A Look at the Vauxhall Ampera: Is it the Car for You?
- By GSF Car Parts
- 20 Jan 2014
Are you looking for a family car that meets the needs of your 21st century family? If so, you may not have to look any further than the Vauxhall Ampera. This four-cylinder hybrid is what every car enthusiast, environmental activist, and head of household is talking about. Why? Because while every other hybrid you see these days sports a combustion engine that is backed up with the help of an electric motor, the Ampera is the exact opposite.
Its electric motor is at forefront, with the combustion engine under the bonnet as backup. This makes a big difference, especially when it comes to fuel economy.
Should this be your next family car? Let’s take a look at what the Ampera has to offer to find out.
The Vauxhall Ampera: Design
The design of the Vauxhall Ampera is unlike any hybrid you’ve ever seen before. In fact, it’s so different that Vauxhall would actually rather it be called an extended-range EV (electric vehicle.) It’s electric-petrol, meaning that its primary power source is the electric friction motor is sports, which draws energy from a lithium ion battery.
The electric range of the Ampera is 25 to 50 miles, depending on how the car is used and the temperature. After that, the battery must be plugged into a 13A domestic socket so it can be charged for six hours.
The 1.4 litre petrol engine doesn’t take over providing power to the Ampera until the battery dips below 22 percent charge. This allows the battery to maintain a minimum charge and providing the Ampera with up to 310 miles of travel on a 35 litre tank of petrol.
The Ampera Interior
Setting aside thoughts of miles per litre and car parts, let’s take a look at the inside of the Ampera. Here, it’s clear that Vauxhall had “family car” on their mind. However, there’s a bit of compromise that comes with this car’s practicality and energy saving prowess: it’s strictly a four-seater.
Why? The middle back seat is taken out by the t-shaped battery that is located in the transmission tunnel. There’s plenty of room in the back hatch, though for cargo.
Two LCD displays allow the driver to interact with the car. The first is located where the conventional instrument display would be and includes speed, battery range, and a charge indicator. Once the battery’s power depletes, the LCD screen changes to a fuel gauge.
The Performance of Vauxhall Parts
As an electric car, the Ampera does not disappoint when it comes to performance. It’s relaxing and very simple to drive, with no revs, gears, and very little noise coming from the Vauxhall parts beneath the bonnet. It can also reach 60mph from a complete stop in as little as 10 seconds, which isn’t too shabby for any vehicle.
If you’re looking for a family vehicle whose car parts allow it to make a 500 mile trip on one tank of petrol, the Vauxhall Ampera may be for you. This hybrid stands out, and it is a brilliant car for any family, car enthusiast, or any individual interested in doing their part in preserving the environment.