Puma Gen E leasing trap? Kia recall, Taycan used car check & more | Kilometerfresser #35

Today we present the summary of the 35th episode of the "die Kilometerfresser" podcast entitled "Jonas' e-car recall + Ford's problematic leasing prices". In this episode, recorded in beautiful weather right on the beach in Barcelona, hosts Tarek and Jonas first celebrate a milestone: over 1000 subscribers on their YouTube channel. They then take a deep dive into the world of electromobility. The main topics are their first impressions of the new Ford Puma Gen E, including a critical look at pricing and leasing conditions, a recall on Jonas' Kia EV9 and his experiences with software updates. Other highlights include Tarek's enthusiasm for the Porsche Taycan, particularly with regard to the used market, news on the facelift of the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the attractive prices of the upcoming Renault 4, a driving report on the Abarth 600e and exclusive insights into Jonas' ride in the Rivian Amazon Truck. The episode offers a wide range of information for e-car enthusiasts, from detailed vehicle reviews to market news and personal driving experiences.

Key messages / key findings

• Ford Puma Gen E: The electric Puma leaves a mixed impression. The design, practical details such as the Frank (front luggage compartment), the variable luggage compartment ("Mega Box") and the one-pedal driving function as well as the towing capacity are highlighted positively. The relatively small 43 kWh battery, the front-wheel drive and the rather rudimentary software compared to the competition are viewed critically. In particular, the currently high leasing rates are seen as problematic for competitiveness.
• Kia EV9 recall & updates: Jonas' Kia EV9 is affected by a recall. A software update at the dealer is necessary because the brake pressure could be insufficient during automated parking processes. He also reports problems with over-the-air updates, where promised functions such as YouTube or ChatGPT have not yet arrived.
• Porsche Taycan enthusiasm & used market: Tarek raves about the driving experience of the Porsche Taycan (currently a 4S Sport Turismo test car). He is planning a video highlighting the appeal of a used Taycan, including a comparison of old vs. new and insights into the maintenance costs of owners, as the used market currently offers attractive prices.
• Hyundai IONIQ 6 facelift: The IONIQ 6 is getting a comprehensive facelift in Korea, which will significantly change the front and rear end in particular and make them more modern. This could boost the previously modest sales figures. A sporty N variant is also expected.
• Renault 4 prices: Renault has announced the prices for the electric R4, which will start at 29,400 euros. With the optional larger battery, it remains attractively priced (around 32,000 euros base), making it an interesting option in the growing segment of cheaper e-cars.
• Rivian Amazon Truck insights: Jonas was able to exclusively accompany the Rivian delivery truck from Amazon. He reports on the sophisticated construction, which is designed for efficiency and driver comfort (approx. 290 km real range, LFP battery, smart route planning, good equipment) and the underlying logistics of Amazon with subcontractors and its own charging infrastructure.
• Zeekr market launch delayed: The German launch of the Zeekr brand continues to be delayed and is not expected for another 12 to 24 months. This raises questions about the timeliness of the models available by then, even if the upcoming launch in Switzerland with an established partner is viewed positively.

Ford Puma Gen E in detail: test drive in Barcelona

Tarek and Jonas report on their test drive with the new Ford Puma Gen E in and around Barcelona. Although detailed driving impressions may only follow in their videos at the weekend, they share initial information and assessments. Following a recent reduction, the entry-level price is 34,700 euros, while the top model they drove costs around 37,700 euros. Optional extras include an assistance package, winter package, glass roof and trailer coupling. The permitted towing capacity of 750 kg is noted as a positive feature, which is not a matter of course in this class.

The design is described as fresh and successful, with borrowings from the Mustang Mach-E, but independent compared to the Explorer and the upcoming Capri. The front has been adapted for the E version, but retains the Puma character. In the interior, the very large driver information display is striking, but its surface area is not optimally utilized. The software (Ford SYNC) is described as functional but rudimentary. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work well wirelessly, charging planning is fast, but less flexible than with VW (no filtering by provider, but replacement of stops possible). A peculiarity in the charging planning (calculation of the charging time) and the charging process itself is teased for the videos.

A central point of discussion is the battery size of 43 kWh (net). Compared to the VW ID.3 Pure (52 kWh net), the Puma offers an only slightly lower WLTP range (approx. 350 km vs. 388 km) despite a significantly smaller battery, which indicates a potentially higher efficiency. In a direct comparison, the Puma scores points with the Frank, the washable "Mega Box" under the trunk floor, one-pedal driving and the towing capacity. The ID.3 counters with more space in the rear, potentially better and more comprehensive software, rear-wheel drive, an optional augmented reality head-up display and a larger battery. In terms of price, they are close to each other with similar equipment (approx. 40,000 euros), whereby the ID.3 can then offer more features.

The podcasters are particularly critical of the current leasing offers for the Puma Gen E. The rates quoted of approx. 385 euros (basic, without deposit, 48 months) to 460 euros (fully equipped) are classified as clearly too high and not competitive compared to other offers on the market (e.g. Cupra Tavascan). Despite solid product features, this could be a major obstacle to market success.

Current test cars and driving reports

In addition to the Puma, the Kilometerfressers were and are on the road in various other vehicles.

Tarek's experiences: He raves about the Porsche Taycan 4S Sport Turismo, which he has as a test car. He emphasizes the unique "Porsche feeling" that the electric Taycan also conveys. In view of the currently falling prices for used Taycans, he is planning a comparison video between a new model and used examples (including interviews with owners on suitability for everyday use and costs). This development is also fueling his consideration of trading in his Kia EV6 for a used Audi E-tron GT. His own Kia EV9 (in the "Kia Flex" subscription model) is affected by a recall. A software update at the dealer is necessary, as the brake pressure could be too low during remote-controlled parking or automatic parking. Around 5000 vehicles are affected worldwide. He also expressed dissatisfaction with a recent over-the-air update that did not include the promised multimedia features (YouTube, etc.) that are already available in other models (e.g. ID.3). Tarek was also able to drive the Abarth 600e. He describes it as a real "driving machine" that feels even sportier than the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce despite the shared platform. The chassis is top-notch and the artificial sound generator has been improved (more dynamic, can be switched off while driving). The limited "Scorpionissima" version for 48,500 euros is fully equipped, while a slightly weaker "Turismo" version is available for 4,000 euros less. He sees potential for the car to divide the traditional Abarth community.

Jonas' experiences: Jonas currently has the ID.3 GTX Performance, the Cupra Born VZ and the Zeekr 7X to test. However, the highlight of the last few weeks was his project with the Rivian Amazon Truck. Although he was not allowed to drive it himself (insurance reasons, complex ownership/leasing structure via subcontractors), he was able to accompany a driver for a day and gain in-depth insights. He praises the vehicle as being designed from the ground up for everyday delivery work: easy entry, optimized cargo space access, high efficiency thanks to the LFP battery (approx. 100 kWh, ~290 km range), intelligent route planning that takes weather and topography into account, as well as comfort features for the driver (ventilated/heated seat). Amazon provides the subcontractors with the vehicles including the charging solution in the hub (AC and DC). Jonas was impressed by the well thought-out implementation and efficiency of the system. His detailed video will be published on Sunday.

Market news and outlook

The podcasters discuss current developments in the e-car market:

• Hyundai IONIQ 6 facelift: The facelift of the IONIQ 6 presented in Korea has been well received. The changes to the front and rear make the car look much more appealing and modern. It is hoped that this will increase sales figures. An N version with a more aggressive look has also been shown.
• Renault 4 prices: The publication of the prices for the electric Renault 4 (starting from 29,400 euros, larger battery + approx. 3,000 euros) is seen as very positive and competitive. Even with top equipment, the price remains attractive. The anticipation of the first test drive in May is great. Renault's strategy of making even basic models visually appealing (e.g. LED headlights as standard) is praised.
• Zeekr delay: Jonas reports on an interview with the Zeekr CEO: the market launch in Germany will be delayed by a further 12 to 24 months. This is viewed critically, as the models could be technically outdated by then and the initial great interest in the community has waned. After all, Zeekr is launching in Switzerland in the summer with a well-known sales partner.
• Mazda: There is still no concrete news about Mazda's electric plans.
• Future tests: In the near future, further interesting driving dates are scheduled: a Kia event with the EV6 GT and the EV9 GT (static), test drives with the Renault 5 and later the Alpine A290, as well as a trip to the south of France with the Ford Explorer (rear-wheel drive), accompanied by a VW ID. Buzz (7-seater) for a direct comparison of the MEB platform derivatives.

Conclusion and outlook

The 35th episode of Die Kilometerfresser offers a colorful mix of vehicle tests, market analyses and personal experiences from the world of electric mobility. The Ford Puma Gen E shows strengths in detail, but struggles with a small battery and high leasing rates. While Tarek raves about the Porsche Taycan and is thinking about switching, Jonas is struggling with update problems and a recall on his Kia. There is positive news from Renault with attractive prices for the R4 and from the Hyundai IONIQ 6, whose facelift looks promising. The insights into the Rivian Amazon Truck show the potential of customized e-solutions in the logistics sector. However, the delay at Zeekr is dampening expectations. Listeners can look forward to exciting future episodes and videos, including new models from Kia, Renault and Ford. Finally, Tarek and Jonas say a big thank you for the support and for reaching 1000 YouTube subscribers and end the episode with the relaxing sound of the sea from the beach in Barcelona.