EVs - Test Drives and Impressions of NZ Available Models

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#3064468 17-Apr-2023 10:40

Geektastic: Are the cars mentioned available with leather seats instead of cloth or plastic?

iX1 is available in three types. Alcantara, Sensatec which is Vinyl but looks and feels like leather and Vernesca which is 100% leather.

Do whatever you want to do man.

lchiu7

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#3064529 17-Apr-2023 16:39

lchiu7:

[SNIP]

The car has a NFC reader on the right wing mirror that you can use a card to unlock the car and then drive it. The trouble is, if you are sitting in the car waiting for somebody so you switch the engine off, you cannot unlock the car using the card from inside the car as there is no NFC reader in the car. You have to step out and tag it again on the wing mirror. That is mildly annoying and might be evn more so if it's raining hard. Of course this issue does not occur if you have the physical key or as people are mentioning, when BYD finally release their app.

The app fixed this problem so it's quite possible to drive the car without the key or tag. Just don't have your phone run out of battery :-(

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#3065864 20-Apr-2023 08:12

Got a call from my “Friendly Neighbourhood Ford Salesman” about a look at the new Ford (Mustang) Mach-E. While I initially was just going for a ‘look’, there was time for a short test drive (truncated from my normal route).

For the TL:DR crowd, it is good, at least on a par with the EV6 and Ioniq5. But the price of the AWD at $110K is hard to justify.

The car I drove was the RWD ($79990). Manual (heated) leather seats with no lumbar support, no panoramic roof, manual tailgate and base model 18” alloy wheels.

The first thing you notice is the enormous centre display with a manual volume knob at the bottom. Some reviewers have noted it encroaches on legroom, I didn’t have a problem. There is certainly plenty of screen real estate to work with. Once I had set up the wireless Android Auto (it has Apple CarPlay as well) the screen had space for navigation and media to be clear and easily selectable. Menu layout seemed fairly intuitive. When reverse was selected the display showed a good quality reversing camera and a 360 top view. The 6 speaker sound system sounded good. The AWD and GT have 10 speaker systems.

There is a small driver’s display viewable through the steering wheel arc. The top corners are obscured by the wheel but all the info is viewable (unlike the EV6). I don’t know if nav info can be shown on this display (didn’t have time to try). The layout showed %/range on the left, driver aids, like adaptive cruise and lane keeping in the centre, and “ground speed” readout on the right. Once again I don’t know how configurable the layout is. None of the models have a HUD, something I would have expected on at least the GT.

There is plenty of room in the cabin, the seats are comfortable, but I was disappointed there is no lumbar support in the manual seats. Rear seats are adequate for adults. A relatively high sill height may be a little confining for kids in the back. The boot has good space and a small underfloor, with enough space for the inflator kit and (I think) a granny charger. I only checked the frunk in the RWD and it was a usable size.

The drive was smooth and quiet. Slightly less road noise than my Model 3 but definitely more wind noise at motorway speeds. Particularly from the wing mirrors. It has a noticeable SUV ride height. I pulled up beside a Model Y at the lights and was probably sitting at least half a head higher than its driver. Adaptive cruise work well and lane keeping likewise, although not as straightforward as the Tesla to activate. Felt ‘planted’ on the road. Acceleration was less than the Model 3, but adequate and on a par with the likes of the EV6 and Ioniq5.

The installed battery capacity in the RWD is 75.7 kWh with 68 usable. The AWD and GT it is 98.7 with 88 usable. It is NMC chemistry, but with so much headroom, I’m not sure if it is limited to 80% for daily use. Although my drive was less than I normally try and do (didn’t get extra-urban) it was an urban and motorway and I achieved 158Wh/km. So that equates to 428km from a full battery and is fairly close to a claimed WLTP range of 440km. I would bank on 400km.

Tow rating is “n/a”.

The main competitors for this vehicle are the EV6, the Ioniq5 and Model Y (imo) and I definitely think it is worth consideration in the sub $80K bracket. I think the step up to the AWD at $110K ($124K for the GT) is too great. It should be in the 90s to compete.

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#3065936 20-Apr-2023 10:00

I've yet to drive an EV that doesn't feel 'soulless' unless it was in the well over 150K mark, and even after that price tag, driving feels less engaging than any decent ICE performance car I've owned or driven. I also don't get the awful wheel designs to save a few KM's of range. The interiors on even moderately expensive EV's just feel devoid of any character. I admittedly haven't driven the Mach-E yet, but given AWD is something I would consider essential, and the AWD is $110K+ which seems very pricey for what it is, I am not sure it's worth it.

I also don't understand the lack of EV Sports Wagons. I have no interest in a rolly top-heavy SUV, most of them have less practical capacity than a decent wagon as well. Audi and BMW should have had full electric A/S4 and 3 Series by this year, I don't understand the decision not to get them to market.

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#3065954 20-Apr-2023 11:25

networkn:

I've yet to drive an EV that doesn't feel 'soulless' unless it was in the well over 150K mark, and even after that price tag, driving feels less engaging than any decent ICE performance car I've owned or driven. I also don't get the awful wheel designs to save a few KM's of range. The interiors on even moderately expensive EV's just feel devoid of any character. I admittedly haven't driven the Mach-E yet, but given AWD is something I would consider essential, and the AWD is $110K+ which seems very pricey for what it is, I am not sure it's worth it.

I also don't understand the lack of EV Sports Wagons. I have no interest in a rolly top-heavy SUV, most of them have less practical capacity than a decent wagon as well. Audi and BMW should have had full electric A/S4 and 3 Series by this year, I don't understand the decision not to get them to market.

i can tell you have not tried the EV6 AWD GT Line or the EV6 GT GT

if i have guaranteed access to lots of fast chargers like you do with Petrol pumps, I'd have one in my house right now. for now Nissan leaf is everyone's favourite car! all 5 of us at home agree!

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#3066100 20-Apr-2023 16:01

Batman:

i can tell you have not tried the EV6 AWD GT Line or the EV6 GT GT

if i have guaranteed access to lots of fast chargers like you do with Petrol pumps, I'd have one in my house right now. for now Nissan leaf is everyone's favourite car! all 5 of us at home agree!

Kia made trying to get a test drive a distinctly unpleasant experience. I will try one at some stage.

I am not a fan of their marketing. "EV6 GT-Line bringing super car performance to zero emissions."

With a 0-60 of 5.2 seconds and top speed of 188, I am unsure what they consider 'super' car about that.

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#3066106 20-Apr-2023 16:10

that'll be a typo by some clerk who knows nothing about the difference between GT Line and GT GT

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#3066108 20-Apr-2023 16:12

networkn:

Audi and BMW should have had full electric A/S4 and 3 Series by this year, I don't understand the decision not to get them to market.

it's called the i4 M50

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#3066109 20-Apr-2023 16:14

networkn:

I've yet to drive an EV that doesn't feel 'soulless' unless it was in the well over 150K mark, and even after that price tag, driving feels less engaging than any decent ICE performance car I've owned or driven. I also don't get the awful wheel designs to save a few KM's of range. The interiors on even moderately expensive EV's just feel devoid of any character. I admittedly haven't driven the Mach-E yet, but given AWD is something I would consider essential, and the AWD is $110K+ which seems very pricey for what it is, I am not sure it's worth it.

I also don't understand the lack of EV Sports Wagons. I have no interest in a rolly top-heavy SUV, most of them have less practical capacity than a decent wagon as well. Audi and BMW should have had full electric A/S4 and 3 Series by this year, I don't understand the decision not to get them to market.

i'd like to throw in Model 3 Performance based on what others have told me, but because I haven't found a way to test one yet I can't throw it in, but I'm guessing you haven't tried that either.

but in terms of EVs being soulless, i don't think you'll ever find one with a soul, not until they create one that feels like a NA V8/V10/V12 with either manual transmission or DCT. my mate has a Taycan, (and i've seen a couple of GT RS in Dunedin!) i can't say it has a soul either. prefer a 911 Turbo or even a 718 S, and if I were in the US, a C8 E Ray or a Shelby GT 500.

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#3066112 20-Apr-2023 16:18

Batman:

networkn:

I've yet to drive an EV that doesn't feel 'soulless' unless it was in the well over 150K mark, and even after that price tag, driving feels less engaging than any decent ICE performance car I've owned or driven. I also don't get the awful wheel designs to save a few KM's of range. The interiors on even moderately expensive EV's just feel devoid of any character. I admittedly haven't driven the Mach-E yet, but given AWD is something I would consider essential, and the AWD is $110K+ which seems very pricey for what it is, I am not sure it's worth it.

I also don't understand the lack of EV Sports Wagons. I have no interest in a rolly top-heavy SUV, most of them have less practical capacity than a decent wagon as well. Audi and BMW should have had full electric A/S4 and 3 Series by this year, I don't understand the decision not to get them to market.

i'd like to throw in Model 3 Performance based on what others have told me, but because I haven't found a way to test one yet I can't throw it in, but I'm guessing you haven't tried that either.

but in terms of EVs being soulless, i don't think you'll ever find one with a soul, not until they create one that feels like a NA V8/V10/V12 with either manual transmission or DCT

Drive a model 3 P....the second hand ones are very good value from Tesla these days.

https://www.tesla.com/en_NZ/m3/order/5YJ3F7EC1LF763058?deliveryRegion=AUK&titleStatus=used&redirect=no#overview

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#3066113 20-Apr-2023 16:20

myopinion:

Drive a model 3 P....the second hand ones are very good value from Tesla these days.

https://www.tesla.com/en_NZ/m3/order/5YJ3F7EC1LF763058?deliveryRegion=AUK&titleStatus=used&redirect=no#overview

is there any in Dunedin?

i've ordered the 3 and the Y before but when it comes to paying up for it i cancelled it because there was no way of testing the cars. each time i went and bought a ICE car after cancelling ;)

my last cancellation was a EV6 because i didn't like base model, also bought an ICE after that lol

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#3066116 20-Apr-2023 16:23

Batman:

myopinion:

Drive a model 3 P....the second hand ones are very good value from Tesla these days.

https://www.tesla.com/en_NZ/m3/order/5YJ3F7EC1LF763058?deliveryRegion=AUK&titleStatus=used&redirect=no#overview

is there any in Dunedin?

i've ordered the 3 and the Y before but when it comes to paying up for it i cancelled it because there was no way of testing the cars. each time i went and bought a ICE car after cancelling ;)

my last cancellation was a EV6 because i didn't like base model, also bought an ICE after that lol

Put the $400 down to secure it then talk with Tesla about the details of delivery and test driving. You might find someone in Dunedin who will take you for a spin in their M3P in the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/model3nz

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#3066117 20-Apr-2023 16:25

networkn:

I am not a fan of their marketing. "EV6 GT-Line bringing super car performance to zero emissions."

With a 0-60 of 5.2 seconds and top speed of 188, I am unsure what they consider 'super' car about that.

Are you sure there's not a chance you're simply miss-quoting or misremembering the specific wording? The references I've viewed are clearly referring to the GT, eg:

https://kia.co.nz/about-kia/kia-news/ev6-gt-brings-supercar-performance-to-zero-emissions-motoring/

It doesn't help with those similar names, that's for sure...

jonathan18

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#3066120 20-Apr-2023 16:32

Batman:

i've ordered the 3 and the Y before but when it comes to paying up for it i cancelled it because there was no way of testing the cars. each time i went and bought a ICE car after cancelling ;)

At the worst, it's a trip up to Chch for you to test drive a Y and 3. At this stage it looks like you've lost $800 as a result of cancelling those two orders - that alone would have paid for a hotel as well as the petrol for your gas guzzler!

But the far easier option, as I'm sure I've suggested before, is finding someone local to see if they'll take you for a drive, even potentially let you drive their car. Teslas do really gain religious levels of devotion, and there'll always be someone keen on proselytising on behalf of St Elon.

But, in the end, you have options to try out Teslas - it's just a matter of finding a way to do this, rather than complaining about Tesla's lack of showrooms.

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#3066122 20-Apr-2023 16:36

jonathan18:

Batman:

i've ordered the 3 and the Y before but when it comes to paying up for it i cancelled it because there was no way of testing the cars. each time i went and bought a ICE car after cancelling ;)

At the worst, it's a trip up to Chch for you to test drive a Y and 3. At this stage it looks like you've lost $800 as a result of cancelling those two orders - that alone would have paid for a hotel as well as the petrol for your gas guzzler!

But the far easier option, as I'm sure I've suggested before, is finding someone local to see if they'll take you for a drive, even potentially let you drive their car. Teslas do really gain religious levels of devotion, and there'll always be someone keen on proselytising on behalf of St Elon.

But, in the end, you have options to try out Teslas - it's just a matter of finding a way to do this, rather than complaining about Tesla's lack of showrooms.

i don't think i've lost any money with the price cuts being over 10k. the model 3 order fee was only $200.

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