The Vauxhall Ampera was European Car of the Year in 2012. GM launched the Volt in America in 2010 and now exports the Volt/Ampera to Europe.

Though the Ampera has a small 1.4-litre petrol-fuelled engine/generator it is still classed as an electric car and benefits from the government’s Plug-In Car Grant, zero VED, zero Congestion Charge and a 50 per cent reduction in company car tax. So the Ampera is not a hybrid as the car is powered by electricity at all times, with a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeding an advanced 150PS electric drive unit, delivering between 25-50 miles of battery-powered electric drive and zero tailpipe emissions.

 According to figures produced on the official European Test Cycle (ECE R101) the Ampera achieves 235.4mpg with a range of up to 360 miles.The Ampera comes with Vauxhall’s Lifetime Warranty and an eight-year, 100,000 mile warranty on the battery. Together with seating for 4 adults with a maximum speed of 100 mph and 0-60 in 8.7 seconds has great specification for an attractive 4 door hatchback.

Vauxhall Ampera

Starting at £29,995 (including the government’s £5,000 ‘plug-in’ car grant), even the entry level Ampera carries an impressive array of standard equipment, such as DAB radio. 7-inch touch screen infotainment centre, cruise control and alloy wheels. The Ampera core body structure ensures outstanding crashworthiness and stiffness. It has achieved a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating.

More details can be found here from Vauxhall including videos.

Vauxhall Ampera Volt Electric car

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