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.
In this edition of Ask Nathan:
- KIA Koup Turbo vs Hyundai Veloster Turbo?
- Classic Car Channel?
- Audi A2 in the USA?
- What’s the “Gold Hitch Award”?
The first question comes from a fan who is stuck between choosing a 2015 KIA Koup Turbo and a 2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo.
Q: Hi Nathan! I like that you are so open about enjoying all different types of cars. Now I have a weird choice and I was hoping you could give me your opinion. My family has been purchasing Korean cars for a long time and we’ve had very good fortune with Hyundai. My father wants me to look at the 2015 Hyundai Veloster, but I really like the 2015 KIA Koup turbo.
I know they are similar, but I like the looks of the KIA Koup better. Which one would you choose? By the way, I loved that your KIA Soul video you did, it was awesome!
작별 인사
C.K. California
A: Thanks for that great email! I hate to disappoint you, but I have not driven either of the cars you mentioned. I have driven the regular Hyundai Veloster and a non-turbo KIA Koup, but both of those drives were two years ago.
I can tell you this: from what I know about the KIA Koup Turbo, many reviewers seem to like it quite a bit. The Hyundai Veloster is more utilitarian, especially with that super deep trunk, but it doesn’t quite have the sporty look of the KIA Koup.
Pricewise, they are pretty close with the 2015 Hyundai Veloster with the Turbo R-Spec 1.6L 6-Speed Manual runs at about $23,000 and the 2015 KIA Koup Turbo SX 6-Speed Manual is about $25,000 fully loaded. If you play around with the packages and features, you can get the prices of both vehicles to hover around $24K.
Both vehicles make the same power, but the Hyundai weighs a little less.
Sorry, I wish I could give you an opinion; but, until KIA and Hyundai give us those cars to test, I have no wheel time with either car.
Cheers!
N
This next question is about our new TFLclassics YouTube channel. It’s been up for a little while, but now it has a ton of content!
Q: What is going on with your classic car channel? I never see any posts about it. Is it up yet?
I really like your car and truck channel on YouTube. I can’t wait for the classic car channel to debut!
K.
A: Good news! Our classis car channel, TFLclassics, has been up for a little while. We now have tons of unique videos filling the channel with lots of special vehicles and events covered.
Now, some people may have been slightly confused as there is no specific website for TFLclassics like TFLcar.com and TFLtruck.com, but we do have a proper YouTube channel!
Thanks for the email!
N
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This tweet (from @NathanAdlen) wanted to know about the possibility of an Audi A2 being sold in the United States.
Q: Do you think Audi will ever sell their excellent Audi A2 in the USA? I hope so.
A: Thanks for the Tweet question.
I’m afraid not. I hear wonderful things about the Audi A2, but (I believe) Audi deems it would compete with many Volkswagen products like the Golf and the Jetta. Volkswagen is trying to reassert itself in the United States after mediocre sales these past few years. Introducing a discount Audi might bite into their sales numbers here.
Believe me, I wish we had a few versions of the Audi A2 to play with here. Sadly, I doubt it will ever happen.
Wish I had a better response.
N
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This last question comes from a truck fan asking us about the “Gold Hitch Award” which is happening very soon!
Q: (paraphrased from a few questions) What’s all if this talk about a Gold Hitch Award? When is it happening? Who is eligible? What’s the prize and is it coming from TFL Trucks?
A: The 2015 TFLtruck Gold Hitch Award is our way of recognizing the best tow vehicle we’ve driven up the difficult Ike Gauntlet. The Ike Gauntlet is a towing test where we load the tow vehicle to a near maximum weight and monitor a run up to the Eisenhower tunnel. The run tests power, handling, towing capability, brakes and overall feel.
We are recognizing five categories this year:
Best Mid-sized truck
Best 1/2-ton truck
Best Heavy Duty Diesel
Best Heavy Duty Gas
Best (truck-based/frame-based) SUV
All of the trucks supplied to us performed well, but only five of the best will be rewarded.
Stay tuned to TFLtruck and the TFLtruck YouTube channel for more!
N
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
Check out this video of the surprisingly fun Volkswagen Jetta 1.8L!
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
