Although "everyone" buys electric cars and "no one" buys hydrogen cars, I have kept the faith that hydrogen cars still have the right of life. Today, faith has become stronger.
A good reason
From 6 May, the electric cars were thrown out of the public transport zone from the E18 west of Oslo. Today's happy news in Asker og Bærum Budstikke and Avisa Oslo is about Margrethe Wam Solvang who is a hydrogen car owner and can speed into the public transport lane perfectly legally. "- I smile and wave to the police who carry out checks", she says – and the police smile and wave back. The ban on electric cars in public transport does not apply to hydrogen cars. They do not need to bring any passengers with them, nor do they have to pay tolls or parking fees in Oslo. Today, as "all" new cars are electric cars, it is probably only a matter of time before electric cars are banished from public transport lanes elsewhere as well. Then you can ask yourself:
Toyota Mirai 2 (Photo: MikeMareen/depositphotos.com)Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell
Is the time to rethink hydrogen cars?
There are not terribly many hydrogen cars to choose from - neither in Norway nor elsewhere in the world. Of new cars there are Toyota Mirai or Hyundai Nexo. Toyota has a range of 650 km and Hyundai has 666 km. Prices for the Toyota Mirai start at NOK 788, while the Hyundai Nexo no longer appears on Norwegian price lists, but according to German price lists it would cost approximately NOK 400 more than the Mirai. The point is that if you need a hydrogen car to drive in the public transport zone - and thus make your everyday life better, you might as well buy a used hydrogen car. A 100-year-old Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell will do just fine for many years to come.
Fuel cell in brief
I like the designation fuel cell (fuel cell) well. It is the one that converts the hydrogen gas into electricity - which makes the car move. Electricity is also used to form hydrogen gas. This is the biggest weakness of a hydrogen car compared to a battery-powered car. The process of transporting electricity via hydrogen gas results in poorer utilization of the energy than storing the current in a battery.
Toyota Mirai 2 close-up (Photo: Wirestock/depositphotos.com)
Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell hydrogen tank (Photo: autodatanet/depositphotos.com)
Hyundai Nexo interior
Batteries for trouble
The problems with today's electric cars are swept under the rug. It is not allright that a regular family car with a long range should constantly transport a battery weighing 700+ kg. They just build bigger and heavier cars without focusing on the problems it creates - during production, during their lifetime and during scrapping. Furthermore, it is difficult to imagine how cities of millions full of street-parked cars will function with electric cars. Electrifying today's heavy traffic with batteries is even more unthinkable. At the border crossing in La Jonquera between France and Spain, for example, 10 wagon trains pass every 000 hours. The roads on the continent are filled with commercial traffic.
The big bang
I was standing up on Bjerke and thinking - or charging - in June 2019 when it slammed. A sharp bang that I felt from the ground into my body. The hydrogen station for Uno-X at Kjørbo in Sandvika outside Oslo had blown up. Today there is only one functioning hydrogen station in Norway. It is located in Høvik. Hynion AS which runs the station, has plans to open a station in Porsgrunn as well. The lack of hydrogen stations is probably determined by the market. Uno-X pulled out after the bang. Today's company has plans to build more stations, but is dependent on the market picking up. It will require incentives from the authorities, such as being able to continue driving in public transport lanes. A very good reason for many.
Uno-X hydrogen station before it went liveHynion Høvik (Source: Google Maps)
Price
according to Hydrogenbil.net 1 kg of hydrogen costs NOK 195. It is enough for about 10 miles when driving calmly. The high price is due to the fact that it is expensive to produce hydrogen. Furthermore, there are no alternatives to Norway's only functioning hydrogen station.
A good, affordable hydrogen car is, for example, the 2016 Toyota Mirai or the Hyundai Tucson IX35 – both with prices starting at around NOK 200.
Toyota Mirai in Ullevål Hageby.
2016 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell
Car type: Sedan 4 doors
Number of seats: 4
Front wheel drive
Horse power: 154 hp
Torque: 335 Nm
Top speed: 175 km/h
0-100: 9,6 seconds
Range: 550 km
Battery capacity: 1,6 kWh
Length, width, height in cm: 489, 181, 154
Wheelbase in cm: 278
Luggage compartment: 361 litres
Trailer weight: Not possible
Own weight: 1850 kg
Total weight: 2180 kg
Follow that Mirai!
2016 Hyundai Tucson IX35 FCEV
2016 Hyundai Tucson IX35 FCEV
Car type: Crossover combi 5 doors
Number of seats 5
Front wheel drive
Horse power: 136 hp
Torque: –
Top speed: 160 km/h
0-100:-
Range: 594 km
Battery capacity: 1,0 kWh
Length, width, height in cm: 441, 182, 165
Wheelbase in cm: 264
Luggage compartment: 488 litres
Trailer weight: Not possible
Own weight: 1846 kg
Total weight: 2250 kg
It has never won any beauty pageant. On the contrary. Today, the Terracan is considered on a par with cars like the Ssanyoung Rodius – cars that are at the very other end of the beauty scale.
Under 30 thousand
The best you can say about the Terracan is that the average price is now around 30. Then you get an all-terrain vehicle of the old variety, built on a solid frame with usable road comfort and room for 7. You can tow a trailer of up to 2800 kg, and with four-wheel drive and a low-gear range, you can pull your boat straight up from the beach.
2005 Hyundai Terracan 2,9 CRDi
Good family tree
Pajero 1-based GalloperThe Terracan's grandfather is none other than the Mitsubishi Pajero (L040) mk1. Hyundai took over production in 1991 and produced the model as the Hyundai Galloper. From 1999 it was imported to Norway. Then it had received trendy screen widths and plastic panels round the bolt, as well as a new front. Hyundai presented the model as its own, but most recognized the Pajero from the 80s. It didn't matter. On the contrary. Galloper was made for the Norwegian market - in a long version with turbodiesel and green signs.
The apple didn't fall far from the tree
Under the skin, Galloper's successor, the Terracan, is not very different from its predecessor. The suspension is built up with double A-arms, coil springs and torsion bars that cope with long suspension travel. At the rear there is a rigid rear axle and coil springs. Same concept. Manually switchable 4-wheel drive and low gear. The turbodiesel engine is a 2,9 liter inline four with good performance. Originally 150 HP and a solid torque of 333 Nm from 2000 revs. From model year 2005 upgraded to 163 HP and the torque to 345 Nm from 1750 revolutions. A clear improvement compared to Galloper's 2,5 engine with 99 turbo horses.
Bongo and Big-Up use the same engine
The problem with the Terracan's engine is that it is not very widespread in Europe. The engine series "J3" is found in models such as Kia carnival and the van series hyundaiporter og KIA K series, with bizarre model names such as "Bongo" and "Big-up". They are similar to the "HiAce" and are only sold in Asia. On Skruvat.no can you still order replacement engines for Galloper (and H-1) but not Terracan, - although you can buy re-strap sets, top gasket etc.
Hyundai Terracraft facelifted model
Was Galloper more popular?
In total, there are 936 Terracans on Norwegian soil. Of these, (only) 26 are listed in the vehicle register as deregistered or scrapped. Terracan was sold for 6 years - between 2002-2007 - while Galloper was only sold for 3. Still, more Gallopers were registered than Terracan, so it is clear that Terracan was not able to follow up the success after Galloper.
Experiences with Terracan
It looks as if the Terracans have held up well in daily use. One recurring problem is a damaged diesel pump (high-pressure pump). When the pump cuts, several people have experienced consequential damage to injection nozzles, but no further engine damage has been reported. Some believe that the fuel filter is the culprit - lack of maintenance, incorrect type or installation. Others believe that the fault lies within the pump.
Another problem that several owners have reported is noise in the rear differential. This is not unusual for off-road vehicles. The advice is then to change to another oil. An old trick is to push in a banana and sawdust before selling 🙂 Anyway, it might be a good idea to use your ears when you test drive.
Terracan with facelift rear lights
On the road
It is impossible to compare a real off-road vehicle with a modern SUV on the road. Mon vile experience that the off-road vehicle wanders more on the road and requires more frequent corrections with the steering wheel - especially if you drive on off-road tyres. Mon vile experience that the suspension seems stiff and starts to jump over washboards - or that the car feels like it feels stiff over bumps and bumps. Pajero and Galloper were surprisingly soft compared to similar off-road vehicles. The soft undercarriage provides a feeling of comfort – a thought similar to American off-road vehicles such as the Chevrolet Blazer. When the Terracan was tested when new, several people commented that they thought the car was too soft - that it swayed a lot on the road. There are also some who believe that the automatic transmission often misses gear selection so that it has to shift several times before it hits. This is not atypical of older, non-thinking gearboxes.
About the pictures
The press photos are taken from the site www.automobile-catalog.com. The green car was separated in the autumn and is left in a barracks area. I thought it was used by homeless people. It is a 2005 model - with a facelift. The changes consisted of a new grill, new rear lights and changes to the instrument panel. Under the hood, the 2,9-litre got more horsepower and increased torque. As a van, it cost NOK 343. A similar Ssanyong Rexton cost 000, Pajero 375 000 HP Automat cost 3,2 and a Landcruiser 161 with 445 HP and manual gearbox cost around 000 – all on green plates.
2002 Hyundai Terracan
Conclusion
Aging off-road vehicles - such as the Terracan - are suitable for towing a heavy trailer, driving on bad roads and having plenty of space along the way. The car is well suited for weekend trips, holiday trips and practical daily errands - but hardly as a daily commuter car.
Check that the frame is not damaged by rust. Any rust damage must be assessed in relation to the expected lifespan. Terracan will never have any value beyond its residual use value. It won't be a classic. I mention this because the predecessors Galloper and Pajero already has classic status. Cars that were cool when new become classics when old. Let's face it! Terracan has never been cool.
Early classic Hyundai Galloper.
Typical Interior. Leather and three-coloured plastic.
The design that failed
Korean design a couple of decades ago was not always as successful, seen through Western eyes. The Hyundai Terracan has a lot of everything, but the lines do not harmonize. I have noticed the following: The front is too low/butt in relation to the rest of the car. The glass housing is too high in relation to the front. The rear overhang is too large - also compared to the front. The slope of the front and the windscreen do not harmonize. I've had fun photoshopping a picture of the Terracan to show what I mean. What do you think?
Terracan in profile (original shape)Terracan in profile (edited shape)
Hyundai Kona in Galactic Gray in front of a barn red wall.
- Forget the other electric cars!
The thought crossed my mind when I had passed 100 km. The level of the batteries had hardly decreased. For electric cars, there is one thing that applies more than anything else: Range. Disregarding the Tesla class, there are only three cars that offer range to the cabin in Gudbrandsdalen without recharging en route. Opel Ampera-e, KIA e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric.
With a range of 449 km (WLTP), I imagine Hyundai chose a crossover platform to support the weight of the batteries. But the Kona is no weight bomb. It weighs just 155 kg more than the e-Golf and 265 kg more than the Hyundai Ioniq. The Hyundai Kona is also offered with a petrol engine, but the tax-friendly electric car has naturally received the most attention. Several thousand are on a waiting list. The retailer chain Birger N Haug suggests a 2-year waiting period.
Super range
I think the electric version looks nicer than the petrol version. The blinded, color-coordinated grill makes the front more harmonious. Although the appearance is quite anonymous, I noticed that the car attracted a certain interest - at least compared to other cars I drive. Many people recognize the car. Maybe they have one on order themselves. After the production of the Opel Ampera ended up between two chairs for a while, the Kona appeared for a long time as the only electric car with a long range at an affordable price.
Despite race day at Bjerke Travbane, there was plenty of space in this part of the car park.
Driving an electric car with a long range feels strange to me. Range is a highly relative term - depending on the weather and wind and, not least, who is behind the wheel. I need to see the range with my own eyes. It suddenly dawned on me that this car can actually be loaded up and driven non-stop from Bærum to the cabin in Gudbrandsdalen. For approximately 360 you get a car fully equipped with modern equipment and Tesla range. "It's the kind of electric car you have to have", I thought. 204 horses and constant torque of 395 Nm are like a dream on the road. The drivetrain is more than enough. In Sport mode, the car reacts so spontaneously that I can't help but grin sheepishly. Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.
On the road
I alternated between driving in Eco mode and normal Comfort mode. Eco mode works well, but everything felt much better in Comfort. After a few miles, I got the impression that it is possible to drive just as economically in Comfort as in Eco mode, given that you drive "eco-actively", that is, you take care to recover energy where it is appropriate and otherwise careful with the gas. The artificial engine brake is controlled with paddle shifts on the steering wheel. It makes driving economically enjoyable. In normal Comfort mode, there is a flood of power and the electric motor responded more than quickly enough when I needed to use hatches in traffic.
Button gear works well.
On the road, the Kona feels like other electric cars in the same class. For being tall, it leans a little in the turns. The absence of engine noise means that you can hear the undercarriage well when it is working with the ground. They master the undercarriage store the unevenness well. There are quite a few of them on the spring Oslo roads right now. But occasionally I felt that tiny vertical bumps propagated all too well into the cabin. Rough asphalt also let in some tire noise.
The interior
The Hyundai Kona has everything you can expect from a modern electric car, but is naturally in a different class to the Teslas, which cost twice as much. If I were to single out a competitor, it would have to be the Opel Ampera. It is, of course, a lot about taste and comfort.
The interior with a special center console and button gear.
The Kona's ventilated leather seats with electric adjustment look great, but the seating comfort does not measure up to the Ampera's more ordinary leather seats. The seat cushion in the Kona feels like a bench without side support - at least for me, who does not have a particularly wide stern. The seat back, on the other hand, provides good support. The Kona's dashboard and infotainment system seem more conventional than in the Ampera. Instruments, operating levers and buttons work perfectly fine, while the Ampera's driving environment seems a notch more hi-tech.
Place
Together with other cars, I think the Hyundai Kona seems quite large, - actually a thought longer than the 4,18 meters that are in the papers. It seems larger than the Ampera, although the external dimensions are quite similar. Behind the wheel, I get the feeling of driving a car the size of the Nissan Qashqai and Audi Q3. Only when I checked the space in the back seat and in the boot did I discover that it is actually a class below, - as the numbers certainly show. I am 1,88 and can sit behind myself with a narrow margin. As a driver, I would probably have pushed the driver's seat forward a bit as a compromise. The rear seat is unlikely to provide room for a rear-facing child seat without pushing the corresponding front seat a little forward. Without having measured, the rear seat in the Ampera felt slightly more spacious than in the Kona.
The trunk is divided into two parts. Upper part without loading edge.
The luggage compartment is 332 liters with a separate cable compartment underneath. It will be a bit cramped for a family, although it is possible to stack light things high. In comparison, the luggage compartment in the Ampera is 50 liters larger than in the Kona, but has a rather high loading edge - something the Kona does not have. It is possible to mount a ski box (80 kg), but a hitch is not available.
Safety
NCAP tested the petrol version with a 1,0 liter engine in 2017. It then received 5 stars and 87%. NCAP has automatic emergency stop which additional equipment. In Norway, this is standard, which would bring the score up. The test dummies in the Hyundai Kona performed well in all branches. The most critical was that rear seat passengers are exposed to whiplash injuries (score: marginal).
Cars with the technology package have a head-up display, lane keeping assist (autonomous steering), adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning. This is equipment for active safety – measures that prevent accidents.
Rikstoto, Bjerke Trotbane. You don't need to know anything about horses 😀
Economy
"A lot of car for the money" is a great starting point for good finances. Popular cars today will remain popular as used cars. If you get your hands on a Hyundai Kona today, it will hold its value well due to its good battery capacity. There are currently 122 cars for sale on Finn.no with negligible mileage. But before you possibly hit the second-hand market, you should note the following:
On Finn.no, several cars are available with only a 40 kWh battery. Norwegian dealers only offer cars with 64 kWh and 204 HP. This is the energy package you must have!
A technical package is a "must" including a heat pump and modern safety equipment.
Car buyers are willing to pay a premium to avoid waiting. There is no set formula for what the premium should be. It is pure market economics, but remember that the actual waiting time can be both shorter and longer than the dealers' estimates.
When comparing prices, you must take into account whether winter tires are included. Winter tires cost 17,500,-. New car buyers are also offered chassis treatment. It is worth approximately 6,000,-.
Due to its popularity, it is estimated that new buyers will only be able to get the car in 2 years. If we think ahead in time, several car models will be equipped with equivalent or better battery packs. New car brands will enter the field with modern battery solutions. The new KIA Soul has been announced. Peugeot-Citroën has access to new battery packs. Ford has announced that they will offer proper electric cars. The Volvo XC40 will be available as an electric car later this year.
By ordering with a long waiting period, there is always a risk that technological advances have in the meantime made the car less attractive than today. Development is very fast.
Hyundai also provides a 5-year warranty regardless of mileage and an 8-year / 200 km warranty on the battery pack.
Detail on the Hyundai Kona.
Conclusion
My initial comment "Forget the other electric cars" is actually not too far from the truth. The Hyundai Kona Electric has a long range, low energy consumption and a high level of equipment. It's fun to drive - with loads of power and paddle-shifts on the steering wheel to manage regenerative energy. On the downside, it is a little too small for families with small children. It does not provide optimal seating comfort for long journeys, - nor particularly good comfort on rough asphalt.
After driving the Hyundai Kona, it becomes difficult to recommend cars with half the range. I would happily sacrifice the comfort of the e-Golf, the good looks of the Hyundai Ioniq and the premium feel of the BMW i3 in favor of the Hyundai Kona.
Range is more important than premium feel.
Facts
Weights and Measures
Length, width and height in cm: 418, 180, 157
Wheelbase: 260 cm
Luggage volume: 332 litres
Own weight: 1685 kg
Trailer weight: (Not possible)
Roof load: 80 kg
Range and charging
Battery capacity: 64 kWh
Range (WLTP): 449 km
Charging time T2 3,6 KW; 19 hours
Charging time T2 7,2 KW: 9,35 hours
Charging time CCS 50 KW: 75 min.
Charging time CCS 100 KW: 54 min.
Performances
Power: 204 HP
Torque: 395 Nm from 0 revs
0-100: 7,6 sec. (Sports mode)
Top speed: 167 km/h
Prices
Price: NOK 335 (incl. technology package)
Leather interior: NOK 10
Sunroof: NOK 10
Metallic: NOK 4
Ski box: NOK 3 (Birger N Haug campaign)
Misc
Mileage: 6814
Distance driven: 130 km
Source: Hyundai Norway
Rented via Nabobil.no
Owner: Private owner
The car in this post is rented through Nabobil's "Take over without a key" service. Then I could unlock and deliver the car via an app on my mobile without the owner being present. You can also rent the same car. You can find it at Nabobil.no. The owner stated that it is available on weekdays. Recommended!
Hyundai Kona in pictures
Click on an image to view it full size.
Leather seats with heating and ventilation.
Hyundai kona electricRoom under the center console.Heating or ventilation in the seats? Heat in the steering wheel?Space for cables and car-related things underneath.
Thor Hushovd with good news for road users in Sørkedalen. The road is a favorite spot for afternoon cyclists.Section from the driver's seat.Fornebu fire station and the Piloten condominium in the background.
See
Hyundai Ioniq ElectricOrder, unlock – and drive!Opel Ampera e.The temperature in electric car batteries
Hyundai Ioniq at the Fortum charging station in Fornebu.
We can't be familiar with having never tried the Hyundai Ioniq! That's why we rented a copy through GoMore. The goal for this week's Sunday trip was idyllic Drøbak.
The Hyundai Ioniq was first introduced as a hybrid car. But it wasn't the Norwegians regrouped. It was the electric car. Thousands have had to wait for almost a year. Now the car is "all over the place". After just over two years, the Ioniq is in 9th place on the sales lists. I keep hearing: "Best car I've had!". "You have to try it!"
Battery capacity of 28 kWh
When the car was introduced with a 28 kWh battery pack, it could take you round trip Oslo - Gardermoen by a good margin - even in the middle of winter! Competitors of the time could not. But development is fast. Now everyone has received new battery packs. E-Golf: 35,8 kWh, Leaf: 40 kWh and i3: 42,2 kWh, while the Ioniq still has its battery pack of 28 kWh – actually the smallest in the class. But it still hangs on. People like it because it uses little power, provides an acceptable range and fast charging. It also looks very good.
Successful design
The smooth front is reminiscent of something Tesla could have invented. The outline follows the familiar one The Kamm profile which provides low air resistance. CW value of just 0,24 is the same as the Toyota Prius, although the Ioniq looks more ordinary than the Prius - in a positive sense. I like the finish behind the side windows with the chrome strip that curves around. It gives the car a compact feel. But don't be fooled. It's bigger than you think.
Great in profile. Note how the chrome trim ends around the rear side windows.
Comfort and space
Leather seats, technology package and decorative elements in bronze. Inside, everything is where you'd expect to find it. Except gear selection. It happens "by wire" via push buttons marked "P", "R", "N" and "D". The seats look great, but feel cheap when you sit in them. At least with my 1,88 I missed both side support and thigh support. The sloping roof profile is beautiful from the outside, but steals height in the back seat and gives poor visibility to the rear through the two-part rear window. In my eyes, this is still only a small sacrifice in relation to "good look" and low air resistance. Speaking of space, the boot holds 350 litres. That's 9 liters more than the e-Golf, although the space feels larger.
Paddles for eco-nerds
We drove south past Vollen, Slemmestad, Nærsnes and Sætre. There was a glimpse of the sea on the Oslofjord in the bright sunlight. I chose the speed-regulated small roads to test range - given that you drive as economically as practically possible. The Ioniq gives eco-nerds, like me, good opportunities to save electricity while driving. The paddles on the steering wheel do not control gear changes, but step-by-step dosing of the artificial engine brake. The location made it both easy and fun to drive actively - or perhaps you could say "eco-active".
Economical driving - range
There are three driving modes: Eco – Normal and Sport. Eco worked fine all the way for us. On some cars I feel that Eco kills all the joy of driving. The Ioniq does not. After swiping through "Normal" and "Sport" a few times, I felt confident that "Eco" was correct. In Normal and Sport mode, it feels like you're driving a much fitter car than the numbers suggest. To test the range when driving economically, I reduced the interior temperature to 17,5 degrees. It was strictly speaking not necessary, as the car was equipped with an energy-saving heat pump. The outside temperature was around five plus degrees and the sun warmed well. We started the trip from the heated garage. Only one factor contributed negatively to range, namely that "our" car was on studded tyres. Anyone who rides a bike in winter knows how studded tires absorb energy.
Gear change "by wire" is carried out at the push of a button, - no gear lever.
After driving 51,3 economical kilometers down the west side of the Oslo Fjord and crossing over to Drøbak through the Oslo Fjord Tunnel, the range in the instrument panel was only reduced by 35 km. It is good. If you have the opportunity to drive on quiet roads, and recover electricity where appropriate, under the same conditions you can drive 220 km with studded tires before the consumption indicator shows red. Then you would still have 40 km left until a complete stop. Theoretically, that is.
Sun in Drøbak
Drøbak is a pleasant place where people keep their doors open for each other. When we parked at Sjøtorget, the boat that transports people across the fjord was just about to set off. "Are you going to join us over?" it shouted pleasantly from the boat as my wife got out of the car. Last time I was here, we docked in the new guest harbor with our own boat. In few places are people as positive about boating as here. You are welcome to get a helping hand when you add.
Mussels to bring thoughts to summer and sun.Easter atmosphere in Drøbak harbour.
There was an Easter atmosphere at Skipperstuen in Drøbak. Outdoor dining for the bravest. We sat indoors. I ordered mussels, like last time. Wife ordered Angus burger. The Kiel ferry passed right outside on its way south. Mussels in crême sauce, with frites, bread and mayonnaise make me endure the winter for a few more weeks.
Real ranges
On the way home, the wife demanded that we turn up the heat in the car. The way home took 50 minutes, along the "E6 the tightest road" in normal Sunday traffic, and with plenty of warmth for the wife's feet. The range indicator then showed a consumption in km which corresponded fairly exactly to the actual km driven. It would have given a total range of about 180 km, but would have ended up in the red after 150 km. The Ioniq's range indicator seems more reliable than in the e-Golf. It understands that even if consumption increases sharply, for example due to the rise in the Oslofjord tunnel, it will not last forever. The range in the e-Golf is far more nervous, and is not suitable for people who struggle with range anxiety.
Safety
The Hyundai Ioniq has automatic emergency stop for pedestrians at city speeds. It has adaptive cruise control. Furthermore, "our" Ioniq was equipped with blind spot warning, reversing camera and lane departure warning.
In NCAP's crash test, the Ioniq got 91% when it was measured in 2016. In comparison, the previous Nissan Leaf got 89% when it was measured in 2012, and the new Leaf got 93% when it was measured in 2018. In full-width collisions, damage was detected to passenger on the right side at the rear. The pelvic part had partially slipped out of the belt. Furthermore, when hit from behind, the rear seat passengers were exposed to whiplash injuries. Side impact worked without complaint. NCAP also tested the adaptive cruise control and concluded that it worked excellently. The car stopped by itself in all necessary situations.
The price is one of Hyundai's most important advantages. 284 is what you have to pay for the car including technical package, metallic paint and delivery. The only extra charge is winter tires and taxes. The technical package is required. It includes, among other things, LED lights and a heat pump, something you need to get more kilometres, especially in winter. At the time of writing, there are approximately 900 Ioniqs for sale on Finn.no. Several of the cars are practically new, priced at around 470 fully equipped. Hyundai has announced that the Ioniq's successor will have twice the range. It corresponds to the battery pack in the new Hyundai Kona. You may risk a loss when trading in if upgraded models have arrived, but that risk applies to all electric car models.
Hyundai provides a 5-year general warranty with unlimited mileage and 8 years/200 km on the battery pack. "Our" Ioniq had traveled over 000 km and is perhaps the Ioniq that has reached the highest mileage in Norway. It showed no signs of abnormally high wear for its age and mileage. In my opinion, the electric drive actually worked as well as in a new car. The furniture was like new.
Conclusion
When the Hyundai Ioniq appeared in 2016, I was skeptical about the design. Was it really necessary to create such an extremely streamlined body? Later, Tesla has shown the world that it pays off. When Tesla removed the grill on its models, the range increased. Range is not only about battery packs, but also design. The Ioniq has good weight distribution and sits well on the road, provided you have good tyres. It is easy to drive and fun to drive with "eco-paddles" on the steering wheel and "knob-gear". The biggest potential for improvement is the seats. These are both uncomfortable and, as the NCAP test has shown, - they provide reduced safety in terms of both keeping passengers in their seats in the event of a collision and preventing whiplash. Despite this, the Hyundai Ioniq still seems like one of the best electric car options under 300. You can save a lot by buying used.
The Hyundai Ioniq is perhaps one of the safest used purchases you can make today.
View from Drøbak towards the fjord and Oscarsborg fortress.
Facts
Weights and Measures
Length, width and height in cm: 447 / 182 / 145
Wheelbase in cm: 270
Own weight: 1420 kg
Total weight: 1880 kg
Allow trailer weight: Not possible
Performances
Range NEDC: 280 km
Real range summer: 200-250 km
Real range winter: 150-200 km
0-100: 9,9 seconds
Top speed: 165 km/h
Cargo
Type 2 (from charging box) 3,6 KW /16A: approx. 8 h
Type 2 (from charging box) 7,2 KW /32A: 4 h 25 min
Rapid charger CCS 50 KW: 30 min
Rapid charger CCS 100 KW: 23 min
Tires:
Winter tires with studs: Continental 205/55R16
Price:
Car and delivery costs: 254
Technical package: 25 (an absolute "must")
Leather seats: 10
Sunroof: 10
Metallic paint: 4
About the car
Rented through GoMore.no
Owner: Private owner
Year Model: 2017
Mileage: 71100
Distance driven: 135 km
Source: Hyundai.no
GoMore has several Hyundai Ioniqs for rent. It's a great opportunity to get to know the charging and range before you buy your own. GoMore was the first to offer leasing and rental through the same portal. A concept that we will return to here at Terjes Biler.
Hyundai Ioniq photos
An interior that does not require getting used to. Paddles on the steering wheel control recuperative charging (artificial engine braking).The seats look more comfortable than they are in reality.Luggage compartment with good loading length.Someone was out airing their Ferrari.Bright sun and sea views of the fjord.
See
KIA Soul EVe-Golf facelift.Nissan Leaf 30 kWhElectric cars - created for "leasing and renting"The temperature in electric car batteries
Advanced electronics are great – but not in a snowstorm. Was it the weather conditions that put the Audi e-tron out of action this evening? Fortunately, I was able to get there in a car without advanced electronics. The Hyundai i10 is in many ways a cool car, but not today. - Audi e-tron, on the other hand...
The day the electronics failed
I had my bike locked in a bike shed at work, but the electronic card reader for the door lock had died. Dense snow drifts, moist air and changing temperatures put the electronics out of action. It was going to get worse. While I was trying to find out when the bus left, my wife called. Her Audi A3 e-tron had gone completely "bananas". The dashboard flashed and honked, the red oil light was on and the screen told of serious engine problems. There were no mechanical problems. It was the electronics that failed. The worst part was that she couldn't turn off the ignition and lock the car. She couldn't leave it like that, and the tow truck couldn't come for two hours. They had a lot to do today.
E-tron with electronics problems
I have owned several modern family cars from the Volkswagen group. Under such conditions, it happened that they went into emergency mode without warning. Then it was just a matter of jumping over to the shoulder of the road, turning off the engine, putting on the hazard warning lights, calmly counting to ten and starting again. Pure routine. My guess is that when the car's central control system (software) stops, everything fails - including the error logging. Then all you have to do is resort to the "Swedish button". Cut the power. The problem with the e-tron is that there is no "Swedish button".
Small Hyundai i10 on the way!
With a woman in distress and an e-tron with serious electronics problems, I had to ditch the bus home and find a suitable car to come to the rescue. I had just returned the weekend's Toyota ProAce to Hertz car pool. Next to it, stood a red Hyundai i10. It was supposed to be the ambulance. The transition from ProAce to i10 was quite a big one. From feeling towering on the road, I suddenly became very small, - even compared to normal cars.
The snowfall had caused chaos in the traffic. On the Ringveien, things went awry. On the way out of the parking garage, I had to drive around a newer Golf with hazard lights. On the move, I couldn't tell if it was a GTE (Volkswagen's "e-tron") or an e-Golf. A little further away there was a bus with its emergency lights on. A really bad day for electronics, I thought.
While I was on the phone with my wife, her Audi had miraculously come back to its hooks. After half an hour it worked again. I asked her to start the gas engine and drive a few leisurely laps in the parking lot.
Hyundai i10
Crazy?
As I drove the little Hyundai, I thought how liberating low-tech this vehicle is. In the snow, I amused myself by "throwing" it into 90 degree turns and giving it gas. It felt like it was turning around on its own little axis without losing momentum, just like in a computer game. This is a surprisingly fun car, without being overwhelmed by electronics. I could have called the Hyundai "crazy", but in the stress and drive to help my wife, "crazy" wasn't the right word. Rema 1000 expression "The simple is often the best" fit better.
No problems for the Teslas
As I approached my wife's workplace I glimpsed her cosmos-blue e-tron in slow motion around and around the parking lot. On the way home, I saw another Golf parked on the side of the road with its hazard lights on. I was surprised that only cars from the Volkswagen group had been stopped. Why no Tesla? They are packed with all kinds of electronics! But the Teslas obviously had no problems at all this evening. On the contrary. I saw how easily they made their way through the snow. What a grip!
"No, the have we never heard of…”
I imagine that's the kind of thing people say in the car industry to avoid a bad reputation. I have experienced it in the past, - about technical errors that have been common, but only known within the dealer environment. You don't get to know that customer. You must know someone at the workshop. Møllerbil is a serious dealer. The mechanic who checked the error log found no information. The car was checked twice. Each check took less than half an hour.
As a car blogger, I allow myself to speculate
It took me a few seconds to find a forum page online for owners of the e-tron's sister model, the Golf GTE. A man had his car winched onto the tow truck after experiencing exactly the same thing as my wife. Other owners reported similar experiences. When Møller checked our car, they probably found nothing new - and just reported another case of a known fault to the factory. - And should anyone be wondering... Of course Norwegian Audi dealers are aware of this problem!
Is the Volkswagen group out on thin ice again?
Headlines about that "E-tron has electronic problems" would hardly have come conveniently after the diesel scandal. The management at Volkswagen has declared that they are betting on electricity. The E-tron project is the spearhead that will catch the world's eyes. Tesla was there a few years ago. At the time, many were skeptical of the technology and thought the project would fail. It didn't – at least not technologically. Should the "e-tron" fail now, the future for the Volkswagen Group undoubtedly looks bleak.
The new Audi A1 looks fantastic. Covered in the background: New e-tron.
On my way to Møllerbil Vest (Oslo) I spotted the new A1. It has a 1,0-liter TSI engine of 116 HP with S Tronic – perhaps the simplest powertrain Audi can deliver at the moment. The design language does not look that much like the Hyundai i10, but in terms of size it is in the middle between the i10 and the A3. The new A1 actually looks very good! If the e-tron project does not stumble at the start, the Volkswagen Group is going to roll out electric car-based powertrains on a large scale. Then it is not impossible that it might be offered in the new A1, too?
New e-tron – new problems?
In the middle of the room was Audi's new all-electric e-tron model. It was still covered and was not to be uncovered until 6 o'clock in the evening. It undoubtedly looks beautiful, but the question the world is asking is whether the quality of the advanced technology is good enough. If not, the emergency pockets are going to be tight for the winter.
If I ever open the bike shed, they can borrow my bike 🙂
Same symptoms in the new Audi e-tron!
Found an article on tek no. Audi e-tron owner Øyvind Stensby learned that his Audi e-tron went completely bananas. The reason, according to Audi, is that it had been on slow charging for more than 12 hours. They recommend ignoring the messages, locking the car for 3 minutes and trying again. Anyone had similar experiences?
Maserati Levante during its introduction at Aker Brygge in Oslo.
"Car on the pier"
Several of the autumn's novelties were to be seen at Aker Brygge at the weekend. At such an exhibition you get to see the cars in real life, open the doors, sit for a test drive, order a test drive, kick the tires and take photographs - as I did. I have concentrated on new models. Some I got to see for the very first time. These were:
Maserati Levante
Alfa Romeo Giulia
DS Divine
Fiat 500 (facelift)
Ford Kuga (facelift)
Hyundai Ioniq
Kia Niro
Peugeot 2008 (facelift)
Tesla Model X
Maserati Levante
I don't think the rear part harmonizes with the Levante's aggressive front.
The Maserati Levante is a car you don't see every day. I found it at the end of the display row - a Levante S. The price tag was 1,7 million, or thereabouts. You get a great drive unit 3 liter petrol biturbo that produces 430 HP, 8-speed automatic, air suspension, adaptive chassis, to name a few. In terms of price, we are in Porsche Cayenne country, and there is no doubt that it is the Cayenne that is the main competitor. I think the Cayenne wears its age shamelessly well after the changes made for the 2015 model year. I'm a bit ambivalent about the appearance of the Levant. I think the rear part seems a bit shapeless. Maserati could have made a diffuser that highlighted the 4 exhausts better and made the car look as aggressive from the rear as it is from the front.
There is class over the side profile with the elevation above the rear wheels.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia in Rossa Monza metallic.
I don't know how many new Giulias FCA Norway has been able to procure for the country. Maybe it's just this one. Anyway, I thought it was an odd introductory color. Rosso Monza can be said to be a kind of racing red. It's hardly a color I would choose myself, but when I study the pictures, I think that the color might not be so stupid. It just takes a little getting used to.
Prices start at NOK 388 for the standard version with a 800 liter 2,2 HP diesel. With equipment level Super and 150 liter diesel with 2,2 HP, you have to put NOK 180 on the table, but you should also consider adding a couple of equipment packages. The car on display, a Guilia Super with 418 HP, fully equipped, cost NOK 800. From what I could pick up from the conversations around the car, it should be fantastic to drive and give a very direct response.
When I sat down, I noticed that the interior was stylish and free of 'glam'. I found a great driving position - and I have no doubt that this is a fun car to drive. If only I could drive en only one of the cars at this exhibition, I think I would choose the Alfa.
The car at Aker Brygge was a 2,2 JTD diesel. Why diesel? What about Alfa's great petrol V6? I'm afraid we won't be seeing - and hearing - that many of them. A drive unit like that sends the price well over a million, unfortunately.
Giulia (pronounced "djolia").Stylish interior. I found a nice driving position behind the wheel.
DS Divine
DS Divine is an attempt to create a different design.
Citroën exhibited the concept car DS Divine, which will show what we can expect from DS in the future. My perception of DS is that they make beautifully designed cars based on proven technology from the PSA group. I like the front of the Divine, but am not particularly excited about the unfinished interior with square steering wheel and new seats. Nor the mosaic feature that covers the rear window and roof, and which is supposed to open at speed. My advice to French DS is to take it easy on the bends. The world isn't ready for a square steering wheel...not yet.
Fiat 500 for sale
Fortunately, Fiat hasn't made too many changes to its great 500.
You'll have to look closely to spot the changes on the new Fiat 500. Fortunately, Fiat has chosen to keep the original concept and not succumb to the temptation to upscale, as MINI has done. After seeing the great attention the Fiat 500 received at Aker Brygge, I am sure that the little 500 will continue to be on the road for many years to come.
Still unmistakably 500 with a bit of an upgrade in the infotainment sector.
Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga has received a tougher front section and changes to the tailgate.
The new Kuga was perhaps not the biggest attraction at Aker Brygge this Saturday. The most noticeable change is that the Kuga now has the same front end as the larger Edge. I never liked the old front with a narrow grill at the top and a larger grill at the bottom. The new Kuga also has a new tailgate with slightly more profiles. Inside the car, it is difficult to see any changes for someone who does not drive a Kuga on a daily basis. There is a new steering wheel, and some control panels have been changed, as well as an upgrade of the infotainment system. Speaking of the steering wheel, I think the steering wheel in the new Kuga was strikingly similar to the steering wheel on the new Discovery. Maybe a collaboration between Ford and Land Rover still exists?
The facelifted interior has received a new steering wheel and an upgrade in the infotainment sector.
Hyundai Ioniq
The new Hyundai Ioniq makes me think of the Honda Insight.
The Ioniq can optionally be delivered with either pure electric operation, a regular hybrid or a rechargeable hybrid. As a rechargeable hybrid, it costs NOK 264, or just over NOK 950 with equipment package. The Ioniq is a car that will primarily compete against the Toyota Auris hybrid, - but also the Volkswagen Golf GTE and e-Golf. The electric car version of the Ioniq will cost NOK 300.
I like the looks of the Ioniq, but don't understand why it was necessary to develop an entirely new car model instead of using the existing i30 to host the new powertrains. I think the i30 hybrid and i30 electric car would have better opportunities on the market than the Ioniq. It reminds me of Honda Insight, which with its extremely aerodynamic shape was not the success everyone had thought. Now, Toyota has certainly had great success with the Prius, although I think the Prius will eventually lose market share to the Auris hybrid. In any case, I think the Ioniq looks better than both the Prius and the Insight, - but it wouldn't surprise me if an i30 hybrid appears in the near future.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, but offers a crossover concept in the Golf class.
The KIA Niro is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, but in a more attractive shape than the Ioniq - at least for families with small children. A crossover design with a higher seating position and extended trunk could prove to be an easier sell than Hyundai's Ioniq. The KIA Soul has done well as an electric car, and I predict the Niro will be popular, even if it lacks the Soul's youthful style.
Tall compact car with extended luggage compartment (427 litres).
Peugeot 2008
Facelifted Peugeot 2008.
The Peugeot 2008 has been a hit as a family car in its home country of France, and now it's here with a facelift. They call it an SUV, but it's just a tall 208 with off-road effects. 2008 is only delivered with front-wheel drive. I think the biggest advantage is the price. In the Active equipment level, it costs from NOK 217 with the smallest 000-cylinder PureTech engine of 3 HP, and NOK 82 with the 227 HP version of the same engine. Of course you have to add some equipment, but in any case this is a lot of car for the money.
Tesla Model X
Circus Tesla. This was the goal for many this Saturday morning.
I have no problem naming the Tesla Model X as the clear crowd favorite - the one that made "everyone" flock to Aker Brygge. As soon en family had gotten out of the car, threw one other family in. Big and small almost sat on each other's laps. It was clear that many had one goal in mind - namely to see and test drive the new, large Tesla. I can't say that I think the car was particularly elegant, where it stood with all the doors and hatches open. But it's just a matter of getting used to the big gull-wing doors, judging by the audience's interest.
The interior snapped in the one second it took for one family to be out and the next to rush in.A very simple front party, but far from anonymous. Everyone can tell it's a Tesla.Everyone wanted to test drive the Tesla Model X.
Do you remember Atos? The short, narrow, tall and quirky city car that trudges through all Asian cities between mopeds and bikes with the whole family on board?
Atos has got a well-dressed successor – called the i10. Both the i10 and the slightly larger i20 are produced at Hyundai's factory in Chenney, India. In 2010, the i10 received a facelift to highlight the new, modern, sharp design lines that characterize new Hyundais.
By building tall, Hyundai has managed to provide legroom for adults in the back seat as well as smart storage solutions. European car testers report a fun and easy-to-drive car with relatively soft suspension.
The car is delivered with two different engines, one of 1,1 liters and a stronger engine of 1,2 liters. The latter engine is also supplied to the i20. Both engines have an impressively low CO2 emission, which results in low one-off taxes. The smallest engine does not exactly give great performance on paper, but it delivers the power in a rev range that is adapted to Norwegian traffic.
For NOK 20, the largest engine can also be supplied with automatic transmission. The vast majority of the additional price is taxes to the state because the automatic transmission solution is of the traditional type (hydraulics with torque converter) which produces higher CO000 emissions.
More and more small cars are now being offered with new automatic transmission solutions that do not steal engine power and that do not incur any additional tax. If you want an automatic transmission on a small car, you should therefore choose such a solution.
KIA Picanto Exclusive
2013 Kia Picanto
Hyundai's biggest competitor is its own brother, the KIA Picanto. The KIA factory is part of the Hyundai Motor Company. Although the Picanto has its own, particularly successful design, many common components are used in these cars, especially in terms of technology and drivetrain. The measurements and performance are equally good, as you can see in the configuration window below the article.
My choice
Car prices in Norway are largely determined by the engine. The smallest engines make these cars very affordable. If you choose a larger engine, you can almost as easily choose a slightly larger model for almost the same price! My argument for buying one of these cars is price, and then I would choose the cheapest model which actually also has all the relevant safety equipment and air conditioning included.
The car in this post is rented through Nabobil's "Take over without a key" service. Then I could unlock and deliver the car via an app on my mobile without the owner being present. You can also rent the same car. You can find it at Nabobil.no. The owner stated that it is available on weekdays. Recommended!
