Tag Archives: SUV

Electric/hybrid, Jeep, SUV/4X4

Compass moves in right direction

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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

AWD, MG, SUV/4X4

Few can match value of electric MG

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MG ZS EV

By Bill McCarthy

Once an upmarket British marque, under Chinese ownership MG is firmly aimed at the family market offering, excellent value for money and a seven-year warranty.

Now the ZS EV has joined the race to electrification alongside the MG5 EV and the HS plug-in hybrid and offers excellent value for money.

It is a smart move because the ZS is a fine looking vehicle and the EV version deviates little from its plugin and petrol siblings.

In terms of price, as electric SUV/crossovers go, there’s nothing to match the MG, which can be bought for just under £27,500, inclusive of the Government EV grant.

The cosmetic changes include a different grille that has a cleverly hidden port for the charging point and bespoke alloys wheels, together with the green stripe on the number plate signifying an electric vehicle.

And while they are becoming more common, the car still attracts some curious gazes from passers-by.

While looking like the SUV/crossover that it is, it has some neat new design touches and the large and still famous MG badge adorning the grille.

And MG is also doing its bit to alleviate EV range anxiety with its latest 72.6kWh battery which delivers a driving range of up to 273 miles from a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle.

In addition, it’s quick, hitting 60mph in just over eight seconds and delivering 150-plus bhp.

It looks the SUV part with a muscular stance and full LED headlamps, while the interior is also impressive with a roomy cabin, much improved fixtures and fitting and cutting edge technology. 

Centrepiece is the 10.1 inch colour touchscreen which is the brains of the car, controlling navigation, connectivity and infotainment while also standard is wireless mobile phone charging. It also features the MG iSMART app you can pre-start the climate control system to cool or heat the car, and also schedule battery charging. 

There are three specifications, SE, Trophy and Trophy Connect driven here, with either the 51.1 kWh or 72.6 kWh battery, the lesser battery still has a claimed maximum range of just shy of 200 miles according to WLTP figures.

But like other electric models, get up to motorway speeds with the wipers and lights on the go and the range plummets alarmingly.

 All models are well equipped with a 360-degree parking camera, air con, cruise control, USB connectivity with Bluetooth, electric windows and door mirrors, LED daytime running lights and a host of other goodies.

 The Trophy model adds a couple of grand to the price and more bells and whistles with updated 10.1 inch floating colour touchscreen.

The interior is much more upmarket, with this model offering heated, leather-style powered front seat and multi-adjustable front passenger seat, new piano key buttons and better quality trim, fixtures and fittings. 

Seats are supportive and there is excellent head and legroom for a car of its dimensions and all round vision is also good. Stowage space is impressive with a deep split-level boot offering a huge 470 litres.

It is a pleasant car to drive, a smooth and comfortable ride, with passengers well insulated from road and wind noise.

There is plenty of safety kit, including full complement of airbags, electronic stability programme, assisted emergency braking and hill launch assist. 

There’s no doubt that MG’s growing success will continue with an ever-improving range and more models coming on stream. Add to that a hugely attractive price tag and that seven-year warranty.

Factfile

MG ZS EV Trophy Connect

Price: 33,495

Mechanical: 151bhp, 72 kWh electric motor driving front wheels via auto gearbox

Max speed: 109mph

0-60mph: 8.2 seconds

Range: 273 miles (WLTP)

Insurance group: 11

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles