Driving for work raises fatal collision liklihood

A quarter of all drivers involved in fatal road collisions over the past five years were driving for work, writes Brian Byrne. The figure was produced by the Road Safety Authority at their annual seminar on Driving for Work.

The seminar also heard that the RSA’s most recent observational study showed that almost one in 10 (9pc) motorists are using a mobile device while driving. Van (LGV) drivers are the worst offenders at 13pc. 

Those drivers were typically male and aged between 36-55, with half of them driving HGVs, according to the analysis which covers the years 2019 to 2023.

HGVs represented 11pc of vehicles involved in fatal road collisions. In most of these collisions either the driver of the other vehicle or a pedestrian was killed.

The survey found that those who drive for work are more likely to exceed speed limits than other drivers, and more likely to use a mobile phone while driving and less likely to wear a seatbelt.

Opel reveals Grandland prices

The new Opel Grandland is arriving in dealer showrooms at a starting price of €40,936, writes Brian Byrne. The new flagship model from the German brand will be offered in both full electric and hybrid forms, the BEV actually being cheaper than the hybrid starting at €40,995.

The electric in higher GS trim will retail in Ireland from €43,763, while the GS hybrid will be €44,995. All prices are plus delivery charges.

The hybrid will arrive first, powered by a 136hp 1.2 turbo petrol engine and a 28hp electric motor. The electric car will come with rated ranges of 523km and 700km.

The car is longer and wider than the previous Grandland, and particularly offers significantly more legroom in the back.

Scenic E-Tech Electric is Continantal Tyres ICOTY 2025

Tom Dennigan, Continental Tyres Ireland; Seamus Morgan, Renault Ireland; and Daragh Keany, MMAI Chairman; with the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric.

The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric is the 2025 Irish Car of the Year in Association with Continental Tyres, writes Brian Byrne. It is the fifth year in a row that an all-electric vehicle has won the title, voted on by members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland.

The Scenic won the title in the final vote on eight category winners, where it had won the Irish Medium SUV of the Year. There were 42 cars in contention for the award.

The winners of the other categories were — Irish Compact Car of the Year: Suzuki Swift; Irish Compact SUV of the Year: Fiat 600; Irish Medium SUV of the Year: Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric; Irish Large Car of the Year: BYD Seal; Irish Large SUV of the Year: Kia EV9; Irish Executive Car of the Year: Mercedes Benz E-Class; Irish Premium SUV/MPV: Polestar 3; and Irish Performance Car of the Year: Smart #3 Brabus.

The Irish Van of the Year title was awarded to the Mercedes Benz Vito. 

The delighted Renault Ireland team after winning the award. Photo: Trish Whelan.

Citroen's new C3 matches petrol and EV prices

The new Citroen C3 is available for order now with both petrol and electric versions starting at €23,400, writes Brian Byrne. The cars will be available for delivery at the start of next year.

With a chunky SUV-style look, the car offers more interior space while retaining the overall footprint of the previous generation.

Taller than the outgoing car, and than competitors, the new C3 is designed be be easier to get in and out of, making it very suitable for urban use.

Power for the petrol version is a 1.2 turbo with a power output of 100hp, and the EV will have a rated range of up to 320km. There's also a hybrid option. 

Peugeot opens orders for new 5008

Peugeot Ireland has opened orders for the new 5008, a seven-seat SUV available with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains, writes Trish Whelan. Pricing starts at €50,995 (includes SEAI grant). 

Two trim options are Allure and GT. 

Powertrains are the all-electric E-5008 with a 73kWh battery and 210hp motor, and the Hybrid which features a 48V system consisting of a new-generation 136hp petrol engine coupled with a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox that incorporates an electric motor. The battery recharges while driving. 

The 5008 offers up to 502km of electric range (WLTP) for the all-electric version which can charge from 20pc to 80pc in 30 minutes via DC fast charging. 

A 98kWh, 668km long range variant is set to be released in early 2025.

 

Dacia National Sales Event from 14-16 November

Dacia is offering 0pc finance on all Dacia models including the all-new Duster and all-new 100pc electric Spring (pictured above), writes Trish Whelan. This offer through Mobilize Financial Services is available across the full Dacia range on orders up to the 31 December 2024, for registration in January 2025. 

New Duster is available with four trim levels and three engine variants including the 1.0 petrol/LPG, a new 1.2 petrol turbo with mild hybrid technology, and a 1.6 full HEV. 

Dacia is also offering a low rate PCP offer at 4.9pc APR on all models with no deposit required. New Duster is priced from €25,990. 

Dacia’s National Sales Event takes place at dealerships from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 November.

The new Dacia Duster is pictured below.

 

 

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.