Autocar September 7, 2022

AS EDITOR MARK Tisshaw writes on p30, it’s hard not to smile at VW’s modern-day reinvention of its iconic camper, this time called the ID Buzz. In a world where the generic nature of electric vehicles – same platform, same batteries, same electric motors – multiplied across countless vehicles can sometimes, just sometimes, leave us feeling cold, the ID Buzz shows the positive side of what this new era of electrification can do. There have been four attempts at a new microvan in the past two decades, which is a bit sorry given VW’s heft. The only reason this one is justifiable is because it’s electric and shares all those aforementioned attributes with other MEB-based VW Group models. How refreshing to have an all-new car that makes us feel excited,…

AS EDITOR MARK Tisshaw writes on p30, it’s hard not to smile at VW’s modern-day reinvention of its iconic camper, this time called the ID Buzz. In a world where the generic nature of electric vehicles – same platform, same batteries, same electric motors – multiplied across countless vehicles can sometimes, just sometimes, leave us feeling cold, the ID Buzz shows the positive side of what this new era of electrification can do. There have been four attempts at a new microvan in the past two decades, which is a bit sorry given VW’s heft. The only reason this one is justifiable is because it’s electric and shares all those aforementioned attributes with other MEB-based VW Group models. How refreshing to have an all-new car that makes us feel excited, optimistic, yet…

“Toyota’s electric saloon will first be aimed at China, where such cars remain hugely popular” Toyota is on the cusp of one of the most rapid and comprehensive BEV roll-outs from any car company yet, with the launch of a zero-emissions alternative to each of its core offerings alongside standalone models to compete in new segments. The firm has been vocal in recent years about its belief that electrification isn’t the only route to decarbonising the global vehicle parc, but it’s committed to launching a diverse and comprehensive range of electric vehicles to cover the most popular market segments, success in which is crucial if it is to maintain its position as the world’s leading car manufacturer. Like established mainstream rivals such as Volkswagen, Stellantis, Kia and Hyundai, Toyota is…

“Toyota’s electric saloon will first be aimed at China, where such cars remain hugely popular” Toyota is on the cusp of one of the most rapid and comprehensive BEV roll-outs from any car company yet, with the launch of a zero-emissions alternative to each of its core offerings alongside standalone models to compete in new segments. The firm has been vocal in recent years about its belief that electrification isn’t the only route to decarbonising the global vehicle parc, but it’s committed to launching a diverse and comprehensive range of electric vehicles to cover the most popular market segments, success in which is crucial if it is to maintain its position as the world’s leading car manufacturer. Like established mainstream rivals such as Volkswagen, Stellantis, Kia and Hyundai, Toyota is using a bespoke…

Toyota’s EV onslaught means its most affordable models will each gain an electric alternative, including a successor to the recently launched Aygo X supermini. Boasting what Akio Toyoda calls a “comfortable interior designed with Europe and Japan in mind”, the new small EV will be Toyota’s answer to the MEB-based urban EVs on the way from sibling brands Volkswagen, Cupra and Skoda, and it will likely be priced to match. Unlike Toyota’s full-sized E-TNGA-based EVs, the bZ1, as it will probably be called, could be a candidate for Toyota’s new E3 architecture, which will blend elements of the brand’s modular, combustion-orientated GA hardware with some from the new E-TNGA underpinnings. Commonality between this EV and today’s combustionengined Aygo could have the pair built together at Toyota’s Kolín plant in the…

Toyota’s EV onslaught means its most affordable models will each gain an electric alternative, including a successor to the recently launched Aygo X supermini. Boasting what Akio Toyoda calls a “comfortable interior designed with Europe and Japan in mind”, the new small EV will be Toyota’s answer to the MEB-based urban EVs on the way from sibling brands Volkswagen, Cupra and Skoda, and it will likely be priced to match. Unlike Toyota’s full-sized E-TNGA-based EVs, the bZ1, as it will probably be called, could be a candidate for Toyota’s new E3 architecture, which will blend elements of the brand’s modular, combustion-orientated GA hardware with some from the new E-TNGA underpinnings. Commonality between this EV and today’s combustionengined Aygo could have the pair built together at Toyota’s Kolín plant in the Czech Republic. Cost-effective…