Small cars under power: Volkswagen Group presents three new models

The first impression: If there were not the "electric" lettering on the fenders and at the rear, you would not recognize the Seat Mii as an electric car.

That says the manufacturer: Now it gets serious with the electric mobility, says Seat boss Luca de Meo. He means the battery car offensive that Seat already next year wants to start. The heart of the strategy is the electrical construction kit (MEB) of the VW ID.3, on the basis of which Seat wants to offer its own Stromer from 2020 as well. Herald of this electric seats is the Mii Electric, says de Meo. "It makes electromobility affordable for everyone."

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Also true: The electric variants of Seat Mii, Skoda Citigo and VW Up could ensure small cars in general, the survival in the group. Because with conventional engines, as VW CEO Herbert Diess has repeatedly emphasized, the little runabouts have no future. The emission control systems that will be required in the future to meet the emission standards no longer pay off in this passenger car segment. In electric cars, this is different, in the medium term, it should therefore give a dedicated e-compact car in the group. So far, however, work on this low-cost car has not even begun. The trio will now be on the road for a while.

We noticed that: at first glance - nothing. The Mii electric looks exactly like its burner brother. The technical data are relatively modest - at least compared to other e-cars that are currently in the headlines. The engine develops 61 kW (82 hp) of power, the battery offers 32.3 kWh of storage capacity. Some plug-in hybrid models from Audi or BMW have more electric power. And at 130, the Seat Mii electric is already over.

So sleepy appearance? Not at all. In city traffic, where electromobility makes the most sense, it no longer needs any further increase in output or capacity would just be unnecessary ballast. Yes, on the highway, the Mii struggles when overtaking. But between traffic lights and pedestrian zones, on the ring road and the boulevard, the boy with a maximum torque of 212 Nm is surprisingly lively.

Thanks to the quiet engine, the cabin becomes an oasis of peace. Even the view of the range indicator does not push the pulse in the air: With a standard range of just under 260 kilometers, the electrical energy in city traffic with diligent recuperation actually enough for more than 300 kilometers.

Less is more - this formula undoubtedly applies to the drive. In terms of equipment, the Mii, on the other hand, looks a bit older. Analogue instruments, a pixelated on-board computer and a center console without a touch screen - this does not quite fit in with the times; and the integration of the smartphone with its own app for the battery and its monitoring is more of a stopgap.

You have to know that: No matter whether Seat, Skoda or VW - the technology is identical for all three small electric cars. There is always a 61 kW engine under the bonnet and a 32.3 kWh battery in the underbody, which thanks to the 40 kW technology can recharge up to 80% within one hour. At the normal wallbox, the charging time is about four hours. When fully loaded, the city streamers can travel up to 259 kilometers in the WLPT cycle; in urban traffic, they can reach a maximum of 358 standard kilometers.

There are differences in the price: Seat requires for the Mii electric at least 20,650 euros, as Skoda Citigo iV costs the car from 20,950 euros and VW, he stands as an e-up from 21,975 euros in the list. And while VW continues to sell the up as a combustor, take Skoda and Seat the gasoline engine from the program.

We will not forget that: The three different driving profiles that are activated with the push-button in the center console. They gradually reduce the engine power and switch off power-hungry comfort extras. Anyone who activates them with dwindling range will still be sweating. Although the "Eco Pro" driving profile increases the range by up to 25 kilometers. At the same time, however, the ride gets agonizingly slow - and in the car it gets heated due to the switched-off air conditioning system.

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