Test Drives

CODA – Pricey Electric Car without Premium Features

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CODA was taking people for rides at the Santa Monica Alt-Car Expo, but not letting them drive, in contrast to hundreds of potential buyers test-driving the Nissan LEAF. Sorry, but CODA did not appear to be worth $44,900 in contrast with the more sexy, more fully appointed Nissan LEAF priced at only $32,780. Both pure battery-electric cars are targeting 100-mile ranges. CODA with 33.8 kWh lithium battery pack is likely to have a better real world range than Nissan with 24 kWh battery pack.

Think City EV Test Drive

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The THINK City EV for the U.S. is a 2 seat, 2-door hatchback. THINK got adequate acceleration on city streets, even in its range extending Eco mode. My brief test drive did not include steep hills or entering a freeway. Acceleration did not come close to my Mitsubishi iMiEV test drive; on a freeway, I would have acceleration concerns. THINK already has 1,700 of its new generation EVs on the road in northern Europe. As THINK prepares for U.S. manufacturing, it is in discussions with a number of U.S. fleets.

Chevrolet Volt – Test Driving Extended Range Electric Vehicle

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My test drive of the Volt demonstrates this plug-in hybrid is a winner. I settle behind the steering wheel, feel comfortable in the bucket seat, and am impressed with the display behind the wheel, and the 7-inch navigation screen. While driving, I was able to try the three modes of the car with a push of the button. In Normal mode, the Volt always stayed in the quiet electric mode that gives this 4-door sedan a 40 mile electric range before engaging its 1 liter gasoline engine to provide 300 extra miles of range, depending on driving conditions. In Sport mode, the Volt goes 0 to 60 in 8 seconds.

Nissan Leaf – Test Driving the New Electric Car

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I shift the LEAF into its normal drive mode, touch the accelerator and start driving down the San Jose streets. The car is always silent. It only has an electric motor, therefore I never hear the sound of a gasoline engine. The 5-door, 5-seat compact hatchback has plenty of room. Sitting behind me is an electric utility executive who is 6”5”. I did not need to move the driver seat forward; his legs are not pressing against my seat. If the car had 4 people his size, it would be a 4-seater, not 5. On our both of the split back seats can be lowered to carry lots of cargo, be it luggage, work equipment, or everything for your favorite sport. This beautiful car is ready for order and delivery.

Mitsubishi i Electric Car 2012 U.S. Model

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Fortunately, the new 2012 Mitsubishi i for the USA will have the steering wheel on the standard left side, because I am struggling with this test drive of the 2010 iMiEV Japanese version. Steering from the right-hand side is not so bad, but every time I use the “turn signal lever” the windshield wipers start flying. Mitsubishi is now taking orders for the 2012 U.S. version of the popular Mitsubishi electric city car starting at $29,125, over $5,000 less than the 2012 Nissan LEAF.

Ford Focus Electric Challenges Nissan LEAF for Electric Car Leadership

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I enjoyed driving the new Ford Focus Electric. It felt just like driving a regular gasoline Focus 4-door sedan, except it was more quiet and accelerated faster due to the torque of the electric motor. The Ford Focus EV has a 23 kWh LG Chem Compact Power lithium-ion tri-metal battery with over 17 kWh available in the charge-discharge cycle. Ford is likely to match Nissan’s 100 range per electric charge. The Ford Focus Electric can now be ordered with a $39,200 starting price.

Lexus HS 250h – Test Driving a Hybrid Car

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Since Toyota and Lexus have been getting some bad press for acceleration and braking problems, I had to discover the truth. I put on my helmut and accelerated the Lexus HS 250h on to the track at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Lexus hybrid has four modes – Eco, Normal, EV, and Power. If you are into Eco or if you’re Normal, don’t get on a racetrack with thirty other auto journalists loaded with caffeine and pumped with adrenaline. Being not quite normal, I touched the Power button.

Audi A3 TDI with Diesel Performance and Good Mileage

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The Audi A3 gets the best mileage of any diesel in the United States with 42 mpg highway, 30 city, and 34 mpg combined. It even outperforms the popular VW Jetta TDI. The Audi adds some premium touches over the VW with the same drive system, but uses new materials to reduce vehicle weight, making the Audi the new diesel mileage champion. Today at the LA Auto Show, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI was named Green Car Journal’s 2010 Green Car of the Year®. This 5-door Sportsback was fun to test drive, well appointed, and comfortable for 5 passengers, while saving at the fuel tank.

2010 Honda Insight Test Drive

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Driving the Honda Insight was smooth and quiet even when I went up a sustained 16 percent grade, demonstrating that its electric motor is quite effective in blending power with the 98 hp engine. The new 2010 Honda Insight EX demonstrated plenty of performance and hill climbing when I drove it in Monterey, California. It is rated 43 mpg highway and 40 mpg city.

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