Car Tech: Will the G-Wiz electric car kill you?

AnonymousWed 28 November, 2007 11:46pm

Rory that,s pretty cool. I'm sure we could use a few of those G-Wiz electric cars here in the USA for short commutes especially in crowded city streets like NY CITY.

AnonymousThu 29 November, 2007 7:24pm

Ha! Ha! Ha! dude are you serious? New York traffic would turn that joke of a car into road kill. Ha! Ha! Ha!. Good Job Rory. Ha! Ha! ha!

AnonymousThu 29 November, 2007 7:27pm

Only the Brits would endorse a joke like that. One step above the rickshaw in my opinion?

AnonymousThu 29 November, 2007 7:30pm

Hey Rory thanks mate, I know what to get the mother-in-law for christmas. wink, wink

AnonymousThu 29 November, 2007 7:35pm

okay I can see the attraction for emotionally repressed men. But where is the value for women. Where do you put the shopping or the kids?

AnonymousFri 30 November, 2007 1:26pm

owch, the non-british are taking this pretty badly... i think it's cool. Nice one Rory. And to respond to the above poster, put the shopping in tesco online, and the kids in boarding school. problem solved.

AnonymousFri 30 November, 2007 2:09pm

So Rory and all of you at Cnet? is this how you treat the special relationship that the British share with Americans? by disrespecting our car industry? We are at the forefront of fighting global warming. Just ask Al Gore who just won a nobel peace prize. Our ford escape hybrid is the best of the best of all hybrids. What will it take for you to admit that fact?

AnonymousFri 30 November, 2007 5:08pm

This is to the Brits. Have you considered that by driving this "Oh my Gosh is that really a car" you might stop global warming but you wont be around to celebrate as you will all be dead. SUV's rules, drive American

AnonymousFri 30 November, 2007 5:24pm

Rory and Cnet staff, you guys have taken the Great out of Great Britain. GLOBAL WARMING is not killing people. Cars like the "G-Wiz I am not gonna make it" will cause more accidents. Its hard to believe that Britain was once a world power. Churchill must be turning over in his grave. Endorsing foreign cars, disrespecting Americans cars, not even giving us a worthy mention, you Brits sold us out. SHAME ON YOU.

AnonymousFri 30 November, 2007 5:50pm

You Brits are so cheap. Just to save a buck or two, you are willing to drive that "dead man driving mobile" Get some guts and endorse a real car. To you Brits that would be antything American

AnonymousFri 30 November, 2007 10:26pm

Erm.. can we stick to the actual issue at hand? No need to start WWIII.

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 12:41am

This is the issue dude. You are dissing us. You want to review cars, you should look to the Americans first. We gave the world the greatest cars, we gave the world the safest SUV, okay so they have a tendency to roll over, but you have not driven until you experience the Ford's F250, and the F150, and the hybrid escape. dude We taught the world how to make good, safe and reliable means of transport. Do you give us kudos? no you snub us and you expect us to take it lying down?
Our reputation is at stake and Cnet on this issue we will not be silenced.

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 1:18am

Big Mac I agree with you. To hightligh one important fact that Rory has not adressed. What happens to the G-Wiz if you try to take it on the highway. the bottle-neck effect.(for the Brits that means people taking their eyes off the road and turning around to gape at at accidents etc.) could cause a pile up. Can you imagine this oddity on any US highway?

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 1:36am

In the interest of journalistic integrity, I think that Rory should explain his continued snubbing of Great American cars and why is Cnet condoning this biased reporting. We invented the wheels that made it possible for the world's motor industry to be where it is today.

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 2:25am

The G-Wiz is a city car. It's not designed for motorway use. The maximum range is 40+ miles so you'd be a bit silly to even try. And I'm actually a very big fan of some American cars. My favourite car in the world is the Chevrolet Corvette. I love Vipers, Ford GTs, and most muscle cars. SUVs are cool, but they're not always practical here in the UK. I'll give US cars their due respect. I just happen to think European cars (Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins) are a little better. OK, a lot better.

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 3:04am

Dude are serious? the top speed for this car is 40mph, cant go on the highway, no room for shopiing or the kids could blow up at any time? can you even fit a significant other in the passenger seat? I am giving up comfort, speed and style for what? I CHOOSE LIFE

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 12:11pm

HINT: This car is not designed for Americans and your big-ass country. This is a UK website in case you hadn't spotted it's called CNET".co.uk" DOT UK. United kingdom. They do things different over here. In Holland they ride bicycles, in india they have rickshaws, in the UK it's possible to drive stuff like the G-Wiz. God you people are ignorant. Ignorant to the point of being retarded.

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 8:33pm

Rory, out of interest how much does it cost to insure one and it is only being marketed in the UK? are they available on the continent as well?

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 8:38pm

Rory, excellent review. making the yanks that p***** off must be so rewarding

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 8:49pm

No we are not TARDS we are exercising our right to free speech and expressing concern that our cars are not getting the recognition they deserve.

AnonymousSat 1 December, 2007 8:56pm

is anyone not concerned about possible electrocution if the G-Wiz get caught in the rain?

AnonymousTue 4 December, 2007 2:12pm

Calm down ladies, maybe if you open your mind to the possibility that this car is an alternative and in no way meant as a family car/sports car. It is for city living and doing the quick trip to the shops that doesnt need a 4x4 or a muscle car. As for the precious Americans getting on their high horses, jesus christ relax.

AnonymousTue 4 December, 2007 5:08pm

Are you Brits uncomfortable with the concept of free speech? Of course we are not retards, we are P****off at the fact that you Brits are not giving American cars CRED.

AnonymousTue 4 December, 2007 5:31pm

Whoa! Whoa! Back up Homie!! First of all we are not all ladies, some of us are DUDES!!
And we do have a legitimate BEEF. Why not American Cars. Answer That. This is the second car review and we should have been the first. That's all I'm saying.

AnonymousTue 4 December, 2007 5:56pm

Cnet and Rory this is irresponsible journalism. You are doing your readers/viewers a disservice. They should be given the opportunity to see a review of a Class American car. They can then make a legitimate, informed, independent decision about the best hybrids available. (that would be American hybrids)

AnonymousTue 4 December, 2007 7:17pm

This is like the most biased and like the most inept review of cars I have ever seen. It is like totally outrageous, how you dudes, like just disrespect American cars. We should like be top of the list dude.

AnonymousTue 4 December, 2007 10:56pm

First off, I'm quite sure all those comments whining about disrespect to American cars were prompted by some commentator in the US that caught wind of this review, urging his red-neck readers or listeners to complain. Idiots. Second, don't think all Americans are such effing jerks. Those complainers probably couldn't ride a bike a mile, let alone fit behind the wheel of a Reva. Personally I'd like to use a battery-electric commuter car when the weather or scheduling conflicts make my bicycle not the right choice to get to work. I'd be delighted to drive a Reva to work, as long as its not limited to 25 mph like the other affordable battery-electric vehicles available in the US today. But 40mph would be fine, and 50 would be great. So to my fellow countrymen in the US that would complain about this category of product - shut up and go back to reading that stack of "Muscle Car Review" magazines you keep under your bed, and stop whining about things you can't understand.

AnonymousWed 5 December, 2007 2:39pm

Irresponsible journalism? Just because the first car I reviewed wasn't American? Don't be silly. This is a UK website. Yes, we will test American cars, but just because we haven't done one YET doesn't mean you should take it personally. While we're on the subject of giving Americans their props for their remarkable efforts in auto engineering, may i point out that a FRENCH inventor is believed to have built the first self-propelled mechanical vehicle. A SWISS inventor designed the first internal combustion engine, and Karl Benz a GERMAN, is generally acknowledged as the inventor of the modern car. I don't see any French, Swiss or German readers complaining i haven't reviewed their cars (YET). Seriously, get a grip; get a girlfriend; get a life.

AnonymousWed 5 December, 2007 5:23pm

Slapjoker, enough a'ready, stop sucking up to the Brits. They did us wrong. American cars are great, not only have CNet snub our cars, but we lost ground to something call G-Wiz for Gosh sake. Thats like adding insult to injury.

AnonymousWed 5 December, 2007 5:30pm

Rory you are missing the point. The first car that you reviewed should have been an American car. As for the Swiss, I thought they did cheese. Anyway all that is trivial. Please focus on what is significant. Right now that is American Cars.

AnonymousMon 10 December, 2007 11:33am

anonymous american is the same person posting over and over.

AnonymousTue 11 December, 2007 9:25pm

Good God! Have you seen what all the American's are putting?! They talk absolute rubbish. Global warming is very real, american cars are damaging the environment, and who cares if we (the Brits) don't like your cars? They're crap anyway, designed to last a few years. Disposable cars in a disposable society. America needs to wake up, and look at the damage its car industry is causing. I saw a poster of an American ford bostin 28mpg in town. Thats low, considering we can get about 40 from a diesel in Britain and 35 from a petrol. Build nuclear power plants, stop trying to steal Iraq's oil.

AnonymousWed 12 December, 2007 4:38pm

Are you Brits for real? Give me a break. You guys are absolutely unbelievable. Please, show some B***s. Rory should admit that it was a miscalculation on his part not reviewing an American car first of all. Then CNet should issue an apology for the oversight. Then you Brits should consider who benefits more from our two country's special relationship.

AnonymousWed 12 December, 2007 7:29pm

First off, I'm quite sure all those comments whining about disrespect to American cars were prompted by some commentator in the US that caught wind of this review, urging his red-neck readers or listeners to complain. Idiots. Second, don't think all Americans are such effing jerks. Those complainers probably couldn't ride a bike a mile, let alone fit behind the wheel of a Reva. Personally I'd like to use a battery-electric commuter car when the weather or scheduling conflicts make my bicycle not the right choice to get to work. I'd be delighted to drive a Reva to work, as long as its not limited to 25 mph like the other affordable battery-electric vehicles available in the US today. But 40mph would be fine, and 50 would be great. So to my fellow countrymen in the US that would complain about this category of product - shut up and go back to reading that stack of "Muscle Car Review" magazines you keep under your bed, and stop whining about things you can't understand.

Nick HideThu 13 December, 2007 3:08pm

Okay, this is just getting odd.

jzraikesSat 15 December, 2007 11:17pm

Am I missing something?
Why should Rory have reviewed an American car?
Also: Jeremy Clarkson eat your heart out.

AnonymousMon 17 December, 2007 2:24pm

jzraikes lay off the tea. You have been indulging a little too much. Rory should have reviewed an Americam car for one simple reason. AMERICAN IS THE LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD. and you wonder why you lost an empire!!

AnonymousSat 29 December, 2007 9:24pm

Hey big Mac has some brit upset you? im british wouldnt touch that car with a s*** stick nor would anybody i know.. have you seen the price of fuel over here £1 a litre.. takes £70 to fill my 3 series bm $35 to you.. in uk we have things called corners ( bends ) American cars cant go round them. you do make some great cars though not compatable for uk roads. design a car that can go round corners, 1-2 ltr engine you will make a fortune. and keep trash like these foreign muck cars out.

AnonymousFri 11 January, 2008 5:39pm

Wow. I for one would like to say that I don't give a flying rats a$$ whether you spend your time reviewing american cars or not. Kudos to being able to buy a car that pays for itself (!!!!) in one year! Seriously. Would I drive one? Well... it would be nice for he days when I'm not also carrying a bike or two, or a snowboard, or more than one passenger. So not all that often, but it sure would save a mountain of money on commuting.

Re this strange hostile misplaced nationalistic garbage... lighten up everyone, would you? Its a car review, not a reason to air your misplaced "we're better than you" jihad. And that's speaking as an american. (Who's less and less proud of more and more of my outspoken countrymen every day.) Get some respect and remember we're all human beings, y'all.

Have a nice day!

the-big-pictureWed 16 January, 2008 7:04am

On behalf of most Americans who have more than a few brain cells and aren't drunk, high, or just plain STUPID, I'd like to apologize for the inferiority complex exuding from the ignorant rabble above.

I'd like to think most of us Americans are proud enough to admit our deficiencies. And it's woefully obvious the American auto industry is scrambling to engineer vehicles that are relevant in a time when crude oil is a $100 (£50) per barrel. We have a LOT of work to do to make our cars relevant when the rest of the world has been designing energy-efficient vehicles for years.

Our country has enjoyed several decades of artificially low gasoline (petrol) prices. We are now going through a collective awakening, from a hibernation of sorts, accompanied with a stark and realization that we're currently about 40-50 years behind in our transportation technology, both public and private. We've allowed our government to be consumed by special interest, particularly the oil industry.

Our vast oil supplies subsidizes our gasoline (petrol) costs enormously, lessening the necessity or motivation to produce fuel-efficient vehicles. In the USA as of Jan 16, 2008, gasoline (petrol) averages only $3.04 per gallon (£0.41 per liter) according to gasbuddy.com.

Thankfully this is changing. But in the meantime I would live to see the UK rise to show the USA an example of transportation progress. Your tube is London is benchmark for the rest of the world to follow, and certainly the UK countries' purchase of non-USA makes puts pressure on our automakers to start producing what consumers around the world want to purchase and drive.

AnonymousThu 17 January, 2008 6:11pm

To the americans preaching for gas guzzlers and free speech: stop poisong the planet, bastards. And as for yor free speech, it's only legit in america. This is a UK website, so STFU

AnonymousFri 8 February, 2008 3:24pm

Hey, this is a well balanced argument! Well done! I like the way you think and speak. Can I vote for you in the next Presidential elections ;o)

well done! There is hope yet for the worlds largest consumer and polluter!

Here's to a bright green direction with your New Leadership!

AnonymousFri 8 February, 2008 3:29pm

That 'Well Balanced Argument; post was meant for the-big-picture... Should have said sorry...

AnonymousThu 17 April, 2008 9:45pm

I think America needs to wise up and get used to cars like these. No more will you be able to drive 20 miles from suburbia at 70mph in an SUV to buy a quart of milk. Electric cars are in their infancy yes, but they're the future. Hydrogen... don't make me laugh. It's still derived from natural gas (yes it is go look it up) and pressurising it takes LOTS of energy. Support the electric car because we need it now, in fact, get onto General Motors, because they scrapped one of the finest EV's I've ever seen, the EV1. YouTube it now and see.

AnonymousFri 13 June, 2008 1:20pm

It's about time you polluting Americans faced up to facts. The days of your petrol guzzling polluting big engined cars are coming to an end. And yes... your so called green biofuel causes even more damage to the earth. Get real, get a life, you lot over there in the land of the free will soon ALL have to ride around in cars like the G-Wiz... or even better still walk. Might reduce the obesity epidemic thats taking over your land!!!

AnonymousWed 25 June, 2008 12:27pm

Looking at a grand a year in batteries that's more than I pay for petrol in a year. That's put me right off having one. I'll stick with my electric bike, thanks.

AnonymousThu 26 June, 2008 10:35pm

Where is this america that everyone keeps talking about. Also why does everyone keep listing the United Kingdom when it should be England