Diving home (safely) for Christmas

As the winter season reaches its peak, premium tyre manufacturer, Continental Tyres, is advising drivers to make sure they are familiar with the requirements of driving in severe weather. Here are some of Continental Tyres Ireland's safety tips.

· See clearly and be seen – de-mist all windows and mirrors and remove ice or snow fully before setting off

· Light and bright – check that all lights are working and the lenses are clean

· Get a grip – as your only contact with the road, proper tyre care is crucial, check their tread depths and ensure they are properly inflated (allowing for extra Christmas load)

· Full load – driving with extra weight (bags, people and parcels) means that stopping distances increase - make allowances and make sure loads are securely in place   

· Don’t drink and drive – and be mindful of the impact of medication on your ability to concentrate on driving

· Sensible speed – particularly on wet or wintry roads, avoid hard braking or sharp manoeuvres, slow and steady will get you there more safely

· Time and space – road users including pedestrians and cyclists can change direction and stop without warning, anticipate the unexpected and be sure you have the time and space to brake safely

· Take your time – if you have a long journey, plan your route with sufficient breaks built in, above all allow extra time, with so many people on the move, delays are inevitable. 

2025 new models from Motor Distributors Limited

2025 is set to continue apace at Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) with no fewer than 12 new passenger car model introductions currently scheduled for next year, writes Trish Whelan. First to arrive, in January, will be the new XPENG G6, an all-electric mid-sized SUV and the first model to launch on the Irish market from the XPENG range (pictured above). 

Also expected in Q1 is the BYD Sealion 7 high-performance, all-electric, mid-size SUV. 

Other Q1 arrivals will be a new version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and for the first time, an all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Q2 will see the arrival of the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680, a sporty two-seater cabriolet (pictured below). 

Two all-electric models from BYD’s sub-compact range, the five-door hatchback BYD Dolphin Mini and crossover SUV BYD Atto 2 are due here in Q3 which is set to also see the first battery-electric version of the four-door CLA Coupe, followed in Q4 with the arrival of petrol-hybrid versions of the CLA Coupe. Also due for late 2025 will be mid-sized plug-in hybrid BYD Seal 06 DM-i will arrive here in both saloon and estate versions as well as the smart #5, a spacious and versatile premium mid-size SUV.

 

Nissan offers up to €4,000 more for trade-ins on 251 cars

Nissan is offering new car buyers a limited offer of up to €4,000 more than their current car is worth as part of its new Trade-in-Booster campaign which is available across the full Nissan range, writes Trish Whelan. 

Nissan is also offering a trade-in booster of €2,000 on the new Juke, and Juke Hybrid which can reach speeds of up to 55km/h in pure EV mode, which is ideal for city centre and suburban driving. 

Buyers of new Nissan Qashqai (pictured above) can avail of a €2,500 trade-in booster on Qashqai e-POWER and Qashqai mild hybrid models. E-POWER technology makes it possible to drive a petrol hybrid in EV mode 100pc of the time, without ever having to recharge. 

Families who want to purchase a Nissan X-Trail can benefit from a €3,000 trade-in booster on the e-POWER 5-seater model. Those who want to go fully electric, or who want to stay behind the wheel of a 100pc electric vehicle, can avail of a €2,000 trade-in booster on the Nissan Ariya which has a claimed range of up to 529kms, or a €4,000 trade-in booster on the Nissan LEAF.

 

Opel Ireland renews Irish Rugby partnership

Opel Ireland and the Irish Rugby Football Union have announced a four-year sponsorship renewal, writes Brian Byrne. The continued partnership will see Opel remain as the exclusive car partner to the IRFU until 2028. 

First signing with Irish Rugby in 2021, Opel provides an extensive fleet of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to IRFU personnel. James Brooks, Opel Ireland Managing Director said the company is immensely proud to continue sponsorship of Irish Rugby. "Since day one of our partnership, the collaboration has provided our brand with a unique platform to forge a strong connection with Irish Rugby at every level, spanning both the men's and women's teams and bolstered by an ever-growing fan base."

Opel's partnership benefit includes numerous in-match and digital branding opportunities and player appearances.

Pictured with the all-new Opel Grandland, launching this December, are Michael Collopy, Chairman of the IRFU Commercial and Marketing Committee; James Brooks, Managing Director, Opel Ireland; Declan Madden, President of the IRFU. 

Kia EV3 arrives in Ireland

The new Kia EV3 is now available in Ireland at a starting price of €36,790, writes Brian Byrne. Following in the design theme of the EV9, the car comes in three trims and with choice from two batteries for the lowest specification.

The smaller 58.3kWh battery version has a rated range of 436km, while the long-range battery that's standard in the two higher spec cars is rated at up to 607km. Kia says an enhanced thermal management system gives the car an edge over rivals, and charging capability from 10 to 80 percent capacity in 29 minutes at appropriate high-speed charging units.

All EV3 owners will be offered a free home charging wallbox in association with Energia. 

Dacia launches Spring electric car at sub €20k price

Dacia has introduced its new Spring electric SUV to Ireland priced from just €16,990 which currently makes it the most affordable new electric car in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. The model, now offered in right-hand-drive, was introduced here last week but has sold around 140,000 units since launch across continental Europe in 2021. Dacia say it is perfectly suited for urban use as well as for country roads. 

Two trims are offered: Expression and Extreme as well as two powertrain options. The 45hp and 65hp versions are equipped with a 7 kW AC charger that can charge the battery from 20pc to 100pc on a domestic outlet in less than 11 hours, or 4 hours on a 7 kW wall box. The 65hp versions come with a standard 30 kW DC charger for fast charging from 20pc to 80pc in 45 minutes. The 45hp /33kW engine is available on the Expression trim only. Energy economy is a claimed 13.5kWh/100km for the more powerful option and 14.1kWh/100km for the 45hp version. 

Dacia people said at launch that the 225km range for the compact 26.8kWh is mostly sufficient for customers who travel an average of 37km per day and they can recharge the battery at home overnight on a domestic socket using a specific cable with a 3-pin plug, available as an accessory. 

Expression comes with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Media Control system with USB port, cruise control, rear parking sensors; Extreme adds some copper finishes, power rear windows, Media Nav Live multimedia system with the 10-inch centre screen, rear camera, and connected navigation. 

A big range of new ADAS features are on-board to meet the latest European safety standards. Annual road tax is €120 for all versions. The retail price, after grant for private customers, is from €16,990-€19,990.

 

Skoda produces millionth EV battery

Skoda Auto has produced its one-millionth traction battery system for the Volkswagen Group at the company's main plant in Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic, writes Brian Byrne. 

The carmaker has been manufacturing high-voltage traction batteries since 2019. 

With capacities ranging from 55 to 91 kWh (net capacity 52 to 86 kWh), the batteries are installed in the Škoda Enyaq and Škoda Elroq as well as other Volkswagen Group brands including Volkswagen, Cupra and Audi. 

Fiat Professional reveals pricing for latest vans range

A complete specification and pricing matrix for the new Fiat Professional light commercial vehicle range in Ireland has been revealed, writes Brian Byrne. The models include Doblo, Scudo and Ducato.

Doblo comes in three trim levels, a choice of two or three seats, and with electric, diesel and diesel automatic. Prices start at €24,995.

The Scudo medium van comes in two levels of specification with diesel and electric powertrain options. Prices start at €35,995.

The latest generation Ducato large van comes in four different lengths, two wheelbases and three heights, as well as alternative body options that include tipper and chassis cab. Three diesel outputs and an automatic option in powertrains are joined by an electric version. Prices from €35,295.