Car News
VW launches electric Kombi Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ new ID (electric) model aims to follow in the iconic Kombi’s footsteps with a new look that pays homage to Volkswagen’s past. The electric all-rounder transfers seven decades of Kombi know-how into the new five-seater ID Buzz and the ID Buzz Cargo version. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ general manager Kevin Richards says it will bring both models to New Zealand next year. “The ID Buzz marks a shift for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles into the electric era and we’re confident it will also create a lot of love for the brand
by bringing back some happy memories. “To have an icon reimagined like this that fits with the needs of modern mobility, means we’ll be seeing future generations telling their own ID Buzz stories so the legend will continue,” says Richards. Knobs and buttons in the cockpit are replaced with a touchpad on the steering wheel. A state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) projection, courtesy of an AR heads-up display, projects the navigation directly in front of the car onto the road. There’s even intelligent LED headlight ‘eyes’ that communicate interactively with the driver and passers-by. It also offers the ‘Plug & Charge’ function that allows the ID Buzz to serve as an energy storage device so customers can power their home or charge other EVs. Bi-directional charging can also come in handy during camping trips to power speakers, cooking appliances, and lights. The synchronous motor generates 150kW of output, and 310Nm of torque is at the rear, driving
the rear axle. Production of the ID Buzz is set to start in the coming months for launch in Europe later this year. “We’re working very hard with the factory in Europe to get the ID Buzz into New Zealand next year as soon as possible,” says Richards. “The only downside to creating such a fantastic ‘buzz’ with this vehicle is that everyone wants one. Demand in Europe is so strong that we’ll just need to be a little bit more patient downunder before we see it.”
Audi foreshadows Avant electric station wagon Audi has unveiled the A6 Avant e-tron ‘concept’, but says it’s pretty close to the production version due in 2024. “I can promise you that a lot of what you see now will be available on the road,” said Wolf Seebers, who led the car’s exterior design. The A6 Avant e-tron promises to be quick like its petrol forebears, and of course other EVs, reaching 100kph in under four seconds in dual motor guise, producing a combined 350kW (470hp) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. A massive battery of “around 100kWh” will provide 700km of range under the optimistic WLTP testing cycle in a more efficient single-motor configuration. It is based on the new forward-looking PPE platform, with the same dimensions as the A6 Sportback e-tron. At 4.96m long, 1.96m wide, and 1.44m high, it slots into the luxury station wagon class. “The A6 Avant e-tron concept will attract a new audience to transition to fully-electric,” said Dean Sheed, general manager of Audi New Zealand. “We welcome the quattro and high-performance versions, which Audi is legendary for in the New Zealand market. The Avant body shape has a premium new design, whilst offering the extra utility that Kiwis love.” It also offers clues to the look of future Audi
24
Auto Channel Issue #45 April 2022
electric models. “With the Audi A6 Avant e-tron concept, we are offering a completely tangible look at future production models on our new PPE technology platform,” says Audi board member for technical development, Oliver Hoffmann. “We’re not just electrifying the Avant’s successful 45-year history. What we want most of all is to use technical skill to add an exclamation point. In particular, this includes powerful 800-volt technology, 270kW of charging capacity, and a WLTP range of up to 700kms.” The Audi A6 Avant’s back end is not the only thing that qualifies it as the storage champ. With
its 800-volt system and a charging capacity of up to 27kW, it can take in enough energy in just 10 minutes at a fast-charging station to drive about 300kms. The models in the Audi A6 e-tron family are uncompromisingly suitable for long trips. Audi also says the A6 e-tron concept — as is typical for an electric car — outshines its rivals with combustion engines. Thanks to its high torque right from the first revolution, even entry-level models designed for efficiency will accelerate to 10 km/h in less than seven seconds. And in the top-of-the-line, high-performance models, this sprint can be reduced to well under four seconds.
