Vauxhall Ampera Positiv 5dr Car Review - April 2012

The Ampera is generally a very good car to drive with steering that is accurate but doesn’t offer much feedback. There is also some body lean experienced while cornering. The ride picks up the vast majority of bumps and holes in the road, and the ample grip available while cornering never leaves the car feeling as though it is getting out of control. The driving position is fine with plenty of adjustment for steering wheel and driving seat, but the rear visibility is a big issue with the car only having a small rear window.

The performance delivered by the Ampera’s engine isn’t bad at all, with acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in a brisk 8.7 seconds. Although the top speed of 100mph doesn’t match what most cars have to offer, it is still more than the majority of drivers will get to use on British roads. The cabin is wonderfully refined with minimal wind and road noise, and the switch from electric motor to petrol engine can barely be heard.

One thing about the Vauxhall Ampera is that it isn’t a car for shrinking violets, as the bold looks certainly stand out in the crowd, with a half circle headlight cluster on each side of the grille. The lines are sleek and smooth while the back end has two large vents and a high boot lid which does mean the rear window is at an unusual angle. Inside the cabin all of the trim and the equipment looks nice, but the plastics are a bit hard and won’t be to everyone’s taste.

This version of the Ampera comes with a higher level of equipment than the entry level model, with features such as parking sensors and a reversing camera coming in very useful because of the low rear visibility. Heated leather seats are a real luxury, and the alloy wheels are also a welcome feature, while cruise control and climate control make it a civilized companion on longer trips.

The Ampera is a car that can accommodate four adults in comfort, but with a centre console that runs down the centre of the car, there is no option for a fifth occupant. The boot isn’t particularly spacious, but will be enough for most uses. Vauxhall’s reliability record has improved over recent years and the Ampera will no doubt be a very reliable car, and is covered by the standard warranty and comes with an additional eight year warranty for the battery.

The Ampera is also a very safe car offering six airbags to help look after passengers in the front and rear of the car, and also has driving aids such as stability control that are vital in keeping the driver in control of the vehicle.

Although the Vauxhall Ampera offers some wonderful features, it is likely that many people will be put off by the huge purchase price of the car, which is listed at £37,250. The entry level model is a little cheaper and may be the car of choice for most buyers.

Running costs for the Ampera are very low, with the combination electric and petrol engine offering fuel efficiency of 175.0mpg. Low tax liabilities are also quite an attractive feature, but the uncertainty about the resale values will also make some people nervous about buying the car. It is delivered with a lifetime or hundred thousand mile warranty, and is also supplied with roadside breakdown assistance. For high mileage drivers, the model represents outstanding value for money.