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electric, Manufacturer, Motoring, Toyota

One step beyond for electric Toyota

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Toyota bZ4X

Review by Bill McCarthy

Toyota has been something of a pioneer in the search for the eventual replacement of the internal combustion engine.

It produced the first hybrid with the multi-million-selling Prius and has developed hydrogen powered vehicles, but oddly, this vehicle is the first dip into the all-electric vehicle pool.

The curiously-named  bZ4X, is a  new mid-sized crossover that has come about as part of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, bZ meaning beyond zero, while the 4 is the model spec and the X is for crossover.

It comes in three grades, Pure, Motion and Vision and is the first model to feature Toyota’s eTNGA, a modular architecture that can be adapted for different vehicle sizes.

You might think its late entry to the EV market could be a drawback, but Toyota has plenty of experience with battery and motor combos and for those still with range anxiety, a very long drive returned close to 290 miles, against a claimed figure of 317.

Even better, a fast charging facility allows up to 80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes, providing our course you can find one that’s working on our motorway services.

That was for the tested front-wheel drive model, with the all-wheel drive version seeing its range drop substantially.

This model featured a 150kW front-mounted eAxle that produces 201bhp, while the four-wheel drive model has what Toyota calls front and rear 80kW eAxles with a combined output of up to 215bhp.

It has a slippery aerodynamic profile, all creases and angles and smart headlight arrays, a rear spoiler and privacy glass and a full-wide list bar across the rear.

The interior is also impressive and generously kitted out as you would expect from a car with a starting price tag approaching £48k.

The Pure grade features include 18-inch alloy wheels, smart entry and start and a climate control system with remote operation. This model adds various comforts, like heated synthetic leather seats which have power lumbar adjustment

The trick with electric cars these days it to make them look more mainstream, not look like something out of Blade Runner, which used to be the case.

Lt has a fairly minimalist set-up featuring a 12.3-inch multimedia display that controls functions like navigation, infotainment, via a six-speaker audio system and connectivity for smartphone users.

There is a wireless charging facility and it is supplemented by a  seven-inch TFT instrument and information display delivering real-time information to the driver.

On the road, The150 kW electric motor produces 201bhp, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 100mph. Rapid performance and the handling is not bad either, with the low centre f gravity battery adding stability.

One thing I was not keen on was the relatively poor steering lock, making it difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

As a family crossover it is designed for comfort with softish suspension and practicality is a must on this type of vehicle.

The cabin is light and airy and stowage space is good, with boot space of 465 litres available which opens up substantially with the rear seats folded.

Safety equipment is comprehensive and as well as the usual traction, stability and braking assistance, it also features parking assistance, hill-start and downhill assistance and blind spot and driver monitor. 

FAST FACTS

Toyota zB4X Motion 150kW

Price: £49,510

Mechanical: 201ps, 150kW motor driving front wheels via single speed transmission

Max speed: 100mph

0-62mph: 7.5 seconds

Range: 312 miles

Insurance group: 36

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

BiK rating: 2%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

electric, MG, Motors

Electric MG has quality marque

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MG4 EV

By Bill McCarthy

If there was any lingering doubt that MG is back to making quality cars, the MG4 will put that to bed. The new hatchback joins the MG5 EV saloon and MG ZS EV in its assault on the electric market and is arguably the firm’s best car to date.

It is a classy alternative in its segment and offers extremely competitive pricing with models starting from just under £26k and an attractive seven year warranty.

The only thing that could disturb some older drivers is the shape of the steering wheel, which could produce horrible memories of the Austin Allegro owners with its square, so-called Quartic steering wheels.

It certinly looks good, built on the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) that will underpin a new generation of MGs.

It features rear-wheel drive, 50-50 weight distribution and thin battery technology, which is a form of solid-state battery combined with the thin-film manufacturing processes. The aim is to produce more power and lower manufacturing costs through cheaper materials.

It certainly catches the eye with its sharp angular design, featuring a twin aero rear spoiler, 17-inch stylish alloy wheels and an all-LED rear light design.

The interior is just as impressive, belying the low price tag. It has a premium feel with soft touch finish together with black fabric upholstery. The thin battery frees up space for decent headroom, and legroom for both front and rear is also good.

Dominant in what is a fairly minimalist layout is the 10.25-inch touchscreen that features Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM as standard. In addition, a configurable seven-inch driver display delivers real-time information. There is a decent sound system

The rotary gear selector sits on a kind of floating central console which also houses a wireless charging pad on the range-topper.

This frees up room underneath and between the seats for extra storage. 

Boot space is decent with 363 litres available, increasing to an impressive 1,177 litres  with the split rear seats folded down

All are well equipped with the usual electronic aids, but if you want more toys and are prepared to spend a few grand extra, the Trophy long-range model adds a 360° Parking Camera, Satellite Navigation, Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel, and Mobile Phone Bluetooth Key.

The MG iSMART app allows you to control many functions of your MG4 EV including charging, checking your vehicle status, finding your nearest charging point, as well as pre-starting the climate control system.

It doesn’t just look good, it drives well and the balanced weight distribution and rear-wheel drive means the car delivers good handling feeling safe and secure even on twisting country lanes.

Like all electric cars, acceleration is brisk, this model hitting 60 mph in just under eight seconds. There is a choice of five driving modes, depending on conditions.

Three specifications include the MG4 EV SE Standard Range, the SE Long Range driven here and the Trophy Long Range.

With battery capacities from 51kWh to 64kWh, the MG4 EV Standard Range is capable of 218 miles on the WLTP cycle, with Long Range SE and Trophy models capable of 281 miles and 270 miles respectively.

However I managed closer to 190 miles, admittedly in difficult and power draining rain and dark conditions for the most part.

As ever, charging away from home can be pot luck. If you drop lucky onto a charger then fine, otherwise you could face a long wait. Charging infrastructure, while improving, is still not good enough, so carefully plan any longer journeys.

The 64kWh battery is also capable of recharging at up to 135kW, meaning a charge time of only 35 minutes from 10% – 80% using a 150kW DC rapid charger.

Safety is a key feature and the car has been awarded the full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings and offers a host of safety features including a range of airbags and stability control, with MG Pilot advanced driver assistance as standard on all models. 

Features include active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent High Beam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert.

Factfile

MG4 EV SE Long Range

Price: £28,495

Mechanical: 203bhp, 150kW electric motor driving rear wheels via automatic gearbox

Max speed: 100mph

0-62mph: 7.7 seconds

Range: 281 miles

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles