Renault Scenic E-Tech

Skoda Elroq review

We spend some quality time with the Skoda Elroq – one of our favourite family EVs on the market…

The last time I tested a Skoda EV was in 2021. It was the impressive Enyaq – the brand’s first electric car.

Apart from a “coupe” version of the Enyaq, there’s been nothing else on the zero-emissions front until the 2025 launch of its little brother, the Elroq.

Priced from a competitive £31,510, it’s about the same size as a Nissan Qashqai, and its many all-electric SUV rivals include everything from the Volvo EX30 and Ford Explorer to the Kia EV3 and Renault Scenic E-Tech.

I’ve just spent a week with the Elroq, and it’s clear that Skoda has another success on its hands.

First impressions are great. It’s a nicely-proportioned, sharp looking car, featuring the Czech manufacturer’s new styling direction called “Modern Solid”, which includes a “Tech-Deck” face.

While it’s shorter than the Enyaq, the Elroq’s wheelbase is almost the same, meaning that there’s ample space front and back for adults.

In fact, right from the moment I adjusted the driving seat, I knew I was going to like the Elroq. Unlike most EVs where I feel perched, I could lower the seat to my preferred position.

Vitally, this ability to sit lower in the car makes you feel more involved in the driving experience.

As you’d expect in a Skoda, there are plenty of smaller storage spaces too, while the boot is a decent 470 litres, expanding to 1,580 litres with the rear sets folded down.

Overall, it’s a stylish, well-built interior, even if it’s on the minimalist side when it comes to the dashboard. Apart from a row of buttons below the air vents, and the multi-function steering wheel, everything is controlled via the central touchscreen.

Swiping and prodding any screen on the move isn’t safe, so sticking essentials such as climate control in there makes no sense. Rant over.

The Elroq is offered in four trims: SE, SE L, Edition and SportLine, plus the performance-focused, range-topping vRS. As well as this, you’ll have to choose from various battery and electric motor configurations.

The options range from the entry-level 50 model with a 52kWh battery and 168bhp motor that produces 310Nm of torque. That’s sufficient for a 0-60mph acceleration time of 8.7 seconds.

Next up is the Elroq 60 with a 59kWh battery, 201bhp motor and 310Nm of torque. That’s good for a 0-60mph sprint of 7.7 seconds.

Then there’s the Elroq 85 complete with a 77kWh battery and 282bhp motor, generating a potent 545Nm of torque, which is enough for a very brisk 0-60mph time of 6.4 seconds.

For the record, the vRS has twin motors and a 5.2-second sprint time.

Finally, it’s worth noting that all Elroq models, except for the vRS, are rear-wheel drive.

It’s no surprise that the Elroq is quick off the mark, but it’s range that matters for most.

Depending on the model chosen, according to the claimed figures, range varies from 232 miles (Elroq SE 50) to 355 miles, for my test car – the Elroq Edition 85.

On the road, the soft suspension gives the Elroq a comfortable if slightly floaty, ride, though it only becomes unsettled over bigger bumps.

Progress is refined and parking is a doddle thanks to light steering, good all-round visibility, a tight turning circle, and the various electronic aids.

Push on and there’s surprisingly little body lean on twisty roads, but it’s clearly set up more for comfort than driving engagement – even with the ability to sit lower in the car.

Also, the brakes are fine, but on the spongey side, while front-end grip is fine in the dry, but might be more challenging in slippery conditions. In other words, it’s at its best cruising along.

If you fancy experimenting, the drive modes available include Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual, which allow for customisation of settings such as engine response, steering and suspension. As ever, Normal offers the best combination of performance and efficiency, while Eco is sensible for long motorway runs and Sport spices things up a little for short bursts.

There also an optional DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) with Normal, Comfort, Sport and Custom settings. It features adjustable dampers that vary the level of ride firmness, but I suspect most buyers will be happy with the standard-set-up.

All but entry-level models get paddles on the steering wheel to adjust the level of regenerative braking, plus there’s a “B” mode on the gear selector, which is useful for eking out extra miles on long downhill stretches of road, for instance.

A 10-80% rapid charge is possible in around 30 minutes across the line-up, and of course it’ll charge overnight if you have a home connection.

Claimed efficiency for my test car was 4.1 miles per kWh. On a long run I got close to 4.0, and at worst during my week I achieved 3.2. So, driven sensibly, it’s one of the more efficient EVs on the market. In city driving, a range north of 300 miles is possible, but on mixed roads you’re probably looking at a real-world range closer to 275 miles.

Ultimately, the Skoda Elroq is an impressive all-round package and represents great value for money.

Verdict: Skoda has another winner on its hands with the electric Elroq compact SUV. Stylish, spacious, safe, comfortable and easy to drive, it’s affordable and has a decent range.

Skoda UK

BYD Sealion 7 review

We drive the latest model from BYD, which recently overtook Tesla to become world’s leading EV maker…

In 2024, Tesla made slightly less (4,500) electric vehicles than Chinese powerhouse BYD. A small margin, maybe, but a massive statement. BYD is now the biggest manufacturer of electric cars globally.

Founded in February 1995, BYD (Build Your Dreams) has expanded rapidly since it launched in the UK in 2023.

Since the Atto 3 SUV’s introduction, the brand’s new models have been named after marine mammals, hence the Dolphin, Seal, Seal DM-I and the subject of this week’s review – the Sealion 7 large family SUV.

And let’s be clear – the BYD Sealion 7 has its work cut out, because it’s up against everything from the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5 to the Renault Scenic E-Tech, Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford Capri.

Pried from £44,990 to £58,990, the Sealion 7 (the fourth model in BYD’s Ocean Series) is available with two battery options and three trim levels.

Comfort and Design come with an 82.5kWh battery, offering up to 300 miles range on RWD models and 283 miles on AWD. The top-spec Excellence AWD trim boasts a 91.3kWh battery, achieving the longest range in the line-up at 312 miles.

The single motor RWD has a power output of 308bhp, delivering 0-62mph in a respectable 6.7 seconds. The dual motor AWD models have 523bhp and rocket to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Entry-level versions offer up to 150kW DC fast charging (10-80% top-up in 32 minutes), while the range-topping Excellence has a 230kW DC charge rate (10-80% in 24 minutes).

A heat pump is fitted as standard to all models, helping to maximise range, particularly in cold conditions.

Based on the same platform as the BYD Seal saloon, but with a coupe-SUV body style, the Sealion 7 is sleek and distinctive with a low-slung bonnet. BYD reckons the “dual waistline” styling mimics “the energy of ocean waves”.

The Sealion 7 is slightly longer than its main rivals, which means there’s excellent space inside.

Rear leg and headroom is impressive, while the boot is a useful (but not class-leading) 520 litres, rising to 1,789 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also a 58-litre frunk under the bonnet, which is ideal for storing charging cables.

The Sealion 7 is solidly screwed together and the quality of the materials used inside the cabin gives it a classy feel.

All versions of the Sealion 7 have a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen which can rotate from landscape to portrait, plus a separate driver’s digital instrument cluster.

Even though I’m not a huge fan of minimalist dashboards, I could live with the BYD’s over, say the Tesla Model Y, which is too touchscreen-centric and doesn’t even have a driver’s display.

The Sealion 7 is well equipped too. Comfort models get heated seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and a wireless charging pad, Design spec adds 20-inch alloys, while Excellence models feature Nappa leather seats and a head-up display.

All Sealion 7s get a full suite of driver assistance and safety tech. No wonder it was awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP.

The driving position is on the high side for me, even at its lowest setting, but I accept that many drivers prefer that. It’s also worth noting that the steering wheel angle is slightly odd, pointing upwards rather than directly towards you, so try before you buy.

Visibility is good up front, but more challenging at the rear because of the chunky pillars and modest tailgate window, which makes the standard-fit 360-degree camera all the more important – especially when parking.

I tested the all-wheel drive version of the BYD Sealion 7 on a mix of UK roads, and the first impression is that it feels substantial (though not unwieldy) to drive.

Naturally, it’s also quiet and refined, and as you’d expect, traction is superb too.

For a car that’s marketed as an “electric performance SUV”, it certainly ticks that box in terms of raw power, delivering a hefty 509 lb-ft of torque. So, it’s very quick, thanks to that extra motor.

BYD claims the Sealion 7’s suspension is “tailored for excellent handling and secure vehicle control” with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear axle.

It’s also the first BYD model in Europe to be equipped with Frequency Sensitive Dampers (FSD), a variable system that controls the oil flow in the damper cylinders, ensuring a relatively firm set-up on smoother surfaces to improve stability and handling, but allowing a softer, more compliant configuration when the car encounters potholes or scarred road surfaces.

However, while its handling is on a par with the Tesla Model Y, in my mind that’s a fairly low bar. It’s not as engaging as I’d hoped and doesn’t live up to the hype, which is disappointing given that its saloon sibling (the Seal) is so slick.

The 2.4-tonne Sealion 7 can feel unsettled over poorer surfaces, and there’s some body lean at faster speeds in more challenging corners.

Ultimately, the combination of high driving position, spongy brake pedal and limited steering feel don’t give you much confidence to fully enjoy twisty roads.

You can toggle between three driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport), while Snow is reserved for extreme weather conditions.

As ever, the default Normal mode offers a good balance of power and economy. Eco dulls the driving experience, while the steering is light in both modes.

Sport sharpens the throttle response and firms up the steering, but eats up the battery, so best left for short bursts of fun.

Two levels of regenerative braking are offered, though I’d prefer steering wheel-mounted paddles rather than the toggle switch on the centre console.

Depending on which model you choose, efficiency ranges from a claimed 2.8 to 3.1 miles per kWh. Interestingly, I managed a bit more than that on my test drive, but real-world range could be around 225 miles for the entry-level Sealion 7, or 270 miles for the top-spec Excellence AWD. As ever, driving style and conditions will also affect the range.

Finally, if you’re looking for a bit of peace of mind, the Sealion 7 comes with a six-year manufacturer’s warranty (above average) and eight years for the battery and electric motor.

Verdict: The BYD Sealion 7 is a real statement of an SUV and a serious rival to the big-selling Tesla Model Y. Stylish, fast, plush, practical and packed with tech, it will be on many people’s EV shortlist. However, range and price could count against it.

BYD UK

Vauxhall Grandland review

We get to grips with the all-electric and mild hybrid versions of Vauxhall’s stylish next-generation Grandland family SUV…

If ever there was a case of a model that’s evolved for the best over the years, it’s the Vauxhall Grandland.

Originally launched in 2017 as the Grandland X, it was facelifted in 2021 (and the ‘X’ was dropped from the name), but it’s fair to say that it was never the most scintillating SUV on the market that.

The all-new second-generation Grandland is still more sensible than scintillating, but it is a more impressive proposition and deserves to be on every family SUV shortlist.

At launch, it’s available as a 100% electric (for the first time) and mild hybrid, with a plug-in hybrid to follow.

Built on the same platform as its Stellantis cousin, the Peugeot 3008, the Grandland is a good-looking, if fairly generic SUV, featuring the latest 3D iteration of Vauxhall’s signature ‘Vizor’ front end, which now houses an illuminated griffin badge and headlight bar.

There’s a central spine running down the bonnet (a nod to Vauxhalls of old) and there’s plenty of lower body cladding right across the car, while the rear gets a full-width light bar separated by lit-up Vauxhall lettering, plus a meaty upper spoiler.

Three trim levels are offered (Design, GS and Ultimate), and if you choose one of the higher specs (GS is expected to be the most popular), you’ll be able to opt for a contrasting roof, which looks much cooler.

It’s also worth mentioning that those cutting-edge headlights are what’s known as Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HDs, no less, and they have more than 50,000 elements. They really do bathe the road ahead in light, and the auto high beam function worked efficiently, so I didn’t get flashed once.

Inside, it’s attractive, spacious and well put together, but like most Vauxhalls, it lacks the wow factor of some competitors. The good news is that Vauxhall claims that 85% of the materials use are recyclable.

The size of the infotainment system depends on the trim chosen, so entry-level Design only gets you a 10.0-inch touchscreen, while the GS and Ultimate upgrade to a more impressive 16 inches. Thankfully, Vauxhall has kept some physical short-cut buttons below the screen and the head-up display adjustment toggle is on the door panel in front of the window switches.

The touchscreen is nothing flash in terms of colour and details, but the screen is clear, easy to use and responsive, and naturally there’s DAB radio, sat nav and Bluetooth, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.

There are a lot of blacks and greys in the cabin, so it’s a tad dull, and the surfaces are a mix of soft-touch higher up, and scratchy-hard down below.

The seats are comfortable with plenty of adjustment, and there’s more than enough head and leg room in the back for taller adults.

Unlike many of its rivals, the Grandland has the same boot capacity on the mild-hybrid and 100% electric models, with 550 litres on offer (expanding to 1,645 litres with the 40:20:40 split rear bench folded down).

Visibility is mostly good, but the shallow rear window doesn’t offer the best view, which is where the reversing camera and sensors come in.

I tested the Grandland Electric and Grandland Hybrid versions on a mix of roads in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The Grandland Electric is the most impressive of the two. It gets a 73kWh battery mated to a 210bhp electric motor on the front wheels for an impressive WLTP range of up to 325 miles. Rapid charging at speeds of up to 160kW deliver a 10-80% charge in 26 minutes.

It’s also worth noting that it comes with a heat pump, for greater efficiency, as standard, yet it’s an optional extra on some rivals.

A 98kWh battery option will arrive soon, offering a superb official range of 435 miles. The 73kWh Grandland Electric’s performance is fairly sedate by EV standards, but more than enough for everyday driving with a 0-62mph time of nine seconds.

On the road, it feels more substantial than the outgoing model, and there’s a reason for that, because it’s 173mm longer, 64mm wider and 19mm taller – and its lugging around a heavy battery.

It’s fair to say that it’s not the most sophisticated ride, which is on the firm side. That said, while it doesn’t glide over bumps in the road and it’s fidgety at times, there’s decent body control in more challenging corners.

I suspect the big 20-inch wheels on my test car might not have helped with the ride quality, but overall it’s handles decently – it’s just not an engaging driving experience that will put a smile on your face.

On the plus side, its light steering is perfectly suited to urban driving and it’s refined with a whisper quiet e-motor and very little wind noise.

Three drive modes are on offer (Normal, Sport and Eco), but as ever, Sport is fine for fun, short bursts, and Eco further dulls the engagement factor, so best to stay in Normal for the best blend of performance and efficiency.

Thankfully, there are steering wheel paddles, which offer three levels of brake regeneration, so there’s no need to access the touchscreen, but like so many EVs, the brake pedal lacks feel and is spongy.

Officially, energy consumption is 3.6 miles per kWh, and I got pretty close to that, so a real-world range of around 250 miles should be possible – more in city driving and warmer temperatures.

The Grandland Hybrid pairs a 1.2-litre petrol turbo with a 48V hybrid system, giving a total of 134bhp and a 0-62mph sprint of 10.2 seconds.

CO2 emissions are a low 124g/km and Vauxhall claims it can do 51mpg, though we managed around 45mpg.

As mild hybrids go, it works well. It will even run on electric-only power for short periods at slow speeds, which isn’t always the case. Apparently, the electric motor can work up to 84mph and cover 50% of town and city driving.

It seems brisker than the official acceleration figure suggests, and the six-speed dual-clutch transmission and hybrid integration work smoothly. It’s only when pushed that the little three-cylinder makes itself known.

So, the Grandland Hybrid is well suited to urban areas and cruises well enough on faster roads.

But just like its 100% electric sibling, the ride is firm, there’s a fair amount of brake pedal travel and the steering is light, again resulting in a drive that lacks involvement.

Ultimately, it’s unfair to judge the new Grandland too harshly on its driving dynamics because it’s great value compared to some of its rivals and it’s a car that’s more about practicality than performance.

The Grandland Electric is up against the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic E-Tech, Ford Explorer and Volkswagen ID.4, while the Grandland Hybrid’s competitors include the Peugeot 3008, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.

And starting at £34,700 (for the Hybrid) and £40,995 (Electric), the Grandland range is competitively priced.

Finally, even though it’s yet to be tested by Euro NCAP for safety, it does come with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety technology as standard.

Verdict: Whether you go for the mild hybrid or 100% electric version, the stylish next-generation Vauxhall Grandland is an honest, sensible, well-equipped family SUV that delivers value for money, space, safety and practicality.

Vauxhall Motors

Renault opens pop-up store at London’s Westfield Shopping Centre

Gareth Herincx

32 mins ago
Auto News

Visitors to the Renault store at Europe’s largest indoor shopping mall will be able to test drive a trio of electrified E-Tech models.

The ‘Car of the Year 2024’ – the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric – the Megane E-Tech 100% electric and Austral E-Tech full hybrid will all be available until July 28.

As well as the model display, there will be one of the first public outings of the much-anticipated pure electric Renault 5, a dedicated games and activity area, merchandise and a French patisserie.

Those interested in taking a test drive can book their slot in advance. Once they have completed their test drive, they will then receive up to six hours of free parking at the venue.

“Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric and our wider electrified E-Tech range are designed for modern living, combining optimum space and usability with style, high levels of connectivity and a fun driving experience,” said David Isherwood, Marketing Director, Renault UK.

“Making them conveniently available during people’s visits to Westfield Shopping Centre demonstrates just how easily they can fit into their lifestyle and allows all the family to enjoy the experience of electrified driving.”

Tags e-tech electric vehicle EV Full Hybrid hybrid pop-up store Renault renault 5 Renault Austral E-Tech Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric Renault Scenic E-Tech Westfield Shopping Centre

Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who’s worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.

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Renault Scenic E-Tech review

We get behind the wheel of the all-new, all-electric Renault Scenic E-Tech…

The Renault Scenic has been re-invented for 2024. It’s goodbye to the worthy MPV and hello to a chic zero emissions family crossover – the 2024 European Car of the Year, no less.

Based on kerb appeal alone, the new Renault Scenic E-Tech is more than a match for its many rivals which include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, Nissan Ariya, Skoda Enyaq and Peugeot E-3008.

Priced from a very competitive £37,495, Renault is offering the Megane E-Tech’s big brother with two battery options, two power outputs and a choice of three trim levels (entry-level Techno, sporty Esprit Alpine and even better equipped Iconic).

With hints of hatchback and SUV, it’s certainly stylish. The front end is particularly striking with the latest Renault logo set within diamonds which merge into the LED headlights.

Other goodies, such as flush door handles and big 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, help to make this a statement car.

There’s a wow factor inside too with a 12.3-inch driver display and a portrait-orientated 12.0-inch centre infotainment touchscreen which uses Google’s slick tech.

The spacious, classy interior features plenty of storage areas, plus a 545-litre boot, which expands to an impressive 1,670 litres with the rear seats folded.

A special mention for the rear central armrest which houses cup holders that also double up as smartphone or tablet holders, plus two USB-C ports.

There’s also a clever ‘Solarbay’ glass roof on top spec models. It is, in effect, a cutting-edge sunblind, switching from clear to opaque at the touch of a button – and doesn’t eat into headroom either.

Build quality is right up there with the best of its rivals. The animal-friendly leather-like seats and most of the surfaces have a plush feel, and it’s only when you feel around lower down that cheaper, scratchy plastics can be found.

The Scenic E-Tech scores big when it comes to sustainability too. Renault claims that 24% of the materials used are recycled, and 90% of its mass – including the battery – is recyclable.

Standard equipment includes a frameless electro-chromatic rear-view mirror (it can switch to a rear-view screen), heated front seats and steering wheel, paddle shifters for regenerative braking, automatic wipers and a rear-view camera.

Driver assistance and safety kit includes adaptive cruise control, traffic and speed sign recognition, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and blind spot warning.

The new Renault Scenic E-Tech is available with two sizes of battery and it’s front-wheel only. The standard range model has a 60kWh battery paired with a 168bhp electric motor, delivering a claimed range of more than 260 miles and a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds.

The larger 87kWh battery and more powerful 217bhp electric motor has a range of 379 miles, while the 0-62mph sprint takes 7.9 seconds.

Rapid charging is good, but not outstanding (up to 150kW for the larger battery and 130kW for the basic one), so a 20-80% boost should take around 30 minutes. On the plus side, the Scenic E-Tech does come with a heat pump as standard (a feature which is often an optional extra) which aids recharging, especially in cooler temperatures.

Our test car was a top-of-the-range Scenic E-Tech in Iconic trim, featuring the larger 87kWh battery pack.

The driving position is on the high side for me, but it does offer a commanding view of the road ahead, plus there’s plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and seat. Rear visibility isn’t so hot thanks to large C pillars and the slim tailgate window.

That said, the Scenic E-Tech is blessed with light steering, a tight turning circle and lots of parking aids, making it easy to manoeuvre and drive in town.

With instant torque, it’s quick off the mark too, but not blisteringly so like some other EVs.

The ride is comfortable for the most part, only becoming unsettled on poorer surfaces, while the cabin is refined, making it a smooth cruiser.

It’s fair to say that it looks more athletic than it is, so while it’s not a dull drive, it’s not particularly dynamic either. Even so, it manages to stay reasonably flat in more challenging corners and there’s good grip.

Sadly, like many EVs, the brakes are spongy, so there’s a lot of dead travel before they bite, making it hard to slow down smoothly.

The ‘Multi Sense’ driving modes (Personal, Comfort, Eco and Sport) alter the steering weight, throttle response and interior ambient lighting, but – as ever – you’ll find yourself staying in Eco or Comfort, for the best all-round experience and efficiency.

We’d need to spend at least a week with the car to give a proper estimate of real-world range, but we’d guess it’s an impressive 310-330 miles in the 87kWh and the right side of 200 miles in the entry-level model.

Verdict: Stylish, safe, spacious, easy to drive and well equipped as standard, the all-new Renault Scenic E-Tech is keenly priced and one of the best family EVs on the market.

Renault UK