The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace’s Safety Systems Need Some ‘Tweaking’

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Jaguar is experiencing some major changes, and the F-Pace is no exception. Critics have slammed the luxury compact SUV for a lackluster interior that’s not on par with other luxury vehicles. However, the automaker has taken steps to fix that issue, and it has almost hit the mark with the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace. All it needs to do now is work on some safety features.

Try not to fall in love with the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar has made quite a few changes to the 2021 F-Pace, and most of them are good. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 246 hp. Another engine option comes as a turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. And all come with all-wheel drive, MotorTrend reports.

The 2021 F-Pace’s fuel economy is decent for a compact SUV. It gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. 

But the interior is where the F-Pace really shines now. Jaguar has listened to the criticism and has taken some major steps to fix the interior problems. First, the automaker updated the seating. The leather seats are attractive, modern, and comfortable. 

Also, the infotainment screen is now larger than ever. A 7.0-inch screen sits in front of the driver to display basics like speed, required maintenance, and vehicle information. Then there’s an 11.4-inch curved Pivo Pro central touchscreen. It’s much easier to navigate than previous F-Pace touchscreens and is a pleasure to use.

But this 2021 Jaguar F-Pace driver’s aid needs some work

Safety features are amazing and can prevent car crashes — when they work correctly. When safety features don’t work as intended, they can be dangerous, especially for drivers who have become reliant on them. 

For instance, lane-keep assist is designed to ensure the vehicle stays in its lane. For drivers who are sleepy, distracted, or impaired and begin to drift into another lane, lane-keep assist will activate and gently maneuver the vehicle back where it belongs. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case with the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace.

MotorTrend was less than impressed with the F-Pace’s lane-keep assist. “In the F-Pace, it was better at detecting lines on the left than on the right, but even still, it often came dangerously close to crossing the line before issuing a jerking steering correction — and sometimes it just blithely traversed the line anyway, tossing a late warning vibration in its wake,” MT reported. “At other times, the system added corrective steering tugs when action didn’t seem to be necessary.”

However, this luxury SUV boasts plenty of other safety features

Despite the lane-keep assist issues, the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace comes with plenty of other advanced safety features. It boasts blind-spot assist with rear cross-traffic monitoring, exit monitoring that alerts passengers of an approaching car or cyclist before opening the door, and a 3D surround-view camera. Forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning also come standard.

However, adaptive cruise control is available only for an extra $1,325. Because the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace has an already high starting price of $51,345, the up-charge likely won’t make consumers happy. It’s a helpful feature on highways that should be standard equipment on a luxury vehicle.

RELATED: Shut Out the Outside World in the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace

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President Biden’s EV Plan Makes Battery Recycling a Priority

by Gabrielle DeSantis

President Biden’s administration has been pushing hard to make EVs more available to the average American consumer. So far, the plan of action has featured things like monetary incentives and starting to electrify the government’s vehicle fleet. Now, though, Biden’s strategy is about to diversify via another tactic: boosting EV battery recycling.

According to the Biden administration, EV “battery recycling needs to be a priority,” The Drive says

President Joe Biden (right-center) examines the battery pack and chassis of a Ford EV | NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

For the last 100 days, Biden administration officials have been reviewing the US’s supply chains “in key areas,” Reuters reports. And one of those key areas is EVs; specifically, their batteries.

Modern EV batteries use lithium-ion chemistry, but they rely on more than just lithium. Metals like copper, nickel, and cobalt are also important building blocks, The Drive explains. And because the US is one of the biggest EV markets in the world, these materials are in high demand.

Increased mining and refining operations could meet this demand. But as you’ll soon see, that comes with serious drawbacks. Plus, Biden plans to use mines from allied nations to supply EV battery materials, Reuters points out. That puts limits on both the potential supply and the supply rate.

However, it’s not just high demand that’s leading the Biden administration to prioritize EV battery recycling. All batteries degrade over time as their capacity drops. Enough degradation and the consumer disposes of them. And without proper recycling strategies, the Biden administration estimates over 8 million tons of battery scraps will be dumped in landfills by 2040. Those scraps, too, carry a heavy cost.

Recycling an EV battery saves the environment and potentially consumers’ money

A blue-clothed 4R Energy employee moves a used battery pack from a white Nissan Leaf at a recycling facility
A 4R Energy employee moves a used battery pack from a Nissan Leaf at a recycling facility | Akio Kon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As we’ve explained before, mining and refining EV battery materials, especially cobalt, comes with extensive costs. Not just monetary ones, but environmental and human ones, too. And that 8-million-tons-worth of scrapped batteries? That’s an environmental and health disaster waiting to happen.

Increasing EV battery recycling, therefore, has several perks. For one, it cuts down on how much fresh material needs to be mined. According to a recent life-cycle assessment, recycling EV batteries could reduce fresh copper demand by 55%, Reuters reports. The same LCA also found recycling could reduce lithium mining needs by 25%, and nickel and cobalt needs by 35%. And less mining means less environmental damage. Plus, it means the US isn’t as reliant on external suppliers.

Secondly, recycling old EV batteries could reduce the cost of new ones. Not just by reducing mining costs, but also because the used materials are already in a purified state. And because recycling facilities aren’t tied to specific geographic locations, transportation costs would likely also be reduced. The result is a cheaper battery.

More details on the new initiative will be available soon

As of this writing, the Biden administration hasn’t revealed the specific details of its EV battery recycling push. However, officials plan to release more information on Friday, June 9, 2021, when the 100-day reviews wrap up.

It’s worth noting that the private sector has already started promoting battery recycling efforts, The Drive points out. For one, Tesla already recycles its batteries. And China’s Ganfeng Lithium Company is planning to build a recycling facility in Mexico specifically to supply the US with recycled metals. But having the government actively involved could lead to other suppliers accelerating their own recycling programs.

The end goal of all this is to make EVs the vehicle majority on US roads by 2030, Reuters explains. That means making them more affordable and environmentally sustainable. This emphasis on battery recycling seems like a solid step in that direction.

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RELATED: President Biden Just Announced Plans to Replace the Entire U.S. Federal Fleet with Electric Vehicles

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How Safe Is a Honda Civic Type R?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Since its inception into the American market, the Honda Civic Type R has become one of the most popular sport hatchbacks ever produced. Known for its superior handling characteristics and potent turbocharged engine, the Civic Type R is a blast to drive on the streets and on the track. But just how safe is it?

The Honda Civic Type R has advanced safety features

2021 Honda Civic Type R | Honda

RELATED: It’s a Great Time to Buy a Used Honda Civic Type R

While it’s easy to think that the 2021 Honda Civic Type R is a genuine racecar – given its specs – it’s not. The Civic Type R might have a 306-hp engine and a track-ready adaptive suspension, but it’s just as safe as any other Civic in Honda’s lineup. In addition to the brand’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which better absorbs and deflects energy in a frontal collision, the Civic Type R plays host to other passive safety features.

According to Honda’s website, those passive features include advanced front airbags, SmartVent front side airbags, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and a rear-seat LATCH system for smaller children. To keep those smaller children inside the car when it’s moving, there are also child safety locks on the rear doors. Who says that a street-focused racecar can’t be family-friendly?

The Civic Type has plenty of active safety features as well

2021 Honda Civic Type R interior
2021 Honda Civic Type R | Honda

In addition to the passive safety features that keep occupants safe in the event of an accident, the Civic Type R also has some active safety features that can prevent one from happening in the first place. First and foremost, the Civic Type R comes standard with the brands’ Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features.

This suite includes features like a forward collision warning, lane departure warning, a collision mitigation braking system, and road departure mitigation. These systems work to keep the car driving straight and on the road, while other systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist aid in driver fatigue while cruising on the freeway.

The Civic Type R performed well in safety testing

While all of these active and passive safety features make the Civic Type R appear safe on paper and in theory, putting them to use is another story. Fortunately, the 2021 Honda Civic scored high marks with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which granted it an overall safety rating of five out of five stars.

It also received five stars in the overall side crash ratings, which includes a side barrier and side pole ratings, as well as in the rollover testing. The IIHS fortified these ratings by giving the Honda Civic Hatchback a “Top Safety Pick Award,” which is the result of the car receiving “good” marks across the board when it came to the agency’s crash testing procedures.

The Civic was also rated as “superior” under the front crash prevention categories and a “good” rating for its headlights. However, the Civic Hatchback missed the mark by not offering standard LED headlights, which cost it the “Top Safety Pick +” designation.

The Honda Civic Type is safe

With all these different safety technologies in place, in addition to the successful testing to back it up, it’s safe to say that the Honda Civic Type R is indeed safe. The car has a lot of power and handling prowess to keep almost any driver smiling from ear to ear when driven spiritedly, but it also has the safety features to keep all of the occupants safe, and hopefully smiling, after a collision.

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The Most Reliable New Cars Under $30,000 According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Reliability is key when it comes to shopping for a new car. After all, who really wants to buy a new car only to run into significant problems down the road? The good news is that there are plenty of reliable new cars to choose from and, according to Consumer Reports, the following models make up some of the most reliable new cars under $30,000.

Surprise, surprise, the 2021 Toyota Camry is the most reliable new car under $30,000

2021 Toyota Camry | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Camry has a lot going for it. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, this year’s new Camry is one of the most reliable new cars under $30,000. The organization even gave it a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Though, that shouldn’t be too surprising. Consumer Reports has given the Camry high marks for years.

A reputation for reliability isn’t the only reason Consumer Reports included the new Toyota Camry in its list. The organization also lauded this year’s model for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and good fuel economy ratings. As for how much this new midsize sedan costs? This year’s 2021 Toyota Camry starts at $25,045.

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most reliable new cars under $30,000

Perhaps the 2021 Toyota Camry isn’t quite your style. Maybe you would prefer a sportier car instead. If that’s the case, Consumer Reports also tapped the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata as one of the most reliable new cars under $30,000. This year’s model not only earned itself a five out of five predicted reliability rating, but it also starts at only $26,830.

Reliability and an affordable price tag aren’t the only reasons to consider the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Consumer Reports also gave the Miata an 80 overall score in road tests. There’s a good reason for its high score too. Just check out what Consumer Reports had to say about this year’s model:

“This Mazda is one of the last intimate driving experiences; you feel like part of the machine that’s melding with the road. The Miata’s steering gives immediate turn-in response, and the car remains playful and predictable even when pressing the limits of the tires.”

Consumer Reports

The Miata isn’t the only reliable new Mazda that won’t break the bank

There’s no denying that the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t the most practical car. The good news is that the Miata isn’t the only Mazda included in Consumer Reports’ list. The organization also included the 2021 Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-30, and the Mazda CX-3 among its picks for the most reliable new cars under $30,000.

First, let’s talk about the 2021 Mazda CX-5, which starts at $25,370. Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a five out of five predicted reliability rating. The organization also gave it a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating and a 78 overall score in road tests. The 2021 Mazda CX-30, which starts at $22,050, earned similar high ratings. However, it did earn a 64 overall score in road tests.

A red 2021 Mazda CX-3 driving, one of the most reliable new cars under $30,000
2021 Mazda CX-3 | Mazda

As for the 2021 Mazda CX-3? This year’s model, which starts at 2021 Mazda CX-3, was given a five out of five predicted reliability rating by Consumer Reports. The bad news is that the CX-3 has been dropped from Mazda’s lineup and will not reappear after the 2021 model year. 

These reliable new cars under $30,000 are also very fuel-efficient

A red 2021 Toyota Prius
2021 Toyota Prius | Toyota

For those in the market for a reliable new car that’s also fuel-efficient and won’t break the bank, Consumer Reports highlighted several options. Among them are reliable new cars like the 2021 Toyota Prius ($$24,525), the Honda Insight ($23,130), and the Toyota Prius Prime ($28,220).

Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Toyota Prius a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Such a high-reliability rating is typical for the Toyota Prius too. As for how fuel-efficient this affordable new car is? According to the EPA, you can expect this year’s model to deliver an EPA-estimated 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway.  

A grey 2021 Honda Insight parked
2021 Honda Insight | Honda

The 2021 Honda Insight, on the other hand, earned itself a five out of five predicted reliability rating. According to the EPA, this reliable new car under $30,000 also delivers an EPA-estimated 51 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. 

As for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime? Consumer Reports gave it a five out of five predicted reliability rating. The EPA reports that this plug-in hybrid manages an EPA-estimated 133 combined MPGe and can save you up to $5,250 in fuel costs over five years too.

Choosing the best new car for you is doing to take a test drive

If you’re shopping for a reliable new car under $30,000, you’ve got a long list of options to choose from. While that’s certainly good news, to find the best new car for you, we recommend taking a few of these options out for a spin. After all, taking a test drive is the best way to determine if a vehicle is the right fit for you.

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