Aceman concept previews Mini design future

A look at thoughts on the next generation Mini is shown in the recently-revealed Concept Aceman from the BMW-owned brand, writes Brian Byrne.

The concept previews the introduction of a crossover in the Mini range for the first time, bridging the space between the Hatch and the Countryman variants.

The two-box design has four doors, and is all-electric. The length is just over four metres and width less than two.

Front details include a new octagonal shape around where the radiator grille used to be, with an illuminated surround.

Inside retains the circular centre speedometer feature, but with greater possibilities from its OLED electronic display.

New versions of the traditional toggle switches and rotary knobs are part of the driver-car interface.

The Concept Aceman will be shown in public at the Gamescon 2022 computer and video games fair in Cologne, beginning 23 August. 

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New MG4 EV for Ireland this winter

A new MG4 electric car will be launched in Ireland towards the end of this year, writes Brian Byrne.

It is the first MG model for Europe to be built on the Modular Scaleable Platform developed by MG brand owner SAIC of China, which maximises battery efficiency and reduces weight.

The company is claiming a rated range of up to 450km in a style that looks sporty and can accommodate five passengers.

Irish pricing, full specifications and first official Irish viewings will be announced later. 

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Volkswagen's electrics push it to best July sales ever

The continued success of the Volkswagen ID. electric car range was a strong contributor to the brand being the most popular in the July sales figures, writes Brian Byrne. It was also the strongest July in the company's history here.

With an overall market share of almost 16pc, Volkswagen Ireland also achieved 43.72pc in the battery-electric segment. The ID.4 was the most popular BEV of the month.

Year to date, Volkswagen is also  Ireland’s most popular BEV brand in 2022. 

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Order books open for VW ID. Buzz

Volkswagen Ireland has opened order books for its latest electric vehicle, the ID. Buzz and its commercial version ID. Buzz Cargo, writes Brian Byrne.

The prices are €65,580 for the MPV passenger version and €41,538 plus VAT for the Cargo. 

The vehicles have a range of between 400-420km from their 204hp battery-electric powertrain.

There are four grades for the passenger Buzz and six for the Cargo. A Customer Configurator is available at volkswagenvans.ie.

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Hugh Wallace promotes DS Automobiles

Celebrity TV architect Hugh Wallace has joined the DS Automobiles brand in Ireland as a product ambassador, writes Brian Byrne.

A founding director of the architect firm Douglas Wallace, in 1982, he is a member of the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, and past president of the Institute of Designers in Ireland.

Best known for his work as a judge in RTE’s Home of the Year, he is also the presenter of RTE’s Great House Revival, and his other passion is the restoration of our architectural heritage from the humble farm buildings to the great houses of Ireland.

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'Disappointing' July sales as supply impacts

Car sales for July have been described as 'disappointing' by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, writes Brian Byrne.

With registrations for the month at 21,902 units, they were 17.3pc down on the same month last year. Year to date sales are down 3.6pc compared to the same period last year.

Electric vehicle registrations at 11,182 year to date are up by 79.6pc and represent almost 13pc of sales.

Brian Cooke, Director General SIMI, says that while it appears that there is appetite among consumers for both new and used cars, supply issues are hampering overall activity. He also urged the Government to continue its support for the EV project by extending EV supports at current levels out to 2025 and to resist any VRT increases in Budget 2023 which 'will only prove counterproductive' to efforts to encourage the change to lower and zero emitting vehicles.

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Fiat 500 Electric partners beauty awards

Fiat Ireland and the Image Business of Beauty Awards have announced a Fiat 500 Electric sponsor partnership, writes Brian Byrne.

The awards, for professionals in the hair, beauty and aesthetics industry, will be announced at an event in Dublin on 18 September in Dublin. More than 850 stars in the sector will attend. 

Pictured are Melanie Morris, Image contributing editor and awards host, and John Saunders Managing Director Fiat Ireland.

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