Dacia launches New Duster family SUV

Dacia yesterday unveiled its new Duster family SUV to the Irish car market in good time for the January 2025 new car sales market, writes Trish Whelan. Dacia say this new generation of the model will still be a value-for-money option for buyers with a start price of €25,990 and 9pc APR finance for 251 registrations. 

Now with a more robust and outdoor character, there’s also more space for passengers and luggage (now up to 517 litres of boot space) than the previous generation yet the vehicle is only fractionally longer overall. Features include a more digital and more connected cockpit including a new 7-inch cluster and new 10.1-inch central touchscreen and new infotainment system. Almost 20pc of the plastic used in the New Duster is recycled and the brand will stop using leather and decorative chrome in all its models for environmental reasons. 

Duster is available with 4x4 Terrain control transmission that includes five driving modes of Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Off-Road. Ground clearance of 217mm (between axles) in the 4x4 versions are the highest on the market. New hybrid powertrains are the Hybrid 140, Tce 130, and ECO-G100 that provides a dual fuel option of petrol and LPG. The Hybrid 140 powertrain uses a 4-cylinder, 1.6, 94hp petrol engine with two electric motors, an electric automatic gearbox - the 1.2 kWh battery makes it possible to drive in all-electric mode up to 80pc of the time in cities; the Tce 130 comprises of a 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine and a 48V mild hybrid motor. This powertrain is available with a 6-speed gearbox in the 4x2 and 4x4 versions. 

Grades are Essential and Expression, and for those looking for more than basic technology there’s Duster Journey and Duster Extreme with more equipment and an outdoor focused style. Some 19,500 Dusters have been registered here since launch in 2013. 

About 1,000 Dusters roll off production lines at the carmaker’s plant in Pitesti, Romania, every day where the model is built on the flexible CMF-B platform also used for Jogger, Sandero and Logan models. New Duster is a finalist for European Car of the year 2025, a first for the Dacia brand.

 

 

L&K motorised bicycles pre-dated Skoda

This is the forerunner of Skoda, launched 125 years ago by the bicycle firm established four years previously by mechanic Václav Laurin and bookseller Václav Klement in Czechoslovakia, writes Brian Byrne. Dubbed types A and B, they were showcased in a riding presentation in Prague and were technically refined.

In the spring of 1899 they had already been offering an auxiliary engine for bicycles, but these motorised bicycles had engines within the frame, which lowered the centre of gravity, improving the handling and protecting the engine components. The rear wheel was driven by a leather belt, with speeds of the two versions reaching 30km/h and 40km/h respectively. 

Commercial and sporting successes with motorcycles paved the way for the Mladá Boleslav-based brand’s first automobile, the L&K Voiturette A, in 1905. 

New large Hyundai electric heading to Europe

This is the new Hyundai Ioniq 9, a 3-row large electric SUV on its way to Europe next year, writes Brian Byrne. The style will continue to change the visual image of Hyundai, with very clean slab-sided design similar to the latest Santa Fe and a distinctive rear treatment.

The car will have a rated driving range of up to 620km and there will be RWD and AWD versions.

The car will include in its high tech specification an option for the owner to upgrade to different features over the internet. In some markets the car can be set up to manage parking payment directly by the vehicle itself. Digital side mirrors will replace bulky mirrors with small cameras, the screens inside located close to the angle that mirrors would usually be looked at.

No date yet for arrival and no pricing, but look to Kia's EV9 for probable cost range.

  

Suzuki Swift review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

When Suzuki's Swift won the Irish Compact Car of the Year 2025 category title at the recent ICOTY Awards in association with Continental Tyres, I quietly cheered even though it hadn't been my own juror choice — albeit by just a point, writes Brian Byrne. In my view, the latest version of a car that celebrated its 40th anniversary this year thoroughly deserved its win.

Carefully evolved in its fourth generation of the 'modern' version that debuted at Paris two decades ago, today's car is still very recognisably the Swift that above all else in its time has been what could be described as an 'honest' car. Its makers knew where it should be, who it should be aimed at, and remained true to that course. When other small cars became bigger, snazzier, and their makers tried to make them seem more than they were, Suzuki simply got on with making a smart-looking vehicle that did what it said on the slogan, give 'all the tech that you need'.

Suzuki's tech has always been based in the engines, and from their first innovative-for-the-time 800cc 4-cylinder motors produced in the later 1930s, the company developed great engines and also a reputation for their engineering. A post WW2 hiatus ended in the 1950s when the company got back into personal transport with their to-be-famous motorcycle engines, later adding mini-trucks and tiny cars to their product range.

For the modern Swift, developed as a totally new global car 20 years ago with a tidy supermini debuting at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, smart looks and minimal fussiness has served its maker well in many markets, including Europe. In sizing, there has been virtually no bloat — a little longer and wider and with an increased wheelbase, it is also lower than that first car, which at the time for some strange reason was sometimes remarked as an MPV rather than the B-segment hatchback that it was, and remains.

The changes from the previous car include a new treatment of the front lights, grille and bonnet. There's also a shift back to ordinary rear door handles rather than the ones concealed in the C-pillar of Generation 3. A consequence is a slightly extended glass area that makes the car look longer, though actually not the case. An integrated rear hatch spoiler adds to the visual interest in that part of the car.

Inside there's a brighter 2-tone dashboard and trim details, and a full colour infotainment and driver instruments setup fixes what had been a frustration for me with Suzukis for some years, grey on grey instruments graphics that couldn't easily be deciphered in many daylight conditions. 

I sense that the seats are now better too, not that they were ever uncomfortable. Heating in the front ones of the review car is probably an acknowledgement of a technology that used to be confined to cold climates but is today appreciated, perhaps even expected, by us in temperate zones. Electric rear windows are also standard, as are rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. 

This latest Swift is offered in two grades, the main differences for the higher level being alloy wheels, electrically folding mirrors with integrated indicator repeat flashers, and a heater air outlet in the rear. The specification on the base model compares well to entry versions of key competitors in this space. Better fuel consumption is also claimed.

The new powertrain comprises a 1.2 mild-hybrid petrol 3-cylinder, claiming a 7pc consumption improvement over the 4-cylinder unit in the previous generation. A 5-speed manual is standard, which I found to be sweet to use. An automatic option is a new CVT type which I expect to be significantly nicer than the automated manual available on the previous car and allows a faster sprint to 100km/h than does the manual. You pay an extra €2,000 for that, which I'd be inclined to do, along with a quarter of other owners, based on Suzuki Ireland's projections.

It's definitely a quieter car in road noise terms, though there's a typical buzzy sound from the 3-cylinder motor when you push it to all of its 82hp. Depending on your ear, it can be pleasant enough. 

PRICE: From €21,495; WHAT I LIKED: The Swift's essential honesty. 

Cummins Motor Group win Opel Aftersales 2024 award

Cummins MotorGroup, Main Opel Dealer in Portlaoise, Co Laois, has been awarded the Opel Aftersales Dealer of the Year 2024 accolade, writes Trish Whelan. 

Dealer Principal, Michael Cumins, was presented with the trophy at the annual Opel Dealer Conference held this year in Frankfurt, Germany. The 3-day conference took in a visit to the OpelClassic Collection in celebration of Opel’s 125-year milestone in 2024, together with a future product reveal at Opel’s headquarters in Russelsheim. 

Operating in the automotive trade for over 20 years, Michael Cummins began his motoring career as an apprentice mechanic at 17. He started his own business in Portlaoise 16 years go, and was appointed to the Opel Dealer Network in late 2021. 

Cummins Motor Group topped the polls across set criteria to win the Opel Aftersales Dealer of the Year 2024 title, to include parts sales performance and growth, recall management, technical training, and Aftersales customer satisfaction. Cummins Motor Group were crowned SEAI EV Dealer of the Year 2023 for Co Laois and more recently enjoyed an Irish Enterprise Award for automotive Dealership of the Year 2024 for Co Laois. 

Michael Cummins personally thanked all his team for their ‘absolute dedication to our company and to Opel’. He also thanked all his customers for their support throughout the years. 

Garreth Wilson, Head of Opel Aftersales; Dealer Principals, Michael and Aimee Cummins, are pictured above.

 

smart #3 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The smart car brand developed by brand owner Mercedes-Benz in joint venture with Chinese auto maker, Geely, entered the Irish car market in February of this year, writes Trish Whelan. 

First to arrive was the smart #1 (pronounced hashtag) followed in May by the smart #3 SUV Coupe. The larger #3 model has lots of personality with its sporty low-slung body (it’s a good bit lower than the #1), strong athletic curves that improve aerodynamics, reduce drag, and increase range; slim LED headlights, rear spoiler, ‘smart’ looking 19-inch alloys (pun intended), sporty frameless doors, and a lower roofline. My car looked smart with its white exterior, and contrasting black and red accents. Five versions are offered; an entry-level Pro, Pro+, Premium, the 25th Anniversary limited edition model, and the powerful Brabus. 

My review car was the Anniversary edition limited to a total of 500 units for Europe. Just a few were allocated to Ireland. This model gets special body styling treatment including 25th Anniversary badging, perforated leather steering wheel, and Galaxy Panoramic roof. The cabin is beautifully designed with very good fit and finish. I had that feel-good factor when I sat into the cabin with its black and white upholstery with bright red stitching and fancy red seatbelts. The interior is much roomier than I had expected with good space for five occupants. Comfy leather seats held me in snugly. Front seats can be heated, and had integrated headrests. The panoramic roof allows lots of light into the cabin and lights up at night with a myriad of small rectangular shaped lights giving a stunning effect. 

There’s no Start/Stop button and gears are located on a stalk off the steering column. It is quite confusing to navigate through menus on the big 12.3-inch central touchscreen with its weird graphics. An animated cheetah in the bottom left corner is distracting but kids will love it. On the bottom of the screen are dual zone temperature controls, and front seat heaters but you have to scroll through the screen for some simple things like side mirror adjustments. Cost cutting by car makers as the screen is the cheaper option. I was glad that the small driver’s instrument cluster allowed me view my speed and range clearly. Blind spot monitors on side mirrors light up when a vehicle is coming up from behind. These alerts also show on the Head Up display. Beeps and lane-keeping alerts fitted in the name of safety features in many new cars distract the driver. Front storage areas include good door bins, areas on the divide of the central console, an excellent open area near the floor that fitted my bag, and a decent area beneath the front arm rest; the glovebox contained a high viz vest. 

The sloping coupe roofline doesn’t interfere with rear head space and there's good rear knee room even behind a tall person up front. The middle seat back lowers to reveal two cupholders and a hatch to the boot and there’s no tunnel to intrude on foot space. Boot space is 370 litres but you can move the adjustable floor to make for a deeper space. An area below the boot floor is for the charging cables. A ‘frunk’ storage space under the bonnet will hold just some small items. 

Standard features on my car included a 360deg camera that you can switch to show more views of your car, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, four USB ports, wireless phone charger, smart Pilot Assist, Front Collision Mitigation/Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist. Battery capacities are 49kWh for the entry level (with 325km range), or the 62kWh on the other grades with ranges from 435kms-455kms for my car and 415km for the AWD Brabus. I averaged a return of 16.2kWh/100kms over 167kms. 

You can charge using 22kW AC or up to 150kW DC (CCS Type 2) units. All versions have a 10-80pc charge time of around 30 minutes. RWD versions use a 272hp electric motor with peak torque of 343Nm and have a 0-100km/h time of 5.8 secs which is more than sufficient for most driver’s everyday needs, while the Brabus with its two motors that develop a total of 428hp and its peak torque of a crazy 543Nm takes just 3.7 secs - the equivalent of super car acceleration. Drive modes are Eco, Comfort and Sport. 

I found the steering to be quite heavy, which I prefer, but had little feedback from the steering wheel. The ride proved to be quite firm. The car was also very quiet on the road. The rear view mirror and cameras protrude down deep into the windscreen and this arrangement slightly impeded my view of traffic lights when driving in urban traffic. 

The entry model is priced from €38,714; my review car from €51,765 (after state subsidies for private customers). Prices exclude dealer/delivery related charges.

 

 

David wins MAXUS eDELIVER Giveaway at Nevo EV Show

The MAXUS eDELIVER 5 electric van giveaway held at the Nevo Electric Vehicle Show at the RDS mid-November was won by David McHugh from Clondalkin who drove away in the eDELIVER 5, writes Trish Whelan. 

The van, valued at €38,750 (excl. VAT), offers a range of 335km (city/combined) and can handle a maximum payload of 1,200kg. 

The MAXUS eTERRON 9, the first of its kind in Europe, is an all-wheel-drive electric pickup with an ‘All-Terrain’ system offering a choice of six drive modes and a power output of 436hp. With a maximum range of 430km (combined) and a towing capacity of 3500kg, it will land in dealerships in the new year. 

Karl Haughton, Sales & Fleet Manager Maxus Ireland, is pictured handing over the keys of brand new eDELIVER 5 to David McHugh.

 

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 Continental 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.

BYD Seal U review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

After driving the BYD Seal U Hybrid, I told the distributor contact that it 'is very European', writes Brian Byrne. Which left him slightly bemused at my description of a wholly-Chinese car, but in fact is one of the reasons this SUV is looking to munch the lunches of not just its own Asian-region competitors but those in Europe, and Australia, too. Competitors have reason to fear the car.

The Seal U (odd name, but it's also known as the Song Plus or the Sealion 6 in other markets) as so far here is a shift from the BYD impetus in that it is not a pure battery-electric vehicle, but a plug-in hybrid. Which opens up a wider buyer segment for the marque in a space where diverse power options remain very important. There is a BEV version already available in Europe, and it will probably arrive here in due course.

It's actually hard to ring visual changes on the SUV format without going all coupe curvy and in the process losing some of the actual utility and space of the traditional shape. In the Seal U, the traditional is retained. The front end treatment of horizontal lines and a lower air scoop, to my personal aesthetic doesn't work, but such things are for individual taste. And there's no doubt you'll see it coming. I like the profile detail, especially the upper character line with the back end lift that faultlessly links to a rear styling I think is superb. The wheels design is somewhat ordinary compared to a lot of such we see lately, but the overall effect is perhaps the better for that.

Inside, the style and trim are tilted traditional upmarket rather than avant-garde (such as in stablemate Atto), and for that reason the very large screen looks rather out of place. For me, the screen is too big anyway, and the BYD trick of revolving it to a vertical doesn't do anything for me either. The graphics are decently large for touch operation, though. For volume, really usable roller-scrollers, on the centre console and the steering wheel respectively, allow easily getting the preferred sound levels. The transmission selector is a class act.

In size the Seal U sits between Hyundai competitors Tucson and Santa Fe, the latter of course being a 7-seater against the five of the BYD. There is seriously good room for those in the rear, in seating that for all occupants is really comfortable. The boot space has length, but the floor is set high, possibly because of the PHEV setup and its fairly substantial battery, so the 425L capacity isn't extraordinary.

The mechanicals on my review car are based on a 1.5 turbocharged petrol engine and a pair of electric motors which give the car AWD capability. There's a total of 324hp on tap which can provide 0-100km/h in less than 6 seconds — my experience with that was of a seamless acceleration with no sound or fury. The balance of the 1,700kg vehicle was also excellent through my various driving places and conditions. It was in fact quite a joy to drive.

There's a rated 70km range on the EV battery, and if your standard commute is within the daily real range of that — say 50km — and you are disciplined enough to start with a full charge each day, a fuel consumption of 1.2L/100km is achievable. Used as a standard full hybrid, as would be the case on a long down-country trip, you can get around 7L/100km, which is respectable for this size of car.

Maybe I'm a little jaded at this end of the year, and I wasn't expecting to be particularly impressed with this latest in a highly competitive market space. Enough to say that I left it back in a highly complimentary frame of mind.

Very European, you see. Watch your lunch boxes, guys.

PRICE: From €49,140. WHAT I LIKED: Being surprised as I head towards the end of a year of cars. 

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.

 

 

Smart #3 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

From the outset, the Smart #3 did its damnedest to stop me from liking it, writes Brian Byrne. Bad enough is the ridiculous name (“I drive a Hashtag 3” doesn’t have the same cachet as “Captur” or “Explorer” or “Avenger”. And yes, the # in this case doesn’t have the generally known American English usage for ‘number’. The car IS called a Hashtag).

Then there’s the screen. With a big graphic that looks like an exploding planet, maybe Smart is trying to remind us that driving cars is part of why that might be happening. Even if the car is an EV? And an animated leopard moving around in the bottom right of the unit is not just a distraction, but takes up space and electronic jiggery that would be much better used for larger and more easily jabbed virtual buttons.

Then when I had to take it out at night on some rural back roads, the main beam headlights wouldn’t work. Turned out there’s a button beside the steering column that apparently locks off the auto-dimming mode, and also seems to lock out the manual main beam switching. To be honest, after fiddling with it for around 15 minutes I just gave up. The climate virtual buttons at least were large, and stayed on the bottom of the screen (until I switched to Carplay for navigation, when they were covered and required a couple of menu flips to get back to them). My passenger also got really cheesed off trying to find a happy volume level with the virtual slider.

Smart is owned by Mercedes-Benz and produced in China in a joint venture with Geely. The #3 is the second one I’ve driven and confirmed my reservations about the #1. I’m just surprised that Mercedes-Benz allowed the idiosyncrasies that damage the car’s overall image to get through the development process. This is a car probably made for the Tik Tok generation, most of whom likely have no interest in driving anyway.

If it had proper knobs and buttons and switches for essential functions, the #3 would be a really fine compact car. It looks individual, with sporty lines that don’t get in the way of good accommodation front and rear. My review car in white with red detailing certainly attracted appreciative attention. And as electric car front-end styling goes, it is really well executed here.

The #3 is decently trimmed inside, apart from some twit’s notion of designing the steering wheel buttons in a semi shiny aluminium finish where their finely etched identifiers are invisible in most daytime lighting. The trim and upholstery in the review car had a bit of funkiness related to it being a 25th Anniversary edition, as well as a panoramic glass roof designed to filter out excessive sun heat. I felt the seat support was very good.

The car feels really well built. It also drives like fun, with 272hp offering peppy electric motor acceleration, and there's relatively nippy handling as far as battery cars and their disproportionate weighting go. A full charge gave me an indicated range of 440km or so, which for most driving needs is plenty. (You know the drill at this stage, take 20pc off if you're doing a long motorway trip at the limit. Stick to 100km/h and you'll get close to the initial indication.)

All the usual driver assist features. The overspeed warning sounds aren't too intrusive and you can mentally tune them out.  At least there is also a bit of delay between inadvertently topping the limit and getting back to the straight and narrow.

Despite all my foregoing moans, I actually did get to like the #3. A number of attractive features give reasons to at least try for a relationship and see where it goes. But is the car a 5-year marriage option? There's a lot of competition out there in this EV segment, and if I was into Tik Tok and Tinder I might still be swiping.

PRICE: From €38,714; Review car €51,765. WHAT I LIKED: That I liked it despite it. 

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.

Fiat 600e review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The cute little Fiat 500 holds a special place in the hearts of many motorists since it was first introduced in 1957, and produced for 18 years. The love was rekindled with the 'modern' baby 500 in 2007, which is now an electric model. Fiat Ireland are hoping their new 600 model, referred to as the 500’s big sister, will come to resonate just as much with Irish motorists as did its smaller sibling. 

This new model takes its name from the original 600 bringing Italian coolness and a fresh style while marking the brand’s return to the B-segments of B and B-SUV. Some may call it a hatch, others a crossover. At 4.17 metres in length, this five-door is longer and wider and a bit higher than its smaller sibling. Compared to the 500, the 600 features a sharper and more assertive face, a 600-chrome refreshed signature both on the front and on the sides, and a renewed LED lighting identity. 

The exterior look is enhanced by the bigger wheels of up to 18-inches, black matt skirts and wheel arches. I had enjoyed a short spin in the 100hp 48V hybrid version at launch. For this review it was the turn of the 600e all-electric version. I really liked the orange colour of my car’s exterior aptly called Orange Sun which brings a smile with it. Fiat claim the new model has up to 100 exclusive and ‘unprecedented’ features, combining the best in comfort, technology and style. Not that I counted them! 

As this is quite a high car, tall people should have no bother getting in and out, front or rear. The cabin is very well finished and surprisingly roomy. Several features are specifically designed to pamper. My car had a matt ivory painted dashboard fascia, really nice ivory synthetic leather seats with the Fiat monogram and beautiful turquoise accents give a premium feel to the cabin. My driver’s seat had 8-way power seat adjustments, lumbar support and a massage function. The front passenger has to contend with 6-way manual adjustments. Front seats can be heated. The 10.25-inch fully customisable central display comes with Navi, CarPlay and Android Auto wireless and proved to be user-friendly with lovely graphics. There are buttons below for ‘home’ and ‘car’ functions along with controls for volume and climate control, A/C etc. A colourful 7-inch digital cluster shows your digital speed, radio, maps, range etc. 

Transmission selection is by push buttons in a row on the lower dash instead of the usual gear selector we have become used to from the Stellantis Group. This location takes a bit of getting used to but works just fine. Storage areas include a decent glovebox, excellent front door bins, a sloping compartment on the lower central console with a foldable iPad-like cover, another big open compartment as well as good storage below the armrest. There are USB type A and type C ports and a wireless charging pad. The rear bench can just about fit three adults but legroom behind a tall person in front could prove a bit of a squeeze. There are no cupholders and no door bins but pockets on front seat backs. Rear seats can split 40/60. There are USB ports for this second row. 

My version had a handsfree tailgate and 385 litres of load capacity, with an area below for cables and tyre repair kit. The car is packed with state-of-the-art safety and assistance features. The 600e La Prima comes with Drive Assist as standard (Level 2 Assisted Driving), 360 deg sensors which increase your visibility when changing lanes, parking or manoeuvring and good blind spot detection on side mirrors. Both available grades have motors that output the equivalent of 156hp and lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 54 kWh give the new 600e a range of more than 400km in the WLTP combined cycle and more than 600km in the urban cycle. When I collected my car, the battery was charged to 330kms which equalled an 85pc charge. 

This version is equipped with a 100-kW fast charger system and comes with a 11kW On Board Charger and a Mode 3 cable for charging at home or in public which ensures a full charge in less than 6 hours. The electric powertrain has an output of 115 kW providing acceleration from 0-100km/h of 9.0 secs. Power consumption combined is circa 15.2 kWh/100km. Drive modes are Eco, Normal and Sport and being an electric vehicle, you get instant torque. 

On the road I had no problems with visibility, was able to get a really comfy driving position, and felt connected to the car with good feedback from the steering wheel. It handled quite brilliantly. With its size, and the parking aids, it was easy to manoeuvre and a doddle to park. A car that really impressed me in its styling, inside and out, as well as its drivability and decent range which helped reduce my fears of range anxiety. To be recommended. Road Tax €120. 

Priced from €28,995 for the 1.2 100hp hybrid; La Prima electric is from €37,995, after SEAI grant and VRT rebate.

 

 

T-Class small MPV from Mercedes-Benz on Irish market

Mercedes-Benz have introduced a people carrier version of their Citan Van to the Irish market, writes Brian Byrne. Called the T-Class, prices start at €42,530.

The 5-seat vehicle is powered by a 1.5 diesel engine. A 7-seat longer version is available to order and is powered by a petrol engine as standard.

The T-Class is being aimed here at families with school-going children as well as owners with active weekend lifestyles including paddle boarders and mountain bikers.