PORSCHE BOXSTER TOPS MERCEDES-BENZ SLK, AUDI TT AND BMW Z4 IN CONSUMER REPORTS TESTS

YONKERS, N.Y., April 24, 2013 – Consumer Reports tests find the Porsche Boxster tops a quartet of convertible two-seat sports cars that blend a fun-to-drive character, plenty of performance, lots of features, and striking style.

In its latest tests of the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT, and BMW Z4, Consumer Reports engineers found each model scores well, but the redesigned Boxster easily comes out ahead scoring eight points higher than the SLK — which had the next highest test score.

The mid-engine Boxster delivers the purest sports-car experience of the four roadsters CR tested. CR’s engineers found it to be quick and agile, with an invigorating engine note. Braking is superb. Turn-in response is telepathic, and the body stays even-keel. All of that makes it truly fun to drive. The Boxster also has an impeccable interior, a tolerable ride, and a convertible top that operates with the press of a button and can be quickly raised or lowered while driving up to 31 mph. Thanks to a wind blocker, wind buffeting is minimal with the top down.

“The Boxster might not feel as brawny as a Corvette from a standstill, but acceleration builds quickly, and it’s smooth,” said Jake Fisher, director, Consumer Reports Auto Test Center.

The full report and road test results for all four roadsters are available at ConsumerReports.org on April 24 th and in the June issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands May 7. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information. Check out CR’s ongoing Twitter feed at @CRCars.

Helped by its retractable hard-top, Consumer Reports found the SLK was the most luxurious of the four cars and the best for a long cruise. With the top up, it provides the enclosed quiet and comfort of a sports coupe. But the top can be folded away with the press of a button. The SLK also shines for its sporty character. Handling is crisp and agile, with good steering feedback. At its handling limits, the stability control allows some tail slide, but the car is balanced and predictable. The ride is firm yet supple. And stopping distances are very short. The 1.8-liter turbocharged engine in the SLK250 can sound a bit wheezy, but it delivers plenty of thrust while getting an impressive 26 mpg overall.

Consumer Reports engineers found the TT convertible is not only a nimble, fun-to-drive roadster but also one of the few convertibles available with all-wheel drive. Handling is sporty but less engaging than the Boxster’s or SLK’s. Stops are very short, but the stiff ride can be somewhat taxing. A lot of noise comes through the soft top. At its high handling limits, the TT showed tenacious cornering grip. The TT is relatively roomy inside and has a nicely finished cabin with stylish details.

Consumer Reports also found the Z4 performs well, accelerating faster than many competitors. It garners better fuel economy than the Boxster, SLK and TT — an impressive 28 mpg overall from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The retractable hard-top operates slowly but keeps the cabin relatively quiet. CR’s engineers found the Z4 isn’t as fun to drive as the others. Braking is excellent, and handling is secure, but more body lean and a penchant for running wide when pushed makes it less engaging. The taut ride often becomes jarring. And the diesel-like clatter of the idling engine is not the purr that enthusiasts crave. The interior is well finished, with firmly padded and supportive but very snug seats.

Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

APRIL 2013
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Consumer Reports has B-Roll and still images from its test track available upon request of the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT, and BMW Z4.

CONSUMER REPORTS FINDS REDESIGNED TOYOTA RAV4 IS SOLID CHOICE—BUT FALLS SHORT OF TOP SMALL SUV

YONKERS, NY — Redesigned for 2013, the new Toyota RAV4 performed well in Consumer Reports’ tests—and achieved a “Very Good” overall score. But the RAV4’s performance wasn’t enough for it to reclaim its top spot among small SUVs.

The RAV4 now ranks, behind the Consumer Reports’ 2013 Top Pick Honda CR-V and the latest Mazda CX-5, equipped with a new 2.5-liter engine, for small SUVs. The race is very tight, only one point separates the CR-V from the CX-5, and the CX-5 from the RAV4.

“The good news for consumers is that the Small SUV category is a very tight and competitive race with a number of solid vehicles to choose from,” said Jake Fisher, director, Consumer Reports Auto Test Center.

Complete tests and ratings of the RAV4 and CX-5 appear on ConsumerReports.org today, and in the June issue of Consumer Reports, on newsstands May 7. The Honda CR-V was tested previously. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information. Check out CR’s ongoing Twitter feed at @CRCars.

Consumer Reports found the CX-5 and RAV4 are capable, well-equipped vehicles that provide versatile choices for consumers. The RAV4 is versatile, efficient, and easy to live with. Its redesign brings some welcome changes, such as an easier-to-use rear hatch that lifts up instead of swinging to the side, as it did in previous generations of this vehicle. With 24 mpg overall, it also stretches fuel dollars farther than most competitors. Its agile handling and spirited powertrain make the RAV4 enjoyable to drive. A roomy interior, super easy access and mostly intuitive controls add to its appeal.

For 2013, Toyota has dropped the optional third-row seat, which few people will miss, and the sprightly, efficient V6 engine, which some will miss. Knocks? The ride borders on being overly firm, the cabin is fairly noisy, and some interior trim is quite basic.

If the CX-5 has been a surprising sleeper among small SUVs, CR’s engineers think its new 184-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will wake people up. Included in mid-and top-trim models, the new four feels more muscular and provides much quicker acceleration than the pokey 155-hp, 2.0-liter four in the CX-5 that we tested last year and that’s now relegated to the base Sport trim. It got the same impressive fuel economy: a best-in-class 25 mpg overall.

Consumer Reports found the CX-5 is also one of the more fun-to-drive SUVs the organization has tested, thanks to its agile handling. Plus, it has surprisingly roomy interior and comfortable seats. Drawbacks include a noisy cabin, so-so ride comfort, and a relatively high price that doesn’t include several features found on competitors, such as heated seats and automatic headlights.

Consumer Reports tested the mid-trim CX-5 Touring stickered at $28,090, and the mid-trim RAV4 XLE was $26,802. Because Consumer Reports expects above-average reliability from each, the CX-5 and RAV4 are CR Recommended.

Consumer Reports finds Mazda6 Fun and Frisky:

In addition to the small SUVs Consumer Reports also tested the Mazda6 sedan. Consumer Reports engineers found the Mazda6’s 184-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a frugal 32 mpg overall and a diesel-like 44 mpg on the highway. That’s the best Consumer Reports has measured in a conventional midsized sedan, edging out the four-cylinder Nissan Altima (31 mpg) and Honda Accord (30) as well as many compact and subcompact cars.

“In a crowded, competitive class, the Mazda6 often gets overlooked by people shopping for a midsized sedan. But with the 2014 redesign, it makes a strong case for the spotlight by blending eye-catching, coupe-like styling, a sporty driving character, and excellent fuel efficiency,” said Fisher.

Note to the media: Consumer Reports has B-Roll and still images from its test track available upon request of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6.