(A series of articles highlighting this new technology.)
It seems that something is being announced almost every day at the moment in the world of electric vehicles, with mainstream internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturers giving details of new models and upgrades to existing units, so we want to keep you up to date with all this new-fangled electrickery techy thingy, as only your dedicated newsletter team can!
Remember: “The car you’ve always promised yourself”? wow, that was a while ago. It was the slogan the launched the Ford Capri, back in the late 1960’s. Actually, there was a previous version that was based on the Ford Classic a 2 door version with a very long boot. However, Ford have decided to relaunch the Capri name with an all-electric SUV model. It comes with a price tag of over £52,000. And to be brutally honest looks like lots of other similar models that are already on sale. The platform comes courtesy of VW who Ford have linked up with, so driving dynamics will be very like an id4, it will have a 77Kwh battery and a claimed range of up to 369 miles in the long-range version. Still if you just have to have a Ford, then it may be worth a look.
We have not mentioned Tesla for a while, as things have just seemed to be ticking along for them. Sales of the Model 3 and Model Y are always high up in the EV sales charts, and for the European market it was hoped that a Model 2 would break cover and be the choice for those wanting a smaller Tesla. However, plans for the Model 2 have been axed, as the company focus moves towards autonomous vehicles. The company recently announced the development of it’s “Robotaxi” that would be a totally autonomous vehicle that could be summoned to take the fare paying passengers exactly where they needed to go, without having a driver.
It has finally happened, the long-awaited mid-size SUV electric car from Kia. The EV3 has arrived, and we were invited along to see the car for the first time here in Bolton. This is going to be the one car that will be the choice for many Kia buyers. We think it will be destined to replace both the Kia Soul and Niro EV. The mid-size car has all the very latest Kia tech, and the reviewers who have tested it so far have given it a glowing report. Fingers crossed we will get to test drive it in the near future, and as usual we will report back in your newsletter.
Meanwhile developing the EV strategy, UK car manufacture MINI has released it’s new EV offering. Called the Aceman it is a 5 door hatch back that looks a lot like the standard Cooper model, it will have a 54Kwh battery pack giving up to 252 miles of range. 0-62 mph is quoted as 7.1 seconds. Price is just over £39,000 so slap bang in the middle of what you would expect to be paying for a similar car in this category. MINI has a habit of being just that bit different, and this model comes with a large circular display in the centre of the dash, that can be configured to the Sat-Nav or any of the other options like infotainment etc. Good to see simple switches for some of the most basic controls.
Skoda have an all-electric model called the Enyaq that was launched in late 2021, and have followed this with a new mid-size electric model, called the Elroq. This new car is based on the VW platform and is designed to appeal to those who would previously be looking at the Skoda Karoq. As you might imagine it comes with various options, but the launch version, the SE 60, has all the “simply clever” design cues that Skoda have become known for. If you think this might be for you, take a look at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-hey3401V8
Plus… https://www.skoda.co.uk/new-cars/elroq/elroq-se
Finally, todays roads are busy and congeste, we all know that, but has our driving test changed that much? Way back in the 1930’s an information film was produced, narrated by Sir Malcolm Campbell, have a look and just see how things have changed…. Or maybe not!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbbERUEsQ4Q
Well folks, that’s about it for this December edition, we hope you like the world class, award winning, journalism we bring you, not just this month, but every month, so look forward to seeing you again next month. Until then, drive safe and remember to tell everyone about our fantastic, advanced driving course, next one starts in February 2025, with a introduction evening on Thursday 6th February 2025 at the usual venue, Lostock Parish Centre. If you know of anyone that you think might be interested, then invite them along for a hot drink and a biscuit or two. We don’t bite , Honest!
Barry Sloan – Publicity Officer