In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Is this the new Chevrolet Trailblazer?
- Subaru XV Crosstrek vs Honda HR-V?
- What is going on with Colorado becoming an all-EV state?
The first question comes from my Twitter (NathanAdlen@Twitter.com) page. It comes from a Chevrolet Trax fan who spotted what could be the new Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Q: Hi Nathan and hi TFL team!
I think I spotted the new Chevrolet Trailblazer. I was looking for updates to the Chevrolet Trax, I have a 2017 and love it. I came across a photo and thought you might be interested.
I guess Chevrolet will abandon the off-road past with this new Chevrolet Trailblazer like they did with the new Chevrolet Blazer. It’s like GM likes to hurts its fans and supporters nowadays.
I hope things change. I hope they have a change of heart. I hope they hire an entirely new executive staff! Nathan, you should run the damn company!
Phil D
A: Thanks Phil! I appreciate the sentiment and the email! It looks like this is a Chinese market Chevrolet Tracker that comes with a 1-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine. It is a bit longer, lower and wider than the Chevrolet Trax, but not by much.
It’s entirely possible that this is the basis for the upcoming Chevrolet Trailblazer that’s been widely rumored to enter production behind the Chevrolet Blazer. If that’s the case, there’s a possibility that the Trailblazer will replace the Chevrolet Trax.
We should know a lot more about the new Chevrolet Trailblazer in the near future.
N
The next question comes from a shopper who is looking at a new Subaru Crosstrek XV and a Honda HR-V to replaces her old Nissan Rogue.
Q: Hi. I’m looking at a 2019 Honda HR-V and a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek.
I have three dogs small, medium and large. I drive in snow all the time and I need something that is easy to park because my townhouse parking is very tight.
My 2013 Nissan Rogue has been pretty reliable, but not very fun. I was hoping for something that’s a little bit more exciting.
Thanks Nathan!
A: Great question!
Both vehicles are solid choices; however, they have different strengths.
The Subaru is unquestioningly superb in the snow. It has a solid reputation and it’s an easy driver. If you opt for the CVT (continuously variable transmission) you can get up to 33 mpg highway. If you opt for the manual transmission, you’ll get lower economy numbers, but it will be slightly more engaging to drive.
The Honda HR-V has no manual option, so it comes standard with a CVT. While it’s slightly more frugal on the highway (up to 34 mpg highway) its strongest suit is its utilitarian interior. It’s multi-configurable with more cargo volume than the Subaru. It’s an easier car to park as well.
Both vehicles start around $22,000 for comparably equipped models.
While the Subaru and Honda are both AWD vehicles, the Subaru’s AWD setup is widely considered one of the best in its class.
Once again, both are strong choices.
Best of luck!
N
The last question comes from a fan who cornered me in the pest store the other day regarding the executive order by Colorado Governor Jared Polis to turn Colorado into an EV state by 2040.
Q: “You saw that executive order that Gov Jared Polis just signed?
He wants the state of Colorado to become an all electric state by 2040. That means all EV cars replacing gas cars!”
Unknown person at pet store
A: It came as a bit of a shock that Governor Jared Polis very first action as the new state governor was to sign this executive order. He is using some of the Dieselgate settlement (nearly $70 million) that was awarded to Colorado at getting Colorado consumers into EVs. It will also go to help augment the state’s infrastructure to handle the increase in EV drivers.
He said, “Our goal is to reach 100 percent renewable electricity by 2040 and embrace the green energy transition already underway economy-wide.” – – CBS
While I cannot comment on the politics of this plan, it will require a lot of work with consumer, environmental COGCC and CDOT representatives to please all parties. Many doubt (near) future EV automobiles can give the consumer what they currently enjoy in gas/diesel vehicles (towing, all-wheel/4-wheel drive, hauling, passenger space, range, affordability – etc.).
There will be a mountain of work to get a whole state to move from one to the other. It will open up new employment opportunities, but it will mitigate others. It will also depend on how automakers respond to the demand for EV automobiles Coloradans want.
We at TFLcar, truck and Off-road will be keeping a close eye on this. Promise.
There will be a full post on this executive order on TFLcar soon (click here) – including more details, a counterpoint from the president of the Colorado Automotive Dealership Association and editorial comments.
Speaking four-wheel drive…
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.
