Latest news with #drivingrange
News.com.au
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Polestar 3 review: For drivers who appricate simplicity
Polestar customers looking at the brand's latest model face an interesting choice - do you want to go fast, or do you want to go far? The cheapest version of this prestige electric SUV claims truly impressive driving range - some 706 kilometres. You can go faster if you spend more, but the most powerful version must stop 140 kilometres sooner than that. All versions of the Polestar 3 have the same battery, a whopping 111kWh unit with roughly twice the capacity of affordable electric hatchbacks. Lighter and simpler, the entry-level Polestar 3 has just one motor, a 220kW motor mounted in the rear of the car. Capable of producing 220kW and 490Nm, it can propel the car to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds. Want to go faster? Dual-motor versions are available with 360kW/840Nm or 380kW and 910Nm - the latter capable of ripping to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. But it can only drive for 567 kilometres. Price might be a deciding factor. The two-wheel-drive model costs about $128,000 drive-away, while the high performance dual motor version starts from about $155,000 drive-away. That's a lot of coin. The options are dear, too. A 'plus pack' with a premium Bowers and Wilkins stereo is $9000, premium LED headlights are $3000 and an electric tow bar adds $2900 to the deal. Whichever way you go, the result is a polished electric SUV with Scandinavian design elements and Chinese battery know-how. Think luxurious yet sustainable materials, wonderfully comfortable seats and a Google-powered infotainment system. It takes a little more time to learn than simple smartphone mirroring such as Apple CarPlay, but it's worth persisting with as it helps the car stand apart from the crowd. The interior really does make a quiet statement. It's a calming, comfortable space that swerves around the ostentatious trim and nightclub-esque LED lighting of some alternatives. And you could say the same of the driving experience. This isn't a shouty, boisterous car. It's an exercise in restraint, painted with a palette of neutral earth tones rather than primary colours or neon. The standard car's regular suspension does a decent job of keeping you comfortable while maintaining control of considerable mass. Air suspension in the all-wheel-drive version might be a better bet, but then again, it adds weight and complexity that saps range. The simple two-wheel-drive set-up suits the Polestar. It's a car that aims to soother, rather than thrill. Self-assured but not self-aggrandising, it's a pleasantly inoffensive model geared toward folks who appreciate its restrained design and environmental conscience. Perhaps it will be for some folks. But it's hard to see it cutting through in big numbers here, particularly when rival machines like the Porsche Macan bring prestige badges and the promise of greater driving satisfaction for similar money.
Car and Driver
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2025 Tesla Model Y Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs EPA Est. Range 277–335 Miles Seating 5 Seats Powertrain Electric Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 4 Years/50,000 Miles Overview The Tesla Model Y appears enticing because its estimated driving range is the highest among its electric-SUV peers. However, Tesla's shine begins to dull the closer you look, and its attractive price tag loses its appeal as you notice the SUV's cheap-feeling interior and build-quality issues. It's closely related to the Model 3 sedan, which recently received a comprehensive facelift that addressed these issues, and the Model Y is set to get the same upgrades for the 2026 model year. In the meantime, this version of the Model Y is offered in three configurations—Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance—each with varying levels of driving-range estimates and acceleration performance. What's New for 2025? This year, the previously available Standard Range battery pack has been discontinued. Tesla hasn't made any other major changes to the Model Y for 2025, but a significantly revised version launches as a 2026 model. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2025 Tesla Model Y starts at $46,630 and goes up to $53,130 depending on the trim and options. Long Range RWD $46,630 Long Range AWD $49,630 Performance $53,130 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k Buying an electric car is all about driving range, and the Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD models offer up to 337 and 311 miles of range, respectively. We'd go with the Long Range with the single-motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain, which maximizes driving range. There are few ways to customize your Model Y and only a handful of exterior colors to choose from—most of which cost extra. Want to compare the 2025 Tesla Model Y to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars EV Motor, Power, and Performance The Model Y lineup starts with the Long Range RWD trim that comes with a single electric motor making 295 horsepower. The Model Y's Long Range AWD and Performance models are more compelling for enthusiast drivers thanks to dual motors that provide a higher combined horsepower rating and all-wheel drive. While the Model Y offers impressive acceleration, it doesn't deliver the same level of driving satisfaction as the Model 3. The SUV body creates a higher center of gravity, which dulls the sharp edge of the Model 3's handling, and the Y's ride is considerably rougher over road imperfections as well. 0–60-MPH Times Thanks to a generous Car and Driver reader, we were able to test a 384-hp Long Range AWD, which zipped to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, a mere 0.4 second behind our long-term Model 3 sedan. The Performance model delivered an even quicker 3.6-second blast to 60 mph in our testing. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Towing and Payload Capacity The Model Y is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds, but a towing hitch does not come standard on any of the SUV's trims. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The EPA estimates that Long Range RWD models offer driving range estimates as high as 337 miles per charge. The Long Range AWD offers up to 311 miles of range; the Performance model's estimated range drops to 277 miles. In our real-world 75-mph highway range test, the Long Range AWD achieved 220 miles, and the Performance model achieved 230 miles. But the latter comes with 20-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, a higher top speed (155 mph), quicker claimed acceleration, and a dedicated Track mode. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe The EPA estimates that the Long Range RWD model is good for 125 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model's fuel economy estimates are 104 MPGe city and 97 MPGe highway. The Long Range AWD model that we tested over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route recorded just 94 MPGe, while the Performance model delivered a result of 98 MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the Model Y's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Model Y doesn't come with the larger Model X crossover's complicated Falcon Wing doors; its interior is largely free of buttons and relies mostly on a large infotainment display positioned at the center of an uncluttered dashboard. A heavily tinted, all-glass roof lends an airy ambiance to the cabin. The optional third row of seats adds a steep $2500 to the Model Y's price. This cramped two-passenger setup is of limited use as the two seats cannot comfortably fit adult-size passengers. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Accessing almost every function of the Model Y—from the climate controls to the speedometer—requires users to interact with the large, slim infotainment display in the middle of the dashboard. The Model Y offers the same entertainment functions as the Model 3, including embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps, as well as video games, all perfect for killing time while waiting for the battery to charge at the public charging station. Don't worry, Tesla locks drivers out of using these distractions while the vehicle is moving. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Tesla's Autopilot driving-assist system comes standard on the Model Y. Despite its name, Autopilot is not exactly the self-driving feature the company claims. The same goes for the Model Y's optional Full Self-Driving Capability. All Model Ys still require the driver's attention and possible intervention. Still, these systems are useful for reducing fatigue on long highway drives. For more information about the Model Y's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Warranty coverage for the Model Y mirrors that of the Model 3, Model S, and Model X models, which means four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and electric motors. Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range VEHICLE TYPE front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE AS TESTED $57,190 (base price: $54,190) MOTORS 1 permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 1 AC induction, 272 and 212 hp; combined output, 384 hp, 376 lb-ft; 80.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack TRANSMISSION 1-speed direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension (F/R): control arm/multilink Brakes (F/R): 14.0-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, 255/40R-20 101W M+S TO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 113.8 in Length: 187.0 in Width: 75.6 in Height: 63.9 in Passenger volume: 106 ft3 Curb weight: 4386 lb C/D TEST RESULTS Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec 60 mph: 4.4 sec 130 mph: 17.2 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.7 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.0 sec 1/4 mile: 12.7 @ 114 mph Top speed (governor limited): 136 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY 75-mph highway driving: 94 MPGe Highway range: 220 miles EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 121/129/112 MPGe - - 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance VEHICLE TYPE front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE AS TESTED $72,190 (base price: $62,190) POWERTRAIN F: induction AC motor R: permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor Combined Power (C/D est) 470 hp CHASSIS Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink Brakes (F/R): 14.0-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect, F: 255/35R-21 98W TO R: 275/35R-21 103W TO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 113.8 in Length: 187.0 in Width: 75.6 in Height: 63.9 in Passenger volume: 106 ft3 Curb weight: 4439 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 3.6 sec 100 mph: 9.1 sec 1/4 mile: 12.1 sec @ 113 mph 130 mph: 17.8 sec 150 mph: 29.5 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 3.7 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.4 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 1.8 sec Top speed (mfr's claim): 150 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 154 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 324 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY 75-mph highway driving: 98 MPGe Highway range: 230 miles EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 111/116/106 MPGe Range: 291 miles More Features and Specs
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Driving range closes in LaSalle
Hambleton Golf has closed temporarily as work takes place on the property. A driving range has been closed in LaSalle. Randy McQueen, owner of Hambleton Golf in LaSalle said he had no choice but to close as the town moved into complete work on his property. McQueen says he ran into difficulty with a contractor, who is now re-doing some of work. He wishes the town would have afforded him more time. 'Permits are expired and redone and expired and redone all the time. That's all I wanted… all I've ever asked for is let me do my own design, let me finish it because it would be done. But I had a contractor leave me. It's only fair in my eyes, ethical and fair as well,' said McQueen. There was no response from the town at the time of publication.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Drive range closes in LaSalle
A driving range has been closed in LaSalle. Randy McQueen, owner of Hambleton Golf in LaSalle said he had no choice but to close as the town moved into complete work on his property. McQueen says he ran into difficulty with a contractor, who is now re-doing some of work. He wishes the town would have afforded him more time. 'Permits are expired and redone and expired and redone all the time. That's all I wanted… all I've ever asked for is let me do my own design, let me finish it because it would be done. But I had a contractor leave me. It's only fair in my eyes, ethical and fair as well,' said McQueen. There was no response from the town at the time of publication.
CTV News
07-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Lethbridge residents flock outside as warm weather hits
Warm weather is bringing people out of the house across southern Alberta, including Lethbridge, where the driving range was busy Wednesday. (Quinn Keenan)
