MY WEEK IN CARS
MONDAY
Happy New Year! Even though I’ve done absolutely nothing to deserve it, my start to 2024 has been distinguished by the arrival of an Audi SQ8 E-tron Sportback – a distinctly ritzy option as a first-ever electric daily driver.
That last fact surprises even me: I’ve driven plenty of battery cars but never had to depend on just one. Given my addiction to rushing around the country, the next six months are going to be interesting for the number of times I misjudge the energy needed and get hamstrung by duff public chargers.
Just before Christmas I did some rushing, so I’ve already put about 1200 miles under the SQ8’s wheels. First impressions? It’s a real mile-muncher, like other big Audis. It’s very quiet and rides well most of the time. But two factors are much more important than I expected. First, the effect of temperature. Leave the car outside to freeze and the range will be 225 miles; but if the ambient is 15deg C, it will be 260 miles. The official WLTP mark of 276 miles simply isn’t relevant at present. Second, remember to keep your credit card working well at all times. If you use it on too many touchpads, it eventually baulks and wants you to enter your PIN, but at most chargers there’s no keypad. It’s infuriating, having to drive off to buy a box of matches so you can come back for some energy.
TUESDAY
It’s always the same: when you want one, two arrive. Not so long ago a nice man delivered a Jeep Avenger, the much-praised EV that in 2023 secured the Car of the Year award. I’ve been busting to drive one since Mr Editor Tisshaw’s first, effusive review in these pages months ago (he’s now got one for long-term test duties, p56).
The Avenger is only a shade bigger than a regular supermini, which makes its £40,000 top-spec price look steep. And it’s not exactly cavernous, because its mighty wheels intrude into its body. But nearly everything else is brilliant: the styling, the seat comfort, the clear controls and the ideal compromise between range and performance. The biggest surprise is the ride comfort: on roads through our pockmarked manor, there are places where it makes the SQ8 (twice the price) seem positively lumpy. It’s obvious that this model promises to resuscitate Jeep in Europe.
WEDNESDAY
Hounded by friends and family to reveal some car-based new year’s objectives, I’m stuck for an answer. Last year was so superb for shows, meetings and driving events that I just want a repeat of it. Mind you, we will s
