Category Archives: Manufacturer

Electric/hybrid, Jeep, SUV/4X4

Compass moves in right direction

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Jeep Compass

By Bill McCarthy

JEEP is a name synonymous with durability and rugged off-road capability, a wartime legend that has been around for 80 years.

I drove the first Jeep Compass at its launch a few years ago. It was a competent but bland vehicle which has evolved over the years, until it took a quantum leap forward with a completely new model in 2017.

Tweaked again recently, with the logic ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’,  the style may not suit those who like svelte profiles, but for those who like the rugged look, there is no mistaking it is a Jeep.

That’s not to say it doesn’t have style, it does, offering high-quality finish, typical off-road Jeep capability and a bit of a wow factor, featuring some show-stopping colours. 

It has also joined the race to electrification with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, driven here, offering a nominal economy of 147 mpg and capable of just over 30-miles on electric power with tailpipe emissions of zero.

This latest version features a new, but familliar seven-slot grille and revised bumper, slim headlight clusters with LEDs and daytime running lights and a redesigned foglamp housing.

 In addition there are striking looking 19-inch alloys and a powered boot lid which can also be operated via a ‘kick’ action.

The interior now has a more upmarket, executive feel, certainly with this model which featured leather seating with high-tech aluminium and carbon fibre-effect and gloss black finishes, and good quality soft-touch trim.

Major controls and switchgear are logically placed and feel robust, while the brains of the car is the central 10-inch touch screen.

This controls functions like navigation, Uconnect 5 connectivity and infotainment system and is complemented by a 10.25 digital instrument cluster which offers around two dozen configuration options in five customisable menus.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available as is wireless charging.

This range-topper is not cheap at £40k plus, but is packed with equipment like heated, powered front seats, 180 degree camera, powered door mirrors and a host of electric and electronic bells and whistles.

The updated 1.3-litre plug-in hybrid engine is now turbocharged to deliver a stonking 240hp and lower emissions and that excellent economy.

This version is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor located on the rear axle, powered by an 11.4kWh battery that can be recharged from a 7kW Wallbox or a commercial outlet.

It surprisingly quick off the mark, racing to 60mph in just over seven seconds while the CVT gearshift is much improved.

There are three different driving modes  hybrid, electric only, and  E-Save, which maintains the charge level of the battery by letting the engine charge it up. This is an option if you are unable to use a wall socket, for instance in flats or terraced houses.

Take it off road and Selec-Terrain® traction offers four driving modes, while the Trailhawk set-up on this model offers an extra low ratio option for the most difficult conditions.

With the ability to cruise for 30 miles on electric power, but get on the motorway and the petrol engine kicks in with a consequent effect on economy.

Handling manners are OK although it does lean a bit into corners and it can be unsettled by the worst roads, but generally it is a comfortable cruiser with occupants well insulated from road and wind noise.

It is practical with a much larger central storage compartment while the boot still offers 438 litres with the split/folding seats in place.

Safety kit is comprehensive with adaptive cruise control, full comment of airbags, autonomous braking featuring pedestrian and cyclist detection, driver drowsiness alerts, traffic-sign recognition and intelligent speed-limit assistance.

FACTFILE

Jeep Compass S 4xe

Price: £40,895

Mechanical: 240hp, 1,332hp petrol engine and  electric motor driving fall wheels via auto gearbox

Max speed: 124mph

0-60mph: 8.2 seconds

Combine mpg: 148  miles (WLTP)

Insurance group: 31

CO2 emissions: 44g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Citroen, MPV

Lost in space – nine seater practicality

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Citroen e-Space Tourer

By Bill McCarthy

HOW do you make a van look sexy? Well, you can’t, but with Citroen’s electric nine-seater you can smooth out the rough edges and give it a touch of refinement.

Clearly not an everyday runabout, it is ideal for big families, small businesses, where the seats can be removed for transporting goods, or a taxi.

Citroen has added curves and signature Citroen chevrons grille, sleek headlights and smart wheels to give it a more striking stance, but it is still hard to disguise the fact it is based on a van.

Clues to the fact it is an electric vehicle are the discrete charging point at the left front wing, and the bespoke front grille with an “ë” monogrammed on the right side of the front grille and on the tailgate. Other neat styling touches are black door mirrors and stylish 16-inch wheels.

The range is OK as well, but with 136 miles available, a couple of trips to the local airport will mean charging up pretty regularly, but in terms of running costs, it will be hard to beat, with zero tailpipe emissions freeing it of congestion and clean air zone charges. Not to mention taxation and Benefit in Kind savings for business users.

Which is what the Business version driven here is designed to cater for. 

It features a 50kWh battery which can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in around half an hour using the powerful 100kWh chargers. In an emergency, it can be charged with the correct lead from a normal house socket, but this will take in excess of 14 hours.

Mated with a CVT transmission, the electric motor delivers 136hp, hits 60mph in just over 13 seconds and has a top speed of 81mph. There are three driving modes, eco, normal or power which speak for themselves with eco obviously the most energy-efficient.

But this is not the type of vehicle being bought for performance. It’s all about practicality and can accommodate nine when acting as a minibus or, fold the rear seats down it still accommodates six, but also offers a huge amount of stowage space, with 2,381 litres of luggage space available.

For even more room, fold all of the seats, including the front passenger seat, to open up a cavernous 4,554 litres to the roof. There are multiple seating combinations to accommodate people, luggage or loads to the tip.

The hands-free sliding doors add to practicality and allow passengers and them under the corner of the rear bumper to automatically unlock and open the side door you’re next to.

The interior is spacious and comfortable with excellent head and legroom and features high end goodies such as the centrepiece colour capacitive touchscreen which controls media, phone and navigation.

An option is Citroën Connect Nav with voice control which delivers real-time traffic information, the location of fuel stops and prices, car parks and even the latest weather. 

There are plenty of practical creature comfort including the 180° reversing camera on this model, air conditioning, electric and heated door mirrors, electric power steering with reach and rake-adjustable steering column and one-touch electric front windows with pinch protection

It is also packed with safety kit, including full complement of airbags, ABS (with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, hill start assist, cruise control and driver attention alert.

Not sexy, but hugely practical, well equipped and cheap to run.

Factfile

Citroen e-SpaceTourer Business Edition 50kW 136 M

Price: 34,495

Mechanical: 130bhp electric motor driving front wheels via auto gearbox

Max speed: 81mph

0-60mph: 13.1 seconds

Range: 136 miles

Insurance group: 33

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles