This week, our columnist is in two minds about city cars returning as premium EVs, considers the merits of the quadricycle to beat post-lockdown traffic, and has found another motoring tome to add to his collection.
MONDAY
Remember last month’s scare about how compact, cheeky A-segment cars were finished because the cost of cleaning up their engines was too great? It was upsetting: I’ve always depended on baby cars to punctuate long, boring sentences of faceless execu-chariots. But now, apparently, the demise isn’t coming after all. The experts are now saying A-cars will go quiet for a bit of re-engineering, then reappear with electrified powertrains, more radical designs and premium prices.
All of which is fine by me. I’ve always hated the idea that size controls price; I mean, who’s surprised that a wrist watch costs more than a housebrick. If you want a cheap car, buy a second hand supermini. Mind you, I’ve just seen that the new, electrified Fiat 500 is going to cost £30k instead of £15k. Bit much.
TUESDAY
This week has been packed with good news: Motorsport UK has announced a set of rules that’ll allow you to compete in low-key events with a standard electric car. That’s great news: I’ve campaigned a Renault Zoe at Prescott Hillclimb a few times (once with the late, great Barry “Whizzo” Williams) but though we drove hard — he more effectively than me — our efforts had to be called demo runs.
From now on it’ll be possible to compete in production classes, which makes me want to rush straight out and buy an electric BMW i3S which I see as the best option. A Tesla Model 3 would be quicker but who’s got a spare £60k? And anyway, my other motor sport preference is autosolo for which an i3 is much the more agile option.
WEDNESDAY
We’re already seeing back-to-work traffic building as people avoid the virus threat of public transport. The congestion will soon be oppressive again, one reason why I’ve always used scooters to penetrate traffic and park anywhere. But that choice depends on your possessing a bike licence. Or did. Now you can choose a revolutionary “leaning” four-wheeled — complete with hydropneumatic suspension — called a Qooder (or e-Qooder if you want yours electrified) that offers all the manoeuvrability of a motorbike but can be ridden/driven on a car licence. People might smirk a bit, but who cares? The Italian manufacturer has just started selling in the UK; try Qooder online. Might be the secret mobility weapon you need.
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Dual standards?
So Steve is avoiding the virus threat of public transport, but dreaming of next year's Geneva Motor Show where there will be no threat of catching any unpleasant disease. That may well be the case for those lucky enough to attend a retalively quiet press day, but for the private punter motor shows are usually overcrowded with no possibility of getting near some of the more interesting exibits, let alone feeling and touching them.
Motor Shows should change and become outdoor events, which is after all the natural environment of the car. If we had more such events with some ride-and-drive thrown into the mix, I'd be more enthusiastic!
@LPinBrighton
Next years Geneva show is looking far from certain. Steve may have to keep on dreaming!
Re the scooters, the twizzy