Author Topic: Autos.ca Comparison Tests Steering Committee (Read 195059 times)

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #60 on:** December 01, 2013, 02:54:47 pm »

Quote from: JacobBlack on December 01, 2013, 02:30:06 pm

Quote from: Solstice2006 on December 01, 2013, 01:38:27 pm
Jonathan, yes that's the kind of table I was looking for. I read the article, didn't go through all the pictures. Since it's more text than pictures, maybe it could be considered the last page of the article....

That table was embedded on the last page!!

Oh sorry, must be the new layout, combined with this 10" screen that sometimes I miss the stuff on the bottom...

OliverD · « **Reply #61 on:** December 02, 2013, 01:50:54 pm »

Dunno if it's been mentioned but one of the things that bugs me in these comparison tests (and it's hardly limited to autos.ca) is that you get a group of cars with very diverse prices and equipment levels but they are judged as if that's the only model available.

It could make sense to sometimes mention that a more comparable model is available and at what price, and factor that into the scoring. In the case of the Focus, you know that a $1500 leather/sunroof package won't have any bearing on acceleration, handling, fuel economy, etc. But it does have a bearing on price.

Also, any formula that places a car that no one really likes higher than other cars simply due to price (Sentra vs Focus in the latest comparison) is flawed IMO.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #62 on:** December 02, 2013, 02:14:12 pm »

Quote from: OliverD on December 02, 2013, 01:50:54 pm

Also, any formula that places a car that no one really likes higher than other cars simply due to price (Sentra vs Focus in the latest comparison) is flawed IMO.

It didn't. As it says in the article, It scored top or near top in price, fuel economy, back seat space and cargo space.
They are all vital categories, especially in this demographic.

OliverD · « **Reply #63 on:** December 02, 2013, 02:36:03 pm »

Quote from: JacobBlack on December 02, 2013, 02:14:12 pm

Quote from: OliverD on December 02, 2013, 01:50:54 pm

Also, any formula that places a car that no one really likes higher than other cars simply due to price (Sentra vs Focus in the latest comparison) is flawed IMO.

It didn't. As it says in the article, It scored top or near top in price, fuel economy, back seat space and cargo space.
They are all vital categorie, esp ecially in this demographic.

Sure, but it didn't sound like the Sentra was actually liked at all.

tooscoops · « **Reply #64 on:** December 02, 2013, 03:57:08 pm »

"liked" can mean so much though... no one generally "likes" the corolla, but we can still say that it's a decent car and probably the car to buy for a big group of people... much like the sentra.

it's like the 3 always winning everything... i'd say there is a bigger group of people that appreciate a bigger back seat, better fuel economy, and better cargo when compared to those that like a good, engaging drive.

in the end... i really don't know what more can be done... none of these reviews from any source will ever be perfect... because every person has different priorities and such... all you can do is look at as many sources as you can and glean value that way.

safristi · « **Reply #65 on:** December 02, 2013, 04:36:06 pm »

How do U test the "Steering Committee"..........for "FEEL".."SLOPPINESS" .."TURNING RADIUS"

"HEATED" discussions!!..

..and when 10 to 2 or 9 to three....

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #66 on:** December 03, 2013, 09:09:43 am »

Quote from: tooscoops on December 02, 2013, 03:57:08 pm

"liked" can mean so much though... no one generally "likes" the corolla, but we can still say that it's a decent car and probably the car to buy for a big group of people... much like the sentra.

it's like the 3 always winning everything... i'd say there is a bigger group of people that appreciate a bigger back seat, better fuel economy, and better cargo when compared to those that like a good, engaging drive.
in the end... i really don't know what more can be done... none of these reviews from any source will ever be perfect... because every person has different priorities and such... all you can do is look at as many sources as you can and glean value that way.

The 3 doesn't just keep winning because of it's engaging drive. It's the balance of one of the best fuel economy in it's class, and 3rd highest in cargo room, great value, and style.

wing · « **Reply #67 on:** December 03, 2013, 09:10:38 am »

It's also the second best selling compact car in Canada -- gotta be a reason besides price.

EDIT: Oh looks like this year it may be the Elantra or Corolla in second.

JohnM · « **Reply #68 on:** December 03, 2013, 12:29:48 pm »

On a totally different tac, I'd like to see an EV comparison test. A selection of 3 or 4 all electric vehicles plus perhaps a plugin Prius and Volt for comparison.

It would give a good window on the future and could start a trend. Also, having something this unique would not hurt your long term search engine rankings either.

If you had long term (200,000+ km) operating costs for cars, it would be an interesting comparison of ICE vs full EV vs part-time EV. The fuels costs are only part of the story and maintenance has to be included.

A new effort so a big initial load on the staff. At least one EV should be thrown into every comparison for reference since many categories now have an EV which is at least close or a hybrid which is very close to the market focus.

Cheers,
John M.

wing · « **Reply #69 on:** December 03, 2013, 01:29:49 pm »

I'd love to get an EV as a long term car -- would be interesting to see the savings as so far the most I've ever had one was 3 days.

Noto · « **Reply #70 on:** December 03, 2013, 02:15:51 pm »

true cost of EV should keep this in mind:
http://www.popsci.com/article/cars/life-tesla-model-s-even-after-update-vampire-draw-remains

Good for the Volt and Leaf, by the way. Come on, Tesla, by the way.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #71 on:** December 03, 2013, 02:42:57 pm »

Quote from: JohnM on December 03, 2013, 12:29:48 pm

On a totally different tac, I'd like to see an EV comparison test. A selection of 3 or 4 all electric vehicles plus perhaps a plugin Prius and Volt for comparison.

It would give a good window on the future and could start a trend. Also, having something this unique would not hurt your long term search engine rankings either.

If you had long term (200,000+ km) operating costs for cars, it would be an interesting comparison of ICE vs full EV vs part-time EV. The fuels costs are only part of the story and maintenance has to be included.

A new effort so a big initial load on the staff. At least one EV should be thrown into every comparison for reference since many categories now have an EV which is at least close or a hybrid which is very close to the market focus.

Cheers,
John M.

Sadly neither work nor my apartment building has a charge point, so I can't do any EVs. Shame, because I'd LOVE to do a story on the Volt.

wing · « **Reply #72 on:** December 03, 2013, 02:44:20 pm »

You don't have a block heater plug at your apartment? That's odd.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #73 on:** December 03, 2013, 02:50:28 pm »

Quote from: wing on December 03, 2013, 02:44:20 pm

You don't have a block heater plug at your apartment? That's odd.

I've had three different apartment spaces since I've been here, haven't had one in any of them.
Not sure that is actually all that odd in Toronto.
Why would you need a plug in a covered carpark? They don't drop in temperature that badly, it's not like it's outside.

wing · « **Reply #74 on:** December 03, 2013, 02:52:13 pm »

I guess it's not cold enough there

. You should move someplace colder lol

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #75 on:** December 03, 2013, 03:07:44 pm »

Block heater in a garage? in Ontario? nahh! What's next carpet in the garage so the tires stay warm?

Noto · « **Reply #76 on:** December 04, 2013, 11:24:08 am »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on December 03, 2013, 03:07:44 pm

What's next carpet in the garage so the tires stay warm?

YES! My poor little tires have feelings too!

Lesley · « **Reply #77 on:** December 04, 2013, 02:54:07 pm »

Quote from: OliverD on December 02, 2013, 01:50:54 pm

Dunno if it's been mentioned but one of the things that bugs me in these comparison tests (and it's hardly limited to autos.ca) is that you get a group of cars with very diverse prices and equipment levels but they are judged as if that's the only model available.

It could make sense to sometimes mention that a more comparable model is available and at what price, and factor that into the scoring. In the case of the Focus, you know that a $1500 leather/sunroof package won't have any bearing on acceleration, handling, fuel economy, etc. But it does have a bearing on price.

Also, any formula that places a car that no one really likes higher than other cars simply due to price (Sentra vs Focus in the latest comparison) is flawed IMO.

We try to match them as evenly as possible, letting the manufacturers know what the competing equipment levels will be - but sometimes we're given only what's available.

JohnM · « **Reply #78 on:** December 04, 2013, 05:50:23 pm »

"Sadly neither work nor my apartment building has a charge point"

Get one of those generator exercise bikes. You can not only do the EV test but qualify for the Olympics. Sleep when you're dead.

Also, if the publication has the budget, you could pop for a rental parking space near a plug. Are there any fast charge outlets in your area?

Cheers,
John M.

JohnM · « **Reply #79 on:** December 04, 2013, 05:57:18 pm »

Here is a link with a map of Sun Country charging stations. I don't know how many companies have set up stations in Canada but there have to be a few.

https://suncountryhighway.ca/ev-trip-planner/#.Up-ysuITV8E

Maybe Autos.ca could put you up in a 5 star hotel near one of these stations for the duration of the test. Just trying to be helpful.

Cheers,
John M.