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| 2014Hybrid.Com |
If you are accustomed to high-end, perhaps have a few other cars already, want a frugal vehicle with no range anxiety that emits little or nothing, and prefer something fancier than a Chevy Volt, a 2014 Karma could be the ticket.
If driven sedately, and your commute is, say, under 35 suburban miles, you may only need to stop at a gas station every few months. If you have charging where you parking, or en route, all the better.
The Karma is eligible for $7,500 in federal subsidies and state incentives may be available. You will probably want a 240-volt level two charger at home, as house current can take over 10 hours through its 3.3-kw onboard charger.
Potential competitors could be a 60-kwh or 85-kwh Tesla Model S, pending extended-range Cadillac ELR, and pending all-electric Infiniti LE. None of these will be exactly like the Karma which presents its own unique value proposition.
Fisker’s 2014 Karma is well-designed, one of the best looking cars on the road, and its existence is remarkable considering obstacles that have had to be overcome. We hope the company makes it past current financial concerns, because if the 2014 Karma is any indicator, Fisker undoubtedly has much more yet to contribute.
Safety: Eight airbags; ABS w/panic brake assist; Electronic Stability Control; lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH); automatic battery disconnect; signature Fisker Hybrid HZ external sound.
Comfort and convenience: Premium leather and suede from 100-percent sustainable facility; 2014 Fisker Command Center 10.2-inch multifunction haptic touch screen; voice activated hands-free navigation w/ rear camera; premium audio with 295 watts, 8 speakers and subwoofer; AM/FM/MP3/USB and AUX Inputs; Sirius Radio ready; Bkluetooth handsfree phone connectivity; Streering wheel mounted audio and phone controls; Bi-Xenon headlamps w/ LED interior lighting; 6-way power adjustable seats with lumbar adj. and memory; dual zone climate control a/c with heated F/R seats; auto-dim rearview mirror w/ Homelink.