Car financing and ownership won’t go away anytime soon, but sharing services are already permeating into the UK, and it’s only a matter of time before drivers will be confronted with a wide and accessible selection of affordable rides. These will ultimately come courtesy of makers that have long focused on building cars for the consumer, but are now eyeing up a whole new market – giving rise to a fresh generation of vehicles and mobility options.
What’s the DUO like to drive?
Unlock the Duo with your phone, snap it into the cradle on the dashboard and you’re ready to drive. With just 16bhp available, the Duo is no sports car, but it gets up to 30mph without much fuss – which is more than you could say about some of its rivals.
A tight 6.8-metre turning circle means it’s certainly nimble – even despite the lack of power steering. The McLaren Senna-style glass doors make it easy to see what’s going on around you, which is ideal in busy cities where cars and pedestrians alike can easily swarm you. On top models there are even parking sensors – ideal because if you’re carrying a passenger, there’s no way to see behind you.
It’s not all great, though. There’s very little sound insulation, meaning you can very much hear the electric motor, as well as the outside world going on around you. And then there’s the manual handbrake (there’s no hillstart assist), which is placed so far ahead in the cabin that you have to lean well forward in order to disengage it – not ideal when setting off at the lights.
Need to get around in the city? Read our guide to the best small cars to buy now…
