My wife has a Buzz. Tomorrow, I have been invited to go shopping with her, because Buzz will reach 10 000 km after 418 days of ownership, which is an average of almost 24 km a day. She might even be treated to a waffle and a cup of coffee in the village. Yes, we are happy with Buzz. Not ecstatic. Yes, the software could be better, and it could come equipped with more (lighted) buttons. Yes, the range could be better, but we have never charged away from home. No, we do not feel a need for a GTX version, 4WD, more power, more torque, more seats or a longer wheelbase. We like the white interior, especially. Because of our advanced age, this is the last vehicle we will own. It is two tone, yellow and white, for sentimental reasons. On our honeymoon we rented a yellow VW Rabbit. Yes, I would have preferred signal yellow to lime yellow.
@@carlishiggins Or maybe he doesn’t care as much about getting the best of the best and he just wanted a vehicle that connected to him and his wifes past and that also works for their situation.
@@carlishiggins I'm thinking of getting one for the sheer fact that the buzz can serve a purpose that most evs do not size, volume and flexibility. It might be expensive but it is not a rip off if it can do what it was designed to do for you.
Haters will always hate, and nothing will change that. But I love the Buzz. The look of it makes me smile. Ok, so not perfect, but is anything?? I would LOVE one!
Part of the brilliance of the buzz is that it's based on a car platform and is as refined as a car, as the stiffness of the car etc was mentioned in the video. Yet it has the passenger van space. The EQV might be more luxurious and better in other ways but a big critique on that is the fact it's still based on a commercial van and you can feel it. I dont like anything else that Volkswagen makes, but I love the Buzz.
Was on vacation with our ID Buzz in Southern France from our Home in Denmark, that’s a 3600 km return trip plus around 1200 more down there, and we had no problems with the range partly due to the fast charging and very flat charging curve. I never sorry about range any more, and it’s the best car I have ever owned. Bought it used for very little, and its inexpensive to use in daily life. I smile every day.
I have had a Buzz for the last year and love it. It is really practical for carrying lots of stuff, and enjoyable to drive especially for longer trips. The range I achieve is 200 winter to 240 miles summer. Whilst not amazing it is certainly fine and I’ve travelled up to the North of Scotland in it no problem.
200 miles in the winter is plenty. My Volvo XC40 doesn't even get close to that and I've done roadtrips of 1000 km/day. As long as it charges fast enough which it does, it's not that big of a problem. And she's definitely right about the 'turning your head' part, I always do that when I see one of these on the road.
I can confirm that. I went from my city 10 miles west from Antwerp to Amsterdam and back without needing a top up. In winter it's a lot less, but heating the car before you depart saves a few kWh. Have it now for almost a year, number of issues: zero, except for small anoyances with the software.
Great to hear a positive review, thanks Nicola.👏 Had my Buzz for a year now and love it. Just wish the 1st Edition had those electric doors, as manually closing the rear door is a pain - it’s heavy and you have to put your hand on a dirty door. Passengers also struggle to close the side door from the inside, especially if it’s the last door to shut. Range hasn’t been an issue as it charges fast, and I need to stop for a wee and a coffee after 3 hours. Efficiency isn’t great averaging about 2.8m pkWh so it’s more of a Waitrose supermarket than Aldi. I would say it feels wide though, so car parks are a worry that you’ll get door dings. The car park exit chicanes can be bad news for your rims and the 21’s do give a harder ride than the smaller wheels. I would go down a size if I had a choice. Performance is plenty enough, and like with most EV’s you are long gone at the lights without trying. Infotainment is fine. Occasionally slow to connect to CarPlay but otherwise it’s still better than any other car I’ve had. A few flaws that I can forgive, I love it!!! 🥰 I still crave for those electric doors though 😢
I love the Buzz but with the facelift that its coming with the GTX version it's clear that the passenger version wasn't actually finished when it went on sale. The new version has proper MPV folding/removable seats, rather than the bench stolen from a T6, air vents for rear passengers and opening rear windows - most of the stuff it should have had from the start. All sound small, but they make a big difference to the usability of it.
This is my first time seeing you do a car report. I love your presentation! you are so down to earth, sound knowledgeable, and easy on the eyes! I will continue to wait for the ID BUZZ in the US!
Had my Buzz Cargo since March 2023, fitted out as a camper van and absolutely love it! Perfect camper and such a brilliant van to use as a daily driver, I love it!
I just got myself a barely used ID Buzz with 6000 miles on it one month ago, two tone fully specced for £45,000 here in Norway. The same car brand new with the same specs would be £58,000. It's an awesome drive, and one of the very few options for EVs that fits three child seats in the back. The problem with the 6-7 seater options on the future ID Buzz and other current models is that that leaves very little space for storage in the back. Two strollers + luggage in a car that also has to fit into a normal garage? Impossible. Also, the range isn't too bad. I get about 200 miles on winter tyres and in Norwegian winter temperatures, but the Norwegian official car assosiaction mixed test route got 235 miles during their summer test. We have an extensive EV fast charging network here, and everyone also have a 6 Kwh charger at home. So basically, for everyday driving you won't need to fast charge, and for longer trips you usually only have to charge once. I've calculated that the cost per mile charging at home vs. filling up my previous car with petrol is between 4-5 times cheaper, which really adds up in the long run!
The cost is insane when you factor in battery lifespan and replacement cost. My 2012 Ford Focus gets 36 mpg (15 kmpl) and I paid $1200 USD for it last year.
@@mountaingirl448 An electric car battery lasts an average of 22 years. Also, your 2012 Ford Focus is a 12 year old car, it can’t be compared. Of course yours is cheaper, like all older cars. But an electric car and usually home charging is about 4-5 times cheaper here per kilometer compared to a regular fossil fueled car.
Most batteries here in the states last only 8-10 yrs. The first Tesla S arrived here in 2012 so thats as far back as we have good data. Maybe our lifespan is less due to increased driving but a new Tesla battery costs approx $20k and a new Hyundai Ioniq5 battery is $60k.
I fell in love with the Buzz the first time I saw it. After having tested it for a couple of days last summer, I'm totally lost. I have been an electric car enthusiast for many years. Currently, I'm into my fifth and sixth EV, an ID3 and an Ioniq 5. The latter one, I'm pretty tired of after three years of ownership with many ups and downs. Now, as the Buzz is getting cheaper, with lots of campaigns going on, I'm honestly starting to consider buying one. I can't get it out of my head anyway. The VW salesman tried to push me towards an ID7, mostly because of the better range. The price is about the same. The ID7 is indeed a nice car. They gave me one over the weekend, two days of playing around, but I just couldn't fall in love with it. It is just a car, anonymous and boring. When I turned it back to the dealership, the first thing I did was walk to the Buzz again. That's the one I want, I said. I don't care so much about range. It's nice to have, but I had cars with way less range and way slower charging speed, and I never felt that I needed more. The only real disadvantage is the limited towing capacity, which all ID cars have in common.
I have a buzz cargo and even with all my plumber kit in the back can do 235 mile on the motorway. Hoping for more as the weather warms up. I think it down to the driver some can get a lot more than others. I don’t drive slow and have it sport mode all the time. The software is better now but still got a long way to go to complete with others .
I love your channel! ❤ i am in the USA and just put $1000 down on a awd in the same color. I had to do it direct though a dealer. No direct reservations in the USA. Can't wait to get in it! I don't have kids and just hubby and I. Caution to the wind and live a little! 😂
A great review. Very informative. I've seen a few ID.Buzzes on the road, and they are visually striking things. Definitely a head-turner. If Volkswagen can improve the range and reduce the price, they could have a winner here.
Don't really get the problems with range. It's about the same as our 58kwh ID3, and we've taken that all over the place including France and Belgium. With two young kids, we never have to wait for the car, it's always ready to go before them, and it has to stop less often than them. Sure, having to stop every 150-200 miles will slow down someone on a business trip or a long commute, but a young family? Not at all. And most of these will be used for family holidays.
Same. We have an ID3 too and the range is about the same (not the efficiency though!) Agree that 200 miles is plenty. That’s at least 3-3.5 hours on the road and you need a comfort break, coffee and food. In the 30 mins it takes to do all that it’s got another 3 hours in. Like you said, I’ve never waited. The journey to my mums 250 miles away, takes the same time as it did in my ICE cars. And costs a fraction if you minimise public charging.
Exactly, I don't know why presenters keep banging on about needing to drive 4hrs or more, my bladder, or a numb bum makes me stop every 2 to 3hrs, so this has perfect range, and a fast charge that will be ready before you have got your coffee in your hand.
I suspect that when the Mk II comes out, the improved battery chemistry will make it a much more attractive proposition for the range anxiety/huge bladder crowd.
We love our Buzz, got a demo model and a very good trade in on old diesel so the deal made good sense. Its so practical, swallows anything, you can camp in it comfortably and the top spec which we have has everything you need on it. The electric sliding doors should really be standard on all models though, especially for families with kids. If you can get a nearly new one now you'd be getting an amazing bargain. Don't worry about the range - we top up for an hour over night cheaply and then on the occasional motorway blasts just plan a stop, I mean who's driving for more than 2 hours without a break anyway. It charges fast too. The 7 seater and GTX models look great, might wait for a nearly new one of those before swapping...
I'm no expert when it comes to vans but AFAIK armrests are unusual when you have a three seat bench. One advantage of a van is that it's wider and you can sit three people in a row more comfortably (or put three child seats there). But there is not enough space for armrests. If you want armrests, you need to order the six seat version and lose the middle seats. In a normal car, you usually get an armrest by converting the middle "half seat," you don't get dedicated armrests (and yes, in some vans, you can fold backrest of the middle seat to act as an armrest or a table). EQV also lacks armrests when you order it with benches. The difference is that the three-seat benches are optional and you have to pay extra to get them (I think it's about €600 per bench). You pay extra and lose armrests. Sunroof is optional as well.
@@jobicekrear seats @6:11 seems to accommodate only 2 child seat with middle seat having no ISOFIX. If true that’s real shame for such a large vehicle.
I've had my Buzz since the start of January on a very good lease deal - in many ways I really like it, on the basic technical side it's very enjoyable and most things work well enough (not to buy at £65k mind you! My lease is £300 a month). But. The build quality is awful - I've got a big rattle behind the dash, the door cards vibrate and rattle like a 20-year-old van (not a VW one - a colleague's T4 feels very solid in comparison) and everything below that dash is pretty commercial grade with sharp edges and low rent materials. It's really spoiled the experience and I know there's no point complaining to a dealer because these things never get fixed.
In a big test of winter conditions of ev's in finland, the Buzz inexplicably took 220m to stop from 60km/h on ice. where every other tested car stopped in under 100m. something not right with the car :/ also, if the range is bad in the UK climate, can't imagine it being very good in proper -15c or -20c temperatures
You got an 'old' one there! I've seen on UA-cam-channel 'sarah'n'tuned' a VW iD-buz with 7-seats! That one has electric sliding windows in both rear doors! And you can move the bin between the front seats in different positions!
I actually really like that you start with the figures before showing the car. Often I can watch car reviews and think ‘this is amazing’ then you find out the price tag / PCP and realise I just window shopped and wasted 15 minutes of my time.
I am looking forward to the next iteration of the SWB version, and the introduction of the GTX and LWB, as I think this will further knock the residuals of the early release version, and be a pretty cost-effective second hand buy. I think the SWB would make a great day-van, whereas the LWB will be rather more sought-after for semi-camper use.
Ahj, I can look for a month at the VW ID Buzz, but it still starts at 1.5 times my year salary, (before tax takes 35% of it.) So, with that €26k, after living, food, cloth etc. I can save around €2500 a year. Whow, just 25 years of savings. . . .guess that wont work.
For those who knew/owned the original VW camper van, you know what this vehicle represents. What it means. I hope only hood things for these vehicles. So iconic.
The ID Buzz is one of the most brilliant and inspiring vehicles. The only problem is that Volkswagen don’t make a camper of this fabulous beast!! It looks a bit like a T1 or T2!!
They have to make it a commercial success first. Campers are very niche, but it will happen. The majority of existing campers conversions are based on vans that have had a commercial life first. In 3 or 4 years time there’ll be plenty of campers
the availability is how a market should mature, as early adopters have their cars etc then the likes of myself, lets say second generation start to look to replace our cars and because of the lag there is a over supply. Prices will fall and then as I have the MG4 the Chinese come in and legacy have a clear choice.
Is it still classed as a light goods vehicle? I remember about 6ish months back a number of owners complaining on forums that they were being stung for toll roads, ferries and the eurotunnel (or what ever it's called now).
I have driven one, and as a ex T25 driver it attracts me, but please, vehicles with two pillars at the front generally have less visibility and the Buzz is one such, it was one of the things I specifically looked out for, as my present car has twin pillars and was described by testers as having good visibility, but in fact has pretty bad blind spots.
Strange how you couldn't get one when they were released and just 18mths later they are on special offer everywhere!! I wonder if they will devalue like the Porsche Taycan?
I'd like one but I think it needs a few modifications such a s a split articulated rear door like the doors on the Tesla model X. 4 wheel drive and a bigger battery. For more than £50k .... ? I'll wait for a second hand one.
I think before VW significantly improved the range of the Buzz(the larger battery is only announced for the long version so far) there will be something like EV9 chassis with MVP type body. The only question is whether it will be under the Kia or Hyundai brand?
@@nicolamaye3489I believe the 3 row is coming to America, not sure if they're going to be available on this side of the Atlantic and would it be worth their while making a right hand drive version for us
Loving it, but we won't get the shorter version here in the US, and I think it should have round headlights like the original, just my opinion. Great review though !!!
We have a yellow-white version, we love it, when you drive at 100km/h , comsumption over 1100km is 22.1 kW/h for 100km at an average speed of 93km/h, the range is as good as my previous Polestar DM LR, and this is so much nicer, it's a car that makes you feel happy. And a perfect car is boring, sorry.
Fabulous vehicle… is that some pre-production model..? Because I noticed that one was still fitted with LHD wipers! a UA-camr testing a vehicle with the “clap hand” style of wipers was saying how inconvenient the passenger getting the priority sweep was as the messy rain stays momentarily in front of the RHD … driver… my Honda of course is RHD and observing in rain I understand what is meant looking at my passenger side…. Ohh n my Honda has switches to open sliding doors on dash and the remote and it’s a 2008 😊
Thanks for the enthusiasm Nicola. If you can only squeeze 190 of range then you should be driving a Tesla or BYD instead. If you need more range then you just need a bit more time…
I think the car looks great and is designed for family and dogs etc. It is just a real shame that it does not have the range, which is why I could not see this car as option for me at the moment.
Statistically and technically speaking, maybe a disaster and a big mistake. But it buzzes around. And moves someone by its looks and heritage. Heck, I also do love certain vehicles that are mistakes also. So everyone stays happy. Buzzing or not.😊
I really like the BUZZ, and kinda wish that VW had brought it to this side of the pond sooner, as I might have opted for one. Now, however, I had heard that VW is thinking that they won't come out with a "camper" version because it would lower the range to intolerable levels. Bummer.
Great review, love the idea of the Buzz, but range in real world is 30 to 40 % off where needs to be. In reality you would be so much better off with a Model Y: lower cost, with better range, charging network & Tesla software. I really tried to want a Buzz 😊.
Great review for this type of car. I've a number of hippy-like friends, and those who even know about nthis can't wait for it to show up here (in the USA.) It sounds like its got the spirit. However, I think it's got too much price. We'll see.
I'd love to replace my current Vito camper van with one of these, but I still think 40k - 50k for a van is too steep 😅 Hoping the value keeps coming down in the used market 🤞🏻
45 grand for a second hand car/van is crazy money in the real world. Ive been looking at the citroen berlingo and i prefer everything except its looks and range is worse, but its still a good family mpv. And you can get them for 20grand on the second hand market. Not 50. Id rather just get an id3 for 20, i know its a lot smaller but its pretty much the same as this mechanically. This thing is like 10-20 grand overpriced.
Your conclusion is spot-on. I looooooove this car, including the colours (i hate those dreaful black or grey interiors!). But it seems to have slightly low ground clearance for off-road escapades. Why does no one ever talk about ground clearance?
This is a very clever and versatile design, but nothing I would want to buy. I like something smaller and more agile where nobody, especially my wife, is going to be tempted to load it up with things like sacks of horse food I really do not want in my car. What was seriously interesting about this piece is the rapid fall in the prices of new and especially used EVs at the moment. If I wanted a Buzz, then c.£400 a month seems a pretty good deal. For most of the time c.200 miles of range is fine. I can fill up little and often most nights on cheap off peak lec, or use our own renewables. I am lucky enough to be able to charge at work free when I can be bothered to go there rather than WFH. For longer range I either plan my journeys or hire another car for the purpose given that most of my mileage is not a huge long tour of our island. Besides I think big batteries are going to look a terrible financial investment before much longer.
@@caerphoto lol not untrue. But the buzz isn't small either, even the SWB is ~80% the length of the Silverado so VW could certainly have offered more than 80kWh. It's a likeable vehicle but just not viable for road tripping in a useful time frame, which is have the purpose of this vehicle.
Stuff a couple of those foldaway mini wind turbines in the boot, might take a while to get a couple of kilowatts on board while you are enjoying the scenery or whatever 😂
The thing is a panda. Everybody loves it.. Its a head turner without doubt but it's an expensive toy given the range and cost... Would I want one.. Yup.. And that girl has got the hots for that car Baddddd
Would loved to have one to throw my surfboards and road bikes into except for that minor little glitch. Having to stop and charge and hope that there are enough chargers that work for a road trip. Not ready for primetime at least for me.
My wife has a Buzz. Tomorrow, I have been invited to go shopping with her, because Buzz will reach 10 000 km after 418 days of ownership, which is an average of almost 24 km a day. She might even be treated to a waffle and a cup of coffee in the village.
Yes, we are happy with Buzz. Not ecstatic. Yes, the software could be better, and it could come equipped with more (lighted) buttons. Yes, the range could be better, but we have never charged away from home. No, we do not feel a need for a GTX version, 4WD, more power, more torque, more seats or a longer wheelbase. We like the white interior, especially. Because of our advanced age, this is the last vehicle we will own. It is two tone, yellow and white, for sentimental reasons. On our honeymoon we rented a yellow VW Rabbit. Yes, I would have preferred signal yellow to lime yellow.
youv been ripped off
😎
@@carlishiggins Or maybe he doesn’t care as much about getting the best of the best and he just wanted a vehicle that connected to him and his wifes past and that also works for their situation.
@@carlishiggins I'm thinking of getting one for the sheer fact that the buzz can serve a purpose that most evs do not size, volume and flexibility. It might be expensive but it is not a rip off if it can do what it was designed to do for you.
Many years of happiness enjoying your car.
Haters will always hate, and nothing will change that. But I love the Buzz. The look of it makes me smile. Ok, so not perfect, but is anything?? I would LOVE one!
Our thoughts exactly!
Buzz is great car. People just want to complain.
I hope you get one soon. They are a happy car
People are complaining because the interior on this “$60,000” vehicle is complete shit with no features.😂
I do enjoy Nicola's reviews - great fun
16 months and 22,000 miles traveling all over the UK and France in our Buzz… we absolutely love it! 😎👍
Part of the brilliance of the buzz is that it's based on a car platform and is as refined as a car, as the stiffness of the car etc was mentioned in the video. Yet it has the passenger van space. The EQV might be more luxurious and better in other ways but a big critique on that is the fact it's still based on a commercial van and you can feel it. I dont like anything else that Volkswagen makes, but I love the Buzz.
Was on vacation with our ID Buzz in Southern France from our Home in Denmark, that’s a 3600 km return trip plus around 1200 more down there, and we had no problems with the range partly due to the fast charging and very flat charging curve. I never sorry about range any more, and it’s the best car I have ever owned. Bought it used for very little, and its inexpensive to use in daily life. I smile every day.
I have had a Buzz for the last year and love it. It is really practical for carrying lots of stuff, and enjoyable to drive especially for longer trips.
The range I achieve is 200 winter to 240 miles summer. Whilst not amazing it is certainly fine and I’ve travelled up to the North of Scotland in it no problem.
Where from though, Glasgow? 😜😄
200 miles in the winter is plenty. My Volvo XC40 doesn't even get close to that and I've done roadtrips of 1000 km/day. As long as it charges fast enough which it does, it's not that big of a problem.
And she's definitely right about the 'turning your head' part, I always do that when I see one of these on the road.
@@BenCG South coast of England 😀
I can confirm that. I went from my city 10 miles west from Antwerp to Amsterdam and back without needing a top up. In winter it's a lot less, but heating the car before you depart saves a few kWh. Have it now for almost a year, number of issues: zero, except for small anoyances with the software.
Great to hear a positive review, thanks Nicola.👏 Had my Buzz for a year now and love it. Just wish the 1st Edition had those electric doors, as manually closing the rear door is a pain - it’s heavy and you have to put your hand on a dirty door. Passengers also struggle to close the side door from the inside, especially if it’s the last door to shut. Range hasn’t been an issue as it charges fast, and I need to stop for a wee and a coffee after 3 hours. Efficiency isn’t great averaging about 2.8m pkWh so it’s more of a Waitrose supermarket than Aldi. I would say it feels wide though, so car parks are a worry that you’ll get door dings. The car park exit chicanes can be bad news for your rims and the 21’s do give a harder ride than the smaller wheels. I would go down a size if I had a choice. Performance is plenty enough, and like with most EV’s you are long gone at the lights without trying. Infotainment is fine. Occasionally slow to connect to CarPlay but otherwise it’s still better than any other car I’ve had.
A few flaws that I can forgive, I love it!!! 🥰 I still crave for those electric doors though 😢
Aerodynamics of a supermarket 😂
And the colour and styling of a Tupperware box ;-))...
Could be worse, could be the breeze block on wheels, that is the Kia EV9.
@@dcvariousvids8082 Go back some 55+ years ago and I had a plastic toy car that were better designed than the EV9 ;-))...
Or a church
I couldn't care less about aerodynamics. I'm not playing at being a race car driver.
It looks brilliant, but £50,000 for a 200 mile range is a bit steep. I’m tempted though because it looks so bloody cool. 😊
and when you compare it to something like toyota sienna its borderline idiotic proposition.
Ours has just arrived, my 6.1 California has gone. They are like night and day, VW finance contribution of 7K! Lovely
I love the Buzz but with the facelift that its coming with the GTX version it's clear that the passenger version wasn't actually finished when it went on sale. The new version has proper MPV folding/removable seats, rather than the bench stolen from a T6, air vents for rear passengers and opening rear windows - most of the stuff it should have had from the start. All sound small, but they make a big difference to the usability of it.
I looked at the GTX, the seats are not removable which is a shame.
This is my first time seeing you do a car report. I love your presentation! you are so down to earth, sound knowledgeable, and easy on the eyes! I will continue to wait for the ID BUZZ in the US!
6:48 - Snorted my tea laughing. 🤣🤣🤣
Had my Buzz Cargo since March 2023, fitted out as a camper van and absolutely love it! Perfect camper and such a brilliant van to use as a daily driver, I love it!
I just got myself a barely used ID Buzz with 6000 miles on it one month ago, two tone fully specced for £45,000 here in Norway. The same car brand new with the same specs would be £58,000. It's an awesome drive, and one of the very few options for EVs that fits three child seats in the back. The problem with the 6-7 seater options on the future ID Buzz and other current models is that that leaves very little space for storage in the back. Two strollers + luggage in a car that also has to fit into a normal garage? Impossible.
Also, the range isn't too bad. I get about 200 miles on winter tyres and in Norwegian winter temperatures, but the Norwegian official car assosiaction mixed test route got 235 miles during their summer test. We have an extensive EV fast charging network here, and everyone also have a 6 Kwh charger at home. So basically, for everyday driving you won't need to fast charge, and for longer trips you usually only have to charge once. I've calculated that the cost per mile charging at home vs. filling up my previous car with petrol is between 4-5 times cheaper, which really adds up in the long run!
The cost is insane when you factor in battery lifespan and replacement cost. My 2012 Ford Focus gets 36 mpg (15 kmpl) and I paid $1200 USD for it last year.
@@mountaingirl448 An electric car battery lasts an average of 22 years. Also, your 2012 Ford Focus is a 12 year old car, it can’t be compared. Of course yours is cheaper, like all older cars. But an electric car and usually home charging is about 4-5 times cheaper here per kilometer compared to a regular fossil fueled car.
Most batteries here in the states last only 8-10 yrs. The first Tesla S arrived here in 2012 so thats as far back as we have good data. Maybe our lifespan is less due to increased driving but a new Tesla battery costs approx $20k and a new Hyundai Ioniq5 battery is $60k.
I fell in love with the Buzz the first time I saw it. After having tested it for a couple of days last summer, I'm totally lost. I have been an electric car enthusiast for many years. Currently, I'm into my fifth and sixth EV, an ID3 and an Ioniq 5. The latter one, I'm pretty tired of after three years of ownership with many ups and downs. Now, as the Buzz is getting cheaper, with lots of campaigns going on, I'm honestly starting to consider buying one. I can't get it out of my head anyway. The VW salesman tried to push me towards an ID7, mostly because of the better range. The price is about the same. The ID7 is indeed a nice car. They gave me one over the weekend, two days of playing around, but I just couldn't fall in love with it. It is just a car, anonymous and boring. When I turned it back to the dealership, the first thing I did was walk to the Buzz again. That's the one I want, I said.
I don't care so much about range. It's nice to have, but I had cars with way less range and way slower charging speed, and I never felt that I needed more. The only real disadvantage is the limited towing capacity, which all ID cars have in common.
I have a buzz cargo and even with all my plumber kit in the back can do 235 mile on the motorway. Hoping for more as the weather warms up. I think it down to the driver some can get a lot more than others. I don’t drive slow and have it sport mode all the time.
The software is better now but still got a long way to go to complete with others .
I love your channel! ❤ i am in the USA and just put $1000 down on a awd in the same color. I had to do it direct though a dealer. No direct reservations in the USA. Can't wait to get in it! I don't have kids and just hubby and I. Caution to the wind and live a little! 😂
Never seen you so excited about a car as much as this !
I dunno, have you seen her review of the Scenic. Like a child in a sweet shop.
A great review. Very informative.
I've seen a few ID.Buzzes on the road, and they are visually striking things. Definitely a head-turner. If Volkswagen can improve the range and reduce the price, they could have a winner here.
I could watch Nicola review a wheelie bin. Such a great presenter 👍🏻
Don't really get the problems with range. It's about the same as our 58kwh ID3, and we've taken that all over the place including France and Belgium. With two young kids, we never have to wait for the car, it's always ready to go before them, and it has to stop less often than them. Sure, having to stop every 150-200 miles will slow down someone on a business trip or a long commute, but a young family? Not at all. And most of these will be used for family holidays.
Same. We have an ID3 too and the range is about the same (not the efficiency though!) Agree that 200 miles is plenty. That’s at least 3-3.5 hours on the road and you need a comfort break, coffee and food. In the 30 mins it takes to do all that it’s got another 3 hours in. Like you said, I’ve never waited. The journey to my mums 250 miles away, takes the same time as it did in my ICE cars. And costs a fraction if you minimise public charging.
Exactly, I don't know why presenters keep banging on about needing to drive 4hrs or more, my bladder, or a numb bum makes me stop every 2 to 3hrs, so this has perfect range, and a fast charge that will be ready before you have got your coffee in your hand.
04:46, that’s the Gesture control feature or when Nicola does it, the Waft.
I suspect that when the Mk II comes out, the improved battery chemistry will make it a much more attractive proposition for the range anxiety/huge bladder crowd.
🤣🤣, nearly peed myself laughing at that. Now I'm on the wrong side of the mid sixties, got to drain the old bladder more often 😂
Thanks for an excellent, entertaining review. I hope VW brings this van to Australia soon. Have a nice day.
We love our Buzz, got a demo model and a very good trade in on old diesel so the deal made good sense. Its so practical, swallows anything, you can camp in it comfortably and the top spec which we have has everything you need on it. The electric sliding doors should really be standard on all models though, especially for families with kids. If you can get a nearly new one now you'd be getting an amazing bargain. Don't worry about the range - we top up for an hour over night cheaply and then on the occasional motorway blasts just plan a stop, I mean who's driving for more than 2 hours without a break anyway. It charges fast too. The 7 seater and GTX models look great, might wait for a nearly new one of those before swapping...
No arm rest in the rear and no sunroof but we're getting excited about a free ice scraper ? On a vehicle that's 60k ?? The world's gone mad.
I'm no expert when it comes to vans but AFAIK armrests are unusual when you have a three seat bench. One advantage of a van is that it's wider and you can sit three people in a row more comfortably (or put three child seats there). But there is not enough space for armrests. If you want armrests, you need to order the six seat version and lose the middle seats. In a normal car, you usually get an armrest by converting the middle "half seat," you don't get dedicated armrests (and yes, in some vans, you can fold backrest of the middle seat to act as an armrest or a table). EQV also lacks armrests when you order it with benches. The difference is that the three-seat benches are optional and you have to pay extra to get them (I think it's about €600 per bench). You pay extra and lose armrests.
Sunroof is optional as well.
@@jobicekrear seats @6:11 seems to accommodate only 2 child seat with middle seat having no ISOFIX. If true that’s real shame for such a large vehicle.
I wouldn't have one but I'm also glad they exist, I do smile every time i see one on the road
I’d definitely have one, and live with the range 😍👍🏻
Picking up my 1st Edition this weekend. Buzzin!
I own one. Brilliant thing
I love her enthusiasm I will be pickup one up soon that's for sure, test drive it first though
I've had my Buzz since the start of January on a very good lease deal - in many ways I really like it, on the basic technical side it's very enjoyable and most things work well enough (not to buy at £65k mind you! My lease is £300 a month). But. The build quality is awful - I've got a big rattle behind the dash, the door cards vibrate and rattle like a 20-year-old van (not a VW one - a colleague's T4 feels very solid in comparison) and everything below that dash is pretty commercial grade with sharp edges and low rent materials. It's really spoiled the experience and I know there's no point complaining to a dealer because these things never get fixed.
Please don't set fire to a car by lighting a BBQ in it. At the right price, this will be the right car for many.
I love her enthusiasm marvellous and I love the ID Buzz it will be mine one day 😊
In a big test of winter conditions of ev's in finland, the Buzz inexplicably took 220m to stop from 60km/h on ice. where every other tested car stopped in under 100m. something not right with the car :/ also, if the range is bad in the UK climate, can't imagine it being very good in proper -15c or -20c temperatures
Wrong tyres?
It’s heavy.
We love ours especially with the lease deal we got 😂
You got an 'old' one there! I've seen on UA-cam-channel 'sarah'n'tuned' a VW iD-buz with 7-seats! That one has electric sliding windows in both rear doors! And you can move the bin between the front seats in different positions!
I actually really like that you start with the figures before showing the car. Often I can watch car reviews and think ‘this is amazing’ then you find out the price tag / PCP and realise I just window shopped and wasted 15 minutes of my time.
Really liking these reviews based on the new/actual prices you can get them for rather than the RRP.
I have one, I love it. Wish I could afford to make it a camper.
I am looking forward to the next iteration of the SWB version, and the introduction of the GTX and LWB, as I think this will further knock the residuals of the early release version, and be a pretty cost-effective second hand buy.
I think the SWB would make a great day-van, whereas the LWB will be rather more sought-after for semi-camper use.
Ahj, I can look for a month at the VW ID Buzz, but it still starts at 1.5 times my year salary, (before tax takes 35% of it.)
So, with that €26k, after living, food, cloth etc. I can save around €2500 a year. Whow, just 25 years of savings. . . .guess that wont work.
For those who knew/owned the original VW camper van, you know what this vehicle represents. What it means. I hope only hood things for these vehicles. So iconic.
I still want one. Unfortunately ULEZ expansion made us bite the bullet and get a ULEZ compliant car when the Buzz wait time was too long.
If it had another 100 miles of range then it would be all but perfect.
The ID Buzz is one of the most brilliant and inspiring vehicles. The only problem is that Volkswagen don’t make a camper of this fabulous beast!! It looks a bit like a T1 or T2!!
They have to make it a commercial success first. Campers are very niche, but it will happen. The majority of existing campers conversions are based on vans that have had a commercial life first.
In 3 or 4 years time there’ll be plenty of campers
the availability is how a market should mature, as early adopters have their cars etc then the likes of myself, lets say second generation start to look to replace our cars and because of the lag there is a over supply. Prices will fall and then as I have the MG4 the Chinese come in and legacy have a clear choice.
Id love to see a camper version come to the market , lovely looking vehicle 😊 and thanks for a refreshing review 😊
Saw the camper van version at everything electric last W/E, £93k but it was beautiful!
I am still missing the small overlap crash test!
The EV 9 it's longer but the buzz is taller
The price is just mental. Like back in the day for a relatively young person these vans were possible. Now not at all.
£50k vans aren’t that unusual. A big standard diesel van of a similar size starts at £30k. Once it’s accessorised then it’ll be 40.
Buying power and wages have not kept up with inflation at all
The Buzz will become interesting to me once they finally release LWB 7 seat version. And add more buttons!
Is it still classed as a light goods vehicle? I remember about 6ish months back a number of owners complaining on forums that they were being stung for toll roads, ferries and the eurotunnel (or what ever it's called now).
I have driven one, and as a ex T25 driver it attracts me, but please, vehicles with two pillars at the front generally have less visibility and the Buzz is one such, it was one of the things I specifically looked out for, as my present car has twin pillars and was described by testers as having good visibility, but in fact has pretty bad blind spots.
Strange how you couldn't get one when they were released and just 18mths later they are on special offer everywhere!! I wonder if they will devalue like the Porsche Taycan?
They'd have to pay you to take them in order to compete with Taycan depreciation.
@@caerphoto Harsh... but true!! 👍
I'd like one but I think it needs a few modifications such a s a split articulated rear door like the doors on the Tesla model X. 4 wheel drive and a bigger battery. For more than £50k .... ? I'll wait for a second hand one.
VW:
Buttons
Buttons!
BUTTONS!
I think before VW significantly improved the range of the Buzz(the larger battery is only announced for the long version so far) there will be something like EV9 chassis with MVP type body. The only question is whether it will be under the Kia or Hyundai brand?
"Look how big the back is in here"! Proceeds to put the only back row of seats down.
Another fun and informative review from our Nicola, playful and beautiful to boot just the highlight of my day. Keep it coming ❤
Wish it had a 3rd row to make up for the Tiguan allspace which I love and can't replace
@@nicolamaye3489I believe the 3 row is coming to America, not sure if they're going to be available on this side of the Atlantic and would it be worth their while making a right hand drive version for us
I wonder when the ID. Buzz Cargo GTX comes
But the passenger windows still do not open.... Why is the LWB already on sale in America?
Loving it, but we won't get the shorter version here in the US, and I think it should have round headlights like the original, just my opinion. Great review though !!!
It’s a brilliant design. I’d love one!
We have a yellow-white version, we love it, when you drive at 100km/h , comsumption over 1100km is 22.1 kW/h for 100km at an average speed of 93km/h, the range is as good as my previous Polestar DM LR, and this is so much nicer, it's a car that makes you feel happy. And a perfect car is boring, sorry.
I think I’m in love with her personality and voice. Never said that about a gal before lol
40k for a used just still too much for most buyers. I think the market has spoken that there are not a lot of buyers now for the 30k+ priced EVs
Thank you.
Nichola sprinkling her love buzz :D
Fabulous vehicle… is that some pre-production model..? Because I noticed that one was still fitted with LHD wipers! a UA-camr testing a vehicle with the “clap hand” style of wipers was saying how inconvenient the passenger getting the priority sweep was as the messy rain stays momentarily in front of the RHD … driver… my Honda of course is RHD and observing in rain I understand what is meant looking at my passenger side….
Ohh n my Honda has switches to open sliding doors on dash and the remote and it’s a 2008 😊
Thanks for the enthusiasm Nicola. If you can only squeeze 190 of range then you should be driving a Tesla or BYD instead. If you need more range then you just need a bit more time…
I think the car looks great and is designed for family and dogs etc. It is just a real shame that it does not have the range, which is why I could not see this car as option for me at the moment.
I'm a van fan... And yeah I want this one
Can't wait for GTX version to hit the road with AWD, and then making overland build from it ❤❤😊😊
A depreciation of £20000 over 3 years is a big commitment, I suspect itll be even more than that as dealers really don't want them back.
Do you know why the rear windows don’t open, which isn’t great when you have people in the back!
Statistically and technically speaking, maybe a disaster and a big mistake. But it buzzes around. And moves someone by its looks and heritage.
Heck, I also do love certain vehicles that are mistakes also. So everyone stays happy. Buzzing or not.😊
I really like the BUZZ, and kinda wish that VW had brought it to this side of the pond sooner, as I might have opted for one. Now, however, I had heard that VW is thinking that they won't come out with a "camper" version because it would lower the range to intolerable levels. Bummer.
thanks for the review
Great review, love the idea of the Buzz, but range in real world is 30 to 40 % off where needs to be. In reality you would be so much better off with a Model Y: lower cost, with better range, charging network & Tesla software. I really tried to want a Buzz 😊.
Great review for this type of car. I've a number of hippy-like friends, and those who even know about nthis can't wait for it to show up here (in the USA.) It sounds like its got the spirit. However, I think it's got too much price. We'll see.
I'd love to replace my current Vito camper van with one of these, but I still think 40k - 50k for a van is too steep 😅 Hoping the value keeps coming down in the used market 🤞🏻
A lot of these 'new ideas' such as the shopping bag hooks and the added shelf above the glove compartment are in my 2014 skoda octavia estate.
I'd be keen on the ID Buzz if it had a 400 mile normal range and 200-300 when towing
For some reason I just want to bring Nicola with me everywhere I go. Blah days would no longer exist with her at your side, haha.
45 grand for a second hand car/van is crazy money in the real world. Ive been looking at the citroen berlingo and i prefer everything except its looks and range is worse, but its still a good family mpv. And you can get them for 20grand on the second hand market. Not 50. Id rather just get an id3 for 20, i know its a lot smaller but its pretty much the same as this mechanically. This thing is like 10-20 grand overpriced.
Does it have a camping mode like a Tesla
Lovely car. How far can it go with the new larger battery that will arrive later this year.
Over 300 I believe
Your conclusion is spot-on. I looooooove this car, including the colours (i hate those dreaful black or grey interiors!). But it seems to have slightly low ground clearance for off-road escapades. Why does no one ever talk about ground clearance?
it's a van, not a SUV. it has a lower ground clearance for easier ingress/egress
Because even people with faux-by-4s generally don't go off-road
This is a very clever and versatile design, but nothing I would want to buy. I like something smaller and more agile where nobody, especially my wife, is going to be tempted to load it up with things like sacks of horse food I really do not want in my car.
What was seriously interesting about this piece is the rapid fall in the prices of new and especially used EVs at the moment. If I wanted a Buzz, then c.£400 a month seems a pretty good deal. For most of the time c.200 miles of range is fine. I can fill up little and often most nights on cheap off peak lec, or use our own renewables. I am lucky enough to be able to charge at work free when I can be bothered to go there rather than WFH. For longer range I either plan my journeys or hire another car for the purpose given that most of my mileage is not a huge long tour of our island. Besides I think big batteries are going to look a terrible financial investment before much longer.
Love your videos! Range is the only issue. Awesome van but in 2024/25 for a family hauler anything below 300 miles is just a bad design.
This would be amazing with around 120kWh battery and 250kW+ charging.
If GM can cram over 200kWh into the hummer then VW could do better with this.
It’ll happen :)
I don't think fitting 200 kWh into a vehicle the size of a nuclear power station was much of a "cram".
@@caerphoto lol not untrue. But the buzz isn't small either, even the SWB is ~80% the length of the Silverado so VW could certainly have offered more than 80kWh.
It's a likeable vehicle but just not viable for road tripping in a useful time frame, which is have the purpose of this vehicle.
With cara like this I would like to see what it looks like to have a couple car seats in the back
It is hard to not like the Buzz but impossible to not like Nicola!
Would make a great mini camper van to take out to those remote areas, if you could actually charge it in those remote areas. Oops
Stuff a couple of those foldaway mini wind turbines in the boot, might take a while to get a couple of kilowatts on board while you are enjoying the scenery or whatever 😂
I love the buzz in every way except one. The back floor is nuts. Find a different place for cables!
The thing is a panda. Everybody loves it.. Its a head turner without doubt but it's an expensive toy given the range and cost... Would I want one.. Yup.. And that girl has got the hots for that car Baddddd
Would loved to have one to throw my surfboards and road bikes into except for that minor little glitch. Having to stop and charge and hope that there are enough chargers that work for a road trip. Not ready for primetime at least for me.