Category Archives: MPV

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
Citroen, MPV

Lost in space – nine seater practicality

Leave a comment

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