Volvo S60 2,4 D: Collecting with a balanced chassis

Volvo and diesel - at least according to conventional wisdom - that fits really well. The customers see the same obviously, because the diesel share at Volvo marched smartly out of 20 in direction 30 percent. So far, however, bought the Ford diesels have their daughter at VW / Audi. This one was not up to date. In V70 & Co did still the five-cylinder TDI service, which once rang in the Audi 100, the direct-era and has long been banished from the motor program of Ingolstadt.

Body / interior
Already optically adopt the 4.58-meter S 60 of the Swedish model family to recognize it as unquestionable. The front end is very similar to those of the two brothers. The rear with its contoured surround in turn refers to the design of S 80 and C 70 coupe, on whose platform of the S 60 also based. From the C-pillar, the S border 60 by a curved line and a very pretty short boot from.

This has two practical disadvantages: In the back of the head is not freedom with the best appointed and the opening of the luggage compartment is quite small, since the Swedes not a big hatchback tailgate have installed the despite.

Too bad, because that would be an important advantage of the S 60 can gain over the competition. The lures to make matters worse, even with alternative body styles such as station wagons or, alternatively, Compacts or coupe.

And despite conceptually favorable conditions (transversely mounted front engine), the space is in the back also in terms of legroom is rather limited.

Points, the S 60 in the traditional Volvo-domain security. This protects the middle graders its passengers with six airbags. From the big brother he has whiplash protection system inherited, the stiff neck following a rear impact is to avoid the infamous. Standard stability control is the STC, while the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control are paid except in the top version has extra.

Even with the processing quality of the 60 S leaves a good impression. The appealing materials are clean fit, even if the valve has got quite sober landscape. A playful balance is attractive for the gear lever with its hemispherical Alukulisse.

In general, the front seat ends can certainly feel good. The seats are comfortable and can go through a variety of adjustment in anatomically correct positions. The clarity is comparatively high and the operation is no mystery.

Chassis / handling
The medium-class Volvo presents itself as a very sure-footed car. Even without the electronic helper he turns out to be harmless understeer. Cycles were not there to determine. With the electronic stability program, the behavior borders anyway to fool security.

Nice that this one quite appealing, though not razor sharp precision handling has been achieved. It prepares but quite fun, move the S 60 to fast on country roads.

Even in the comfort are the youngest child in Sweden no nakedness. At most, very short stroke shocks, with little let the response of the suspension to get their limits. Otherwise, passengers glide, but not swinging across all types of surfaces. It is extremely quiet. Neither the wind nor the rolling noise and certainly not the engine unduly strain the ears.

Overall, a very balanced vote. At most, the Sport Group may not approve the compromise reached here.

Engine / Transmission

The new house is Volvo turbo diesel quick start a success. The five-cylinder catapulted into the sum of its properties from the state in the top group of modern diesels.

Equipped with the latest features of high Nagler, such as the common rail system of the second generation of Bosch, which an injection pressure of 1600 bar provides now of, four valves per cylinder and variable (VNT) turbocharger he particularly excels with very harmonious performance characteristics. From turbo lag or Starting weakness, and then explosively unfolding peak torque is virtually nothing left to feel. From approximately 1200 revolutions against the mighty shoves of gasoline is only 15 pounds heavier aluminum motor, and then developed at 1750 rpm its maximum torque of 340 Nm. The power peak of 163 hp at 4000 rpm, with surprising revving quickly reached. After just want more in a hurry, as necessary, to achieve the right connections in the next gear. Difficult but also does not, because the noise is moderate and in character more than five-cylinder dieselnd. And the sound of the odd number of cylinders was a certain appeal never denied nor.

The performance meet the expectations: Volvo promises the standard sprint in 9.5 seconds and remains at the maximum speed just under the speed winter tires (210 km / h).

At a diesel interested but of course especially true of consumption. In the EU, according to Volvo all run triple mix to one hundred kilometers only six liters by the common rail system. According to manufacturer estimates a peak in this segment. The relative assessment, we can connect a subject to something more intensive review, the absolute number will be but - as so often reach - in practice, very difficult.

The five-speed gearbox is precise and smooth. Also, the variation does make sense. So it is acceptable that the automatic transmission offered in 2002 is beginning.

Even if the new diesel engine fits very well with the Volvos (next to S 60 are also benefiting V 70 and S 80 of the new development), is to be hoped that it also in other large Ford vehicles of the Group's entry continues. Well imagine he would be at least in the new X-Type ...

Costs
The 163-hp diesel in the Volvo S60 cost at least 54 176 marks. Included in the base price is basically a complete equipment. It includes power mirrors, the vehicle dynamics control DSTC, the WHIPS whiplash protection system, air conditioning, adjustable lumbar support and other features. Of course, drifts as with many other cars in the price sky-high as soon as another Luxusbeiwerk is ordered.

With a base price of the Volvo is not a bargain, but a cheap offer: So is the weaker BMW 320 D, only about 2,000 marks more expensive, while the slightly stronger 330 D 10 000 Mark costs more equal. Similarly, the relation to the Audi A4, is where the 130-horsepower diesel cheaper, but the comparable 155-hp V6 version about 2000 Mark is more expensive.

For insurance and maintenance costs of the ignition is in the frame. The warranty period should be better.

Datasheet
ngine 5-cylinder turbo diesel with direct injection
Displacement (cm 3) 2401
Horsepower (KW) at U / min -1 163 (120) at 4000
Maximum speed (km / h) 210
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (sec) 9.5
Transmission 5-speed
Drive Front-wheel drive
Road test consumption (l/100 km) min. 4.7
Weight, Manufacturer
specification (kg) 1576
max. Payload (kg) 454
Price (Euro) 27 700
Emission standard EU3
Road tax (annual) / Euro ago 386.00
Comprehensive insurance class: ABS with Brake Assist, ESP, front side airbags, head airbags front and rear automatic climate control,
Standard equipment: * Manufacturer's specification according to EU standard

Conclusion
Volvo and diesel - that fits in autumn (delivery date) really well. The best Volvo five-cylinder is in fact now is a diesel. In the present case, the diesel is even better than the car. The S 60 while collecting with a balanced chassis, make good acoustics as well as its high-quality appearance of plus points, but must at Karosseriegeräumigkeit Luggage and accessibility feathers. Since the competition is crucial, however, even in alternative body styles better. This, however, there are 60 Volvo at least not based on the S. The design, however, many may take for the beautiful Sweden. Now the Scandinavians would bring himself only as the colleagues of Ford in Cologne to a doubling of the warranty.

Plus and minus
+ Good performance
+ Smooth power delivery
+ A safe driving
+ Good suspension and acoustics
- Fond of scarce
- Small trunk lid

Mercedes CLK Cabrio: Well-made total convertible

More expensive average
Mercedes and convertible - which has traditions. The Stuttgart sell cars and have been open for decades with its trend towards younger audiences, the segment for fans of the top is extended. The Stuttgart-based offering in the middle goes by the name CLK convertible and offers four full seats.

Body / interior
The Mercedes CLK cabriolet based on the mid-1994 presented by Mercedes, which was now shown by the new C-Klasseabgelöst. With the face of double headlights but does the 4.56 meter long car was still timely.

Also in operation and instrumentation of the Benz is largely up to date. Only the left control stalk interferes overloaded as well as the antiquated hand brake, which for decades with the left foot is pressed at Mercedes. Merely observing the Stuttgart should also another detail: namely, that a practical control of all four side windows using a button, as it offers the latest generation of the three convertibles.

On the interior space and the seats there is nothing wrong, however. The fitting for all passengers fit. By means of the control options to the well-formed and sufficient lateral support offered seats (leather extra charge) should any stature driver find a suitable position. However, criticism is the lack of inclination adjustment of the seat.

Also a lot in the back seat convertible may take longer than the evening ride home from the pub. The CLK Cabriolet offers four complete so seats. To further ensure the well-being in a closed car very well-made and fabric lined with soft top. Might almost be thought of sitting in a traditional sedan.

A rotation release knob on the roof and make the subsequent operation of the switch for the motor-driven transformation of the CLK in a convertible. With the opening process is not always without friction. Frequently happening across the actuating said button is nothing, or the roof operation breaks from the middle of the process of completely inexplicable reasons. In addition, crashes and crunches the top mechanics during the process so vehemently believe that you like, you've captured a half-tree, which crushed the folding of the roof slowly. At least the top compartment closes by means of a solid cover.

When closed, convinced the convertible with low wind noise. Also leaves open the drive's fine. Is still the front seats insertable wind deflector mounted behind, convertible convinced by the substantial absence of turbulence up to high speed regions.

Chassis / handling
The ride is traditionally the domain of cars. Also our CLK convinced in this chapter. Unevenness irons designed long-throw suspension of the Mercedes good. Combined with the smooth but enough mediating contact with the road, the steering proves Mercedes car as pleasant journey.

Sporting approaches are alien to him, however. On this point, still shows the competition, where the bar for four-seat convertible is agile handling. From a security point on the other hand does not hurt the more comfortable design. With forced pace of the Mercedes is clean on the street and behaves in critical load changes. The brakes work good modulation and delay stable tracking also at high motorway speeds.

Engine / Transmission
Mercedes offers a range of engines for its open middle class. Initial version is also in the test car mounted 2289 cc four-cylinder. By means of the rediscovered by Mercedes compressor charging the machine makes 193 hp.

On the performance development, there is nothing wrong. Unlike machines, turbocharged engine is the compressor with its permanently powered compressor without turbo lag out completely. From idle, the Mercedes is well on gas and enjoys a steady power delivery.

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Thus, the stock has the positive properties of the drive unit but unfortunately exhausted. The supercharged engine makes noise from medium engine speeds that is so vehemently that one involuntarily of a capital leak in the exhaust system thinks. The ordinary noise does not fit at all to the otherwise distinguished character of the Mercedes, and even less for a car for about 90 000 marks. Also, the automatic transmission shows dark side. His shifting leads the five-speed box made of very hard, but is not precise on the other hand: when to kick down the motorway inclines can often decide the transmission after several seconds memorial, whether it even takes a lower gear. Fortunately, the Automatic "adaptive", ie capable of learning.

At least, the temperament of the supercharged engine, it is unable to reduce significantly: even above 200 kilometers per hour, the convertible willing to put in speed.

However provides that the CLK any weakness and confirms the tendency that the compressor machines are relatively economical. With a little restrained gas foot, we identified a mixed consumption of 11.2 liters.

Costs
n its basic version will cost the Mercedes 79 460 Mark (September 2000). Series include ABS, four airbags, electric hood, electric mirrors, central locking with remote control and Bordcomputer.Den jump to the six-cylinder Mercedes can pay with violent charge: At least 95 000 Mark does the 218-hp CLK 320th By comparison, the strongest competitor BMW 3 Series Convertible offers its six-cylinder "as the 325i already for 69 to 900 marks, while for the 231-hp 330i only 77 400 marks.

The equipped with extras such as automatic transmission (3712 dollars), heated (675 marks), leather seats (3596 dollars), air conditioning (at least 3190 dollars), wind deflector (650 marks) and other ingredients test car had a value of over 92 000 marks.

Since there is little consolation that the insurance classification of the CLK is relatively cheap. The maintenance intervals depend on the driving style and displayed in the cockpit.

Datasheet
Engine Four-cylinder inline engine
Displacement (cm 3) 2278
Horsepower (KW) at U / min -1 193 (142) at 5500
Max torque (Nm) at rpm -1 280 at 2500
Maximum speed (km / h) 230
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Drive Rear
Road test consumption (l/100 km) min. 9.1
Price (Euro) 40 627
Emission standard D4
Road tax (annual) / Euro ago 155.25
Road tax (annual) / Euro new 14/35/21
Comprehensive insurance class: ABS, power windows, Central Department, four airbags
Standard equipment: * 600 Mark off tax bonus

Conclusion
The CLK Mercedes is a solid, well-made total convertible. He is a Mercedes from the old school with all the associated advantages and disadvantages. Comfort, performance and processing deserve praise. A real competition to the 3 Series convertible, but the Mercedes is not: That he lacks the playful handling. He is far too expensive.

Moreover, the vulgar noisy four-cylinder engine has a completely out of place in the noble Benz. This is likely, although the already high price of cars rising by participants reiterated his grip on the cylinder the better choice. So the answer is to our initial question: The expectations of a 90 000-mark-do not meet the CLK Cabriolet. For less money there is anywhere else in improving ways of cars.

Plus and minus
+ Good workmanship
+ Economical engine
+ Good performance
+ Four full seats
+ Low turbulence
- Noisy engine
- Bad value for money

Porsche 918 Spyder: Combines the features of high-tech electric mobility and offer a range of fascinating qualities

The 918 Spyder is one of the three models of Porsche hybrid system that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2010 . This trio, comprised of the new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with a full parallel hybrid system, the race car 911 GT3 R Hybrid with electric traction on the front axle and a mass flywheel battery and the sports car 918 Spyder two-seater high-performance , with center-mounted engine and plug-in hybrid technology, clearly demonstrates not only the high bandwidth of this new drive technology, but also the innovative power of Porsche as a genuine pioneer in the hybrid system.

The 918 Spyder race combines the features of high-tech electric mobility and offer a range of fascinating qualities. It is planned to provide an emission level of only 70 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer fuel consumption of only three liters per 100 kilometers (roughly equivalent to 78 mpg).

The prototype car Spyder 918 highly innovative combination of intelligent performance philosophy of Porsche with high technology of motorsports, with a classic yet modern design to make a truly convincing statement.

Roadster This car has a V8 engine that develops high-speed over 500 hp and a maximum engine speed of 9,200 rpm, as well as electric motors in the front and rear with a total mechanical power of 218 hp (160 kW) .

The combustion engine V8 is another further development of the 3.4-liter powerplant highly successful and presented in the RS Spyder race car and located in the center opposite the rear axle, giving the car excellent balance and configuration exact optimal performance on the racetrack.

The power reserve is a lithium ion battery liquid cooled located behind the passenger compartment. The great advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that you can charge the battery in a common grid.

In addition, a button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose between four different modes of operation: the E-Drive mode (electrical conductivity) is to turn the car on electric power only, with a range of 25 kilometers or 16 miles. In hybrid mode, the 918 Spyder uses both electric motors and combustion engines as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range that includes, especially from high efficiency of fuel to be super powerful.

The hybrid method uses both systems sport driving, but with the emphasis on performance. Most of the traction power goes to the rear wheels, with moderate braking system on the rear wheels (Torque Vectoring) used to further improve the car's driving dynamics.

In hybrid form of racing, the conduction system focuses on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, moving the limit of the dynamic power output. With the battery charged enough, the button "push to advance" (push-to-pass) provides additional power (E-Boost), to get ahead or get even better performance.

With the hybrid drive system that offers this wide range of modalities and individual applications, the 918 Spyder is capable of achieving lap times comparable to those race car or a first-line plug-in hybrid with extremely low emissions figures and high fuel economy.

Saab 1.9 TiD 120 bhp 9.3: high-end sedan

The Swedish firm Saab has entered the market a saloon equipped with the less powerful diesel engine 9.3 with the range to cover each and every one of the holes that the market can sue.

The Saab engine 9.3 with 1.9, as high-end sedan, intended to occupy a space that until now was virtually in the hands of German companies Audi, BMW and Mercedes, offering a well finished product, but above all, with a cigarette consumption.

Aesthetically maintained in accordance with the other options in the range, with the concept of three volumes moving toward the family car, along with a sport that gives a very attractive personality.

Trying to raise the profile sporting side skirts do not forget a single line from back to front sloping give an interesting style, to keep the box back a little higher over the hood.

The most important changes which has 1.9 9.3 reside in the engine, because it has incorporated a new TiD diesel engine giving an output of 120 hp through the use of technology common rail direct injection, a product agreement with the Italian group Fiat engine.

This engine is quite noisy at start-up, calms down when you reach cruising speed, thanks to its six gears are allowed the luxury of a capacity to transmit a certain feeling of sporty driving.

However, the sixth gear to be understood as a way to save fuel and trowel comfortably, but not to force on, which should always switch to one fifth, or long slopes, which requires the vehicle running down .

However, twists in land becomes a fun car, great fun, it allows to take the cave with joy. Thanks to a tight suspension, body roll Saab fits perfectly with the track, thanks to a roll bar on both axes and the system that turning ReAxs causes the skid effect is minimized.

The interior has a quality finish typical of a Saab, and if it is true that in some materials have sought to adjust the cost, the truth is that you can not complain about anything in the Swedish firm.

All controls are on your driver's center console with a very well used which integrates the main elements of support of the car, with the location on the steering wheel audio controls, which is welcome because they give a hint security over the vehicle.

It is comprehensive, allowing four people to travel in comfortably, and adds a trunk capable of 425 liters, which can absorb the luggage of a family in a long journey.

In terms of safety, both active and passive, is guaranteed with eight airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS as standard with electronic distribution of the strength of mechanical assistance to control braking and cornering brake.

On the consumer, that's the best of this model, which even forced into a sporty driving is no more than 7.5 liters, and that for these days is very, very well.

2006 Nissan Titan: Very spacious, comfortable, with 2 front captain's chairs

We tested the Nissan Titan pickup that clearly mark a distinct levels in its segment.

Size in King Cab
The interior space deserves a separate chapter. We tested the King Cab that lives up to its name. Very spacious, comfortable, with 2 front captain's chairs and a full rear passenger that if 5 people can travel safely in this cabin. One of its main advantages is that it has grand opening rear doors that open nearly 168 degrees. It also comes equipped with a quality audio system Rockford Fosgate, one of the best brands as far as audio is concerned. It has a 6 CD changer in the dash and nine speakers, plus a low auxiliary horn, which together show a thunderous sound of no less than 350 watts output, a season for which sound like good sound in the car.

Convenience for loading
With 6'7 ", the box of the Nissan Titan King Cab is longer than the standard boxes of other models in its segment, with spaces for wheel well distributed, allowing more useable cargo space that offered half-trucks regular tonne.

Towing capacity of 2006 Nissan Titan is up to 9.500 pounds.

Powerful V8 engine
The seal of its power is based on a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 305 horsepower and 379 lb.-ft. of torque linear give optimum performance to the Nissan Titan. This truck riding a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The V8 has aluminum cylinder heads, cylinder aluminum block coated cast iron, forged steel crankshaft and a dual overhead cam head, graphite piston and supply chain simple stage. The figures confirm the claim that the Titan is the "best in class" in reference to torque and towing capacity, a distinction it shares with the Ford F-150.

In perfect combination with the engine, Titan provides an automatic transmission with electronic control and mode selector tow / haul (trailer / towing).

It is an ideal transmission to cope with versatility in any regime of hard work to be presented to the vehicle from the towing heavy loads and driving on the road to the tedious way a traffic jam.

In all types of weather and road conditions, the Titan is firm and secure on the road. Built with a ladder frame with full length side rails on all four sides closed, the Titan has a system of double-wishbone front suspension with shock absorbers all-steel spiral stabilizer bar and rear suspension rigid leaf spring.

The Nissan Titan is available in 2 different body styles: King Cab with auxiliary rear doors and a box of 6 feet, 7 inches. The other is the Crew Cab, with a wider cabin, 4 conventional doors and a box of 5 feet and 7 inches in length.

Serious contender
The Nissan Titan is already a serious competitor to the "big three" that have dominated the category 'pickups': General Motors, Ford and Dodge / Chrysler.

BMW 530i 2005: One of the best alternatives in the market means luxury sedans

BMW 5 Series has always represented one of the best options for those seeking a luxury import sedan medium size without sacrificing driving pleasure. The version of our test, the 530i is the middle option within the range, and as such is more balanced.

Redesigned in 2004, the Series 5 continues the renewal aesthetics of BMW 7 series started with the hand of the famous Chris Bangla. After almost 2 years since launching the line does not seem so revolutionary and generally favorable reviews.

Mechanically, the 530i rides on traditional inline 6-cylinder engine of 3 liters, with VANOS variable valve timing system with the yield up to 225 horsepower (the 2006 version of the same engine with double VANOS and yields 255 hp) .

Test Drive
Access inside the BMW 530 and the first thing that strikes us is the quality of the materials used. The leather, wood, controls and plastics inside the cabin are first class and pass an undeniable atmosphere of luxury car. Start the engine and the smoothness of the idle reinforce this sense of luxury and comfort. The interior space is quite large and the seats have multiple regulations that help each driver to find the perfect position. The space behind is enough for 3 passengers, although there are other cars with greater capacity.

The equipment is very comprehensive and the list of options to customize the car to our liking, but always paying extra for every whim. In addition to traditional Sport package (larger wheels, sport suspension, sport seats) and Premium (most luxurious leather and wood), a number of innovative options: active steering, active cruise control, and change SMG

Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)
With these 3 letters, SMG, BMW introduced the F1 sequential gearbox type. Each new version improves on the previous management and in this case our assessment is rather positive. In a fully automatic use does not change the softness Steptronic, but instead allows for better control in sporty driving with manual operation. Gear changes are quick acceleration, although not as a pure manual. Instead, reductions are dazzling, with the computer revolutionized the engine in each gear down, tip-style heel.

The behavior of the 5 series has always been very good, and to be a 3500-pound car is handled with impressive agility. This is part of the philosophy of the manufacturer BMW, which seeks an optimal weight distribution and engine configuration maintains the front and rear wheel drive for its "feeling" and driving dynamics. Outstanding safety, grip, agility and comfort of travel.

The only point that somehow out of tune in a set so good is the famous iDrive. Basically the system incorporates a central screen features air conditioning, audio, navigation and onboard computer.

Management is via a rotary button in the center console, type "computer mouse" with the aim of simplifying access to the growing multitude of functions in the car. The problem is that the system is difficult to handle, can distract the driver and takes time to become familiar with its operation.

With a base price of $ 47,195, the BMW 530 i is not a cheap car. Price considerations aside, the car is very good, one of the best alternatives in the market means luxury sedans.

Mazda RX8: Japanese sports car performance and The perfect car

Rarely is a car as original as many aspects as the Mazda RX8. But most important is to have technological solutions and original design, but the end result works!

Two key elements define the character of this model: its small but powerful rotary engine and its original bodywork, we dare to call "four-door coupe," with opening the rear opposite to the front ( "freestyle" in the terminology of Mazda), as in the new and expensive Rolls Royce Phantom almost half a million dollars.


The engine
Starting with the engine, with just 3 rotor and a 1.3-liter capacity is able to develop an output of 238 horsepower at an engine speed of 8,500 laps. The torque is not as generous and remains in poor 159 lb-ft, a modest sum in relation to maximum power and what other competitors offer "traditional" engines. But the fact is that the engine meets, not excited, but allows sufficient acceleration and recoveries for the car and enjoy its magnificent performance.

The change is significant aid, not only by the shortness of the developments needed to keep the engine running at high revs, but also for its ease of handling and short routes.

The transmission is to the rear wheels, of course, and the Mazda RX8 is a very balanced weight distribution, not only by the distribution base but also at the center and lower masses. The result is a very agile behavior while very progressive. Highway directional stability is also very good, thanks to the long battle (center distance) and it tuned suspensions.


Exterior design
Turning to foreign chapter, we will as long as each one considers the line, although we liked it, not only for the balance achieved between the silhouette of a sports car with the practicality of a four-door four-seater, but it also is quite remarkable the care put into every detail of design. Thus, the shape of a rotor is present in different areas of the car, but in a very harmonious.


The interior
The interior is another success, with good materials and high quality finishing. Furthermore, it is surprisingly large and holds four passengers safely. The only objection is the available space in the boot, not too broad, but not think it is a serious fault in a car like this. The equipment is very comprehensive, and through the options can leave the car "full equipped" for a reasonable price.

Speaking of prices, we think the offer with the Mazda RX8 is very interesting, offering a great value for the price. There are feelings that are difficult to measure or describe, but to say that he is seeking a sports car under $ 32,000, the Mazda RX leave an exquisite taste in my mouth "", with a quality of behavior difficult to find in the market, irrespective of the price of the car.

By now you've probably guessed test the Mazda RX8 we liked it. But competition is tough in this market. The most obvious competitor is possibly the Nissan 350 Z, which offers similar performance but the "flavor" is totally different. Other potential competitors are the Japanese rally cars, Subaru STI and EVO Mitsubhisi, which offer higher performance in exchange for a less attractive design. And the range of competitors can be extended in many directions, from the Audi TT range to higher versions of the Mustang. Variety is the taste and finally the benefit of this intense competition is the consumer who ultimately choose.