I got an offer in the mail from my local dealer to “upgrade” to an EcoSport from my Focus ST. 

The Santa Fe is surprising to me. Pretty much hits all the marks for the average CUV buyer, and is decent price and long warranty. I also seem to see a decent number of them on the road.

I too agree with you. I was just adding some additional thoughts to the topic.

Trump demanded GM to do something with the Lordstown plant and GM announces investment into Michigan. I don’t understand how this is to appease Trump or seen as a win for him. If anything GM is doing this to spite him.

Same, love that movie. 

It probably is a better deal. But most customers today seem to think they need a CUV. No matter how small it seems to be thought of as better than a sedan. Meanwhile my Focus hatchback has more cargo room than the EcoSport.

Yes, I meant GTI. I may have been in the wrong mode but I remember moving the shifter to the right. Does that not put it in sport mode?

No, naming carries a lot of weight, both good and bad. I remember reading an article about the Ecoboost Mustang when it came out. Basically how it was a great value for the money but because it’s a Mustang it will always have that stigma of “should have gotten a V8". Wrap it in a different body and name and it would…

Agreed, I think the best analogy is ABS engaging when the brakes are nowhere near locking up. But I would like to reiterate that this MCAS system has nothing to do with autopilot as many seem to believe. 

Fun fact: this color is the same as Gotta Have It Green from the 2013-14 Mustang. The paint code is the same but they went with a different name for the Fiesta for some reason.

I got to drive a GT with the DSG a couple of weeks ago and honestly, the paddle shifters did not impress me. There seemed to be a full 2 seconds between me pulling them to the transmission actually shifting. 

I would like to know how the question was phrased. Did they mean sending their kids off somewhere in a self driving car? Or just putting them in a self driving car that the parent will be in as well and have the ability to take controls if needed? Because those are 2 very different questions. 

I believe I remember hearing there were issues with the electronics in the car and the wiring etc. to be essentially redone from scratch. Not that the power train is going to be electric.

True, but so were pensions. Once they realized in the long run it was cheaper to just offer a 401k pensions started disappearing. I don’t think companies are as concerned with holding talent as they used to be. They just want to make the shareholders happy.

I understand the arguement about a college education on both sides. I got a bachelors in engineering over other degrees for a reason. But I think the real question is why UAW workers are paid comparable to skilled trades such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters. Assembly line workers are trained to do one thing…

Right but the crossover efficiency requirements are lumped together with the likes of body on frame SUVs and trucks. They are classified as utility vehicles and as far as the regs are concerned help offset the requirements of trucks rather than hurt cars

Better yet, Mazda. The CX-3 offers LESS room than a Mazda3 hatchback and costs more.

I agree with you about having both options for purchase. That being said, my experience at the Apple store when I’ve needed help with issues has been a nightmare personally lol

The I-4 was available with a manual in the wagon? I knew the sedan but the wagon too? I may have to browse online sales now....

Ahh, I see what you are saying. As an engineer myself i was thinking purely from a reliability standpoint. The number of different parts is probably less between the plug in and non plug in Prius than say a purely gas car that has multiple engine and/or transmission options.