Tag Archives: genuinely

Car review

Mini Countryman Electric

The countryman has a genuinely well-resolved inside, which might show to be a stand-out function in opposition to the rising ranks of equally sized electrical SUVs. Our Exclusive-trim check automobile was shiny and spacious, with a minimalist design complemented by retro thrives. 

Mini’s designers have used the additional area the platform provides to good impact, so each entrance and rear occupants will discover respectable leg room and will not really feel hemmed in.

The feeling of area is accentuated by wonderful use of supplies, lots of that are partly recycled or recyclable. The material that covers the dashboard felt warming and alluring, and nicer than the ‘sporty’ touches of Sport trim, as we noticed on the John Cooper Works.

As with the John Cooper Works mannequin, the majority of the controls are operated by a spherical OLED touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.

Our check automobile additionally featured an non-obligatory head-up show, and that’s an choice field you’d do nicely to tick, on condition that all the data often seen behind the steering wheel has been shifted to the highest of the touchscreen.

The infotainment system provides eight ‘Experiences’, chosen through a pleasingly tactile toggle beneath the touchscreen (there are additionally retro-styled bodily controls for the gear selector, begin/cease button and quantity management), that every one have an introductory sound and modify the look and structure of the display screen.

There are different adjustments from the ICE model, too. Pick Timeless mode and never solely will your touchscreen turn into a recreation of an authentic 1959 Mini speedo but in addition the motor noise will tackle a refined new tone harking back to a four-cylinder petrol engine.

Again, it’s kind of of a gimmick and will not be to everyone’s tastes, nevertheless it’s understated sufficient to be simply the correct facet of tacky.

As within the JCW, we encountered the odd infotainment glitch, and the way a lot you take pleasure in any Countryman would possibly rely on how touchscreen-tolerant you’re.

Motorsport

DIY Sprinter Camper Conversion Has Huge Kitchen And A Bed On An Elevator

The variety of custom-built motorhomes is truly impressive. Many campers based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are out there, and each owner sets them up differently. The creators of this well-equipped rig spent eight months putting it together and invested around $150,000, including the van’s price. 

Everywhere inside, there are clever touches. For instance, the rear dinette has a swiveling table for different configurations. Additionally, the bed is on an elevator over this area, and an electric motor lowers the mattress on a custom-fabricated aluminum frame.

Sprinter Camper Van Build
Sprinter Camper Van Build

The kitchen has attractive bamboo cabinets. One drawer has a second drawer inside for more storage in a small area. The sink includes a UV filter because the couple spends a lot of time in the woods, where water quality can be poor.

The shower is nicer than those in some factory-built Sprinter motorhomes. It features white marble tiles on the walls, complemented by black fixtures. The floor has teak wood slats, heated by an aluminum pan underneath.

The front of the van has a floor-to-ceiling storage area against a wall. There’s space for hanging items in the upper area, and a lower section with a hole for the couple’s two cats to reach the litter box.

The couple lives in the van year-round. To stay comfortable, they have heated floors and air conditioning. They use 800 watts of solar power and 540 amp batteries to run the AC for four to five hours a day.

The exterior of the van has a large mount that holds a lot of equipment, including two bicycles and inflatable kayaks. In the winter, they switch out the bike mounts to carry skis. Opening the rear doors provides access to an outdoor shower.

This is the couple’s second van build, which is probably why it looks so well put together. They already knew what features were most important to them and were able to incorporate those ideas into a very spacious, luxurious tiny home.

Long-Term Review

Audi E-tron GT 2023 long-term test

We are starting a long-term test of the Audi E-tron GT 2023, and I am genuinely interested in this electric GT car and excited to see how our time together will unfold. I am eager to begin this journey and am not starting with any cynicism or ambivalence.

One positive aspect is that this Audi has already proven to be excellent company. It’s not without flaws – it is quite wide, and the parking sensors are overly sensitive – but it glides through the world like a mechanical panther. It is quiet, sleek, smooth, and incredibly fast with its 472lb ft of torque.

The various aspects of the car, such as the cockpit, steering, and overall aesthetics, are more impressive than Audi’s current offerings in other models. The E-tron GT doesn’t try too hard to impress, unlike the RS7, which makes it easy to warm up to. Even in the bright Tango Red color, which isn’t my preferred choice, the car’s rakish silhouette manages to make it work.

So what exactly is this car? We will delve deeper into its Taycan-shared platform later, but it presents itself as a four-door fastback capable of reaching 152mph while remaining low to the ground. It has air springs (standard on the Vorsprung trim) and a motor on each axle, with the rear motor utilizing a two-speed gearbox. The battery, with a capacity of 93.4kWh, is located under the floor. The whole car weighs 2347kg, which is quite heavy, but it is managed effectively.

With a price tag of £113k, the Audi E-tron GT is undeniably expensive. However, when you consider that BMW is asking £85k for an M3 Comp and a 911 Carrera S costs £110k, it becomes a bit more reasonable. Furthermore, when you take into account that £113k is the price for the fully-equipped Vorsprung model with features like a B&O hi-fi system, head-up display, rear-steering, matrix headlights, Pro sports seats, and acoustic glazing, it seems like a justifiable investment. The base E-tron GT, priced at £85k, offers good value for a cutting-edge and sleek vehicle.

I am quite fond of the Audi E-tron GT. However, I can’t help but wonder how it would perform with a 450bhp inline-five engine longitudinally placed in its sloping nose. My logical side says yes to the idea, and my heart agrees, although not with the same conviction as my head. While it may be heavy and require frequent recharging, there is no denying that this car is authentic. In terms of what it represents and its execution, the E-tron GT is the most thrilling Audi since the rear-wheel-drive R8. Converting it to run on gasoline would undoubtedly diminish its authenticity, though it would likely improve some aspects.