The electric steering is acceptably directional, if you know what I mean, but it isn't filled with the tiller-joy.
Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering system.
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The electric power steering is nicely weighted, almost heavy, and the car goes where it is pointed.
But transitional, corner-to-corner manners are solid and reassuring, and the electric power steering direct, linear and reasonably communicative.
Electric power steering delivers heavy, slightly numb response, especially at low speeds.
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The electric power steering is a little unresponsive on center usually, but gets more reactive and tactile the harder you drive the car.
The speed-sensitive electric power steering may be a bit lighter feeling than it is in some other sporty sedans or wagons, but it provides sufficient feedback to the driver through the wheel.
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Controlling steering using electric motors also helps to reduce fuel consumption and hence carbon-dioxide emissions. (Electric motors require power only when the steering wheel is turned, whereas a hydraulic pump drains power from the engine all the time.) Ford reckons 90% of its cars will have electronic steering within three years.
The electric-assist steering is tight and responsive with quite good feedback through the small-diameter steering wheel.
You control the throttle and brake, and electric power assist steering controls the steering wheel.
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Other edges they'll have to sharpen: Like its corporate cousin the Cruze, the Verano uses a column-mounted electric power-steering assist module that imposes a numbing frostbite on steering feel.
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Together, the camera and laser sensors monitor the white lines and, if the car strays out of its lane, an electronic control unit attached to an electric power-steering unit corrects it.
Taut and composed, with nicely weighted and direct steering feel (electric power assist), the TL absolutely hustles through the corners with very little body lean.
Each of the four wheels contains an electric motor, drive train, suspension and steering and braking mechanisms.
No other compact economy car outside of a Mini Cooper offers as much stick-and-rudder fun as the 3: The steering (hydraulic, with an electric pump) is tack-sharp and precise, with almost no torque steer and a gratifying heft that gathers as you turn the wheel.
The standard equipment furthermore includes electric windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors, a leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, the entry line radio, power steering, 9-spoke alloy wheels and a luggage compartment cover.
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So for tall people who like to sit close to the steering wheel, your head will hit the sunshade in the Fortwo Electric Drive Coupe.
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Steering and braking could also be controlled electronically and operated by tiny electric motors, in theory at least, so cutting the need for heavy metal brakes and pedals.
In addition, the smart fortwo electric drive can be equipped with a navigation system and a 3-spoke leather steering wheel.
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While we were impressed with the Focus Electric's excellent driving dynamics, we were disappointed with the C-MAX Energi's vague steering and soft handling (this despite sharing the same platform as the Focus).
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