Well, you’ve probably seen the Suzuki Across on the site a few weeks ago and our review stated that it ticks many of my boxes – so many in fact that we have the car back for a longer look and we’ll be updated our view as we go along.
The Born is the Cupra brand’s first electric car and is based on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform so it is closely related to the VW-badged ID.3 and although they share many mechanical and electrical components the Cupra Born has very much its own, ahem, identity.
The new E-3008 is capable of developing 343Nm of torque, charging from 20% to 80% in 20 minutes from a 160kW charger, and is available in two trim levels, Allure and GT. A self-charging hybrid powertrain is also available, priced from £34,650 OTR MRRP and powered by a 136hp 1.2L PureTech petrol engine twinned with a 16kW electric motor and a 48V battery to offer increased efficiency and reduced emissions.
The A6 PHEV brings together a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into the seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. The e-motor draws power from a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery which is good for a claimed 34 miles of electric-only running at speeds of up to 84mph. This largely depends on driving conditions. Recent trips in the dark and pouring rain knocked about 10 miles off that range, but at least you have the comfort of a good old ICE engine to rely on getting you where you want to go.
The MG5 EV, one of the only all-electric estate cars on the market, has already scooped a number of awards and two specifications are available, the MG5 EV SE and the MG5 EV Trophy. Both feature MG’s 61kWh Long Range battery as standard, capable of up to 250 miles (SE) or 235 miles (Trophy) on the WLTP cycle.
The ë-C3 heads up the fourth-generation line-up of Citroën’s most popular car, which has sold more than 5.6 million units since the launch of the first generation in 2002. The C3 is being the brand’s most popular model and representing 29% of Citroën’s European sales volume. In 2022, the C3 captured 11% overall of the European B-segment market.
The introduction of the new Audi Q8 e-tron last year builds on the success story of the flagship electric SUV and Sportback which now feature an optimized drivetrain, improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance, and battery capacity and an increased range of up to 330 miles (WLTP) in the SUV and up to 343 miles (WLTP) in the Sportback. Design changes, especially at the front of the vehicle, give the new flagship SUV a fresher appearance.
A practical and roomy family conveyance and now comes as a full EV with an impressive range not far short of 300 miles when specified with the larger 64kW battery. The other option is a 39kW with a range of 171 miles. There is also a £7,000 price difference – jumping from £32K to £39K
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the government is committed to reaching net zero by 2050 – but in a “more proportionate way”. A 2035 deadline is in line with EU plans, but will mean that the UK will no longer take the lead in the Road to Zero.
The new E-3008 will replace the best-selling Peugeot 3008, a car that has impressed more than 1,320,000 customers in 130 countries for seven years. By 2025, the brand will offer a complete battery electric line-up, and by 2030, 100% of the brand’s sales in Europe will be electric.
