What’s up with the BMW i5 Electric Car, Hyundai Elantra GT Sport vs Volkswagen Golf GTI and What about the Ford Ranger Raptor? [Ask Nathan]

    • What is the MW i5?
    • Hyundai Elantra GT Sport vs Volkswagen Golf GTI?
    • Is the Ford Ranger Raptor for real?

The first question comes from a fan who wants to know about the BMW i5 electric car.

 

Q:I just heard about a new BMW i5?

What is it?

(Via: Twitter @Nathanadlen)

 

A: Howdy!

The BMW i5 concept will debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show later this month. Unlike the BMW i3 with a range extender, the BMW i5 is supposed to be an all-electric car. It will be the third model BMW will produce that uses the “i” badging – which represents the electric side of the automaker. The BMW i5 will be the sedan of the electric line and it will be positioned between the BMW i3 and BMW i8.

There are very few technical details currently available, but word has it that the BMW i5 will have Tesla-competitive range (between 300 and 500 miles is the rumor).

Stay tuned, Frankfurt is just a few days away!

N

This next question comes from a viewer who wants to know why I would ever choose a Hyundai Elantra GT Sport vs Volkswagen Golf GTI.

[Photo: Hyundai]
Q: Hi Nathan, I usually agree with your assessments with the cars you like. But you seemed like you indicated that you would favor the Hyundai Elantra GT Sport over the Volkswagen GTI.

How could you possibly even think the Hyundai could match the GTI!? Come on Nathan, that’s nuts! And you seemed to forget that the Volkswagen GTI has a superior powerplant and a serious history of development over the years.

I know you like the car but you need to reconsider your choices!

I still like you my friend, you just need a dose of reality in your life choices.

Your friend,

Cole in Oceanside

A: Hi Cole!

Yes indeed, I like the Hyundai Elantra Sport GT a lot; so much so, I considered asking Hyundai for a long-time loan for the TFL fleet. Great car, great bargain. I like both the sedan Elantra Sport and the Elantra GT Sport hatchback quite a bit.

Still, you’re off on what I actually said and what my opinion was regarding the Hyundai Elantra Sport GT vs the Volkswagen GTI. I prefer the GTI’s ride and power – it’s just that simple. My favorite hot hatch is STILL the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

With that being said, I believe the pricing of the GTI is very expensive compared with the Elantra GT Sport. I mean, the price disparity is massive. Prices between the two are $3,000 to $5,000 (favoring the ELantra) depending on the trim. That’s a lot of dough and, given that these cars aim for the thrifty consumer’s dollar, there’s something to be said about saving that much money.

The bottom line: both the Hyundai Elantra Sport and Elantra GT Sport are screaming performance deals, but they don’t have the sophisticated overall feel of the Volkswagen Golf GTI. For some, that’s enough to justify spending thousands more. Others? Hyundai’s excellent warranty, serious savings and a subtle, handsome design make for a tempting proposition.

Would I buy one?

That question is precisely why I was considering asking Hyundai for a long-term loan!

N

The last question comes from a fan who wants to know if the Ford Ranger Raptor is for real.

Q:I’ve seen a few reports that Australia will get the new Ford Ranger Raptor. Is it for real?

If they get one, will we? It doesn’t seem fair if they get something a truck loving country like the USA can’t get.

You know what I mean?

(Via: Twitter @Nathanadlen)

A: Hi

Yes, it looks like the Australians will get a Ford Ranger Raptor soon. You can read about that (here).  While there’s nothing official for our market (yet), we know for sure that the regular Ford Ranger is coming in 2019 – according to Ford. While there has been no mention of a Ranger Raptor coming to the United States, it’s a pretty good bet that it will, eventually.

Within the next few years, we will have (or, already have) off-road-centric midsize trucks from Toyota, Chevrolet and FCA (the Jeep Scrambler). Those are just the confirmed automakers that will build a beefier, off-road versions of their regular trucks.  Considering Ford’s dominance and success with the current Ford F-150 Raptor, they could hold a similar position with the emerging midsize pickup truck segment.

Time will tell my friend.

N

Check out this badass Jeep Trackhawk 0 to 60 mph run!

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.