Is there a New Toyota Prius C, are the Volkswagen Bus Rumors True, and knocking Subaru? [Ask Nathan]

2015 Range Rover Evoque vs 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

        • What’s going on with the new Toyota Prius C?
        • Did Volkswagen just announce a new Bus/Van?
        • Do all Subarus knock?

      This first question comes from a fan who wants to know about the new Toyota Prius C.

      Q:Do you have any information on the new Toyota Prius C?

      I hope it doesn’t look like the new Prius! Yuck yuck yuck!!

      A: Hi Alzado

      There has been no official word on the new Toyota Prius C; however, the upcoming Toyota Aqua (the Prius C overseas) is getting a refreshed design, including a crossover-ish variant.

      I call it “crossover-ish” because it has extra cladding, beefier looking tires and a bit of a lift. It appears not to have all-wheel-drive. I’m not sure if that crossover version will make it to our shores. Other images show upgrades to the lights, grill and tail.

      It looks like we will see the a new Toyota Prius C soon.

      N

      This next question revolves around the recent mention of a new Volkswagen Van.

      Q:Nate DOGG! Did you hear!?

      I read that Volkswagen is considering a new Bully Van! Is that true? Oh man I hope they make it like the yellow concept! How cool is that! I bet all your buddies in Colorado will be hitting the bong in one of those!

      A.KC
      Brisbane
      AU

      A: Hi

      It looks like a real possibility! Granted, Volkswagen has toyed with our emotions before. There were several close calls and awesome looking concepts. Still, there’s this:

      Herbert Diess (Chairman of the Board of Management of The Volkswagen Passenger Cars Bran) told Auto Express: “Emotional cars are very important for the brand. We are selling loads of Beetles still, particularly in US markets. But we will also have the Microbus that we showed, which we have recently decided we will build.” – – Auto Express UK

      Boy I hope it happens!

      N

Look at the height difference between the regular Impreza and the XV Crosstrek. I think it’s better looking than the regular Impreza too.

The last question comes from a viewer who wants to know why he hears so many Subarus knocking in Denver.

Q: I have a question for Ask Nathan. Or anyone else that can answer it.

I live in Colorado, like cars, and also like to ride my bike. One thing I’ve noticed on the bike is that if I hear a car coming from behind, and it’s engine is pinging, then it’s a Subaru. I always thought that engine pinging was a bad thing that dramatically increased the wear and tear on an engine, but Subaru has a reputation for quality, so what gives? This is very consistent. Not every Subaru that passes me pings, but if an engine is pinging, then there’s a 95% chance that it’s in a Subaru.

Thanks,
Brian

A: Hi Brian, great question!

I have heard others mention Subarus knocking in the past. Funny thing, back when I owned a Subaru Forester (second generation) it never knocked. Even using our 85 octane never seemed to bother it. Still, I have experienced hearing that sound before.

Many say that the knocking comes from a damaged/broken knock sensor. While they do a good job preventing knocking, these sensors are known for giving up the ghost from time-to-time. One time, it is said that a mechanic over-tightened a sensor and killed it before the car was even returned.

One Subaru owner said the knocking came from carbon deposits. Usually, that happens with older engines. I know that the WRX or other turbo Subarus can suffer from this if not properly cared for. Still, I doubt this is common.

I’ve heard say that the knocking comes from our low octane (85 octane) gas. The fact is, as long as you run the recommended fuel, knocking should be mitigated. With that being said, if the vehicles are supposed to run on 91 octane, it could ping on low octane.

Any readers have alternative possibilities to report to Brian?

N

Here’s the newest from Toyota!

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.