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I have over the last few months been test driving a few EV’s on my short list, before my renewal window opens next week. As a war pensioner I have set my AP as being around £600 max.
At present I drive a Megane etec, which I have really enjoyed. Only niggle was lack of rear legroom!
Back to the short list which consisted of the usual suspects.
Mini Countryman, EV3, EV4 and the wildcard the Smart#1. Being honest I thought the Countrymam would be my first choice, but alas the ride was so hard and lack of equipment unless I paid extra for packs made it a no go.
The Ev4 was driven and I absolutely loved the car, unfortunately as most know the GT line was removed and I didn’t want the air model.
Onto the Smart#1, I had never considered this car, until a member on here mentioned it. I was absolutely blown away with the car, the quality is exceptional, the interior and exterior have been built/designed by Mercedes and the electricals have been done by Guilly. I am over 6ft and can easily sit behind myself, legroom, tech and standard equipment are top notch. I am ordering the Premium that is the top of the range, although all models are really well equipped. I would throughly recommend looking at the Smart, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for bang for buck and standing out from the crowd it’s a winner in my book.
I would say the only downside is finding a Mercedes’ dealer that sells them, they are few and far apart, I had a two hour drive to my nearest dealerships.
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My window opens on April 19th and I want to go full electric as most of my miles a very local so it would suit.
i decided that as prices will change on April the 1st to go and have a look at cars currently in my £1k limit and have a recce to see if they’d be right for me regarding ease to get in, room for my teenage kids in the back etc and I have a top 4 which includes the Smart #1 which I was amazed at how much I like it. As you said good spec, looks very classy inside and hope it’s still in my reach as I’d love a drive in it. Funnily enough the Mini Countryman is on that list too so interested in your view it’s not a great drive, the EV3 and Leapmotor B10 which has 1 trim with everything you want as standard, ridiculous spec BUT weirdly has no rear wiper!
April 1st can’t come soon enough!
The Smart #1 is developed by Zeekr (part of Geely) by a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group and Geely Holding. The #1 shares its platform with the Zeekr X and Volvo EX30 and are built in Zeekr’s Ningbo plant (EX30’s are also built in Ghent Belgium). They utilize batteries supplied by CATL.
i ordered the ev 4 air as the gt line was removed but it has everything i need apart from auto boot and electric seats but ive never had those before so i can live with it. the countryman monochrome was my first pick but it wont play music from a usb and i dont have anything on my phone its for calls and texts and thats it. dont even have it on in the car.
i tested the ev3 and mg hs hybrid and the c3 and c3 aircross.
@markp1, I found the countryman’s ride really harsh, it did test drive the sport version. I felt every bump and it made driving hard work and not an enjoyable experience. When I order on the 25th I will ask the salesperson if he has any idea if the AP will change in April, and will let you know.
The other point I noticed is that most nice have’s come in a pack which racks up the £££.
i may have missed one lol. looked online at the #1 and i love the interior and the colours. i never even considered it i just assumed it was small lke the old smart cars.
mind i was pushing for 0 ap. but i am happy with my choice.
Another to look at is the BYD ATTO 3, new improved 2026 version coming shortly!
Bigger 74.6kW battery (was 60kW), V2L and a heatpump as standard.
Please excuse spelling/typos. Apart from being a clot it turns out I had one on my cerebellum that's now causing various problems!
Another to look at is the ATTO3, new improved 2026 version coming shortly!
Seeing her sitting in the frunk brings back warm memories of me sitting in a blue bath in front of the coal fire, prior to having central heating😂
Interesting car, if it gets to the scheme!
Hopefully, the current version is on at £1999 for the Comfort trim or £2499 for the Design.
Please excuse spelling/typos. Apart from being a clot it turns out I had one on my cerebellum that's now causing various problems!
The Atto 3 Evo is due for release in the 2nd half of 2026 in New Zealand. Unless that’s Q3 and early Q3 at that, we won’t see the new model this side of 2027. That’s a real shame, it looks like it could easily be a contender for a good few of us.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
The Atto 3 Evo is due for release in the 2nd half of 2026 in New Zealand. Unless that’s Q3 and early Q3 at that, we won’t see the new model this side of 2027. That’s a real shame, it looks like it could easily be a contender for a good few of us.
https://fleetworld.co.uk/new-byd-atto-3-evo-brings-300-mile-range-from-39k/
The Atto 3 Evo is due for release in the 2nd half of 2026 in New Zealand. Unless that’s Q3 and early Q3 at that, we won’t see the new model this side of 2027. That’s a real shame, it looks like it could easily be a contender for a good few of us.
https://fleetworld.co.uk/new-byd-atto-3-evo-brings-300-mile-range-from-39k/
That’ll teach me to trust Google 🤪😂
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
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