New G-Wiz goes on sale

06 December 2007

Improved safety features
Top speed of 50mph
Travels 48 miles on a charge

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The third-generation G-Wiz electric car will go on sale in Britain in February.

The updated car is called the G-Wiz i and its maker says safety, performance and comfort have all been improved.

Safety
Although more than 900 models have been sold since 2004, the G-Wiz has faced severe criticism for the poor level of crash protection it affords passengers.

Because it is classified as a quadricycle, it goes through far less stringent safety checks than a car.

Earlier this year, the Department for Transport announced it was reviewing the laws on this potential loophole, prompting the G-Wiz i's builders to carry out safety work with Lotus Engineering.

As a result, the i features front and side impact protection, a strengthened spaceframe, a collapsible steering column, a hill-start system and new front brake discs that are 30% more effective.

Performance
The i has a top speed of 50mph, 5mph more than its predecessor.

Its importers, GoinGreen, also say it is 60% faster than any of its rivals, such as the Nice Mega City, Micro Vett Idea, Sakura Maranello4 and Elettrica, from 0-30mph.

Its range has also been increased from 40 miles to 48 miles.

Comfort
According to G-Wiz, the i's transmission has been improved to deliver the car's extra power more smoothly.

In addition, the revised cabin layout means the driving position is better, and a curved windscreen improves visibility and reduces wind noise.

Extra equipment avaialble includes a digital radio, upgraded CD and MP3 player, and heated seats.

Warranty and running costs
As with previous-generation G-Wiz cars, the i comes with a two-year warranty, one-year roadside recovery and a choice of fixed servicing packages.

It sits in the lowest insurance group and is exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge.

Pricing
The new G-Wiz i costs from £8895.

The previous-generation G-Wiz had a list price of £8299, but was selling for £7644 shortly before stocks ran out.

Although there are no new G-Wizs currently available until the i arrives in the UK in February, importer GoinGreen is selling approved second-hand models.

Two-year-old G-Wiz cars currently sell for around £4000.