Success and failure

Last week's good and bad car news

Saturday afternoon, having a delicious cappuccino and...., ready for some exciting car news. At Greenchoicess we look back on a week in which Toyota does sell PHEVs, but no EVs. Good news, bad news. Success and failure.

Succes - The proof: EVs can be really cool

My first thoughts after seeing the Alpine A290 were the Porsche Taycan. I like the tough brother of the Renault 5 so much. Doesn't that make you happy? Because we have to embrace the electric future sooner or later, so it's nice to know that there are car brands that get it. Let's quickly zoom in on this monster, the Alpine A290.

As if the electric Renault 5 wasn't fun enough, the Renault Group now comes with the Alpine A290. Also electric, but with a lot of extra horsepower and a sportier chassis.

The Alpine A290 also has the brilliant retro design, based on the classic Renault 5. But with the increased power comes wider wheel arches, fatter bumpers, oversized skirts and bigger wheels. A bit forced are the bulges in the rear doors that refer to the air intakes of ancient Alpines with tail engines.

But even in the dark you know immediately that an Alpine A290 is approaching and not a Renault 5. This is thanks to the LED headlights and fog lamps with the special cross signature, inspired by the stickers that once adorned the lights of classic rally Alpines.

The interior of the Alpine A290 leaves no doubt about the origins of the car: the house colour blue and the iconic A are amply present. Furthermore, the interior has been decorated with, among other things, extra profiled furniture and a leather sports steering wheel.

Two buttons in particular attract attention. The red OV button is a kind of turbo boost. No, not like the 'Knight Rider', but stands for 'Overtake' and ensures that the maximum power is immediately available. Unfortunately: Not for fast jumpy overtaking manoeuvres.

Furthermore, we see a blue Recharge rotary knob with which you can select from three regeneration levels. The gear positions D, N and R are not selected with a lever on the steering column as in the Renault 5, but with - lightning-fast responding - buttons on the tunnel console. Just like in the Alpine A110.

While the ‘regular’ Renault 5 is currently only available in one power variant (150 hp), Alpine immediately saddles potential buyers of the A290 with choice stress. Do you go for the relatively tame GT or GT Premium with 180 hp, or do you opt for the real hot hatch of the family? In the latter case, you should go for the 220 hp GT Performance or GTS. The price difference with the ‘tame’ variant is around 3000 euros - more on that later - but for that extra money you get more than just 50 hp.

In the GTS, you don't have to make do with recycled fabrics on the furniture. You sit on real nappa leather and not on that sweaty vegan stuff. On the outside, both top versions have Michelin Pilot Sport S5 rubber instead of port EV tires. Behind the alloy wheels, the Brembo brake calipers are painted red for the occasion instead of gray (GT) or blue (GT Premium).

What's good about the Alpine A290 (2024)?

Most people were already lyrical about the driving pleasure that the ‘regular’ R5 offers, but the Alpine A290 does even better. Because the driving characteristics naturally had to be adapted to the increased performance.

The track width is 6 centimetres wider, the springs and dampers have been adjusted and the stabilisers are a size thicker. Torque vectoring can supply more or less power to the individual wheels as required, to keep the car on track in fast corners.

The 180 hp version takes 7.4 seconds to sprint to a hundred kilometres, the most powerful version takes another full second off that. The top speed is 160 and 170 km/h respectively. Not exceptional values for a performance EV, but among the compact hot hatchbacks the Alpine A290 belongs to the elite corps. The nice thing is that the performance feels ‘natural’, partly because the added engine sound keeps pace with the throttle input.

For an EV, the Alpine A290 is fairly light (1479kg) and has a low centre of gravity, making its road-holding both entertaining and impressive. Especially if you select Sport mode, where the steering and electric motor process driver input faster than Donald Trump paints swing states red.

Even in tight bends, the sports seats hold you firmly and the car remains neutral for a long time. The roll remains within limits, despite which the suspension does not process your kidneys into kidney pie. And the road holding also remains friendly for a very long time. Even if you deactivate the ESP, the A290 will never bite your head off. That is because Alpine says it wanted to make the A290 an everyday usable hot hatch and not a hardcore sports car.

After a few laps on the Circuit Llucmajor, the more experienced track tigers agreed that the car does indeed have its limitations. Still, the compromise between safety and driving pleasure was impressive. If you dive into a short bend with the Alpine A290 so hard that the rear axle wants to move to the side, that is quite easy to absorb. And then you are already far beyond the limits that the average driver will not even seek out. The brakes proved to be nicely biting on the circuit and the deceleration remained excellent despite the heavy load.

What could be improved on the Alpine A290 (2024)?

The Alpine A290 is primarily a fun car, but even then a bit of ease of use is nice. As far as storage options are concerned, that is rather disappointing. The glove compartment and the door pockets are small, there are no cup holders and there is also no storage compartment under the tunnel console. And that while that console is so high and wide that it constantly tries to make unwanted intimacies with the driver's right knee.

The luggage compartment is quite spacious for a car in this segment at 326 litres, but the loading sill is high. There is also no height-adjustable floor, so that the loading floor is anything but flat when you fold down the rear seat.

With the rear seat in use, there can be a maximum of two people of maximum 1.75 metres in height. An additional requirement is that their shoe size is no larger than 42. In addition, people with large feet must ensure that they do not trip over the oversized sill extensions when getting in and out.

The basic GT version already has automatic air conditioning, height-adjustable seats with electrically adjustable lumbar support for the driver, seat heating, electrically operated side windows front and rear and a heat pump. The multimedia system with 10-inch screen has built-in Google services, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available. The Arkamys audio system has six speakers.

The GT Premium adds, among other things, a heated steering wheel, a higher-quality audio system from Devialet with 9 speakers, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors and a wireless charging option for the smartphone.

With the A290, Alpine is clearly aiming at the Mini Electric, otherwise the car has hardly any competitors. The fun factor is high, although Alpine could have increased it a bit by making the engine sound more like that of a combustion engine. Now we get the idea that Doctor Emmett Brown from Back to the Future could open the door at any moment to address us sadly: “Marty, I now say farewell and wish you Godspeed.”

The Overtake button could also have been left out, because you achieve the same effect by flooring the accelerator pedal to kickdown. In short, it is actually a rather pointless gadget.

Success - RAV4 with plug now cheaper than without plug

The Toyota RAV4 is available with and without a plug. The latter used to be cheaper, but now the tables have turned. At least, if you choose a certain version. Toyota does not give a reason for the price reduction, but we have decided not to look the gift horse and the friendly Toyota salesman in the mouth.

Toyota has lowered the prices of the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (with plug) to 50,995 euros. We are talking about the Dynamic version. This version is therefore below the price of the hybrid Toyota RAV4 (without plug) with the same equipment level. The hybrid RAV4 Dynamic is available from 52,195 euros.

You also get four-wheel drive and a more powerful driveline. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 delivers a system power of 306 hp, the hybrid version with 2WD comes to 218 hp. Apart from the equipment, the hybrid RAV4 remains cheaper. It is also available as a less fully equipped Active and can then be taken home for 48,995 euros.

Even cheaper if you look at the Toyota dealer nicely

Incidentally, you can get started even cheaper with the plug-in hybrid version with the Business version. This is actually intended for business drivers because of the attractive fiscal value, but we don't think the Toyota dealer will send you home if you look at the seller nicely as a private individual.

The RAV4 PHEV Business is available from 48,995 euros, the same as the entry-level Active of the hybrid version. The price was considerably higher (55,995 euros) and so one of the most popular SUVs on earth has dropped in price by 7000 euros in the Netherlands.

Toyota RAV4 range

Toyota does not give a reason for the price reduction, but when we were introduced to the plug-in hybrid Toyota C-HR we understood that Toyota wants to market its plug-in models sharply in order to promote electric driving.

The range of 75 kilometers (WLTP) of the RAV4 PHEV may not be as large as that of the Volkswagen Tiguan, but for many people it is still sufficient for commuting.

A nice goal from Toyota, but we think that the sharper price of the Suzuki Across, which is based on the RAV4, is the reason for the price reduction that Toyota has implemented.

Success - Kia also comes with a cheap EV

This week our spy photographer came across the new Kia EV2. That's good news, because it's yet another zero-emission car that you can call 'cheap'. We assume that Kia is targeting a price of 28,000 euros and we're happy to explain how that works.

Kia is testing a new compact electric car with SUV features. It is bigger than a city car and smaller than the Kia EV3, so we dare to guess the name: Kia EV2.

These are the first spy photos of the Kia EV2. Although it is tightly packed, we can already make out the shape of the car. We think we see an SUV-like style of the Kia Soul. The roof rails give the car an adventurous look.

Between the Inster and the EV3

The Kia EV2 is smaller than the 4.3-meter long Kia EV3, but not so compact that it becomes the Kia version of the Hyundai Inster. That may sound confusing, but believe us, there is enough space between the Inster and the EV3 for another EV with SUV traits. A kind of successor to the Kia e-Soul.

According to the latest rumors, the Kia EV2 will be available with two batteries, fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes about half an hour and it will roll off the production line in Slovakia.

The unveiling will probably take another year, so late 2025. And that is sooner than expected, because when the EV2 was discussed more than a year ago, 2027 was mentioned as a possible launch year.

We assume that Kia is using a target price of 30,000 dollars (or 28,000 euros). That amount came to light when Kia shared plans last year to develop an extensive EV range with prices between 30,000 and 80,000 dollars. The EV2 was the smallest and therefore cheapest car in those plans.

Failure - Insurer rejects nice but unreliable stuff

Jaguar hardly sells any new cars anymore and Land Rover has also seen better times. And now their used cars are also getting a hard blow. Insurers are fed up with it. In short, it is high time to list the points of interest for second-hand Jaguars and Land Rovers. That is bad news, because we prefer to sit in front of the fireplace and drink tea with milk.

Problems with Jaguars and Land Rovers

The reliability of Jaguars and Land Rovers has been lacking for some time now. SUV models such as the Range Rover Velar, Land Rover Defender, Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar F-Pace are particularly bad. British publications such as What Car often place these models in the top 10 of least reliable cars. Owners complain about problems with infotainment systems, electronics, but also the engines. The suspension is also a weak point.

Although electric cars have fewer complex components and parts, and are said to be less maintenance-sensitive, the electric Jaguar I-Pace is not known as a miracle of reliability either. About 42 percent of British I-Pace owners report malfunctions. In a large number of the reports, the car could no longer drive.

There are also signs of electronic problems with the new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. In addition, there was a recall due to transmission problems. The gearbox would sometimes suddenly go into neutral while driving.

Modern Ingenium engine a source of frustration

Jaguar and Land Rover have had their own engine family for a few years now, the Ingenium, of which the 2.0-liter diesel engine in particular is a problem child. The engine, used in models such as the Jaguar XF, Jaguar XE and the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, suffers from recurring problems. For example, oil dilution occurs, which means that the internals of the engine are insufficiently lubricated. This in turn can lead to serious wear and damage.

In addition, the timing chains sometimes stretch, resulting in rattling noises. If the chain becomes too slack, the valve timing can go out of time, which in turn can cause thousands of euros in damage. The turbochargers are also vulnerable. Even at relatively low mileages. Finally, some six-cylinder engines have problems with the crankshaft and the main bearings in some cases.

Points of attention for second-hand Jaguars and Land Rovers

If you are considering a second-hand Jaguar or used Land Rover, be aware of the mileage. Diesels with low mileage may seem attractive, but increase the risk of rapid wear, especially if the previous owner mainly made short trips. According to an expert, an annual oil change is crucial, even if the indicator says otherwise. The fact that Jaguar Land Rover prescribes long maintenance intervals only makes the problems worse, according to the specialist.

The older 2.2-liter diesel engine is well known. It is found in many Jaguars XF from the period 2012-2015, but has also been used in Peugeots and Fords. A disadvantage of this engine is that it does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard, but the reliability is simply good.

Failure - Suzuki is wary of developing more EVs

This week we stood face to face with the new Suzuki e Vitara. Now the Japanese have certainly got the taste, right? Well, not exactly. In fact, Suzuki openly doubts about the electric future that Europe wants to see.

With the e Vitara, Suzuki finally has its first electric car. Will more EVs be coming? And will our fervent wish for an electric Suzuki Jimny come true? 4 questions, 4 answers.

Let's get straight to the point: when will the electric Suzuki Jimny be coming?

The Japanese usually formulate thoughtfully and are not blabbermouths, but the top boss of Suzuki is crystal clear. Toshihiro Suzuki, great-grandson of the founder, says that there will be no electric Suzuki Jimny. "A Jimny is light and agile. That character would be lost in an electric version. An electric drivetrain ruins the car."

So what will be the next electric Suzuki?

You would think that Suzuki is now going all out thanks to the new Heartect e-platform of the electric Vitara. But that is definitely not the case. In fact, Suzuki openly doubts the electric future that Europe would like to see. "Demand is collapsing and the Chinese can make much cheaper cars. We cannot compete with that," Suzuki admits openly. "We are not saying that we are stopping with EVs, but we will first see what the market is going to do."

If there is still an EV, Suzuki is lifting the veil on what kind of car it will be. It will be a smaller car than the Suzuki e Vitara. The eWx, which Suzuki presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2023 and which you can see in the photos below, is a foretaste.

Such a small, light electric car would make sense, because the brand has a reputation to uphold in that area. Just think of the Alto and of course the Suzuki Swift.

What makes a Suzuki a Suzuki?

At the unveiling of the e Vitara, we asked about the Suzuki family face. Most designers then come up with a whole explanation about kodo design (Mazda) or opposites unite (Kia), but none of that at Suzuki. Every model is different and requires a different approach, is the motto. Even the nameplates are different.

That does not mean that there is no idea behind Suzuki's models. The brand works according to five principles. In Japanese they are called sho sho kei tan bi. It comes down to this:

• Make it compact
• Keep it simple
• Make it light
• Make quick decisions
• Make it a beautiful whole

You will not quickly find a large limousine or heavyweight SUV in the Suzuki price list. The brand remains loyal to compact and light cars. The Suzuki Across is an exception, but that is a Toyota RAV4 with a different nameplate and the plug-in hybrid is mainly intended to reduce the average CO2 emissions of the entire model range.

If there are electric models in the future, Suzuki will also put them on the scales. “Should a small car have a range of 500 kilometers? We don't think so. 100 to 200 kilometers is enough. That keeps the price and the weight low,” says Toshihiro Suzuki.

Now that we hear this story, we dare to predict (despite Suzuki's firm denial) that the eWx will go into production. Hopefully with the same fun and original look as the concept car.

What fuel will the Suzukis of the future run on?

Like many European brands, Suzuki does not believe that the future consists of plugs and batteries alone. Suzuki: “Europe may be focusing on that, but other countries are not. No one there is working on EVs. We look at each country or continent to see what fits best. In India, where we are one of the best-selling brands, for example, we are going to focus on biofuels.”

Conclusion Suzuki electrification plans

Suzuki has no sophisticated plan with its EVs and is charting its own course - something the family business has been doing successfully for over 100 years. So it will not go from being a laggard to a forerunner. It is a shame: it remains strange that Japanese brands, once known for their technological superiority, are now leaving the pioneering role to the Chinese. A cheap, agile and light EV fits perfectly with the sympathetic brand. So bring on the production version of the eWx!

Bonus - Why Audi in China is now called AUDI

Every Audi has a logo of four rings that merge into each other. But no longer in China. But what will be in the grille? Well, AUDI.

First a refresher: the four rings represent the four car brands from which Audi was once founded. These are Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. The foursome continued as Audi AG and the logo was chosen to consist of four rings with one of the brand names in each ring. Only later were the rings left empty.

As famous as the logo is now, the electric models that Audi is developing for China will not have four rings. Instead, the name AUDI will appear. Yes, with capital letters. Skoda used to do this in Europe, but it has stopped doing so. Group partners Seat and Cupra are still officially written with capital letters, but we do not participate in that.

The reason that Audi will now be known as AUDI in China has to do with the collaboration that Audi has with the Chinese SAIC. The Chinese electric models of Audi are on a platform of SAIC and to avoid confusion with the rest of the world Audi chooses to write the brand name in capital letters in China and to leave out the well-known logo altogether. Audi even goes so far as to call AUDI a completely new brand ...

The new Audi E Concept that you see above and that was just revealed in Shanghai is actually called AUDI E Concept. And no matter how closely you look, you won't find the 4 rings of the German Audi anywhere on the bodywork. Perhaps the declining sales of Audi in China also have something to do with this. Chinese consumers find European brands old-fashioned and an 'old' logo doesn't help.

SAIC's platform enables Audi to develop EVs faster. This is evident, because the E Concept is a precursor to no less than three electric models that will be launched in China in mid-2025 and should regain lost market share. These are cars in the middle class and one segment higher. The E Concept is 4.87 m long, 1.99 m wide and at 1.46 m fairly low. The wheelbase is a hefty 2.95 meters, slightly less than the Audi Q8.

The E Concept has 776 hp and the Sportback reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.6 seconds. The battery is 100 kWh and Audi promises a range of 700 km. Note: according to the Chinese measuring method CLTC and that is more positive than Emile Ratelband. With 800 volt technology you have 370 km of range charged within 10 minutes.

Despite the Chinese platform, Audi says that the E Concept and other future EVs are 'real Audis with an Audi DNA'. But apparently that is not enough to stick the well-known Audi logo on the car.

Audi's market share shrinks

A lot depends on it for Audi. The Chinese car brands are becoming increasingly popular in their home country and are releasing one advanced EV after another. European brands have to passively watch as their market share shrinks. Audi sold about 10,000 EVs in China in the first half of 2024. By comparison, Nio and Zeekr sold eight times as many.

Developing cars specifically for China will allow Audi to get a handle on the latest features in electric cars and the preferences of Chinese consumers, which will hopefully boost sales. Time is of the essence, and with SAIC’s help, Audi can develop EVs faster.

More interesting car news next time!

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