Got my XPower on the 29th of August

[Cabansail]

Just signed up here. My lovely Mazda XD Astina was recently written off. While this was very upsetting it was 11 years old, so maybe getting into unreliable territory.

Earlier this year it was also involved in an incident where the left side was wiped out by a Tesla 3 towing a heavy trailer. I had that all recorded on Dashcam (will try to post that later) While that was being repaired I was given a Hire Car. What was supplied was a Mazda CX-3 which was an Automatic piece of crap. It had VNCP (Variable Noise Constant Power) fitted. I complained to the insurance and said they were to supply a hire car similar to my own and an Automatic was not equivalent to my Six Speed Manual Astina. They agreed but said the hire companies only have Auto's. I said that wasn't true, they have EV's which are not Auto's (regardless of the listing) They have one gear, so no transmission and the motor can stop so no clutch required. I was given a Polestar. It was quite nice but after a week it d=flagged a service due and a recharging error and kept telling me not to drive it. I spoke to them and they said it was a software issue and to return it. The guy I spoke to said he would get me "a good one".

When I returned it they supplied me with what looked like an identical car. That was until I drove it, the new one was the dual motor version with all the software options on. I quite like it, especially the explosive acceleration and the way the handling was much more neutral whereas the single motor version under-steered. I had that for 8 weeks and realised my next car would be an EV. Little did I think it would be so soon. Soon after my Mazda was back we went away for a break and were instructed to evacuate due to a flood. I was told to drive behind an emergency services truck and the car got flooded. Due to water ingress the car was a write off even though I got nearly all functions back.

Shopping around I was looking for either a Polestar, like the hire one, a BYD Seal Performance or the MG4 Xpower. They all had pro's and cons. The Xpower I am buying was local, in good condition and price. I have met the owner, who is a nice guy, and had a test drive. He explained what he likes and a few annoyances too.

Anyway, let the adventure begin.

 

[salty]

To the forum. And congrats on ya new, motor. Pretty sure you'll love it.

 

[Cabansail]

Thanks Salty

Found the Video Link This was my meeting with the Tesla.

The aftermath, when he pulled over, was quite confronting. Apparently the collision was my fault as I was going too slow (90 kph in a 100 kph zone) and he kept trying to to get me annoyed. I think he wanted an excuse to hit me, so I kept as calm as possible.
My insurance assessor, after seeing the video, said it was the clearest "other driver at fault" he had seen. He also urged me to send the video to the police as he saw many offenses being committed. I did upload it to the cops.

 

[siteguru]

Well that manoeuvre saved him a lot of time, eh?

Re. the Polestar (I'm assuming a Polestar 2) ... you probably had one of the earlier ones which were FWD - the refreshed version is RWD.

 

[MG Clive]

Hi @Cabansail, welcome to MGEVs, lots of Aussie members on here.

I didn't think the Tesla was going to stop.

 

[Cabansail]

Thanks Clive.

I too did not think he was going to stop. In a way it was better for him that he did, otherwise it would have added "Leaving the scene of an accident" to the list.

Forgot to say he denied overtaking on the left, he was making "evasive maneuvers" as I brake jacked him.

Have a few jobs to do in the next while;
I will be fitting a front and rear dash-cam to the MG when I get it.
I have already ordered a V2L adapter.
Looking into a tow bar.
Probably update the incandescent bulbs to LED.
May look at some discreet driving lights.

I also want to get my Landrover Defender registered on Club Plates now that Danny has had his 30th birthday.

 

[Cabansail]

I work on a Friday night a couple of blocks away from where the guy selling the car lives. He drives past my house going to work each day. So this afternoon he will pick me up on his way home. Then I will take delivery.
I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, back when I sort of liked Christmas.
Transferred him the funds yesterday, so I knew they would clear.
Insurance kicks in today.
Next week I have to bribe the Government to place the car in my name (3% Stamp Duty).

Thinking of making a short video using a drone to track it while I drive on a local road.

 

[Panther]

So how's the car?

Hopefully have mine in the next 3 weeks !

Like the idea of the drone video, I have a drone but never thought of that, sounds kinda cool.

 

[Cabansail]

Got it last night. Now I have to read the manuals to program it and get the systems all going. Learn where things are and how they work. It is like a Type Rating in an aircraft.
Doing a bit of a charge now that some excess solar to use. I only get a 6c FiT so much better to stick it into the "tank".
I negotiated a discount as the 24 month service was due and tyres are near to needing a change.
Prefer to pick my own rubber (as the actress said to the bishop)
A fairly sedate trip home except for one overtaking maneuver. A short lane up a steep hill. It was impressive.
No hint of any of the dreaded vibration.

 

[MG Clive]

It'll feel a whole lot different to the old Mazda @Cabansail, I hope you enjoy it.

 

[Cabansail]

It'll feel a whole lot different to the old Mazda @Cabansail, I hope you enjoy it.

Actually not as different as you'd think. The Mazda would go from 0-100 in 7 secs, so not shabby, and had much of the tech this has too. It probably handled a bit better and it was lighter. It would also get over 80mpg on a trip, so quite green too. This is a good replacement.

Just had my Solar guy out and looking at what to do here now I have the EV. Looking at moving the property on to 3 Phase, to get a fast charger. Phase 1 will be the house and the Solar + Batteries. Phase 2 will have high power devices like HWS, Oven and Spa Heater. Phase 3 is just for the Car. Then if I change to a wholesale provider I can charge the car when there is a negative tariff. Can also wire in the V2L to supplement the house when the batteries are low.

 

[salty]

Excellent! Let the fun, begin. Enjoy.

 

[Anon70]

Looking at moving the property on to 3 Phase, to get a fast charger.

Just be aware the XPower will charge up to just under 7kW (does not have an 11kW or 22kW mode). So for most home chargers it will not need a separate phase to the rest of your standard home requirements.

 

[Alb]

I've updated your thread title now you actually have the car

 

[Cabansail]

I've updated your thread title now you actually have the car

Thanks.

 

[Panther]

@Cabansail so three weeks in, how's your driving experience of the Xpower?

Still waiting on mine it's sitting at the dealership, but apparently there are some 'documentation issues' between my employer and the lessor that they are trying to resolve !!

 

[Cabansail]

Three weeks now. I am getting used to it.

A few niggles which are a bit annoying, but a lot ore to like.

On Tuesday I fitted my Dashcam, but missing an adapter to hardwire it, but it's in. I also have to make the rear camera a bit more secure.

Have also mounted a LED Lightbar to the front, but need to finish the wiring. Just wanted to see if they sat ok and did not interfere with anything (they don't) and it seems to be all good.

Dropped the Number Plate down and fitted the bar above it. I shopped around and got a thin bar which has a combination of spot (inner) and flood (outer) lights.

I am looking at replacing the Bluetooth Dongle, that came with the car, with a dedicated Carplay box. At present it requires manual linking each time.

Not used to the head snapping acceleration, but did notice it missing when the battery went below 21%. It still passed another car on a short up hill lane, but not as fast.

Overall this is a very good car, @Panther I am sure you will like yours too when the problems are sorted.

 

[Cabansail]

Just inside after running the Power Wires from behind the Lightbar and across to near the 12V battery. Took off the black plastic cover and removed the Plate and the Bracket. There are four holes which go through to the front bay. Just no way to easily access that area. Eventually I pushed through some stainless braided wire and moved it about until I saw it up near the bonnet latch. Got that and attached it to my two core wire and pulled it back down. Connected that to the lights and refitted them.
I was going to install the relay, fuse and switch but the mozzies were getting fierce. I also have to go out tonight, so have taped up the wires and will finish it off soon.

BTW, do all XPowers's have the hatch patterned badges? I have not seen another to check.

 

[salty]

BTW, do all XPowers's have the hatch patterned badges? I have not seen another to check.

No sure what you mean. Pic?

 

[Cabansail]

If you look at the pic above, you can see the badge. It has a pseudo carbon fibre pattern on the MG part, but the outer border is still just pseudo chrome.