Automakers announce smart chargers for electric cars

What would happen if thousands or millions of electric car drivers went to charge up their cars on the hottest summer day of the year?

As America moves toward rolling more electric cars out onto the road, that’s the problem many automakers, power companies, and electric car advocates are now starting to address. Everyone wants to avoid blackouts.

This week, Ford and Mitsubishi each announced electronic systems that will allow drivers to set conditions on when their cars will charge. Even when they’re left plugged in, they won’t charge unless these conditions are met.

Many electric companies are upgrading their infrastructure to be able to communicate with cars and other devices that pull power from the grid. So for example, a computer on-board the car could start the charging system (or turn on an appliance) only under certain conditions.

The federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 allocates funding for these upgrades.

Ford’s system will take advantage of this system to allow the driver to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate. For example, an operator could choose to charge only during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, or when the grid is using renewable energy. It will be available in the upcoming battery-electric Transit Connect commercial van, due out in late 2010, and the Ford Focus electric vehicle due in 2012.

Mitsubishi will also reportedly include a charging timer on its small iMiev electric car when it is released here by 2011. Drivers will be able to plug the car in, then program a preset time when the car will start charging. They can also set a time in advance for the heater or air conditioner to turn on. This will slow the drain on the battery from the climate control system.

Such systems are likely to be widespread in upcoming electric cars. They’ll have to be if we want to avoid blackouts and brownouts--and get maximum range from each battery charge.

—Eric Evarts

Check out our guide to fuel economy for more on saving fuel and alterative fuels.

Coming soon: Mitsubishi i-Miev

Mitsubishi has announced it will be bringing the i-Miev electric car to production. The MiEv is a microcar about the size of the Smart but with four doors. The first 1,400 cars will be available via lease to government and corporations in late July. Sales to individuals will begin in April 2010, but pre-orders will be taken online this summer. The price after conversion from the yen will be about $45,300.

The four-door, four passenger i-Miev will use lithium-ion battery packs and have a range of about 100 miles on a charge. Recharging can be done in a few ways—a quick charge at a station , if available, can take 30 minutes, a full 200 volt outlet can take 7 hours or 100 volt charge for 14 hours. During driving, the regenerative brake system helps to recharge the battery as well.

Other features of the i-Miev will be LED headlamps, electrically powered climate control and optional 7-inch navigational display, which can be used to display the location of available battery charging stations.

For more information on the i-Miev, see our preview.

—Liza Barth 

Car and truck recalls

There have been a number of recalls announced in the past few weeks affecting Hummers, Mitsubishi Lancers and Outlanders, and a number of GM vehicles. If your vehicle is listed here, the manufacturer will contact you with information about what to do, or you can use one of the numbers we list below to contact the manufacturer yourself.

2009 Hummer H3T

General Motors is recalling over 1,700 Hummer H3T vehicles due to a problem with the fuel tank front support strap, which could fracture. If this occurs, the fuel tank would only be supported by the rear support strap and the stone shield. The fuel tank could separate from the vehicle and cause a crash.

Dealers will install a new fuel tank front support strap free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin on or before April 10, 2009. Owners may contact Hummer at 800-732-5493 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

2009 GM vehicles

General Motors is recalling over 276,000 2009 GM vehicles which include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, and Saturn Outlook. These vehicles have a problem with a transmission shift cable clip that may not be fully engaged when the vehicle shifts into Park, which could result in the vehicle rolling away.

Dealers will inspect the clip and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by March 24, 2009. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 and Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or www.gmownercenter.com.

2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander

Mitsubishi is recalling almost 40,000 2008-2009 Outlander and Lancer vehicles due to a problem with the brake booster check valve that could cause the check valve to stick when the engine is shut off. When the vehicle is started again, there may be insufficient brake assist which could increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and cause a crash.

Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin in April. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Coming this summer: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Mitsubishi Motors has announced a new addition to the Lancer family, the five-door Sportback. Slightly larger than the Lancer sedan, the Sportback adds a hatchback. The sloped rear is reminiscent of the competing Subaru Impreza hatchback and likewise, it bears a similar relationship to its sedan version.

The Sportback hatch should provide easy access for cargo loading, and one-touch folding seats split 60:40 add versatility. An interesting trick, the Sportback GTS has a load floor that can be lowered three inches to maximize space. However, the angled design inherently limits the cargo-toting ability, particularly in contrast to a more traditional squared-off wagon.

This new 2010 model will be offered in two versions, the GTS and sporty Ralliart. The GTS will be powered by a 2.4-liter engine with 168 horsepower and will be matched with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. The Ralliart will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 237 horsepower with standard all-wheel-drive. It shares the twin-clutch six-speed automated manual transmission with the range-topping Lancer Evolution.

This new model will add appeal to the Lancer line for those drawn to the versatility associated with hatchbacks and popularly with SUVs. However, Mitsubishi hasn’t announced improvements that would address our criticisms toward ride comfort, engine noise, brake performance, and interior fit and finish.

The Lancer Sportback goes on sale this summer.

See our full Mitsubishi road test and Ratings (available to subscribers).

--Liza Barth

Videos: Sporty cars

For our October-issue road tests, we rounded up a group of nine small, sporty cars that are big on fun. In these videos, Consumer Reports auto experts walk (and drive!) you through the highs and lows of their tests of these sporty cars.

Here’s a brief snapshot of each:

BMW 135i: It is small inside and not cheap, but Consumer Reports found the 135i simply a joy to drive.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS: Chevy transformed its mediocre Cobalt into a sporty coupe, with a powerful turbocharged engine and very capable handling and braking.

Dodge Caliber SRT4: The SRT version adds lots of power and sporty cues to the unrefined Caliber, but that doesn’t make it much fun to drive.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: The Evolution is brilliant on our test track and a blast to drive on the street, but it’s not comfortable for a daily commute.

Nissan Sentra SE-R: The SE-R is an economy car with great fuel economy and sporty personality, but it falls short of being a true fun-to-drive sports sedan.

Subaru Impreza WRX: Redesigned for 2008, the WRX is still quick and now is roomier and more refined—but sadly some of the fun is gone.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi: The STi is very fast, has lots of grip, and the hatchback adds utility. Unfortunately the handling doesn’t live up to the car’s potential.

Volkswagen R32: The highest performance version of VW’s GTI, the all-wheel-drive R32 is luxurious and fast.

Volvo C30: The C30 is pleasant to drive with distinctive styling, but it is expensive compared to some other more entertaining hatchbacks.

A wide range of prices and driving characteristics are represented here. Between the videos and road tests, you may find a sporty car that matches your personality and budget. Read the full story on sporty cars. And for more insights, see the staff’s Personal Picks from this group in parts 1 and 2.

Best new car deals

Looking for a new car? Many dealers are looking to clear their lots to make way for the 2009 models, enabling car buyers to negotiate a favorable price during model-year-end clearance sales. We’ve listed vehicles with attractive incentives that meet Consumer Reports’ stringent criteria for being Recommended. Five top deals in different model categories are highlighted below, and on the Best New Car Deals main page with vehicle profiles. Most deals featured are good through September 30th and we will update the list as new deals become available.

                                                                                                                                               

Model	MSRP	Invoice Price	Rebates	Potential         negotiating        room
2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe	$22,085	$20,357	$1,500	10%+
2008 Acura TL 3.2	$33,725	$30,991	$3,500	5%+
2008 Ford Fusion         2008 Mercury Milan	$22,900         $19,095	$21,050         $17,661	$1,500         $1,500	10%+         15%+
2008 Kia Optima EX	$19,895	$18,510	$2,000	15%+
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4-cyl CVT         2008 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS V6	$23,970         $25,210	$22,502         $23,671	$1,500         $1,500	10%+         10%+

In our Best new car deals section, we maintain a list of CR-recommended vehicles that offer significant savings. The current list includes 2009 and 2008 models ranging from the BMW 7 Series to the Saturn Outlook. Detailed information is available on both Recommended and otherwise in the Consumer Reports Auto Price Reports.

—Desiree Calamari

Personal Picks: Sporty cars, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the October-issue sporty car test group. (Read: “Personal Picks: Sporty cars, part 1.”)

Rick Small: I was a bit disappointed in the new Subaru WRX/STi. The cars have more power but lost some of the sporty feel in acceleration and handling, thus losing some appeal. The Evo is much sportier with better low-end power and crisper handling. It is an enthusiast’s car with a stiff ride, limited driving position, and plenty of noise that may be too much for everyday use for some people. Definitely a “try before you buy.” And the Volkswagen R32 is nice. Still, I like the 135i best. It fits my tall body better than most competing models, and it’s quick, refined and sporty (but expensive). For a lot less money, the Cobalt SS is also quick, sporty and more fun to drive than you’d think.

Mike Quincy: I had the pleasure of buying the BMW 135i for the test program. When I drove it off the lot, I immediately knew this car was special. Didn’t take more than a few miles to realize that maybe (just maybe) this is the car that will help get BMW back on track. The 135i is a thrill to drive – it’s light, quick, has sensitive steering and fits me perfectly. But what turns the corner for this car is that its controls are WAY easier than any BMW we’ve tested for the last four or five years. There’s no iDrive, no confusing navigation system (although this stuff is optional…I wouldn’t bother). I wrote in the car’s logbook that the 135i is “magical.” I’ll also add that the 135i is a car that I’d drive for the rest of my life. Yes, it’s that good.

Gabe Shenhar: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo really gets my adrenaline going and puts a big grin on my face every time I drive it. This road rocket is a true driving machine with terrific handling; it’s essentially a go-kart with four doors. But you’ve got to be the most die-hard type to endure this car with its stiff ride and frenetic highway behavior.

That’s why my pick is the BMW 135i. It’s agile and fun yet smooth in every move, whether it’s the clutch action, shifter, steering, or the punchy, linear power delivery of the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. It rides compliantly and lets you hear only the noises you want to hear. The seat, driving position, and interior quality are first class, as in every BMW. The car is perceived as small and expensive. But since it provides such a spectacular driving experience, close to, say, a Porsche Boxster, it’s a relative bargain in my opinion.

Tom Mutchler: For me, this group of sports sedans brought a bunch of surprises:

·    It’s amazing how enjoyable the BMW 135i is to drive, even beyond the high standards set by the various automatic-equipped 3 Series models we’ve tested. As I wrote before in “From the logbook,” it’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot of fun.

·    What isn’t a whole lot of fun is driving the Subaru WRX and STi. Going beyond the turbocharged powertrain, I enjoyed driving our base Legacy 2.5i sedan more; it had better steering and body control. Tellingly, Subaru is making major revisions to the WRX just one year after introduction. Too bad they didn’t get it right the first time.

·    The Cobalt SS is the prime automotive example of making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. I liked the supercharged version we tested in 2005, but this turbocharged model is even more fun and refined. It’s truly a welcome surprise.

·    One of the few automotive regrets I have is not buying a first-generation (1991-1994) Nissan Sentra SE-R. The new car, while likely empirically better in every way, just isn’t fun to drive.

Since we combined two price classes here, I have two picks this month. (Let’s assume I need a back seat, so a Miata is out of the running.) For $24K, I’d buy a VW GTI four-door – it’s practical, fun, and well-equipped. At $37K, I would find it very hard to resist an Infiniti G37 coupe. This gentleman’s coupe looks awesome (without all of the boy-racer flippery of the Evo or STi), has a great powertrain, and is roomier than the tight 135i.

One last surprise might be on the horizon: Could the Hyundai Genesis coupe be a contender? The specs and tentative pricing look very promising, but Hyundai isn’t known for building sports cars. We’ll see…

Personal Picks: Sporty cars

In the October issue of Consumer Reports, and online, we reviewed several sporty cars that go beyond the mainstream to deliver true driving excitement in compact packages: BMW 135i, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, and Volkswagen R32.

Several of these cars scored very high in the class with impressive performance and packaging. Though, by definition, these vehicles each have very distinct personalities, and the raw numbers do not tell the full story.

We have rotated through the cars repeatedly, debating all the while over our preferences. It is a tough group, because often there is a car that appeals for a weekend and another that suits for the daily grind. Below, some editors and engineers share their personal takes on this entertaining group.

Jim Travers: Our October test group of sporty sedans and hatchbacks is a fun bunch to have around, and it includes a couple of cars I might actually want to have in my own driveway. That’s not always the case, given that our testing program is broad enough to include everything from family sedans to minivans to big SUVs. For my tastes, this has just been an especially good month. 

At the top of my list is the Volkswagen R32. What a sweet car: Refined, comfortable, and quick. The all-wheel-drive R32 offers buckets of grip, it is fun to drive, and it even has hatchback practicality. Although still expensive at $33,630, the R32 is still thousands less than our BMW 135i, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR.

At the moment, the Evo is sitting in my driveway, and it’s not too shabby, either. On the other hand, it is kind of shabby, especially in terms of fit and finish, build quality, refinement, and various other things that most people might want out of a daily driver. Especially those without regular access to a track, where the Evo makes a bit more sense.

The R32, on the other hand, doesn’t kick you in the pants at every bump, isn’t spinning along on the north side of 3000 rpm at 65 mph, and has a well-executed interior in the VW tradition. 

Eric Evarts: Unlike many of my automotive journalist colleagues, I’ve never been a devote BMW fan. Sure, there have been models I’ve liked—even loved. The Z8, the 1998 M coupe, the latest Z4 roadster, and even the current 535i have all been favorites. My experience with an old 2002 automatic left me unimpressed, though I did come to enjoy a certain 1983 320i. But the whole progression of 3 Series sedans and wagons that the rest of the automotive press corps has gone ga-ga over have left me cold.

However, the 135i we tested this month is the car all those recent 3 Series should have been. It wants to dance, wherever you go, but it is just as happy with either a smooth fox trot or a full-on break dance. The shifter is slick, the steering is lively, the handling is responsive, and power explosive. It’s always eager for you to punch the gas or throw it into a corner, yet never harsh, punishing, or abrupt if you don’t.

Really, if I were looking to put a 1 Series in my driveway, though, I’d skip the turbos and save $6,000 on the 128i. After all, I was happy with the underpowered 320i.

Jeff Bartlett: Reconciling these vehicles is a difficult task, as my needs and desires change through the week. And, as I’ve learned, my tastes have changed through the years. The previous-generation Lancer Evolution and WRX STi were thrill machines par excellence that could transform the most mundane drive into a blistering thrill ride that would end in either machine worship or prison. Having long crossed the 35-year-old milestone, the trade offs in noise, suspension punishment, notchy shifters, and general motoring brutality doesn’t carry the same luster it once did. (Yes, getting old sucks.)

The regular Impreza WRX with its more Buick-inspired suspension is entertaining for daily driving, though I do lament the loss of handling acumen. (Splitting this car into the Impreza 2.5GT and edgier WRX for 2009 makes tons of sense.)

The Sentra SE-R is the budget choice in this group, starting at about $20,000. Admittedly, it feels like an economy car given a quick aftermarket makeover. The benefit is a car with spunk, a few sporty details, and fuel economy that shames the force-fed cars in this group.

I agree with my colleagues: With a generous budget, both the engaging and livable 1 Series and R32 would be my choices. Bonus points go to the R32 for interior comfort, versatility, and AWD. Since budget is always an issue in my house, the Sentra SE-R stands out for its frugality and true four-passenger function. But, were I looking for a pure commuter in this class, it would be the base Mini Cooper. 

For more on this sporty group, read the road tests and watch our review videos. Also, read Jon Linkov’s “Nit picking the BMW 135i.”

Video - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Since the dawn of the stoplight, drivers have been challenging one another for automotive bragging rights. Just as the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang have been pitted against one another since the mid-1960s, the last decade has given rise to more international rivalries, due in some part to the advent of PlayStation and the Gran Turismo video game franchise. These games are heavily credited for inspiring Mitsubishi and Subaru to bring over their World Rally Championship-focused Lancer Evolution and WRX turbocharged, all-wheel-drive cars to the United States. The wild-winged, previous-generation cars took the video game competition to the street bragging rights, creating a legion of loyal enthusiasts. When the redesigned models were introduced, we had to stage our own showdown.

In the October issue, we rounded up several sporty cars, ranging from the affordable Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V to the premium BMW 135i. In the mix were the Evolution and WRX STi. We have treated them all to traditional standalone road tests (available to online subscribers) and videos, though we couldn’t resist pitting the rally twins against each other in this bonus video.

Resident hot-shoe and expert race driver, Senior Auto Engineer Jake Fisher puts the pair to the ultimate shoot-out around our test track, offering running commentary. The lap times and even the footage compare their speed around the track. Watch our video to see which car wins, or click over to "300-hp Club Shootout: BMW 135i vs. Mitsubishi Evolution vs. Subaru WRX STi" for a spoiler.

—Jeff Bartlett

Small SUV crash tests - New Top Safety Picks

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named six small SUVs Top Safety Picks: the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, and Nissan Rogue.

To qualify for this accolade, the six got the Institute's top rating of Good in offset frontal and side crash tests, plus an evaluation of rear crash protection. They also all offer electronic stability control as standard equipment. The Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute are twins to the Ford Escape; the test results also apply to the hybrid versions of these models.

The Honda CR-V, Honda Element, and Subaru Forester are also Top Picks in this class based on earlier tests.

IIHS rates cars in an offset frontal crash that is more severe than U.S. government crash test standards and more closely mimics real-world accidents. Side crash tests are conducted to simulate a vehicle being hit in the side by a tall, heavy SUV. Vehicles are rated on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. (Learn more in "Crash Test 101.")

Other small SUVs, including the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Jeep Patriot, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Jeep Patriot, and Jeep Wrangler received lower grades in one of the crash measures. The Wrangler offered Poor protection in a side crash when tested without its optional side air bags.

If you're in the market for a small SUV, we recommend you look for one that has Good crash scores from both the IIHS and the government, as well as one that performed well in our testing and has good predicted reliability.

Of the IIHS Top Picks, we recommend the Honda CR-V and Element, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Subaru Forester. The Forester is our Top Rated small SUV.

Read our recent Small SUV and Sporty SUV tests covering many of the models featured here, including the Tiguan featured in the embedded CR road test video. Crash test videos based on the latest tests will be posted next week.

View more than 250 crash test videos.

—Eric Evarts