Category : New Cars
Long Termers: Vauxhall Ampera Electron
On the whole I’ve found my first three months to be very positive. I love the power delivery in electric mode and the convenience of having a charging point on my driveway, and friends … Read More »
Road Test: Renault ZOE Dynamique Intens
Range isn’t much of an issue in this segment. Superminis typically cover mostly local, short routes where the claimed 130-mile NEDC range on offer from the ZOE is plenty. We tested the car in … Read More »
Renault ends production of Fluence Z.E. electric car
The car had been developed with battery swap technology in mind, and a version compatible with Isreaeli company Better Place’s swap stations was available in Israel and Denmark, the biggest markets for the Fluence … Read More »
First Drive: Lexus GS 300h
Lexus has continued to invest in hybrid drivetrains while others stick with diesel. Since 2005, starting with the RX 400h, every model in the Lexus range has had a hybrid option, from the CT … Read More »
Road Test: Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid
Under the bonnet is the familiar 215bhp D5 diesel engine, powering the front wheels. The rear wheels are driven using a 70bhp electric rear axle, supplied by a lithium-ion battery under the boot floor. … Read More »
Long Termers: Vauxhall Ampera Electron
Admittedly the range-extender means this isn’t a disaster, but trying to minimise petrol usage uncovers a world of complications for a new owner which still need to be ironed out. Like most EV manufacturers, … Read More »
Road Test: Lexus IS 300h F Sport
It sounds excellent on paper. There’s a combined 220bhp on offer from its petrol-electric drivetrain and, as this is a parallel hybrid, the electric motor can provide up to 100% of the driving power. … Read More »
First Drive: Kia Ray EV
Like most manufacturers, Kia is investing heavily in its future drivetrains at the moment. Micro-hybrid, parallel hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains are under development and due for a production launch within … Read More »
Long Termers: Vauxhall Ampera Electron
The Ampera joined our long-term fleet as General Motors announced global price reductions for its extended-range electric vehicles. Said to be a result of economies of scale and streamlining of the manufacturing process, it means … Read More »
First Drive: BMW i3
The i3 is the first of BMW’s new plug-in vehicle sub-brand, and not only has it made strides in the engineering of the car itself, but it’s taken six years studying the reasons why … Read More »
First Drive: Ford Focus Electric
Battery electric vehicles are still a relatively small market in the UK and Ford believes this is a niche car. So training and equipment will be focused on the Dagenham Ford dealerships in the … Read More »
First Drive: Volkswagen e-up!
Both will be propelled by a similar electric motor, driving the front wheels, and a Lithium-ion battery pack. This battery pack is built into the floor between the two rear wheels, partly under the … Read More »
First Drive: BYD e6
To give some background, BYD, an acronym for Build Your Dreams, has been involved in the domestic automotive industry for ten of its eighteen year history. But it’s growing, with ventures including Denza, a … Read More »
First Drive: Hyundai ix35 FCEV
This first batch, of 1,000 vehicles, is being built alongside conventionally powered ix35 SUVs at Hyundai’s plant in Busan, South Korea. It’s an updated version of the car decision makers and journalists have been … Read More »
First Drive: BMW ActiveE Prototype
Based on the 1 Series Coupe, the ActiveE is the latest in a line of BMW and MINI test cars built to glean data about real-world usage to inform the production version of the … Read More »
First Drive: Lexus IS 300h
Sector: Compact executive Price: £24,495–£38,485 Fuel: 60.1–65.7mpg CO2: 99–109g/km Forget the sub-100g/km for a moment and take a look at the styling. Different. Striking. Bold. That first one is key, as really it’s pretty difficult to get too excited by … Read More »
Road Test: Audi A8L Hybrid
Sector: Luxury Price: £65,550 Fuel: 44.1mpg CO2: 149g/km Never one to shy away from filling a market niche with a new model, Audi has modified its flagship A8 saloon for the hybrid luxury market. … Read More »
First Drive: Renault ZOE
Now having been launched and with sales underway, it certainly it looks the part, with cute styling and a very well designed, high quality airy cabin. But the aesthetics are barely half the story, … Read More »
First Drive: Nissan LEAF
Since March 2011, another eight manufacturers have launched plug-in vehicles, charging point availability has rocketed and LEAF sales are growing. Substantial media and public attention has made the LEAF a figurehead for the electric … Read More »
Road Test: BMW ActiveHybrid 5 M Sport
Hybrids aside, BMW has its low-carbon quota absolutely filled. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine, in various power outputs, has been offering a great balance of performance and efficiency in almost every model in the range. … Read More »
