VOLKSWAGEN ID4 GTX

Colder mornings are having an effect on the range-but not the cabin comfort.

WHY WE'RE RUNNING IT

To see if the hot version of Volkswagen's electric SUV lives up to its GT ambitions

Looks like that time of year has crept up on us. One evening this week, I got into the ID 4 for a quick drive home from the gym only to notice that the car’s in-built thermostat read a positively glacial 4deg C. That can mean only one thing: its range is about to plummet. Atleast that’s the expectation.

A big winter range test conducted by our neighbours at What Car? earlier this year fully charged 10 cars and then drove them in cold conditions at speeds of 50mph and 70mph. The conclusion: drivers should expect around 15-20% fewer miles from an EV in the winter.

The ID 4 wasn’t included in these tests but its Volkswagen Group sibling, the Audi Q4 E-tron 50 Sportback, was. It completed 201 miles and was the test’s least efficient

LOVE IT

HOME CHARGING

 I'm very grateful I’m lucky enough to be able to charge at home. Topping up every day elsewhere would be a major disadvantage.

LOATHE IT

STEERING WHEEL TOUCHPADS

 Frustrating to use and not at all responsive. Bring back proper buttons, Volkswagen.