MG Motor releases offers for 242 registration

MG Ireland has announced 242 special offers across its vehicle lineup, including the MG4, MG ZS, and MG5, writes Brian Byrne. They include 0% Finance or €4,000 Off RRP on the MG4 EV Standard Range giving a starting price of €25,995, and making the MG ZS EV Standard Range available from €31,495.

The MG5 EV Long Range Excite is now available from €29,995 and the 242 special offers are available for a limited time only, with limited stocks.

All prices quoted exclude dealer delivery and related charges. 

Skoda Octavia is refreshed

The fourth generation Skoda Octavia has been give a refresh that includes changes to the grille and updated LED Matrix lights system, writes Brian Byrne.

The car is the company's best-seller and is available in hatchback and estate versions. Other small detail changes have enhanced the Octavia's looks in a subtle way.

The car's interior has also been tweaked, with an increase in the use of sustainable materials, and a new optional 13" infotainment display.

Driver assist systems now assess more precisely the driver's attention and potential drowsiness. An AI-powered ChatGPT will be integrated into the Laura voice assistant later in 2024. 

Subaru Solterra review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Solterra is a game changer for the Subaru brand as it is the Japanese carmaker’s first all-electric AWD SUV which you could also call a compact family Crossover. Subaru say it is the most technologically advanced Subaru ever made. In a joint collaboration with Toyota, Solterra is built in Japan on an all-electric architecture that is also used for the Toyota bZ4X Crossover. 

In looks, the car certainly has that appealing look with a front that isn’t overly aggressive as a family car, and a sloping roof and 18-inch alloy wheels. It’s a different style to most cars its size. That said, tall people may find it difficult in getting in and out even with the front passenger’s seat set as low as possible. 

The very stylish but quite dark interior was lightened somewhat by light from the two sunroofs and the grey tweed-like material on the front passenger’s side that stretches across the dash. There’s good space up front along with very good headroom. Fabric covered seats proved to be very comfy; the driver’s has power adjustments and lumbar support as well as two memory settings. The huge width of the front armrest intrudes on front occupant space and my passenger found it quite difficult to clunk click his seat belt into its very low slot. 

The big and very colourful 12.3-inch central screen is a perfect shape for the size of the dash. You can touch, swipe or drag to navigate your way around it or simply use a voice command. This infotainment system features wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlan and wired Android Auto integration. It also turns into a really good reversing camera with a separate overhead view of the car. You can change the view to include a moving video of all around the car. Just swipe across the screen to access the Apps available which included Google Maps, Skype, Waze and WhatsApp. 

I have mixed feelings about the driver’s information screen being set so far back in on the dash. That said, it works well and its height allows you see your current digital speed at almost eyesight level. Both screens have beautiful graphics. There are buttons for front seat heaters, dual zone air conditioning, and heated steering wheel. There’s a decorative transparent cover to the wireless charging pad on the flat of the central console and a pair of good big cupholders. The automatic gear charge ‘knob’ is on the flat central stack is easy to get the hang of pretty quickly. Beside it is a button for the Drive Mode options. Big side mirrors come with very good blind spot monitors. Tall people will have no problem with legroom as there’s no transmission tunnel to get in the way of feet. There are two seat heaters here for extra comfort. 

Boot capacity with all seats in use is up to 452 litres and the high boot floor is flush with the sill. Both my Limited edition review car and the Touring version use a 71.4kWh 150kW AWD system with the usual EV automatic-type transmission. The charging port is conveniently located on the left hand side of the car near the front passenger’s door. When I collected my car, it was fully charged with a range of just 293kms which I thought really poor for a family car. 

Recharging the battery days later showed a possible 325kms of charge available. With a fast charger, you can charge from 20-80pc in around 30 minutes. Or charge at home if you have a 7kW wallbox. Subaru say the car can effortlessly tackle any terrain in any weather, corner with precise control and provide an always-smooth ride as it comes with permanent AWD which is no surprise given Subaru’s decades of off-road experience. But making it an all-electric vehicle is a new departure for Subaru. 

The X-Mode button on the dash is for use in snow and mud while the S pedal drive switch allows you accelerate and decelerate via the accelerator pedal only reducing the need to apply the brake pedal. Ground clearance of 210mm (8 ins) allows you to go off the beaten track, or take the kids camping. Solterra comes with Subaru’s Safety Sense and an array of safety features. 

I found the car a great drive, very steady on the road and when cornering, and its small turning circle ideal for city use. With instant torque of 336Nm on tap, Solterra can go from 0-100km/h in under 7 seconds when pushed which is pretty good for a family car. Road tax on my Limited edition is €120. The car is named by combining the Latin words for ‘sun’ and ‘earth’. 

All Subaru models come with a three year or 100,000km warranty. The electric battery warranty is for 8 years. Solterra was awarded a maximum five star safety rating by Euro NCAP. All Subaru models come with a three year or 100,000km warranty. The electric battery warranty is for 8 years. 

Prices are from €51,495 inclusive of SEAI Grant. Solterra Touring AWD is from €56,495.

 

HVO pumps now at six Certa forecourts

Certa has launched HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) pumps at three more of its forecourts bringing the total of HVO-ready Certa outlets to six, writes Trish Whelan. These are located in Maynooth in Kildare, Dundrum in Dublin, and Ballyhaunis in Mayo. They join the existing three in Liffey Valley in Dublin, Lee Tunnel in Cork, and Trim in Meath. 

HVO is a new second generation, low-carbon biofuel that serves as a direct replacement for regular diesel for fleet, plant and machinery equipment in addition to passenger cars. It can also be mixed with diesel in any ratio. Certa say the performance of diesel engines using HVO is almost the same to when they are fuelled with diesel, and there’s no need for vehicle or engine modifications. HVO is identified at fuel pumps through the use of a pink nozzle. 

Diesel has bounced back this year with 1 in 4 cars sold here now a diesel. Well over half of Skoda’s sales have been diesel-powered this year which is a 30pc increase on last year. It means Skoda is the biggest supplier of diesel cars in the Irish market. 

HVO is produced using waste plant-matter and hydrogen and can result in a 90pc net reduction in C02 emissions. Owners of non-Skoda vehicles are advised to confirm with their manufacturer or dealer concerning HVO compatibility prior to use of the fuel.

 

SEAT hold Open Event this week

SEAT’s Open Event runs from today 10 May to 18 May at its dealership nationwide, writes Trish Whelan. 

 Potential customers of SEAT cars can avail of low rate PCP finance from 0pc APR, plus a free 3-year service plan during this week. 

The SEAT Ibiza celebrates its 40th anniversary with a limited edition FR trim. Those eyeing up a compact SUV, can check out the Arona FR Limited Edition option. The brand’s Ibiza and Arona are offered from €179,00 per month with 9pc APR; Ateca from €269.00 p/m, Leon from €239.00 p/m with 1.9pc APR, and Tarraco from €419.00 p/m with 4.9pc APR. 

All come with a complimentary 3-year service plan.

 

High percentage of drivers own cars outright

Two thirds of Irish drivers own their car outright, according to a recent survey carried out by AA Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. And almost three out of four own a car that is more than five years old.

The latest AA Ireland Customer Opinion Survey also found that half of respondents drive no more than 10,000km a year, and six in ten motorists have paid less than €20,000 for their motor.

The Irish car parc is now close to 2.5 million vehicles, but only 4pc of respondents yet own an electric car, while 9pc are driving hybrids. When it comes to replacing their current car, most respondents are open to the idea of electrification: the majority (28pc) will be considering a hybrid, 26pc a diesel and 20pc petrol. 

An interesting result also suggested that 14pc of existing car owners will drive their cars until they reach end-of-vehicle life.

Renault Clio review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Renault’s cute Clio hatchback has been one of the most stylish small cars on our roads since it was introduced in 1990. It has consistently been one of Europe’s top-selling cars with almost 60m sold worldwide. Some 60,000 have found homes here in Ireland. 

The fifth generation Clio has been given a substantial mid-life makeover that brings it up-to-date with its B-segment competition. My Clio was the self-charging E-Tech full hybrid version in the top sporty esprit Alpine trim which is a mix of the Alpine brand’s sporting hallmarks and Renault’s more adventurous new style. The exterior was distinctive in a blue exterior colour which garnered many compliments; its Alpine embossed 17-inch diamond cut alloys, shadow grey F1 blade in the front bumper, new full LED lights front and rear, the Nouvel R diamond logo and the half-diamond Daytime Running Lights accentuate the car’s modern look, while the blue and silver Alpine badging on each side of the car enhance the model’s sports character. 

The interior is one of the best in its segment, stylish and modern with the use of more sustainable and recycled materials, so no real leather. Nicely bolstered sports seats are comfortable and stylish; front ones can be heated in this grade which also offers a heated steering wheel. The Alpine motif is nicely embroidered on the upper front seat backs while the blue accents around the cabin and on the steering wheel and seatbelts, show this is an electrified vehicle. French flag badges shows the car’s heritage. There’s good space upfront, but the rear is really only suitable for two adults or three young children. They will have no arm rest or USBs but there are pockets on the front seat backs to hold ‘stuff’ as well as smaller door bins. Storage cubbies include a decent glovebox and a deep area below the front armrest but this big armrest takes up a lot of front passenger space. 

The dash boasts a 9.3-inch multimedia touchscreen with on-board navigation and a 10-inch customisable driver information cluster which supplies all the driving info but the transmission status shown here is difficult to see in very small letters. All other screen graphics are quite beautiful. A row of shortcut buttons below the central screen are controls for some key features; below again are large physical knobs for climate control. 

The automatic transmission selector is located on a jut out from the lower central console but there was no light over it when I got into the car in the dark. While there’s a decent 390 litres of cargo capacity in the petrol version, my full hybrid car had just 301 litres due to the powertrain’s space requirements. This can be expanded to 1,006L with seats folded down. The entry Evolution grade gets a 7-inch digital driver display and 7-inch touchscreen, 16-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors. The mid Techno grade adds an oval shaped reversing camera which at times was not as clear as I would have liked, wireless phone charger and ambient lighting. The top Alpine provides more top features as already outlined above. 

Renault claim it to be one of the most well-equipped versions of the Clio ever with up to 17 driver-assistance systems that include adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross traffic alert. Clio is offered with a TCe90 petrol engine matched to a 6-speed manual gearbox as well a 1.6, 145hp E-Tech full hybrid powertrain with a fuel consumption of 4.2 L/100km. My average fuel return was 5.0 L/100kms. 

This E-Tech drivetrain combines the 1.6 petrol engine with two electric motors and 1.2 kWh battery. Renault claims that 80pc of driving in urban areas or towns will be under electric power and this allows you achieve up to 40pc fuel savings compared to a conventional petrol engine. The B mode button improves regenerative braking as every time you lift your foot off the accelerator or brake, you put more energy into the battery. You can personalise your driving experience with the multi-sense modes. 

My driving experience was one of comfort and a smooth ride. I found the steering a bit light at first, but soon got used to it. The car handles well and is plenty agile about town and needs only a small parking space. Despite the Alpine grade reflecting a sporty heritage, this E-Tech hybrid is not a hot hatch. However, it was quite a fun car to drive with more than enough acceleration for overtaking or to join the motorway. Some road noise did filter through to the cabin but nothing of real concern. A fun car to drive. 

The TCe 90 6sp starts at €24,845; E-Tech full hybrid is from €30,545. My car, €34,045.

 

 

Mini Cooper S Electric, Driven in two Minutes

Many of us still remember the original Mini-Minor launched in 1959, writes Brian Byrne. Even though the current Mini, produced by BMW for nearly a quarter of a century, bears only a style-cues relationship to that car, recent experience with the electric version of the Cooper S certainly brought back memories. A Rough & Ready Production for Irish Car. 

Mercedes-Benz launches new V-Class people carrier

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its new V-Class MPV people carrier to the Irish marketplace with a choice of three trims and three seat configurations, writes Trish Whelan. It is mostly aimed at the corporate sector, international embassies, chauffeur services and hotels. 

V-Class is only offered with an extra-long wheelbase. Three grades are Avantgarde (from €132,460), Avantgarde with the AMG Line spec (from €139,015), and the top Exclusive pack (from €156,475). Customers will be able to choose from 6-, 7-, or 8-seat configurations to suit their needs. 

This comprehensive facelift to the model includes new bumpers, a complete overhaul of the interior with a new steering wheel and dashboard, and new seats. Each grade has its own front design. Interior features include two 12.3-inch screens including a central touchscreen display which can also be operated via the touchpad on the central console flat or with controls on the steering wheel. Air conditioning controls are single touch buttons for added convenience. A button in the centre can sync the air conditioning in the rear, or alternatively this can be done by an overhead control panel to allow passengers to adjust their own air conditioning. 

The entry level Avantgarde spec includes lumbar support for front seats, manual front seat adjustments, Lugano leather upholstery and trims, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, folding/heated/power wing mirrors, sliding left and right doors, tinted rear windows, wireless charging pad, MBUX multimedia system with navigation, smartphone integration package, parking package with 360deg camera, Blind Spot Assist and other top safety features. 

The AMG Line pack includes 19-inch light alloy wheels, brake calibers, AMG Line body styling, AMG front bumper with ventilation grilles, a radiator grille with star pattern in chrome, sports suspension, chrome side skirts and aluminium brushed stainless steel sports pedals. 

Exclusive spec adds metallic paint, the vertical Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet, power sliding doors, electric tailgate, and an aerodynamics package. The interior gets an exclusive design pack and a winter pack with heated front seats/steering wheel, electrically adjustable front seats, armrests for rear seats, a table on seat backrest, and Nappa leather upholstery with brushed aluminium trims. 

The numerous high-end safety systems include Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keep Assist, the Blind Spot Assist which will also warn an occupant to remain in the car if it detects someone walking up beside the vehicle as they open a door to exit. 

Engines are the V250 which is the 2.0 diesel with 190bhp and the V300 which is the 2.0 diesel with 237bhp. 

I enjoyed a short spin in the 250d matched to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission which proved really smooth and comfortable both in heavy traffic and out on the dual carriageway from Mercedes-Benz Mutec, Naas Road, Dublin and look forward to spending more time with the car.

 

 

Pricing for new Renault Scenic E-Tech

The new generation Renault Scenic will launch in Ireland in July, at a starting price of €39,995 for the all-electric car, writes Brian Byrne.

The Scenic E-Tech electric will be offered in four trim levels and power from a 60kWh battery through a 170hp electric motor. The rated range for this version is 430km, which an 87kWh battery option will be rated at up to 625km.

The car has been awarded the European Car of the Year trophy, reflecting how the first generation Scenic won the same award in 1997. Then a ground-breaking compact MPV, the Scenic has now evolved into a striking SUV format. 

New Superb open for orders

The new Skoda Superb is now open for orders in Ireland and demo versions are expected in dealerships during May, writes Brian Byrne.

It's the fourth generation of Skoda's large car and will again be available in hatchback and wagon Combi formats. They are both longer an taller than the predecessor car.

Powertrain options are a mild-hybrid 1.5 turbo petrol and a 2.0 diesel which can also run on HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

Prices start from €48,325 for the petrol, and diesel is available from €48,825. There are three specification grades.

The modern Superb was originally launched in 2001, reviving a nameplate previously used by Skoda between 1934-1949.