Episode 445: 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan, 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Manual
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AutoTrader.ca
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Motor Trend
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Haggerty
Hagerty is a car-focused company that caters to classic-car enthusiasts. It’s known for classic-car insurance and automotive articles.
driving.ca
driving.ca is a website about cars in Canada. It’s where you can read automotive articles and updates.
all-wheel drive
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to more than one set of wheels. That helps the car grip better in rain, snow, or rough conditions.
four-cylinder motor
A four-cylinder engine is the common type of engine with four cylinders. Here, they’re pointing out that the AWD version still uses the smaller, base engine.
blacks out a few things
“Blacks out” refers to darkened exterior or trim elements—often things like badges, grilles, or window trim—used to create a sportier look. It’s a common appearance package strategy that can vary by market and trim.
10.25-inch infotainment screen
That’s the size of the car’s main touchscreen. A bigger screen usually makes maps and menus easier to read and use.
8.8-inch infotainment screen
This is the smaller touchscreen size used in the U.S. version they’re describing. They’re comparing it to the bigger screen available elsewhere.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a long-running compact sedan benchmark, and the hosts use it as a reference point for what “contemporary” design looks like. The comparison is about styling and design language rather than size or performance.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car. In this discussion, it’s used as another example of a newer-looking design compared to the Mazda 3.
design language
“Design language” just means the overall look and style a car brand uses. They’re arguing whether the Mazda 3’s style looks current or more like an older design, even if it still looks good.
Mazda 3
The Mazda RX-3 is an older Mazda sports car. It’s known for using a rotary engine, which is different from the usual engine type most cars use. The episode mentions it as a throwback because it has a look that reminds people of newer Mazda designs.
LED headlights
LED headlights use small electronic light elements instead of older-style bulbs. They’re popular because they can look sleeker and often help the car feel more modern.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is used as a styling example of a car that leans into sharp, angular exterior design. The hosts argue that this kind of aggressive geometry ties the car to a specific design era, which can make it feel dated sooner than smoother styling.
design aging (timeless vs era-specific styling)
They’re talking about why some cars look newer for longer than others. If a car uses very trendy shapes, it can start to look old sooner, but if it has a simpler, smoother look, it tends to stay looking modern.
Chevy Cruze
The hosts reference the final generation Chevrolet Cruze as a styling comparison point for where the Mazda 3’s design “is coming from.” They suggest that the Cruze’s design direction resembles what they consider a more modern look, and they use it to frame how the Mazda 3’s styling fits into the timeline of design trends.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that’s built for everyday driving. It’s designed to be comfortable and practical for passengers and cargo. The episode mentions it while talking about the inside of vehicles and what they’re like to live with.
Mazda 3 Sedan
This is the Mazda 3 Sedan, a compact car. They’re saying the inside looks and feels older than you’d expect, and the screen/controls are awkward to use.
center console
The center console is the control area between the seats. They’re saying the infotainment is operated using a big knob/dial there, which makes it feel less modern.
touchscreen capability
Touchscreen capability means you can tap the screen with your finger to control the system. They’re saying the U.S. version doesn’t let you do that, so you have to use buttons or a knob instead.
8.8 inch version
They’re talking about the screen size—about 8.8 inches. Even though it’s a fairly large screen, they say it still doesn’t work as a touchscreen.
dial
A “dial” here refers to the physical rotary controller used to operate the infotainment system. The host argues the dial-based interface is awkward for map tasks—especially when using smartphone navigation apps—because it’s slower and less precise than touch gestures.
touchscreen locked out while moving
This describes a common infotainment safety design: touch input is disabled while the car is moving, forcing drivers to use physical controls (like a dial) or wait until stopped. It can reduce distraction, but it also limits how quickly you can interact with navigation maps and menus.
apple carplay
Apple CarPlay mirrors compatible iPhone apps onto the vehicle’s infotainment system. The host’s point is that when the car limits touch and relies on a dial, CarPlay navigation becomes harder to use—especially for zooming, scrolling, and selecting alternate routes.
android auto
Android Auto is Google’s system for projecting a phone’s compatible apps onto the car’s infotainment screen. The host is criticizing how Android Auto navigation feels when the car forces you to use a dial instead of touch gestures, making map interaction clunky.
google maps
They’re talking about Google Maps navigation. The issue is that the car’s control setup makes it hard to use map features like alternate routes and zooming the way you would on a phone.
infotainment design
This is about how the car’s main screen and controls are set up on the dashboard. Here, they’re saying the way it’s built into the dash can make it hard for people in the back seat to see the screen.
gauge cluster display
A gauge cluster display is the driver’s instrument panel screen that shows speed, engine info, and warning indicators. Here, the hosts describe a digital, single-color LCD screen placed between two traditional analog gauges, which affects how modern or “dated” the cockpit feels.
single-color LCD
This is a screen that mostly shows information in one color instead of full color. The hosts think it makes the dashboard feel cheaper or older than it should.
trim level
Trim level is which version of the car you buy—base vs higher versions with more features. They’re saying higher trims should get nicer-looking screens and displays.
adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control is like regular cruise control, but it can slow down or speed up to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. The car will show when it’s active so you know it’s controlling the spacing.
safety assist
Safety assist is the car’s set of help features that try to prevent crashes or warn you when something looks risky. This segment is talking about how those alerts show up on the screen.
digital speedo
A digital speedometer (“digital speedo”) shows vehicle speed as text/graphics on the instrument display instead of using a traditional analog needle gauge. The hosts argue that on this Mazda layout, the digital speed is relegated to a small area, while the rest of the display is dominated by other information.
analog speedometer
An analog speedometer uses a physical-style gauge with a needle and markings, even if the car’s overall cluster is digital. In this segment, the analog mode is contrasted with the digital speedometer mode, with different information (like trip or fuel mileage) appearing depending on the selected layout.
automakers just don't see compact cars as a priority anymore
This is a market concept: automakers may deprioritize compact cars when allocating engineering and marketing resources, often shifting focus toward larger vehicles, trucks, SUVs, or electrification. The hosts connect that to why the Mazda 3’s driver display design may feel unchanged or underdeveloped.
Mazda Cx50
The Mazda CX-50 is a mid-size-ish SUV in Mazda’s lineup. It’s mentioned as part of the SUV-focused strategy.
Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a small crossover SUV. They mention it to illustrate Mazda’s focus on SUVs during that time.
Mazda Cx70
The Mazda CX-70 is an SUV made by Mazda. The episode is talking about it as part of Mazda’s SUV lineup and how it relates to other CX models. It’s likely being mentioned because it’s meant to be an easier, straightforward choice within that range.
Mazda Cx90
The Mazda CX-90 is a bigger, family-oriented SUV with three rows. They’re saying Mazda used it to replace the older CX-9.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a three-row family SUV. They mention it because Mazda moved from the CX-9 to the CX-90.
Mazda6
The Mazda6 is Mazda’s older midsize sedan. They’re saying Mazda stopped selling it during that time, which is part of why they think Mazda focused more on SUVs.
Skyactiv
Skyactiv is Mazda’s name for a set of engineering ideas meant to make their cars more efficient. The hosts are saying Mazda tried some new drivetrain tech, but it didn’t work out as well as planned.
Drivetrain technology that never made it to market
They’re talking about Mazda trying new engine/transmission ideas, but those ideas didn’t end up working out for the North American market. It’s an example of how hard it is to turn new drivetrain tech into a product people can actually buy.
compression ignition
Compression ignition is how diesel engines start—fuel ignites because the air is compressed and heated. The hosts are saying Mazda tried a similar approach, but it didn’t end up working out the way they needed.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a popular crossover SUV. They’re talking about Mazda trying a diesel version of it, but it didn’t last long in the market.
Diesel issue (short-lived diesel sales)
They’re talking about Mazda trying to sell diesel versions, but it didn’t last. Even if a diesel idea makes sense on paper, it can be hard to make it work in the real market.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV. They’re using it as a comparison to explain what the CX-50 hybrid is likely like under the hood.
lane departure warning and mitigation
This is a safety system that watches your lane markings. It can warn you if you start to drift, and it can also try to steer you back—sometimes more aggressively than you’d expect.
blind spot monitoring
Blind spot monitoring helps you notice cars that are next to or behind you where you can’t see well. It alerts you so you’re less likely to change lanes into another vehicle.
2.5 liter Four-cylinder engine
This means the car has a 2.5-liter engine with four cylinders. In this segment, they’re using it to explain how strong the Mazda 3 feels and what kind of power it makes.
six speed automatic
A six-speed automatic is a traditional torque-converter automatic transmission with six gear ratios. The host calls it “old school,” implying it’s a conventional setup rather than a newer dual-clutch or continuously variable approach.
CVT
CVT is a type of automatic transmission. It doesn’t shift like a normal car; it smoothly changes the “gear ratio” to help the engine stay in the right power range.
weight
Heavier cars usually feel slower to accelerate and can feel less nimble. They’re using weight to help explain why this car feels quick even with moderate horsepower.
Chevrolet C5
They’re comparing the car’s weight to a C5 Corvette, which is a well-known Corvette generation. The point is that the compact feels surprisingly heavy for its size.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
They’re comparing the Mazda to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. The point is that the Corolla Hybrid is another AWD compact option, but it’s not as powerful.
turbo for the Elantra
They’re saying the Elantra feels more powerful when you get the turbo version. Turbo models usually accelerate better, which matters for everyday driving.
throttle hang
Throttle hang is when you take your foot off the gas and the car doesn’t slow down smoothly right away. Some turbo cars can feel a little “late” to respond, and the speaker says this one didn’t.
turbo engines
A turbo engine uses a device that packs more air into the engine, which can make it feel stronger. But sometimes the response can feel a little delayed, which is why people talk about throttle behavior.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV used here as a comparison point for ride quality. The hosts describe it as “boomy” and stiff over bumps, contrasting it with the Mazda 3’s calmer behavior.
2.5
They’re talking about engine size—2.5 liters. Bigger or smaller engines can change how the car feels and how much power it makes.
two-liter engine
They mean a smaller engine around 2.0 liters. Smaller engines often cost less and can be more efficient, but they may feel less powerful.
rev hang
Rev hang is when the engine speed doesn’t drop right away after you let off the gas. It can make the car feel a little less “snappy” when you change your mind with the throttle.
6.7 liters per hundred kilometers
That number is how much fuel (or energy, depending on the vehicle) the car uses per 100 km. A lower number usually means the car is more efficient.
combined city and highway driving
“Combined” means the efficiency number is averaged across both stop-and-go driving and faster highway driving. It’s a more realistic number for daily life.
luxury package
A “luxury package” is an option bundle that adds extra features to the car. In this case, choosing all-wheel drive also forces you to get that package, so the price jumps automatically.
trim/option pricing differences by drivetrain
Car prices often change a lot depending on what drivetrain and engine you pick. Here, they’re basically saying that adding all-wheel drive (and matching the right engine) can cost thousands more than the base setup.
turbocharged
A turbocharged engine uses a device that helps the engine make more power. In this segment, the turbo versions cost more than the non-turbo ones.
market demand shift toward SUVs
They’re saying people buy SUVs more than sedans now. That changes what sells best and can influence how much effort companies put into sedans.
carryover powertrain
“Carryover powertrain” means the car keeps the same main drivetrain (engine and transmission) as before. They’re updating other stuff—like the infotainment—without redesigning everything under the hood.
manual transmission
A manual transmission means you shift gears yourself using a clutch and a stick. The hosts are pointing out that manuals are rare in this truck category right now.
manual availability in the segment
They’re talking about how few trucks offer a stick shift anymore. If a Tacoma is one of the only manual options, that’s a big deal for people who want to drive a manual.
2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Manual
This is a Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, and in this case it’s the manual version. The hosts are talking about how that trim and the stick shift affect how the truck drives day to day.
side step
A side step is the little step along the side of the truck that makes it easier to climb into the cab. They’re saying this truck doesn’t have one, so getting in is harder.
selectable four-wheel drive
Selectable four-wheel drive lets you turn 4WD on when the road needs extra grip. When conditions are good, you can usually drive without it.
shifter
The shifter is the manual transmission’s control lever, and its feel (including throw length and any looseness) strongly affects how “connected” the driver feels to the drivetrain. The hosts mention the shifter has a fairly long throw and wobbles while driving, which can be a notable quality/feel issue for some buyers.
clutch feel
Clutch feel is how the clutch pedal and the moment the car starts moving feel when you shift. Some clutches feel smooth and predictable, while others feel grabby or inconsistent.
shift feel
Shift feel is how the gear changes feel—like whether the shifter feels tight and precise or loose and wiggly. It’s mostly about the driver’s experience, not just raw performance.
Jeep Gladiator
They’re talking about the Jeep Gladiator as a possible alternative to the Toyota Tacoma. The key point is whether you can get it with the setup you want (like a manual) and what engines are available.
V6 engine
A V6 is an engine with six cylinders. It’s a common choice in trucks because it usually provides a good mix of power and everyday drivability.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is an SUV made for off-road driving. Many versions let you remove parts like doors so you can drive with more open-air feel. The podcast mentions that you can still get a V6 engine in some Wrangler setups.
horsepower
Horsepower is a measure of an engine’s power output—how much work it can do over time. The hosts use horsepower figures to compare different Tacoma trim/engine configurations and to evaluate whether the base model feels underpowered versus higher-output versions.
hybrid power train
A hybrid powertrain uses both a gas engine and an electric motor. The idea is to improve efficiency, and it can feel different from a regular gas-only setup.
Tesla Sr Model
The Tesla Model S is an electric car, meaning it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. The episode mentions the entry-level SR version and its power rating. It’s discussed because it shows what you get when you buy the Model S in its most basic form.
pre-runner
A pre-runner is an off-road truck setup used in Baja-style racing. It’s meant to handle rough terrain, but it’s often not four-wheel drive—so it’s more about suspension travel and durability than maximum drivetrain capability.
two-wheel drive
Two-wheel drive means the truck only powers one set of wheels. Even with 2WD, you can still have a suspension setup that soaks up bumps for off-road driving.
longer travel suspension
Longer-travel suspension means the wheels can move up and down more than on a typical street truck. That helps the truck stay controlled over rocks, ruts, and big bumps.
factory supercharger
A supercharger is an engine add-on that forces more air into the engine for more power. “Factory” means it was offered as an official option, not something you had to retrofit yourself.
TRD accessories program
This is Toyota’s official way of offering TRD parts and upgrades. The hosts are saying the supercharger wasn’t just random aftermarket—it was part of an official TRD program.
all-season tires
All-season tires are made to be okay in a little bit of everything—regular roads most of the time, plus rain and light snow. They’re not meant to be the best choice for rough off-road trails.
Renault Wind
The Renault Wind is a small car with a unique style. The episode mentions the lowest trim, including simpler features like manual-style windows. It’s discussed because it’s not a typical mainstream car and feels more basic and distinctive.
Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a smaller pickup truck. The hosts mention it because it’s generally easier and more comfortable to drive than bigger trucks.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup that’s designed to be more car-like in ride and handling than traditional trucks. The hosts use it as another benchmark for comfort and ease of driving versus a larger truck.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact crossover-style pickup (often called a “crossover truck”) designed to feel more car-like than traditional body-on-frame pickups. Here it’s referenced as an easier-to-drive alternative compared with a larger truck.
Dense downtown driving
Dense downtown driving emphasizes low-speed maneuvering, frequent stops, and tight spacing, which can make larger vehicles feel harder to live with. The segment highlights how a truck’s size and driving characteristics matter most during everyday commuting.
pricing wise
“Pricing wise” here refers to comparing the vehicle’s cost across markets (Canada vs. the U.S.) to judge value. Listeners often benefit from understanding that taxes, import rules, and dealer pricing can shift what “good value” means.
Ford F150S
The Ford F-150 is a large pickup truck. You can choose different trims, and some are more affordable while others are more expensive. The podcast is talking about how the truck can be bought in a simpler, basic form depending on the trim.
infotainment system
The infotainment system is the dashboard screen and the electronics that run things like music, navigation, and phone connection. Different trims can have smaller screens or fewer features. It’s one of the first things people notice when comparing cars.
tuned by rd shocks
“Tuned” shocks means the suspension dampers are calibrated to match the vehicle’s intended ride and handling character. On a TRD-style Tacoma, that often translates to firmer or more controlled damping compared to base models. The goal is usually better body control over bumps and improved steering feel.
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker capability means the truck can play audio wirelessly using Bluetooth. In this case, the host is saying the speaker module is special to the vehicle, so you can’t just buy any cheap Bluetooth speaker and swap it in. If it’s lost, it may cost a lot to replace.
moonroof
A moonroof is a glass section in the roof that lets in more light, and sometimes you can open it for fresh air. It’s mostly about comfort and style. It doesn’t usually change how the truck drives.
JL
JL is a company that makes car audio equipment. If your truck has JL Audio speakers, it usually means the sound system is a step up from the cheapest version. The host is saying the specific JL speaker part can be expensive if it goes missing.
engine noise
Engine noise is how loud the engine sounds inside the cabin. Some trucks are better insulated than others, so you hear more or less of it. The host is saying this Tacoma feels louder than you’d expect for a comfortable daily driver.
wind noise
Wind noise is the sound you hear from air moving around the truck while you drive, especially faster speeds. It can make the cabin feel louder and less comfortable. It’s usually related to how well the vehicle seals up and how the body is shaped.
tire noise
Tire noise is the sound your tires make as they roll over the road. Certain tire types are louder than others, and rough pavement can make it worse. If you hear a lot of tire noise, the ride can feel less smooth.
fuel economy
Fuel economy tells you how far you can drive on a given amount of fuel. In the U.S. it’s often measured in miles per gallon (MPG), while other places use liters per 100 kilometers.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a family-friendly vehicle that many people use as a daily driver. They mention it to compare real-world fuel economy numbers.
low-down torque
Low-down torque means the engine feels strong even when you’re driving slowly or at low RPMs. It helps the truck pull smoothly without needing to rev it high.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is another midsize pickup that people cross-shop with the Tacoma. They’re saying the Ranger feels more up-to-date and more satisfying overall.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is another midsize pickup option. They’re bringing it up because some trims can be more exciting or better equipped for off-road than what they see in the Tacoma lineup.
GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is a midsize truck that’s closely related to the Chevrolet Colorado. They mention it because certain versions are geared toward off-road use.
ZR2
ZR2 is a special off-road version of a truck trim. It usually means the truck is set up to handle rough terrain better than the regular model.
AT4
AT4 is an off-road trim level. It generally means the truck has extra equipment and tuning meant for rough roads and trails.
TRD Pro / TRD Sport special editions strategy
TRD is Toyota’s brand for sportier and more off-road-ready versions of certain models. The hosts are basically saying Toyota spends its effort on the Tacoma with special trims because that’s where demand is strongest.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is Toyota’s bigger, full-size pickup truck. The hosts are saying Toyota didn’t feel as pressured to change it because sales weren’t as strong as the Tacoma’s.
Platform carryover and model refresh pressure
The hosts describe how Toyota kept the 4Runner tied to older Tacoma underpinnings for longer, which can reduce development cost and keep a familiar driving feel. They contrast that with competitors pushing the market toward more semi-off-road capable 4x4 SUVs and trucks, forcing Toyota to respond.
crew cab
A “crew cab” is a pickup with four doors, so the back seat is easier to get into and usually has more room. In this discussion, they’re comparing how that affects real-world comfort.
double cab
A “double cab” is a pickup with rear seats you can actually use, thanks to rear doors. Different brands use the term differently, so it can mean slightly different amounts of space.
hybrid powered
“Hybrid powered” means the truck uses a gas engine plus an electric system. The hosts are saying their experience with both the hybrid and the regular version didn’t impress them, and the hybrid had some odd problems the first time they drove it.
Nissan Frontier
They’re bringing up the Nissan Frontier as an example of a truck whose drivetrain feels okay to them. It’s part of a comparison with Toyota’s more complex hybrid strategy.
hybrid setup
A hybrid uses both a gas engine and an electric motor. The idea is to get better mileage, but if the system is too complicated, it can be harder to make it work smoothly and affordably.
Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown is a Toyota that’s meant to feel more premium than the usual models. In this discussion, they’re saying it’s unusual for Toyota and not everyone knows how to describe or sell it.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a very common, mainstream Toyota sedan. They’re basically saying it’s a dependable, easy-to-recommend choice compared with Toyota’s weirder experiments.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is Toyota’s best-known hybrid model and a benchmark for mainstream hybrid adoption. The hosts use it as an example of a “successful product” in Toyota’s lineup, contrasting it with more experimental or harder-to-market vehicles like the Crown.
SDV lineup
They’re talking about Toyota’s SUV lineup. The point is they’re comparing how Toyota does across different types of vehicles, not just one model.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a family SUV that seats up to three rows. The hosts are using it as part of a quick comparison of Toyota’s current lineup.
Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger version of the Highlander with extra seating space. The hosts are saying it’s a good choice compared with some other Toyota options.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is Toyota’s classic rugged SUV. The discussion is about how it’s not selling as strongly as it used to, and how other Toyota models are taking some of its spotlight.
Hybridization transition period
Automakers are moving toward hybrid powertrains. That can make some older or non-hybrid models feel less important, even if they’re still good trucks or SUVs.
Toyota's reputation for reliability ("bulletproof")
Toyota used to be known for being extremely reliable. The hosts are saying that newer trucks might not feel as “bulletproof” as before, even though Toyota’s name still helps sales.
Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s SUV, and the hosts reference a time when it was offered with a manual transmission. They bring it up to illustrate how rare and exciting manual availability can be on non-traditional enthusiast vehicles.
BMW M3
The BMW M3 is one of BMW’s most famous performance cars. They’re talking about whether a manual is worth it compared to an automatic/DCT, using the M3 as a reference point.
BMW M4
The BMW M4 is a performance BMW, closely related to the M3. They’re using it as an example that some “real” performance cars can come with a manual.
DCT
DCT means a dual-clutch automatic. It shifts fast because it’s ready with the next gear, so it can feel more “connected” than a regular automatic—though some people still prefer a manual.
Jaguar Ftype
The Jaguar F-Type is a sports car. They’re saying that, for this car, the automatic feels better to drive than the manual version they’re comparing it to.
five-cylinder engine
A five-cylinder engine is an inline engine with five combustion chambers, often used in turbocharged form for a balance of smoothness and character. The hosts emphasize that moving this five-cylinder setup from the RS 3 to other cars would create a “different personality,” implying changes in sound, torque delivery, and overall driving feel.
Audi S3
The Audi S3 is a sporty version of a compact Audi. It’s made to feel faster and more exciting to drive than a standard model. The episode is talking about why people find it emotionally appealing, especially compared with even higher-performance versions.
EA888 engine
The EA888 is Volkswagen Group’s widely used family of turbocharged inline-four engines. The hosts reference the EA888 as an existing engine that could potentially be tuned for more power, and they contrast it with the RS 3’s five-cylinder approach.
Engine platform sharing (cross-model powertrain swaps)
This is about automakers reusing the same engine across different cars. The hosts are wondering why they’d put the RS 3’s special 5-cylinder into other models, because that could make the RS 3 feel less unique to people who already bought it.
Audi RS 3
The Audi RS 3 is a sporty Audi model built for quick acceleration and strong performance. The hosts are talking about a specific engine setup that they think shows up in the RS 3.
Audi TTRS
The Audi TT RS is the performance version of the TT, typically associated with Audi’s turbocharged five-cylinder engines. Here, it’s mentioned as another model that may have used the same technology/component being discussed.
Cupra Formentor
The Cupra Formentor is a sporty crossover from Cupra. The hosts are saying that the same engine/tech they’re discussing is already used in that model.
Cupra
Cupra is a performance-focused brand under the Volkswagen umbrella. They’re saying the same kind of engine/tech is already used in a Cupra model.
flagship beating heart of this product
They’re debating whether a brand should keep its best, most special technology exclusive to its top model. If you spread it around too much, the flagship can feel less special.
Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf R is a fast version of the Golf. The hosts say the newer ones don’t feel like a huge leap, and they don’t like some of the infotainment changes.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a small hatchback car. There are different versions, including performance models like the Golf R. The episode is noting that the Golf R has used different engines in the past.
VZ5
“VZ5” sounds like an engine nickname or code for a specific five-cylinder setup. The hosts are trying to confirm the exact name they saw while researching.
Volkswagen Id4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV. The hosts are saying Volkswagen stopped making it in the U.S., which suggests they’re changing their EV plans.
over capacity
Over capacity is when a factory is set up to make more cars than people are buying. If the company can’t sell that many, it can force them to change plans or build different kinds of cars.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a bigger family SUV with three rows of seats. They’re talking about adding a hybrid version, which usually means better fuel economy and a different driving feel than the gas-only model.
kicking the can down the road
It means putting off a problem instead of dealing with it right away. Here, it’s being used to criticize automakers for delaying big changes.
SEAT
SEAT is a car brand owned by the Volkswagen Group. The host is mentioning it as part of Volkswagen’s strategy to offer different kinds of cars for different markets.
Volkswagen Buzz
The Volkswagen Buzz is an electric van-style vehicle. The host is using it to point out that some Volkswagen models aren’t sticking around in the U.S.
Lexus TX 350
The Lexus TX 350 is a Lexus SUV meant for families, with extra seating for more passengers. The “350” is basically a trim level that usually means it’s the more powerful/feature-rich version of that model.
