► Volkswagen ID. 5 long-term test
► We live with VW’s family EV
► Read month 1 here
For 20 years I’ve been left-foot braking in two-pedal cars. Passengers would hate the first week, but smoothness and enhanced safety followed.
The ID. 5, though, isn’t happy. Approaching a roundabout I lift off the accelerator and then left-foot brake. Near the junction, I come off the brakes (left foot) and accelerate (right foot) when a gap presents itself.
This confuses the electronics.
When I need instant zip, the accelerator at most delivers a trickle of juice, and I limp into the path of oncoming vehicles.
The solution? Come off the accelerator, then stab it again. This seems to reset things and fire the VW across the junction. But my whiplashed passengers are unhappy again.
Logbook: VW ID. 5 Pro Performance Tech (month 5)
Price: £55,580 (£58,330 as tested)
Performance: 77kWh battery, e-motor, 201bhp, 8.4sec 0-62mph, 99mph
Efficiency: 3.9 miles per kWh (official) 3.1 (tested), 0g/km CO2
Range: 323 miles (official), 238 (tested)
Energy cost: 12.0p per mile
Miles this month: 1024
Total: 4833