Tag Archives: hybrid

Electric/hybrid, Jeep, SUV/4X4

Compass moves in right direction

Leave a comment

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

Electric/hybrid, SUV/4X4, Volvo

Plugged in and ready for action

Leave a comment
XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 AWD Inscription

Volvo XC60

By Bill McCarthy

ONE of the mainstays of the excellent Volvo range is the XC60, which sits right at the heart of the firm’s electrification strategy and is good enough to challenge anything in its segment of the market.

Revamped last year, it now features three plug-in hybrid and four mild-hybrid powertrain options, with front and, in this case, all-wheel drive options. Safety features have also been upgraded to include rear auto brake to help avoid reversing scrapes and updated Pilot Assist, now with emergency stop assist function.

Although classed as a mid-sized SUV, it is a big car in size, in terms of technological innovation and yes, it has a pretty big price tag as well. But you get what you pay for and with this Volvo you get plenty.

The revamp saw tweaks to the front and rear design of the car together with new alloy wheel designs. Changes include new front grille, new lower front bumper and air intakes, and a refresh of the lower rear bumper. A familiar feature remains and that is the signature ‘Thor’s hammer’ light design, the LEDs built into the front light clusters in the shape of the Norse god’s hammer.

What previously would be a key design feature, exhaust pipes, have now been hidden, in a nod to the firm’s journey to full electrification.

The interior quality is exceptional with soft-touch materials throughout, powered and heated leather seats which are firm and supportive and a large glass areas. There is good leg and headroom all round.

Features include two-zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric windows and door mirrors, parking camera, head-up display in the windscreen and heated steering wheel.

Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD R-Design Pro

The controls are dominated by the now-familiar tablet-style nine-inch screen which controls major functions like the Android-powered infotainment system, which provides built-in Google apps and services and features include navigation with Google Maps, voice recognition with Google Assistant and access to the Google Play Store for in-car apps. Like a tablet you can pinch and swipe to select various controls and apps.

This plug-in hybrid Recharge version has recently been upgraded and offers blistering pace, but also with the combination of a 254bhp petrol engine and 87bhp electric motor delivering, literally, electric performance.

It powers to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. But the revised hybrid combination now extends electric range while lowering CO2 emissions, with a projected electric range of 55 miles.

To achieve anywhere near this takes careful driving, but Volvo says that with the average premium car owner travelling less than 30 miles each weekday, most drivers with home charging will be able do their daily motoring on pure electric power.

It is an engaging drive, Even at high speed, engine and road noise is muted, with just a hint of wind noise on the large, folding door mirrors, while the firmish suspension means  tight, twisty lanes are dismissed with ease.

There is negligible body roll and the on-demand all-wheel drive is perfect for rougher terrain or inclement weather condition.

As an SUV it has to be practical and boot space is decent with 468 litres, while the 60/40 split folding rear seats open up to 1,395 litres. It also features power-operated tailgate with a kick action facility.

Like all Volvos it is packed with safety kit including a full complement of airbags and stability and traction controls and a host of other, driver and pedestrian safety technology.

Factfile

Volvo XC60 Inscription T6 Recharge

Price: £56,965

Mechanical: 350bhp via 1,969cc four-cylinder petrol engine and 65kw electric motor driving four wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 5.6 seconds

Insurance group: 42

Combined mpg: 100-113

CO2 emissions: 55-64g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles