RANGE IS RELEVANT
I want to propose that you add a column to the CAR guide (not sure if there is enough space) where you show distance per charge for electric vehicles, and maybe distance per tank for ICE vehicles. This is important as some electric vehicles do not go as great a distance per charge and, as we know, we still have challenges with electricity and charging ports.
DAAN VISSER
Via email
[Although there have been massive strides in battery technology that increase distances between charges and decrease the distance between charging facilities thanks to infrastructure collaborations between companies like Gridcars and manufacturers, your suggestion would probably help those who are uncertain of real-world distance between charges. We will keep it in mind for future inclusion. Our road tests do make provision for the an estimated range on a full tank, as we can measure this ourselves – editor.]
It was time to replace my 2004 Honda CR-V. The CR-V is a fantastic car and gave me excellent service, but getting close to 300 000 km and with fuel consumption between 11 and 12 L/100 km, I decided it was time to look for something newer and more economical. Because I am a keen Honda man, I decided to stick with the brand. I started scrutinising the adverts for second-hand Honda CR-V or HR-V models, but quickly realised these models are still somewhat pricey. Therefore my interest veered towards the newer compact SUV models, namely the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia Sonet and Honda WR-V. Most reviews of the WR-V were quite negative, with many journalists slating the underpowered engine and the unsatisfactory fuel consumption. Honda claimed a
gure of 6.4 L/100 km but some of the reviews even listed it at 7.2 L/100 km.
I’ve owned a WR-V now for 10 months and driven nearly 10 000 km. I took it for a recent return trip from Wellington to Gauteng. My fuel consumption on my return trip to Wellington was 6.2 L/100 km, better than the gure Honda claimed. I realised when buying a car, you need to look at your needs and your driving style. The WR-V is not a racing car, but once you are on the highway and travel at 120 km/h, it is a lovely car to drive. It is spacious enough for myself and my wife. It is also easy to drive in the city and very economical for city commuting. MARTIN COMBRINK
Via email
[Thanks for the letter, Martin. Although the WR-V is no longer available in South Africa, its larger sibling the HR-V is up against capable rivals in a very competitive segment. We strive to accurately re ect real-world consumption in our road tests, and therefore we also include a gure determined during our review period.
More importantly, we’re happy that you are pleased with your purchase – editor.]