Consumer Reports Prods Around 2015 Honda Fit in Detroit

The old Honda Fit/Jazz was one of ConsumerReports’ favorite city cars for its blend of interior space and reliability, but it was always let down by bland looks and a cut-rate scratchy interior. Now, they’ve had a look around the redesigned 2015 model-year Fit and their first report is a very positive one.

They say the most obvious differences are in the looks departments, as both the exterior and interior show a lot of progress. Inside, it now has soft-touch plastics atop the dash, and while many European superminis have had this for over a decade, it’s nice that Honda finally decided that it was the way to go too….

Noteworthy is the redesigned 1.5-liter engine too. It puts out 130 hp (132 PS) and boasts efficiency gains at the same time, plus there’s a six-speed manual gearbox on offer to make the most of that power in a fun way.  The CVT is aimed at maximizing efficiency, but you must really hate rowing your own if you go for that option…

Check out the CR video posted after the virtual jump.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

New Chrysler 200 Live Shots from Detroit, Plus Consumer Reports’ Quick Video Take

Consumer Reports had a good look around the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 whilst it was being displayed at the manufacturer’s Detroit motor show stand. It is a car that really had to be much better than its predecessor in every way, as it enters a class full of talented mid-sized rivals.

The new design is a welcome change from the old car that had awkward proportions with overhangs that were far too long to be pretty. Inside it also looks like a lot of progress has been made, and despite being similar to the smaller Dodge Dart, its extra space will surely be pleasing. However, that room is not class leading according to the video.

Engines-wise, the range is rather limited, with the 2.4-liter and 3.6-liter variants being the only choices. One plus point is that you can get the larger unit with all-wheel drive.

Check out CR's quick video take of the car along with a set of photos from the show right after the virtual jump.

By Andrei Nedelea

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO

More Driverless Tech from CES 2014 with Audi A7 and Navia

Audi brought out a self-driving A7 to this year’s edition of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and they didn’t do so in vain and even offered journalists rides in it.

This allowed CNN reporters to discover that while the technology is not yet perfect and sometimes make for a jerky autonomous ride, the progress over last year’s is evident in the packaging – no more exposed wiring looms for 2014.

Ford also brought out its latest advancement in the field: cars that talk to each other. This is different to a system that relies solely on sensors to predict a threat, and Ford’s idea is that you are actually warned in advance. It would probably work best in conjunction with the radar, cameras and lasers.

Navia is another driver-less mobility (self-driving shuttle is what they call it) pod present at the show, and again is one that people actually got a chance to sit in. It’s a slow-moving means of transporting a small group of people around closed roads with no traffic (college campuses are the example given). What’s nice about it is that it’s simple and has already seen active duty, without facing any of the legal challenges – Consumer Reports got to try it out.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

Consumer Reports Says New Luxury K900 Is Not Kia’s Best Foot Forward

Venturing into a new section of the market where prior experience is limited and the competition very stiff is exactly what Kia is doing with the K900 in the US, where it goes up against the likes of the new Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 or Jaguar’s XJ among others.

Having only been sold in its native Korean market until now, it arrived on North American soil with very few modifications, and Consumer Reports had a go to see what it’s like.

They found it to be a soft barge that leans in corners and lacks steering feel, with an interior that is austere and lacking in originality, yet well-built and comfy. It is conceded that the optional V8 engine with 420 hp does move it in a straight line fairly quickly, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox; no all-wheel drive is offered, though.

Overall, the review doesn’t end on a negative tone, but it doesn’t make a compelling case for choosing the K900 over any of its rivals either.

Scroll down and check it out in full.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO