Vauxhall Ampera review - Verdict

Should I buy one? If you're one of those people who fancies an EV but whose lifestyle isn't quite regimented enough to allow one, then the Ampera could well be the answer.

It provides regular EV strengths over short distances (zero tailpipe emissions, zero fuel consumption), but gives you the same flexibility of use as a normal car or a hybrid, with much more impressive fuel and emissions figures.

Granted, you'll still have to pay for petrol occasionally, but with an average of around 175mpg, it won't be too often. The Ampera is entitled to many other financial benefits, too. You'll pay no road tax or London Congestion Charge, and you'll pay company car tax on just 5% of its value.

There shouldn't be much reason to worry about the reliability of those unfamiliar workings, either. The car comes with Vauxhall's 100,000-mile unlimited-period warranty, while the battery is covered by a separate eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.

You'll still need somewhere convenient to charge it up, and at £28,995 (after the Government's £5000 grant), it doesn't come cheap. However, we think plenty of people will be prepared to cough up if the long-term sums work out. So, if they do for you, you'll enjoy a car that's great to look at, and easy and relaxing to drive.

You'll have to wait a while, though. The UK order book doesn't open until the end of this year, and we won't see the car in dealerships until next April.

Rivals
Nissan Leaf
Toyota Prius Plug-in

What Car? says