CAR WARRIORS: INFINITI Q50 HYBRID HAS GOOD POWER FUEL ECONOMY

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

INFINITI Q50 HYBRID HAS GOOD POWER FUEL ECONOMY

Reviewers say the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid has good power, fuel economy and tech features, but some say the quirky steering system is a deal breakerThe 2014 Infiniti Q50 ranks 12 out of 25 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Infiniti Q50, as well as reliability and safety data.

While it may not be the most athletic sport sedan, test drivers say the all-new Infiniti Q50 has a powerful engine and a refined, high-tech interior.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 comes with a V6 engine, which reviewers say provides ample power and swift acceleration. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard, and most test drivers say that it offers quick shifts that are smooth and refined. However, a few say that the Q50 would feel sportier if the transmission shifted even more quickly. The 2014 Q50 gets an EPA-estimated 20/29 mpg city/highway, which is about average for a V6-powered upscale midsize car. Still, four-cylinder cars like the BMW 320i and the base Audi A4 use considerably less fuel. Reviewers say that the all-new Q50 offers a comfortable ride and capable handling, though some note that it’s not quite as athletic as the BMW 3-Series or Cadillac ATS. An adaptive steering system is optional, and while it allows drivers to fine tune steering effort and the Q50’s turning radius, the bulk of test drivers say that the system feels artificial and disconnected from the road. As a result, some reviewers recommend sticking with the more conventional base steering system.

Reviewers note that the Infiniti Q50’s cabin is well-built with soft-touch surfaces and premium materials that include aluminum or wood trim. Most also approve of the Q50’s interior styling, but a handful of reviewers say that it looks a bit plain compared with the cabins of newer rivals in the class. Most auto writers say that the Q50’s front seats are spacious, supportive and comfortable, and that the Q50’s second row is roomy enough for adult passengers to be comfortable. Still, a few note that tall back-seat passengers may need a bit more headroom. The 2014 Q50 comes with a competitive set of standard features for the class, and most auto writers say that its new dual-screen infotainment system is high-tech and easy to use. A backup camera, heated front seats, Bluetooth, two USB ports, satellite and HD Radio and Infiniti’s InTouch infotainment system come standard on the 2014 Infiniti Q50. Available features include a moonroof, adaptive cruise control and a 14-speaker Bose sound system, as well as blind spot warning, forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems.

"When the Q50 debuted at last January's Detroit auto show, it looked overstyled as it rotated under the bright display lights. Now that we've driven it in real life, we rather like it." -- Automobile Magazine

"While we were lukewarm about the adaptive steering system under performance-oriented driving conditions like twisty roads, we found it to otherwise operate smoothly without drawing too much attention to itself. Overall, the Q50's blend of brawn and beauty make it a fresh, attractively priced alternative to its competitors." -- AutoTrader

"The 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan is a fitting successor to the popular G37 it will eventually replace; its boundless power, athletic road manners and elegant interior raise the bar in the class." -- Cars.com

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid seats five and comes standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. A 3.5-liter V6 engine and an electric motor are standard, which are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Q50 Hybrid is available in two trims: Premium and Q50S Hybrid. The gas-only Infiniti Q50 is reviewed separately. The Infiniti Q50 Hybrid is an all-new model for 2014.

The all-new Infiniti Q50 Hybrid has a V6 engine and an electric motor that are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Reviewers say there’s ample power and the Q50 Hybrid is fast off the line. They note that the transition between gas and electric power is seamless and most say the automatic transmission is smooth and refined. The base Q50 Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 29/36 mpg city/highway, which is excellent for a V6-powered upscale midsize car. Many test drivers are disappointed with the Q50 Hybrid’s Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) system, which allows drivers to fine-tune steering effort. They say the steering feels annoyingly artificial and doesn’t offer the driver much feedback from the road, so it makes the car not very engaging to drive.

Compare the Q50 Hybrid, ES Hybrid and 3-Series

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid is ranked:

#18 in Upscale Midsize Cars

#9 in Hybrid Luxury

#11 in Hybrid Cars

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

INFINITI Q50 HYBRID HAS GOOD POWER FUEL ECONOMY

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