< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORING2017 marked a record-breakingsurge in the popularity of electric andplug-in hybrid vehicles. The demandsaw registrations of electric carsincrease by over 27% on the previousyear, with a constantly expandingrange of plug-in cars becomingavailable to the environmentallyconscious consumer. In 2018, this growth is anticipated tocontinue. If at a similar pace, 60,000vehicles are predicted to be registeredthis year, taking the total number ofelectric cars on UK roads to over190,000, which will retain the UK’sposition as one of Europe’s largestmarkets for ultra-low emission vehicles.TheelectriccarrevolutionThe electric car is coming into style and is in highdemand. If you are thinking of following thisfuture-thinking, environmentally conscious trendin 2018, or wondering what all the rage is, hereare some cars that will peak your interest.BMW i360-63_Layout 1 25/01/2018 12:06 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY61COUNTY MOTORINGIn fact, more than half of new carregistrations are anticipated to beelectric by 2027.Not only are these vehicles good forthe environment, but they reap theadded benefit of being at the receivingend of price savings offered throughthe Government’s Plug-in Car Grant,which began in 2011. Up to £4,500could be shaved off of pure electriccars and£2,500 off of eligible plug-in62 ÁBMW 530eBMW’s 530e and i3 both wonawards at the Next Green CarAwards 2017.60-63_Layout 1 25/01/2018 12:06 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGhybrids. Buyers can also save up to £500off the cost of an electric chargepoint athome.While there has arisen concern overwhether the UK’s electricity grid couldcope large numbers of electric cars,Electric Nation, a Network InnovationAllowance funded project, is trialling asmart charging solution to challenge andassumed difficulties of charging cars atpeak times on local electricity networks.Which models, then, should we belooking out for this year in the boomingelectric car market?The new BMW i3, and its sportiercousin the i3s, which were celebrated atthe International Motor Show in Frankfurtback in September, offer model-specificchassis technology and enhancedhandling and design features. The i3s boasts of zero emissionsalongside instantaneous power delivery,efficient use of energy, increased rangeand a Dynamic Stability Control system,allowing confidence in all drivingconditions. Both models draw theirenergy from a lithium-ion high-voltagebattery, with a capacity of 94Ah (33kWh). The BMW i3 generates a maximumoutput of 170hp and reaches a peaktorque of 250Nm, all of which is availableinstantly from a standstill. This meansthat stepping on the accelerator creates aburst of speed, and the zero to 62mphsprint is achieved in 7.3 seconds. This i3sis ultimately quicker, as to be expectedwith a car designed to be sporty,reaching 62mph in 6.9 seconds.A major arising concern with electriccars is how far they can travel beforeneeding to be charged. In addressingthis, both the i3 and i3s can be orderedwith a range-extender, increasing thecars’ drivable distances from around 112miles to 205. The price for these vehiclesAudi E-Tron QuattroStand out features of the Quattro includepiloted parking to allow proper position ontocharging plates, and a solar roof to provide/create electricity on sunny days60-63_Layout 1 25/01/2018 12:06 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY63COUNTY MOTORINGbegins at £34,070.The slightly older BMW 530eiPerformance Saloon is the hybrid form ofthe world’s most successful businesssaloon, offering all-electric mobility andzero tailpipe emissions. Faster than theBMW i3s, the 530e reaches 62mph in 6.2seconds. The car includes a Driving ExperienceControl switch, allowing the driver totailor the car to precisely match theirjourney, and offering a flavour of thefuture, the car has the Open MobilityCloud, integrating the driver’s digital lifeinto the car. The vehicle even allowsemails through Microsoft Office 365 tobe composed and edited. Prices start at £43,985 for the BMW530e, making it pricier than the BMW i3.Both these cars won awards at the NextGreen Car Awards 2017.A car to look out for this year, thoughwith no specific date in sight, is the AudiE-Tron Quattro, which was presented inconcept in the 2015 International MotorShow in Frankfurt. Using three electricmotors, the car can reach 63 mph in 4.6seconds. It is slated to use the Torque ControlManager to actively distribute powerbetween the rear wheels as necessary,when driving on windy roads. This torquevectoring provides dynamics and stability.Stand out features of the Quattroinclude piloted parking to allow properposition onto charging plates, and a solarroof to provide create/electricity onsunny days. The car upon initial release,however, may set you back £60,000.Returning to what is readily available,the Nissan Leaf is ready for purchase fromFebruary 2018. The Leaf is anotherwinner of the Next Green Car Awards,and recently received two top honoursfrom the Consumer TechnologyAssociation. The Leaf has thereforebecome one of the most talked aboutelectric cars of this year. The car’s price begins at £21,990,when including a £4,500 GovernmentGrant, and can travel up to 235 miles,dispelling any myths that electric carsdon’t have ample mileage. Nissan LeafThe Leaf has become one ofthe most talked about electriccars of this year60-63_Layout 1 25/01/2018 12:06 Page 4Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mitsubishi range: Urban 26.9 - 57.6 (10.5 - 4.9), Extra Urban 32.8 - 72.4 (8.6 - 3.9), Combined 30.4 - 65.7 (9.3 - 4.3). CO2 emission figures range from 245 - 99 g/km. Pentagon are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Pentagon Motor Holdings Ltd are a credit broker and not a lender. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. If you choose finance you will not own the vehicle until all repayments have been made. Over 18s only. Visit www.pentagon-group.co.uk for more information. Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes. Cars shown for illustration purposes only. #Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors.Outer Circle Road, Lincoln, LN2 4LD Tel: 01522 411 425www.pentagon-group.co.ukTHE INSPIRING NEW SUVECLIPSE CROSSAvailable to view at our pre-view event 9th February 5-8pmRepresentative ExamplePentagon Price From £21,385 Deposit (Paid By You) £2,000 Mitsubishi Deposit Contribution £750 Amount Of Credit £18,335 42 Monthly Payments £225 Guaranteed Future Value / OFP £11,029 Total Charge For Credit £1,094 Total Amount Payable £22,479 Fixed Rate Of Interest P.A 2.95%Representative 5.9% APRMitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2 with Metallic PaintPentagon64-65_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:00 Page 1churns out 163PS, delivering 0-62mph in9.8 seconds, a top speed of 127mph andreturning a modest 40.4mpg. But, fueleconomy is better if you go for the non-4x4 models. Inside, there is masses of space for fouror five occupants. Those previouslymentioned sliding rear seats, mean youcan enhance rear legroom effortlessly.Headroom is also bountiful, despite theEclipse’s attractive slopingroofline.COUNTY MOTORINGThe car is roomy, too, with sliding rearchairs that add flexibility for familypurchasers.We tried the petrol model, whichcomes with a continuously variabletransmission (CVT) automatic gearboxand four-wheel-drive. Super-All WheelControl is also added to the 4x4 variants.This sends clout where it is required most,and a selectable driving setting can alterhow it reacts. The modes encompassAuto, Snow and Gravel.On the road, the Eclipse Cross offers anelevated driving position, with verysupportive seats. It performs best onmotorways, as some potholes do banginto the cabin at slower speeds. That said;there’s very little body roll on tight bendsand the steering is direct and quick,whether motoring slowly or rapidly.The 1.5 litre turbo petrol we droveSpace and practicality continue into theload area. With the rear chairs pushedback, there is 341 litres of cargo capacity,but with them forward, the Mitsubishiboasts 448 litres. Furthermore, the bootaperture is tall, and the load floor is flat,making the loading of items a cinch. Car courtesy of Pentagon Mitsubishi,Lincoln, Tel: 01522 411248MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSSVIBRANT AND DEFIANT©www.michaelwhitestone.co.ukMitsubishi has made a massive leap forward with its Eclipse Cross.The compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) is refined inside, it’scomfortable - and it is planted on the road.FAST FACTS(4 Petrol Auto 4WD – as tested)Max speed: 127 mph0-62 mph: 9.8 secsCombined mpg: 40.4Engine layout: 1499cc four-cylinder petrol turbo Max. power (PS): 163CO2: 159 g/kmPrice: £27,900Pros ‘n’ ConsBuild Quality 3Refinement 3Cabin Room 3Stowage Space 34x4 Efficiency XLINCOLNSHIRETODAY6564-65_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:00 Page 266 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYThe car feels strangely emotionlessinside. It consists of a 17-inch iPad-liketouchscreen - where you control mostthings - with seats and a steering wheel,all surrounded by minimalistic luxury. Butonce settled and with seat belt fastened,it couldn’t be any more uncomplicated todrive the Model S. There is no key to turnor starter button, because gadgetry withinthe car detects when you’re there. There’sno handbrake either, so all that’s left todo is move the steering column mountedgear selector into ‘D’ for drive and moveoff in peace and quiet. With a dab of the right foot, the Teslareplies instantaneously. The four-wheeldrive equipped car has oodles of grip, sothere’s no fish-tailing. Switch to Tesla’scomically named ‘ludicrous’ mode via themassive touchscreen, and acceleration isbonkers. Zero to 60mph only takes 2.8seconds. The rest of the time 0-60mph isachieved in 4.2 seconds, and the car’stop speed is 155mph. While the rapidity will make you grinear to ear, any enthusiastic motoring willdevour the car’s electric range. With a fullcharge, the Tesla will manage more than300 miles, but on-screen energy flowinformation is always there to show youhow much further the all-electric car willtravel.The Model S munches mind-numbingmotorway miles effortlessly and the drivingposition is decent, but the broad car isawkward to position on narrower roads.The steering has a shortage of feel and, onthe twisty bits, the weighty electric vehicleseems anaesthetised, responding languidly. Charging the car up is the biggestheadache. It’s not hard to do, it’s just thatTesla’s free Supercharge points areTesla Model SPerformance andsafety refinedThe Tesla Model S costs £127,135 in flagship 100 kWh Performance guise,and it was the one we tested for this review.PHOTO ©JAMES LIPMAN66-67_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:03 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67sprinkled around the country, so they’re not alwaysconvenient to access. When you do find them, theyare splendid, though, charging the Model S fromflat to half juiced-up in under 30 minutes. The Tesla Model S is many things – it’s a ’green’car, it’s a luxury sports machine, and it’s a familyvehicle. Indeed, there’s lots legroom, and, as wediscovered, you can fit three child seats into the rear.All in all, the Tesla Model S, with its mind-bendingperformance, accommodating ride and hushed-running elegance make it a truly rewarding car. 66-67_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:04 Page 2LincolnThursday 1 FebruaryBeyond My Control, LincolnPerforming Arts CentreImprovised scenes, verbatim testimonyand top mathematical research combineto create a unique theatrical experiencethat offers a glimpse of a life lived withepilepsy. Audience members will beinvited to offer their feedback and thechance to interact with the performance.For more information, visitwww.lpac.co.uk.StamfordFriday 9 FebruaryThe Acoustic Strawbs,Stamford BallroomThe Strawbs have an enviable poppedigree, with a history stretching backto 1967. Despite their longevity, theyremain as fresh and exhilarating today asthey did during the sixties. With sevenconsecutive Billboard Top 200 albumsunder their belt, this stripped down andintimate gig is definitely not to bemissed. For more information, call 01780763203.GranthamFriday 9 February Brendan Cole – All NightLong, Grantham MeresLeisure Centre Featuring his fourteen piece band and68 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYonwhat’seight world-class dancers, BBC StrictCome Dancing’s Brendan Cole’s latestproduction All Night Long is not to bemissed. With all the magic one wouldexpect of Strictly, Brendan’s new showfeatures a superb cast, stunninglighting, amazing special effects andscintillating choreography, all set to livemusic. For more information, call 01476581930.GranthamTuesday 13 February 2018The Dead Sea, GuildhallTheatre Made in partnership with theLincolnshire Wildlife Trust, this charmingtale is great for kids over seven. It followsLouise, who has lost her sense ofadventure and spends her days observingsponges. She would love to journey tothe deep ocean, if only she wasn’t afraidof the water. With a mission to the deepocean at stake, will she conquer her fearof the sea? Louse is looking to get all agesexcited about saving our planet andocean conversation. For moreinformation, visitwww.guildhallartscentre.com.LouthWednesday 14 – Saturday 17February Avenue Q, Louth RiverheadTheatre Louth Playgoers Society and BlazeTheatre join forces to bring you thiswinner of the Tony ‘Triple Crown’ for BestMusical, Best Score and Best Book.Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and© TomAllenLincolnSunday 4 February 2018 Tom Allen: Absolutely, Lincoln DrillHallThe sharply dressed, well-spoken anddisparagingly camp son of working classBromely, Tom Allen embarks on hisdebut solar tour, with a stop off inLincoln along the way. Tom hasclocked up a slew of TV creditsincluding Mock the Week, The GreatBritish Bake Off’s Extra Slice, Live atthe Apolloand many more. Catchhim on this tour to get a glimpseof this rising star. For moreinformation, visitwww.lincolndrillhall.com.68-71_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:06 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY6970 Ápacked with heart. The rib-ticklingmusical tells the timeless story of a recentcollege grad named Princeton whomoves into a shabby New Yorkapartment all the way out on Avenue Q.He soon discovers that although theresidents are nice, it’s clear that this is nothour ordinary neighbourhood. For moreinformation, visitwww.louthriverheadtheatre.com.Gainsborough Thursday 15 FebruaryDon’t Dribble on theDragon, Trinity Arts CentreThe People’s Theatre Company returnwith their latest feel-good musical aimedat children with Don’t Dribble on theDragon. The show is full of magicdesigned by the late Paul Daniels, whoworked with the show for 18 months. Sotrust us when we say there’s plenty ofamazing illusions to be seen. The show isonly being performed at a few selectvenues across the UK, so we inLincolnUntil 31 December 2018Dressed to Kill: Arms &Armour at Lincoln CastleCome face to face with theimposing sight of a full suit of armour.Imagine the clash of steel in combatand be awed by these lethal weaponsfrom times gone by. Visitors can viewa selection of real arms and armourfrom Tudor to Victorian times. Formore information, callwww.lincolncastle.com.© Shutterstock/chrisdomeyLincolnSaturday 17 February Lincoln Japan FestivalLast year’s Japan Festival went down a storm with locals, introducing folks to a slewof curated cultured events during the half term. The aim was a simple one, toeducate and celebrate Japanese culture in all its many forms and share it with theLincolnshire community. The event is making a rambunctious return for 2018, withreturning favourites such as the tea ceremony and Japanese calligraphy and there’llbe anime screenings too. For more information, visit www.japanfestival.co.uk. © Shutterstock/KPG_Payless68-71_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:06 Page 2Next >