By Nathan Adlen – February 3, 2019
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.
- Is this the badass EV Smart car?
- Should I buy the new Buick Envision?
- Chicago Auto Show upodates?
The first question comes from Twitter (@Nathanadlen) wondering about a story he saw on a badass EV Smart Car concept.
Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) Is this Smart Car EV (EQ4) something that can save the brand?
I know the Smart car is kind of a stinker. It was never great and MBZ never did much to salvage the brand here. Then I see this (attached photos) and I have to wonder if this would save the brand?
It looks so cool. Imagine if they could build something like this that totally undercuts Tesla?
Rendering/Concept: Robert Hahn
A: Hi!
The car in question is the Smart EQ4 concept by Robert Hahn. He penned the design to show the potential of the brand and, perhaps, to show Mercedes-Benz that there is still potential in the name.
For those of you who don’t know, Mercedes-Benz is rumored to be considering to kill off the Smart brand soon.
Hahn imagined the Smart EQ4 concept having space for five with good cargo, a 310 mile range and a 3.9-second 0 to 60 mph time. Very Un-Smart like aspirations, but even if something like this were to be comparable to a more realistic Nissan Leaf’s numbers, it would be a hit.
I mean, just LOOK at it!
Sure, it’s just a pen and ink concept, but it certainly has my attention. I say: Bring it ON!
N
Rendering/Concept: Robert Hahn
The next question comes from a Lexus owner who’s thinking about buying a Buick Envision.
Q: Nathan, I truly enjoy TFL videos! I was wondering what’s your professional take was on the Buick Envision?
I have a 2000 Lexus RX and nearly 20 years is kind of long. It was my late husband’s car and it’s a great car. Now I am in a place and mind where a new vehicle is appealing to me. I like a warranty and I like the idea of something that’s all mine.
You see, this will probably be my last car purchase and I want something special. After looking all over the internet and talking to people in my center, I think I may seriously look at the Buick Envision.
Do you have any experience with the Buick Envision? I live near Flagstaff, AZ and I need basic four wheel drive from time to time. I like the way it looks and its size. It seems smaller than my RX.
All the best.
Katie
A: Hi Katie!
You’re in luck! I had an opportunity to drive the 2019 Buick Envision on very challenging terrain. It did quite well and you can read about it (here).
All in all, Buick is one of General Motors’ gems. They build good machines for all markets and they tend to be very comfortable rides – the Buick Envision is no exception.
I liked the more expensive turbocharged model, which is no surprise given its hefty torque. Still, the regular engine is frugal and efficient. You might be happier with that one. The interior appointments, ride and handling are all comfortable and well balanced. It’s no sportscar, but it is a snap to drive comfortably and easily park.
I think you’ll be very happy.
Good luck!
N
The last question comes from a viewer who wants updates on the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.
(Via Twitter @NathanAdlen) What’s up with the Chicago Auto Show?
Is it any good this year? Any highlights?
A: Howdy!
It was a great show this year!
There were a ton of reveals including vehicles like the 2020 Range Rover Evoque. Here are some highlights we printed in TFLcar and TFLtruck. You can read our complete 2019 Chicago Auto Show guide (here).
- 2020 Toyota Tacoma
- 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition
- 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD
- 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
- 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
- 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
- New Ram 1500 multi-function tailgate (tailgate wars)
- 2020 Ford Super Duty
- 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
It was a great show!
N
Here’s a video highlight from the 2019 Chicago Auto Show!
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.[Ask Nathan]
Nathan AdlenEasily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.
