than 100 Volts to 10 utilities across the U.S. as part of the extended demonstration program. The overall program includes 500 charging stations that will be installed for residential, business and public use. They will be used to learn more about the installation process, vehicle charging and to gauge customer feedback.

The program is made possible with a grant of more than $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range about 300 miles before needing to refuel or plug in to recharge the battery.

Chevrolet grows its family of small and compact cars

Chevrolet’s plans for fuel-efficient small and compact cars are highlighted with the Spark five-door mini car, Aveo RS show car and Cruze compact sedan. Revealed last month in Detroit, the Aveo RS show car features a European-inspired hot hatch design that strongly hints at the upcoming Aveo production car.

Here’s a deeper look at the cars:

Chevrolet Spark: The five-door Chevrolet Spark, the smallest member of Chevrolet’s family of cars, brings style, roominess and versatility to a segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars. Spark will provide great fuel economy, and its trim size makes it very agile in all kinds of driving conditions while still feeling substantial on the open road. The U.S. production version of the Spark will go on sale in early 2012.

“This small vehicle makes a big statement,” said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars. “With its fresh, youthful approach, we believe Spark will appeal to customers who want excellent fuel economy, functionality and style at an affordable price.”

More details on the U.S. version of the Spark will be announced at a later date.

Chevrolet Aveo RS show car: The Aveo RS show car provides a glimpse of what designers have in mind for the future production car. Its electric Boracay Blue finish, motorcycle-inspired exposed headlamps and taillamps, low roofline, fender flares, large wheels and tires, and dual-cockpit interior hint at the next-generation Aveo.

“The current Aveo is a major player in Chevrolet’s global small-car portfolio,” said Campbell. “Our intent with the Aveo RS show car is to demonstrate Chevrolet’s vision and design potential for a small car we think will resonate well with customers in the U.S.”

Focusing on Aveo’s target audience of young buyers, Chevrolet gave the show car a sporty appearance inside and out. An aggressive front fascia; clean, uninterrupted body side lines; an integrated rear roof spoiler; wide stance; and large, 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with a gun metal metallic Chevrolet logo and Boracay Blue brake calipers suggest upscale style and dynamic handling.

The Boracay Blue continues inside, with accent stitching in the instrument panel dual cockpit, front and rear door panels, gear shift boot, parking brake and seat bolster.

The Aveo RS show car features the same small-displacement 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Delivering 138 horsepower (103 kW), it performs like two powerplants in one, with the fuel economy of a small engine and the performance of a larger one. In the Aveo RS show car, the 1.4L turbo is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Plant retooling is scheduled to begin later this year.

Chevrolet Cruze: The North American version of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan makes its first visit to Chicago show-goers. Already on sale in Asia and Europe with strong market acceptance, the Cruze has been refined for America, bringing a midsize car presence to the compact sedan segment.

Cruze will deliver many segment-leading features, more interior room and more cargo capacity than the competition, as well as upscale amenities such as Bluetooth, USB and navigation. It offers midsize roominess, safety and amenities with the fuel economy and expected price of a compact car. Cruze features 10 standard air bags and has achieved five-star safety ratings in every market where it is sold.

Cruze is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing – including up to 40 mpg on the highway with a high-efficiency model. The all-new Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio beginning in the third quarter.

Source: General Motors

New and rapidly growing smaller displacement engine segment to reach 4-6% of North America market by 2014

Honeywell is taking the lead in turbo technologies designed specifically for small gasoline engines (1.4L) destined for the US, with the breakthrough launch of GM’s Chevy Cruze - foreshadowing the emergence of a new and rapidly-growing sector expected to reach up to 4-6% penetration in all US light vehicle sales by 2014.

The GM 1.4L engine is equipped with Honeywell’s latest gasoline turbocharger technology which incorporates new advances in bearing technology and aerodynamics specifically suited for small gasoline engines.

“Thanks to a turbo’s unique ability to increase the performance output of smaller displacement engines, a downsizing revolution is underway in the US and around the world,” said Alex Ismail, President and CEO of Honeywell Transportation Systems. “Honeywell is excited to be leading the way in this sector. Over the next 10 years, this mega trend will see average engine displacement in the US reduce from 3.6L to 2.9L moving from V8 and V6 engines to 4 cylinders – a major reflection of this trend being high volume growth in smaller, 4-cylinder turbocharged passenger cars of around 1.4L. As the world’s leading turbo manufacturer, we are well positioned to benefit from the move, which will help drive greater energy efficiency and reduced emissions in the auto industry.”

Turbo growth is strongly linked in the US to CAFE standards that require fuel economy improvements of around 40 percent in light vehicles by 2016. Overall, turbo penetration is expected to reach 25 percent by the year 2014 up from 5% in 2009, driven mostly by the growth in gasoline engine boosting,

Honeywell Turbo Technologies is the leading automotive turbocharger developer in the world, and is a business unit of Honeywell Transportation Systems, which also consists of Consumer Products Group and Friction Materials. As a leading automotive supplier, Honeywell Transportation Systems enhances vehicle performance, efficiency and appearance through state-of-the-art technologies, world-class brands, and global solutions tailored for its automotive customers around the world.

Source: Honeywell Turbo Technologies