When VW introduced their funky-looking electric ID. Buzz two years ago, it was an immediate hit with journalists and motorists in general and was named Continental Irish Car and Van of the Year. But sales were slow and we didn’t see many of the yellow-coloured cars on our roads.
However, supplies have now improved and VW also has now a much more discreet white version available for testing.
Graeme Lennox, Head of Group Communications for VW in Ireland, explained that there were ‘availability problems’ with the Buzz last year and added that VW now has attractive finance deals which means we should soon see more of this attractive motor on our roads.
Externally, the car, with some lovely retro styling looks, is different to any other car you are likely to see on Irish roads. It’s almost five metres long and 1.9 metres high. And those 21” Bromberg alloys would do a sports car proud.
One of the many talking about the ID. Buzz are the two sliding doors which makes it look like a seven seater, but currently there is only a version with five seats available. We are told that there is a seven-seater coming soon which should have a range of approximately 500km.
The interior décor is very bright thanks to the wrap-around windscreen and big side windows. Coupled with the high driving position, you will feel like a king of the road. The seats are also very bright which adds to the overall bright feel to the car.
It’s a really smooth car to drive and travel in. At first it might look difficult to handle but it’s really easy to manoeuvre with a turning circle of just 12.5 metres. Do allow plenty of room when cornering as it’s longer than most saloon cars.
The boot has what I could best describe as a dias or mini platform where you can place various items; the official space in the boot is over 1,000 litres. I reckon it might be too posh for a small builder, but that platform area could hold a lot of cement bags or other building materials.
No spare wheel and I did check underneath the car to see if there was one tucked away there, but no luck.
The name ‘Buzz’ was derived from the word ‘bus’ acknowledging its van origins and it’s definitely not from the Dublin saying ‘deadly buzz.’
Officially the range is over 400km, but I think that’s a bit optimistic. When I picked the car up in Sandyford it had 275km range and that was with a 95% charge. Plenty of power with 240 horse power, but really it just glides along.
However, with electric press cars, the range in the first few days always depends on what way the previous driver drove the car. I found that it was frugal in an urban setting and didn’t have occasion to use the motorway very much last week.
It has been described as the most head-turning car that VW has ever built and it’s hard to disagree with that comment.
Prices start at €66,704 and road tax is €120. A slightly cheaper Commercial version is also available.
The yellow version really grabs the attention of passers-by, but now I notice that in addition to the Candy White version that I drove, a few more discreet colours are also available. That should attract customers who might want to keep a low profile, but really in the ID. Buzz it’s difficult to keep a low profile.
