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My weird choice for EV

  • 06-06-2025 01:54PM
    #1
    steamdave
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 152 ✭✭


    I'm looking to change from a diesel BMW SUV to an EV due to downsizing house and car and moving into town.

    The two vehicles I'm considering are a 2022 BMW i3S Unique Forever (or equivalent spec) or a 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Signature. Dates used are for comparative purposes.

    Main considerations are ease of entry/exit for 2 front people (rear seats unlikely to be used, so suicide doors not an issue with the i3). I don't like saloon cars that I need to stoop down to get in/out of. Driving comfort and ergonomics, premium materials (I like the bells and whistles!) Range is NOT an issue as it will only be used for local driving with a total mileage of about 8000kms pa. Reliability will also be a key consideration.
    I am used to and like the BMW ergonomics and am tending towards the BMW, but the fact that it is now discontinued I'm wondering about spare parts in the future. I know about the unusual tyre sizes and the probable difference in insurance costs are not a detriment as total running costs for either will still be cheaper than my present car.

    So what's not to like about the BMW and make the Kona the vehicle for me? I realise that personal preferences have a big bearing on any vehicle choice but I would value others thoughts. I tend to keep my cars for many years and this will probably be the last vehicle that I buy as age races up on me.

    Dave



Comments

  • #2
    soverybored1878
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 163 ✭✭soverybored1878


    I'd be going with the Kona all day long. But that is just me, I like bigger cars as I like the space and practicality. Throw my golf clubs in the boot and off I go sort-of-thing.

    You're right in what you say about spare parts etc. Much more likely to have a problem with a now discontinued car (which was also a limited run in the first place). I also think repair costs would be cheaper with a Kona if the worst was to happen.

    At the end of the day, it's subjective and situation dependent. If all your driving is in town and you like the i3 then go for it as it'll be a much easier and convenient to drive around in a city/town.



  • #3
    Gumbo
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 42,609 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058415178/my-weird-choice-for-ev

    Ive had both. One much longer than the other.
    The only thing that would have me in a Kona over an i3 would be if I needed the 5 seats. The i3 is a cracking little car. Kona has more power on paper , 204 V 180’ish but the i3 handles like it’s on rails.

    The i3 is really a city car with small motorway runs, it’s not a cross country car as it gets threw about a bit with cross winds.

    Post edited by Gumbo on


  • #4
    ELM327
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,197 ✭✭✭✭ELM327


    If you don't like getting into saloons that are low, have you tried actually testing ingress/egress in an i3?



  • #5
    steamdave
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 152 ✭✭steamdave


    I don't envisage needing lots of boot space - just shopping bags and I limit the wife's spending! If I did need to put a suitcase in, then I could drop the rear seats down. The kids have flown the nest so it will only be for the two of us.

    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123520524#Comment_123520524

    No, I haven't, but I have been alongside one in the showroom a few years ago. About the same height as my present car and the wife's mini countryman. Doors about the same size as well.

    Which brings me onto the i3 ride… Reviews say it is harsh, but it can't be any worse than the Mini Countryman (11 reg). I didn't know you could get square wheels until she bought it!

    Dave



  • #6
    zg3409
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,365 ✭✭✭zg3409


    You need to physically sit in and drive each vehicle to access comfort and seating position and visibility etc. Kona with 64kWh battery is far more practical with a range of at least 150km from home charger or 300 km round trip. No need to ever public charge or worry about finding a public charger. The bells and whistles can be basic on Kona and boot very small. Bring a few airport bags to test fit.



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  • #7
    MarkN
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,529 ✭✭✭MarkN


    BMW for me. Ahead of its time type of car. Looks so sharp in black with the splashes of blue. Strong enough money on them however. 4/5 year old ones are still hovering around low 20s!



  • #8
    80sDiesel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,389 ✭✭✭80sDiesel


    Will probably have to go the UK route for a Unique forever edition which will drive the price up. An alternative would be a Mazda MX 30. Woeful range but values are depressed and in the right colour can look unique.

    A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.



  • #9
    Dayor Knight
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 771 ✭✭✭Dayor Knight


    Personally, if I didn't need the longer range I would go for the I3 all day long. A little beauty.



  • #10
    yermanthere
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 140 ✭✭yermanthere


    Another vote for the BMW, if you still like it after a test drive. It has character. Kona is just a tool for getting the job done.



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