Latest news with #ID4
Top Gear
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Skoda Enyaq Interior Layout & Technology
Interior What is it like on the inside? All very tasteful. And conventional too. It's less annoying than, say, the inside of an ID.4, chiefly because it has fewer of those infuriating touch sensitive buttons and sliders. For example, the steering wheel has a smattering of normal buttons and a clickwheel for volume: they're far easier to use than the VW's touchpads, and there's significantly less risk of accidentally muting the radio whenever you turn left. Ahead of the driver is an unusually small 5in screen – a far cry from some of the giant digital clusters we've become used to, it really only displays speed, charge, trip info and the status of the adaptive cruise control. But it's clear and easy to read, and useful info like satnav directions or radio station can be displayed on the head-up display. Advertisement - Page continues below What about the infotainment? The central screen is a generous 13 inches. It does take a little while to wake up when you switch the car on, which is annoying if you're in a rush. But after that it responds pretty quickly to your inputs and has a sensible UI. At the top of the screen sits a row of customisable shortcuts (to driver assist settings etc), while quick access to the climate controls/heated seats is via a band that runs across the bottom of the touchscreen – whether you're looking at the map, radio, Apple CarPlay or anything else. A touch slider directly under the screen does volume and temperature (a little awkwardly – don't rest your hand there to use the screen while you're driving). Meanwhile a row of proper physical buttons underneath the screens offers access to the driver assist modes (turning off the speed limit and lane keep assist is two presses away), drive modes, climate controls, de-mist functions and so on. Advertisement - Page continues below Will my passengers enjoy the ride? All the seats are comfortable and there's plenty of room for people and things. The flat floor means it's easy to sit three abreast in the back. Shame the rear bench doesn't slide about like it does in a Kodiaq, but there's decent legroom anyway. Up front the driving position is well judged. Clever Skoda-y touches include an umbrella secreted in the driver's door and an ice scraper hidden in the tailgate. There's no storage space under the bonnet like you get other EVs, but the big boot is 585 litres with the seats up and 1,710 litres with them all folded flat. That's more than you get in the VW ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron. Cable storage is under the boot floor with a compartment right by the lip, which means you don't have to empty out your clobber to get at your cables. But if you're fully loaded it still means shoving bits and pieces about. Hmm. Why no storage net under the parcel shelf like you get in the Elroq?
Auto Express
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 Black Editions turn family SUVs to the dark side
Volkswagen is introducing new Black Edition versions of its all-electric ID.4 family SUV and ID.5 coupe-SUV. They will be available to order from 29 May, with prices starting from £46,180 and £47,680, respectively. The Black Edition model will sit above Match trim in both model's line-ups, and injects a little more more style into the electric SUVs with a set of 19-inch Onyx black alloy wheels and a panoramic glass sunroof, while the side mirrors, roof, C-pillar and badging on the bootlid are black. Meanwhile the interior benefits from Volkswagen's 'Top-Sport Plus' pack, which includes sport front seats with integrated head restraints, adjustable lumbar support and massage function, wrapped in suede upholstery. Advertisement - Article continues below Perhaps the best part is that Volkswagen claims Black Edition trim provides up to £4,625 worth of extra kit and options, but for a relatively small price rise of around £1,800 over the existing Match versions. Among the standard equipment are a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, matrix LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging pad, keyless entry, a powered tailgate, 30-colour ambient lighting and plenty of driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control. Every ID.4 and ID.5 Black Edition is powered by a 77kWh battery that provides up to 336 miles of range in the SUV, or 341 miles in the more aerodynamic coupe. Both also produce 282bhp, which is sufficient for 0-62mph in under seven seconds, while a 10 to 80 per cent top-up will take about half an hour from most DC rapid chargers. However, while the ID.5 Black Edition is only going to be available with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, the ID.4 Black Edition will be offered with the option of a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive '4Motion' set-up for an extra £1,720. There's no extra power, with the additional motor used instead to provide better traction in slippery conditions. Range is reduced to 322 miles, though. Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews...
NZ Autocar
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Is Ford about to resurrect its hot-selling Fiesta?
Back a few years, the Ford Fiesta was Britain's best selling nameplate. So what did Ford do? Axed it. Evidently it couldn't make any profit from the five-door hatch. What have Ford sales done since in the UK? Rhetorical question. However, thanks to a technology sharing tie up with Volkswagen, Fiesta might yet make a comeback. Volkswagen's Martin Sander told Auto Express that there may be opportunities for further EV platform sharing. Ford already uses the ID 4 and 5 underpinnings for its Explorer and Capri EVs. If it returned, it is likely a reborn Fiesta would use MEB Entry platform mechanicals. Those are the same underpinnings set to find use in ID.1 and ID.2. A future Fiesta might therefore have up to 450km of range and DC fast-charging speeds of up to 125kW. The initial agreement with Ford enabled Volkswagen to scale up and this could be repeated with a second round of smaller family cars. While Puma remains a big seller for Ford in Europe, it is no longer the affordable entry-point it originally was. However, Ford ditched Fiesta and Focus because they couldn't make a profit on city cars or small family hatchbacks. However, Ford has said it is confident in its ability to compete in the right segments, meaning it is keeping its options open. The outgoing Fiesta was 4068mm long which is marginally longer than the ID. 2all concept. But the VW's wider stance and low-mounted battery should give a future Fiesta that typical dynamic character present in modern-day Fords. Styling is an unknown but a blanked off front end, slimline headlights and aero wheels are a given for the five-door only hatch. Ford and VW may cooperate again the future, this time resurrecting the Fiesta. Add to the mix Ford's California-based Skunkworks team that is working on a 'new affordable electric vehicle platform'. However, that project seems to be developing 'a medium-sized pick-up'. That would be better suited to US conditions than a compact hatch. Ford has said it will update the market on its future EV strategy in August, along with results for the first half of 2025.
The Independent
09-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Volkswagen Tayron review: The popular family SUV goes hybrid, but loses two seats
Pop over to the Volkswagen website and you'll count nine new SUVs available right now. In theory, there should be something for every type of SUV buyer, with a couple of fully electric models (the ID 4 and ID 5) and three coming with plug-in hybrid options (the Tiguan, Tayron and Touareg). The Tayron (pronounced 'tie–ron') is the newest of the lot, slotting between Tiguan and Touareg and replacing the old seven-seat Tiguan Allspace model. And yes, there are seven seats in the Tayron, but not in the plug-in hybrid model we're testing here. The PHEV system's battery sits under the boot floor, where the sixth and seventh seats would usually be. So unless you want more room in the back seats and a huge boot that offers 705 litres, rather than the Tiguan's 490 litres, we'd stick with the smaller, cheaper and equally appealing car. However, if you're swayed by all that space then the Tayron gives you exactly what you'd expect from a Volkswagen SUV: smart looks, excellent quality, a comfortable drive and decent kit levels. The problem for both the Tayron and Tiguan are its many east Asian competitors that, while lacking the sophistication of the Volkswagen cars in terms of drive and quality, offer space and kit in abundance for much less cash. How we tested We drove the Volkswagen Tayron in the south of France on a route that took in everything from tight and twisty mountain roads to fast autoroutes and quaint towns, riding in the front and back, and checking out the space in the boot, too. Independent rating: 7/10 Battery, range, charging, performance and drive There are two versions of the Tayron plug-in hybrid, both with a 1.5-litre petrol engine plus a 19.7kWh battery connected to an electric motor. Combined power for the two are either 201bhp or 268bhp. We drove the lower-powered version, which is predictably silent and reasonably swift in fully electric mode. For most people most of the time, that's all you'll need – especially with the decent range of well over 70 miles on a full charge. If you do put your foot down, the petrol engine is surprisingly vocal under acceleration, but eventually calms itself down. Maximum charging speeds for the battery are 11kW on an AC charger and a reasonable 50kW on a fast charger, although with a plug-in hybrid you're more likely to fill up with fuel away from home on a longer journey than fill up with electricity. The Tayron is a comfortable car to drive, although it does feel big at 4,770mm – 231mm longer than the Tiguan. It looks bigger, too. That extra length does it no favours, while from the driver's seat, the high bonnet makes you feel like you're in a big SUV. It's an easy car to control though, and doesn't wallow around when you go through corners, with nicely reactive steering. The ride is pretty comfortable thanks to the adaptive dampers the car comes with, and ride comfort tends to be one area where many cheaper rivals fall down. Visibility is good, even through the rear window which seems a long way away. There are myriad cameras to help manoeuvring, too. Interior, practicality and boot space Inside the Tayron it's typical Volkswagen fair: not especially adventurous, but beautifully built and easy to use. There's a bit of sparkly back-lit patterning in front of the passenger and on the doors, the obligatory ambient lighting and – following criticism about the brand's touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel – a return to real buttons where your thumbs sit on the wheel. Volkswagen describes the Tayron's cabin as a 'wellness interior'. It features acoustic glass to keep it quiet inside, a full-length panoramic sunroof on some models and the availability of 'ergoActive-Plus' seats with heating, fancy massaging and approval from German back specialists. The big story – and we mean big – is the space in the back. Legroom is huge, and rear passengers' wellness hasn't been forgotten with sun blinds, heated seats and a clever storage system that pops out of the fold-down centre armrest. The boot door opens wide to reveal a huge 705 litres of storage with a flat floor when the rear seats are folded to increase space to 2,090 litres. Technology, stereo and infotainment Volkswagen hasn't had the best reputation for in-car tech recently. The Tayron soldiers on with a touchscreen system that the brand has done its best to improve with new software. That means that the usability is now acceptable, while the touch-sensitive temperature and volume adjustment sliders that sit directly underneath are, at least, now lit. You're still likely to inadvertently adjust the heating or sound level if you rest your thumb there, though. There is voice control to help overcome those problems, with ChatGPT integrated into it, while VW's digital driver display has always been one of the best. A crisp head-up display is also available as well as twin wireless smartphone chargers and a reasonable Harman Kardon audio system. As chrome is out of fashion these days, Volkswagen illuminates its front and rear badges – which might be a bit too glitzy for some tastes – while there are also HD Matrix headlights. Being family focused, you'll be pleased to know that there's a full suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features, plus the car will even park itself via the Volkswagen app. Price and running costs When you look at the prices some of the new Asian car makers are charging for their plug-in hybrid SUVs, the Tayron looks expensive – as it does against the slightly smaller Tiguan. If you need the space, you'll struggle to find more than you will in a Tayron. But it's a shame you can't get seven seats in the plug-in hybrid version, which would really give it a unique positioning. The electric-only range is impressive and better than the claims from most rivals, which could usefully slash your running costs. The claim of nearly a 600 mile total EV and petrol range is slightly fanciful however. Volkswagen Tayron rivals Volkswagen Tiguan Jaecoo 7 BYD Seal U DM-I FAQs How long does it take to charge? The Tayron can fast-charge it's 19.7kWh battery at up to 50 kW, with a full charge taking well under 30 minutes. How much does it cost – is it worth it? The Tayron is expensive when you look at rivals from the far east, but it has more space than rivals and better quality, too. Does Volkswagen replace batteries for free? Volkswagens come with a standard three-year manufacturer warranty. The verdict: Volkswagen Tayron Volkswagen's SUV range is about as crowded as it gets, and the Tayron might just be one model too many. Without the seven seats of the petrol and diesel models – the PHEV battery has to go somewhere – I'm struggling to see the point over the cheaper and still nicely spacious Tiguan PHEV.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen ID EVERY1 Concept Previews An Adorable $22,000 Electric Hatchback
Volkswagen sells just two electric cars here in the United States. There's the ID 4 crossover that introduced our market to the brand's new lineup EVs, and the recently introduced retro-styled ID Buzz minivan. Neither are really an entry-level model, and it doesn't look as if that lack of a small and affordable EV will change anytime soon for us here in America. In Europe things are different as the brand has a larger lineup of EVs ranging from the small ID 3 to the ID 7 sedan (which we were gonna get) and ID 7 Tourer. That EV lineup will expand soon as the brand is previewing an upcoming small urban EV with an adorable new concept called the ID EVERY1. Read more: The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Is The Crossover To End All Crossovers No matter what angle you view the ID EVERY1 from, it's cute. And it's seriously tiny. At just 152.8 inches long, it's 16 inches shorter than a current eighth-generation GTI and 15 inches shorter than the smallest EV the brand sells in Europe, the ID 3. Its 58.7 inch height and 71.5 inch width make it about an inch taller and wider than the GTI, though. At the front, there's distinctive LED headlights and DRLs with a stylized grille panel in the center. VW says the lights are capable of entry and exit animations, which are emphasized by the smile-like design of the lower front and rear bumpers. Big 19-inch wheels fill the wheel arches, while the body adheres to da Vinci's "golden ratio" with a 2/5:3/5 split between the windows and the ID EVERY1's body surfaces. The black window surround is also a nod to the original GTI and the Up! city car, and the golden ratio approach also helped make the rear window of the ID EVERY1 flatter than the bumper below it. More design magic includes a "flying roof concept" that resulted in the center part of the roof that runs the length of the car being lower than the outer surfaces, and the rear center brake light being integrated into the VW badge. Volkswagen says both of these design elements help with aerodynamics and range. The interior of the ID EVERY1 is simple but not minimalist or boring. There's a two-spoke squircle steering wheel with square controls for various functions. The square design of those buttons is also mimicked elsewhere like on the mirror adjustment controls, the driver's door and on a small removable bluetooth speaker that's set between the seats. Behind the steering wheel VW opted for an integrated display set into the dash rather than a typical freestanding gauge housing. Aside from that, there's the usual center infotainment display that dominates the dash. There are two unique features of the interior that hopefully make it to production. One is the front passenger side of the dash, which VW designed to be variable. For instance, someone sitting there could snap a tablet into a built-in rail, or attach a shelf that VW says could be used as a table, which is brilliant if you want to eat in the car or get some work done. The second and most unique interior feature is the center console. In addition to being a normal armrest, it's built on rails and can slide fore and aft. Integrated shelves can be deployed for use by front and rear passengers, mimicking a feature found on the ID Buzz. The ID EVERY1 is built on an updated version of Volkswagen's modular MEB platform, which will be shared with production versions of the ID 2all and the ID Concept GTI. A newly developed electric motor sends 94 horsepower to the ID EVERY1's front wheels, which VW says is enough to propel the ID EVERY1 to an 81-mph top speed. While there's no word on the size of the battery in this thing, VW says it has "at least" 155 miles of range. Including the ID EVERY1, Volkswagen is bringing nine new models to market by 2027, four of which are EVs that will ride on this new MEB platform. The first of these models to go on sale will be the ID 2all in 2026, which will be an entry into Europe's €25,000 class. The ID EVERY1 will go into production in 2027 with a target price of €20,000, or just under $22,000. Both form VW's new Urban Car Family, a push by the automaker to offer more vehicles in the high volume segment. Kai Grünitz, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management, says the ID EVERY1 represents VW's commitment to putting people first by offering something for everyone. "For future models, we talk about Customer Defined Vehicles. The ID. EVERY1 shows that we are putting our customers, their wishes, interests and preferences at the centre of vehicle development more consistently than ever," Grünitz said. There's no word on whether or not the ID EVERY1 will come to the U.S. but it's doubtful, especially considering its small size. It's a shame too, since VW could really use a cheap EV here in States. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
