[RachelK]

Just been speaking to Motability regarding my next car as I would prefer an EV or would consider a PHEV instead if I can’t find a suitable EV. I need an SUV style car and a power tailgate is essential.

I was told that the Mercedes EQA EV will be appearing on the scheme this quarter, they just don’t know when or how much it will be. I’m sure it will be pricey but i’m hanging on before I make my final choice.

It’s either the Mercedes, the Peugeot 3008 PHEV or the Volvo XC40 T5 PHEV…

 

Has anybody else heard anything or waiting for it to appear on the scheme?

Topic

[James]

I’ve also heard that it will be added this quarter.

 

we’d need either the premium or premium plus for spec which I don’t think will go on and if it did I bet it would be a high price.

 

We’ve been lucky enough to drive the eqa when our car was in for service and it’s good but no where near as comfy as the Volvo XC40

[RachelK]

Thanks for that James, I think I need to go for a test drive in one then (as a passenger) as I need adaptations. I’ve already been in the Volvo XC40 t3 inscription pro and I agree, that was lovely and comfy.

Have you got the XC40 now and if so, is it the inscription or r-design?

 

Thanks,

Rachel.

 

[James]

We have had the XC40 r design on a few separate test drives and have drove the t3, t4 and t5 recharge.

 

in my opinion even when the electrics run out on the recharge it’s still a lot better than the t3 because it’s never fully drained so has enough to get you going from lights or crawling. And I certainly don’t drive fast but it’s nice knowing that you’ve 262hp when you need to overtake.

 

id recommend you test drive them both and I’d still be interested in an eqa but the Volvo seems better and no range anxiety

[Wigwam]

We test drove the T5 Recharge both R-design and Inscription . The character and dynamics of the two are surprisingly different.  Definitely test both if you can.

[Ian rodgers]

Wigwam which did you prefer ?

[RachelK]

Yes, the range anxiety does worry me a little so maybe the Volvo is the best option for me this time.

I’m sure there will be a bigger choice of EV’s in 3 years time when i’ve got to choose again. I think I will just have a look at the EQA anyway and have a sit in it and see how it is for getting in and out of the drivers seat and try the boot for size and height etc. That way I can decide whether to rule it out or not.

 

Thanks for the help and advice James,

 

Rachel.

[James]

I’d definitely take a look at the eqa

If only we knew what the spec and prices of the eqa will be added

[Gary]

Well premium and premium plus won’t be available as both include panoramic sunroof!

[RachelK]

Hi Wigwam,

just read your comment now so I think i’d better have a ride in the R-design too. I assumed they both rode the same but obviously not.

I prefer the look of the R-design pro but like some of the extra’s that you get with the inscription pro. Hopefully a test drive will decide it for me. Have you got one and if so, which model did you choose?

 

 

 

[Glos Guy]

I was told by Motability in Q1 that they were negotiating re the possibility of adding the EQA to the scheme. Some of the cars that they hope to add never make it, but others do. I’ve no idea which model(s) they will add if it appears, but the AP’s of the B Class PHEV are ludicrously expensive and make them far more expensive to run than a petrol, so I would anticipate a very high AP if it appears. As others have said, Mercedes are having problems with sunroofs at the moment and add to that the worldwide semiconductor shortage and I fear that we are more likely to be seeing cars removed than added for the foreseeable future.

[Wigwam]

Rachelk, we’ve ordered the Inscription Pro. We found the R-Design Pro, with its sports chassis and 20″ wheels had sharper steering but poor low speed ride on badly surfaced roads.  I didn’t like the R-Design seats either.

[RachelK]

Thanks for the info Glos Guy – I forgot about the sunroof problems and semiconductor shortage. I was ready to change my car last year in Q4 but Motability told me its okay to wait until Q3 this year if needs be. Just getting a bit fed up/anxious waiting for it to appear, I fear it might not even make it to the scheme this quarter at all.

I’m going to book in for a test drive as Wigwam suggested and at least that way i can decide if its a contender, assuming the AP isn’t ridiculous!

Wigwam – thanks for your feedback too. As I said earlier, i’ve already been for a test drive in the XC40 but just in the inscription pro. I’m going to book for a test drive in the R-line too as you suggest.

 

Thanks for everyone’s help,

Rachel

 

[Gary]

@RachelK  How did you find the Inscription Pro?

@Wigwam The R-Design much worse than the Inscription Pro over dodgy surfaces then?

[Richard]

It amazes me that when you have hybrids ie EVs how few have power tailgates & yet a year or so ago almost everything seemed to have them. Must add pennies to the cost to add that at design time but they just keep leaving it off, really missing it on my MG so handy on my grand voyager the power tailgate & that’s from 2005.

Hope you find something suitable soon

[Karenj]

My friend has an eqa awesome car but he states you need to take 100 miles off the stated range.

[Author]

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