While the year gone by was a bumper year for new car arrivals, we’re in for another exciting year for 2024 with many new arrivals heading our way, writes Trish Whelan. These include ‘affordable’ low cost Irish and Chinese cars to top of the range supercars. We’ll check out some of the key ones below.
AUDI
Audi have plans to introduce up to 20 new all-electric models in the next few years. Their Q4 e-tron 40 Sport, renamed as the 45 and with an increase in power to 210kW, is now eligible for the SEAI EV grant, priced from €55,480 (net of the grant excluding delivery). Updated Q4 e-tron models have improved range and 19km on the SUV variants, +22km on Sportbacks. The Q4 e-tron 50 quattro has been renamed the 55 and now has a power output of 250kW. The Q8 SUV diesel SUV and SQ8 models are available for order. The PHEV variants of Q8 SUV will launch in first half of 24 while the Q7 will also launch early 2024. Details to follow. The A3 Sportback/saloon will have product improvement in both variants including technology improvements and updated exterior styling. Due early 2024.
BMW
The second-generation BMW X2 Sports Activity Coupe, available this March, comes with larger dimensions, a pronounced coupe silhouette and dynamic lines. The fully-electric BMW iX2 version is also introduced for the first time offering a range of up to a claimed 417 to 449 kms (WLTP). The range-topping M35i xDrive 300hp delivers traditional M performance that allows a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds. Prices vary from €55,350-€79,780. Deliveries commence this March.
BYD
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Chinese-auto manufacturer BYD have added their new SEAL to their line-up with two powertrains and a claimed range of up to 570km on a single charge. It follows the earlier launch of the ATTO 3 SUV and Dolphin compact hatchback. Dolphin is powered by a 60.4 kWh Blade battery and boasts a range of 427km and a 30pc to 80pc fast charging speed of below 30 minutes. The SEAL’s two powertrains get a battery capacity of 82.5Wh and claimed range of up to 570km. Also available with AWD and priced from €40,567.
CITROEN
Citroen will introduce its E-C3 hatchback in Q4 of 2024 priced at under €30,000. The car is taller and roomier than a normal hatch and benefits from SUV-style ground clearance. The big surprise is the lack of a traditional instrument cluster as the new Head-Up Display reflects all the vehicle information onto a glossy black section between the top of the dash panel and the bottom of the windscreen. Just two grades are offered. The car uses a 44kWh battery pack to deliver up to 320km WLTP driving range. Fast charging from 20c to 80c takes under 30 mins.
DACIA
The fully electric Dacia Spring will launch here mid 2024 enhanced by several significant improvements in design and equipment. Some 120,000 Spring cars have been sold elsewhere since its introduction in 2021. Dacia Ireland say it fills a niche in the Irish electric car market for a highly usable, quality EV that won’t break the bank. Pricing and Irish specs will be announced closer to launch.
FORD
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We haven’t heard much from Ford passenger cars in recent times, but that’s about to change with the arrival of their new mid-size Explorer electric SUV which is based on Volkswagen’s electric architecture. The car that combines European engineering with trail-blazing American styling will arrive here by next summer. We got to see the Explorer here mid 2023 and it duly impressed with its beautiful design. Has a supersized movable touchscreen and fully connected infotainment system, 450 litres of boot capacity with all five seats in use. The battery can charge from 10pc-80pc at a DC fast charging station in just 25 minutes. It will be built at Ford’s new Cologne EV Centre in Germany.
HYUNDAI
Hyundai’s high-performance Ioniq 5 ’N’ hot hatch electric car was shown at the LA Auto Show. It’s a version of the brand’s Ioniq 5 but built under its ’N’ sub-brand. Subtle changes include N badges around the car and some orange embellishments. The car is lower by 0.79 inches but slightly wider to allow for big 21-inch wheels and tyres. It’s also a tad longer. The ’N’ version has a large 84kWh battery pack that can charge from 10pc-80pc in under 20 minutes. The car, with a whopping 650hp, is said to have ‘rally-inspired’ handling, and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.25 seconds.
INEOS
When Land Rover ended their Defender in its original drive-over-anything format in favour of a luxury model with lots of Range Roverish touches, there was a British hankering for something chunky and retro. The result is the Grenadier, recently launched in Ireland, which has the looks and the ladder frame, as well as a massive amount of switchgear for normal car functions. A commercial version has room for four. Powertrain is BMW 3.0 six-cylinder In-Line. Torque from 450-550Nm. Priced from €64,000 - €138,000 plus VAT.
KIA
Kia’s facelift 7-seat Sorento will arrive here 2024 with diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. Diesel models will arrive in April while PHEVs arrive in July in time for the 242-registration period. The new model features a strong design refresh as well as new technology, colours and sustainable materials. Two drivetrains will be a 2.2 diesel coupled with an eight-speed dual clutch transmission; the PHEV comes with a 1.6 T-GDI engine and a 13.8 kWh battery paired with a six-speed automatic transmission which also features 4WD as standard. Kia’s EV9 all-electric SUV launched late 2023, is offered in 6- & 7-seater configurations and has a range of up to 563kms. Priced from €77,500-€85,500.
MERCEDES-BENZ
After a long run of introducing electric cars in almost all of their segment offerings, Mercedes-Benz in Ireland have recently launched a couple of new models of more traditional flavour. The new generation E-Class and the all-new CLE Coupé — the latter a model completely new to the Mercedes-Benz family, created to replace the outgoing C-Class and E-Class Coupés. Both reflect a smooth and sensual look for the luxury brand, with more efficient combustion powertrains. Want something a little hotter? — the new AMG GT offers a 100km/h sprint in just over 3:0 seconds.
MINI
Mini in Ireland have unveiled the Next Generation MINI family which includes the new Mini Cooper which gets a style upgrade and more tech.
OPEL
Opel will electrify its complete model portfolio by 2024 when the new generation Crossland small SUV and Grandland come with a fully electric version. The most recent additions to the brand’s EV range have been the Astra Electric with a range of 418km WLTP available as a 5-door hatch and Sports Tourer estate from late 2023. Opel will have 15 EV models, including commercials, for the start of 2024.
PEUGEOT
The Lion brand adds to its electric line-up with three new models, the refreshed 208 range gets a 156bhp all-electric motor with a range of up to 400km (€32,780 including grant and VRT rebate); the 308 hatchback and estate SW are already available in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions. The electric E-308 and E-308 SW will be powered by a new electric motor with 156bhp and 260Nm torque with a range of up to 413kms. The E-308 will be here early 2024.
RENAULT
Renault has revealed its Renault 5 E-Tech electric vehicle which puts a modern, electric spin on the iconic Renault 5 taking it into the future. Aimed mostly at an urban customer, it will sell with two battery options including one with a capacity of 52kWh for a range of up to 400kms (WLTP). A second 40kWh battery will follow at a later date. It’s hoped to have it here in January 2025. Renault’s new electric Scenic SUV is also expected here this year with a 220hp E-Tech 100pc electric powertrain and claimed driving range of over 620km.
SKODA
Skoda’s second-generation Kodiaq comes with five powertrains. This is the largest SUV from Skoda. Both diesel and petrol engine options deliver outputs of from 1.5 TSI with 150hp to 2.0 diesel with 204hp. A plug-in hybrid version - a first for the model - has an electric range of over 100kms. The two top engines are mated to all-wheel drive as standard. It comes with more space, more features and improved efficiency.
SMART
The all-new Smart range of all-electric cars will shortly arrive in Ireland. The Irish distributor is Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) in Dublin. Branded with a ‘hashtag’ motif and a numerical model designation, the new electric Smart range has a premium design and advanced technology. Initially, two models will be available - smart #1 and smart #3.
TOYOTA
Toyota’s next generation C-HR will launch with two hybrid petrol engines as well as a plug-in hybrid with increased EV range beyond current PHEVs. The car will have increased use of recycled and vegan materials and production method improvements will reduce the car’s total life C02 emissions. Due here during 2024.
VOLVO
Volvo will start building its new fully electric Volvo EX30 small SUV in Belgium to meet demand. It will be the company’s smallest model but will have a range of up to 480km. The car, already being produced in China, has already won several major awards in the UK. Volvo expect the model to be one of its best-sellers in coming years.
