Revised M-B GLE arrives

An updated version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE has now arrived in Ireland, offering mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, writes Brian Byrne. A revised GLE Coupe version is coming.

The enhancements include exterior details that include more distinctive LED lights as well as redesigns of the bumper and front spoiler. Larger allows are standard. Inside there are upgrades to the MBUX infotainment system which allow it to 'earn' owner preferences.

The range is comprised of three mild hybrid models in 2.0 diesel and 3.0 diesel and petrol sizes and a pair of 2.0 PHEVs as well as AMG variants.

In Ireland focus will likely fall on the GLE 350 de 4MATIC which offers a rated range of 103km of electric driving. 

Jeep Avenger Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

The new Jeep Avenger is the smallest model from the brand available today, writes Brian Byrne, but it isn't the smallest civilian Jeep ever produced — that label goes to the Willys-Overland CJ-2A which sold for five years from 1945, capitalising on the 'hero' icon of the US Army WW2 vehicle. 

The CJ series vehicles were also the first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive cars. Aimed basically at the agricultural vehicle market, passenger seats front and rear were optional extras. But they became the basis of rugged, go-anywhere cars that the modern Jeep brand epitomised for decades, albeit owned by many different automobile companies. Models evolved for different market segments played the adventure ethos, Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass and, prior to Avenger, Renegade.

Today Jeep is a Stellantis Group brand, and with is latest models is reflecting new directions for personal transport. In Avenger's case, increased urbanisation and the need for emissions-free vehicles for both health and climate reasons. So Avenger is the first electric-only model from Jeep, and is also aimed at great city driving rather than in the great outdoors.

Just recently launched in Ireland, first impressions are of a smart design that's not nearly as rugged looking as the rather larger Renegade — but still has a crossover tilt towards SUV. A style that makes it look bigger than it actually is in the B segment where it competes. It has a ride-high look that is partly illusion. The car's iteration of the traditional vertical-slotted Jeep grille is very recognisable. Strongly-sculpted wheel arches, stylish alloy wheels, and protective black cladding all around add to outdoorsy feel, though will likely be most useful against unsightly dings and dents acquired in the urban jungle.

There's a nice simplicity about the interior design, with a clean dashboard style. The centre screen is high-mounted but doesn't seem intrusive. A main instruments cluster is nicely recessed against glare. Audio volume and climate management are through satisfying and welcome physical switches. A horizontal set of PRND buttons for transmission selection is unusual, but does leave more centre console room for stowing stuff. For a B segment car, the rear accommodation is surprisingly roomy. Boot capacity is more than in the bigger brother Renegade. 

The power for the Avenger is a 156hp electric motor and a 54kWh battery, with a claimed range of between 389-404km. Up to 550km is said to be possible in purely city driving, which I have yet to test but in my experience with EVs should indeed be achievable.

The Avenger is not an AWD vehicle, but does have an electronic system that helps maintain traction in sand, mud and snow. A Hill Descent system is standard on all versions. As this piece is based on a launch introductory drive, I didn't have the chance to see just how well it might perform on grass and mud and rough tracks but I will when I get it for full review. These electronic terrain controls can be surprisingly effective.

Driving an EV used to be a novel experience, but by now I'm taking the torquey and quiet performance for granted. On a pretty hilly and twisty launch route, I found the car to be capable and with a definite fun factor. That it has already garnered the European Car of the Year 2023 accolade must have a lot of larger car companies muttering as they slurp their soup. As my pictures show, Irish Jeep distributors Gowan Auto are not being shy about capitalising on that award.

So far, on a relatively short experience, I rather like where this new Jeep is going. Avenger prowling the suburban jungle, without the growl of a combustion engine. 

PRICE: From €35,995. WHAT I LIKED: Silent in the streets. 

Skoda releases new Kodiaq design sketches

This is a design sketch of the new Skoda Kodiaq SUV, due for its world premiere next week, writes Brian Byrne.

The style details include a strongly sculpted front end, squared off wheel arches, and new LED matrix headlights. At the rear, a red bar connects the two rear lights, and the up-styling includes a solid rear bumper and new Skoda lettering.

More details after the premiere. 

Irish motorists 'neglect tyre care'

A worrying level of neglect for tyre care in Ireland has been revealed in a survey carried out for premium tyre manufacturer Continental Tyres, writes Brian Byrne.

Carried out in advance of Tyre Safety Day (Monday October 2) and Road Safety Week in Ireland (Oct 2-8), the survey results suggest 29pc of car owners only check their tyres at intervals of between six months and a year. A smaller percentage, around 6pc, admitted to never checking their tyres.

Motorists are recommended to carry out a quick check of their tyres at least every week or so and a more detailed check at least once a month.

On every car, as tyres rack up the kilometres, the tread depth reduces.  Once it gets below 3mm, the performance and stopping ability of the tyre is seriously impacted. The legal tread depth limit is 1.6mm. Below that the owner is liable for up to four penalty points and a fine of €80.

According to Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres in Ireland, driving on tyres close to the legal limit is 'playing Russian roulette', as a car on the tread limit can take double the distance to stop in an emergency — equivalent to eight car lengths more. "In many cases that extra distance could be the difference between life and death,” he says. 

MG5 EV Review: Trish Whelan - Irish Car

An interesting statistic is that the average Chinese man is 8.2cms shorter than the average European guy. That’s a full 3 inches shorter. This fact may not have been considered by Chinese car makers marketing their cars in Europe. Like the MG5, where tall men in my life found it excruciatingly difficult to get in and out of the front passenger seat. 

While MG is a British brand, the marque is now owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC, the seventh largest car manufacturer in the world. All MG assembly plants and production facilities are based in China, India and Thailand. However, SAIC Motor say they plan to build their first factory in Europe after sales there have rocketed. Maybe they'll adjust designs to cater for taller Europeans. 

Meantime, the 2023 facelifted MG5 includes a redesigned front and rear, enhanced LED headlights, and new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs. An estate, the MG5 Sportwagon looks very attractive from the outside - especially in the Dynamic Red of my car - with long and sleek lines. The upgraded interior is simple and well designed. Five people can travel with good head room for all ... once in. Even with the front seat pushed back as far as it would go, legroom here wasn’t all that good either. 

At my side, the six-way adjustable driver’s seat has lumbar support and an extra layer of foam. Though in truth, I found my seat a bit too stiff. Technology enhancements include a 10.25-inch infotainment system that allows access to satellite navigation, air conditioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The software supports connected car functionality through MG’s dedicated smartphone app. It allows you stay connected to your car from anywhere. You can even locate it in the car park, check the health status and lock and unlock the car — all from your smartphone. 

Driver information is via a 7-inch digital cluster showing speed and the percentage of power being used as you drive. My car had a good reversing camera, and rear parking sensors, but no blind spot warning. The 360deg camera has three screens, the centre one showing what is in front of the car when parked up, the other two showing overhead views of the vehicle. Changing gears is via a rotary gear selector on the flat of the central console. There are two USB ports front and rear. The cabin has 27 storage spaces including a decent glovebox, good door bins, a deep area below the front armrest. 

Drop the rear seats to increase the boot volume from 578 to a very decent 1367 litres with an adjustable dual-height boot floor. But just a tyre repair kit. No spare. 

Excite Trim Long Range provides a 403km electric range, 61.1kWh battery, with MG Pilot driver assist systems, 16-ins alloys, six airbags, sat-nav, Hill Launch Assist, and silver roof rails. The Exclusive spec adds 17-inch alloys, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, rear privacy glass, leather style seats, auto air con, and the 360deg camera. 

This MG5's 61.1kWh battery and 156hp motor proved the rated range to be fairly accurate in my time with the car. It can improve with more city driving which helps regenerate the battery. Average combined energy consumption settled around 17.5kWh/100km. From 0-100km/h takes 8.3 seconds. The MG Pilot driver assistance technology is equipped with warning and alert features that includes Lane Departure Warning which constantly nudged the steering wheel to a very annoying degree even though I was driving in the middle of my lane. For me, this was not helped by the car’s very light steering. 

Driving modes are Eco, Normal, and Sport. You also get three regenerative braking modes in both trims and a KERS kinetic energy recovery system with levels from 1-3. The charging port is conveniently located just above the front number plate. You can charge from 10pc to 80pc in 61 minutes using a 50kW public rapid charger, or from 10pc to 80pc with a 150kW fast charger in around 35 mins. The MG5 has a 500kg approved towing capacity. 

The car has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP but has many of the safety features that gained its sibling MG4 a maximum 5-star safety rating. It comes with a 7-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

MG5 SW is priced from €34,645-€37,895. Prices include SEAI grant for electric vehicles and VRT relief for electric vehicles.

 

Octavia RS TDI is last of model's hot diesels

Skoda has confirmed the end of production of one of their most iconic model variants, the Octavia RS TDI diesel, writes Brian Byrne. Priced from €47,845 in Ireland, the Octavia RS diesel will cease production in early 2024 with no plan to re-introduce a successor.

The Skoda RS suffix, dating back to 1974 and reflecting a 'Rally Sport' ethos, re-emerged in 2000 when the Octavia RS was unveiled to coincide with the brand’s entry into the WRC (World Rally Championship). The second generation Octavia RS was launched in 2007 powered by a diesel powertrain for the very first time. 

A third generation Octavia RS followed in 2013 and brought increased power (184bhp) and the option of a 4x4 transmission. The fourth and current generation diesel Octavia RS will be the final act for high-powered, fast Skodas bearing the RS lettering. 

Neue Klasse models from BMW will have much longer range

These are views of the future of BMW style, as shown in concept form at the recent Munich Auto Show, writes Brian Byrne.

The car is named Neue Klasse and showcased what a new model coming in 2025 might look like. The styling is much edgier than current BMW cars.

Built on the brand's next-generation electric platform, the first car in the range is expected to be of a similar size to the current 3-Series.

The Neue Klasse initiative will spawn five more EVs over just 24 months after the first one, showing how quickly BMW plans to go fully electric. The company's bosses say new EV technologies will mean range improvements of 30pc over the current systems in use.

 

  

Volkswagen reveals new Tiguan

Volkswagen has revealed the third generation of its Tiguan SUV, with a much more aerodynamic design, writes Brian Byrne.

The front end is distinguished by very flat LED headlights and a full width lighting strip, while the rear also adds a horizontal LED strip. Matrix lights will be available for the first time in the nameplate. 

The interior is totally new, with a 15-inch infotainment screen and a console rotary multi-control to manage driving profiles, radio volume and background lighting.

A PHEV hybrid powertrain is claimed to have a rated EV-only range of around 100km. 

Range Rover Sport Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

When the first generation of the Range Rover Sport was launched in 2005, the press drive events were held in the Pyrenees, writes Brian Byrne. Along with the Irish, among the other nationalities on our rotation were journalists from a country who had a reputation for hammering cars along even in quite scary mountain places. So instead of only paying attention to where we were going, we also had to keep a close eye behind for guys who thought we were all competing on a mountain rally stage, but who didn't have the skills of professional rally drivers.

During our 2-day event, a pair of them managed to write off one of the cars, fortunately not while driving. One wanted a photo of the car against a mountain lake background and kept waving his colleague to back further towards the water. Not having realised how quickly the lake shelved, he backed too far and the car eventually had to be towed, fairly ruined, from the lake. Though it could wade well through reasonable pools and rivers, Land Rover had never claimed it was a fully amphibious vehicle. But it was actually a very competent car, as I was able to attest to the following year when I journeyed in it through a week of travel in the rugged rain forests of Laos.

These were thoughts coming back when I took delivery for review of the third generation Range Rover Sport. I already knew, from its launch last year, that the car is now a totally different beast. More refined, but still with the ability to handle anything that it might be thrown at, even many water hazards. 

The style has become less aggressive up front, though it's a tall fascia when you stand beside it. Very slim lights and a smooth and deep top bumper treatment adds to a rather svelte effect. The clean finish extends fully around the car, with a high rear lights line linked across the tailgate by an integrated Range Rover name in light grey on black. A discreet 'Sport' badge and equivalent Land Rover oval on the other side are the only other visual disturbances to a very smooth back end.

That same minimalist ethos has been floated through the interior. It is good to see only one centre screen, of reasonable size, and a well-shaded-from-glare driver's instruments panel. The shifter for the 8-speed autobox shares its space with commendably large rotary knobs for climate control, a smaller one for radio volume, and a rotary selector for drive modes. 

This is an expensive brand and an expensive car, and the materials, fitting, and style of the interior fully reflect that. And while there is room for three in the rear, it's clear that the ideal is two if adult. Though shorter and lower than the big brother RR, there's adequate room for knees, elbows and heads to travel in the comfort which has been paid for.

This latest version of the RR Sport shares its new platform with the full-size Range Rover, and it has been especially developed for electrification. So within a wide range of powertrains available, there's the plug-in hybrid that powered my review car. Based on a 435hp 3.0 inline six turbo petrol with a 141hp electric motor, the 38kWh battery gives it a real EV range of around 85km, more if driven only in urban traffic. Whether on combustion or electric power, the going is smooth and silent and remarkably effortless — as it should be with all that oomph. Putting the unit into perspective, it generates similar power as did the 5.0 petrol V8 that was the top engine in the last RR Sport generation.

Not having a charger at home, and because the system is not designed for fast-charging CCS, I tend to use review PHEVs as straight hybrids once the initial charge has been depleted. As an experiment on a 120km trip on which I was returning the same way, I used the 'Save' function to charge up the battery while on the 84km motorway section, and on the way back I just left the whole thing in hybrid. The 8.5L/100km was the same each way. Which was respectable for the size and power of this car.

This is an option for those in the medium luxury SUV market, with the Merc GLE, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 in the virtual competitors showroom. What the RR Sport has for me over the others is the memories of adventure driving the nameplate represents. Makes it special.

PRICE: From €116,000. WHAT I LIKED: The memories revived.  

PHEV Ford Ranger on the way

Ford is to add a plug-in hybrid powertrain version to the company's Ranger pickup, Europe's best-selling pickup, writes Brian Byrne. But the car won't be available until early 2025.

Adding the electric motor to the powertrain will both offer emissions-free driving on and offroad, and more pulling power.

The combustion engine of the setup will be the 2.3 EcoBoost petrol unit, and the EV range is expected to be rated at 45km.

Ford will also offer Pro Power Onboard with the PHEV Ranger, enabling customers to power their high-draw power tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets embedded in both the cargo bed as well as the cabin.

No pricing is indicated yet. 

Jeep launches Avenger EV here

The new Jeep Avenger has been launched in Ireland at a starting price of €35,995, writes Brian Byrne.

The car is the first all-electric Jeep and is available in Ireland in three grades.

With a 156hp electric motor and a new generation 54kWh battery, the claimed range is 389-404km, with up to 550km possible in purely city driving.

The Avenger is not an AWD vehicle, but does have an electronic system that help maintain traction in sand, mud and snow. A Hill Descent system is standard on all versions.

All-around cladding is provided to protect bodywork in rough track use.

Jeep is distributed here by Gowan Auto, and head of sales Ian Tolan said the arrival of the Avenger is the start of a regeneration of the iconic brand in Ireland. 

Ford Tourneo Custom Shuttle Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

An 8-seater bus might seem a bit much for a passenger car review, writes Brian Byrne. But I had booked the Ford Transit Tourneo Custom Shuttlebus for a time when our American and Berlin family members were due for a short visit, as it would have been useful for getting them around.

As it happened, that visit didn’t take place. So we had this orange LWB passenger vehicle outside our house, and we decided we might as well do some visiting of our own, and go and see relations on her side in Sligo and my brother in Leitrim. With maybe the possibility of taking a run up towards Donegal.

Just the two of us in an 8-seater sounds like a waste of resources. But it makes for nicely uncrowded travelling when you have so much space that you can throw in not just what you need, but what you might need as well. So there were the folding camp chairs, the portable gas stove and whistling kettle in case we had a really nice picnic opportunity. One of my guitars should it become appropriate to join in a seisiún. Being Ireland, there were also rain jackets, spare shoes, a rug with a waterproof backing (courtesy a long time ago of Land Rover). As we said a temporary goodbye to our home, the Tourneo Shuttlebus no longer seemed as empty as might have been expected. 

The Transit Custom style is a nice mix of practical with attitude. There are probably very few sold in the Orange Glow livery, but the review vehicle had a summery look even if it was in an August week slopping out of the wettest July in Ireland’s records. The wedge-forward design is amplified by the long wheelbase. It’s a van, but the car has character with large front lights and a tidy Ford grille closing short a very steep bonnet line that suggests good visibility in close manoeuvring. The middle doors on each side slide. At the back a big tailgate lifts to offer shelter from any rain while loading. It’s Ireland, right? So probably useful.

Inside at the business end, the Tourneo Custom Shuttlebus has everything a professional van driver needs to make their day at the office comfortable and productive. A high perch helps with overall visibility. Steering wheel and instrumentation absolutely car-like. A central infotainment screen with blue-hued graphics and a proper mix of touch and traditional knobs management. The gear shifter is easy to hand coming out of the dashboard, leaving the floor free in the middle (I think it can be ordered as a 9-seat with three up front). The level of trim and finish is also to car comfort level.

Midships, the seats were arranged in two rows facing each other, but the layout is flexible and can have all occupants facing forward with a bit of shifting. The layout we got proved useful at stops for coffee — Roosky a case in point where we could sip and stretch, observing Shannon boat traffic while out of what was a fairly significant wind. The aft cargo area was ginormous and even over-luggaged as we were, didn't look nearly full.

The Tourneo Custom we had was powered by a good old-fashioned diesel knocking out 130hp in a pretty refined manner. The torquey motor lugged well at low revs, and it was only the full bulk of the vehicle that made it a little bit awkward in close-quarter town parking. This is a take what you are given business, but an automatic transmission would have been nice.

Not to bore with the trip details, but we did our visiting, got a most engaging tour of Lissadell House courtesy of a former lawyer, motored to Ballyshannon in the rain and back to Rosses Point where the sun came out and we could walk a while. And we never had trouble spotting the Orange Glow of our vehicle wherever we had left it. Back home and some 600km later, it showed an average 7.5L/100km had been achieved.

At the price and size, the Tourneo Custom is not going to be a normal family car. But for a hotel courtesy shuttle or similar people-moving business need, it's a very practical and comfortable proposition, with all the reliability underpinnings that come with that blue oval badge.

PRICE: €77,100. WHAT I LIKED: The long-distance lope in high-riding comfort. 

New Peugeot 3008 on the way

Peugeot has revealed a new version of the company's 3008 SUV, which will launch initially in fully electric form, writes Brian Byrne.

The latest generation of one of their best-seller nameplates has a new fastback rear styling along with the fascia and grilles design that has been brought to the brand's most recent models.

The car is on a brand-new medium platform which will be used by a number of upcoming models. The E-3008 will offer two rated ranges, of 525km and 700km. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions will also be produced.

The new 3008 comes to Ireland in the spring of next year. 

Swiss see ID performance concept

This is Volkswagen's ID.X Performance concept which was revealed at Locarno in Switzerland last Friday at a gathering of VW electric car owners, writes Brian Byrne.

It is based on the ID.7 due in Ireland shortly and which will be the largest EV to date from VW.

As a concept designed to show a large hot hatch possibility, the ID.X Performance has dual electric motors outputting up to 551hp and energised by an 86kWh battery.

It also features lowered suspension and aerodynamic body elements geared to keeping the car tight to the road in high speed driving. 

'Who was Mary Ward?' to trigger road safety conversations

The Road Safety Authority is recalling the first person recorded as killed in a car accident in a new campaign to try and make Irish drivers more safety conscious, writes Brian Byrne.

Mary Ward was killed when she fell under the wheels of the car she was travelling in, at Birr Co Offaly, in 1869.  She was a mother of eight, a pioneering scientist, and a scholar who had achieved widespread recognition in her chosen fields of astronomy and microscopy. Her book ‘A World of Wonders Revealed by the Microscope’ received widespread acclaim.

The 'Who was Mary Ward?' title of the campaign is designed to trigger people to have conversations with each other about their responsibilities in road safety.

Specifically they want those conversations to lead to the 'Vision Zero' target of no road deaths by 2050. 

Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid Review: Trish Whelan - Irish Car

Suzuki’s S-Cross SUV/Crossover is an affordable car for a young family and is now available with the option of a full hybrid version, writes Trish Whelan. 

The model was launched in 2013, with a major facelift in 2016, and more recently, a redesigned version that arrived here last year. A full hybrid was added to the line-up in February of this year, ideal also for motorists who prefer to drive an automatic car. All manual transmission S-Cross versions continue with a 48V Mild Hybrid as standard. 

A C-segment SUV, the model is quite similar in size to the Honda HR-V, Peugeot 2008, and Skoda’s Karoq and others, but is longer and wider than its Vitara sibling, with a lower roof. The latest exterior design includes a more rugged and muscular appearance, a high bonnet line, raised suspension and large angular wheel arches. Being quite a high car makes getting in and out easy and also provides good visibility, things many people look for in a car. Six exterior colours are offered. 

While the interior has more space and comfort, it still looks a bit dated compared to competitors, most notably in the dash styling and the old-fashioned graphics on the driver’s instrumentation display where the pale figures of the speedometer seem to blend in with the background. There are manual knobs for the dual-air con controls and a traditional type handbrake. Cubbies include a spacious glovebox, decent door bins and a deep area below the front arm rest which contains a 12V socket; there’s another power socket in the boot. While there is a USB port in the front, I couldn’t find one in the rear, which could cause problems for passengers attached to their mobile phones. 

I found seats to be nice and comfy and made from good quality material that will take a lot of hard use. There is good back knee room behind a 6'2"-person in front but the person seated in the middle has the tunnel to contend with. Rear head room is really good. Cargo capacity is from 293-665 litres. There is a removable double luggage area floor for convenience while a bag hook and four tie-down hooks help keep things from moving around while on the move. There’s just a sealant fix for a puncture. S-Cross has all the tech most people need, as standard. 

The spec includes 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and engine start, a centre display and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof rails, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, LED headlights and rear combination lights, dual-zone air conditioning, Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and childproof rear door locks. 

A new Suzuki Connect app allows you connect to your S-Cross by smartphone wherever you are. It can tell your vehicle’s exact parked location and let you know if you forgot to lock the car. Use of this app is free for 12 months. Engine options are a 1.4 Boosterjet mild hybrid with manual transmission or the 1.5 Full Hybrid. 

There's a 4WD option which allows choice from four selectable modes to match driving conditions. The full hybrid's transmission is a 6-speed automated manual called Auto Gear Shift (AGS), that automatically shifts gears and operates the clutch. It sounds complicated. It’s not. Suzuki claim a fuel consumption of 5.2 L/100km for the combined cycle — during my week with the car I achieved an average of 5.3/100km. 

The car is effortless to drive, nice and agile, easy to manoeuvre and to park as it’s not a long vehicle. It does take a few moments to climb up through the gears, with acceleration from 0-100km/h taking 12.7s. But remember, this is a family car. I liked this car for its honesty. It’s not trying to be all things to everyone. I believe it will appeal mostly to a traditional type of buyer who doesn’t want too many high tech gadgets in their car, but one which covers all the basics for everyday use. S-Cross does exactly what it claims to do, without fuss. S-Cross is built in Magyar, Hungary. 

Every new Suzuki comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty. I’d be very happy to have the S-Cross as my own personal car. The OTR price is from €31,895. My car including Metallic paint option, €32,270.

 

Cupra Leon Review: Brian Byrne - Irish Car

Within the multiple Volkswagen Group brands, it is viably arguable that the Spanish SEAT subsidiary always got the best looks, certainly in the last decade, writes Brian Byrne. So, while the iconic Golf had to retain its fairly sober shape styling just because it was an icon, the Spaniards could make their equivalent model sexy. Which they did with successive generations of the Leon, essentially a Golf dressed for an Ibiza disco rave. Also, when they wanted a Golf GTI equivalent, they gave it engines ranging from 265hp to more than 300hp and added a Cupra suffix denoting a real hot disco swinger, so to speak. I have good memories of driving those on a number of occasions up around the hills behind Barcelona, making the most of the power and the handling on some seriously fun twisting roads.

As most readers know by now, the Cupra designation was hived off into a full performance brand a few years back, and is now building its own space with variants of the SEAT models. Part of the deal is some detailing of those disco rave outfits by the equivalent of an automotive haut couturier. The results include very tasty copper style elements and that Cupra logo that is still a mystery to many but to my eye is a splendid piece of graphic design. 

All of that looked good on the Cupra Leon I recently took out for appraisal. The underlying style of the model is funky enough to stand out against any icon-constrained design. The car's lowered suspension sits it closer to the road, enhancing the sense of sportiness. The power-dressed front was a promise of performance and in the black colour of the review car, it all looked nicely lean and mean.

Inside is fairly standard SEAT Leon but with the Cupra copper trimmings and badging — as well as the brand's own seats and trim style touches — lifting things beyond ordinary. It's a car easy to feel comfortable in, the only issue being the VW wretched finger-sliding climate and volume control for the otherwise good to use central touchscreen. Nice graphics there and on the driver's instruments cluster offering plenty of clear information, easily assimilated.

There's a range of powertrains for the Cupra Leon, from the 150hp 1.5 mild-hybrid petrol with manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions, a couple of 150hp 2.0 diesels, a 1.4 plug-in hybrid with 245hp, and finally a pair of 2.0 petrols with 245hp or 300hp punch. That's a lot of engines for one model in a still-niche performance brand. Maybe too many.

The review car was the base in the grade series, up one notch because it was automatic. It's not that long ago that 150hp was quite in the mid- to higher power space for any ordinary car model. But in the last couple of years, with electric cars offering relatively high horsepower and acceleration as standard, I might have been expecting too much. 

Don't get me wrong. This engine has a healthy level of torque that, thanks to the help from the electric motor in the mild-hybrid setup, gives a very nice wide-band pulling power from as low as 1,500rpm and all the way to 3,500rpm. That makes for very relaxed driving especially with the excellent autobox which will nicely vary its selection response depending on how hard you want to push things. But, somehow, a 0-100km/h of a little under 9 seconds doesn't feel like Cupra should. All right, I WAS spoiled by those Leon Cupra 290s back less than a decade ago.

Of course, there's a reason why Cupra the brand is offering the 150hp engine. It gives a relatively affordable entry level that has all the coppery trimmings and good looks for those to whom great power is not really important. Besides, unless you're a track days kind of person, where can you use 300hp anyway in a road safety aware manner? What did surprise me was how very quickly I became comfortable with this motor over my time with the car, which included a wide range of driving conditions and distances. There may well be people prepared to spend more than €62,000 on a supercar-capable Cupra Leon, but I'll never be one of them. I grew to like very much the one I was given.

PRICE: From €35,310; review car €38,770. WHAT I LIKED: The haut-couture touches that always lifted my mood. 

 

Gowan Auto's €30 million distribution centre officially opened

The new €30 million Gowan Auto Distribution Centre at City West in Dublin has been officially opened by the Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donoghue and Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson, writes Brian Byrne.

The state of the art facility includes a new warehouse, office space, training academy and marketing showroom, with 130 people employed there.

Gowan Auto is a subsidiary of the family-owned Gowan Group and is the exclusive importer and distributor of Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Honda, Jeep, Opel and Peugeot in the Republic of Ireland.

Gowan Auto operates with 150 dealerships nationwide with the brands representing almost 10pc of new passenger car registrations, and almost 25pc of new light commercial vehicle registrations in Ireland in 2022.

Pictured above at the opening are Cristian Hurley (Shareholder), Gemma Maughan (Shareholder), Linda Jackson (Peugeot CEO), Minister Paschal Donohoe TD, Maria Smith Bourke (Shareholder). Middle rows: Alba Smith (Gowan Group Director / Shareholder), Cliona Mullen (Gowan Group Non-Executive Board Member), Michael Maughan (former Gowan Group Chairman), Fiona Thomas (Gowan Group Director / Shareholder). Back row: Frank Murphy (Gowan Group Finance Director), Alan Kilroy (Gowan Auto Finance Director), Liam FitzGerald (Gowan Group Chairman), Carmel Treacy (Gowan Group HR Director), Michael Dwan (Gowan Group Managing Director). 

BYD Seal debuts at Munich mobility show

The second model for Ireland from the Chinese EV maker BYD has debuted at the Munich IAA Mobility Show, writes Brian Byrne. First deliveries of the Seal are expected here in the last quarter of the year.

Prices in Ireland will start at €40,567 for an entry model coming next year, while the first grades coming here will cost €44,036 and €49,836.

There will be two drivetrain options with the Seal, in RWD and AWD, with rated ranges of 570km and 520km respectively. Fast charging at appropriate 150kWh stations can go 30pc-80pc in less than half an hour. 

Tesla opens country's second centre, in Cork

A new Tesla Centre has been opened in Cork to support the electric car brand's sales and marketing and aftercare in the south and west of the country, writes Brian Byrne.

The 17,000 sq ft facility at Fota Junction Retail Park will facilitate test drives for potential customers, and has space to service five Teslas at once.

It's the second Tesla Centre in the country after the one opened in 2017 in Sandyford, Dublin.