Car News

CAR NEWS JANUARY 2021 In this month’s article we look at new electric versions due in 2021 which will expand the SUV range available on the market. By Dhiren Ganesh

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross – this is the new Toyota Yaris Cross which will be the brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV. As the name suggests this is closely linked to the new Yaris but with its own distinct look. The only engine option is a 1.5-litre petrol that works in conjunction with an electric motor to produce a combined 114bhp. Most small SUVs don’t come with 4-wheel drive but the Yaris Cross will come with this option. It will have its own design on the interior which will include a deep centre console and feature more gloss black plastic such as the air vents and metallic strip. The touchscreen infotainment system will feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The pricing has not been set but expected to start from around £21,000 when its available from early in 2021. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric large electric SUV which can travel up to 323 miles on a single charge. The smaller ID.3 came out last year as the first in the range and this is the second. There is no conventional front grille and a thin LED light strip that runs across the width of the car, as well as having up to 21 inch alloy wheels. The ID.4 will be able to tow a caravan or trailer weighing up to 1000kg. Powering the ID.4 is a single 201bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels, allowing the car to sprint to 62mph in 8.5sec and on to a limited top speed of 99mph. Power comes from a 99kWh battery, providing the ID.4 with an official range of 323 miles. Inside, the ID.4 does without any buttons on its centre console. Instead, everything is controlled either through touch-sensitive icons or the central infotainment touchscreen. Drivers can connect their smartphones using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Charging the ID.4 to 80% of capacity takes around 30 minutes using the fastest charging stations. Prices for the ID.4 will start at around £44,000 when its released in late 2021. 2021 Tesla Model Y electric SUV – this is the Model Y is a mid-sized SUV that joins the Model S luxury car, the Model 3 executive saloon and the larger Model X SUV. Two versions will be offered here initially the Long range and the performance – with estimated mile ranges of 336 miles and 314 miles respectively. A 15-minute charge at one of Tesla’s third-generation Superchargers is enough for 168 miles of range. All versions feature a panoramic glass roof and a massive 15.0in touchscreen, through which almost everything is controlled. The Model Y has frameless, conventionally opening rear doors and is still available with seven seats. The dashboard design is pretty much identical to that of the Model 3, meaning it’s incredibly minimalist. Prices are expected to be around £52,000 for the Long Range and £60,000 for the Performance when

SUV – this is the Volkswagen ID.4, a released in late 2021.