The car for anyone who wants to go really small.
Overview
What pops up in your head when you think of the best city car? If you thought of a compact hatch, many ROBLOXian buyers would agree with you. Interest in this segment has grown dramatically over the years with both the Apex Deimos and Colt Vulpes being the go-to options for urban drivers. However, where do you go if you are a buyer who wants something smaller and… electric?
Enter the Forward Pod EV, an affordable hatch built specifically for city living and possibly the answer you’re looking for.
A Bubble On Wheels
Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way, the Pod’s exterior is unique. Not only is this car competing in a niche segment, but it probably only appeals to a niche set of eyes as well. The car is really short, like, fits inside the wheelbase of an Apex Caprea short. Yet, it’s still almost as tall as a Velodo X31. It’s clear that the design philosophy was function over form, and for the most part, this translates to the inside as well.
To start, the dashboard design is clean and modern, albeit a little generic. There is a band of wood trim that wraps around the interior, and the air vents, infotainment, and climate controls are easy to locate and use. However, there are a few downsides. For one, cabin storage is notably absent which is disappointing considering how small the rear cargo space is. Additionally, the roof doesn’t have a headliner and the seats, although they are wrapped in leatherette, are thin and don’t have much back support.
Driving
First, the negatives. There’s a six speed transmission. Why? It’s an EV! Plus, the Forward Pod is quite heavy, around 3,400 pounds heavy. This ends up being quite noticeable around corners and consequently, the car isn’t as zippy as I would have liked. Unfortunately the pancake sized tires don’t help as they struggle to maintain traction, especially at higher speeds. But of course, this wasn’t meant to be a canyon carver, so how does it do in its intended environment?
It does well. Very well.
Many of the Pod’s weak points can easily be overlooked once you’re in an urban setting. The rear-wheel drive motor may not be the most powerful, but it certainly provides an adequate amount of oomph when you need it. A tight turning circle and large windows also help to make maneuvering and parking a breeze.
Still, the best part of the driving experience is, surprisingly, the ride quality. Over bumps or uneven surfaces, the car never struggles to maintain a compliant and comfortable ride. Body roll is minimal as well, even though it’s as tall as some crossovers. It truly is impressive how composed the Pod feels on the road for essentially being the size of two soda cans.
Conclusion
After spending time with the Forward Pod EV, you realize how straight forward of a car it is. There aren’t many gimmicks, nothing feels super excessive, and I found it perfectly suitable for most day-to-day activities. It may not be the best city car out there or the prettiest, but it’s hard to say no to something so cute, affordable, and easy to live with.
BlindedEpisode - Photographer
Pretty nice!
Nice
Forward on deez nuts