pure speculative answers, no book handy
1) If the chariot has a weapon skill it imparts consolidation- correct me if I'm wrong but the only example of non-consolidation comes from assaulting a vehicle without at weapon skill. You get it from dreads because they have a WS (can lock you in CC).
2)agreed on part B, need to look into part A
3)I would agree it works like CC attacks, no tank so no ram, again no book handy but it looks right on the surface