Driving Toyota first all-electric SUV – the BZ4X you would have seen the
advertising for the BZ4X with owner Barry asked what made him finally go
electric which he proudly proclaims because it’s a Toyota. I look forward to
spending more time behind the wheel but on first impression I found this new
electric Toyota to have some rather strange design elements. Step behind the
wheel and you’re met by a high mounted instrument cluster and a steering wheel
position that completely blocks the instrumentation – the only way to sight the
instrumentation is to put the steering wheel down into your lap which is
downright uncomfortable. A head up display on the windscreen would have been
far superior. I’m glad Barry really likes the BZ4X, because this along with an
awkward gear selector dial, would have to be some of the worst automotive
design features I’ve come across. I’m David Berthon

Driving Toyota first all-electric SUV – the BZ4X you would have seen the advertising for the BZ4X with owner Barry asked what made him finally go electric which he proudly proclaims because it’s a Toyota. I look forward to spending more time behind the wheel but on first impression I found this new electric Toyota to have some rather strange design elements. Step behind the wheel and you’re met by a high mounted instrument cluster and a steering wheel position that completely blocks the instrumentation – the only way to sight the instrumentation is to put the steering wheel down into your lap which is downright uncomfortable. A head up display on the windscreen would have been far superior. I’m glad Barry really likes the BZ4X, because this along with an awkward gear selector dial, would have to be some of the worst automotive design features I’ve come across. I’m David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

Motor Torque with David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873 

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873&nbsp;

Toyota’s first electric vehicle, the BZ4X has some unusual design elements

Driving Kia’s EV6 GT-line at $87,590, the third-tier model in the four-model range
which is now topped by the high-performance EV6 GT flagship at $99,590. The
dual motor GT-line however will satisfy most drivers looking for a performance
EV with a 0 to 100km/hour time of 5.2 seconds. Not bad when you consider it tips
the scales at 2105 kilos. Yes, its premium priced which has no doubt slowed
sales but it’s as good as it gets in a family sized electric SUV – offering less range
at 484km compared to rear drive EV6 models at 528kms but I found the stated
range to be fairly accurate despite a mix of urban and country driving in hot
conditions with the air-conditioning on. I’ve also driven the top spec high-
performance EV6 GT – too hard-nosed for me - the GT seats hard and
unaccommodating while its non-compliant suspension tune provides a too hard
ride for comfortable day to day use. However, as i said, the drive experience of
the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most new drivers – smooth, quiet with assured
handling and a very comfortable ride and for me the one to own. An electric car
with great styling and presence and superbly built. I’m David Berthon

Driving Kia’s EV6 GT-line at $87,590, the third-tier model in the four-model range which is now topped by the high-performance EV6 GT flagship at $99,590. The dual motor GT-line however will satisfy most drivers looking for a performance EV with a 0 to 100km/hour time of 5.2 seconds. Not bad when you consider it tips the scales at 2105 kilos. Yes, its premium priced which has no doubt slowed sales but it’s as good as it gets in a family sized electric SUV – offering less range at 484km compared to rear drive EV6 models at 528kms but I found the stated range to be fairly accurate despite a mix of urban and country driving in hot conditions with the air-conditioning on. I’ve also driven the top spec high- performance EV6 GT – too hard-nosed for me - the GT seats hard and unaccommodating while its non-compliant suspension tune provides a too hard ride for comfortable day to day use. However, as i said, the drive experience of the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most new drivers – smooth, quiet with assured handling and a very comfortable ride and for me the one to own. An electric car with great styling and presence and superbly built. I’m David Berthon

Kia EV6 GT-line - impressive electric SUV

Driving Kia’s EV6 SUV today. The Kia EV6 comes in four models. I drove the EV6
GT-line dual motor all-wheel-drive at $87,590 – powered by a 77.4kWh battery the
GT-line with two electric motors and weighing 100 kilos heavier to the rear drive
models provides 239kW and 605Nm of torque. Delivering a driving range of
484km which I found most accurate with a mix of urban and country driving.
Energy consumption varied and ran from around 15kWh/100km to
18.5kWh/100km. Charging, on a standard 7kW home charger around 71/2 hours,
on a 350kW fast charger if you can find one not in use around 20 minutes. The Kia
EV6 styling a standout, sharp edge styling that gives it a premium feel and in my
eyes it’s the best-looking EV on the market. Large well shod 20-inch alloy wheels
are tucked right into the body’s corners provide a very roomy interior with great
seats. Despite an impressive dash and instrumentation, the interior is somewhat
bland in terms of finishes. Premium specified however with all the driving aids
and safety elements and Kia’s 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The drive
experience of the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most drivers. More drive details in
my next segment. I’m David Berthon

Driving Kia’s EV6 SUV today. The Kia EV6 comes in four models. I drove the EV6 GT-line dual motor all-wheel-drive at $87,590 – powered by a 77.4kWh battery the GT-line with two electric motors and weighing 100 kilos heavier to the rear drive models provides 239kW and 605Nm of torque. Delivering a driving range of 484km which I found most accurate with a mix of urban and country driving. Energy consumption varied and ran from around 15kWh/100km to 18.5kWh/100km. Charging, on a standard 7kW home charger around 71/2 hours, on a 350kW fast charger if you can find one not in use around 20 minutes. The Kia EV6 styling a standout, sharp edge styling that gives it a premium feel and in my eyes it’s the best-looking EV on the market. Large well shod 20-inch alloy wheels are tucked right into the body’s corners provide a very roomy interior with great seats. Despite an impressive dash and instrumentation, the interior is somewhat bland in terms of finishes. Premium specified however with all the driving aids and safety elements and Kia’s 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The drive experience of the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most drivers. More drive details in my next segment. I’m David Berthon

Kia EV6 GT-line - about as good as it gets in a premium electric SUV.

Skoda has reduced the price of its run-out small Kamiq automatic SUV to just $29,990 drive-away, its lowest price in more than three years. With a new Kamiq model now in showrooms Skoda Australia has applied the discount to the final 250 examples of the pre-update base model. The Kamiq is Skoda’s best seller and represents around a quarter of the Czech-based car brands sales here. Although year to date Kamiq sales are running 26 percent behind the same time last year. The price reduced model is also available with a special guaranteed future value finance program for $69 per week, at a 6.99 per cent interest rate over a 60-month term and a $2,990 deposit. Kamiq standard features include a rear-view camera, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a full range of active driver assist functions. I’m David Berthon

Skoda has reduced the price of its run-out small Kamiq automatic SUV to just $29,990 drive-away, its lowest price in more than three years. With a new Kamiq model now in showrooms Skoda Australia has applied the discount to the final 250 examples of the pre-update base model. The Kamiq is Skoda’s best seller and represents around a quarter of the Czech-based car brands sales here. Although year to date Kamiq sales are running 26 percent behind the same time last year. The price reduced model is also available with a special guaranteed future value finance program for $69 per week, at a 6.99 per cent interest rate over a 60-month term and a $2,990 deposit. Kamiq standard features include a rear-view camera, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a full range of active driver assist functions. I’m David Berthon

Toyota’s first electric vehicle, the BZ4X has some unusual design elements

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