Vauxhall surprised everyone in 2012 when the Ampera hit UK roads – and you might still be surprised at how cheap it is second-hand
Vauxhall surprised everyone in 2012 when the Ampera hit UK roads. It was actually a rebadged Chevrolet Volt as the Vauxhall, with only slight visual tweaks to distinguish the American original from its cousin Luton. This provided a good opportunity for the EV-curious to dip their toes into the land of hybrid power. The Ampera is somewhat forgotten as a big player in the hybrid scene, but its stats are still impressive today.
It could go 0-62 mph in 9.0 seconds thanks to its 1.4-liter engine and electric motor, producing a combined output of 148 hp, and its claimed EV range reached 50 miles, while even the Volkswagen Golf Today’s GTE hits 40 miles before gasoline. must cut.
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In total, the Ampera claimed an (unrealistically) average of 235.4 mpg and it could be plugged in and fully charged in four hours. Official CO2 production was only 27 g / km.
It was also well equipped and available in two trim levels: the Positiv, with a rear view camera, DAB radio and cruise control; and the Electron, which added a satellite navigation system and a premium Bose sound system. Dual screens were the driver’s focal point, with a wrap-around instrument panel and tactile buttons. Leather seats were standard.
It wasn’t cheap when it launched, initially selling for £ 32,995. Now used prices have dropped to around £ 7,000, like the sole owner 2012 Electron car with 73,000 miles we found. Many examples also have full service histories. Overall, it’s a smart-looking car and, at this price, a solid (and still relevant) entry point into the world of electric vehicles.
Lexus RX 400h SE-L £ 7,950: The RX 400h went through a lot of changes throughout its production, but this 2008 model has some good options, including air conditioning, black leather trim, heated seats, and a satellite navigation system. It is powered by a petrol V6 plus an electric motor on each axle.
Honda CR-Z £ 4,290: Even as something with a more overt sporting bent, this 1.5-liter, 122-hp Honda CR-Z will return 56.4 mpg. We found this 87,000 mile car with a detailed service history for under £ 5,000, despite some more difficult examples selling for much higher dollars.
Mercedes C300 Hybrid Estate AMG Line Premium £ 17,450: A diesel hybrid might not be your first idea when thinking about clean power, but this two-owner 2017 C-Class can master your commute to work in style, while still boasting up to 68.0 mpg. It has driven 60,513 miles in four years, but comes with a full service history.
Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid £ 19,999: This 2011 Cayenne has 100,000 miles under its wheels and can now be bought for a third of its original price of £ 66,000. It certainly looks the part with its beige leather interior, and Porsche’s automatic transmission makes for extremely refined cruising.
Auction watch
Suzuki Cappuccino: With its 50:50 weight distribution and weight of just 725 kg, Suzuki’s little Cappuccino roadster was popular when it was released. It used a 660cc turbocharged engine producing a meager 63bhp, but still managed to hit 62mph from standby in 8.9 seconds. Only 1,100 copies made it to the UK after its 1992 release, and silver copies like this 1994 example are particularly rare, originally outnumbered four to one by the most popular red cars. It sold for a hefty £ 8,100 thanks to its exterior and engine, both in good condition after 22 years of very light use and garage storage.
Future classic
Honda Integra Type R £ 16,985: It might not fit in with today’s more radical sports offerings, but Honda’s hot Integra offered a truly unique driving experience as a stripped-down race car, with a 1.8-liter VTEC engine from 187 ch. A top speed of 145 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 6.7 seconds helped make it an entertaining track car, with all of its available power delivered at 8,000 rpm. The lack of vanity mirrors, cruise control and rear wipers clearly doesn’t put off owners, who instead revel in the pure driving experience of the Integra, like that offered by this 2003 model with 60,000 miles.
Classifieds class
Volvo V70 2.4D 2,995 €
Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI Break 3 989 €
Felix Page: Beautiful, small and not too thirsty, this big old Volvo brick is just what you need. I went for the 2.4-liter diesel, which the seller claims can muster 41 mpg, so James doesn’t tarnish his trip around the world with too many fuel stops. This is a perfect blank canvas for all your comic rally stickers.
Max Adams: The center of England may have fallen in love with a Volvo estate, but what they really want is a Mercedes-Benz, like my selection. This 2004 E320 CDI pulls more than yours, because it not only has a beefier engine but also a greater cargo capacity: 695 liters with seats up to 485 for the V70.
PF: Sure, that’s a beautiful thing, but wouldn’t James be a little worried that such a fancy car would get scratched during the trip by a …
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-25 05:01:24
