{"id":23246,"date":"2019-01-02T22:02:29","date_gmt":"2019-01-03T02:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=23246"},"modified":"2019-01-02T22:02:29","modified_gmt":"2019-01-03T02:02:29","slug":"2018-in-autos-10-things-that-drove-us-batty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2019\/01\/2018-in-autos-10-things-that-drove-us-batty","title":{"rendered":"2018 in autos: 10 things that drove us batty"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Automobiles are wonderful, complex companions. We bring them into our homes, depend on them, lavish money on them. Yet, they have flaws \u2013 some of which can drive us crazy.<\/p>\n

Some things that got under our\u00a0skin this year…<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Stop-start systems<\/strong><\/p>\n

Automakers gain EPA emissions credits for automatically turning off their engines at stoplights \u2013 only to turn the rest of us off in the process.<\/p>\n

2. Showy, non-functional design cues<\/strong><\/p>\n

Think fake engine ports. Fake intake screens. The VW Jetta takes this year\u2019s crown with dual chrome exhaust tips…\u00a0that have no exhaust pipes behind them.<\/p>\n

3. Coupe visibility<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get a cool coupe with a racy C-pillar and you\u2019ll likely pay the price in rear visibility. The Camaro is legendary in this regard, but this year\u2019s prize goes to the Toyota C-HR, which you not only can\u2019t see out of \u2013 but sitting in the rear seat feels like an underground bunker.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Infotainment touch pads<\/strong><\/p>\n

These maddening devices \u2014\u00a0on otherwise perfect automobiles like the Lexus LS or Acura RDX \u2014\u00a0exist despite the proven efficiency of touch screens and remote rotary dials. Trying to operate one while driving is like trying to solve a Rubik\u2019s Cube\u00a0in the dark.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Long alphanumeric vehicle names<\/strong><\/p>\n

The best mouthful of 2018: Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe<\/p>\n

6. Where’s my pickup’s corner step?<\/strong><\/p>\n

GM pickups come equipped with corner steps that are the easiest, safest way to get into the pickup bed. Why every other truck maker doesn\u2019t follow is a mystery.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0Where’s my adaptive cruise-control?<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the other hand, only GM pickups lack that most basic of electronic safety features: adaptive cruise control, even\u00a0on upper-trim, $60,000 High Countrys.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0EV range-anxiety<\/strong><\/p>\n

Electric vehicles\u00a0routinely boast 240-mile plus range, except when they don\u2019t. These ranges are generally calibrated in 70-degree\u00a0Southern California weather at the speed limit. But drive in 30-degree temps and that range can plummet by 30 percent. More degradation occurs when you travel over 75 mph. Which means that, if you\u2019re traveling with traffic at 80 mph to Traverse City, you won\u2019t make it.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0Drone on<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Insight is Honda\u2019s third shot at a green Prius-fighter. Based on the rock-solid Civic, it is attractive, stylish… and then you press on the gas pedal and the 1.5-liter engine\u00a0drones on like Ben Stein in \u201cFerris Bueller.\u201d<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0Genesis G70 Sport hiccup<\/strong><\/p>\n

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