Changes to Volvo models pricing structure

New pricing has been announced by Volvo Ireland for the brand's EX40 and EC40, the new names for the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, writes Brian Byrne. The new pricing matrix also adds performance upgrades, and new colours outside and in for the all-electric cars.

The EX40 starts at €54,250 and the EC40 from €54,250, including grants. Both twin-motor versions now have a Performance software pack offering up to 436hp and both also have a a Black Edition in their range.

The EX40 has a rated electric range of up to 569km and the EC40 up to 576km.

Fiat 600e review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The cute little Fiat 500 holds a special place in the hearts of many motorists since it was first introduced in 1957, and produced for 18 years. The love was rekindled with the 'modern' baby 500 in 2007, which is now an electric model. Fiat Ireland are hoping their new 600 model, referred to as the 500’s big sister, will come to resonate just as much with Irish motorists as did its smaller sibling. 

This new model takes its name from the original 600 bringing Italian coolness and a fresh style while marking the brand’s return to the B-segments of B and B-SUV. Some may call it a hatch, others a crossover. At 4.17 metres in length, this five-door is longer and wider and a bit higher than its smaller sibling. Compared to the 500, the 600 features a sharper and more assertive face, a 600-chrome refreshed signature both on the front and on the sides, and a renewed LED lighting identity. 

The exterior look is enhanced by the bigger wheels of up to 18-inches, black matt skirts and wheel arches. I had enjoyed a short spin in the 100hp 48V hybrid version at launch. For this review it was the turn of the 600e all-electric version. I really liked the orange colour of my car’s exterior aptly called Orange Sun which brings a smile with it. Fiat claim the new model has up to 100 exclusive and ‘unprecedented’ features, combining the best in comfort, technology and style. Not that I counted them! 

As this is quite a high car, tall people should have no bother getting in and out, front or rear. The cabin is very well finished and surprisingly roomy. Several features are specifically designed to pamper. My car had a matt ivory painted dashboard fascia, really nice ivory synthetic leather seats with the Fiat monogram and beautiful turquoise accents give a premium feel to the cabin. My driver’s seat had 8-way power seat adjustments, lumbar support and a massage function. The front passenger has to contend with 6-way manual adjustments. Front seats can be heated. The 10.25-inch fully customisable central display comes with Navi, CarPlay and Android Auto wireless and proved to be user-friendly with lovely graphics. There are buttons below for ‘home’ and ‘car’ functions along with controls for volume and climate control, A/C etc. A colourful 7-inch digital cluster shows your digital speed, radio, maps, range etc. 

Transmission selection is by push buttons in a row on the lower dash instead of the usual gear selector we have become used to from the Stellantis Group. This location takes a bit of getting used to but works just fine. Storage areas include a decent glovebox, excellent front door bins, a sloping compartment on the lower central console with a foldable iPad-like cover, another big open compartment as well as good storage below the armrest. There are USB type A and type C ports and a wireless charging pad. The rear bench can just about fit three adults but legroom behind a tall person in front could prove a bit of a squeeze. There are no cupholders and no door bins but pockets on front seat backs. Rear seats can split 40/60. There are USB ports for this second row. 

My version had a handsfree tailgate and 385 litres of load capacity, with an area below for cables and tyre repair kit. The car is packed with state-of-the-art safety and assistance features. The 600e La Prima comes with Drive Assist as standard (Level 2 Assisted Driving), 360 deg sensors which increase your visibility when changing lanes, parking or manoeuvring and good blind spot detection on side mirrors. Both available grades have motors that output the equivalent of 156hp and lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 54 kWh give the new 600e a range of more than 400km in the WLTP combined cycle and more than 600km in the urban cycle. When I collected my car, the battery was charged to 330kms which equalled an 85pc charge. 

This version is equipped with a 100-kW fast charger system and comes with a 11kW On Board Charger and a Mode 3 cable for charging at home or in public which ensures a full charge in less than 6 hours. The electric powertrain has an output of 115 kW providing acceleration from 0-100km/h of 9.0 secs. Power consumption combined is circa 15.2 kWh/100km. Drive modes are Eco, Normal and Sport and being an electric vehicle, you get instant torque. 

On the road I had no problems with visibility, was able to get a really comfy driving position, and felt connected to the car with good feedback from the steering wheel. It handled quite brilliantly. With its size, and the parking aids, it was easy to manoeuvre and a doddle to park. A car that really impressed me in its styling, inside and out, as well as its drivability and decent range which helped reduce my fears of range anxiety. To be recommended. Road Tax €120. 

Priced from €28,995 for the 1.2 100hp hybrid; La Prima electric is from €37,995, after SEAI grant and VRT rebate.

 

 

T-Class small MPV from Mercedes-Benz on Irish market

Mercedes-Benz have introduced a people carrier version of their Citan Van to the Irish market, writes Brian Byrne. Called the T-Class, prices start at €42,530.

The 5-seat vehicle is powered by a 1.5 diesel engine. A 7-seat longer version is available to order and is powered by a petrol engine as standard.

The T-Class is being aimed here at families with school-going children as well as owners with active weekend lifestyles including paddle boarders and mountain bikers. 

Another Chinese EV enters Irish market

Yet another Chinese brand is set to roll out in Ireland with the appointment of Motor Distributors Ireland as distributors for Xpeng, writes Brian Byrne.

The first model here will be the Xpeng G6 mid-size SUV, to be followed by other models from the brand.

All Xpeng models, including the G9 flagship SUV, and the P7 sedan with its Pt+ fastback variant, are full battery electric models.

The brand joins MDL's other Chinese makers distributed by the company here, the Smart and the BYD companies. 

New Honda HR-V completes updated SUV lineout

A new generation of Honda's HR-V SUV is now on sale in Ireland at a starting price of €41,750, writes Brian Byrne. Styled to look more substantial than its predecessor two iterations, the latest version is longer and wider but retains the same wheelbase.

The new HR-V's powertrain is a petrol hybrid with a total output of 131hp and a rated fuel economy of 5.4L/100km. The engine package comprises a 1.5 Atkinson-cycle unit with two electric motors.

The car comes with a full suite of driver assist features, but with an interior design emphasis on traditional climate and audio volume switchgear and a relatively small touchscreen to minimise distraction.

There are four grade options, to a top price of €49,750.

 

Cars from Japan now top used imports sales

The number of secondhand cars imported from Japan has increased more than ten-fold since 2018, due in part to Brexit, writes Brian Byrne. To date in 2024, 22,482 such vehicles have been imported to Ireland, compared to just 2,621 six years ago, many of them including high-end European models previously owned by Japanese people.

According to key importer Automatic Motor Car Centre, based in Lusk Co Dublin, Brexit is just part of a 'perfect storm' in the used imports industry, along with ever-increasing prices for new cars, and Irish car buyers' demands for more value for money.

The change means that Japan is now the top source country for second-hand imports here, bumping the UK off top rung of the ladder it held until 2019. Cóilín Garvey, Sales Manager of AMCC.ie says motorists here have realised that Japanese imports are very well specced cars, much better than the average equivalent in Ireland. "In general, Japanese motorists look after their cars better than Irish drivers do," Mr Garvey says. "What’s more, Japan has one of the most advanced road infrastructures in the world, which helps to improve the longevity of these cars."

Japanese imports also tend to be packed with the latest technologies and that helps to make the cars top performers in terms of safety and fuel efficiency.

While one in four of the AMCC imports are bought directly by private buyers, the majority are stocked by secondhand car dealerships across Ireland. The importer has an exclusive partnership with NextGear Capital, the largest provider of stock funding facilities for used vehicle dealers, to facilitate these customers. 

Pictured are Cóilín Garvey, (AMCC Sales Manager); Áine Cantwell (AMCC Business Manager); Anthony O’Neill (Account Manager, NextGear Capital); and Peter Molloy, (Ireland Manager, NextGear Capital) at the announcement of the partnership between the two companies at the amcc.ie premises in Lusk, Co Dublin. 

Revised Nissan Qashqai arrives

Nissan Ireland has launched a revised version of the Qashqai with distinctive changes to styling and updated connectivity technologies, writes Brian Byrne. Prices start at €39,000.

In addition to the e-Power hybrid powertrains already familiar in the model, a new mild-hybrid 1.3 petrol engine is being introduced.

The interiors of the car have also been revised to provide what the company calls a more premium feel.

The Around View Monitor system now features a 3D function allowing the driver to see the car not only from above but also from eight different external camera view points