ALL THE CAR’S OLD SPIRIT, BUT IS NOW BANG UP TO DATE that’s brand new
1,013kg it provides vivid performance, with 0-62mph taking 5.2 seconds. That’s more than fast enough and so is a top speed of 149mph.
The interior is virtually the same as the Plus Six’s, which means a mixture of analogue dials and modern switchgear. It’s a pity that the speedometer is shoved over to the far left. I’d swap its position with the rev counter which you don’t really need to see.
The car is at its best with the roof folded and sidescreens removed. If you’re tall and well-built you’ll be glad of the extra elbow room with the screens removed.
If you’re used to electrically folding soft-tops that bury themselves in 15
THE impressive Nissan Ariya is an electric crossover that will arrive on these shores early next year.
No prices or detailed specifications have been released so far, but we do know versions will be available with both single-motor two-wheel-drive and twin-motor four-wheel-drive options.
There will also be different battery options, giving ranges of up to 310 miles.
I’m surprised Nissan has taken this long to launch an electric crossover as, along with Tesla, it was a pioneer of EV motoring with the Leaf more than a decade ago. seconds you’ll find the Morgan’s a bit of a faff, but it’s been decades in production and is well sorted. It’s more or less waterproof, too.
The Plus Four costs from £62,995. That’s expensive for a retro roadster with none of the gadgetry of a modern car; doubly expensive when you consider the outgoing Roadster cost from just under £40,000. Several things need to be taken into account here. The new car is vastly more advanced than the old one and much more competent. Secondly, Morgans have low depreciation. It seems expensive next to a Porsche Boxster, but in 10
IF you run a small business such as a butcher’s or fishmonger’s and need a van, have a look at this.
The new Renault Zoe van is based on the hatchback and uses the same 52kWh battery and 80kW motor. That means a maximum years’ time the Plus Four will look like a very sound purchase.
The other thing to note is that the Plus Six costs from £81,995. The Plus Four is not just considerably cheaper, it is a better car.
The lower weight of the four-cylinder engine gives the
Plus Four nimbler handling and a nicer feel through the steering.
Also, the four-cylinder sounds surprisingly fruity and powerful, so your ears won’t miss the extra cylinders of the Plus Six.
And then there’s the pleasure of using the excellent six-speed manual
gearbox and the well-weighted
245-mile range on a charge. Two models are available, Business and Business +.
The latter gives you nice extras such as automatic climate control.
Prices start at £25,500 plus VAT, but not including a
£6,120 plug-in van grant. clutch. You have to approach a Morgan with a different mindset. You’re buying a lifestyle and experience – right from when you choose the colour and specification that you want, to when you see it being built in the factory. The old Roadster gave you all the Morgan benefits but felt like a 1930s car. It was uncomfortable, and had a terrible ride and distinctly vintage handling.
The new Plus Four retains the Morgan spirit but is a far better car to drive and live with. The 1980s Plus Eight is the most exciting Morgan I’ve ever driven, but this one is the best.