Category Archives: Long-Term Review

Long-Term Review

BMW X5 2024 long-term take a look at

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Why we ran it: To discover out if this revised plug-in hybrid luxurious SUV may supply the most effective of each

Month 1 – Month 2 – Month 3 – Final report – Specs

Life with a BMW X5: Final report

Every time I see a jumbo jet take off I get a disconcerting sense that there’s some sort of fault within the cloth of the universe. Something that massive, that heavy, that lumbering on the bottom ought to by no means have the ability to get airborne, not to mention look so elegant as soon as it will get there.

You get the same sensation on a rustic lane on this X5. Laden with all its hybrid expertise, the BMW weighs 5kg shy of two and a half tonnes earlier than you’ve got even sat in it, but its willingness to go, cease and alter course comes as a shock each time, irrespective of how usually you’ve got already skilled it.

With Sport mode engaged, it sits decrease on its air suspension, the petrol engine is woke up to run in parallel with the electrical motor, and the efficiency is solely outrageous as a mixed 483bhp punches it from relaxation to 62mph in lower than 5sec, accompanied by an addictive growl as you flick via the eight speeds of the auto ‘field with the wheel-mounted paddles.

Yet it is within the mid-range when it is actually spectacular, dispatching slower vehicles on quick straights, then shedding velocity with its huge brakes (uprated M Sport objects with blue calipers on my automotive, a part of the £2100 M Sport Pro Pack) and diving in to the subsequent nook.

With huge grip, there is no understeer until you pitch it in far too shortly, the steering is fantastically weighted (if a contact low-geared), and should you get on the facility early on the way in which out, there may be even a bit twitch from the again finish because the 516lb ft of torque reveals its rearward bias.

In quick, the X5 drives like a correct BMW ought to, but a cross-country hoon is just scratching the floor of this automotive’s talents.

Editor Tisshaw made the legitimate level that if lengthy continental journeys are your stock-in-trade, then this plug-in hybrid drivetrain just isn’t excellent, but when, like me, your life is a mix of quick, slogging city commutes through the week and longer weekend journeys, it makes an enormous quantity of sense – albeit maybe not totally justifying the hefty premium over the very good diesel.

BMW claims 58-69 miles of pure-electric vary. I by no means managed to match even the decrease determine, however 45-plus miles is definitely achievable with out making an attempt to be frugal and that proved sufficient for many every day duties within the week, with an in a single day cost. And with the uprated 50e, efficiency stays peppy even in pure EV mode, with as much as 87mph potential earlier than the straight-six engine chimes in – with a break up second’s delay should you name for it through the throttle pedal.

Long-Term Review

Citroen e C4X 2024 long-term check

Why we’re working it: To see if this electrical fastback saloon can outmuscle the rising SUV market

Month 1 – Specs

Life with an E-C4 X: Month 1

Welcoming the E-C4 X to the fleet – 7 February 2024

The Citroën -C4 X is a tough automotive to categorise, even once you’ve spent a little bit of time with one, as I’ve since ours arrived on the long-term check fleet.

The EV sits intriguingly inside the more and more blurred traces that separate totally different automotive classes, using barely increased than a standard saloon however not fairly by sufficient that you may name it an SUV. Coupé-SUV hatchback?

Raised fastback saloon? One of these descriptions might be right. Citroën itself calls the automotive a “fastback with the modern look of an SUV”, in order that’s cleared that up…

One completely clear factor is that Citroën has stayed true to its comfort-biased roots as a result of the e-C4 X has already made a case for it being among the many Stellantis group’s most stress-free vehicles to drive.

This electrical fastback prioritises consolation above all else – a degree emphasised by its gloriously plush seats and bump-absorbing trip.

To that finish, it is geared up with the French model’s Advanced Comfort suspension, which options twin hydraulic stops on the entrance and rear. In some methods, it looks like a Rolls-Royce Spectre for the everyman.

Okay, so clearly it isn’t going to be taking over the £330,000 ultra-luxurious Spirit of Ecstasy in any forthcoming comparability exams, however it’s jolly good inside and it comes with a ten.0in touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a crisp head-up show, in addition to a 5.5mm digital display behind the steering wheel.

Long-Term Review

BYD Atto 3 2024 long-term check

There are additionally just a few quirks that have thrilled my kids, comparable to door pockets whose sides are made not of plastic however a trio of tuned guitar strings (they actually to play three distinct notes). There’s an enormous rotating 15.6in touchscreen, too.

The trim is fairly quirky. Sit behind the wheel and simply rely the finishes: ‘vegan leather-based’ in not one however three completely different colors and a splash that blends a brushed steel impact with rolling curves in blue, black and white, with a small binnacle forward of the driving force and that huge central display screen dominating proceedings. 

As somebody who’s one thing of a stranger to the health club, I had to learn that this atmosphere was the inspiration for the inside styling. But even I obtained the trace with BYD’s color names, that are a reasonably lame try to cement these lively associations, with Surfing Blue, Skiing White, Climbing Grey and my automobile’s Parkour Red. It does not make me wish to begin leaping from railing to railing (not with my knees), but it surely no less than is a really engaging shade.

Try to not be blindsided by the gimmickry, although, as a result of the Atto 3 is a correctly sensible automobile. The cabin is way extra beneficiant for area than these of a lot of its rivals, and it feels remarkably well-screwed collectively. There’s an honest split-level boot again there too, albeit with a horribly flimsy cowl that jogs my memory of an early ’80s Vauxhall. 

The sense of high quality and solidity is additional enhanced on the highway. The BYD is a extremely sweet-riding machine, helped by its large doughnut tyres. The powertrain presents easy reasonably than astounding tempo, and whereas the chassis will not win any prizes for leisure, it’s as competent as the remainder of the package deal. 

I’ve had one slight downside, albeit when the automobile was getting used the monitoring images (snapper within the boot, harnessed up, capturing out the again as the topic automobile follows). That meant having the electrical tailgate open for a sustained interval whereas I drove round at comparatively low speeds, but it surely was sufficient to actually confuse the poor Atto 3, and afterwards, the boot refused to open absolutely or shut correctly – which was doubly annoying as a result of it disabled different methods, such because the cruise management, on the similar time. 

Long-Term Review

Lexus RZ 2024 long-term take a look at

The many journeys that now we have already shared have all been a breeze. It actually is a automobile made for relaxed travelling, and I’ve began to select up on the numerous issues that Lexus has accomplished to make that so.

This consists of the quietest windscreen washer motor you’ve ever heard (actually, it’s creepily muted) and home windows that drop and not using a trace of noise. They actually are luxurious ranges of element, even past what you’ll count on from a £74k automobile – one thing I didn’t assume I’d say.

Its deep seats add one other degree of plushness that I’ve not skilled in one thing costing lower than £100k. The £135k Range Rover P440e Autobiography, one other on our long-term fleet, involves thoughts. These seats even have inside followers to maintain your again sweat-free – a pleasing addition on a summer season’s day.

Speaking of the Range Rover, the RZ’s 14in infotainment touchscreen additionally wouldn’t look misplaced in a automobile of that high quality, though it’s not as slick as the very best of them. It’s not unhealthy by any means, simply not as user-friendly because it may very well be. I discover myself at all times switching to Android Auto now, particularly for navigation.

What is nice, although, is how the RZ is to drive, which once more provides to its ‘get you there relaxed’ mantra. It rides quietly and in supple vogue and has a satisfying heft to its steering that speaks of loads of dynamic fine-tuning, which Lexus is thought for.

In tight areas, comparable to automobile parks, it behaves like a a lot smaller automobile, having a improbable turning circle, due to its four-wheel steering.

For these this automobile now, from late 2024 the RZ may also be out there with Lexus’s steer-by-wire system, One Motion Grip, full with a yoke rather than a steering wheel. No, this isn’t a gimmick: as we stated in our first evaluate of the RZ, it’s really fairly good and really exact, a lot so to full a full lock in simply 150deg.

Anyway, again to our automobile, and with all good issues, there are, nevertheless, some drawbacks. As I discussed in my first report, the overly delicate lively security techniques are a little bit of an annoyance.

Long-Term Review

Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 long-term take a look at

Having arrived at our vacation spot, the compactness of the Tonale was advantageous when parking on a good driveway and never wishing to dam the pavement. My relative (who drives a Peugeot 3008, if that is related) stated “not sure about the colour!”, however I defended it. Besides, you need to have seen the garish vehicles I had noticed across the nook. When in Essex…

Getting again within the Tonale for a protracted, darkish night schlep up the M11 to my dad’s home in Bedfordshire, I appreciated the significantly vibrant full beams. And I’m nonetheless having fun with the smallest of wins: a bodily up/down toggle for the cabin temperature on the fitting aspect of the centre console, which is simply so simple to make use of and – importantly and never a given – inside straightforward attain so not distracting to function.

After a protracted day of driving, socialising and parenting, I observed the seat’s lumbar help for the decrease again, and never for the primary time. Just a few months in the past, I went daytime dancing (not a typical incidence) and put my again out. I’m previous. It eased after a number of days, however a key factor that supplied consolation was sitting within the Tonale’s driver’s seat. Having reached Dad’s, I hooked as much as his electrical provide. I might be doing a whole lot of quick native journeys for a few days, and having the luxurious of a driveway with an influence provide meant I needed to profit from the Tonale’s PHEV performance. Oh, and I wasn’t paying (thanks, Dad).

Having a everlasting parking spot additionally meant I might go away the cumbersome charging cables out and simply plug in with none effort. It’s certainly not an issue singular to the Tonale, however there have to be a product designer on the market who could make these unwieldy issues considerably extra user-friendly.

Enjoying the electrical energy on a number of quick journeys, all of which involted methods tet steady ands, the management, even when I did not push its limits on stated lanes.

Eventually, it was time to pack up and head again to Middlesex. On the return leg, I famous 43 claimed electrical miles remaining, cruised in EV mode and watched once they ran out. I’m happy to report the automobile drove extra miles on zero emissions than it had predicted, and with little eco-driving effort from me.

Home 300-plus miles later, there was loads to have fun and little of which to complain. The Tonale is certainly not good, but when you are able to do a number of journeys on typically unfamiliar roads with toddler (and corresponding Peppa Pig songs) in tow and nonetheless really feel comfortable about driving it, that is a fantastic signal for proudly owning one.

Long-Term Review

BMW iX1 2023 long-term take a look at

The Nissan Ariya appeared extra up the iX1’s road. Its extra upmarket inside was nearer to the BMW’s customary and the Japanese trounced the German for vary, with an official 322 miles. Despite its properly refined and punchy powertrain, nevertheless, I concluded that it nonetheless wasn’t fairly as enthralling.

Then got here the Genesis GV60, in top-rung Sport Plus trim. At £67,505, it was dearer than the iX1 however much more of a like-for-like than the opposite rivals. The claimed vary was 289 miles, however our testing returned 220 miles – virtually the identical as I’m getting within the iX1. The inside was additionally on a par with the BMW, if not a contact higher, stuffed with fashionable know-how, leather-based and plush materials.

Yet once I hopped again into the iX1 afterwards, I instantly felt extra at residence (who stated familiarity breeds contempt?). I’ve already stated how good an atmosphere this automobile is, and that feeling hasn’t worn off even just a little bit in any case this time. In reality, I’d say I’ve but to take a seat in an EV whose inside I’ve preferred extra.

The 10.25in digital dial show is evident and customised precisely to my liking, and I typically don’t have to even go close to the ten.7in central display screen. When I’m not utilizing Apple CarPlay, the built-in Spotify app is sensible and lets me entry my music in a number of faucets.

The iX1’s head-up show, in the meantime, is the primary one I haven’t felt compelled to show off. I exploit it to alter radio stations or music, and for my in-car monitoring programs.

Quite unexpectedly, then (nicely, it is a compact SUV), I seem to have fashioned a little bit of an attachment. 

Love it 

Spotify

Issues with my iPhone have restricted my use of Apple CarPlay, however utilizing the in-built Spotify integration has been seamless 

Loathe it

Automatic boot sensor

The foot-operated boot mechanism typically cancels when it’s half-opened, forcing me to step in, thus rendering it pointless. 

Long-Term Review

Peugeot 408 2023 long-term take a look at

The dealing with was surprisingly pleasant, even when neutered considerably by the odd driving place and muted steering. Generally, it felt fairly at dwelling in any setting. And the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine the stalwart Puretech – matched ample efficiency with not unhealthy economic system, averaging 38.8mpg.

Of course, given my premise, I have to additionally think about the points that will attraction extra to the typical would-be Nissan Qashqai purchaser. First, practicality. That low and lengthy boot: is it nearly as good as the next, shorter one? Yes. Early on, I used the 408 as a elimination van, transferring virtually an entire flat’s value of stuff in only a few journeys. And if you wish to do that scientifically, the 408’s cargo capability is 536 litres, or 1611 litres with the rear seats folded down, which compares with 520 and 1480 for the brand new upright Peugeot 3008.

On different events, grownup rear passengers have been fairly pleased with their seats, area and, opposite to my expectations given these window and shoulder traces, views. Next, tech. As I mentioned earlier, it had some issues: primarily capricious icons for the heated seats and wheel and an unreliable Apple CarPlay linkage.

Otherwise, although, I discovered the infotainment system pretty straightforward to make use of, and I used to be grateful for the weird secondary touchscreen beneath, which hosted giant shortcut ‘buttons’ that I discovered to hit with out wanting whereas driving.

I additionally discovered the lively security methods acceptable – as a result of they have been fast and straightforward to show off. Automatic emergency braking is at all times welcome, and I’m coming round to adaptive cruise management on our more and more choked roads, however I’m by no means going to get on with a system that yanks the wheel in my fingers, particularly for no good purpose, and in widespread with most fashionable automobiles, the 408’s lane protecting help did precisely that.

Onto the design. I believe it is tremendous, regardless of its complexity, and loads of folks agreed. Not simply because of the new emblem, some have been shocked to be taught it was a Peugeot. I imply, consider the aesthetic distress of the model simply 15 years in the past.

I actually felt it had a premium aura, and I cherished driving one thing that actually stood out. It’s only a disgrace Elixir Red paint is so expensive, because it’s even nicer than Obsession Blue, as seen on the plugin hybrid mannequin that I additionally tried.

Long-Term Review

Volkswagen ID Buzz 2023 long-term test

Why we’re running it: Volkswagen wants to bring back the glory days with a large family EV, but is it as appealing as its classic bug counterpart?

Month 1 – Specs

Life with an ID Buzz: Month 1

Welcoming the ID Buzz to the fleet – 22 November

“My absolute passion is for the brand, and to get the brand back to where it belongs – to the hearts of the people. Real Volkswagen again. A love brand.”

VW CEO Thomas Schäfer expressing his plan to regain the brand’s once-enviable popularity and compete with new rivals while maintaining desirability.

The ID Buzz represents this objective as a sleek, cheerful electric MPV that pays homage to one of VW’s most successful historic models, while also being a technologically competitive flagship model.

It needs to be a futuristic family vehicle that competes effectively in a crowded field, and also appeals to loyal VW fans who may have become disconnected from the brand’s current lineup.

From a personal perspective, I have a strong connection to VW’s history, having experienced various models and owning a 1972 Beetle for over a decade.

Long-Term Review

Toyota GR Supra manual 2023 long-term test

The Toyota Supra is known for its turbo straight six engine, and the absence of it in the modern version would definitely feel odd. Although it may not match the power and flexibility of a BMW Motorsport six-cylinder engine, the B58 engine seems to suit the Supra well. Even though I’ve only had the car for a few days, it feels fast and has good torque and revs.

I’m particularly interested in exploring the ride and handling of the Supra manual. Toyota has used the development of the manual version to improve the car’s adaptive dampers, power steering, and anti-roll bar bushes. We previously praised the car’s compliant touring ride, but were less positive about its body control on rough roads and the driver’s connection with the front wheels. I’m eager to see how much progress has been made.

What truly intrigues me is the process of fully experiencing the dynamic character of an analog sports car. Few manufacturers still offer classic, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, manual transmission sports cars. I’m excited to spend weeks and months adjusting drive mode settings and tire pressures to achieve the perfect driving experience.

Unfortunately, as road testers, we rarely have the luxury of time to do this. Test cars come and go within a few days, and there are fewer cars with a straightforward mechanical setup that invite such tinkering in the first place.

Ordering the GR Supra is relatively straightforward as well. If you opt for the larger engine, you have the choice between standard and Pro equipment specifications, as well as manual or automatic gearboxes. However, if you prefer a simpler and more affordable trim, the manual transmission is your only option.

And that’s what we have. No fancy leather seats, premium stereo, or adaptive cruise control for us. Just a simple sports car with ample features, and plenty of driving to truly get to know it. I’m ready for the experience!

Long-Term Review

Kia Niro EV 2023 long-term test

Our car is fully loaded with all the features you could want. One highlight is the leather-effect ‘vegan’ upholstery, which is made using Tencel fabric from eucalyptus trees. It’s unclear whether this upholstery adds a touch of luxury to the car while still being durable, or if it feels more like a fancier version of a vinyl tablecloth that you can easily wipe clean after a child’s party. At the moment, I’m leaning towards the former option.

We’ve had our Niro for a while now, allowing it to fully settle into our everyday lives before sharing our thoughts. Its size makes it feel compact on the roads, which is a nice change after navigating through tight gaps in a wider BMW iX for 10,000 miles. The Niro’s drivability and acceleration in real-world conditions are excellent.

Unlike its sibling, the Hyundai Kona Electric, the e-Niro used to feel a bit unstable due to the strong torque going to the low-rolling-resistance tires. However, this new version feels more controlled and manageable without sacrificing speed. The hardware is the same, but the tuning has been improved.

The Niro also provides ample interior space. It’s even possible to fit a set of golf clubs in the boot widthways, thanks to the spaciousness and wide opening.

Overall, the Niro is easy to drive, the perfect size, spacious, and comes with good equipment levels. It gives off a similar vibe to what we used to say about the Golf a few years ago.

Second Opinion

The Niro EV is an example of brilliant evolution rather than a revolutionary electric vehicle. Take a car that was already successful, address its minor flaws, and create a mainstream sensation. It’s another reason to compare it to the Golf.

James Attwood

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Kia Niro EV 4 specification

Specs: Price New £42,295 Price as tested £43,040 Options Interstellar Grey with Grey pillar £745