The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan takes Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis to that happy place where economy and functionality meet drivability and a quiet ride. Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.
What is the eQ Factor? Simply put, it’s an easy, accurate way of calculating the true cost of fuel in an electric vehicle.
Manufacturer’s are required to provide MPGe ratings for their electric vehicles, but those figures can be misleading if used on a one-to-one basis with the MPG numbers for gasoline powered vehicles. Here’s why – and why RPM’s Rich Taber created the eQ Factor.
The cost of a gallon of gasoline varies from location to location, but typically the prices are reasonably close within a region of the country. Not so with electricity.
In one community, a resident might pay significantly less than in a neighboring community depending on where the power is generated and who is delivering it.
Since MPG and MPGe don’t take that into consideration, one could easily misinterpret the figures assuming that there’s no difference. But it would be incorrect to think that the cost to operate an EV getting 80 MPGe is half of what it costs to operate a gasoline powered vehicle getting 40 MPG.
The eQ factor is used to determine how many miles one gets in an electric vehicle for the same dollars spent on a gallon of gasoline.
So, what exactly is the eQ Factor? It’s the ratio of the cost of a gallon of gasoline to the cost of an equivalent amount of electrical energy, based on a gallon of gasoline having 115,000 BTUs which is equivalent to 33.7 kilowatt-hours.
To figure the eQ factor, first calculate the the cost of an equivalent amount of electrical energy in your locale by multiplying 33.7 KwH by the cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity (including delivery charges, if any). Call that the “Cost of a Gallon of Electricity”. Take the cost of a gallon of gasoline in your locale, and divide it by the “Cost of a Gallon of Electricity” to get the eQ factor.
The eQ factor changes depending on the prices of gasoline and electricity in a particular location on any given day. To figure out how economical that electric car really is for you, multiply the MPGe rating from the EPA by the eQ factor to see how many miles you’ll get for the same dollars you spend on a gallon of gasoline.
Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis drives the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI to Cape Cod to catch the Martha’s Vineyard ferry and discovers that the 5-passenger sedan butters its bread on both sides, offering sporty performance as well as commendable fuel economy. What’s more, the exuberant experience was duly amplified by the vehicle’s Tornado Red exterior. Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.
This week Rich Taber attends the New England premiere of the all-new 2020 Cadillac XT6 mid-size SUV.
This week RPM’s Rich Taber ventures to NEMPA headquarters for the New England premiere of the all-new 2020 Cadillac XT6 mid-size luxury SUV. GM Vehicle Program Engineering Manager Joel Hofman talks with RPM News Weekly about the XT6 and where it fits into the Cadillac line-up.
RPM News Weekly Podcast: Cadillac XT6
2020 Cadillac XT6 Sport
The Cadillac XT6 Sport is defined by darker accents and more aggressive performance-inspired tuning and features including available 21-inch wheels.
It’s been a while since I’ve driven a Golf, the last one I drove was the Golf R back when it came out and to be honest I don’t recall ever driving the SportWagon, or the Alltrack. So being a car-nerd, of course, a wagon makes me happy.
Peter Ciani, RPM NewsWeekly:
We drive lots of cars during the course of the year, but it’s not often that the car we are driving happens to get discontinued the week we are driving it.
It’s been a while since I’ve driven a Golf, the last one I drove was the Golf R back when it came out and to be honest I don’t recall ever driving the SportWagon, or the Alltrack. But being a car-nerd, of course driving a wagon makes me happy.
Our 2019 Golf SportWagen tester came in the ‘S with 4Motion’ trim, not a fully loaded model, but not the base either. Truthfully it’s right where I’d order one.
Equipped with a 168-horsepower, 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission (yes manual), the Sportwagen S with 4Motion has starting MSRP of around $25,000.
2019 VW Golf SportWagen – Photo: Peter Ciani
The SE with 4Motion is one of the few cars that allows you to select a manual transmission with all-wheel-drive, plus there is something about VW heated cloth seats. I think as far as heated seats go these are the best in the business, but I’m the type that likes to actually feel the heat.
Last week we drove the new Kia Forte and although it’s a wonderful car for the money, the heated seats were a little disappointing. In fact, I think a hampster blowing air on my back might have felt hotter.
Another plus for the Golf is the uncluttered, driver-centric interior, something that a lot of car reviews credit the Golf models for.
I know driver-centric is a somewhat cliche term in car reviews, but in the case of the Golf, it certainly applies. If you’re the type that likes a simple, easy to learn control/button layout, then the Golf is definitely a car to look into. Especially in this trim range.
As I mentioned, our test car was the S with 4motion trim, not really a car with a lot of extra flashy technology. If you want the heat or AC you have to turn some dials, no automatic climate control here.
In fact, the only extra tech you can option on this model is the Driver Assistance package.
For an extra $450. the Driver Assistance Package includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring. For the money, it’s a box that’s worth checking.
Rounding out the interior technology is the standard MIB-II Infotainment System with a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen. The 6.5-inch system doesn’t include embedded navigation or even SiriusXM radio. If you’d like these features, you need to step up to the SE model with the 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Despite the lack of onboard navigation, the 6.5-inch screen does include Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto. Which is fine for me, I find myself using Waze via Android Auto more and more anyway.
The real story of the Golf SportWagen is the ‘wagon’ bit..
2019 VW Golf SportWagen
As it goes with my luck, when I secretly hope they will send us convertible to test they’ll send us a truck, or if I need a truck to move something they’ll send us a convertible, or possibly something with two seats. Which is even worse because having a two-seat-something-convertible around just encourages me to blow-off whatever work I had to do in favor of taking a ride in it.
Although this is one of those weeks where a pick-up truck would have come in handy, they sent a Volkswagen SportWagon instead.
No complaints though, even though I’m currently in the process of moving to a new house a bigger car would have been nice to have around this week.
I am moving to the middle of New Hampshire, so my drive now includes a few fun backroads.
This is where the nimble, lightweight Golf shines, at least compared to a crossover. Oh, and added bonus, this particular Golf has 3 pedals, which makes the backroads that much more fun.
Outback, the Golf Sportwagen offers 66.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. This is considerably more than a compact crossover like the Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V and just above its own sibling, the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Tiguan (65.7 cu ft).
While its no VW Atlas, the SportWagen certainly came in handy when moving, sure I didn’t move any large furniture, but more than once I packed it solid with small things.
This is what perplexes me about the rejection of wagons, the Golf Sportwagen is efficient and fun to drive, plus it actually offers more space than a lot of the competition. And, if by chance you want some extra ground clearance you can move over to the Alltrack.
Not long after I pointed out these facts to a colleague of mine, I open up the Volkswagen media page to find, like the long-running Beetle, VW is pulling the plug their Golf wagon twins after the 2019 model year.
Ending a tradition of VW wagons dating back to the original 1600 Squareback Sedan (Wagon).
The original VW 1600 Squareback Wagon, although they called it a sedan!
Bla.. I curse you Volkswagen. Yeah, I know they have some really interesting electric vehicles on the horizon and hopefully there will be some resurgence of the wagon in the future. With their new electric vehicle ‘skateboard’ platform, you’d think there’d be some flexibility to do different, even lower-volume models (like they did in the 60’s). How about an ID. Beetle, ID. Squareback or ID. Golf for example?
Since I’m ranting and making suggestions, VW please rethink the ‘ID.’ naming scheme. No one outside of the automotive world is going to have a clue which model is which.
Think about the Lincoln MKC vs MKZ vs MKX…you can’t, because no one knows what these models are. If you say I drive a Beetle or a Golf, then people might know what you are talking about.
I think VW is missing a trick by not fully embracing, or using their past to sell their electric future. I know there’s a lot of ‘retro’ design stuff out there today, but in this case, it works.
The ID. Buzz is a great example of this idea, the spirit of the old VW bus in a modern EV.
VW ID. Buzz Concept; Photo: VW USA Media VW ID. Buzz Concept meets grandpa; Photo: VW USA Media
Now do ‘this’ with the Beetle, a smaller, lighter Beetle with a rear motor. Bring back the fun and charm of that car.
I do like the outgoing Beetle btw, I think that car is/was seriously underrated. The Beetle is fun to drive, with a nicely done retro-modern interior with a good fit and finish. I’d argue the Beetle interior could pass for a ‘lower level’ Audi interior.
Anyway…Back to the point, If you (VW) were to bring back the Beetle just don’t call it the ID. Bugzz, or something like that, just call it the Beetle.
The Volkswagen bus (ID. BUZZ) is also a great example of how this naming convention will lead to confusing conversations, once someone buys one, the conversation is going to go something like this:
Hey, I just bought an ID. Buzz!
What’s an ID. Buzz??
It’s an electric VW bus.
Oh, sounds cool, why the stupid name?
Wierd names aside we look forward to the EV offerings that VW has in the works and hope it goes well for them. We just hope they try and get a wagon in there… I know, I know we might have to wait until the crossover boom is over.
But if you’re not interested in an EV, or perhaps a crossover isn’t your thing, you still have a few months to order a new SportWagen or Alltrack.
Save the wagons..and the manuals!
VW’s official Press Release:
Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America announced today that the critically-acclaimed Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and Golf SportWagen will end production with the 2019 model year. Volkswagen will continue building the Alltrack at the Puebla, Mexico plant through December 2019 to provide enthusiasts additional opportunity to own an affordable, European-designed wagon.
Over the past several years, demand among American consumers has shifted from wagons to SUVs. Through the first half of 2019, SUVs account for 47 percent of the industry sales, and more than 50 percent of Volkswagen sales. Thanks to strong sales of the Atlas and Tiguan, Volkswagen has had the highest year-over-year percentage growth among mainstream automotive brands in the first six months of 2019.
Volkswagen plans to release three new SUV models in the next 24 months. The five-seater Atlas Cross Sport will be unveiled later this year, and the ID. CROZZ electric SUV debuts early next year. Last week, Volkswagen announced a new smaller SUV model expected to arrive in 2021 that will slot beneath the Tiguan.
“SUVs have definitely assumed the mantle of family haulers from the station wagons and minivans we remember from our childhoods,” said Scott Keogh President and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “But as we look towards the future, both our expanded SUV lineup and the upcoming ID. family of electric vehicles will bring the opportunity to combine the style and space people want in a variety of ways. As the ID. BUZZ concept demonstrates, the flexibility of our EV platform gives us the ability to revive body styles of the past, so anything is possible.”
The 2019 Golf Alltrack with standard 4Motion® all-wheel drive combines practicality with year-round capability. The Alltrack is powered by a 1.8-liter TSI® engine with 168 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, offered with either a six-speed DSG automatic or a six-speed manual. The car also features unique exterior styling and an extra 0.6 inch of ride height compared to the Golf SportWagen, giving it 6.9 inches of ground clearance.,
The Alltrack comes standard with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and taillights, leatherette seating surfaces, Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Optional features include 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Car-Net Security & Service and Guide & Inform, navigation, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping System, (Lane Assist), Park Distance Control, Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist). MSRP starts at $26,895 for the Alltrack S with a standard six-speed manual transmission, and $27,995 for the Alltrack S with a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 2019 Golf SportWagen combines the space and utility of a compact SUV with the nimbleness and fun-to-drive capabilities of a Golf. Front-wheel-drive models are powered by a 1.4-liter TSI engine with 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while 4Motion models use the 1.8T engine found in the Alltrack. The 1.4T is paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.8T is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Standard features include 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and taillights, cloth seats, and App-Connect. Optional features include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights with AFS, foglights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Car-Net Security & Service, ACC, Lane Assist, and Light Assist. MSRP starts at $21,895 for the Golf SportWagen S front-wheel-drive model with a standard six-speed manual transmission and $22,995 for the eight-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the S 4Motion® with a standard six-speed manual transmission starts at $24,395, and the six-speed DSG automatic transmission starts at $25,495. The destination charge for all Golf wagon models is an additional $895.
Volkswagen Wagon History
1600 Squareback Sedan: 1966-1973
1.6-liter air-cooled engine with 65 hp
Had cargo space under hood and in rear above the engine.
The first mass-produced model with computerized fuel injection
Type 412 Wagon: 1971-1974
1.6-liter air-cooled engine with 80 hp
Unibody chassis and MacPherson strut suspension were firsts for VW
Volkswagen Dasher: 1974-1981
First water-cooled, front-engined, front-wheel-drive car for VW of America lineup
Also offered as a two-door or four-door hatchback, with 74 hp
Sold as the Passat in Europe
Volkswagen Quantum: 1981-1988
Midsize successor to the Dasher
Sold with four- or five-cylinder engines up to 110 hp
Introduced Syncro all-wheel-drive in a wagon, offered in 1986-1988
Volkswagen Fox: 1989-1991
Offered as a two-door subcompact wagon, rare in its era
80-hp, 1.8-liter four cylinder, with manual transmission
Built in Brazil, along with two- and four-door variants.
Volkswagen Passat: 1990-2010
Three generations of Passat wagons were sold in America
Stylish B4 generation unveiled a new, upscale VW design language
The W8 variant offered 270 hp, 4Motion all-wheel drive and an available manual transmission
Volkswagen Jetta: 2001-2005; 2008-2014
Most popular wagon model Volkswagen has sold in America
First generation was unique to North America
Independent rear suspension in later models
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen: 2015-2019
First wagon for U.S. built off flexible, modern MQB platform
Offers full suite of modern technology such as App-Connect
Spacious interior and cargo area compares well to compact SUVs
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack: 2017-2019
Higher ground clearance than SportWagen and standard 4Motion offer SUV-like capability
Mixes more aggressive design cues with timeless Volkswagen style
Manual transmission offered on top line SEL for enthusiasts
This week ‘Cousin Rick’ DeMeis and RT Newt discuss the Dodge Durango 392 SRT and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing as Rick reminisces about venturing to Florida 50 years ago to watch a bit of history!
Rick also talks about meeting Neil Armstrong and asking him the one question most Americans wanted to know.
Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.
Apollo 11 (2019)
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing:
Ride Of The Week:
2019 Dodge Durango SRT 392
2019 Dodge Durango SRT
2019 Dodge Durango SRT
2019 Dodge Durango SRT in ‘White Knuckle’ w/ blue stripes
The 475-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT is a fairly versatile 7-passenger SUV and by versatile I mean you can safely and comfortably drop the kids off at school, then go do 4-wheel donuts in your work’s parking lot to impress your equally juvenile co-workers (don’t ask me how I know).
About the 2019 Dodge Durango:
2019 Dodge Durango Fact Sheet
FCA Media – Auburn Hills, Mich. July 12, 2018
The Dodge Durango’s combination of uncompromised utility, advanced technology, class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling make it the Dodge Charger of the three-row SUV segment. For 2019, Dodge continues to demonstrate Durango’s proven performance, utility and comfort with the SRT model, appearance packages and an available soft-touch hand-wrapped instrument panel.
Durango’s standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is paired with the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine rated at up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class towing capability of 6,200 pounds, while the classic 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque and class-leading towing capability of 7,400 pounds. The Durango SRT relies on the proven 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 to deliver 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing it to go from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.4 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), all while outhauling every three-row full-size SUV on the road with a best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds.
The latest technology for 2019 includes a programmable digital instrument cluster, available class-exclusive 9-inch dual screen Blu-ray and DVD player, available 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, new available integrated trailer brake when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package and a function to view trailed items through the rear-mounted camera while the Durango is in motion. Durango’s available three-row seating offers spaciousness and flexibility with 85 cu. ft. of cargo capacity and 50 different seating configurations, including available second-row captain’s chairs.
New for 2019:
New standard exterior features on Durango GT include a performance front fascia with available functional SRT hood, including center air inlet duct flanked by heat extractors
Durango GT now offers available cloth seating
Dodge Durango models now offer an integrated trailer brake when equipped with the available Trailer Tow Package
Durango Citadel, R/T and SRT models are available with an 825-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that delivers opulent sound and refinement
Dodge Durango SRT now offers lightweight, high-performance Brembo brakes with two-piece rotors
Durango SRT models now offer available red seat belts
Durango R/T models now feature available Sepia leather seats
Durango SXT models now offer available leather seats that add a premium feel
New 20-inch wheel design available on Durango GT and R/T in a Satin Carbon finish or Brass Monkey and an optional SRT wheel in Matte Vapor or Brass Monkey
All Durango models now feature Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection as a free-standing option
All 2019 Durango Citadel models now feature second-row captain’s chairs as standard equipment
F8 Green, Destroyer Gray and Reactor Blue exterior paint colors debut on Durango
Highlights:
Dodge Durango SRT is loaded with performance features designed to make it America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV, including the proven 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8, which delivers 475 horsepower, 470 lb.-ft. of torque, 4.4-second 0-60 mph acceleration, NHRA-certified 12.9-second quarter mile and best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds
The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds. Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder-deactivation seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode and V-8 mode when more power is in demand
Durango’s standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine generates 293 horsepower (295 horsepower on Blacktop Package) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Equipped with the V-6, Durango can tow a best-in-class 6,200 pounds. In addition, engine stop-start (ESS) is standard on the V-6 and lowers emissions while also saving fuel
A driver’s SUV, the 2019 Dodge Durango delivers excitement and modernized refinement thanks to its world-class suspension, structural refinements and performance driving characteristics, all of which are usually found on premium performance SUVs at much higher price points
Dodge Durango’s rear-wheel-drive-based drivetrain is the foundation for its outstanding on-road driving performance. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) further enhances driver confidence by leveraging the Durango’s 50/50 weight distribution. The Durango SRT features standard AWD. The Durango’s three available AWD systems greatly enhance the vehicle’s traction and handling
While competitors have switched to front-wheel-drive, car-based platforms, the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI-powered AWD Durango models feature a low-range transfer case with a neutral position. Low range improves light off-road performance and helps ease maneuvers, such as pulling a boat up a steep launch or backing up with a trailer. The neutral position in the transfer case allows the vehicle to be flat-towed without damaging powertrain components
The 2019 Dodge Durango features a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with driver-oriented electronic shifter and available steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters
With standard five-passenger seating on SXT, optional seven-passenger seating and second-row captain’s chairs available on GT and R/T models, the seats in the 2019 Dodge Durango can be configured in 50 different ways. Durango Citadel and SRT models feature standard second-row captain’s chairs and six-passenger seating
Families with three or more children will find the Durango’s available captain’s chairs with pass-through especially helpful as child safety seats can be latched into each second-row seat, and there’s still easy pass-through for passengers to walk between to get to the third row
A versatile 60/40 split folding second-row seat conveniently folds and tumbles. Transporting long items, like 10-foot 2x4s, is not a problem as the left side of the second-row folds 60 percent, allowing the versatility of folding the 40 percent seat in tandem with the front passenger fold-flat seat. To make passengers more comfortable, second-row seats also are available with heat and they recline 18 degrees
The third-row seat features a 50/50 split and is easily folded from the rear of the vehicle. For even more utility, both the second- and third-row seats fold to provide a flat load floor. A switch in the instrument panel remotely lowers third-row headrests when not in use
Uconnect is available via either a standard 7-inch or available 8.4-inch touchscreen, the latter of which is the largest touchscreen in its class. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all Durango models
Durango offers a class-exclusive Blu-ray video rear entertainment system with two high-resolution 9-inch screens, one on each front seat back. Each screen allows customers to watch their movies on Blu-ray or standard DVDs or play their gaming systems via inputs for HDMI or RCA cables for each screen integrated into the front seat backs. Wireless headphones are included as is a wireless remote
The 2019 Dodge Durango offers consumers more than 60 available safety and security features, with seven standard air bags, including full-length three-row side-curtain airbags, standard front-seat mounted side-thorax air bags, front-row active head restraints, standard trailer-sway control and available Forward Collision Warning with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call and roadside assistance
Model Lineup For 2019, the Dodge Durango lineup consists of five models:
SXT
GT
Citadel
R/T
SRT
Available Exterior Colors:
In-Violet
Octane Red
Redline Red
Reactor Blue (New – late availability)
Destroyer Gray (New – late availability)
F8 Green (New – late availability)
Granite
Billet
DB Black
White Knuckle
Vice White
Available Interior Colors:
Black
Black/Light Frost Beige
Black/Radar Red (R/T only)
Black/Sepia (R/T or Citadel Anodized Platinum only)
Demonic Red (SRT only)
More Information Please visit the Dodge Durango or Durango SRT newsrooms for the latest product information, photography and videography, plus access to specification and feature availability documents.
About Dodge//SRT Dodge//SRT offers a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out in their own segments. Dodge is America’s performance brand and SRT is positioned as the ultimate performance halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice.
