JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We try out the luxury GV70 electric Genesis SUV and discover Skoda holidays survey results
In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John tries out the luxury GV70 electric SUV from Genesis and discovers how a Skoda survey found that lots of UK motorists are planning to take holidays at home this year, with Scotland a top destination.
The world's top golfers had the opportunity to win a luxury Genesis GV70 at the recent Scottish Open by grabbing a hole In one at a par 3 but the talented field did not manage it.
Just days later (without having to strike a ball) I got the chance to sample the all-electric GV70 SUV which was first launched in the UK back in late 2022 and, other than a price increase, it remains the same premium, stylish vehicle competing for a share of a crowded market.
It is only available in Sport trim and starts at£65,105 before adding any options.
It features a pair of electric motors delivering up to 483bhp in 'Boost' mode and a stonking 700Nm of torque. That combination is enough to tackle 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds.
With a claimed combined range of 283 miles - or 367 around town - it remains practical as well as luxurious.
The exterior shares the same handsome looks as its petrol-powered sibling apart from a re-designed front grille which cleverly hides the charging port.
The cabin is superbly crafted and put together with excellent materials and the quality is excellent with room for five adults to travel in comfort.
Like its siblings this model features a14.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen which can also be operated by a rotary controller dial, an eight-inch digital dash, powered leather seats, and ambient mood lighting.
All controls and switches are well placed and so you can control the heating and ventilation without fuss.
Heating is available for both seating rows and soft materials cover every surface, from the inside of the door handles to leather effect trim for the dashboard.
On the practical side the boot, which comes as standard with a powered tailgate, offers a generous 503-litres of capacity which increases to 1678 when the 60:40 split-fold rear seats are down.
There's also a useful 25-litre trunk at the front of the car which is handy for storing the charging cables.
The GV70 can be sporty when you want it to be but it is really designed for luxury and comfort to spoil its passengers.
Front facing cameras scan for obstacles like speed bumps and potholes and the adaptive dampers and suspension adjust to keep things smooth.
Noise-cancelling technology keeps the cabin quiet even at motorway speeds and the GV70 is also handy on country roads.
Three drive modes - Eco, Comfort and Sport - let you change your driving style to suit your mood and there is also e-Terrain technology to provide extra grip in mud, sand and snow.
You can also save energy with the car's clever regenerative system which can be adjusted from wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.
A rapid charger will take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around 18 minutes.
As you would expect the GV70 comes with all the latest active and passive safety systems including a front centre airbag, smart cruise control, emergency braking and Evasive Steering Assist - which will actively help turn the car away from a potential collision.
Like all Genesis models the GV70 comes with a five-year care plan including warranty, roadside assistance and servicing.
FAST FACTS:
Price: £65.105.
Mechanical: 242bhp, electric engine driving all-four wheels via an automatic transmission.
Max speed: 146mph.
0-62mph: 4.2 seconds.
Range: 283 miles.
Insurance group: 50.
CO2 emissions: 0g/km.
Bik rating: Two per cent.
Warranty: Five years/unlimited mileage.
Overall rating (out of 5): 4.6.
In other motoring news, a survey by Skoda UK finds 83 per cent of UK motorists are keen to holiday and explore on home turf this year, with Scotland a top destination.
Brits are taking holiday plans into their own hands, with 61 per cent considering going on a road trip this year because it means they can be spontaneous and stop where they choose.
More than half (52 per cent) want to unleash their adventurous side and visit places they've never been before, while visiting friends and family en-route is another popular reason for taking to the road.
For the journey, UK motorists say nice weather is the most important contributing factor to a good road trip, while scenic routes and the company in the car are all important as well.
Cost is a key factor in the decision to jump behind the wheel, with 33 per cent saying driving is more affordable than going by plane, train or boat.
More than half are happy to travel more than 300 miles for a road trip, while almost one in 10 say they'd be willing to cover 1001 miles or more.
Here are the top five places to head on a road trip, according to British drivers:
The Scottish Highlands (42 per cent).
The Lake District, Cumbria (40 per cent).
Yorkshire Dales (36 per cent).
Isle of Skye, Scotland (35 per cent).
St. Ives, Cornwall (35 per cent).
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