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VauxhallAmpera (2012-2015)

Used only
Large
Electric with range extender

£7,205Typical price

Test score

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The Ampera (2012-2015) was Vauxhall's first step into the burgeoning electric car market. However, it marks itself apart from other electric vehicles (EVs) like the Nissan Leaf because it has a petrol engine as well. But it isn't a conventional hybrid like a Toyota Prius. So what exactly is it? Read our full review to find out.

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
What's it great at?
What's it like to drive?
How reliable are Vauxhall cars?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

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KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Jan 2023Last checked by Which?
Apr 2012First reviewed by Which?
Apr 2012Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

19 Oct 2023

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectivess of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performanc is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (large cars, SUVs and MPVs)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Euro NCAP

How we test euro ncap

Any car that receives a rating of three stars or less from Euro NCAP is made a Don't Buy. If a car has been available for more than four years and has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it cannot be a Best Buy.

Which? safety

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Electric car reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	Large
Luxury	No
Convertible	No
Availability	Used only
Used price	£7,205 - £9,226
Fuel type	Electric with range extender
Length	4,498mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,787mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	2,130mm
Height	1,439mm
Driver max height
Second row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Number of seats	4
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	11.65 m
On sale date	01 April 2012

Latest tested engine
Fuel type	Electric with range extender
Capacity and power	1.4-litre (150hp)
Transmission	Single-speed automatic
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	16 litres
Engine test date	12 December 2011
Test programme	2001-2012

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VauxhallAmpera (2012-2015)

where to buy or sell