KILOWATT HALF HOUR EPISODE 44: OMODAS, OPTIONS AND OVERSIZED SMARTS

EV Channels Review

This episode of Kilowatt Half Hour delves into the practicalities and quirks of electric vehicle ownership, featuring discussions on the Mini John Cooper Works Edition, the facelifted Kia EV6, and the OMODA brand's UK launch. The reviewer found the Mini JCW to be overly sporty for everyday British roads, despite appreciating its engaging driving modes and well-crafted interior, suggesting a softer, smaller-wheeled variant would be preferable. The facelifted Kia EV6 is praised as a clever update addressing areas needing improvement. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the frustrations of modern car safety systems, particularly low-speed automatic braking, which the hosts find overly intrusive and jarring. The OMODA E5 is highlighted as a well-equipped car with a strong warranty, but its pricing is deemed uncompetitive against aggressive discounts from rivals like MG and Tesla, posing a significant sales challenge. The Smart #5 is introduced as a larger, more powerful offering from Smart, with a notable performance variant. The podcast also touches on the Vauxhall Frontera's new electric model achieving petrol price parity, making it an attractive proposition. Finally, the hosts address listener queries regarding base model testing, dealership experiences, and specific EV choices like the Kia EV3, Volvo EX30, and VW ID.3.