Apr 21

Top Car Battery Brands to Consider in 2024

Maintaining your car’s battery is essential for ensuring smooth and reliable operation. A failing battery can prevent your car from starting and disrupt crucial electronics, including interior lights and security systems. For vehicles that aren’t driven frequently, it’s even more critical to keep your battery in excellent condition and to know which brands offer the best replacements.

AC Delco

With a rich history spanning over a century, AC Delco is celebrated for its dependable batteries, especially favored by GM vehicles. Their products are widely available and often come with substantial warranties, typically lasting 18 months or longer. The Advantage series is particularly noted for its robust performance and longevity, making it a reliable choice for those in search of durability.

Bosch

Bosch provides a diverse selection of batteries that strike a balance between quality and cost. Their premium options, such as the S4 and S6 series, are recognized for their excellent performance and value. Although Bosch batteries might not be found at every retailer, they are accessible online and at Bosch service centers, and their four-year free replacement warranty is a notable feature.

Dakota

Specializing in Lithium technology, Dakota batteries offer an impressive warranty of up to 11 years. While they come at a higher price point, their reliability and extended lifespan justify the investment. Available primarily through online platforms like Amazon, Dakota batteries are a great choice if local options are limited.

DieHard

DieHard batteries are renowned for their longevity and extensive range of performance levels. They provide durable lead-acid and AGM options, although they might be priced higher. With warranties extending from two to four years, DieHard is a trusted brand for those seeking reliable and long-lasting battery solutions.

EverStart

Walmart’s EverStart brand provides a budget-friendly battery option compatible with various vehicles. Known for their affordability and multi-year warranties, these batteries are a practical choice if you need a replacement quickly. However, exploring other brands could be beneficial if you have access to them.

Interstate

Interstate batteries have been a well-regarded name in the industry since the 1950s. They offer competitive warranties, ranging from 18 to 48 months depending on the model. While their manufacturing sources can vary, Interstate batteries are known for their consistent performance and are worth considering if available in your area.

Motorcraft

Motorcraft batteries, manufactured by Clarios for Ford vehicles, offer a balanced combination of cost and performance. They come with a three-year free replacement warranty and are widely available at various retailers. Motorcraft is an excellent choice for those who prefer OEM batteries specifically designed for Ford models.

Odyssey

Although not as widely known, Odyssey batteries are praised for their exceptional reliability and extended shelf life. The Extreme series, in particular, offers a robust four-year full replacement warranty. They are available at major retailers like NAPA and Advance Auto Parts, making them a solid option for reliable power.

Optima

With over four decades of experience, Optima delivers high-performance batteries suitable for cars, trucks, and RVs. Their products, including the REDTOP and POWERSPORTS lines, are celebrated for their dependability and come with strong warranties. Despite their higher cost, Optima batteries are valued for their reliable power output.

XS Power

As a relatively new player, XS Power has established itself with high-performance batteries designed for commercial and military use. Their AGM and Lithium batteries are known for their exceptional strength and durability. XS Power offers a one to three-year warranty along with a 60-day risk-free guarantee, reflecting their confidence in their products.

Choosing the Right Battery for Your Vehicle

When selecting a car battery, it’s essential to evaluate its quality, reliability, warranty, and compatibility with your vehicle. The brands listed here are recognized for their performance and offer various options to suit different needs. If you notice signs such as frequent jump-starts or a swollen battery, it’s a clear indication that a replacement is necessary.

Where to Buy and Dispose of Your Car Battery

Car batteries can be purchased at numerous retailers, both online and in physical stores. For professional installation, opt for locations that provide this service, such as Walmart or AutoZone. When disposing of your old battery, utilize recycling services offered by retailers to ensure proper disposal and avoid sending it to the landfill.

Apr 21

Tragic Eldersburg Collision Sparks Investigation Following Fatal Head-On Crash

A heartbreaking incident in Eldersburg has led to an investigation after a high-speed chase resulted in a fatal head-on collision involving an SUV. The crash occurred on April 20, 2024, around 11:30 p.m., when a car traveling at high speed veered into oncoming traffic and struck an SUV, causing the death of the female driver.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy initially attempted to stop the speeding vehicle on Liberty Road, but the driver continued to flee. Despite the deputy’s efforts to pursue the vehicle, it quickly disappeared from view, only for the deputy to later discover the vehicle had collided with an SUV on Liberty Road near Fallon Road. The SUV driver, a woman, tragically died at the scene, while the fleeing driver and the SUV passenger sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

The Independent Investigations Division (IID) and the Maryland State Police Crash Team are currently examining the details of the chase and crash. This case underscores the dangers associated with high-speed pursuits and the critical importance of proper law enforcement procedures to ensure public safety.

Apr 21

SUV was VW’s most popular vehicle globally last time around, and this one takes some important steps forward

SUV was VW’s most popular vehicle globally last time around, and this one takes some important steps forward

The Golf turns 50 this year, and remains the best-known VW nameplate still in use. But the best-selling VW in recent years across the globe has been the Tiguan. It’s racked up 7.5 million sales since 2007 and we’ve just driven the third-generation car that intends to keep that momentum going.

Tiguan III is bigger, roomier, tech-ier, safer and more refined than the the old one, as you’d expect any new car to be. But perhaps the most important thing to know is that the Tiguan name will soon be affixed to two entirely different SUVs. Both will be offered in Europe, but only one will be available in North America.

Review: Europe’s New VW Tiguan Thinks It’s Wolfsburg’s BMW X1

QUICK FACTS

What’s New?

The model you see here is Europe’s direct replacement for the second-generation, five-seat Tiguan, but it won’t be stretched out to create a seven-seat successor to the old Tiguan Allspace. That role will be filled by a three-row SUV already sold in China as the Tayron, which will also become America’s new Tiguan. But both the Euro and U.S. versions of the Tayron will wear Tiguan badges for continuity’s sake.

Entry-level versions of this two-row Tiguan head into battle with mainstream small SUVs like the recently facelifted Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, while more expensive variants will do their best to snatch sales away from the new BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA.

Straight lines make way for curves for 2024, and while the result isn’t unattractive, it’s arguably a little bland. Fortunately, the changes are more than skin deep. VW has upgraded the SUV to its latest MBQ Evo platform that gives it access to VW’s latest safety and infotainment tech.

Huge choice of engines – but no EV

Unless you’re dead-set on pure electric power, in which case your VW dealer will steer you towards an ID.4, the Tiguan has almost every base covered here. We drove the Tiguan in the UK where the at-launch lineup consists of two 1.5-liter mild hybrids (badged eTSi) and a 2.0-liter diesel, all three driving just the front wheels through a dual-clutch transmission. A pair of 1.5 PHEVs (again, FWD-only) land later this spring, followed by two 2.0-liter turbo petrols with AWD in the second half of the year.

What’s it like to drive?

The plug-ins’ incredible 70+ mile (113 km) WLTP electric range (recently upped from a predicted 62 miles / 100 km) means PHEVs will be flying out of showrooms, but that big 19 kWh battery pushes the price up, so the much more affordable eTSi we grabbed seat time in is going to be equally popular.

More: New 2024 VW Tiguan Splits From U.S. Model, PHEV Offers Huge Electric Range

Base versions make do with a miserable-sounding 128 hp (130 PS) and need 10.6 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h), but our second-tier test car delivered a more respectable 148 hp (150 PS) and chopped the acceleration run to 9.1 seconds (think high eights to 60).

Okay even that’s not exactly rapid (the hottest PHEV does the job in 7.2 seconds), and it’s going to feel even more strained when you load up the back seats and cargo area and expect the modest 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque to get you anywhere in a hurry. Coming off the line it can sometimes feel a little sluggish – blame the otherwise slick seven-speed DSG ’box – but on the move it’s a lively engine that asks to be revved, and sounds reasonably smooth when you do.

Comfort versus cornering

If you want a smooth ride to go with your smooth engine, our advice is to stick with the lower trim levels and small wheels. We tried the R-Line, which delivers a heap more visual presence thanks to its 20-inch rims and equally sporty interior, but even with its optional (£1,000 as part of the Dynamic Driving Package) adaptive dampers set to soft it was less comfortable and produced more road noise than the Tiguan Elegance on 19s (seen in these pictures). And we imagine the lower rung cars on their 17s and 18s are even cushier.

Obviously the R-Line’s trick dampers are better able to tighten up body movements when you need them to, and the fat rubber equates to higher cornering speeds, but how much hot hatch-chasing ability is the average Tiguan driver going to need?

The non-R versions ride well, steer accurately, have fine body control and are much quieter than the outgoing models. They’re the best Tiguans, though admittedly not the best-looking Tiguans.

More screen, real steering wheel buttons

The latest version of the SUV looks very different on the outside, but those exterior styling changes are nothing compared with what greets you on the other side of the door. The first thing you notice is the console screen. It’s huge. Even the lowly Tiguan, Life and Match grades get 12.9-inch displays to go with their standard 10.25-inch digital instrument packs, while higher-spec Elegance and R-Line trims enjoy an upgrade to 15 inches (shown here).

Both run VW’s latest infotainment system that places digital shortcut bars above and below the main content so you spend less time in a virtual maze looking for functions. It works well, looks great, and though we’d like to have seen some regular rotary heater controls, the temperature sliders are at least illuminated, and there are proper hard buttons on the steering wheel, not the nasty touch-sensitive junk that VW foisted on the Mk8 Golf.

AI assistant, big quality boost

Later this spring VW will add a Chat GPT-powered voice assistant, which we’ve yet to try, and what it calls the ‘experience’ dial, that we did. Looking like a BMW iDrive controller, but more stylish and less useful, it’s basically just a glitzy volume control for the media system that can also be used to alter the driving mode and interior lighting if you tap the mini screen in its center to switch tasks.

More impressive are the two clever wireless phone chargers that are hidden under a flip-up lid and chilled to save your phone from frying itself, and the big upgrade in interior quality over the old Tiguan. That second-gen Tiguan disappointed with too many hard plastics but while you’ll still find those if you try hard enough and bury your head in the footwell, from the driver’s seat the latest model looks and feels like a premium product, especially in upscale versions that feature patterned lighting on the dash and doors.

Small footprint, big space

Some cars use fancy screens and nice materials to distract you from glaring practical weaknesses. But the Tiguan does the useful stuff, too, and feels noticeably roomier than before despite riding on an identical 2,680 mm (105.5 inches) wheelbase. The interior is big by class standards with plenty of room for tall adults, and the flat bench means three can sit across in reasonable comfort. Those seats also slide, meaning you can cram even more luggage into an already generous 652-liter (23 cu-ft) cargo bay.

Prices and rivals

The new Tiguan is much bigger and better than the SUV it replaces, but quality comes at a cost. The entry-level 148 hp Tiguan costs £34,075 ($42,179) and does a least come with a standard DSG transmission, but you’ll need to spend £35,920 ($44,463) on a Life version, or £36,095 ($44,679) on a Match, to unlock standard adaptive cruise, phone charging and tri-zone climate, plus access to any engine option bar the 128 hp mild hybrid.

But £35k gets you into a 168 hp (170 PS) BMW X1 or a 212 hp (215 PS) Kia Sportage Hybrid (the Sportage starts at £29,330 ($36,302), but makes you row your own gears). The posh Elegance and sporty R-Line Tiguans cost £39,290 ($48,630) and £39,695 ($49,184), and that still only nets you the 148 hp mild-hybrid powertrain. If you want one of the eHybrid PHEVs you’ll need to shell out £45,500-48,220 ($56,377-59,726).

Verdict

It’s not the most dynamic-looking SUV in its class, and it’s not the sharpest to drive or the most affordable. But the Tiguan hits the right notes where it matters. It’s roomy, refined, comfortable and has a great interior in MHEV trim, and the PHEV (that we hope to try soon) builds on that with its huge electric driving range. We can’t see it being anything other than another massive hit for VW in Europe, though obviously not in America, which is still waiting to get a look at its next Tayron-based Tiguan.

Apr 21

Worst Cars Of 2024, According To Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a vital site for autobuyers seeking car and truck-buying advice. CR’s “Best Of” is out, but their “Worst Of” is equally essential for anyone shopping for a new car, truck or SUV.

Here is their list of 5 models to avoid in 2024, and my take on each brand.

Rivian

Rivian was rightly seen as a welcome, innovative addition to the world of electric vehicles upon launch in 2009. However, their wheels to me seemed like a concept car that never progressed, especially when viewed from the front.

Rivian currently has just two models available, the R1S and the R1T. CR reports both models perform well but have low reliability, and thus deserve a place on the “5 worst” list. The company’s getting clobbered, too. Their stock tanked this year, and hit an all-time low this morning.

GMC

GMC doesn’t have a single model with good ratings, according to CR, but their Sierra 1500 in particular annoys owners.

It is, of course, a hunky, intimidating and gorgeous vehicle. The 2023 model I tested had a galvanized grill with two mighty recovery hooks up front, power running boards and steel bumpers that look like they could move a rhinoceros if necessary. It’s also got a winch, additional skid plates, and beefier tires.

But those surveyed reported that the truck is way too noisy, with creaks, pops and rattles. Reliability is also an issue.

Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar’s F-Type is a favorite among enthusiasts of the brand, including me. But their F-Pace, according to CR surveys, makes “too many noises,” and those surveyed reported that in one case, it took weeks to get an appointment with a service technician, and even after a thorough going-over, they failed to fix the noise problems.

My take? I think anything with the Jaguar badge on it should denote style, class, danger and 5-star living. The F-Pace neither excited nor repelled during a week’s drive.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The inside is the Range Rover Sport’s best side, with on-point cabin materials, a serenely quiet ride, comfortable seats and lots of cargo space. Leather upholstery and heated seats come standard.

Land Rover doesn’t have one vehicle on CR’s “Best” list, which isn’t necessarily terrible. The Range Rover Sport is toast, however. They call it the second worst brand overall on the new market for 2024 and a must to avoid.

Jeep

Jeep has its devoted, ferocious fans, especially among the Wrangler set. Count me in, too.

Though I found their 2023 Grand Cherokee a splendid family vehicle, easily capable of hauling a crew on a weekend getaway or handing a longer road trip in comfort and style, it is more expensive than rivals in its class and I found its power feeble.

Consumer Reports says the Jeep Grand Cherokee has particularly low reliability.

Conclusion – you may have great luck with any of the above, and I hope you do. Comments welcome, pro or con. JM

Apr 21

Kia Sportage Hybrid Delivers Exceptional Fuel Efficiency and Comfort at a Competitive Price

The Kia Sportage Hybrid shines in the realm of fuel efficiency, achieving impressive EPA ratings of 42 mpg in city driving, 44 mpg on highways, and a combined 43 mpg for its front-wheel-drive versions. For those who prefer all-wheel drive, including the Sport Hybrid, the combined rating is slightly lower at 38 mpg. Unlike some vehicles that only achieve their fuel economy under ideal conditions, the Sportage Hybrid consistently meets its efficiency promises in real-world scenarios.

In addition to its standout fuel economy, the Sportage Hybrid boasts a spacious and well-designed interior. It features durable faux leather upholstery and an intuitive infotainment system, with 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space and generous legroom for both front and rear passengers. Although the hybrid system’s frequent switching between electric and gasoline power at highway speeds might seem odd initially, it doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s overall performance. Starting at a competitive $28,590, the Kia Sportage Hybrid offers excellent value, blending efficiency with comfort and practicality seamlessly.

Apr 21

John Phillips on the Best Odds: Alfa Romeo Milano

From the May/June issue of Car and Driver.

Alfaholism first afflicted me in 1976. The infecting vector was an Alfetta GT, whose road test became the first cover story I’d ever write. Near London, Ontario, the Alfetta’s heater core peed a pink pint of lukewarm coolant on my girlfriend’s sneakers. I was less committed to her than to the Alfa. The point being, a pattern was set.

Flash-forward 12 years, and I’m standing in David E. Davis Jr.’s kitchen, where six of us are casting votes for a sports-sedan comparison test. “Boyo, watch this,” Davis muttered while pointing at his ballot. He’d awarded the Alfa Romeo Milano’s ergonomics a big fat zero, in consequence of his big fat ass not conforming to the Recaro seats. With a stroke of his green-ink pen, DED had relegated the Alfa to the fate of Detroit’s sports teams. It epitomized the adoration and choleric rage that the Milano routinely begot.

I forgave the man 36 years later. But during that spell, I cannot recollect a sports sedan that bestowed upon my glass-half-empty countenance as much amusement and sensuality. Alone in the Milano near Tucson, I succumbed to a moment of beatified bliss—the weather, my freedom, someone else’s new Alfa. Three minutes later, one of the 50 or so warning lights flashed, and a cosmic middle finger snuffed my euphoria. To me, the Milano felt animate. Psychically, it could crawl up my pants.

Its Balocco-red heart was a ripsaw 3.0-liter V-6—only two valves per cylinder, only 183 horsepower, yet emitting a matchlessly sonorous grumbly growl. It revved as if attached to a four-ounce flywheel, rowdy and robust from idle to six grand. I pronounced it the best-ever V-6. Davis told me to sit down.

If quirky was the goal—and is it ever?—the Milano was a budding Silvio Berlusconi gone all wink-wink Italian nudge-nudge.

It was a determined understeerer, but the suspension offered long travel that was pillowy over Michigan’s moon-like craters yet acceptably disciplined in Ohio’s Hocking Hills. Steering as if by Enzo himself. Chunks of cockpit architecture possibly shoplifted from Lamborghini. All of that, in 1988, for $20,310. If quirky was the goal—and is it ever?—the Milano was a budding Silvio Berlusconi gone all wink-wink Italian nudge-nudge. The high-bustle butt conjured a mating hyena. The front seats squeezed your thighs until sweat fused them. The shifter impinged upon the radio, meaning you could tune it only while in second or fourth gears. A monster U-shaped hand brake overwhelmed the center console. The trunk could be opened only from inside the car. The steering wheel was a few degrees catawampus, angling your shoulders at unequal distances from the dash. The cockpit smelled like a Connolly tannery inside an ozone-filled blimp. And the electric-window switches were on the headliner. I mean, if you had to lower the window to talk to a cop, he’d likely shoot you first.

Pretty much what you’d expect from a marque whose logo features a snake eating a baby. Of the three Milanos that indoctrinated me that 6500-mile summer, the third developed positive pressure in the fuel tank until, Howitzer-like, it blew its filler cap far enough that I posted its likeness on a milk carton, even though a cloudburst of premium unleaded had wetted a clear trail. I purchased three filler caps, a surreal chore no other marque would countenance. Which, of course, so unerringly embodied the owner’s experience that every Alfista right now is smiling.

So what? I’d already importuned Alfa PR manager Craig Morningstar into locating a low-mile demonstrator that hadn’t yet burned to the ground. He did. Asking price, $9900. I was all the way home from the bank before my wife found out.

The Milano marked the final automobile that Alfa Romeo was allowed to create unsupervised.

How odd was this car? Odd enough to birth the borderline-senseless Alfa SZ coupe, the so-called Monster. A cartoonish Zagato wedge of pizza powered by the same indefatigable V-6. Morningstar let me drive an SZ in Italy if I promised “never to write a goddamn word about it.” That car, of course, proved to be a one-man band that outnumbered its audience.

“The world is at least navel deep in cars that would be improved if they could have Alfa’s 3.0-liter engine,” wrote my colleague Kevin Smith. “Unfortunately, most of them, then, would be better cars than the Milano.”

Okay, Kev, whatever. But I will admit this: The Milano marked the final automobile that Alfa Romeo was allowed to create unsupervised. Like parents arriving home unexpectedly to find the kids setting fire to the dog, Fiat stormed through the front door and screamed, “What in the world is going on here?”

Apr 21

Li Auto’s L6 SUV Achieves 10,000 Orders in Just 72 Hours

Chinese automaker Li Auto has announced that its newly unveiled SUV, the L6, has garnered an impressive 10,000 orders within just 72 hours of its launch. Scheduled deliveries for this highly anticipated entry-level model are set to begin later this month. According to a recent update on Weibo, Li Auto’s L6 is now available at all 480 of its stores across China.

The Li Auto L6 is a premium five-seat SUV with a starting price of 249,800 yuan ($34,500) for the Pro trim, and 279,800 yuan for the Max trim. It measures 4,925 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,735 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. This SUV offers a remarkable CLTC range of 1,390 kilometers, with 212 kilometers available in pure electric mode, and features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

In addition to its impressive performance, the L6 includes a panoramic sunroof, a compressor-based refrigerator, and a versatile trunk with electric folding rear seats for easy storage solutions. Li Auto plans to expand its lineup with three new pure electric SUVs later this year, which will feature 5C charging and all-wheel drive capabilities. Executive Director and President Donghui Ma emphasized the company’s focus on the high-end family market and its commitment to growing its global presence with competitive new models.

Apr 21

Man Injured in Shocking Downtown Edmonton Carjacking Incident

In a troubling event on Saturday, a 26-year-old man was critically injured when his SUV was stolen and he was dragged and run over in a downtown Edmonton parking lot. The carjacking occurred at approximately 11:35 a.m. on April 20, when a Jeep Cherokee was taken from the victim at a restaurant parking lot near Jasper Avenue and 118th Street. The vehicle then fled through an alley, dragging the man before speeding off eastbound on Jasper Avenue.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded quickly, taking the man to the hospital where he received treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The Edmonton Police Service’s major collision unit is investigating the incident, with officers present at the scene. The search is ongoing for both the stolen SUV and the suspect; anyone with relevant information or footage is encouraged to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Apr 21

Aston Martin Cars Say Psych to Electrification Push

Aston Martin pulled an old switcheroo on promises to electrify. Instead, the brand will keep building gas-powered GT cars and SUVs.

Some things just work. A Supermarine Spitfire singing its song at low altitude. A cold beer on a hot day. Oh, and a powerful engine pulling Aston Martin GT cars in a posh performance of engine notes and tire chirp. Well, the company’s executive chairman confirmed that the gas-powered Aston isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Lawrence Stroll says luxury performance car marque Aston Martin will continue producing gas-powered cars in the 2030s

Aston Martin cars won’t be ditching its sonorous V8s anytime soon. However, before anti-EV folks tout the death of electric vehicles, the brand is planning on releasing its first electric vehicles in the not-too-distant future. But they won’t be replacing the internal combustion engine (ICE) side of their lineup anytime soon.

Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll (yes, that Stroll) claims that the brand’s faithful aren’t ready to part with the “sounds and smells” of a gas-powered GT car, per Car and Driver. That’s great news for the brand’s fans. What’s more, spy shots suggest that the company might be reviving its 12-cylinder aspirations for the next generation of the marque’s range-topping GT cars.

An Aston Martin DB12 'Super Tourer' car takes a corner.
An Aston Martin DB12 | Aston Martin

Consequently, the announcement isn’t a huge shock. Many of the automakers that established radical all-or-mostly EV production targets by the decade’s end are behind on their goals. Moreover, EV adoption across the industry is losing vital momentum. Stroll asserts there will “always be demand” for ICE cars like Aston Martin’s V8-powered DB12 platform, per Autocar.

Of course, the company still has plans to release four vehicles on its bespoke electric architecture. “We planned to launch at the end of 2025 and were ready to do so, but it seems there is a lot more hype in EVs, politically driven or whatever, than consumer demand, particularly at an Aston Martin price point.”

However, the move to keep ICE propulsion in Aston Martin cars isn’t a total abandonment of green technology. Stroll told Autocar the company “decided to invest very heavily in PHEVs.” As such, Stroll says Aston Martin’s hybrid initiatives will “play out for a long while and we will have an extensive offering.” Most excitingly, the brand’s executive chair says we’ll see a hybridized V12 in the future.