Category Archives: Manufacturer

AWD, Crossover, Electric/hybrid, Subaru, SUV

E-xtra V-alue from rugged SUV

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Subaru XV Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

There’s something about Subaru that attracts a loyal following. A left-field alternative to the mainstream it offers something a little different with its legendary all-wheel drive capability making it a more than competent off-road performer.

Recently facelifted, the exterior sports a hexagonal front grille, sloping profile with integrated roof bars and new fog lamp bezels which surround the LED fog lights.

The rear spoiler is finished in gloss black and an e-Boxer badge has been added to the wings and tailgate. It sits on smart 18-inch alloys, standard across the range. It also features advanced safety technology like EyeSight.

The two-litre horizontally-opposed Boxer petrol engine has been mated with an electric motor and powerful lithium-ion battery which is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph. The power plants are mated with the familiar Lineartronic transmission.

The savings in fuel are not huge however and the electric-only running only really kicks in in slow moving traffic. 

However, I was surprised to get better economy than the official figure of around 35mpg. Overall, I was clocking just under 40mpg in all driving conditions.

The interior is smart and roomy, if not class-leading, but still well-equipped and offers sporty styling.

Centrally placed is an eight-inch multifunction colour touchscreen controlling major functions like infotainment, connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio and Bluetooth. Above this sits a screen displaying information on economy and driving data. A TFT information screen sits behind the steering wheel.

The SE is pretty well packed with standard kit, but this model includes dual zone air-conditioning, reversing camera and heated seats are also standard on this model as are eight-way power adjustable driver seat, satellite navigation and sunroof.

Performance is quite lively if you floor the accelerator, but the transmission becomes raucous under heavy acceleration. The vehicle can hit 60mph in around 10.7 seconds.

It handles very well despite its high ground clearance and is a comfortable motorway cruiser. 

In addition, the permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD), allows you to deal with just about any road or weather conditions. Engage X-MODE with Hill Descent Control at the touch of a button and more challenging off road conditions and negotiating steep inclines and descents are handled with ease.

In practical terms, the boot is quite small in its class as a result of accommodating the battery, but fold the seats and 1,290 litres of space is available.

Safety features are comprehensive and include a full complement of airbags, EyeSight EyeSight, which delivers Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist. It uses a dual-camera setup behind the rear view mirror to monitor the road ahead and anticiapte danger.

In addition, Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD) includes: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

There are two trim levels, SE and this SE Premium model priced from £30,995 OTR.

There’s also the five year, 100k miles warranty for peace of mind.

FACTFILE

Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium e-Boxer Lineartronic Hybrid

Price: £35,195

Mechanical: 150PS, 1,995cc, four-cylinder petrol engine driving and electric motor, driving four wheels via automatic gearbox

Max speed: 120mph

0-62mph: 10.7 seconds

Combined mpg: 35.7

Insurance group: 16E

CO2 emissions: 180g/km

Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles

CUPRA, electric, Family hatchback, Manufacturer, Vehicle type

Electric newcomer a BORN winner

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Cupra BORN

By Bill McCarthy

CUPRA is making a big impact despite only being a separate brand for a short time.

Since its launch as an independent spin-off from SEAT in 2018, sales have shot up and CUPRA closed 2019 with a growth of 72 per cent over the previous year with nearly 25,000 units sold.

Certainly, in terms of attracting attention from potential electric car owners, the firm’s first fully electric model, the BORN, provoked much interest.

A five-door hatchback, the firm says that ‘exterior design delivers a strong sporty character, expressing agility and performance with a mix of flowing surfaces and technical details’. 

That may be the case, but its hard not to spot the similarities with VW stablemate the ID.3.

Given that it is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture, that should be no surprise.

But it is very much a standout model in its own right, particularly retaining the sporty edge that parent firm SEAT is famous for.

It comes with three trim levels V1, V2 and the range-topping V3 driven here. All are well equipped and feature cutting-edge technology.

It’s stylish and the front features full LED headlights, flanking a slim distinctive grille.

Dominant is the copper-coloured CUPRA badge and copper trim features prominently while sporty features include tinted rear windows and eye-catching aerodynamic alloy wheels.

To the rear, the CUPRA badge is again dominant where you might expect to see the word BORN and sits below a full-width light bar that wraps around the rear wings.

Another neat touch are the puddle lamps which display the CUPRA logo on the floor in front of you.

It looks the part as does the interior, which is designed to be environmentally friendly using recycled materials.

Like many electric cars, it seems to be designed with a ‘less is more’ philosophy, with a standard floating 12-inch infotainment touchscreen controlling most functions and an absence of buttons and switches.

The touchscreen hosts a high-end infotainment system, access to online services, downloadable apps, safety and service features, as well as remote access and smartphone connectivity.

The new “CUPRA CONNECT” smartphone application can also control functions away from the car.

A small digital display also shows the speed, range and sat-nav instructions.

While the absence of switch clutter might be good. 

The interior is upholstered in a range of recycled materials that deliver a premium, quality feel, including the standard bucket seats, which are powered and offer a massage function on this model, while the copper accents and stitching abound adding to the high end feel.

Drive selection is via rotating knob on the dashboard, which means space between the two front occupants is maximised for storage purposes.

I found using the touchscreen and steering wheel controls frustrating. The haptic touch is very sensitive and distracting when driving. However, these can be mastered over time.

A small 5.3-inch digital display offers further information while the Augmented Reality Head-Up Display gives driver information on what’s ahead on the road.

There are four battery variants with capacities of 45, 58 and 77kWh.

Rear wheel drive, performance is, well, electric. In typical electric car style, acceleration is quick, with this model, featuring the 58kWh battery hitting 62mph in 7.5 seconds.

It is quick and the handling is also excellent thanks to the battery being placed in the centre of the car for greater stability, while the Dynamic Chassis Control ensures a smooth ride on even the worst surface.

This model boasts a range of 261 miles, but the best I got was nearer 225, which is good enough to diminish any range anxiety

This model can be charged on a 120kW charger, from 5-80% in around 26 minutes. 

Factfile

CUPRA Born 58kWh V3

Price: £38,390

Mechanical: 204PS, 58kWh battery and automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

Max Speed: 99mph

0-62mph: 7.5 seconds

Range: 265 miles (WMTL)

Insurance Group: 25

C02 emissions: 0g/km

Bik rating: 2%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles