The latest Audi Q4 e-tron is proof that you can get more than you expect, even in today’s cut-throat and complex car market. When originally launched in March 2021 it was the fourth fully electric model in the brand’s e-tron series but it’s undergone continuous improvement and towards the end of 2023 it was boosted with a bigger battery and significant suspension and equipment changes to enhance … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match saloon
Volkswagen has been on a learning curve with electric cars but now it’s heading towards the top of the class. It has flirted with electric cars for many years and a decade ago gave us their zero emission versions of the e-Golf and e-Up, adapted models of their better known petrol and diesel hatchbacks. VW engineers knew change was coming down the line and began developing their “intelligent … [Read more...]
First drive: KIA EV9 Air RWD
KIA has turned the corner into a new market segment with its EV9 pure electric model. The EV9 seven-seater launches in three trim levels and an additional range-topping six-seat option from £65,025 to £78,775 in rear wheel drive or all-wheel-drive configurations depending on trim with 200bhp single or 378bhp twin motors. That puts it squarely into Mercedes and BMW electric model territory … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BYD Atto 3 Design
There is no doubt that China’s BYD car company is a new major challenger to legend European manufacturers with its Atto 3 cross-over. Not only does it have Europe’s familiar family cars in sight but it will be aiming to pick off sales from the Korean and Japanese brands which have had it much their own way up to now. Build Your Dreams, to give the company its full name, launched in Britain with … [Read more...]
Fleets looking at hydrogen after ev issues arise
Some fleet operators are starting to “take hydrogen seriously” as a fuel option because of issues they have encountered in operating electric vans, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair at the organisation, said that the forthcoming arrival of the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen – really the first practical hydrogen-powered panel van available in quantity in the UK – was … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW ID.3 Pro S
Of the legacy car-makers, Volkswagen has developed a very wide and strong range of new generation electric models. It has been working on electric cars for many years so it was probably only natural that modernising its best selling Golf family car would feature in its approach to the future, and the ID.3 fills the sector in which its petrol and diesel hatchback did so well before it led to the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Soul EV Explore
The Kia Soul EV was the first modern zero emission model from the Korean manufacturer, one of the earliest compact electric cars and that experience has been put to good use. Originally, the Soul Maxx zero emissions model of 2019 was affected by the pandemics but with that behind us the new third general Soul EV is poised to sweep up sales. The original Maxx powertrain has been refined and we … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan Ariya Evolve Sportpack
The Nissan Ariya not only turns heads but has the ability to change minds about electric vehicles. Striking styling both outside and in comes with deep carpets, arm-chair comfort, double-glazed windows and cabin-filling air conditioning, so it's better equipped than many homes costing four or five times the Ariya’s list price. It also has a genuine range of about 300 miles. What you get for … [Read more...]
New Genesis range eyes facial recognition
Since Genesis revealed GV60, its first all-electric car in 2021, followed by Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 last year, it has firmly established itself as a leading premium luxury electric brand. Now, in 2023, Genesis is introducing a number of new technologies and features to enhance the ownership experience for the luxury Korean brand’s customers. The award-winning all-electric GV60 is … [Read more...]
New Year roadtest: Porsche Taycan 4S
For many pure petrol-heads, Porsche is the pinnacle of performance and a brand which has dominated endurance racing for decades. So the challenge of defending that reputation while moving into the new era of electrification means they have to come up with something special. And they have. The Porsche Taycan 4S is a thoroughly modern and environmental expression of the company’s awesome … [Read more...]