CarCast+Edmunds - Mercedes E-Class Diesel drive in Europe, Honda Civic Hybrid and new RAM TRX.
About this episode
Matthew DeAndrea and Alistair Weaver kick off 2026 discussing their recent travels in Europe, highlighting the automotive landscape differences between the UK and France. They dive into their experiences with the Mercedes E-Class diesel wagon, praising its efficiency and comfort. The episode also features a review of the Honda Civic Hybrid, emphasizing its value and practicality. The hosts explore the upcoming RAM TRX with increased horsepower and the competitive dynamics between RAM and Ford. The episode wraps up with a discussion on speed cameras and their implications in driving culture.
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Toyota Camry
"...n! Make your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma and more! Alright, let's sing it t..."
Toyota Tacoma
"...with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma and more!"
The Toyota Tacoma is a small truck that is good for carrying things and going off-road. Many people like it for its toughness and reliability.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its off-road capability, durability, and strong resale value. It is popular among those who need a truck for work or recreation.
Toyota Rav4
"...e your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma and more! Alright, let's sing it togethe..."
MG
"...they were quite clever in buying up old British brands like MG, the famous MG brand is now owned by the Chinese."
MG is a car brand from the UK that used to make sports cars. Now, it's owned by a Chinese company and is selling cars in the UK and other markets.
MG is a British automotive brand known for its sports cars and affordable vehicles. It has a rich history dating back to the 1920s and is currently owned by a Chinese company, which has influenced its market presence.
market share
"...they actually got Chinese brands in there and I think they've now got like 10% market share, if I remember correctly."
Market share is how much of the total sales in a market a company has. For example, if a car brand sells 10 out of 100 cars, it has a 10% market share.
Market share refers to the percentage of an industry's sales that a particular company or brand controls. In this context, it highlights how Chinese brands are gaining a foothold in the UK automotive market.
Peugeot
"...a lot of the French brands which are used to know so well and aren't in the US like the Renault's and the Peugeot's and the Citroens. And Renault in particular, I think it's an interesting lesson for what's happening in the US is,..."
Peugeot is a French car company that makes different kinds of cars, but you won't find many of them in the United States.
Peugeot is another French automotive brand that produces a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. Like Renault, it has limited availability in the US market.
Citroën
"...a lot of the French brands which are used to know so well and aren't in the US like the Renault's and the Peugeot's and the Citroens. And Renault in particular, I think it's an interesting lesson for what's happening in the US is,..."
Citroën is another car company from France that makes unique cars, but you won't see many of them in the United States.
Citroën is a French automobile manufacturer known for its innovative designs and technology. The brand has a rich history but is not widely available in the US.
Renault 5
"...the only thing really we've got is heritage, that people remember, you know, the Renault 5,..."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault that was very popular in Europe from the 1970s to the 1980s. It has a unique look and is remembered fondly by many.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by the French automaker Renault from 1972 to 1985. It is known for its distinctive design and was popular in Europe during its production run.
Renault 4
"...the Renault 4, these were kind of iconic cars in French culture. The Renault 4 was built for decades."
The Renault 4 is another small car from Renault that was made for a long time, from the 1960s to the 1990s. It was known for being useful and popular in France.
The Renault 4 is a small family car produced by Renault from 1961 to 1992. It is recognized for its practicality and versatility, becoming a symbol of French automotive culture.
Polestar
"But I have seen Polestar pop up in the shows, Porsche, Porsche Taycan, VW, like ID4, I think."
Polestar is a car brand that makes electric cars, starting as a part of Volvo, focusing on high-performance models.
Polestar is a Swedish automotive brand that specializes in electric performance vehicles, originally a performance division of Volvo.
Volkswagen Id4
"But I have seen Polestar pop up in the shows, Porsche, Porsche Taycan, VW, like ID4, I think."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV that is designed to be practical and eco-friendly.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality, technology, and sustainability, part of VW's ID electric vehicle lineup.
Porsche Taycan
"...en Polestar pop up in the shows, Porsche, Porsche Taycan, VW, like ID4, I think. So, I've seen quite a fe..."
electric vehicles (EVs)
"So, I've seen quite a few EVs pop up."
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline, making them more environmentally friendly.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Bentley
"...the girl in that show had a Bentley and then maybe that it took off and then he probably was like, he's like,..."
Bentley is a brand that makes very expensive and luxurious cars. They are known for their high quality and comfort, often seen as a status symbol.
Bentley is a British luxury automobile manufacturer known for producing high-end vehicles that combine performance with opulence. Their cars are often associated with wealth and prestige.
Mercedes-Benz Cclass Estate
"I've got like 20 bags. He was like, I can give you a C-class estate, C-class wagon. And I said, yeah, it's not going to work."
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is a fancy wagon that has more space in the back for carrying things. It still feels luxurious and comfortable like the regular C-Class car.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is a luxury wagon that combines the elegance of the C-Class sedan with added cargo space and versatility. It is designed for those who need more room without sacrificing luxury and performance.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"So eventually we did a deal. I got a got a Mercedes E-class wagon, which was a bit of a win actually. So I hope the guy, I was told that the guy who crashed the car was okay."
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a fancy car that's comfortable and has a lot of cool features. The wagon version is like a regular car but with more space in the back for things like luggage or groceries.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a line of executive cars known for their luxury, advanced technology, and strong performance. The E-Class wagon variant offers additional practicality with its spacious cargo area, making it a popular choice for families and professionals alike.
Volvo XC60
"...I think it was supposed to get a Volvo XC60, but that got total."
The Volvo XC60 is a luxury SUV that is designed to be safe and comfortable for families. It's a good option if you need a vehicle that can handle both daily driving and longer trips.
The Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury SUV known for its safety features, comfortable interior, and practicality. It's a popular choice among families and those looking for a stylish yet functional vehicle.
Volkswagen debacle
"They're not anything like the market penetration that they had after the Volkswagen debacle."
The Volkswagen debacle was a big scandal where a car company was caught cheating on tests about how clean their diesel cars were. This made many people trust diesel cars less.
The Volkswagen debacle refers to the emissions scandal where Volkswagen was found to have cheated on diesel emissions tests, leading to a significant decline in diesel vehicle sales and trust in diesel technology.
AdBlue technology
"...the modern diesel with all the AdBlue technology, which this has, it's basically as clean as a gas car, but it's way more efficient."
AdBlue is a special liquid that helps diesel cars produce fewer pollutants. It works by cleaning up the exhaust gases before they leave the car.
AdBlue is a fluid used in diesel engines to reduce harmful emissions. It contains urea and is injected into the exhaust system, helping to convert nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
torque
"...it's super torquey. I just thought this is fantastic."
Torque is the power that helps a car move forward. The more torque an engine has, the faster it can accelerate or pull heavy things.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine. It indicates how much pulling power an engine has, which is especially important for acceleration and towing capacity.
diesel
"Now, diesel's got such a bad reputation now in the car market. Although, I don't know, we still like it for trucks."
Diesel is a type of fuel that powers certain engines. These engines are often more efficient and powerful, but they have received negative attention for pollution issues.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel used in diesel engines, which are known for their efficiency and torque. However, diesel engines have faced criticism due to emissions concerns and a decline in popularity for passenger vehicles.
Ram 2500
"Yeah, I saw over the Christmas break, Ram came out with a 2500 with the Cummings diesel engine that's got over a thousand pounds feet of torque."
The Ram 2500 is a strong pickup truck that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It's popular for people who need a tough vehicle for work or towing.
The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and durability. It's often used for work-related tasks and can be equipped with powerful engines, including diesel options.
Audi Allroad
"...He's like an Audi all-road."
The Audi allroad is a special version of Audi cars that can handle rough roads better. It has more ground clearance and is designed for both comfort and adventure.
The Audi allroad is a variant of the Audi A4 and A6 models, designed for off-road capability with increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive. It combines luxury features with rugged performance.
plug-in hybrid
"...and I wouldn't buy the AMG because that's a plug-in hybrid"
A plug-in hybrid is a type of car that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge it at home, and it can drive on electricity for a while before needing gas, which helps save fuel.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This allows the car to run on electric power alone for a certain distance before switching to gasoline, providing better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
V8 engine
"They do it really nice like for 4.4 V8, which is in the AMG GT Cooper and other other things."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, which helps the car produce a lot of power. It's commonly found in high-performance cars.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design allows for a balance of power and smooth operation, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
"... it really nice like for 4.4 V8, which is in the AMG GT Cooper and other other things. Yeah, they were f..."
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a fancy sports car that's really fast and looks amazing. It's built for people who love to drive and want a high-quality experience.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a luxury sports car that combines high performance with elegant design. It is known for its powerful engine, precise handling, and advanced technology, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Honda Civic
"a few weeks ago. I grabbed the Honda Civic hybrid. I got the sport touring hybrid."
The Honda Civic is a small car that's known for being dependable and saving on gas. The hybrid model uses both gas and electricity to help you drive further without using as much fuel.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has gained a reputation for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty design. The hybrid version combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Bose Hi-Fi
"It's got like the Bose Hi-Fi. It's got a lot of stuff on there that just elevates it to the point where you go."
Bose Hi-Fi is a premium sound system made by Bose that provides better audio quality in cars. It usually has better speakers and sound technology than standard systems.
Bose Hi-Fi refers to a high-fidelity audio system designed by Bose, known for delivering superior sound quality in vehicles. It often includes advanced speakers and technology to enhance the listening experience.
CarPlay
"You've got CarPlay."
CarPlay is a system that lets you connect your iPhone to your car, so you can use apps and music on the car's screen. It's a way to make your phone work better with your car.
CarPlay is a feature developed by Apple that allows iPhone users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system. It enables access to apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's display.
Kia K4
"...er a couple of weeks ago. That's a nice vehicle, Kia K4. There's actually quite a good sweet spot of sed..."
The Kia K4 is a small car that's stylish and easy to drive around the city. It's a good choice if you want something affordable and practical.
The Kia K4 is a compact sedan that offers a blend of style, comfort, and affordability. It is designed for urban drivers looking for a practical vehicle with modern features.
Honda Accord
"...$35,000 range, then you scale up to like a Honda Accord and after a big call these days. Yeah."
The Honda Accord is a bigger car that can fit more people and stuff inside. It's known for being a good, reliable choice for families and people who drive a lot.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that is well-regarded for its spacious interior, comfort, and strong performance. It has been a popular choice among families and commuters for decades due to its reliability and resale value.
Ford F-150 Raptor
"...ed to up their own number. They needed to up the Raptor R number. And then, but the claim zero to 60 bec..."
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a tough truck that's built for driving on rough roads and trails. It has a strong engine and special features that help it handle bumpy rides really well.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance version of the popular F-150 pickup truck, designed for off-road capabilities and rugged terrain. It features a powerful engine, advanced suspension, and aggressive styling, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts.
Ford F150S
"I mean, it's a mild facelift like mid-cycle refresh of the, of the RAM. I mean, looking at ground clearance, the F-150's got 13.1 inches, TRX has got 11.8, you know, it's pretty, pretty close on spec."
The Ford F-150 is a very popular truck that people use for work and play. It's strong enough to carry heavy loads and has different options to fit what you need.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the United States, known for its versatility, towing capacity, and range of configurations. It is popular among both work and recreational users, offering a balance of power and comfort.
Ford Bronco
"...ght to go build out the Raptor brand. You've got Bronco. You've got Ranger."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that you can take on adventures, like off-roading. It has a lot of new features but still keeps the cool look and feel of the old Bronco.
The Ford Bronco is a classic SUV that has been revived with modern features while maintaining its rugged off-road capabilities. It is designed for adventure enthusiasts, offering advanced technology and customizable options for various terrains.
Ford Ranger
"You've got Bronco. You've got Ranger. You've got F-150."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller truck that's great for carrying things and going off the beaten path. It's a good choice if you want a truck that's easier to handle than bigger ones.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that combines practicality with off-road capability. It is designed for those who need a truck for work or recreation but prefer a smaller size than full-size trucks.
Ford Mustang
"...sense to, to, you know, they were talking about a Mustang of sorts, like a Dakar, you know, like."
The Ford Mustang is a cool sports car that's famous for being fast and fun to drive. It has a stylish look and a lot of power under the hood.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and sporty design. It has a rich history and continues to be a symbol of performance and style in the automotive world.
Porsche 911
"Yeah, I don't know whether that's just the internet. I think everybody was like, oh, they're going to build like a 9-11 Dakar, but it's going to be a Mustang."
The Porsche 911 is a fancy sports car that's really fast and fun to drive. It's known for its unique shape and how well it handles on the road.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car celebrated for its performance, engineering, and distinctive design. It has become a benchmark in the sports car segment, known for its rear-engine layout and exceptional handling.
Ford Escape
"I mean, it's interesting. The escape died at the end of last year. So, you know, Ford..."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that's great for everyday driving and has plenty of space inside. It's comfortable and good on gas.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a balance of practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It is designed for families and individuals who need a versatile vehicle for everyday use.
Ford Bronco Sport
"... a mainstream sensible car. I mean, they got the Bronco sport, but that's actually a little bit nichey. You kn..."
The Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller SUV that's good for city driving and some off-road fun. It has a cool look and is made to be comfortable and practical.
The Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller, more accessible version of the classic Bronco, designed for urban adventures and light off-roading. It combines rugged styling with modern technology and comfort, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
Honda Crv
"...it nichey. You know, where is the Ford, the Ford CRV or the Ford RAV4? There isn't one really."
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that has a lot of room inside for people and their stuff. It's known for being dependable and saving on gas.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that offers a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and a reputation for reliability. It is a popular choice among families and individuals looking for a versatile vehicle.
Ford Escort Ford
"You know, the mainstream market, I mean, I grew up and everybody had a Ford. Like they had a Ford Escort, Ford Focus, little hatchback fiestas. And, you know, same over, same over here when you think of the fusions"
The Ford Escort was a small car that many people could afford and use for everyday driving. It was known for being simple and practical.
The Ford Escort was a compact car that gained popularity for its affordability and practicality during its production years. It is often remembered for its role in making small cars accessible to a wider audience.
Ford Fusions
"..., same over, same over here when you think of the fusions and all that stuff."
The Ford Fusion was a medium-sized car that was nice to drive and had a lot of room inside. It was a good choice for families and people who commute to work.
The Ford Fusion was a midsize sedan that offered a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a variety of engine options. It was popular among families and commuters until its discontinuation in recent years.
Ford Maverick
"And let's do it. And let's do a Maverick truck, which is the escaping truck form. Yeah."
The Ford Maverick is a smaller truck that's easy to drive around town. It gives you the benefits of a truck without being too big.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that offers a unique blend of versatility and efficiency. It is designed for urban drivers who need the utility of a truck without the bulk of a traditional full-size model.
Ram 1500
"...ey're so competitive. It's like every time about 1500 comes out a Ram, you know, Ford's like, oh, we'r..."
The Ram 1500 is a big truck that's great for hauling heavy things and has a nice interior. It's popular because it combines power with comfort.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and strong towing capabilities. It competes with other trucks in its class by offering a variety of engine options and advanced technology features.
Toyota Prius
".... So we're talking about the hybrid, you know, a Prius or Honda Civic. It's, it's still got a version o..."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to help you save on fuel. It's known for being really good for the environment.
The Toyota Prius is a pioneering hybrid vehicle that has set the standard for fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
Dodge Charger
"... extend the hybrid truck fully, formally the Ram charger is the Ram Rev. Okay."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It has a lot of modern features to make driving comfortable.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that combines muscle car performance with modern technology and comfort. It is known for its powerful engine options and aggressive styling, appealing to those who seek both performance and practicality.
Chevrolet Corvette
"... wait. Did we talk about the Mercedes versus the Corvette? No, we should go out on that."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car that's really fast and has a cool design. It's known for being one of the best American cars for performance.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and advanced engineering. It has a long history as a symbol of American automotive excellence and continues to evolve with modern technology.
Porsche 911 Turbo
"grand tourer, really nice car. Especially now that the 9-11 turbo was so expensive. Yeah."
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a super-fast version of the 911 sports car. It has a powerful engine that makes it really exciting to drive.
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the classic 911, featuring a turbocharged engine that delivers exceptional speed and handling. It is designed for enthusiasts who seek both luxury and thrilling performance.
Porsche Carrera T
"...ly, like 140 grand in 9-11 terms, that gets you a Carrera these days. You know, or maybe a Carrera T, but ye..."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a super-fast sports car that's really special and hard to find. It's known for being one of the best cars to drive because of how well it's made.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a high-performance supercar known for its exceptional engineering and driving dynamics. It features a powerful V10 engine and is celebrated for its rarity and status among car enthusiasts.
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