Once again, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) held their annual Test Day event at Millbrook Proving Ground, near Bedford. Although a bit of a trek from my Yorkshire base, the day offers the chance to catch up with automotive PRs and industry friends. Above all else, there is the chance to drive a wide variety of cars from most of the leading manufacturers.

I try very hard to drive as many new cars as possible, attending launches all over the country and having test cars come to visit. Inevitably, there are cars which either slip under the radar or I just don’t have time to test. The Millbrook day is therefore a golden opportunity to fill in the gaps.

A growing contingent from the Northern Group of Motoring Writers usually attends too. A quick tally up would suggest that there were ten of us on site, though not all made the scheduled group photograph. They were no doubt deep in conversation or enjoying a spirited drive around the challenging Alpine Hill Route.

In total, I was able to test five interesting vehicles and for the first time all were electric powered – indicative of where the car industry in rapidly heading.

Hyundai Inster

Hyundai Inster

I was unable to attend the UK launch of Hyundai’s new compact EV, so this was top of my list to sample. Priced from £23,505, and with an on-paper range of up to 229 miles, the design is bold an eye catching.
Although its natural environment is likely to be the city, it performed well on Millbrook’s high speed test route, feeling much brisker than its 0-62mph sprint time of 10.6 seconds would suggest.

Compact dimensions hide a spacious interior, the sliding rear seats allowing flexibility between rear seat legroom and boot space. With the seats pushed back, I was able to stretch out comfortably behind the driver’s seat, set for my long legs, not something I can readily do in cars from a class or two above. A full road test will come just as soon as I can book one in with the PR team.

Volvo EX90

Volvo EX90

I missed out on an early drive of Volvo’s premium seven-seat EV last year, so I was looking forward to getting behind the wheel for a brief drive. Prices start at £99,960, but already there are some attractive finance deals on the company’s website, including a 0% deal. All cars come with a free Ohme home charger too.

The EX90 is a powerful car, being able to sprint from 0-62mph in just under five seconds. Not recommended with passengers on board, but my brief solo drive allowed me to properly test the company’s claims. Sitting in the lap of luxury, I blasted round the Alpine Route in double quick time. And of course, being an EV, it was completely silent and somewhat surreal.

A quick look around the interior reveals plenty of room for seven to spread out, though of course in that configuration boot space is modest. And as per the Inster, I hope a test car will be winging its way to Yorkshire any time soon.

Farizon van

Farizon Van

It’s not just cars that make their debut at Millbrook, there are always a smattering of vans, the most intriguing being from new company called Farizon. Their vans are all electric and boy, are they eye-catching. Think what one of them could do for your business.

So, zero emissions, ideal for our city centres, and a promised real-world range of up to 247 miles. Charging from 20 to 80% should be possible in just 36 minutes, though many operators will most likely charge at base overnight on cheap electricity.

Said to offer all the comfort and handling characteristics of an electric car, my brief drive would seem to confirm the facts. All models feature a high specification, with such luxuries as heated seats and steering wheel as standard.

With the battery pack built-in under the floor, the loading height is low and with wide opening rear doors, making the most of the available space should be a doddle. Being used to clattery diesel-powered vans, the peace and quiet on my drive was a revelation. And for a busy driver, on the road all day, the calm of the cabin will doubtless be a boon. Prices start at £45,000.

Leapmotor T03

Leapmotor T03

I was due to have a T03 on test last month, but sadly it was damaged and sent for repair. So, once again, the day at Millbrook offered the chance to finally sample the budget EV, available to buy from just £15,995. Cars like this are doubtless what many private buyers have been waiting for, but is it good enough?

It’s well equipped, with panoramic roof, a central touchscreen and alloy wheels, but don’t expect the highest quality materials inside. Robust and durable is more the order of the day.

Leapmotor’s entry into the UK market is facilitated by its partnership with automotive giant Stellantis. It gives them access to their extensive dealer network and after-sales support which should help to build confidence in the new brand.

It’s a thoroughly likeable car, ideal as a second car for local running about. The range is said to be up to 165 miles and a 30 to 80% charge should be possible in in just 36 minutes. Use a home charger on a bespoke tariff, and running costs should be minimal. There are 0% finance PCP deals available, with monthly payments from £199 per month. Persuaded to go electric yet?

Polestar 3

Polestar 3

Regular readers will have no doubt seen my recent road test of the Polestar 4, but the ‘3’ I had yet to drive. This electric SUV is brimming with Scandinavian design flair and advanced technology.

Prices start at £69,910 for the long-range single motor rear-drive model with power to all wheels available for and extra £6,000. It’s super quick, with a 0-60 sprint time of just 4.5 seconds if you specify the Performance Pack.

It whizzed me round the test route in the lap of luxury, with a ride more comfortable than the Polestar 4. You won’t get any complaints from your passengers. And yes, I hope to conduct a full review of this model in the coming months so watch this space.

The four-hour drive home was a chance to reflect on the day. I know many are sceptical about the transition to fully electric motoring but seeing the diverse models I had been lucky enough to drive, we can be reassured. There are now EVs to suit all pockets and needs. Public fast charging is generally too expensive, but if you can fit a home charger, running costs should be very low.

Maybe it is now time to embrace the future?