Tag Archives: hatchback

electric, Manufacturer, Motoring, Toyota

One step beyond for electric Toyota

Leave a comment

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

CUPRA, electric, Family hatchback, Manufacturer, Vehicle type

Electric newcomer a BORN winner

Leave a comment

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