Techzle 47 will be in the shops from tomorrow, time to read what you can expect this week in our packed magazine.
The Nissan Leaf, Kia e-Niro and Volkswagen ID3 have something in common besides their electric powertrain: all three are (have been) sales bangers. The ID3 is of course the latest entry, but whether the Volkswagen also has the potential to put those other two in the shade? Roy Kleijwegt figured it out. The Batteryrunner is of a completely different electrical order. That is a self-build project with a range of no less than 1,000 km. That promises something, even if it may look a bit unusual. Time to find out what that means.
Batteryrunner
Although it seems that electric cars are starting to push conventionally powered models out of Techzle, nothing could be further from the truth. Also in this issue there is plenty of attention for the more traditional newcomers. What about the new Hyundai i20. Although in terms of looks, it is no longer as traditional as before and the first driving test should show whether the i20 has become more exciting in terms of driving. The Mercedes-Benz E-class 200d, which is discussed further on in number 47, is in any case anything but exciting in terms of performance, but the least powerful diesel version of the E-class appears to excel at another point.
It does not stop there in terms of tests, because BMW recently pulled the curtain off the iX3 and Techzle made the first meters with it. BMW’s choice not to build a fully developed electric car from scratch makes the iX3 no less interesting. In fact; perhaps in Bavaria this has made a very wise choice? Marc Klaver shares his experiences behind the wheel of the iX3 with you.
You cannot have missed the fact that the Barrelbrigade 2020 is in full swing. Nic’s Kia Rio, Stéphan’s Ford Mondeo and Frank’s Renault Laguna were turned inside out by Joep Schuurman last week. Some of them showed more flaws than others, but they all could use some love. It’s up to the gentlemen to pick up the tools and make some more of it. This week you can read how it went and whether it made any sense.
Furthermore, it is also time for a used car in a significantly better condition to prove that there is still life in it. In Klokje Rond this week a Ford Focus C-Max from 2005 shines with more than 3 tons on the counter. No, not a diesel, but a 2.0 petrol! Not extremely high but still a very respectable mileage. At Carrec Technocenter, we investigate whether the practical family car is still good for more reliable kilometers, or whether the cake is really almost over.
This and more can all be read in the latest Techzle, which will be in stores this week from Wednesday. Would you rather not go out? Order from the easy chair the latest number. Then it will arrive on the doormat within two working days.