2015-2017 BMW i3
- Price: 28-35 Lacs
- Power: 170 HP
- Torque: 250 Nm
- Range ~ 200km
- Fuel Economy: 0.93 Rupees/Km or 75.6 Km/l-equivalent
- Estimated Yearly Savings: Rs. 110 000
Yes, the i3 is on the expansive side of the equation, but it is still a great value bearing in mind what you get for your money, for 30 Lacs all you get in Pakistan is a TURBO CIVIC! The i3 has unreal performance.
The motor makes 170HP and delivers max torque at 1 RPM; the 0-100km/h sprint takes only 6.5 Seconds (Car and Driver). Actually, it is the best ever BMW to go from 0-50km/h (a figure you’re going to use more often), beating even the M3 and i8 on that one benchmark. It is made of lightweight Carbon-fiber and aluminum which means that although it has a 230kg battery pack, the i3 only weights 1195 kg.
The cabin delights with an open interior with BMW’s legendary iDrive infotainment system and a killer build quality. BMW’s i-Remote app for Android and iOS allow you to see the charge level, range, the location of the car and even set the climate control form your phone. 19-inch alloys, Adaptive Cruise Control with ‘Stop and Go’ function, Lane Departure Prevention, Rear Camera and Parking Sensors and yet self-Parking are standard.
While leather interior and wooden dashboard trims are not obligatory, the i3 takes 3-4 hours to charge on 220V socket, and for the trouble rewards around a 200km range. An extensive warranty which is even valid in Pakistan! Covers approximately every i3 have taken a look at. A range-extender alternative is available which puts a 660cc petrol engine in the rear, to act as a generator which enables much longer trips. 2016, auction grade ‘5’, base model i3 with a range-extender at around 15000km driven can be imported for under 30 lacs. On the disadvantage the i3’s exterior styling is way overdone, is futuristic but very disaffected to some. Out of the factory it only has seating for four, although a clear-cut bench seat mod can fix that issue, if not it’s amazing handling (did I tell you it’s Rear-Wheel Drive?), stunning interior and extraordinary performance, combined with dirt-cheap running costs make it one my favorite cars of all time.
2018 Nissan Leaf
- Price: 25 Lacs (Est.)
- Power: 150 HP
- Torque: 320 Nm
- Range ~ 400km
- Fuel Economy: 1.3 Rupees/Km or 53.8 Km/l-equivalent
- Estimated Yearly Savings: Rs. 80 000
The 2018 Leaf will be a game-changer in the industry with its big range, reasonable price, upright power and buckets of torque with exceptional driving dynamics, performance and handling as anticipated of an EV.
