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Most of us on this forum are probably not terribly representative of the average Motability customer. We generally see a car as far more than a means to get from A to B and are, to greater or lesser degrees, car enthusiasts. Also, the numbers of forum contributors switching to EVs is a much greater percentage than the population at large, no doubt helped by the fact that as lease customers (and mostly low mileage lease customers at that) we don’t have the same issues and concerns about EVs that are preventing many private motorists from switching to electric. However, where we perhaps differ is that we have to take into account mobility and accessibility issues, which is why SUVs have been so popular on the scheme (and amongst forum members) over the years.
Not that long ago, two of the most desired and popular SUVs on the scheme amongst forum members were the Volvo XC40 and the BMW X1. In spite of the fact that a very high proportion of current forum members are extremely enthusiastic about EVs, I find it very interesting that in recent days electric versions of both the Volvo XC40 and BMW iX1 have joined the scheme and yet there has been almost zero interest in either of them. The Audi Q4 has had a tiny bit more interest, but still nothing compared to the level of interest that there would have been in the past had an equivalent ICE model joined the scheme. By contrast, the coupe like BMW i4, and prior to that the Mini JCW, neither of which you might assume would be as practical for those with accessibility and mobility challenges, have caused near hysteria amongst forum members and the enthusiasm and excitement amongst those who have ordered them has been lovely to read.
It will be very interesting to see what happens on the scheme in the coming years. The very high APs are clearly a stumbling point, and pushing Motability customers who are interested in electric SUVs towards the likes of Hyundai. As manufacturers become under more and more pressure to meet their EV targets, whilst private demand for EVs remains subdued, Motability is an obvious route. However, the APs have got to become more affordable to get back to anything like the level of interest that we had in the ICE equivalents of these cars just a few years ago.
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I disagree I bought the Mini JCW and it is high driving position and you can transfer from wheelchair easily the seat has heated seats lumbar support I know that SUV are popular but I do not want a big car I used to have a Smart for two and that was a wee bit too high for transferring from wheelchair the same as SUV are way too high for me.
I disagree I bought the Mini JCW and it is high driving position and you can transfer from wheelchair easily the seat has heated seats lumbar support I know that SUV are popular but I do not want a big car I used to have a Smart for two and that was a wee bit too high for transferring from wheelchair the same as SUV are way too high for me.
That’s good to hear. Does your wheelchair fit in the boot without folding the rear seats down?
No I have a 40kg hoist and the seats are folded which does not matter to me but the largest car I have had is a seat leon and the Mini is way better and it is fun to drive in this boring world which I think many cars do look all the same.
Am so pleased that we visited the Motability in Harrogate this year. (1st time) Having done a 2yr extension on the BMW X1 x drive we hadn’t found anything we would be happy to replace it with. Getting in and out of a car, comfy seating, quality interior were top of our list. Sat in Fords, VW’s, Hyundai, Mini, Kia, BMW i4.
Was impressed that dispite being a coupe it was still easy to get in and out of. Most unexpected. With going EV for the 1st time found it was the one for us. A long test drive confirmed our thoughts. With the range, home charging and fun to drive we are looking forward to getting it. The AP was only just affordable, being OAP’s dont have the working for a living benefits anymore.
Motobility options on desirable, fun to drive cars the list is getting shorter and shorter. Want to continue enjoying driving.
2024 - KIA EV6 GT Line AWD
2019 - 2024 BMW X1 2.0d X Drive Sport Auto
2017 -2019 Audi Q3 2.0d Quattro Sport Line Plus
2005 - 2017 Honda CRV Exec 2.0dNo I have a 40kg hoist and the seats are folded which does not matter to me but the largest car I have had is a seat leon and the Mini is way better and it is fun to drive in this boring world which I think many cars do look all the same.
I have no doubt that the JCW must be great fun to drive Tim. It’s great that from time to time the odd car appears on Motability that puts a smile on peoples faces. Sadly it would have been way too small for us as, like many people, we need a good sized boot plus 4 or 5 seats, which is why SUVs tend to tick the boxes for many people, but I can definitely understand the appeal of Minis to those who effectively only need two seats and can afford to have the rear seats down when they need boot space.
Am so pleased that we visited the Motability in Harrogate this year. (1st time) Having done a 2yr extension on the BMW X1 x drive we hadn’t found anything we would be happy to replace it with. Getting in and out of a car, comfy seating, quality interior were top of our list. Sat in Fords, VW’s, Hyundai, Mini, Kia, BMW i4. Was impressed that dispite being a coupe it was still easy to get in and out of. Most unexpected. With going EV for the 1st time found it was the one for us. A long test drive confirmed our thoughts. With the range, home charging and fun to drive we are looking forward to getting it. The AP was only just affordable, being OAP’s dont have the working for a living benefits anymore. Motobility options on desirable, fun to drive cars the list is getting shorter and shorter. Want to continue enjoying driving.
I’m sure that the i4 will tick all your boxes. BMWs are always superb drivers cars and, unlike some of BMWs more recent designs, the i4 is a good looker. I was behind one on the motorway recently and when it passed a 3 Series it looked slightly taller, which surprised me. I will definitely take a look at it if it reappears on the scheme next year. Can I ask, is the boot floor flush with the tailgate opening, or is there a lip to lift things over (like the Audi Q4). The ease of lifting a wheelchair in and out is critical for me.
I can honestly say I have never sat in an EV, not unless you count the Unigate milk float I sat on as a schoolboy in 1969 helping to deliver milk for pocket money.
I am at that age where I am quite happy to go through my whole driving experience sitting behind the steering wheel of a petrol or diesel car. I like big automatic vehicles, with wide opening driver’s door and a seat height that is easy to get in and out of. I have a VW Sharan auto that I have extended for 2 years and IMO it is the best car to drive for big people. Plenty of cabin space and a huge loading space in the back plus 7 full size adult seats and comfortable to drive on long distance. It’s not going to be easy to replace.
I still have a few ICE options on the scheme like the VW Tiguan, Seat Tarraco, Peugeot 5008, and Mazda C-X5 which are not AP friendly but still better than some EV prices. The Volvo XC40 petrol is a vehicle that is great value at £1,999 and with the £750 off it is £1249. Not sure if it is a good choice for bigger drivers.
If anyone has the pros and cons they can share of the VW Tiguan, Seat Tarraco, Peugeot 5008, Mazda C-X5 and Volvo XC40 it would be much appreciated.
We’re seriously thinking about the Mini Cooper S to replace our diesel Tiguan Allspace. Had big diesel SUVs/people carriers for the last decade or so on the scheme and thinking of getting a fun car for a change as probably a last throw of the dice before the motoring world goes totally boring / sensible.
Luckily there’s only usually two of us in the car, and with the rear seats down the Mini will take anything I’ll ever want to carry.It has a small lip but the car sits low to the ground, only 125mm ground clearance.
2024 - KIA EV6 GT Line AWD
2019 - 2024 BMW X1 2.0d X Drive Sport Auto
2017 -2019 Audi Q3 2.0d Quattro Sport Line Plus
2005 - 2017 Honda CRV Exec 2.0dIf anyone has the pros and cons they can share of the VW Tiguan, Seat Tarraco, Peugeot 5008, Mazda C-X5 and Volvo XC40 it would be much appreciated.
For myself my MY23 VW Tiguan has been a delight to drive and now after 9 months on the road and use to all it’s features I love it more and more every time I get in it.
Only downside for myself is boot space and would have preferred the Allspace version but it was a greater expense for lesser spec so gave it the body swerve. Like Glos Guy said some of us need to carry disabled equipment and passengers. The boot in the Tiguan does not have the variable floor any more unless you spec the full size spare wheel so gave that a miss but had to do a DIY operation to level the floor to make it flat so my scooter slides straight in off my lifting platform.
I did have to change my scooter from the normal 5 part pavement scooter to an auto-folding model that cost me a few bob but at least I now have a wider range of cars I can choose from and this is important for me because the new Mk3 Tiguan has the gear shift on the right-hand steering wheel stem so would cause me problems being a one handed right-hand only driver.
From many discussions with EV types, the old school badges don’t hold the same value. Jaguar iPace and Audi Etron the old standards of ride and comfort are available for much less. The Ioniq 5, EV6, Tesla M3, all ground up EV built cars. Making seats comfortable is easier when you have more space, made possible by not having to build space for an engine, and can build your seats that little bit bigger and softer. Likewise, the space given by an EV allows the ability to have Limo sized space in the rear, which helps if you’re carrying 2 adult sized children on top of the adults.
So, the appeal of a badge has been limited, which is really applicable when the premium brands want to continue that premium price over to their EV ranges, however, the premium has been added for a battery and motors, adding another for the badge simply makes the car expensive and most people will look at what that extra premium price gets you with a petrol engine. Then you’re back to not buying an EV but going with the badge OR sticking with an EV and ditching the badge. Something for the companies to consider for the future…
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I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
Never seen standard cars that can outperform a Ferrari F40 away from the lights, like we have now.
The dual motor EX30 does 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. There is nothing ..boring about that.
The handling and instant power on an EV is incredible.
No doubt the law will catch up and EV,s will be restricted at some point. But a 2 tonne car with that performance is crazy. Having a medical emergency behind the wheel of these vehicles will make spectacular press, or a thieving thug joyriding in an EX30??
Never seen standard cars that can outperform a Ferrari F40 away from the lights, like we have now. The dual motor EX30 does 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. There is nothing ..boring about that. The handling and instant power on an EV is incredible. No doubt the law will catch up and EV,s will be restricted at some point. But a 2 tonne car with that performance is crazy. Having a medical emergency behind the wheel of these vehicles will make spectacular press, or a thieving thug joyriding in an EX30??
The F40 0-60 is 3.8, provided you could delve into the onboard setting quick enough and engage sport mode, you just maybe in with a 0.1s chance, At 60mph it would be bye bye lol
What would be more entertaining, is with the boy racers in their ST’s etc. Imagine the look on their faces!
Wasn’t there a few early EVs that had a launch control thingy which made a fast car a faster car from a standing start? I think they were scrapped after a few accidents.
We’re seriously thinking about the Mini Cooper S to replace our diesel Tiguan Allspace. Had big diesel SUVs/people carriers for the last decade or so on the scheme and thinking of getting a fun car for a change as probably a last throw of the dice before the motoring world goes totally boring / sensible. Luckily there’s only usually two of us in the car, and with the rear seats down the Mini will take anything I’ll ever want to carry.
Well Andy that is what I thought nice sound as well build Quality excellent and DCT Gearbox very good, and looks different to run of the mill tanks on the road, as to Comparing a supercar to an ev not a chance it does not matter if an ev goes from 0.60 in 1 sec it still has a lower top speed and much of this is in a straight line the Mini Cooper s and jcw will lose them on the bends and on top speed and on a track the supercar will outshine them and then there is the sound. There is a Tesla that a lady takes her children to school in where i live and the horrible whining sound it makes actually annoys me.
Wasn’t there a few early EVs that had a launch control thingy which made a fast car a faster car from a standing start? I think they were scrapped after a few accidents.
Launch control isn’t just restricted to EVs. My petrol BMW has it also. I only used it once to try it, but it’s a bit pointless unless you are racing on a track which, of course, we can’t do! The car is plenty quick enough without it!
I think what motability need to do more of is contribute to packs like they did with the i4 and what they’re doing with ioniq 5 if I’m not mistaken. £5500 for the msport bmw is too high when looking st standard tech it comes with. Q4 is £1000 less but again the standard spec is too low. Not even gonna look at the xc40 recharge with that ap
I think what motability need to do more of is contribute to packs like they did with the i4 and what they’re doing with ioniq 5 if I’m not mistaken. £5500 for the msport bmw is too high when looking st standard tech it comes with. Q4 is £1000 less but again the standard spec is too low. Not even gonna look at the xc40 recharge with that ap
I agree. Some features that may be considered essential to Motability customers are often only available in expensive packs, the costs of which are prohibitive to many. As for APs, I don’t mind paying a high AP if it’s for a car that I’d really want, but I just cannot get excited about any of the recent high price additions. None of them would be cars that I would choose in the private market.
I think what motability need to do more of is contribute to packs like they did with the i4 and what they’re doing with ioniq 5 if I’m not mistaken. £5500 for the msport bmw is too high when looking st standard tech it comes with. Q4 is £1000 less but again the standard spec is too low. Not even gonna look at the xc40 recharge with that ap
I agree. Some features that may be considered essential to Motability customers are often only available in expensive packs, the costs of which are prohibitive to many. As for APs, I don’t mind paying a high AP if it’s for a car that I’d really want, but I just cannot get excited about any of the recent high price additions. None of them would be cars that I would choose in the private market.
Having viewed both the Audi and BMW, I can say, when Audi says the Q4 is the the masses, they ain’t far wrong. The interior is not to Audi’s usuall quality and if I’m not mistaken, the new model, still feature’s drum brakes on the rear! The Eton has far more roomier interior than the BMW and Volvo, as Audi states its nterior space is on par with the Q5. Again the Audi wins because it has a bigger batter – more range, whils’t BMW and Volvo are on par.
I would choose the BMW over the Volvo all day long. Never liked Volvo and their cabins look dated compared to rivals.
In General Europe made BEV’s, seem to be more so offering a basic package, with optional packs against their ICE counterparts. The latest Enyak also looks to be going this way. Are the tides turning BEV’s are concerned, making Asian brands (inc China) far more appealing to the masses! Alot of Euroean manufacturers are or have partnered up with China automitive sectors. Then there the fact Chinese batteries are appearing in more Europen brands, with CATL & BYD setting up large giga factories in Europe, so why not embrace them anyway, Seal vs i4 for example.
Still, an Ioniq 5 or 6 Ultimate for £1500 incl dealers 750 and Motability 750, then 250 GCB is a steal .
It is a great pity BMW have withdrawn the i4 sport off the scheme, for many it was the one for them. Hope it returns, but judging from past popular choices like Audi Q3 Quattro S Line Plus, BMW X1 Xdrive sport, several Mercs never to be seen again. It is a lottery being in a position to order and availability on car choice.
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2005 - 2017 Honda CRV Exec 2.0d@glos-guy Still, an Ioniq 5 or 6 Ultimate for £1500 incl dealers 750 and Motability 750, then 250 GCB is a steal .
I absolutely agree that both of these cars offer exceptional value for money and are extremely well equipped. The problem I have is that I think that both look pig ugly (which I know is an entirely subjective thing and we all have different views on what looks good and what doesn’t) and I’m not a huge fan of Hyundai’s having driven quite a few. However, the nearest dealership to us happens to be a Hyundai one and I’ve had great service there when buying and servicing cars for one of my daughters, so I will take a look next year with an open mind if they remain on the scheme and nothing better has come up.
@glos guy lol ..I know.
The Ioniq 6 is a weird car, a mashup of everything.
But the Ioniq 5 is absolutely stunning in my opinion. It was designed by the same guy that designed the Lambo Murcelago and Gallardo, so it has the provenance.
It is still down to personal taste. The Ioniq 6 looks superb from the back, but any other angle its horrid. Its like they gave the design to the new apprentice and said…fill your boots.
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