- New BMW Z5?
- Ford Fiesta vs Toyota Yaris?
- Will there be a replacement for the Chevrolet Volt?
This first question comes from a viewer who wants to know what’s going on with the BMW Z5.
Q:Hi Nathan! Do you or your guys know what’s happening with that Toyota Supra / BMW Z5 project?
I see occasional photos, but nothing else. Do you think it will debut at Los Angeles or Tokyo?
V. Esther
A: Hi.
There are lots of rumors, but – recently confirmed – we have a “BMW Roadster Concept” that will be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17th, 2017. That should give us usable information in the near future.
I will be in Monterey that week; hopefully, I can get a glimpse!
N
This next question comes from a viewer who is choosing between a Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris for his college-bound child.
Q: Hi TFL cars and trucks!
Got a bringt 17 yr old daughter that’s off to college in a month. I want to buy her a new car before she goes. It’s in southern California, so I don’t need a crossover or an all wheel drive car. She likes the Toyota Yaris hatchback and I like the Ford Fiesta hatchback.
Which one would you choose if it were your kid? I like your videos and feel that the fast lane is the one video channel I can go to with real folks testing cars, not obnoxious jerks who get off on ripping inexpensive cars. I know Nathan is all about cheap cars and I appreciate that.
Thanks guys!
Maxwell
A: Great question Mr. Maxwell!
I have a few parts to my answer.
First: Normally, I would get the Toyota Yaris as it is extremely reliable and frugal.
Second: My daughter would reject it and opt for the Ford Fiesta as it’s a lot more fun to drive.
Third: We would get a third option, the Honda Fit – as it’s the best car in this class. It’s frugal, fun to drive and extremely utilitarian.
I highly recommend looking at the Honda Fit, but the Toyota Yaris is a stout little (kind-a boring) car.
If driving fun is most important, THAT’S when you look at the Ford Fiesta.
Hope that helps!
N
The last question comes from a viewer who is wondering if there will be a replacement to the Chevrolet Volt (now that it looks like it’s being killed off).
Q:Nathan: It looks like the Chevy Volt is being discontinued.
I have a 2015 Chevy Volt and it’s the most reliable & economical car I’ve ever owned. I hear that the car is getting the axe by GM. So sad.
(Via Twitter @Nathanadlen)
A: Hi
While there is no official word that the Chevrolet Volt is ending production, the UAW and GM admit that sedan sales, including the Volt, are dwindling. In order to keep the UAW jobs from dwindling along with the declining sedan sales, steps need to be taken. Several sedans in GM’s fleet may get the axe.
Rumor has it that they may replace the Chevrolet Volt with a SUV/Crossover-like plug-in hybrid, similar to the Kia Niro. That basically means it will be a front-drive tall wagon/hatchback that looks kind of like a SUV/Crossover with no real off-road capability (lack of all-wheel drive does that).
We’ll have to wait and see what GM does.
N
Speaking of electric SUVs…
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.
