Latest first drives Vauxhall Ampera (2012-) Aug 2011
The Ampera is Vauxhall’s first step into the ever-increasing electric car market. However, this isn’t an out-and-out electric vehicle (EV) like the Nissan Leaf, nor is it a conventional diesel or petrol-powered hybrid like a Toyota Prius. So what exactly is it?
The Vauxhall Ampera is the sister car to the Chevrolet Volt
What’s new?
Sharing the exact same platform as the Chevrolet Volt (which we think has the catchier EV name), the Ampera combines General Motors’ original-thinking Voltec range-extending hybrid philosophy with the Vauxhall Astra chassis to blend an EV powertrain into a conventionally-sized, regular-handling family car. So what’s the Voltec principle all about?
Well, like any other hybrid, the Ampera is supported by a combustion engine, in this case a 1.4-litre petrol. However, unlike the competition, the engine never actually powers the wheels directly and instead is used to maintain charge of the battery. When the 16kWh lithium-ion battery is depleted to a designated level the petrol engine starts up to power a generator, which then supplies the battery with electricity so it can continue to drive the wheels.
In full electric mode without the aid of the petrol engine, Vauxhall says the Ampera will cover a total of 40 miles, driven carefully. With the support of the combustion engine powering the generator, the range is extended to 350 miles. That's why this type of car is known as a extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).
As a direct result, the manufacturer claims an equivalent of 175mpg economy and 40g/km CO2 emissions.
To charge the batteries back up to a full state it takes a total of just four hours from a UK 240v outlet – half the time it takes to charge the Nissan Leaf.
What did we make of the Nissan Leaf? Read our Nissan Leaf first drive to find out.
Alternatively, read more reviews of medium cars.
The Ampera isn't a full-electric car, so it's not confined to urban life
What’s it like to drive?
Apart from the obvious lack of engine grumble, the Ampera feels like any conventional car.
It is quite a bit heavier than your normal family hatchback with the weighty battery tipping the overall figure to 1,732kg. But that doesn’t make it feel cumbersome – the ride is surprisingly good, the steering is light but well weighted and responsive, and the 148bhp of power and 370Nm of torque (or pulling power) supplied by the electric motor provides enough sting to propel the Ampera from 0-62mph in around nine seconds, rising to a top speed of 100mph.
Our first drive route didn’t allow us to test the full performance capabilities of the Ampera, but we were impressed with the refinement, even though it was a prototype. Tyre and wind noise wasn’t at all intrusive, the interior is a nice mix of the traditional and the futuristic and the brakes performed adequately, although they did feel rather 'on' or 'off'.
What’s it up against?
The Ampera will go into direct competition with every other variant in the limited eco-car category.
However, because of the size it will be compared with the Nissan Leaf, Renault Fluence Z.E. and the Toyota Prius Hybrid, despite these three cars offering differing packages when it comes to powering them.
The Ampera feels like a conventional car to drive
Why should I buy one?
On paper, the Ampera offers the best compromise between full electric and hybrid.
It couples real-world economy with a reasonable recharge time, and more importantly eliminates the range anxiety you get with electric-only cars. You’ll never be left stranded by the Ampera because the batteries have run out - only if you forget to fill up the petrol tank!
And because it uses a conventional chassis, it will seat four people comfortably and offers a functionally sized boot, despite all the batteries on board.
Want to know more about the opposition? Read about more green cars in our Eco cars rated guide.
What’s its Achilles’ heel?
Like every car it goes into direct opposition with, the price you have to pay for cutting-edge EV technology is a high one.
The Ampera is priced at an eye-watering £28,995, and that’s after the government's £5,000 Plug-In Car Grant subsidy. This does mean it will be £3,000 more expensive than the Leaf, however it isn’t limited to a 100-mile range (which is still an optimistic expectation from the all-electric Nissan). That instantly makes it a more appealing purchase for a lot of people - especially those who might be looking to replace the only car in the household with a new eco model that can tackle a variety of journeys.
And like many electric cars, the Ampera isn't particularly pretty to look at. The electric motor might result in almost silent running, but the looks are loud enough to alert passers-by. It certainly isn't subtle, inside or out, which could put off some potential buyers.
Order books for the Ampera open in November with deliveries beginning in 2012.
Before you do make a purchase, read the Which? Car guide to Buying a new car.
Which? members can read the full Vauxhall Ampera first drive here.
