MotorWeek Podcast #160: Compact Sedans, Porsche 911 GT3, and VW Atlas

In MotorWeek Podcast 160, Brian Robinson and the gang talk about MotorWeek's latest comparison of $23,000 compact sedans. The crew also discusses the family-sized Volkswagen Atlas 3-row crossover and the incredible Porsche 911 GT3. Plus, the panel talks about what modern vehicles will be collectable in 30 years, and they also answer a question from a young viewer about the difference between supercars and sports cars.

[sunsetoriginals]

maybe power/weight ratio? defining sports/super/hyper cars

[jpmackin]

Some journalists who have driven the Atlas have complained the front seats are terrible. The lack of lumbar support, etc.. What was your guys take on the comfort please?

[ibjeepr]

I just did a 2017 sub-$21k automatic (base or nearly base level) test when recently car shopping. I drove the Civic LX, Corolla LE, Forte, Jetta and Mazda3. Base Forte isn't even on the radar. The Corolla by far had the best Tech standard but worst transmission and low MPG's. Civic required $1000 to get Honda Sense to get the same tech level as the Corolla with a marginally better drive, questionable styling and hub caps but much better MPG's. Jetta provided a nicer drive than Civic but was otherwise unremarkable. I ended up buying a Mazda3 2.0, mid level tech but by far the most enjoyable to drive and the hatch solves the space problem for me with middle of the road MPG's. I liked the Mazda so much that I actually decided to pay the extra to get the 2.0 hatch Touring which gives the best interior of them all by far and brings the tech close to the Corolla. There was no doubt after driver the Mazda3 that it was the one I'd rather drive each day. Give me Corolla's base tech, Civics MPG's and Mazda's driving dynamics with the Touring interior and you'd have the best of everything in the segment.

[triplehsheartattack]

why is still called a podcast? its a Video webcast show. Podcasts are for itunes only for ipods.

[benevolentson]

I think the term hyper car came about with the release of the the super cars that had some type of hybrid powertrain, ie La Ferrari, Porsche 918, Mclaren P1 and so on.

[navarrojiii]

FYI.... GT3 has had rear wheel steering since the previous model in 2014

[seinsmeld]

3 rows? 1 too many. Who needs all that room when the average family doesn't exceed 4?

[emeyer]

What happened Greg?Finally time for a haircut?

[samkeels]

Could you find four dudes that look and sound more awkward together?