The arrival of the new Nissan Juke hybrid follows the launch of their new Ariya 100pc electric crossover and new Qashqai mild hybrid, writes Trish Whelan.
24 June 2022
Nissan moves nearer full electrification with New Juke
The arrival of the new Nissan Juke hybrid follows the launch of their new Ariya 100pc electric crossover and new Qashqai mild hybrid, writes Trish Whelan.
Peugeot's new 408 here next year
Peugeot’s new 408 will be on sale in Ireland at the start of next year, writes Trish Whelan.
Citroen reveals details of new C5 Aircross SUV
Citroen’s facelifted C5 Aircross SUV has undergone significant design enhancements which include a new more rugged design with a new front end, writes Trish Whelan.
16 June 2022
New Range Rover & RR Sport models in September
The good times are back with the announcement that new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models are due to arrive here in September, with hefty price tags, writes Trish Whelan. Around 96pc will be low emission Plug-in hybrids. Huge interest has already been expressed by potential customers.
Its electric performance has a combined output of 510hp and 700Nm torque, a total real-world range of 740km, and a 113km WLTP EV range - the average daily commute is around 60kms. The battery can charge to 80pc with DC rapid charing in 60 minutes, within five hours with a home charger. C02 emissions are as low as 18g/km.
Connectivity includes a 13.1-inch screen, Haptic display, wireless connectivity, over-the-air updates, and voice control. RR Sport also has powerful and precise lighting with digital LED with dynamic light projection making the road ahead visibly brighter for 500 metres and the all-wheel steering, 3D surround cameras and manoeuvring lights which all make for effortless agile manoeuvring of the car allowing a turning circle of 11 metres. When using the navigation, the car knows your location and can read the road up to 3kms ahead to prepare for upcoming corners, adjusting the suspension settings to minimise body roll. The car can also park itself.
The new Range Rover, pictured above, will also arrive in September. The First Edition D350 on view with a left-hand-drive version, is priced from €147,500.
Irish customers can have exclusive previews of the new RR Sport during this month as it visits Land Rover dealerships across the country. They include an in-depth walk around with product experts plus the chance to configure and pre-order their new vehicle.
13 June 2022
ID.4 and Ioniq 5 battle it out in EV stakes
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VW's ID.4 top of the league ... just. |
With 8,261 electric cars sold year to date in Ireland at the end of May, EV sales are almost equal their full year sales for 2021, writes Brian Byrne.
The biggest selling model was Volkswagen's ID.4 with 1,132 units, with Hyundai's Ioniq 5 snapping at its heels literally on 1,127 units. Kia's EV6 is next with 740 cars delivered. Nissan's Leaf with 660 cars and Tesla's Model 3, with 500 units rolled out, fill out the top five places in total representing a tad over half of all EVs sold in this country this year.
Kia's Niro, Hyundai's Kona, VW's ID.3, Peugeot's 2008 and Renault's Zoe make up the rest of the top ten models, between them with a combined market share of 18.5pc.
In all, there are 59 models competing in Ireland in the battery electric space.


10 June 2022
New Mercedes GLC SUV due this Autumn
The latest new model from Mercedes-Benz is the all-new GLC expected here next Autumn, writes Trish Whelan.


Easytrip celebrates 5 years with Blood Bikes
Mobility solutions specialist, Easytrip, is celebrating their five-year partnership with Blood Bikes, a not-for-profit charity, writes Trish Whelan.


Irish Rugby star signs up to Team Opel
Irish rugby star, Stacey Flood, has been appointed Opel Brand Ambassador and presented with a new electric Opel Corsa-e, writes Trish Whelan.


27 May 2022
Peugeot launches new 308 in Ireland
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Peugeot Ireland MD Des Cannon, with Marketing Manager Jana Solovjova, Sales Director Luke Messitt, and Technical Manager Martin Dunne. |
Peugeot Ireland has launched the new-generation 308 hatchback, with a wagon version coming along shortly, writes Brian Byrne.
The new car is priced from €31,765 and there are three engine options — 130hp petrol and diesel, and PHEV in two power outputs of 180hp/225hp. There will be an all-electric version towards the end of next year, in line with the policy of the Stellantis Group driving towards full electrification across its ranges. All 308s here come only with automatic transmission, the only option available in RHD markets.
The new 308 is the first production vehicle from Peugeot to have the new Lion logo, in a new grille style aimed at distinguishing its models in the upper end of the market.
The new car is longer than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase offering excellent space for adults in the rear, and a good boot. The car is lower to the ground, which makes for a very sleek profile.
There are three grades, with the middle well-specified Allure grade expected to be the main seller.


New fully-electric MPV launched
The Harris Maxus group has launched a fully-electric 7-seat MPV to the British and Irish markets, writes Brian Byrne.
The Maxus Mifa 9 will be available to order from August for deliveries in Q1 2023.
It was introduced to UK and Irish markets at the recent CV Show in Birmingham.
With a claimed range of up to 520km, the Mifa 9 price and specifications will be released later in the summer.


Ford trials automatic speed limit control
Ford is experimenting with a system that automatically slows a car to the local speed limit by means of connectivity, writes Brian Byrne.
The Geofencing Speed Limit Control System sends a signal to suitably equipped cars that tells them they are in a speed limit area, and the car automatically slows to that speed. It uses GPS and the in-car technologies already available such as Intelligent Speed Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
The trial is the result of a collaboration between the Ford, city officials in Cologne and Aachen, and Ford software engineers.
It is still only in the experimental stage.


New SIMI President
Ms Hendron was elected to the position at SIMI's AGM last week, held in Killashee House Hotel in Kildare.
In her inauguration speech she said she wanted to help the motor industry to become a leader and enabler of the green transition.
She said 'consumer confidence is key' to making this transition and would require the Government to continue VRT and grant support for electric vehicles until at least 2025.

