Tag Archives: slow

News

First experience: Ford Explorer

What are you able to be taught from the incorrect aspect of the automobile in quarter-hour on sluggish suburban roads?

Well, we actually cannot confirm or refute Ford‘s lofty claims that the Ford Explorer can be extra dynamically adept than its Volkswagen Group platform-mates, though our chauffeur appeared to relish the chance to place it in Sport mode and throw it into among the tighter bends on our route, if that is any indication…

What struck me, watching from the passenger seat, was the extra overtly sporting posture facilitated by the ‘squircle’ (that is Ford parlance, categorically not mine) steering wheel, in contrast with a traditional spherical merchandise.

It appears to encourage a extra purposeful grip and exacerbates the responsiveness of the steering that, even from the opposite aspect of the centre console, appeared to be without delay extra direct and communicative than something I’ve tried on the MEB platform to date.

We have been within the single-motor rear-driven Explorer so had a ‘mere’ 282bhp at our disposal on the straightaways, which after all is greater than ample in such a practicality-focused proposition.

In Sport mode, there was a perceptible urgency to its acceleration, albeit delivered in a easy, fluid method that mitigated the uncomfortable head-lolling that you just is likely to be prone to as a passenger in different SUVs with this a lot energy.

I can inform you that the Explorer rode compliantly and quietly over the worst bits of our lap of Nice, with no particularly overt tyre roar or wind noise to talk of – though we solely breached the heady heights of 30mph on just a few events.

It’s most likely greatest to attend till we drive it to make any categoric conclusions on these dynamic attributes, however the parts I can speak about with a point of conviction at this stage occur to be those who Ford is keenest to point out off.

The inside design, for instance, is a reasonably radical departure from the Ford cabins to which we have turn out to be accustomed.

At as soon as extra daring in its putting, multi-layered surfacing and extra thoughtfully organized, it compares effectively with the likes of the Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5 for outright aptitude and ergonomics, whereas giving promising indicators of how Ford could make its interiors as interesting as its exteriors – lastly.

Unfortunately, the Volkswagen Group’s affect extends to the much-derided haptic steering-wheel controls. Ford makes a lot of the development alternatives afforded by a six-month delay in launching the Explorer however confoundingly hasn’t rectified this. Here’s hoping for the facelift…

Motorsport

The New Aston Martin Vantage F1 Safety Car Has Many Buttons And Screens

The outdated Vantage Formula 1 Safety Car was as sluggish as a turtle, in accordance with reigning champion Max Verstappen. Aston Martin is now addressing the shortage of tempo with the next-generation mannequin that will get a large enhance in output of 153 hp for a grand complete of 656 hp. We’ll see it this coming weekend on the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix the place it will be joined by the DBX707 F1 Medical Car.

Compared to the road-going Vantage launched final month, the bespoke model in F1 function has a outstanding entrance splitter and a chunky rear wing. These gadgets are all a part of a extra complete aerodynamic package that additionally features a modified underfloor for higher air movement. Interestingly, even the sunshine bar mounted on the roof has been reshaped for higher aero.


Cars

Why The Toyota Prius Is Hated By So Many (And Why Their Owners Adore It)

One common criticism of the Prius is its perceived lack of speed. This criticism is only partly true, depending on the specific model of Prius. The first generation Prius, which debuted in 2001, had a zero-to-60-mph time of 13 seconds according to Car and Driver tests. The second generation, the version that gained widespread popularity, was only slightly faster with a time of 11.3 seconds. The current 2024 Prius, however, is much quicker at 7.1 seconds.

Another point of contention is the Prius’s styling. While aesthetics are subjective, the Prius has never been widely regarded as an attractive car, falling somewhere between an egg and something as unassuming as a doctor’s office. Additionally, the battery and electric motor components are typically expensive to repair or replace.

It’s fair to say that the Prius isn’t an exciting car, but it would be unfair to dismiss it as a bad car based solely on its lack of excitement. Just as a refrigerator at home may not evoke the same admiration as a masterpiece, it still serves a crucial purpose. Similarly, the Prius shouldn’t be devalued just because it lacks the flashy features and high performance of some other cars.

News

Most Hybrid Cars Depreciate Slower Than ICE-powered And Electric Vehicles

Recently, an article explained that Japan’s slow rollout of electric vehicles (EVs) isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it might be well-timed since EV sales have recently slowed down.

Despite continuing growth, EVs are spending more time idle on dealer lots compared to internal combustion engine-powered vehicles (ICE) and hybrid vehicles. This trend coincided with Toyota’s Chairman and former President Akio Toyoda’s observation that the world isn’t quite ready to fully embrace EVs, as reflected in recent sales figures.

A recent study by iSeeCars found that EVs are suffering the most from depreciation, while hybrids are holding their value well and spending less time on dealer lots. This prompts the question: why are hybrids gaining popularity while EVs haven’t lived up to automakers’ expectations?

To ensure accuracy, the data used for this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including iSeeCars and the Wall Street Journal.

Hybrids Are More Desirable Than EVs To Most

Hybrids are more favored than EVs for several reasons. Fluctuating gas prices and lingering concerns about high fuel costs make hybrids an attractive option for those looking to switch to electrified vehicles.

Think Of EVs As Smartphones With Wheels

Understanding the lifecycle of EVs provides insights into their poor resale values. Similar to smartphones, EVs, particularly due to their large batteries, are subject to battery degradation. Although battery technology has improved, it is still evolving, and older EV models may become outdated as technology advances in the coming years.

On the other hand, hybrids are appealing as they offer the benefits of both ICEs and EVs, providing a balance between range, smoothness, and efficiency.

Here’s How Hybrids Are Holding Up Versus EVs

Based on the iSeeCars study, hybrids depreciate less than EVs, with an industry average of 37.4% over a five-year period compared to EVs’ 49.1% depreciation rate. SUVs and trucks also show different depreciation rates.

How Every Category Fares


Segment

2023

2019

% Improvement Since 2019 (Percentage Points)

Overall

38.8-percent

49.6-percent

10.8-percent
Hybrids 37.4-percent 56.7-percent 19.3-percent

Unsurprisingly, The List Is Dominated By Toyota

Toyota dominates the list of hybrids with strong resale values, reflecting the company’s pioneering role in the hybrid market.

Hybrids: Average Five-Year Depreciation


Here Are The EVs With The Best Resale

The Tesla Model 3 has the best resale value among EVs, but it still depreciates at a higher rate than hybrids.

EVs: Average Five-Year Depreciation


Hybrid Resale Values Reflect Their Desirability

Strong resale values suggest that hybrids are desirable in the used car market. For potential buyers, this means hybrids are a reliable long-term investment, while leasing an EV may be a better financial choice due to rapid technological advancements.

Sure, Go Ahead And Buy Your Dream Hybrid

Hybrids hold their value well, and their matured technology means they are a suitable choice for long-term ownership.

With An EV, Consider Leasing Instead Of Owning

Considering the rapid innovation in EVs, leasing an EV may be a wiser financial decision to avoid the significant depreciation and the potential need for costly battery replacements.