EV megatest | Which electric £40k car is best?

[@jaker3151]

Six dudes picking the best "family friendly" EV. Never once mentioned boot space and glossing over things that are important for families like practically and space. Here's an idea why not bring your families along to these tests with your weekly shopping, child seats/boosters, strollers, kids scooters, school bags etc and THEN pick the best "family friendly" EV. Your test as it is has limited usefulness for anyone choosing a "family friendly" EV.

[@animal355]

A great idea, but as you know letting the public make real world opinions on any car (especially EVs) may not be a great marketing tool with this ongoing EV selling agenda.

[@MalcolmBrownie-bf8uw]

Well said: the EX30 is a supermini?!? Even an XC40 isn't that big. The only vaguely family-based is the Tesla, and it would have been the Y more than the 3. This seems more about 'cheapest' than family.

[@josemanuelreuss9604]

Autocar only cares about the driving experience, and that’s why I love them 😂

[@Dermo1985]

Given his comments on the Avenger how did it ever win car of the year without it being a paid for accolade??? Funkiness? Are you kidding me!?! He basically said it was meh in every aspect 😂 who paid enough to win this group test I’m not at the end yet!?

[@anemeth9281]

Jeep Avenger as car of the year is a joke

[@timvinall4802]

I have a Cupra Born V3 picked it up for £27000 , 9 months old with 3000 miles ,top spec with beats audio sound system and a Pan Roof ,absolutely love it !!

[@DryUrEyesMate]

If you want a reliable trustworthy EV I highly recommend the Tesla the reason for this is that our local taxi firm use Tesla and one of them has hit over 400,000 miles and it’s still going strong

[@simonrichardson3167]

I do believe Tesla are the best, not the best interior but the most accomplished electric car from a tech firm. not an adapted ice with poor range

[@Arpedk]

@@simonrichardson3167 "not the best interior" have you tried the new Model 3? It is 3 levels above the old one, it is soo nice!

[@pindot787]

@@Arpedk Yeah agree, you need to sit on one to really apreciate, the material they choose is above volvo!

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

IF Elon was smart he'd be refitting his Tesla assembly lines right about now to be installing internal combustion engines.

[@roryreddog3258]

@@JamesSmith-qs4hx 🤪

[@wass006]

Why did jeep win car of the year? Purely on funkiness?

[@Dermo1985]

Mind boggling right!?

[@abraxastulammo9940]

Money talks 😂

[@baggeeboy]

Someone paid someone else

[@therealjpster]

A shame not to see the Citroën e-C4. I just bought one and it’s ace. Absurdly comfortable over potholes and has very polite and discreet lane keep assist. Radar cruise and hands-on auto steer works well on the motorway. And it has proper stalks and buttons and rotary controls for the AC. Over 1000 miles of commute and highway we’ve done 4.0 miles/kWh, which is much better than our old MG5 (and MG customer service was terrible and I’m very happy to leave them behind). I put £500 down and pay £350 a month at 0% for 10kpa/4 years.

[@Hali88]

yes, interesting that it's not included in this test

[@stevejewiss532]

Especially since the Astra and Jeep are there ,theyre worse EVs than the Citroen . I think Auotcar just doesnt like the way it drives because it doesnt go round corners at 60 mph .

[@hdmk213]

You can also get a delivery miles e-C4 for less than £20k (I've seen some near £16k). A phenomenal second hand purchase due to epic depreciation

[@Andy-zi1wj]

Don't think that you will get good customer service from Citroen I was looking at one but I've seen many complaints on forums of waiting month's just to get booked in for faults. Nice and comfortable tho

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Lane keep assist.... Your eyes and two hands, surely?

[@cp4512]

6000 miles a year to make the PCP deal look cheaper is a little disingenuous, the average is about 7400 I think and most people buying a family car will drive considerably more. This would also make the insurance look cheaper too. Maybe redo prices with mileage of 10000 miles to be more representative of the PCP deals that families would need.

[@clewis5220]

Leasing is much cheaper than pcp unless you want to pay the balloon payment to buy the car at the end which most people don’t imo. Hand back scrutiny is same for both imo too

[@richardcarter1000]

Most of these cars lose £1 a mile in depreciation. It's mad

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

You will struggle to do 6000 miles in your 15 minute zone mate....😃

[@ThrottleBody]

@valleysofneptunenot any more it’s not.

[@bruts82]

Have to say I was completely anti ev for the past 3 years , have a few at work and they are terrible, but the wife picked up a born 77kwh with only a few thousand kilometres on it, and I seriously can’t fault it. Most I’ve seen on the read out is 512km on a good day and least 412km. We have a charger at home from a gte golf but after 2 months of ownership we’ve only charge it once of the solar. And most charges are done at her workplace. Just for context 199 euro on pcp and she swapped out of a Gti that was costing 350 a month on fuel. Have to say these cars used correctly , locally and the odd medium long journey are so efficient of the use of terrain and coasting and regen they make perfect sense in a 2 car family. I would urge anyone to trial one for an extended period and actually realise how hard it actually is the run down the battery

[@decisionsdecisions8906]

Why is the cupra so high up rather than the id3 you said about the info screen and software but is it not the same in the cupra

[@Brightsparks1960]

I agree with your comment about retaining buttons for some of the more regular adjustments made by drivers (eg heating) BUT most manufacturers - Vovlo included - allow a simple voice command "set temperature to 20 degrees" as an alterantive. I use this on my XC40 as it is simpler that looking away to adjust any control buttons or sliders.

[@seraos121]

coming from an owner of model 3 highland, the indicators after a week stop being a problem when you change the mindset. 1 is for leaving the roudabouts and the other is to pass other cars instead of left and rigth.

[@davidfraga1672]

The Model 3 is in a league of it's own, but comes in 6th place because of the indicators on the steering wheel. 😎

[@jamesraisonx]

And because it's a lot more expensive than the competition if you aren't a cash buyer because of weak financing deals. My 2020 model 3 lease is about to end and a born V2 eboost is approx 400-450pm with no deposit but a model 3 SR is coming out at 600+ - so it's nearly 50% more expensive :(

[@paddylogan13]

I test drove the Model 3 and had no issues at all with the indicator buttons. By far the most efficient and then there's the charging network.

[@goldfishmung]

It's deserved. The lack of buttons and stalks is terrible and a safety hazard. Cost saving masquerading as innovation (through uninventing key components). Should be illegal.

[@beatles4sale2007]

Half of these you could probably pick up at 2-3 years at half price or more (from main dealers) so if I was in the market for a cheap EV for work to back for example, which for a lot of people is 90% of the usage, that is what I would do.

[@dannycolverson6944]

The worst thing about the indicators on the Tesla is that the buttons are flat/smooth, if they at least stuck out or has some texture you would be able to indicate without looking at them. Absolutely shocking that it's allowed. It's a shame because the rest of the car is literally awesome.

[@gzcwnk]

I think in the EU it isnt going to be allowed, UK of course isnt in the EU.

[@SWR112]

@@gzcwnkwe are in agreement to be inline with safety regulations or in this case safety rating. If you want the best safety rating in Europe not the EU then certain guidance will need to be taken.

[@fr33mynd]

@@gzcwnk The car is being sold in Portugal, so it is allowed in the EU, i guess.

[@patmcdaniel2016]

It has haptic feed back, No need to raise it.

[@troop73oo]

It also shows how little Tesla cares about what its customers think.

[@LaceyFilm]

The comments on these EV videos are embarrassing. I don't see all of the EV drivers going onto ICE videos making unresearched statements about how crap they are. People are allowed to choose whatever car they want; there's no point in going around telling them they're wrong.

[@simonrichardson3167]

the haters are relentless, and by and large pretty clueless. Depreciation has always been high on most new ICE cars, suddenly that's forgotten and EV are the devil, clutching at straws

[@davidlewis4399]

@@simonrichardson3167 So we are all clueless as we dont all want to spend around 40K on a family car and that we can all charge from home and never drive long journeys. Ever seen a big ICE with a roofbox on the motorway good luck doing that journey in an EV. My mate has a MG EV and uses his ICE for all journeys over 80 miles pretty pathetic really.

[@aacmove]

Because EV fanboys are too busy creaming themselves over their expensive purchases. Gotta have a reason why a rational person would spend crazy amounts of money over what is essentially a life choice over a practical one. There are so many reasons to dislike EVs, but for me the main one is I'm just not willing to part with so much money for something that is just a plastic as a Dacia Duster, with nothing I can see but inconvenience. Time was when you spent a years salary on a car at least you got wood, some leather and a touch of class. And, having recently been in a Tesla 3, a Y and a VW id-4 none have changed my mind.

[@eds4743]

@@davidlewis4399 highly unlikely

[@cjmillsnun]

@@davidlewis4399 And yet I've been from the south coast to the north coast of Scotland in my Renault Zoe.

[@mojjo1]

For me the smart 1 was the most comfortable quiet roomy and refined. Love the looks of it. Overall It’s a lovely car, Bought it.

[@ARC1T3CT-]

VW certainly got their money's worth with this review!!!

[@freddydad1]

😂, nail on the head

[@decisionsdecisions8906]

He doesn’t like the id3 but the cupra is amazing seemingly

[@agravityman]

I've got the Mégane, the spec above and to answer all the "oh it's expensive" I got mine for £374pm with £3400 deposit, 10,000 miles for 48m. This was back in summer 23, so before the whole ZEV mandate. Walk into any showroom now wanting to get a deal and you'll get a mega one, otherwise brands face a £15,000 fine per ever ICE told above the target. Not to mention it costs me £6.20 for a full charge at home. So much cheaper than an equivalent ICE from a TCO perspective

[@Rafiq07]

Paying ~£375 a month after dropping ~£3.5k deposit for a Megane is not the flex you think it is. You can get a lot more car with that money if you start looking at ICE vehicles. I'm all for EVs, but "bang for buck" is not a battle they can win.

[@agravityman]

@@Rafiq07 depending on what you're referring to on ICE, I work for a Auto OEM and know how much equivalent ICE PCP deals are post retailer Margin, and again, the above Mégane deal is punchy

[@Jaw0lf]

I looked a t a lot of these cars and being 6'2" and having a son who is the same height, rear space was very important. The Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona EV and Tesla Model 3 were the only ones with enough space for us. I also have difficulty getting in and out of some of the cars, that also made those a no go, such as the MG4. Adding all of the gadgets to meet my outgoing Kia E Niro 4+ including heat pump pushed the prices for the Niro and Kona to almost £45,000. Tesla Model 3 (Highland) at £39,990 won on price, comfort, smoothness and calmness. The screen is used to set up your driving position and mirrors, but once done screen interaction is easy as it easy to see and use for the odd times you need to touch it. I have had no issue with the inicators, in fact they are easy to use and the wheel is turned generally only 90 degrees to access the button. Pressing the button a second time to cancel the signal works flawlessly if it is still activating. it does not suffer the problem of moving the stalk to cancel, that then triggers the opposite side indicators! Lack of buttons makes it safer as I would often have to look within the cabin to locate the button. With the screen you can increase the text size and all the information could be seen in an easy glance, speed and nav in one glance, keeping eyes on the road for a lot more of the time.

[@stephenclutton]

Something that I find is never mentioned with the Tesla is that the voice commands work flawlessly. You don't need to go near the screen when you are driving.

[@Jaw0lf]

@@stephenclutton Totally agree, you can do majority of things via the voice command. Still learning those as only had my Tesla for a few weeks!

[@Rafiq07]

Must be a big Musk/Tesla fan to even attempt trying to defend the horrendous design choice of a big tablet and sticking buttons for an indicator on the steering wheel. The only reason Musk implemented these design choices is to cut costs. Nothing to do with safety or ease of use. The lack of quality control shows this up as well. Teslas interior aren't great and often have issues, with no resolution from the after care.

[@Jaw0lf]

@@Rafiq07 Not a Tesla fan, looked at a lot of other cars and this was best for the price. Trying these things out, I was surprised how easy it made everything and to be honest less distractions. Obviously car interiors are very much a personal thing. I feel these are safer to drive as you can keep your eyes on the road and are not looking for which button you wanted to press.

[@rpa6718]

This comparative is a joke…

[@mikadavies660]

Why is tge Tesla Model 3 £600+ per month in UK and $299/mth in America.... The monthly payments are just a total deal breaker for me.

[@MattyThomas86]

They will be less now , mainly down to APR. Which has now been reduced

[@stevenjones916]

Tesla have been ripping off UK customers from day one.

[@Lewis_Standing]

Americans get $7500 off from the federal government and might have local state rebates too

[@alastairhatt360]

New updates have addressed the wipers with a new update to use the left scroll button as a small menu pops up to adjust speed options etc. indicators you do get used too and yes you do second guess sometimes but you soon work it out if it’s the only car you drive.

[@stevenjones916]

Two STELLANTIS vehicles and two VW Group vehicles. What a wasted opportunity for a comprehensive test.

[@crestas9]

Also two Geely cars but how is that bad? You can see the results really differing.

[@animal355]

How many families can realistically afford any 40 grand car, it baffles me.

[@trader548]

14 years of Tories have left ordinary families rolling in it clearly....😄

[@animal355]

@@trader548 yeah, I’m picking up my imaginary 40k car next week 🤭

[@pewpewadventures1022]

We own a Volvo EX30 and the only frustrating control for us is setting the wing mirrors on the move. Which is actually something you shouldn’t be doing anyway! The car stores profiles linked to your key so the car will set itself up when opening it, move seat, adjust mirrors, other profiles can be added and easily selected via the infotainment system. Climate is easy to control using voice control, you don’t even have to take your eyes off the road. The speed warning is unobtrusive, lane assist is actually quite welcome and the ‘one pedal brake” works well. The ride is comfortable, stays composed over potholes. Push it and it accelerates hard and covers motorways and back roads with ease. Competent in corners and easy to manoeuvre in town. All in all a solid product. As with anything in life, desire and attraction are subjective and can be tainted by unconscious bias, if you’re in the market for an ev take the EX30 for a spin, it is worthy of your consideration.

[@Gaijin101]

So, which cars get proper frequent OTA updates? I mean updates, not basic bug fixes once or twice a year.

[@Adrb22]

These results look like someone massaged a few dollar bills into the bank account of this publication.

[@criticalmass5873]

The thing with the Volvo is that the voice control is so good that you just don’t need to grope for a control to change things like the cabin temperature. Just say ‘Hey Google set temp 20 degrees ‘ . Job done.

[@kaprunski]

Great video. I really like the Hyundai Kona and seriously thinking of ordering one. I can get one relatively cheap through a works scheme which also comes with a home charging point. Drove the Niro EV yesterday, which was really nice too. Decisions, decisions

[@wadem4995]

Great cars I've just ordered my second kona after test driving many cars kona ticked the most boxes

[@hivewatch]

Some men picking their favourite cars with no reference to their family. This looks like a mid life crisis round-up where the Cupra wins on style and the men wish they didn't have kids.

[@roryreddog3258]

Daft daft daft… Model 3 in 6th is beyond stupid. The supercharger network alone should be enough to put it into first position. also, it’s large size comfort dynamics efficiency, etc easily out classes every car here

[@jctoyou]

And if you charge at home why would we care about the tesla superchargers?

[@chiravalentin]

I just think that the comments in the video about price of the Tesla are not very fair. Bring all the other on the same specs as the Tesla and all of them will be more expensive.

[@stevenjones916]

Tesla didn't win, it's not fair 😭😭😭

[@chiravalentin]

​@@stevenjones916Not that. I was just sysing that you should compare prices for cars with same options. For example Tesla M3 has leather seats, cooled and heated seats, active matrix led lights, hifi audio, auto pilot, etc as standard. If you get a VW ID3 for the money from the video you get nothing of this and if you add this options it will be more expensive than the Tesla. Maybe you don't need them and that is OK too but if you compare the prices...

[@Lewis_Standing]

0% finance now too

[@mangewide]

Nice!, have a Cupra E-boost and can agree! :)

[@baronxsa]

Smart #3 fixes the ride problem: it’s lower, firmer, sportier and more stable due to a longer wheelbase. Also more space inside and a slightly nicer interior for not much more money. I’ve got one for a few months now and really enjoy it

[@maxmustermann9669]

Buyers are not annoyed about the indicators because they don't use it.

[@androo4519]

Audi will probably copy Tesla soon, or just put the indicators in the glovebox.

[@beefsuprem0241]

Optional extra if it's Audi 🤑

[@Koulis_]

This is the first review that has criticised the driveability of the Smart which is odd.

[@ciybersal3499]

Agreed Matt Watson loved it's drive

[@tobygreen2196]

I have the smart, admittedly it does wallow a bit at slower speeds when going over bumps but it’s not uncomfortable and at higher speeds it’s absolutely brilliant. There is a lot that has been missed in this test. The smart has so much kit on it that just isn’t matched by the others, such as the heads up display which I’m surprised wasn’t mentioned after the complaints about the Volvo and Tesla having everything on one screen

[@androo4519]

I thought that too. I've read and watched plenty of other reviews that really liked it.

[@cokyrobes]

Wow - how does a professional outfit do a test like this...and not put more focus on real world range / efficiency The Tesla Model 3 is clearly the winner in the real world - by a huge margin

[@brianbarcroft9167]

I recently bought the Renault Mégane, the mid range Techno version- absolute delight. Best car I have ever driven. And, here in France, with the government grant, it costs me €300 a month, about £255. Hardly expensive as the reviewers allege. Plus I get a combined total of €1300 from Renault and a tax break on my home charger. Great car, great deal.

[@paulpavlou9294]

After a year in my 77kw Born with sports and interior packages - I totally agree with you.

[@MrDos22]

Got a MG4 Xpower coming my way very soon and so looking forward to it. Never had a EV so will be a different challenge

[@noblezeolotboy]

Care to share why choose MG4 Xpower? Currently, I'm looking for MG4 Extended Range, because i do travelling quite a lot

[@MrDos22]

@@noblezeolotboy I got this from my workplace and was the same as trophy edition in costs

[@MrDos22]

@@noblezeolotboy Also, i will only be travelling to London once a week and it think the cost of the car and everything i get seems value for money. My last car has been with me for over 10 years so going up even to an MG4 is so good for me.

[@noblezeolotboy]

@MrDos22 do u think this model will last until 10+ years? I'm also looking for a car that can serve me 10 years & above. In my country, warranty given are 7 years for a car ang 8 years for a battery

[@MrDos22]

@@noblezeolotboy I am not sure if it is a 10 year car. With evs it seems to be based on battery care, and how it will be charged. I have invested in a home charger and plan to use it more than outside charging unless travelling a distance. My car benefit allows me to use it for 3 years and hopefully change it over

[@Lav-v9c]

Sold out media saying Tesla is 6th best! Yeah right!

[@paulbrain9804]

Good honest review but no mention of how efficient each car is. Mpg always mentioned on ICE vehicles. but no mention of Miles per Kwh on any of these cars.

[@WiljanWiljan]

One thing i do not understand. If you charge the battery from 10 to 80% as recommended, what is the actual range? Because 10 to 80 means i am not using 30% battery capacity....so 64kw becomes much less....Or what is my mistake?

[@Popdog76]

The windscreen wipers can be adjusted on the steering wheel that’s the problem if you don’t live with a car you have no clue which makes this test not very helpful. EVs should be efficient and have good charging speeds the KIA and Hyundai is not on the list due to this. As should the VW brands as the infotainment is poor. ID7 is a major improvement. Best in my opinion is MG4, Tesla M3, Volvo (once an update is rolled out), Megane Etech. The others will be okay for short town driving.

[@chrisclarke5040]

Yes, I wish that journalists would sometimes bother to read the manual. The Tesla wipers can be activated/adjusted through all settings by physical buttons alone with no need to touch, or indeed look at, the touchscreen.

[@nikc1313]

Great comparisson and helped validate my decision to go for a megane when my lease is up in a few months. Its competitive in every department and, for me, the best looking exterior and interior.

[@owrang9756]

I leased my ID3 in 2022 for £250 a month for 3 years and 10000 miles a year. Much more expensive now.

[@agiugabenson7268]

I think a What Car survey put Cupra last for reliability. Yet first choice here?

[@stubones]

Still £35k out of my budget..

[@DryUrEyesMate]

No one in the right mind will put 35K down in one go set up a monthly plan works out around about £300 a month.

[@Sajuuk9]

@@DryUrEyesMate loans or down payments for cars is dumb.

[@mjcamp01]

Most of these cars can be picked up cheap, the MG4 trophy spec for example is about £24k with under 5k miles on the clock, even less for the base model!

[@romeandcurry6915]

😂 Tesla M3 in 6th place - you have stretched your credibility here. Enjoy your limited range 200hp hatchback for £40k or the incredible style and quality of the MG. Maybe watch also watch Harry’s Garage for a sceptical but honest review.

[@robd1339]

So the Cupra won. Clearly the testers didn't take into consideration that the Cupra brand was the overall least reliable brand of all in the most recent What Car survey.

[@baggeeboy]

The guy knew China were listening in on the review of the BYD. They know where he lives. He has too much to lose.

[@actualfacts1055]

So we ignore the high price to buy it, we just look at the monthly payments, good grief.

[@beefsuprem0241]

Don't forget to ignore the nearly 50% depreciation in 12 months as well😂

[@actualfacts1055]

​@@beefsuprem0241 Of course, people just want, and they want it now then run off to Mum and Dad and say HELP.

[@electrikoptik]

£40k for an "affordable" EV. No wonder EV sales are stagnating and people clamoring to hybrids.

[@Lewis_Standing]

EV sales are more than plug in hybrids and hybrids. I agree with you that they are too expensive new, I believe the manufacturers are just milking usz rather than them still being expensive to make. They will reap what they sow there when we all buy Chinese instead

[@NighteeeeeY]

i get that youre a legacy car magazine but when focusing on EVs theres one thing you absolutely need to include all the time: the base range of an EV is basically irrelevant. because either im not going far and charge at home all the time so its always full, or im going that far (on a roadtrip or what have you) that the base range becomes irrelecant compared to the rechargability. so max charging peak + charging curve. Out of Spec invented the 10% challenge which is: How many miles can you add when arriving at a charging station at 10% SOC in 15 minutes time. THAT is the real data that needs to be included. base range is fine but you drive it empty once and from that point on your base range does nothing for you and its all about rechargability. so how many miles can you add in X amount of minutes when arriving empty or close to empty. this is such a good metric because it also already includes its efficiency. you need to test that in the future and include it in every EV test. EV people care about that so much more than anything you have mentioned in this test. you need to keep up. ;)

[@stevejewiss532]

Yes exactly , they just quote manufacturers figures . When you buy an EV surely Range ,charging speed and efficiency should be up there . in this test it seems its all bout a sporting drive and funkiness . I mean the Jeep is a nice car but its a crap EV.

[@mystisith3984]

Good idea.

[@stevejewiss532]

So these are supposed to be family cars , so that excludes the Volvo which has back seats only any good for midgets .How can the Astra be better than the Smart ?? also the Jeep . with EVs everything is about efficiency and range and charging speed which means the Stellantis cars just dont cut it . Also dealers , my closest BYD dealer is in central London , yeah im really going to go to central London for a service ,same with SEAT I have no dealers near me . As far as im concerned this test was mostly about how the cars drive instead of what people actually buy cars and especially EVs for . Oh and am I the only one who thinks the interior of the Volvo looks cheap ? that material on the dash and doors looks like Lino .

[@AboveInShadow]

Only if all your family is over 6" or taller. Not every family have giant kids 🤣

[@stevejewiss532]

@AboveInShadow have you seen how.much space is in the back? It's tiny compared to everything else in its class .

[@AboveInShadow]

@@stevejewiss532 Then buy the Nissan Qashqai Epower. The EX30 is not considered an SUV. The review is not about family SUV's

[@stevejewiss532]

@@AboveInShadow it's about family EVs . That's no good for a family .

[@AboveInShadow]

@@stevejewiss532 2 adults and 2 kids, good enough. If you want something bigger there are plenty of options. Most married couples don't want kids these days, still a family.

[@Rafiq07]

I'm not sure how the EX30 or the Cupra can be considered family cars.

[@69memnon69]

I disagree with the results, wonder if all that marketing money that the other manufacturers spend, that Tesla doesn’t, impacted the final scores.

[@alastairhoffmann9079]

£35-40k for a family car - how much do you need to earn to pay for this, plus your mortgage and living expenses? This was luxury car pricing a few years ago. The ICE equivalents seem to be significantly cheaper. Then you add in the fact that EVs seem to be heavier than equivalent ICE cars - it's the batteries. In terms of my perception of the vehicle size distribution, there are very few small cars and a high percentage of Medium/Large SUV types. EVs also have a hidden subsidies in that they do not pay Road Fuel Duty on power used, if you charge at home 5% VAT instead of 20% VAT on the electricity and RFL of £10pa from 2025. Then you have the question of battery life - the well made batteries go on for a long time, but if the battery goes, your vehicle is so much scrap metal as there is no cost effective ability to replace the engine as in an ICE vehicle. So these vehicles cause more wear and tear to the roads than the equivalent ICE car and do not pay tax towards maintaining the roads. EVs have their place - primarily for sub 100km trips and in the urban environment, where they are part of the solution for reducing emissions, but far more can be achieved for more people with a cheap rapid public transport system.

[@AboveInShadow]

I would get the EX30 hands down.

[@mrakronyahoo]

Its beauitful - but there seems to be significant software issues...

[@AboveInShadow]

@@mrakronyahoo Volvo has apparently resolved the issues and the EVs are ready to be driven off dealers' lots as soon as they're fixed, according to Automotive News.

[@Rafiq07]

If you're not after a family car, I can see the appeal. I have no idea why it's on this list of family EVs, though. I went to see one, and the space in the back and boot is a joke.

[@tomp66]

sent ours back - bug ridden infotainment that reboots into test mode randomly. dangerous as only one screen

[@paulhayes2189]

Not a family car....size of a Skoda fabia

[@francis4845]

Wow! Just ordered the Born V2 and then I saw this report. Seems my research agrees with yours!

[@TheMiddleView]

When I drove a Model 3 Highland, the steering buttons seemed more natural than stalks. This is the quietest car I have ever been in. Did this get measured/reviewed ? Also there was virtually nothing on the driving experience, or the incredible responsiveness ( I own a Porsche as well.) Seemed to me an old traditionalist reviewing - Perhaps they should review a Blackberry phone versus an iPhone.... oh sorry, Blackberry disappeared

[@stinger15au]

Looks like there was zero testing done. Just what the whims of the 6 judges liked. Quite obviously the tesla got pinged for switches despite being the safest with the most space, the longest range and the fastest.

[@aerox69x]

It felt like a bit of a rush in all honesty…. Family cars rated but nothing really family talked about…. Space? Boot space? Practicality? I heard more about buttons and driving dynamics….. in all honesty you shouldn’t be faffing with the infotainment when driving anyways…. Set it up and just drive… additionally once you live with the cars the functions become second nature

[@abraxastulammo9940]

If I didn't get a phenomenal deal on the Enyaq 50, I would have gotten a Cupra Born for about 200 EUR per month lease this year. 😇

[@davidtydeman1434]

Great to see so many options available

[@Hali88]

It's striking how similar they all look. I guess it's partly due to packaging and aero coefficients but come on, at least try to make your cars look a bit different! Apart from the Jeep with its grill, they all have very little connection to their manufacturer's history in their styling.

[@mikadavies660]

All of the Stellantis model are AVERAGE.... no outstanding features... However, their biggest issue is massive depreciation.

[@vp272]

Most people in this £40k bracket will buy on pcp and on balance on size, monthly price, practicality and efficiency it’s probably the Kia Niro (however boring it looks!) An extra £150-£200 per month for one of the others is just not worth it for many buyers

[@disarchitected]

Honda were knocking out the e:NY1 for under £200 a month with nothing down recently on PCP. Personally, I’d just go for the deal rather than the car. Non of these seem disastrous.

[@vp272]

I know someone who took that deal and while it is not great on efficiency it’s low monthly pcp works for them

[@Rafiq07]

Why the Niro over the Kona?

[@vp272]

@@Rafiq07 list price and pcp. Sister brand and Hyundai ( positioned as a premium over Kia) looks awful

[@tesla-spectre]

Nyland just tested the range of the EX30 and it is ridiculous. Silly consumption of 244Wh/km... To let the Born win is a bit ridiculous. But then again, taste is not to be debated. And the Tesla on 6 is even a bigger joke, but then again... it gives many likes from all the Tesla haters 😂😂😂

[@adwol48]

Mustang Mach e select can be had for 43K at the minute, probably much bigger than most of those in this test

[@CarFocused]

Will there ever be a second hand EV market that appeals to working class families with a maximum budget of say 6k? Or by that point will they be rendered useless and scrapped? Serious question. Just trying to figure out how the government plan to get less well off families into these things.

[@Jaw0lf]

I am lucky enough to be able to afford a newer EV and part of this was savings of around £250 per month on fuel and servicing. This really helps to afford a better car and less maintenance is a winner.

[@cp4512]

Saving £250/month on an EV, if you have off road parking to charge it cheaply, might just about cover the savage depreciation of EVs! 😂

[@Jaw0lf]

This is charging at home at a rate of 7,5p they need to sort something out for those that can’t charge at home to be doing a cheaper rate.

[@RandomNoob]

There are plenty of sub 6k EVs, downside is you are limited to shorter ranges because that's just what was available back then when batteries were much more expensive, by say 2030 the more modern 200+ mile EVs of today will be vastly cheaper than they are today, maybe not many as low as 6k but probably pretty close.

[@baronvonjo1929]

​@@Jaw0lfInsurance rates will kill off the gas savings however.

[@psandbergnz]

Does anyone know how the Voice Command control compares between the Tesla 3 and the Volvo ex30? I've heard that the Volvo's Voice control is excellent (and so overcomes the confusion of screen control), but I would expect the Tesla's Voice control to be equally easy to use.

[@Iiiiiii764]

Tesla is 10 times better then all the rest.

[@bdeithrick]

😜

[@harmenboender2699]

🤣

[@HairyMcflurry1]

Teslas are ugly.

[@kevinison5539]

Group 48+ insurance rules out the Teslas for a lot of folks.

[@Andy-zi1wj]

The cupra born has all the faults that my last golf mk8 i leased had with the infotainment system.theres a new updated one due soon so dont go for the current car.

[@aacmove]

40k for a daily driver is taking the piss.

[@TheAegisClaw]

All these finance figures based on 6k miles a year. Whats the point?

[@davidlewis4399]

Most EV users are retired and dont drive far.

[@TheAegisClaw]

@@davidlewis4399 bollocks, the low BIK makes them brilliant company cars. I've got one, do 15k a year.

[@Arpedk]

@@davidlewis4399 opposite, the more you drive the better it is to have an EV.

[@VSS1]

You had me at Hello Matt! 😂

[@alanmcinnes6440]

Don’t choose the Niro! My wife has one and currently in discussion with Kia, as on a full charge it won’t go more than 180 miles and that’s with a heat pump, no motorway driving. The range is awful.

[@Billywoo12]

So much more choice, EVs are getting better and better... Cupra looks brilliant.

[@peteramey9385]

Tesla Model 3 is obviously the best. Is this worth a video ?

[@EmilehUnk]

The Astra may not stand out from the crowd and performs so so, it looks way better than the rest of the bunch (in my opinion). However, it’s Stelantis sibling the Peugeot E-308 looks even better.

[@damianotoole8770]

Excellent review. I nearly bought a Born

[@androo4519]

Would like to hear how good the voice activated functions are when the interfaces are criticised for having no buttons. Good voice control mitigates the lack of buttons.

[@rjod57]

As an EX30 Owner I can't understand why this guy insists on critising the screen. Why insist on taking eyes off road and hands off wheel to adjust temperature when car has excellent voice control which is far more "SAFE" than fiddling with knobs.

[@paulhayes2189]

Nobody fiddles with knobs, we fiddle with touchscreens, you turn the knob clockwise or anti clockwise... simple... always was.....all Chinese cars and Tesla try to get rid of it as it's a costly thing to have physical dials

[@rjod57]

I would totally agree with you if there was only a screen and there was no voice control but why deliberately choose the worst method to adjust things and then criticise the car for being unsafe. How can taking your hands off the steering wheel to adjust a knob be safer than using voice control where both hands are on the wheel at all times.

[@robertwright6067]

To call these small hatchbacks family cars is hilarious.

[@cp4512]

Could be a great second hand buy when they lose half their value in the first year.

[@andrewmullen4003]

Funny the top 3 were my top 3 for my next car, haven't driven the Kona yet , but will make a decision afterwards.

[@GM-yu1lg]

What's the point of a test like this if you only quote the nonsensical WLTP range, and don't tell us the actual range based on actual testing? You don't need to drive each till they run out; just telling us the average miles per KWh times the usable battery would do. WLTP figures tell us nothing!!

[@Lewis_Standing]

It's not a range test 🤷 Just go on ev database if you want to know those figures z it's very accurate

[@2011ppower]

Big omission not including lease cost as that is where savvy consumers are going these days!

[@adrianperry8352]

Volvo is a chic car but the back seat space is inadequate.

[@stephencollins5706]

Sub 40K cars and Hyundai is 43 ? This review has already scuppered itself as being reliable and trustworthy ! Such a wooly descriptions like fine , ok , not at top , not at bottom , with no baseline from which these descriptions start . Gave up watching as I have seen "influencers" do better reviews than this so called professional car magazine.

[@andrewdugdale7043]

The cupra born has a terrible infotainment system, rubbish range, its no where near the best car there. Most testers wouod have Tesler, Volvo & Renault as Top 3 here

[@S.J7777]

In the real world who has 40k to drop on a car

[@johnjames01]

I was thinking of an EV, then said nah, I'll stick with my car and not have the outlay. Had considered an ID.3 or Born, then a Model 3 but now I see this video, I'm thinking of it all again because you've featured those cars 😂

[@dyworking]

I dont understand why you state and show the msrp price for every car except the BYD dolphin. Whats the damn msrp price for the BYD dolphin?!

[@nickfarrington2390]

Some of your PCP calcs look very suspect. I did a quick check and whilst some are only a bit out (Volvo at £551, I make it £571) others are miles out (Megane should be £577 not £474). Maths lessons please.

[@ilollipop100]

Which depreciates fastest?

[@mikadavies660]

I can't get on board with any Cupra or ID3... too small and too expensive

[@Elvengador18]

¿Ponéis el id 3 en séptimo lugar por no tener un buen software pero al Born lo ponéis el primero siendo exactamente el mismo coche y más caro que su hermano? 😮😅

[@IslaSprollie]

Gridserve sent me an email this morning with a business lease offer for the Born at £196 + VAT per month, cheaper even than the ORA 03. It's the only EV I would swap my Honda e for.

[@rossdavis2294]

Love a good mega test!!