When we drive new cars, it's not primarily to test them - it's to use it for what cars are made for. When you return the car, you are left with impressions and experiences.
At Les lacs de Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts ready for a walk and picnic
In recent years, I have gotten to know high-built small cars. If you are looking for a rental car on holiday, this is a class that offers a lot of car for the money.
Disappears from Norway
In recent years I have driven many miles in high-built small cars such as Skoda Kamiq, Audi Q2, Citroen C3 Aircross, Opel Mokka, Renault Captur and most recently, Volkswagen T-Cross. I could go on to mention cars such as Seat Arona, Peugeot 2008, Opel Crossland, Nissan Juke and Toyota C-HR - all built on the same concept. None of them have been successful in Norway and are unlikely to be either. Perhaps because they end up between two seats - too small for families with children and too big as a second car. Today, only Peugeot 2008 and Opel Mokka are brought into Norway because they are delivered as electric cars.
Favorable as a rental car
I rent cars in Barcelona - always the same class - high-built small cars. Sixt recognizes my muzzle, without the muzzle factor playing any major role. Occasionally I get upgraded for free, but last weekend the Formula 1 circus came to town, and then I had to make do with what I ordered - a Volkswagen T-Cross. It could just as easily have been a Skoda Kamiq, Seat Arona or Audi Q2. They share the same platform and drivetrain. The 1,0 TSI 110 hp with manual 6-speed gearbox is an absolutely excellent drive for these cars.
Volkswagen T-Cross. At the old factory outlet for fabrics and espadrilles in the Catalan village of Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans.
Big car feeling
The Volkswagen T-Cross is produced together with the Polo in Pamplona, Spain. The primary target group for this model is probably located primarily in Southern Europe, in places where the car fleet and road standards are not top class. The T-Cross offers a lot of car for the money, both for the buyer and the renter. I like it because it is affordable to rent, comfortable and drives well. I know it's based on the Polo, but it surprisingly feels much more like a big car. You get a lot by sitting higher, with less noise from the engine and the road, but it must be more than extra height and more rubber in the tires that creates this big car feeling. I'm sure Volkswagen has made some tweaks to the chassis, maybe longer suspension travel, different damping? I feel that the T-Cross is more of a T-Roc "light" than a high-built Polo.
Volkswagen T-Cross on the highway between Figueres and La Jonquera
1,0 TSI engine
In Europe, you can get the cars with either 95 hp or 110 hp. The largest engine previously produced 115 hp, but from 2022 it was downgraded to 110 hp. The 110 horse is better suited to the Volkswagen Group's high-built models than the 95 horse. With 110 hp, you get a 6-speed manual gearbox instead of 5-speed. Both gearboxes are nice to operate, but the 6-speed gearbox means that you can "cruise" steadily at 120 km/h on Spanish motorways with a very pleasant and low rpm. You notice it a bit on consumption, but mostly on comfort. In the countries around the Mediterranean, most people still choose manual transmission, and they do so wisely when it comes to the T-Cross (and the other sister models). The automatic option 7-speed DSG unfortunately often gives a "lag" when starting from a standstill. If you have to go out on a busy road, your heart will be in your throat. This is also experienced in PSA's models (PureTech 130 hp with EAT6). It is better to put the gear lever in "S" before setting off, but that is not how it should be.
Volkswagen T-Cross in the small Spanish village of Tapis for lunch break.
Place
Tall cars provide more space. The T-Cross has 385 liters of luggage space, which can be expanded to 455 by pushing the rear seat forward. We could bring two not-too-large suitcases with the back seats intact. The trunk is divided into two parts. By removing the middle plate, you can load in height - not so much in length.
Suitable for day trips
The Volkswagen T-Cross fulfills many purposes – as a small family car, a car for grandparents or active young people. For us it worked well as a comfortable and affordable day trip car for up to 4 adults. The photos were taken on some of our trips. T-Cross is one of the best representatives in the class of high-built small cars – the class that offers the most car for the money.
I cannot bring the Volkswagen T-Cross back to Norwegian sales premises, but recommend ordering one like this the next time you rent a car elsewhere in Europe. Then you get more out of your holiday budget.
Volkswagen T-Cross. Car return in Barcelona
Facts about the Volkswagen T-Cross
Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 411 x 176 x 157 cm
Wheelbase: 255 cm
Net weight: 1270 kg (without driver)
Payload: 395 kg
Number of seats: 5
Boot: 385 – 455 litres
Trailer with brakes: 1200 kg
without brakes: 630 kg
Roof load: 75 kg
Drivetrain
Engine: 1,0 TSI MV
Power: 110 HP
Torque: 200 Nm @ 2000-3000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual MQ200-6F
Front wheel drive
Performances
Top speed: 189 km/h
0-100: 10,8 seconds
consumption
Stated consumption WLTP combined: 0,57/10 km
Measured consumption: 0,51 (195 km – average speed 88 km/h)
Tires
Dimension: 205/65 R16
Type: Summer tire
About the car
Place of production: Pamplona, Spain
Owner: sixt.es
Model: 2022
Mileage: 11296
Km driven: 766
Rental period: 10 days
Source: volkswagen.de
See
Skoda KamiqListen Q2Citroen C3 Aircross has become more grown upMocha with a new twist
French used cars will never be a favorite among Norwegian car buyers. The Peugeot 208 is no exception, but can still be a good buy.
Good price as used
There are both good and bad sides to the cars - which we will return to - but the biggest advantage is the prices. French cars are not particularly popular on the Norwegian used car market, which is reflected in the prices. A quick look at cars for sale in Norway and France gives me the impression that prices are actually lower in Norway than in France. The Peugeot 208 at approximately NOK 100 can therefore be a favorable purchase.
Model history
The Peugeot 208 - model 1 - was produced from spring 2012 to summer 2019. The 2016 model received a facelift with, among other things, changes to the front, a wider grill, new rear lights that illustrate the claws of a feline, a new dashboard and a stronger diesel engine. As a facelift often also involves corrections of hidden defects, you should choose the facelift model if you can.
A rather small steering wheel
Peugeot 208 1,2 82HK (before facelift) The drive is not quite in the same class as the VW Polo 1,2 TSI. But the 208 provides extremely good use of space and good comfort. A car that fulfills many transport needs.
About the petrol engines
Leaving aside the GTI edition, the 208 was delivered with advanced 3-cylinder VTi engines (Variable valve timing and injection) which are also referred to as PureTech. The motors provide low consumption and a nice noise profile, but unfortunately have a serious design flaw (1) which started appearing a few years ago. The engines are designed so that the timing belt spins in hot engine oil - not in a dry timing compartment. It reduces internal friction in the engine, but unfortunately it turned out that the belts could not withstand the oil and began to crumble so that the intake to the oil pump could clog. The fault could also result in a loss of servo power to the brakes. As a result, Peugeot has shortened the intervals for changing the timing belt from 180 km and 000 years to 10 and 100 years, - as well as recommended oil changes every year. The French car magazine Argus discovered that timing belts produced from 2017 are not as dissolvable as the old ones, but still cannot be renewed. A factor which also exacerbates the problem is that several people have experienced that the French manufacturer and the Norwegian importer take a restrictive and partly arrogant line towards affected owners.
The engines in question are 1,0 68 hp, 1,2 82 hp and 1,2 110 hp.
About the diesel engines
The HDI, e-HDI and BlueHDI diesel engines are widely used in PSA's model range. They belong to the DV6 family of engines which previously had problems with carbon deposits, but these were resolved well before the Peugeot 208 went into production. The 1,4 liter/68 hp and 1,6 liter/92 hp diesel engines are probably the most reliable options. The facelift version received an upgraded BlueHDI 1,6 engine with 100 hp. Although diesel is not particularly popular at the moment, the 100-horsepower engine appears to be the safest engine option.
2019 Peugeot 208 with rear lights shaped like cat's claws.
Gearboxes
I have only driven the Peugeot 208 with 5-speed manual gearboxes. These are a bit "truck-like" where you have to allow the gears in the box to fall into place before moving the lever into gear. There is no "click-clack" gearbox. The 6-speed gearboxes are supposed to shift faster. As for automatic transmissions, you could get cars with robotic gear changes (ETG5) up to and including the 2015 model. After the facelift, the robotic cash register was replaced with a conventional automatic cash register from Aisin (EAT6). I can confirm that the gearbox is a good choice if you prefer an automatic. Cars with the robotic gearbox ETG5 are not recommended. It has caused trouble for many owners.
Known issues
The Peugeot 208 was produced at two factories in France and one in Slovakia. In recent years, Norway received cars from Trnava in Slovakia. If you find a "T" in position 11 of the VIN number, it is a Slovakian car. It is common for car models to have several recalls. The Peugeot 208 has had several, and some of the faults have been able to create serious and sometimes spectacular situations - such as vital components coming loose, such as the rear axle, parts of the front wheel suspension, the steering stem or the rear spoiler. A problem associated with Slovak cars was that the bonnet lock could come loose, which could cause the bonnet to fold around the windscreen at speed. Keep in mind that these recalls only apply to a limited selection of cars produced in short time intervals and are likely to be fixed without concern for new owners.
A mistake you should worry about, is that the infotainment screen has tended to die. It can be expensive to replace.
Source: FavCars.com
Life with the Peugeot 208
For several weeks we have been allowed to borrow a Peugeot 208 from a good friend in France. The car is a 2019 model equipped with a 1,2 liter PureTech engine with 82 hp and manual 5-speed gearbox. The level of equipment is "Signature" with, among other things, glossy mirror housings, parking warnings and a navigation system. You sit well in the seats. I found a fairly high and upright sitting position where I could comfortably see the instruments above the steering wheel. On paper, the interior space conditions are the same as in the competitors, but a few years ago we transported a kitchen table and a narrow coffee table together with 2 passengers in another Peugeot 208. I don't understand how we managed it, but the 208 is without a doubt a small space wonder .
When you take over the car for the first time, you notice that the clutch throttle takes some getting used to so that the engine does not limp and stop - or rev up. Normally I let the clutch take hold before I follow up with gas, but on the 208 you have to have a little gas before you let the clutch take hold. I have also noticed it on other models with the PureTech engine. The engine needs a few extra revs above idle to get going.
On the road
The suspension is comfortable for a small car - without rocking and dove as French cars often do. We have driven some really "crappy" sections of road where the car floats surprisingly well. What kept me going was the sound of the undercarriage working. The 82-horsepower engine normally works in a nice and warm soundscape, but when you push the engine, the sound and vibrations from the three-cylinder engine propagate well into the passenger compartment.
Checklist
Of course, buying a 10-year-old Peugeot 208 requires more general research than choosing a 2019 model. I only mention what is specific to the Peugeot 208.
For cars with petrol engines 1,0 and 1,2 litres:
Ask the owner if the car has gone into emergency mode recently. When the oil filter for the oil pump clogs, exactly that can happen.
Find out when the timing belt was changed. New change intervals are 100 km or 000 years. I have found several advertisements on Finn.no where the seller refers to old shift intervals. If the new intervals are exceeded, the risk of having to dismantle the bottom pan, drain and clean the oil strainer increases. In that case, choose another car.
If the timing belt has not been changed recently, you should have it checked at an independent workshop or dealer. They use a special key that they stick down through the oil filler cap to check the width of the belt. One sign of crumbling is that it swells out.
It is a good sign if the owner has at one point or another chosen to change the oil every year on the advice of dealers.
For all engine options:
The service booklet is extremely important for this model. Even if not all services are taken from a brand dealer, it is important that some services are taken there. The dealer system can follow up errors that are not conveyed through other channels.
During the test drive, have the person next to you press a lot on the infotainment screen. Check that it works just as well after the trip when it is warm.
Conclusion
Do you think there was a lot of negative information? In terms of quality, the Peugeot 208 is considered a big step forward compared to its predecessor, the 207. It is worth noting that the car's biggest weaknesses are shared with several other popular models in the PSA group. We have seen that Volkswagen has also struggled with construction problems (1) in their engines. The Peugeot 208 has no particular weaknesses and is not particularly prone to rust either. The biggest advantage is the price. If you find a facelifted car with low mileage and take care of the maintenance, you can get cheap car maintenance for many years.
(1) Regarding the term "construction defect"
It is perhaps a bit harsh to use this expression. Within various branches of engineering, the expression "Fault by design" is used, i.e. an error that occurs because all aspects of the design have not been adequately considered, but which does not have to prevent the object from performing its main function.
See
The timing belt in oil ended up in pure hogwashBuying a used car without technical knowledgeA rather small steering wheel
It doesn't win any beauty contests, nor any range tests, - and the luggage capacity is not much to brag about. But it has a fantastically good four-wheel drive that makes it a proper Norwegian car.
All-wheel drive can save your day
The freezing cold in Eastern Norway makes for slippery roads. I see cars sliding out at the roundabouts and spinning at the traffic lights. All-wheel drive can save your day. When the car skids, all you have to do is step on the gas and the four-wheel drive intervenes and gets the car back on track. The slippery and slippery roads provide opportunities to familiarize yourself with how the four-wheel drive works. I know a section of road, a T-junction where the surface is mirror-smooth and wrongly dosed - a place where you can put the car wide into the bend, step on the gas and feel yourself being pulled out by the four-wheel system. Just as much fun every time.
This is where Mitsubishi's four-wheel drive impresses. It does more than ensure traction. The S-AWC system contains something Mitsubishi calls Activate Yaw Control (AYC) which actively controls traction and braking force between the left and right wheels based on steering angle, gear speed, traction, brake pressure and wheel speed. That way, the car can correct when it is understeering or oversteering.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross received a facelift with a new front in 2020.
The car's greatest strength
The S-AWC system is also used in the Mitsubishi Outlander. When I previously took it out on a long trip on winter roads, I thought the good stability was due to the Gislaved tyres. I had trouble provoking the situations where the four-wheel drive could save me. The system acts proactively. You don't need spinal reflexes to keep the car on the road smoothly. This is Mitsubishi's greatest strength.
Small room for luggage
But it wasn't the four-wheel drive that made me pick up a Mitsubishi Eclipse from Hyre - I needed to transport a chair. It wasn't about any big chair, just an L-shaped package of 76x76x76 cm. The problem was the height. The slanted rear window steals height. So does the drivetrain underneath. In the brochure, Mitsubishi says that there is room for three large golf bags in the boot. But if you're going to transport something that sticks out over about 50 cm in height, you have to fold down one or two rear seats. The problem is that the folded seats steal additional height space. This is the car's biggest weakness.
Outside the warehouse in Jysk.The furniture was placed upright in a transverse V-shape.
Golf bags and armchair
Without stigmatizing golfers, I imagine that those who need to transport golf bags would rather choose cars made in Stuttgart or Ingolstadt. With its fantastic four-wheel drive system, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is an ideal car to send family members on a trip even in the winter, but families with young children may unfortunately experience a lack of space for luggage. Fortunately, I managed to place my L-shaped package in a transverse V shape. Miraculously, it worked.
Hybrid benefits
The hybrid solution in the Eclipse Cross is the same as in the Outlander. Stated range is 45 km on electricity, while real range will be close to 30 km. For many, it will be sufficient for daily driving. But the hybrid solution is not only to be able to drive in EV mode, it is also necessary for the advanced four-wheel drive system. In addition, it contributes to increased driving pleasure through extra engine power and a very pleasant sound level. The car runs on electricity when it is not being pushed.
Apart from the center screen, most of it looks like it did 10 years ago, but it works all right.
Summary
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is ideal for anyone who has to drive in demanding winter conditions. The "Crossover Coupé" body style is not particularly successful either in terms of luggage space or appearance. Never mind that the model starts appearing in frivolous articles about the world's ugliest SUVs and crossovers – it sends sympathetic signals about being unsnobbish. Maybe something for golfers who want to snob down.
Firm in the stop, but comfortable chairs.
Plenty of room in the back seat. The right backrests are set in an upright position to provide more luggage space.
Facts about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Weights and Measures
External dimensions – L, W, H: 455 x 181 x 169 cm
Wheelbase: 267 cm
Net weight: 1900 kg (without driver)
Payload: 450 kg
Total weight: 2425 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1500 kg
– without brakes: 750 kg
Roof load: 50 kg
Drivetrain
Petrol engine: 2,4 litres, 4 cyl MIVEC, "Atkinson"
Power: 98 HP @ 4000 rpm
Torque: 193 Nm @ 2500 revs
Electric motor 1: Front, 82 HP, 137 Nm
Electric motor 2: Rear, 95 HP, 195 Nm
Total power: 224 HP
Gearbox: Stepless
S-AWC four-wheel drive based on electronic control of the electric motors. The system has its own programs for driving on snow, gravel and asphalt.
Performances
Top speed: 162 km/h
0-100: 11 seconds
Electric car characteristics
Battery pack: 13,8 kw from GS Yuasa (Japan)
Battery cooling: Air
WLTP: 45 km (combined)
Charging (10A socket): 5,5 hours
Quick charging (ChaDeMo): 25 minutes
consumption
WLTP: 0,20 litres/mile
Own measurements not carried out
Luggage compartment
As a five-seater*: 359 litres
*Can be increased by placing the rear seat backs in the vertical position.
As a two-seater: 1108 litres
About the car
Place of manufacture: Okazaki, Japan
Equipment grade: Instyle+
Price: NOK 565
Rented via the app Rent
Model: 2022
Mileage: 7400
Source: Mitsubishi.no, Vegvesen.no
It was quite cozy with the "teddy" chair in place? The packaging is on the back.
Seems to hold more luggage than it actually does
See
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
It has been among the top 10 best-selling cars in the past year. It is well done for a model that has been on the market for 7 years. The first plug-in hybrid SUV. Is the Outlander PHEV still around?
We had dinner at Vik Skysstasjon. Good food with a view of the Steinsfjorden.
Not only is the new Skoda Octavia iV based on the same platform as the Golf 8 – it has also inherited Volkswagen's proven plug-in hybrid solutions. We have driven the smallest drive unit – the one that gives a total of 204 HP. If you choose the Octavia iV RS, you get a more powerful drive unit of 245 HP.
Proven hybrid solution
We recognize the hybrid drivetrain from earlier models of Audi and Volkswagen. Today, the battery capacity has been increased to 13 Kwh compared to the previous 8,8. The improvement is a result of changed cell chemistry without it having been necessary to increase the physical dimensions of the battery case. Increased battery capacity gives longer range in electric mode. The new Audi A3 40 TFSI e and Volkswagen Golf 1.4 eHybrid 204 both have the same battery pack as the Octavia. Their stated range is 65 km measured according to WLTP. The figures given for the Octavia are not as clear. The brochure material suggests a range of "more than 50 km (WLTP)". The wording is not crazy, and can be defended with the fact that practical range can vary widely in practice. But one can also suspect that the cautious estimate is due to Skoda not having access to upgraded technology or having to intervene in the software. However, everything suggests that Skoda actually shares the same technology.
The Golf class has today become middle class
look and feel
Octavia has a more conventional and traditional shape than the other models on the same platform. The new front is lower and wider. The lines are sharper – especially in the rear – without raising eyebrows. You sense a car that is practical and unfussy - bordering on the trustworthy. Also inside. Good seats with good lateral support, digital instruments and centrally positioned infotainment system. Like the Enyaq, the dashboard is covered in fabric from the interior. It provides a cozy and homely atmosphere. All handles are where you would expect to find them. The gear lever has been replaced with an electronic switch that works like a PRND automatic gear lever. The infotainment system is functionally "in the middle of the tree". We found the radio and necessary settings easily. The functions of the trip computer are operated from the steering wheel levers. Here, too, I found what I needed. But why does Skoda need to create its own user interfaces? Can't Wolfsburg make one good user interface for all its brands?
Sharp lines in the stern without anyone raising an eyebrow
On the road
Behind the wheel, I take note of how easy the Octavia is to steer - even on highways. A little too light for my taste. It tightens a little when you select Sport mode, but I still chose to keep Normal mode. I saw no need to choose either Comfort or Eco. The undercarriage is the same as the Golf 8 and can be delivered with an adaptive undercarriage. As expected, the car sits well on the road and swallows bumps perfectly. The soundscape is characterized by rumbling from the road and air whistling. No annoying noises.
Depending on current
There is enough power. But to bring all the horses, there must be power on the batteries. When the petrol engine operates alone, you only experience high engine whirring without any particular boost. At speed, the car automatically switches to neutral when it is not under load. It both increases comfort and saves fuel - something I really like about this drivetrain. But that only happens when you have power on the batteries. Without power, the engine whirs constantly and sends vibrations into the car. Perhaps no worse than a regular petrol car, but certainly a deterioration in perceived comfort.
Digital instruments. Paddles on the steering wheel to shift manually.
Self-charging
We set off with an almost empty battery. The car then automatically switches from electric operation to hybrid operation. During calm driving, enough energy was nevertheless regenerated for the electric motor to give boost during acceleration and let the car roll freely when the conditions were right for it. The point is that the car works fine as a self-charging hybrid if you choose not to charge - or don't have the opportunity to do so. On long journeys in hybrid mode, the car will slowly consume the electricity in the batteries, but there will almost always be enough electricity to take advantage of the hybrid drive.
Not suitable for charging along the road
Unfortunately, hybrid cars like this do not have the option of fast charging. If we had chosen to charge the batteries via Type2 cable, we would have had to wait for over 3 hours. The charging speed is limited to 3,6 kw. This not only makes it inappropriate to charge along the road – it also makes it disproportionately expensive. Hybrid cars must not be charged en route. Charging is done either at home or at the workplace. With a normal socket, you can charge with 2,3 kw. It then takes 5 hours to fully charge.
Skoda Octavia iV at Hole church
Battery for work – petrol for the cabin
Acceleration with proper boost and better comfort at speed is hardly a good enough reason to justify the additional price for a plug-in hybrid. You will only get the big benefits if you can make daily trips in e-mode. Most people actually can, but it depends on your charging capabilities. A private wall charger is the best, but with 2,3 kw charging current it works fine on its own 16A course. The advantage of being able to drive on electricity is not just about money, but also about comfort. Most people who have a hybrid car prefer to drive in e-mode.
Practical consumption
The fuel consumption measured according to WLTP does not correspond to reality, as most of the test is run on the battery. Our consumption over 93 km on country roads gave 0,45 liters per mile. It is completely realistic what you will get on a long drive - for example to the cabin in the mountains. If we had pre-charged for our trip, we could have driven in e-mode half way. With the hybrid on trips, I usually drive in hybrid mode and switch to pure electric mode for the last few kilometers on the way home to run the battery flat and connect it to electricity at home in the garage.
Practical range
We have not been able to drive a fully charged battery in e-mode and therefore have to base ourselves on the predecessor's, which had a range of 50 km. Daily driving along the Store ringvei in Oslo then gave us real ranges of between 30 and 40 km. Under optimal conditions we could get up to 45 km. If you add a few extra km for Octavia's upgraded battery pack, the expected practical range could be between 40-50 km.
Skoda Octavia iV in the UK
Regenerative braking
There are many factors which mean that the practical range varies a lot. An important reason is how regenerative braking is implemented and used. On the gear lever, you can switch between "D" and "S". "S" is for Sport, but when you lift up the gas, regenerative braking - or artificial engine braking as it is also called - is activated. Skoda has created 3 optional solutions. "Strong" or "Weak" braking mode - or "Normal". The car then finds a braking pattern in relation to the car's movement, what it sees on the camera and interpretation of the road map - a link towards self-driving cars. Sometimes it worked perfectly, other times poorly. I felt it ruined the flow of driving, especially down roads with poor road markings and towards temporary roundabouts. I find weak, constant regenerative braking worked best.
Nice seats
Powerful assistant systems
"Our" car had several driver assistance systems. Travel assist takes over the steering if you are reckless and cut corners through an S-bend. Adaptive lane assist ensures that you don't leave your lane without blinking. When you drive on a poorly marked road, the car's computer gets confused but still scares you with a loud "pling" that you have to lie down in the middle of the lane. Taste and comfort. I usually disable such functions myself. Fortunately, Skoda does not make self-driving cars.
Place
The Golf platform gets bigger with each generation. Generation 8 has a wheelbase like a full-fledged family car. The space between the rows of seats is good. The boot space on plug-in hybrids is 150 liters smaller than other variants, more precisely 490 liters - or 1550 liters with the rear seats folded down. It is on a par with the Audi A4 station wagon. The hybrid solution steals space in height. There is a small compartment under the floor just inside the back door for small items. It is possible to fit a trailer coupling and you can tow a trailer up to 1500 kg.
Nice in the back seat too. Toddler-friendly surfaces.
Security
The Skoda Octavia was tested by Euro Ncap in 2019. They then tested a 1.5 TSI station wagon. It has no hybrid batteries. The result was 5/5 stars, 92% for adults and 88% for children. The biggest injuries were suffered by rear-seat passengers on the right side in a frontal collision, and the driver in a side collision with a pole. Both suffered chest injuries equivalent to "marginal". In comparison, the Volkswagen Golf 8 scored 95% for adults and 89% for children when it was tested in 2019. Here, too, rear-seat passengers on the right suffered the most damage in frontal collisions. Another "stablemate", the Audi A3, was tested in 2020 and scored 89% for adults and 81% for children. Here, children on the right side in the back seat suffered injuries. Euro/Ncap has also assessed and tested standard assistance systems.
Last year at the same time, the Skoda Octavia was on the sales lists as the 7th most popular car model in Norway. After that, sales plummeted. The Volkswagen Group's first plug-in hybrid solution received a lot of attention when it was launched in 2014. Since then, it has been gradually improved, both in terms of quality and performance - and is now also in the Octavia iV station wagon. Skoda's strength is that it is the only station wagon with this drivetrain.
– The family option
The trunk loses part of its height due to the hybrid solution. Still holds 490 litres.
Facts Skoda Octavia iV
Weights and Measures
Length, width, height: 469 x 183 x 147 cm
Wheelbase: 268 cm
Net weight: 1545 kg (without driver)
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1500 kg
- without brakes: 750 kg
Luggage compartment: 490 litres
Petrol tank: 40 litres
Roof load: 75 kg
Drivetrain
1,4 TSI 150 HP
Electric motor 109 HP
Total power: 204 HP
Battery pack: LC Chem with thermal management.
Gross battery capacity: 13 kwh
- net that can be used: 10,4 kwh
Engine: Front mounted
Gearbox: 6-speed DSG
Front wheel drive
Performances
Top speed: 220 km/h
0-100: 7,8 seconds
Range
WLTP: "More than 50 km" according to Skoda
Real range: 40 – 50 km
Cargo
Via house socket 2,3 Kw: 5 hours
Via Type2 cable 3,6 K: 3,5 hours
Tires
Size: 225/45R18 91Y
Type: Summer
Brand: Goodyear Eagle F1
Price
Skoda Octavia iV Style: 456 100
Quartz Gray Metallic: 6
Leather/artificial leather: 9
Sound System: 7 (should be considered)
DCC Adaptive suspension: 10 (should be considered)
About the car
Place of production: Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic
Owner: Hire
Rented via the Hyre app
Model: 2021
Mileage: New
Km driven: 93
Source: skoda.no, vegvesen.no
Status after the trip
See
Audi e-tron A3Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVVolvo V90 T8.
The blue stripe in the grill is the e-Golf's hallmark.
E-Golf a fun car to drive, both because it is an electric car but also because it is a Golf.
Look-and-feel
Definitely a Golf, I thought as I sat down. The only difference I immediately noted was that the tachometer had been replaced with an instrument for charging and consumption. Otherwise, there are a number of small details that spin on the "blueline" theme, such as a blue line in the grill, a blue luminous entry strip and blue threads in the seat cover, in the steering wheel and gear lever cuff. I like the special daytime running lights that are also visible from the side. The E-Golf is well equipped in the standard version with, among other things, navigation, a leather steering wheel and interior decoration features. The test car also had automatically retractable mirrors, dark windows from the B-pillar and front and rear parking sensors.
The passenger commented that the seats seemed flat and simple, - and that the sound on the radio seemed a bit flimsy. It could of course have something to do with the fact that she had just before driven in a more luxurious car. The E-Golf is not premium, but both front seats had height adjustment, lumbar support and heated seats. No reason to complain.
Little distinguishes the e-Golf's driving environment from the standard Golf.
Driving pleasure
You start it like a regular Golf with automatic transmission. One foot on the brake, turn the ignition key, release the handbrake, put the car in "drive" and drive. The E-Golf is very easy to drive. Since electric motors have a flat torque curve, it pulls completely from standstill. Acceleration is almost imperceptible and with an absence of engine noise.
e-Golf on the road
You can drive in three programs - "Normal", "Eco" and "Eco+". In "Normal" you get 115 horsepower, torque like a diesel and a top speed of 140 km/h. That's more than enough. The extra weight that electric operation entails is not a deterrent. The E-Golf weighs the same as the Golf Alltrack station wagon. It seems that Volkswagen has found a favorable weight distribution, because the e-Golf sits well in the corners, - even when I make a lane change in the middle. It also feels like the car is somewhat lowered compared to the standard Golf.
If you drive in "Eco" mode, you get the best between range and performance - and a good portion of driving pleasure. In "Eco+" you notice that the engine pulls less, and you get lower performance on the cooling system, but it is completely unproblematic to follow road traffic, as long as it stays below "Eco+'s" top speed limit of 90 km/h. It is true that the range is increased by a few kilometres, but the driving pleasure is reduced. I don't think I can ever get comfortable with the engine cutting above certain speeds.
While driving, you can create an artificial engine brake by tilting the gear lever to the left 1-3 times while it is in "Drive". Energy is then created which charges the battery (recuperation). This is a nice function to use when the road slopes downhill and you actually need the engine brake. In the normal position, you have no engine brake at all, and may end up using the ordinary brakes a disproportionate amount, especially if cars in front brake on the gears. Of course, energy is recovered when you use the ordinary brakes as well.
I have not been able to find out how much the artificial engine brake was able to add in increased energy. I drove a stretch of exactly 8 miles from Oslo over Sollihøgda to Hole, and from there down the Lierdalen to Kjellstad and home via the Lierbakkene. In a temperature of 14-15 degrees and a dry road surface, the car's range indicator matched surprisingly well. It told me before departure that the range was 153 kilometers on departure and 71 on arrival. For a long time I was very well connected, but on the way up the Lierbakkene at a brisk speed, 20 kilometers "disappeared" without a trace.
The rims reveal that this is an e-Golf
Comfort
In electric cars such as the e-Golf, you get a feeling of comfort during acceleration, for example when driving out of an intersection. Almost silently and with a steady pull from the start, the car gets up to speed almost imperceptibly. No jerking, no high revs, just like a luxury limousine.
The absence of engine noise is a comfort plus, but what little is left of sound, namely the rumbling of the road, can be quite sleep-inducing. I would therefore recommend a good sound system. The road noise was not intrusive, but present to a high degree.
In fine September weather, it was not possible to properly test either the air conditioning or the heating system. Even if the electric car can produce a perfectly good interior climate, I would hesitate to make full use of it for fear of having the range cut short. I think that when using an electric car, I would tolerate a couple of degrees warmer or colder than I would in a normal car.
Place
At first glance, the luggage space in the e-Golf seemed as large as in the standard Golf. On paper, however, about 40 liters are missing. No more. One can praise Volkswagen's engineers for the way they have managed to place the batteries. The E-Golf not only has slightly less luggage capacity than the standard Golf, but you also lose 100-150 kg of payload.
Almost as large a luggage compartment as in the standard Golf.The charging equipment steals valuable space.
Security
According to NCAP, electric cars are as safe as other cars when it comes to passive safety, i.e. the damage that occurs in collisions. The Golf has good and safe driving characteristics, so does the e-Golf. I would particularly like to highlight the braking properties.
Another thing worth mentioning about the e-Golf is that it has adaptive cruise control as standard. You can see the sensor in the lower air intake in the front.
Aerodynamic, but special rims.
Economy
Electric cars are good economics at the moment, partly because of low tax rates, high demand for used ones, and - not least - the fact that you can fill the batteries at home for a couple of tenners. The base price of 258 includes everything you need. I can't immediately point to anything man mustn't have in addition. I suspect that the importer has put a lot of effort into equipment because electric cars are, as you know, duty-free. The test car's list price is 269. Not bad either.
On the downside, there is perhaps the danger that new advances, especially with regard to battery technology, could reduce demand for yesterday's electric cars.
Better range than most, but wish it was better.
Easy to drive
Absence of engine noise
Lots of equipment included
Range
Shark fin on e-GolfEntry threshold with blue light strip.LogoLogo
Everything is correct in the Golf with 1.6 TDI 105 and DSG.Looks small, but you sit high and airy in it.2016 Audi A3 e-tron. Rechargeable hybrid.2016 Toyota Auris 1,8 VVT-i Hybrid Active S.
The instruments are read over the steering wheel, no through.
All I knew about this car was that it was French and had a rather small steering wheel.
Look and feel
-Small car, I thought when I picked up the car where it was parked next to a blown-up Peugeot 3008. When I got in, I still got a good sense of spaciousness. The A-pillars are pulled far forward. As mentioned, the steering wheel is small and therefore takes up little space. It is thick and feels good to the touch. The instruments are gathered in one cluster in front of the steering wheel and a touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. The air conditioning system is placed on the center console in the usual way. I wouldn't call the interior exclusive, but elements in chrome and soft plastic give a good and solid impression. The height adjustment of the driver's seat takes place at the rear edge of the seat cushion, and the seat back is not stepless. Nevertheless, I easily found a comfortable driving position.
Tinted windows from the B-pillars upwards, chrome-plated plastic on the side mirrors, alloy wheels, fog lights, manual air conditioning, leather steering wheel, electric windows at the front and a pleasant fabric on the seats tell us that we are a bit up on the equipment list. I like the color too, - "gray shark". Therefore, I give a strong four for look-and-feel.
I like the color "gray shark"
Driving pleasure
Does a small steering wheel increase driving pleasure?
At least it feels right in the city. "Handy" is probably the most appropriate expression. Out on the road, I can't say that the small steering wheel offered any advantages. We drove a lot with strong winds. The Peugeot 208 is no more side-sensitive than other cars in the Polo class, but it felt a bit unusual to adjust for side wind with the small steering wheel.
Unused, but not unsafe.
There are several aspects of this car that make it a car for ladies. The first is the small steering wheel, - the second is the pedals. I barely managed to pry my size 46 Ecco shoe between the brake pedal and the center console to step on the accelerator. French and online? Hm, that was before I put the car in gear. The gear lever felt as large and clumsy as in a truck.
The petrol engine with 1.2 liters and three cylinders didn't feel particularly clean either - at least not in terms of sound. It had an exceptionally rough ride when pressed, and you are forced to push the engine when you are going out on busy roads and on downhills. At highway speeds, the engine ran smoothly with a nice sound, but as soon as it was pushed, the rough, uncultivated sound returned. The engine was supposed to deliver 82 horses, and there is no reason to doubt that the power was there, but the sound image helped to create the feeling of driving an underpowered car.
With approximately 8000 km on the odometer, the drivetrain felt a bit sluggish when driving in a queue. You could hear the drivetrain well, and like all small French cars, there was often a slight squeal in the gearbox at certain revs. That's how French small cars have always been. I like small French cars, and the Peugeot 208 is no exception. I happily describe these French qualities as "charming". Let me also add that the Peugeot was very good on the road. Typical French and typical Peugeot.
Both tall and short drivers can find comfort behind the wheel.
Comfort
I found a comfortable sitting comfort after a few seconds, despite the fact that the seat cushion can only be lifted at the rear edge and that the seat back is not continuously adjustable. I am 1,88. The other 1,62 driver also immediately found a comfortable position. I give a four for comfort and how it takes bumps and speed bumps better than many cars in the class above. The 208's long wheelbase (253 cm) is actually 1 cm longer than the first generation of the Saab 900 family car.
I give credit for the engine sound under pressure, but add that the sound image during stable driving is pleasant.
Place
The long wheelbase gives good length in the cabin. Four adults sit comfortably. The fifth passenger gets a little tight in width, but it works fine over shorter distances. I used the car to transport a flat-packed kitchen table. The length of the load meant that I was forced to push the driver's seat far forward and straighten the seat back. It surprised me that even then I actually managed to find a fairly comfortable sitting position.
The trunk is the size of a Volkswagen Polo. It holds one large suitcase, or two small ones. If you need more space, you have to fold down one of the rear seatbacks.
Security
In terms of safety, the Peugeot 208 is on par with the Polo. The NCAP measurements show that the 208 has somewhat better protection for children in the car, but worse safety for pedestrians. The Peugeot group (PSA), like Renault, has long been in the top tier with regard to safety. I don't know if it makes a difference, but the small steering wheel together with the forward A-pillars actually also gave a sense of increased safety.
An important active safety detail that you can order in your Peugeot 208 is the "heads up display" where the most important information is projected onto the windscreen. This was not installed on the car I tested.
Economy
According to the sales brochure, the petrol consumption on mixed driving is 0,58 liters per mile. You should be able to get down to 0,39 when driving on the road, but I couldn't get the consumption below half a liter on mixed driving in the 14 days I drove the car. It is difficult to drive the car without pushing the engine. A 208 with e-HDI is higher on the wish list, but cannot be defended from a purely economic point of view. A 93-horsepower 1,6-litre e-HDI engine increases the purchase price by a fresh 40 thousand Swedish kroner, but then you also get a higher equipment version.
I think it is possible to buy the tested version with automatic air conditioning, "heads up display" and winter tires for around 200. That is a very good price. Peugeots are reliable cars that can withstand high mileage. They are also far less susceptible to rust than their German competitors.
A lot of car for the money
Long wheelbase, good cabin length and road holding
Easy to find a comfortable driving position
Penetrating sound when the engine is started.
The drivetrain feels a bit sluggish and produces unrefined sounds.
Small car, but long wheelbaseA great steering wheel.
See
The drive went to "The Witches' Kingdom"1.0 liter summer car
Undoubtedly Skoda, - but not easy to see which one.
It almost looks like a Golf, but drives like a Fabia. Space like a station wagon. Will this be a big seller in Norway?
Look and feel
The Spaceback is a beautiful car. No doubt about it. It carries the design language of both the new Golf, Audi A3 Sportsback, - and not least the facelifted Seat Leon. Alloy wheels, fog lights, leather steering wheel and center armrests help to strengthen the family resemblance. But the beautiful appearance cannot hide the sad interior of the basic version. A lot, - and very hard plastic. The only positive feeling you get when you get into the car for the first time is the good sense of space. I also got the impression of a vehicle that can withstand being used for years without silk gloves and a suit. I think of dirty children's boots, muddy dogs and things and seaweed.
Driving pleasure
When I take the car out on the road, I understand that this is neither a Golf, A3 nor Leon. This car is more reminiscent of the Fabia. A big Fabia. I therefore had to check on the Internet to learn that the Skoda Rapid is assembled based on the front axle from the Fabia and the rear axle from the Roomster. It's not a bad car to drive, but by no means measures up to the Golf we tested a couple of weeks ago. With a narrower track width and softer suspension, you are encouraged to drive calmly and leisurely, - not sporty.
Withstands rough treatment in the basic version.We used the car in connection with a relocation process. It was used a lot, with and without cargo. With the rear seats folded down, you can really load up a lot, but with a full load, the driving characteristics are somewhat affected. It reinforces my impression of a car that holds quite a lot, but drives like a car in the so-called B segment. Nevertheless, it is a car that covers everyday transport needs well. The only thing I didn't like was the position of the clutch pedal. It was too far to the right, so that I got the feeling of sitting at an angle when I clutched. I saw that the pedal rubber was heavily worn on one side, despite the fact that the car had not driven more than 17 km as a rental car. A sign that more people than me experience an unfortunate pedal placement.
The 105 horsepower engine works well with this car. The 5-speed gearbox distributed the power nicely, and I didn't miss sixth gear at speeds up to 120 km/h.
Comfort
User-friendly, manual air conditioning.I was never able to adjust the driver's seat correctly. The height adjustment takes place at the back of the seat, so that you only get thigh support when the seat is in the lowest position. But in the lowest position I thought I sat too low (I'm 1,88m tall). Therefore, I had to seek a compromise. I suspect that Skoda has chosen to use standard Fabia seats and that these do not fit this car. If the seats had been placed a couple of cm higher, they would have suited me much better.
Another weakness of the comfort is the relatively high noise level, especially from the TDI engine during city driving. You feel it well when you alternate between driving several cars. But since the engine works well at low revs, the sound does not feel annoying. The noise level does not seem as intrusive at steady motorway speeds.
The leather steering wheel and the center armrests count positively. The manual air conditioning also worked fine.
Place
The depth of the luggage compartment can be increased by removing a panel.The Spaceback has 415 liters of luggage space with the seats up and 1370 liters with the seats down. Golf's figures are respectively 380 liters and 1270 liters. The differences are noticeable. In the Spaceback, the luggage compartment is larger and deeper. Inside, the space also feels spacious, although I think that can be explained by the fact that you sit in slightly small and low seats. There is no doubt that place is this car's strongest point.
Security
Skoda Rapid is one of the latest models from Skoda. It has almost exactly the same safety level as the Octavia in NCAP. The downside is that you cannot order advanced safety equipment such as blind spot warning, falling asleep alarm, lane change warning and distance holder, to name a few. In addition, the active safety is not as good as, for example, the Golf. Among other things, you must expect longer braking distances.
Economy
The TDI engine with 105 horses is one of the market's most economical engines. This also applies in a Rapid Spaceback. This is a car you can easily find an economical driving style with, - and consequently a fuel consumption among the best in all car classes. Low purchase price and expected good trade-in value also contribute to a pleasant car account. In terms of purchase price, the Rapid Spaceback is approximately 60 less than a similarly equipped Golf. The Golf belongs to half a class above the Rapid. In addition, the feeling of quality is better in the Golf, and the trade-in price is better. It seems that the Rapid is designed to fill the demand for cheap cars in Eastern Europe and countries in the Near East. We have seen the same with other, typical cheap cars such as Dacia and Korean cheap brands: The Norwegian tax system means that the difference between expensive and cheap cars is evened out. I think that the purchase price of the Skoda Rapid is too high for the car to be successful in Norway. Most people will make a better price-wise choice half a class up with the Octavia or Golf.
As a moving vehicle, it also worked perfectly!
Luggage compartment and interior space
Low consumption of fuel
Difficult to find a comfortable sitting position.
The clutch pedal is too far to the right.
Noise level from engine.
See
Skoda Rapid Spaceback (facelift).Everything is correct in the Golf with 1.6 TDI 105 and DSG.Seat Leon EcoMotive – Extremely low consumption2017 Fiat Tipo.
You can't go without the Golf when considering a compact family car. We have tried a car that many Norwegian car buyers have chosen - and will choose. Some may not choose to pay the deposit for the lovely DSG automatic transmission. But they should. Because it makes everything work.
Look and feel
You settle in. Everything is where it should be. Everything, from door handles to seat settings, - to radio settings. You will find a correct - almost optimal - sitting position., The interior is beautiful. Everything you put on feels solid and complete. I have to feel what kind of seat cover I'm sitting on. Fabric, but perfectly fine. The steering wheel lies well in the hand. The DSG gear lever begs to be put into drive. Here you just have to enjoy yourself. I want to give a 6, but realize that it must be saved for real luxury cars.
Driving pleasure
I had to check that I had not been given the 2-litre. This is a Golf 7 1.6 TDI but feels stronger. It is said that the DSG shifts better than even the most experienced driver. I like the way the gear finds the next gear. That sounds amazingly good. A few times there are misunderstandings between driver and technology, for example when you have just changed your driving style but suddenly change your mind. Anyway, the drivetrain is absolutely fantastic! This car has the best and safest driving characteristics in its class, everywhere - on the motorway, as well as on winding mountain roads. And exceptionally easy to drive. It almost runs by itself.
Comfort
First drive, 2 hours on motorway speeds around 130 km/h go by effortlessly. Low noise level. We sit well. We are just as satisfied after putting in a few trips over winding mountain roads on rough and uneven asphalt.
Place
Externally, the Golf 7 is slightly shorter than competitors such as the Opel Astra and Citroen C4. It is not noticeable on the interior, neither in the passenger compartment nor in the luggage compartment.
Security
Passive safety is one of Golf's 7 best selling points. I would like to highlight the car's good active driving characteristics. Few compact family cars feel so predictable and safe.
Economy
Two hours at a speed of around 130 km/h gave a consumption of 0,45. Not bad. But can be matched by several competitors. But few can compare to the Golf's resale value. Our test car had Start & Stop, but it does not harmonize well with the DSG. I turn off this function in cars with DSG because it can start inadvertently several times at a red light, just by changing the pressure on the brake pedal. That is, without releasing the brake.
If you choose this engine, you should also choose DSG.
Fantastic drivetrain with DSG
Low consumption of fuel
Pleasant noise level
Safe and comfortable driving characteristics
Today's Start & Stop doesn't work well with automatic transmissions
See
Cool driving lights and a blue stripe in the grill are the e-Golf's hallmark.More and more people choose automatic transmission, but which solution is best?
It looks good in snow white paint with 17" alloy wheels.
It's been a while since I drove a new car in this class without a turbo. A mature engine that requires high revs, and which delivers poor performance, high noise levels and high fuel consumption, brings thoughts back to the 90s. If we look through the fingers at the engine, we actually find a pretty alright car.
Look and feel
Astra looks good in white - Summit White or Snow White. 17 inch light alloy rims adorn the car. Together with digital driving lights and fog lights, we anticipate a campaign model. The Astra bears the stamp of being a German car, both from the outside and behind the wheel. The car seems solid and safe. However, the premium feeling disappeared as soon as we sat down. Two glaring orange displays scream at you that this is cheap. Missing armrests and flat standard seats also drag down the look-and-feel category. I also draw for the jumble of buttons on the middle part of the dashboard. They require getting used to.
Facelifted model with wider smile
Driving pleasure
The engine detracts from driving pleasure. It must have enough revs to pull. It makes noise. I engage fifth gear already at 60 km/h. When I get to 80 km/h, I get an intense desire to upshift - but there are no more gears! With this engine, you get the best traction when the revs are around 4000. Then the engine noise is intrusive. Further down the rev curve there is sadly little to gain. I experience the engine as particularly "surly" to use a Swedish expression. But the reality is still not so bad. After all, at 3000 revs in top gear we are driving at 109 km/h. I also get a better impression of the engine at speeds from 120. The car feels very safe at motorway speeds - and there it actually gives some driving pleasure.
Apart from the engine, the car is good to drive. Suspension, steering and brakes are what I expect in a German car.
A few words about the engine in the test car. The EcoTec engine produces 115 horsepower and has VVT (variable valve opening) technology. In Norway, this engine has been removed from the price lists. In contrast, it is the motorization in the entry-level models in Sweden and on the continent. In Norway, only a very limited range of engines is currently offered. Personally, I would choose the turbocharged 1,4 liter petrol engines of either 120 or 140 horsepower.
No engine designations on the tailgate as this has the step-in engine
Comfort
On the comfort side, the Astra scores well. It offers a good balance between driving pleasure and comfort. The seats in the test car are not as good as the sports seats, but do fine for me. A large back seat passenger complained about the sitting position in the back seat. The Active model line is supplied with standard seat profiles, but with a thicker seat cover that seemed very durable. I recommend spending a few kroner extra to upgrade to sports seats. In the same vein, I would recommend upgrading the infotainment department. However, the dual zone air conditioning works well.
The mentioned engine noise at Norwegian speeds detracts the points somewhat.
Place
Due to the Astra's long wheelbase, the length of the cabin is very good. At the level of a class above. Inside, it feels as if you are in a mid-range car. However, the trunk is average for the class. It has a double bottom where a cover can be folded in, or possibly taken out completely. Astra as station wagon or 4-door sedan version offers luggage space for families with children.
Security
The A-pillars are, in typical Opel fashion, powerful and dominant. At no time have I felt that they reduce visibility. I think it is important to adjust the sitting height so that you do not sit too low. The thick bars, however, give a feeling of sitting in a solid cage - i.e. a sense of security. All relevant safety equipment is in place. For increased safety, it is possible to order intelligent lighting that adapts to driving conditions and adaptive cruise control.
Indelicate info screens and a jumble of buttons.
Economy
In general, owning an Astra is good value for money. Expect a slightly higher loss in value than the best sellers from Volkswagen and Toyota. The relatively low score is due to the high fuel consumption of the test model. On paper, it should be 0,63 liters per km with mixed driving, but perceived consumption on the main motorway was higher. Much higher. That's why I checked with Astra owners' user experiences online. The same conclusion is drawn. If I compare with 1,4T/140 (previously tested on the same stages), you can roughly count on 50% higher consumption.
Length in the compartment
Noisy and low traction engine
High fuel consumption
Unusually tasteless information displays in the dashboard
Far too many buttons on the middle part of the dashboard