THE GREAT MAXUS eTOUR IMPRESSED IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE...

As one of Ireland’s leading importers and distributors of commercial vehicles, and the distributor for the Maxus range of vehicles in the UK and Ireland, The Harris Group, founded in 1961, certainly knows how to stage an event that will live long in the memory, as Van & Pick-Up Ireland’s Phil Eaglestone reports.

The majestic Ashford Castle sitting in its own 350 acres of landscaped gardens and ancient woodlands in County Mayo was the backdrop for ‘the Great Maxus eTour’ which gave us the perfect opportunity to put some of this impressive range of electric Euro 6 models to the test, despite the wintery weather; there was a covering of snow on the ground when we arrived. For our part, we spent some time in both a MAXUS T90EV pickup and a MAXUS MIFA 9, described as the world’s first, full size pure electric MPV when it was launched at the CV Show in 2022, on a journey between Harris headquarters in Dublin and Ashford Castle near Cong in Co Mayo, a journey of some 145 miles. That was on Day One of our driving experience; Day Two took us on a 62 mile loop from Cong via Maam Cross and Moycullen, stopping at Barna outside Galway for a bite of lunch before heading back to the Castle. On Day Three it was back to Harris HQ in Dublin – but not before we were able to enjoy some of the attractions of the Castle itself and its grounds where we were invited to participate in a variety of outdoor pursuits including falconry, golf, archery and clay pigeon shooting. Like we said, the Harris Group knows how to entertain, and as Ireland’s first and only two Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle didn’t disappoint – and neither did our MAXUS test drives, offering excellent handling and a smooth performance on a variety of roads across County Mayo. What was there not to like and love about the MAXUS.

Perfect for both on and off-road driving, the MAXUS T90EV, as we discovered, is equipped with a high-level spec and contemporary and stylish interior. It boasts a range of 220 miles / 354 kms (WLTP combined) WLTP, in case you didn’t know, stands for ‘Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Test Procedure’ which is simply a long-winded way of saying ‘a new standard to measure fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and range.’ Introduced in Autumn 2017, the WLTP measures vehicles in realistic driving situations and determines their fuel consumption, range, and emissions. With a payload of 1000Kg the visually sporty exterior of the rear wheel drive T90EV is complemented by a modern interior with a 10.25-inch digital touch screen instrument cluster providing a minimalist look. And it is roomy, too, thanks to a neat dashboard design and floor console, making more room for both occupants and storage. It has an 88.5kWh battery located under the chassis, with power provided by a rear-mounted 201bhp electric motor.

Intelligent Driving Housekeeper

Meanwhile, the visually impactful MAXUS MIFA 9, powered by a 90kW ternary lithium battery pack, boasts a range of up to 323miles / 520km on a single charge, and is described as the industry’s first intelligent driving housekeeper, which automatically recognises driving style through data and scene driving. It is equipped with the MAXUS pilot intelligent driving assistance system with functions such as narrow road traffic, helping drivers avoid obstacles on both sides perfectly, and free parking, which can scan and monitor at 150m 2 environment around the vehicle. The interior features luxury seating with motorised backrest, leg support and front and rear movement complemented by functions including ventilation, heating and massage.

While we envy owners to these new MAXUS models, we can’t see ourselves acquiring one any day soon, given the price range, but that said, in keeping with the company’s commitment to greener motoring, MAXUS has launched its 2023 Maxus scrappage programme offering drivers the opportunity to switch to electric and save up to £14,000 on a new zero-emission MAXUS vehicle with the added bonus of a free home or workplace charger. So there might be some glimmer of hope for us yet.

Drivers can trade in a registered vehicle at any MAXUS dealership around the UK for money off a brand-new fully-electric MAXUS vehicle, including the brand’s award-winning providing drivers with an opportunity to upgrade their existing vehicle while making a considerable saving on standard retail prices. e DELIVER 9 and eDELIVER 3 LCV vans, or its newest additions, which we tested, the T90EV pickup and MIFA 9 MPV. The scheme is available until the 31st of August 2023,

Speaking about the scrappage programme when it was launched in January, Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS, who along with Karl Haughton, Sales and Fleet Manager MAXUS Ireland, hosted the Great MAXUS eTour, said: “Our new scrappage scheme has been created to encourage the transition to zero emission transport, helping drivers make the switch while simultaneously removing older and higher-emission vehicles from our roads.

“There has never been a better time to pick up a MAXUS electric vehicle, this scrappage programme is an incredible opportunity to upgrade your transportation, make the move to electric and access the latest technology and battery technology available, which in the case of the MIFA 9 offers a range of up to 323 on a single charge.”