Category Archives: Volkswagen

electric, MPV, Volkswagen

Volkswagen ID Buzz

Leave a comment
VW ID Buzz
VW ID Buzz

Fun and funky with the wow factor

By Bill McCarthy

Fun, funky, desirable and quirky. Yes, we are talking about the legendary VW Campervan. For decades a showstopper after various customisations and additions, it now has a rival, from its own stable.Subscribe to our daily newsletter!Sign Up

The all electric ID Buzz is the new kid on the block and I can say without any doubt, it is the vehicle that has attracted the most attention of any vehicle I have driven recently. It offers a short and long wheel base version and the cargo van version.

It takes all of the campervan personality and adds something even more funky with eye-catching styling and, depending on your point of view, outrageous colour combinations.

It looks great, the design reminiscent of the classic VW Microbus, offers great performance and will always attract attention. However, it is not cheap, this model had a price tag of over £60k. Campervan types will be delighted with the use of recycled synthetic material and leather-free interior in addition to the all-electric powertrain

It does not have the same level of practicality as the campers, although it can be customised and it comes with a bed-length base to pop a mattress on for an overnight stay. Basic yes, but on a quality campsite with good facilities, not a problem, and there’s always the prospect of McDonald’s for breakfast.

Design: Not too much to say here, if you don’t have an idea of what a camper looks like, then you must have been living in a cave. It’s a modernised take on the classic design but adds LED lighting technology front and rear and smart alloys

Interior and technology: Lots of funky stuff here with the accelerator and brake pedal featuring the pause and play signs seen on videos. They are however slippery when wet, so caution is needed. It also features heated front seats, multifunction steering wheel, ambient lighting, and infotainment system with the centrepiece with a 10-inch colour touch screen, which allows app connection, smartphone connectivity and controls infotainment and navigation.

VW ID Buzz
VW ID Buzz
VW ID Buzz
VW ID Buzz
VW ID Buzz
VW ID Buzz
VW ID Buzz
VW ID Buzz

Powertrain and transmission: The Buzz is powered by a 159Kw motor fed by a 77kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering decent performance. While the top speed of 90 mph and 0-62 mph time of 10.2 seconds may not make it rapid, it’s quite reasonable for everyday commuting and city driving. The direct-drive single-speed gearbox and rear-wheel drive configuration should provide a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Range and charging: Range anxiety is always there with electric vehicles, but a range of 255 miles on a single charge, (according to WLTP figures), is respectable. The energy consumption figures are also quite efficient. The 30-minute charging time for 50-80 per cent capacity using a 170kW rapid charger makes it convenient for longer journeys with quick pit stops.

Practicality: It is a proper five-seater with a 40/60 split bench seat, which can be folded down completely or split and moved backwards or forwards. Fold them flat and a cavernous 2,205 litres is available.

Safety and Technology: The vehicle comes with a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and a rear-view camera, plus  ‘Car2X’ which flags up hazards in the vicinity.

The Buzz undoubtedly has the wow factor, a successful EV with a competitive range and charging capability. It is packed with hi-tech features offers good levels of comfort and is of course hugely practical. It is pricey though.

Factfile

  • ID Buzz Style SWB 204PS 77kWh Pro
  • Price: £62,844
  • Mechanical: 205bhp, 150Kw electric motor driving rear wheels via single speed transmission
  • Max Speed: 99 mph
  • 0-62mph:10.2 seconds
  • Range: 255 miles
  • Insurance Group: 32
  • C02 emissions: 0g/km
  • Warranty: 3yrs/100,000 miles
Crossover, Motoring, Volkswagen

Roc solid performer from VW

Leave a comment

Volkswagen T-Roc

By Bill McCarthy

Stylish, economical and impressively kitted out, it’s hard not to like VW’s compact SUV. The T-Roc, upgraded in  March 2022, has sold more than one million units worldwide

There are three versions, Life, Style and R Line driven here, with the very rapid R and cabriolet also available.

 It offers pretty good value for money, with the entry level offering a good range of standard kit.

In basic standard mode, it’s not exactly a show-stopper, but the upmarket R-Line adds bells and whistles to transform that perception.

It offers a more aggressive, sporty look with extra body kit, larger diameter alloy wheels, sports suspension, silver roof rails, while the ‘R-Line’ badging is always prominent.

It is based on Volkswagen’s flexible modular transverse matrix (MQB). which provides improved interior space and has one of the biggest stowage areas in its class, with 445 litres with the rear seats in place.

This increases substantially with the rear seats folded to a maximum of 1,290 litres. Extra space is available with a driver’s under seat drawer and front seatback storage pockets.

There are five engine options, with diesel power still available, ranging from 110 PS to 190 PS, plus the bonkers quick 300PS R version.

 The 1.5 litre 150PS petrol engine on this model mated to the seven-speed DSG auto box is a refined unit that delivers sharp performance through seamless gear shifts.

It has three driving modes and can hit 60mph in just over eight seconds, quick enough for most circumstances, but is also pretty frugal.

Equipped with Active Cylinder Management (ACT) which delivers automatic deactivation of two cylinders, thus saving fuel and delivering economy of around 45mpg.

It looks like a premium vehicle and is equipped accordingly. All models receive hi tech safety systems like passenger protection, braking and lane assist plus assisted braking and radar parking sensors and pedestrian detection systems.

The interior offers typical VW quality build, with logical controls and solid fixtures and fittings, with this model featuring sports front comfort seats with ‘R-Line’ logo on backrest.

The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel has aluminium inserts and ‘R-Line’ logo and rounding off the sporty look are stainless steel pedals and piano black decorative trim to the centre console and front door trim panels.

The digital cockpit includes a central touchscreen which controls smartphone connectivity, navigation and infotainment, while an eight-inch TFT colour screen behind the steering wheel provides real time driver information. The Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB3), gives access to various online-based functions and streaming services.

Despite the sporty suspension on this model, the ride comfortable and passenger comfort pretty much assured with a well-insulated cabin drowning out most wind, tyre or engine noise.

As a compact SUV there some evidence of body roll with its higher stance on the road, but it offers good grip while the steering is direct 

Factfile

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 R Design

Price: £33,580

Mechanical: 150ps, 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 7-speed DSG auto gearbox

Max speed: 127mph

0-62mph: 8.3 seconds

Combined mpg: 46.3

Insurance group: 23

CO2 emissions: 138g/km

BiK rating: 32%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles