Choosing EV based on handling, performance, styling....

The Tesla Model 3 is eligible for the rebate, even though it is realistically over the $50,000 cost. I don't know when the Mazda MX 30 will actually be available - a lot of cars are in the works, but Canadian availability might be a long time away.....they say it's a 2022 that will be available this fall, but I don't hold my breath on promises like that.

 

I bought my car largely based on your criteria -- with an underlying requirement of over 200 mile range -- and landed on the Kona. It's really fun and agile. Not as fast as the Taycan, but quick enough to pack a punch when you hit the accelerator.

 

I’m with you MiataDan, the Taycan is the sh*t. If money were no object I would have one in my garage. It’s also not too bad for range.

The Kona has Torque for sure but it is not a great handling car. Average at best.

 

I disagree. For a compact SUV the Kona's handling is great. Yeah, a Porsche with a 6-figure price tag handles better. In other news, water is wet.

 

No qualifiers, the Kona simply is not a great handling vehicle. It’s a great car, impressive tech, comfortable but not fun to drive unless you like straight lines. I’ve driven and owned plenty of average cars that handle way better than the Kona.

 

We bought a 2022 Mini Cooper SE a couple weeks ago and freakin love it. Yes the range is low in the 100-120 miles but for our family it’s a 4th car with now 4 drivers in the house (2 teenage drivers). The handling and fun to drive fun levels are legit. It’s a full on Mini Cooper S, but silent and almost zero emissions. Complete win for us.

Drove 45 mins of all backroads today and got just under 5miles/kw while having a blast carving up the twisties.

Yes it’s small but my 16yr old daughter who is 5’2” has no issue sitting in the back seat. Granted I’m just 5’7” so may not fit for everyone out there.

My wife who hated my 2012 GTI, yes she is crazy, and who drives a Ford F-150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost V6, loves the Mini. It’s become her go to ride..although she loves her truck. She probably likes them because the rides are both on the stiffer side.

 

MiataDan, there is another EV that gets praise for its handling. It doesn’t have great range, maybe 150 miles on a good day, a VW E-Golf. Probably have to buy used and be okay with older tech and a compliance car vibe. That said reportedly fun to drive.

 

I second @mikeg0305 recommendation of the Mini Cooper SE. Took delivery of the 2022 a week ago. Same circumstance as him - 4th car at house with 2 teen drivers. But the Mini is mine! Unbelievably fun to drive, and range is not an issue for my use of it. Just plug it in every night and good to go. Corners and accelerates like a beast. $7,500 tax credit helps with depreciation hit.

 

While I love the handling, acceleration, cheaper ‘filllups’ and doing my part to improve the environment....you know what I unexpectedly love?

Free battery topups.




Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

Good idea. Much better than a Leaf , IMHO.
Cheaper than a Mini Cooper SE.
Autotrader.ca has a 2017 with only 18.5K kms for C$23,000

 

You already put in an order for a Mach-E, and now you want to buy the Tesla. You said you were laid off with your job, and now saying that you have credit cards that you have to wait to pay off. And you said you are not looking for a long range car, as you only need it to drive around town.

Are you sure you should be looking at a brand new BEV given your current financial situation and needs? There are much cheaper used BEV options that would better suit your needs, for less than $10K CAD.

I am a private pilot, and nice to dream about getting our own private jet, so we can fly off to Hawaii whenever we want. But the diff with me, is that I know it is just a dream.

 

Enjoy your soon to be new car!

 

https://cleantechnica.com/2021/04/25/city-of-sudbury-purchases-small-fleet-of-teslas-for-earth-day-for-paramedics/

Looks like Sudbury is trying out the Tesla M3s too. You are not alone.