Talking Cars 193: Volvo Limits Top Speeds, and the Cadillac XT4

Plus, our podcast panel answers your questions about first-time car ownership, airbags, and door hinges

By Jon Linkov

March 11, 2019

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Main theme: Volvo announced that it's going to limit the top speed on all its new cars to 112 mph. We discuss why, what the move means for safety, and whether top speed really matters to the average car buyer.

Then we discuss the new 2019 Cadillac XT4. It's an entry-level compact SUV with luxury touches. But is it really worth the extra money compared with a well-equipped Mazda CX-5? Or should you spend a little more and get a larger SUV?

Driven this week: 2019 Cadillac XT4

Audience questions:

I've never owned a car before. What do I need to know before I start driving in the city?
My friend has an interesting thought about airbags. Is he correct?
Why aren't car doors easier to open in tight parking spaces?

As with other "Talking Cars" episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You'll also find the audio on Spotify and video on YouTube.

• The New Ford Ranger, Fate of CR Test Cars, episode 192
• 2019 Autos Spotlight, episode 191
• Cars That Broke Our Hearts, episode 190
• Questions: AWD, Tires, Teens, episode 189
• Honda Passport, Loyalty Programs, episode 188

Have a Question?

We'd love to include it in a future show. Click here to upload your video questions to our Dropbox folder. Please send high-definition (1920x1080) MP4 video files with high-quality audio. Or send an iMessage question to our TalkingCars@icloud.com account.

Jon Linkov

I owe my career to two fateful events: my father buying a 1965 Corvette and my purchase of an Audi A4 rather than a Chevy Tahoe. The Corvette jump-started my love of cars, and the Audi led me to automotive journalism, track days, and amateur car repair. In my free time I cycle as much as possible, no matter the season. Follow me on Twitter. (@CRCarsJon)