BYD Sealion 5 PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Chinese car brand BYD has certainly made its mark on the Irish car market, having launched eight new models since arriving here just three years ago. The company has sold 3,894 units so far this year, representing a massive increase of +99.69% over the whole of last year’s sales. BYD is now amongst the leading five EV and PHEV brands in Ireland. 

My latest test drive was the BYD Sealion 5 Super Hybrid, which sits below the larger Seal U hybrid in the brand’s hybrid line-up. It measures 4,738mm long, 1,860mm wide, 1,710mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,712mm. 

This is a 1.5 plug-in hybrid with a range of up to 1,016km when fully charged and with a full tank of petrol, dispelling any driver range anxiety as you could travel the length and breadth of the country without having to stop to ‘refuel’. To me, the model is not as stylish as some competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, or Toyota Corolla Cross. It looks quite fussy with too much going on, especially on the front and sides with the large textured grille, muscular shoulders that flare over the wheel arches, and all the indented lines. But the 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels look great and provide good grip, while the full-width LED light bar and contrast-colour D-pillar create a ‘floating’ roof effect. 

This is a proper five-seater with room for all adults to travel in comfort, with very good levels of headroom and legroom front and rear. Front seats feature durable vegan faux leather upholstery, have integrated see-through head restraints, and can be heated. The driver’s seat has six-way power adjustment, while the co-driver’s seat has four-way power adjustments. Both provide very good back support. The centre dash is the fixed 12.8-inch landscape touchscreen, which I changed from a dark background to a lighter one. The touchscreen is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; built-in shortcuts let you change the temperature and fan speed. Dual zone climate control, fan, air direction settings are permanent controls along the base of the central screen. 

The colourful 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster stands out from the dash and provides all the relevant information, including your current speed shown large top centre. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel includes voice control - say ‘Hi BYD’ to grab her attention. You can ask ‘herself’ to turn on the air conditioning, change the temperature, or radio station. There’s also an excellent reversing camera. The automatic transmission selector is on the flat of the central console, with the start-stop button and buttons for sensors, audio, fan, windscreen heater, and controls for EV or HEV driving. 

Rear seats can split 40:60. Wide-opening doors help install a child seat, and there are three ISOFIX anchor points provided. A completely flat floor improves foot room for the middle passenger. 

The power tailgate opens up 463 litres of boot space that can expand up to 1,410 litres with rear seats folded. PHEVs can be charged by both regenerative braking and by plugging into an external charger, either a home charger or public charging station. 

Hybrid cars are ideal for long-distance driving as when the electric range runs out, you can just carry on your journey powered by petrol in this case. The Dual Mode hybrid system pairs a 1.5 petrol engine with an electric motor to provide a combined 212hp. In EV or HEV modes, wheels are driven solely by the electric motor and back-up charge supplied with power from the 1.5 petrol engine. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the car becomes pure-electric with up to 86kms of electric range with its dual Blade Batteries, manufactured in-house by BYD. When the battery charge runs out, it changes over to the petrol engine. This DM-i technology improves efficiency during hybrid driving, with a combined fuel consumption of just 2.1 L/100km. 

Trims are Comfort and Design. The Comfort model, with its 12.96 kWh battery, delivers up to 62kms of all-electric range and a range of 992kms. With its larger 18.3 kWh battery, the Design trim has an electric range of 85kms and a combined range of 1,016kms, with acceleration from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds. Comfort trim includes metallic paint, LED headlights and tail-lights, power folding/heated exterior mirrors, aluminium roof rails, V2L, 6 speakers, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Design adds an electric tailgate, heated front seats, a wireless phone charging pad, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and Dynamic welcome lights. 

On the road, I liked how this car drove like an electric vehicle, mostly using the Normal drive mode (also Eco and Sport modes), and was able to get a great driving position, and I appreciated the comfort provided. The car comes with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, but I turned off all the annoying lane keeping/departure ‘alerts’ and stuck masking tape over the driver monitor on the A-pillar, which annoyed me with a big yellow ‘eye’ image on my driver’s screen warning me to keep my eye on the road should I glance sideways. 

The Sealion 5 Super Hybrid has a basic warranty of 6 years or 150,000km; the power battery 8 years or 250,000km. Road tax is €140. Prices are from €36,990-€40,990. 

BYD Seal 6 Super Hybrid Touring PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

BYD’s Seal 6 Super Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid with a huge range for long, worry-free journeys. It can also travel around 100 km on pure electric driving, enough to cover most people’s daily work commutes. 

The model is available as a saloon or as a practical estate version called Touring, which was my review car. It's a spacious, aerodynamically designed, and well-proportioned car. The front-end design mixes flowing shapes and sharp lines in the lower bumper for a sporty look, while the side profile combines the sculpted waistline with a gently sloping rear roofline and a contrast finish in the D-pillar that creates a ‘floating’ effect. Other features are aluminium roof rails, a chrome detail across the tops of side windows, and 18-inch alloy wheels with the rather ominous name of ‘flying axe’. Rear tail lights have smoked finishes and layered LED-matrix sequences designed to create a flowing visual motion. 

My car was in the Obsidian Black exterior colour, an expensive extra as are Atlantis Blue and Sandstone colours. Polar White comes as standard. The cabin is a comfy and spacious place for five adults, thanks to its 2,790mm wheelbase, the same in both body styles. 

The estate is marginally taller and heavier than its sibling. I’d have preferred a brighter interior colour scheme to the dark grey in my review car. However, the long panoramic sunroof provided extra brightness in the cabin. Front seats have a sleek one-piece headrest design and lovely vegan leather upholstery. They were comfy and supportive and had power adjustments (6-way for the driver, 4-way for the co-driver). They can be heated and ventilated. You have to go through screen menus on the 15.6-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen display (12.8 inches in the lower Boost trim) for most of the basic key functions, but you can select shortcuts to regular items. There are permanent screen widgets for the dual-zone climate control. Just say ‘Hi BYD’ pressing the button on the steering wheel to sort out the music or navigation. Built-in 4G allows you to stay online wherever you go. The driver’s cluster shows fuel consumption, charging capacity, and current speed. Windscreen wipers are, Oceania-Asia fashion, on the left side of the steering wheel, which is confusing in the European market. The transmission selector is located off the steering column, and the Start/Stop button is on the flat of the central console beside the EV/HEV Mode button. 

Drive modes are Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. There's a phone charging pad, two C-USBs front and back, a decent glovebox, good door bins, and a large bin under the front armrest. The steering wheel can be heated. 

The rear has a completely flat floor and generous legroom, though little space for feet under the front seats. Headroom is just about OK for tall people. With just two seats in use, the central armrest has two cupholders, and there is a hatch through to the boot. Rubber floor mats are functional and practical, as is the coat hook on each B-pillar. A power tailgate opens to reveal boot space of up to 675 litres, which can accommodate strollers, full-size suitcases, or camping gear, and is extendable to 1,535 litres. The rear seats are dropped via a lever on either side of the boot. Sturdy hooks can support up to 3kg, and there’s a 12V power socket there. 

Both versions are powered by a 1.5 petrol engine paired with an automatic transmission. Boost trim has 184hp, a 10.08 kWh battery pack, a claimed combined range of over 1,500km and an electric range of 55km. The Comfort model upgrades to a 19 kWh battery pack, 212hp, and a claimed range of circa 1,455km, including an electric range of 105km. The 0-100km/h time is 8.5 seconds. You can recharge the battery at home or opt to DC fast-charge the larger battery from 30% to 80% in 23 minutes. All models have a peak torque of 300Nm. BYD’s DM-i drivetrain prioritises electric power with minimal reliance on fuel. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the car drives like a pure electric. When the charge is low, it changes into a standard hybrid. BYD claims an average fuel return of 1.7 L/100km (in ideal use on commuting distances), but during my time with the car, I achieved an average of 4.4 L/100km, which is good. 

I turned off many of the annoying alerts to do with speed limit change prompt tones, lane departure warnings, etc, but I very much appreciated the good blind spot monitors. The reversing camera, all the parking aids, including the 360-degree camera, as well as front and rear traffic alerts, all contributed to the model being awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP rating. The ride could be quite firm on not-so-good country roads, and a fair amount of road noise filtered through on motorway driving. 

The Touring version is priced from €38,990; Saloon €37,490. Warranty on the BYD Blade Battery is 8 years or 250,000 km.

 

Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV Review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Pick-ups appeal to a wide audience. Those involved in the building industry who need to carry workers to and from jobs along with their equipment, materials, and tools. Tradespeople. The agriculture sector — farmers for transporting foodstuffs to their animals or other essentials, often over rough terrain. And people with active lifestyles for carrying heavy sports and leisure equipment for weekend pursuits. I’d previously enjoyed off-road thrills with the 3.0 V6 petrol-powered Ford Ranger Raptor developed by Ford Performance, outputting just under 300hp, and with 491Nm of torque that had me grinning from ear to ear. Now it was the turn of the Ranger Wildtrak plug-in hybrid (PHEV), a first hybrid for the model and with the most torque of any production Ranger at a huge 690Nm and an urban electric range of 43km. It is boosted by an advanced hybrid powertrain that can put electric power to use on the road or the worksite. 

My review Ranger blended a rugged pick-up profile with modern, premium styling. The front features a unique grille, matrix LED headlamps, and front fog lamps. Muscular wheel arches and distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels, and Wildtrak and PHEV badging around the car add interest. The rear taillight design with the ‘Ranger’ name embossed into the tailgate, and a strong tow bar make for a distinctive look. Running boards help with getting in and out. Huge side mirrors have blind spot monitors. 

The cabin is built for wear and tear with big seats and a big dashboard that features soft-touch materials. Seats are well bolstered for comfort and security when going off-road and come in a partial leather trim, so they are easy to wipe clean. My seat had power adjustments, including lumbar support — but no memory seat setting — while the front passenger’s seat had manual adjustments. The model’s name is stitched into the front two seat backs. Burnt orange-coloured stitching on the dash, seats, steering wheel, and doors helps brighten the dark look. 

The dash is dominated by a 12.0-inch portrait-type touchscreen which runs on Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment system and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I found this screen intuitive and easy to use. A camera button shows your immediate surroundings when parked and allows multiple views around your vehicle, while a smaller screen below shows a bird’s eye view of the car. There’s also a control to navigate to a parking space. Below are controls for the front seats and steering wheel heaters, rear window heater, fan, and steering wheel. There are physical buttons for dual-zone climate control, air conditioning, and a volume knob. The customisable digital driver’s screen shows the vehicle’s stats, petrol usage, and range left in the battery. Features on the central console include a wireless phone charger, USB ports, two cupholders, a sturdy lever for the automatic transmission, and an electric parking brake. Storage areas are two lidded gloveboxes, big door bins front and rear, and a cavernous area below the front armrest with a 12V socket. 

Those in the rear enjoy good head and legroom, but the high tunnel may impede the latter. You have a 10A 230V power socket, an AC 230V 10A and a USB port. A choice of four EV driving modes allows you to drive on petrol, battery power, or a combination of both. The PHEV version combines a 2.3 EcoBoost engine with a 75kW battery-powered motor, offering 279hp, all that massive torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

A true off-roader, the Terrain Management System allows you to fine-tune your Ranger PHEV settings to suit the conditions using a rotary dial to shift between Normal, Eco, or Sport for ordinary roads; Tow Haul when towing; Slippery for loose surfaces; and Mud/Ruts or Sand for more rugged off-roading. You can tow up to 3,500kg max. During my lengthy time with the car, I achieved an average fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100kms. 

The heavy-duty cargo area measures 1,638mm long and is wide enough to fit a standard Euro pallet between the wheel arches. It features an easy-lift tailgate that can be used as a sturdy workbench. Gross payload is up to 1,000kg. For convenience, there’s a step on both sides and at the rear to access the load bed. You can open the roller cargo cover with a button on the dashboard. The Pro Power Onboard mobile power source is a big help to busy operators, as they can leave the generator behind and free up some load space. 

The standard 2.3 kW (10 amp) system lets you recharge batteries and power most electric hand tools, while the 6.9 kW (16 amp) option can power a host of heavier gear from grinding tools to camping stoves and EV dirt bikes. Priced from €62,458; my review model €69,452 before extras.

MG HS PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

MG Ireland have introduced an impressive range of seven new cars, both electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid forms since the brand’s relaunch in the Irish market in 2021. So far this year the Irish franchise - owned by Frank Keane - has sold 1,365 units, representing over a 36pc increase on the whole of 2024. The MG4 leads the way, followed by the ZS, HS and MG3. The brand’s latest arrival, the MGS5 EV, arrived here last June as ‘MG’s most advanced EV yet with up to 480km of range’. 

This Chinese-made HS Plug-in Hybrid SUV is a good option for families and eco-conscious drivers who appreciate good styling and strong performance in their cars, but who are not yet read to take plunge to go full-electric, as it combines the space and style of a full-size SUV with the efficiency and low running costs of electric driving. A big plus for many motorists. It competes in the all-important C-segment crossover-SUV. Although owned by the major Chinese SIAC Motor Company MG cars are produced with European drivers in mind and it shows in their excellent styling. 

This big SUV is wider than its predecessor and slightly longer. The updated design has a 45mm longer wheelbase at 2,765mm which allows for a more spacious cabin and more luggage capacity. The front’s diamond grille with the MG badge in the centre, certainly attracts plenty of attention. The MG badge is the largest yet in an MG. My car had side running boards to help get in and out, bright 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels that come as standard on all HS models, and roof rails. 

High-quality materials and premium finishes are evident throughout the cabin. Nicely designed soft leather sports seats offered big comfort and supported me up my back. Front seats in the top Exclusive trim come with integrated headrests.The driver’s seat has power 6-way adjustments but no memory settings while the front passenger’s seat has just 4-way adjustments. Both seats can be heated. However, the bright tan coloured upholstery in my car wouldn’t be my everyday choice. The non-curvy dash is dominated by the 10.1-inch floating infotainment touchscreen provides live navigation services that include weather updates, live traffic information, access to Amazon Music, and smartphone connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the customisable 12.3-inch virtual cluster shows your current speed in large white numbers and provides more information and a selection of drive modes of Comfort, Normal and Sport. There is a power source option of EV for emission-free driving or HEV for petrol hybrid. Cubbies included big front door bins, a decent bucket type glovebox, and a small area below the front armrest. 

Big side mirrors are set high and merge with the thickness of the A-Pillars which made me extra cautious especially when approaching roundabouts. Blind spot monitors helped a lot. The automatic gear lever is located on the flat of the central console with the electric brake, is easy to operate. Features include silver roof rails, keyless entry, push button engine start, front fog lights, rear parking sensors and rear wiper, dual zone auto air conditioning, ambient lighting, 12v power socket and USB port, an electric parking brake with Auto Hold, and Downhill Descent. The 360deg surround view camera allows great visibility all around the car and underneath your car in the top trim with a Panoramic sky roof, rear privacy glass, power tailgate, metal pedals and wireless smartphone charger. 

There’s no volume button on the dash, only on the steering wheel along with voice control and a ‘favourites’ star button that takes you to the driving assist screen where you can turn off all the annoying alert noises before you drive off. The rear provides good leg even behind a 6ft tall person in front, and good headroom for most adults. Rear seats split 60:40 and can incline for extra comfort. A very low tunnel won’t cause any feet problems for the person in the middle rear seat. Luggage space of 507 litres can extend to 1,484 litres with rear seats down so can accommodate a big amount of the ‘stuff’ a family needs to take along with them. The boot has a high floor and an area below for storage. 

The PHEV powertrain consists of a 142ps 1.5 petrol engine paired with a 154kW electric motor and 24.7kWh battery which make the car quite spritely and allows a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds and a fully electric range of up to 120km, ideal for urban commutes. The 258hp entry Excite model has an electric range of 52km. The combined petrol/EV driving range is over 1,000kms. When the electric range runs out, the car automatically switches to the petrol hybrid engine. This means considerably lower running costs. This is a frugal car returning 4.8 L/100km over a lengthy drive. 

I turned off the really annoying Driver Distraction Monitoring - the monitor is fitted on the lower part of the A-Pillar and scolds you with a vivid screen alert telling you ‘to focus on your driving’ if you glance away from the road for a few seconds but retained the Active Emergency Braking with pedestrian and bike detection, rear cross traffic assist, door opening warning, and rear collision warning, all excellent features to have in a family car. However, I believe it is high time the EU backtracked on making many of these distracting alerts compulsory in new cars. Other irks were how the voice control was unable to understand when I asked to change a radio station and how the big reversing camera decided not to cooperate on the first day, but returned fine the next morning. 

The model is one of the best-value large PHEVs on the Irish market. A lovely car to drive once you have turned off the distracting alerts. While MG was originally a British brand mostly known for its sports cars, it is now a subsidiary of the major SAIC Chinese automotive company with its vehicles currently produced in China. 

All models are backed by a manufacturer warranty of 7-year/150,000kms. Priced from €40,900; Exclusive from €43,995. Prices include VAT and VRT but not dealer delivery and related charges.

 

Pricing for Leapmotor C10 revealed

The Leapmotor C10 SUV will go on sale for pre-order from 10 October at a starting price of €38,995, writes Brian Byrne. The car will be available both as a battery-electric and a plug-in hybrid.

The BEV will have a rated range of up to €420 km, while the EV range of the PHEV is claimed to be 145 km and has a full distance capability of up to 975 km.

The car will be distributed in Ireland by Gowan Auto, and will join the small car T03, which arrives here next month. 

SEAT Leon FR PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

SEAT cars are renowned for their stylish good looks and for how well they drive. The brand offers a range of models from compact city cars to hatchbacks, estates, and SUVs.  

My most recent test drive was in the Leon, available in hatchback or estate Sportstourer body styles. Both versions offer good value for money, making the model an affordable family car and the estate a very good alternative to a compact SUV.  Mine was the 5dr hatchback version, a good all-rounder that is fun to drive, spacious, and very well equipped with standard features.  The Leon and the Volkswagen Golf are closely related, sharing the same platform and many components, but the Leon is often described as the more youthful, sportier, and more affordable alternative.  

 

Trims are FR, SE Plus, and SE. The FR trim is the sporty option for those buyers looking for enhanced performance and generous amounts of standard equipment. The styling features a prominent grille and triangular daytime-running lights, with sharp lines, distinctive creases along the sides, and a full-width LED rear light bar, which makes the rear seem wider. The FR trim adds further sporty touches, including some additional chrome, 18-inch machined alloy wheels in Cosmo Grey, and full LED headlights, along with FR badges on the exterior, while the Leon badge on the rear is now in handwritten script.  

Leon is quite a low car, so tall people may have to duck their heads when getting in and out, even with the front passenger seat set as low as possible and fully back.  The well-thought-out interior features good-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The FR trim adds red stitching and the letters FR on mats and on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a wireless phone charger (with two C-USBs close by and two more in the back). A sunroof stretches to the backs of the front seats, and you can pull down the blind. Sporty seats with black microsuede and red stitching are comfortable, and the cushions are nicely padded. Front seats have manual adjustments and can be heated.  

The dash is dominated by a large 12.9-inch free-standing central screen and a recessed 10.25-inch digital cockpit where your current speed is shown on the bottom right of the screen. Colourful graphics in both cases look really well and are clear. Climate controls are on the base of the central screen, as are volume controls. The dual-clutch automatic transmission selector is located on the flat of the central console, which is my preference. Paddles on the steering wheel allow you to change up or down a gear when the selector lever is in the D/S position.  

The rear offers good head and legroom but fits three adults at a squeeze. A high tunnel intrudes on the middle seat leg space; the middle seat back lowers as an armrest with two cupholders, and there’s a hatch through to the boot. My car had a manually opened tailgate and a boot space of 270 litres, which is less than the 380 litres of the standard petrol or diesel versions due to accommodating the battery. This means there’s no room for a spare wheel.  Front and rear parking sensors, good blind spot monitors, and an excellent reversing camera are standard, while parking controls also let you see around your car.  Driving modes are Eco, Comfort, Performance, and Individual.  

My car was the e-Hybrid PHEV powertrain version, which pairs a 1.5 turbocharged petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor, giving a claimed electric range of up to 133km (in the real world, maybe around 100km) and a total combined output of 204hp. Maximum torque is 350Nm and top speed 220km/h. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is a very decent 7.7 seconds. My car returned around 5.4 L/100km fuel consumption, which is pretty efficient. Road tax is €140.  

I found the Leon FR to be a perky performer, which handled well and proved plenty agile with a turning circle of 10 m. With its stiffer suspension than the other trims, the ride was a bit on the firm side over rural roads, much smoother on good motorway surfaces. Little wind or road noise filtered through to the cabin, and I had no problem with visibility front/side views. The SEAT Leon, including ICE and plug-in hybrid versions, achieved a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.  

The entry level is priced from €30,070-€43,855; Sportstourer 204hp e-hybrid FR from €45,555. SEAT name all their cars after towns in Spain. Leon is a city in northwestern Spain.

 

 

Cupra Formentor PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

In 2021, Cupra’s Formentor was the first vehicle designed and developed from the ground up as a Cupra model. Cupras are designed to offer a more thrilling driving experience, with powerful engine options and sporty avant-garde styling, whereas sister-company SEAT’s vehicles are more focused on traditional cars with smaller engines and value for money. Both are part of the Volkswagen Group. 

Their largest offering, the five-seater Formentor SUV coupe, provides the benefits of a performance car with the qualities, ride height, and roominess of an SUV but with lots of extra touches included. It is aimed at high-earning male buyers in their forties who will most likely have a young family and who want their car to have robust style and a sporty driving performance combined with modern technology. 

Cupra has sold 1,173 units in Ireland this year, with Formentor leading the charge with a 12.25 percent increase on the whole of last year, so their marketing strategy is obviously working. The Irish company plans to increase its market share to 2 percent as it builds awareness of the brand. The model has been given a significant facelift for 2025. Exterior changes include a redesigned front bumper that integrates the logo, a new grille, and updated fog lamps. The rear has an integrated, illuminated logo set within 3D infinite lighting for an iconic signature. 

My car was in a new matt shade called Century Bronze, which resembles an army vehicle’s colour. Bronze accents and 19-inch alloys made it stand out. Interior changes include a new dashboard, a padded central console, copper-coloured accents and stitching, and a wrap-around ambient light system across the dash and door panels. Centre stage is the new and easy-to-use 12.9-inch infotainment screen with an integrated navigation system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The car has a three-zone climate control system that allows both front seat occupants and rear passengers to set their own preferred temperatures independently. 

A colourful and customisable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster supplies all the information you need almost within your line of vision, with your current speed shown bottom right on the screen. The multi-function steering wheel has two satellite buttons, which are the Start/Stop button and a drive selection one. Drive modes are Comfort, Performance, Individual, and Cupra for the ultimate driving experience. Some may like the touch-sensitive sliders for temperature and volume, others perhaps not. The automatic transmission gear selector is located on the flat of the central console. The D/S position allows operation in normal mode or sport mode. 

Comfy leather bucket seats with integrated headrests are mostly made from recycled polyester. My driver’s seat had power seat controls, three memory seat settings, and lumbar support. Storage areas include big front door bins, a decent glovebox, and a deep area below the front armrest with a 12V power socket. A wireless phone charger and two USBs are on the dash. Other features are an excellent rear view camera and Blind Spot monitors that light up a bright warning lamp on the inside part of the corresponding side mirror where a vehicle is approaching from that side. 

There’s good head and legroom in the rear, headspace being unaffected by the large sunroof, which you open or close by sliding your finger along the overhead control. There's a power tailgate, and luggage capacity for the plug-in hybrid version is 345 litres compared to the 450 litres in other variants. When not needed, the rear seats can be folded down for more cargo space. Trims are Formentor with output power below 245hp and VZ with a power out from 245hp. The latter adds touches of luxury, elevates performance, and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, dynamic chassis control, as well as new technology and a range of new engine options that now include petrol, diesel, two mild-hybrids, and plug-in hybrid versions with a blend of electric and petrol performance. 

While the entry engine is a 1.5 TSI with 150hp, my review car was the powerful VZ 1.5 TSI (petrol) 272hp e-Hybrid PHEV hybrid version mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Max torque is a powerful 400Nm which together with the petrol engine can shift the car from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds. My fuel usage was 6.4 L/100kms. Motor tax is €140 for the PHEV models. 

On the road, I liked the power on tap, the whole atmosphere and styling of the cabin, and had no trouble with all-round visibility and liked the quite direct, well-balanced steering. With a big suite of driver assistance and safety systems, Formentor was awarded a maximum five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP. The entry price is €39,885; VZ from €59,135. Over €10,000 worth of options were exterior paint (€2,626), 19-inch copper machined alloys (€1,641), Sennheiser 12-speaker system with subwoofer (€704), Pure Performance of Matrix LED Ultra and Dynamic Chassis Control (€1,134), a Progressive Design pack of leather seats/power front seats with driver memory €1,154), Intelligent Drive DQ of side and exit assist, pre-crash assist, intelligent park assist, lane keeping, navigation, traffic jam assist and a top view camera (€2,017), panoramic sunroof (€1,287). These brought the price of my car as tested to €69,698. 

Formentor is named after Cape Formentor on the Spanish island of Mallorca and is produced in the Martorell factory in Catalonia, Spain.

 

Latest XC90 for Ireland in November

A new generation Volvo XC90 has debuted in plug-in hybrid form with smart new styling and 7-seat capacity, writes Brian Byrne. The car will be available to order in Ireland in November.

The PHEV battery offers up to 70km of electric only driving, and the combined range of the battery and petrol engine is some 800km.

The new XC90 also has a redesigned interior, improved suspension, and the latest in advanced driver assistance technology.

Air suspension is an option. 

Review: Ford Kuga - Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Ford’s Kuga SUV has been a big hit with customers since it was first launched in 2008. This practical car remains a family favourite with some 513 units already sold this year vis a vis the 565 sold for the whole of 2023. And that’s before the 2024 revised Kuga arrives here around mid-May which will have a fresh look, a refreshed model line-up and four powertrains that include two hybrids and a plug- in hybrid. 

The PHEV version has been a best-seller in Europe for some years now and Ford say it will continue to play a key role inspiring drivers to embrace the company’s electric future. The car looks well from every angle, especially from the side view. Size-wise, it is longer and higher than key competitors Kia Sportage and a tad longer and lower than Toyota’s RAV4. 

Also available in a 1.5 EcoBoost petrol engine, and a self-charge hybrid petrol that can travel for up to 900kms on one tank of fuel, my review car was the PHEV version, in the sporty ST-Line X grade. This included a full body styling kit with a unique front and rear fascia and bumper design, body coloured rear diffusor and front skid plate, dark mesh grille and ST-Line badges. The exterior in Solar Silver colour had contrasting black pillars and roof rails, and ST-Line badges indicating the sporty nature of the car as did the red brake callipers. There are six exterior colours to choose from. 

Kuga is a tall car which makes getting in and out a lot easier than in lower styled cars. You sit nice and high and have a good view out of the road ahead. The front pillars are quite thick and I found this restricted forward/side view coming up to roundabouts. The same can be said for the thick rear pillars when reversing the car. However, Kugas come with both front and rear parking sensors and an excellent rearview camera. 

I was able to get a really comfy driving position with the 12-way power adjustments on the ST-Line sports seat. Seats were a mix of suede/leather type upholstery with lots of red stitching. The 12.3-inch digital instrument display has good graphics and shows the important driving info you need, including the state of battery charge and current speed, while the stand-alone 8-inch infotainment touchscreen works well but looks a bit dated. Apple and Android phone connectivity is standard. There are physical buttons for climate control and the circular gear shifter is located on the flat of the central console. You can charge your phone with the wireless charging pad and there are two USB ports in the driver area. 

There’s space enough in the back for three average adults who will have good head and leg room. Rear seats can slide forwards or backwards to boost legroom or to provide additional boot space. These seats can be folded in a 60/40 split. There’s an area below the floor for charging cables and a tyre sealant kit. The tailgate is power operated. 

Standard features are 18-inch alloys, full LED headlamps, front LED fog lights with front cornering, and B&O premium audio system with 10 speakers and subwoofer. A Driver Assistance pack includes a front camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Assist, and Active Park Assist while a Winter Pack provides heated front and rear seats and heated steering wheel. 

The Kuga PHEV is powered by a 2.5 petrol engine that combines with an electric motor to deliver up to 225hp. The engine is matched to a CVT automatic transmission that I found to be smooth and capable which added greatly to my enjoyment of driving the car. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds. My average fuel consumption was 6.7 L/100kms. The cabin was quiet as I drove main roads and motorways. The car also proved agile enough about town with a 11.4m turning circle. I really enjoyed driving this Kuga and would have no problems having it as my everyday car. 

Charging the PHEV battery will take 3.5 hrs from a 7kW home wall-box or over double that if you have to use a three-pin domestic plug. The hybrid battery comes with an 8-year or 160,000km warranty. The entry Titanium model is priced from €46,340; ST-Line X PHEV from €48,830. Options took the price to €51,357, plus delivery and related charges.

 

PHEV option available in new Tiguan

A new plug-in hybrid drivetrain has been announced for the latest generation of the VW Tiguan, which has just begun market launch across Europe, writes Brian Byrne.

The claimed range of the EV element of the system is 120km, giving the car an estimated combined petrol-electric range of 900km on a full tank. It will be available in two outputs, 204hp and 272hp.

The new Tiguan is the third generation of what is currently the brand's most successful vehicle. 

New Kodiaq prices revealed

Skoda Ireland has released pricing for the second generation of the Kodiaq SUV, starting from €53,670, writes Brian Byrne. Earliest deliveries for Irish customers are expected in June.

The new car is bigger than its predecessor, which the Czech brand says has been one of their most successful models, with more than 850,000 units sold worldwide.

There are petrol and diesel engine options, and for the first time a plug-in hybrid is available, with a rated electric range of 100km on a charge. The Irish distributor expects that diesel will remain the most popular engine here, responsible for 96pc of sales to date. The diesel versions of the new generation are ready for use with hydrated vegetable oil (HVO), either in combination with diesel fuel or exclusively, which can reduce emissions by up to 90pc.

The Kodiaq comes with seven seats as standard. 

Special 50th anniversary VW Golf

Volkswagen are marking the 50th anniversary of their iconic Golf with a special version for which orders open in February, writes Brian Byrne.

The enhancements include a revised front end and new rear lights designs, with LED systems front and rear. A new and more powerful infotainment system will include an integrated ChatGP AI element.

In the powertrain options there will be a plug-in hybrid with an EV range rated at up to 100km, and the ability to charge it at a DC fast-charge outlet.

More than 37 million Golfs have been sold globally since it was launched five decades ago. 

Kuga is revised for 2024

Ford has refreshed its Kuga crossover for 2024 with new exterior styling and enhanced interiors, writes Brian Byrne. There are also improvements to the plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering extended EV range.

A new front design gives the Kuga, in its third generation since 2019 and the best selling PHEV in Europe over three years, a sharper look and stronger presence on the road. Full LED headlights are standard, and there's a full-width LED light bar available as part of the optional Technology Pack.

The EV range is now rated at up to 69km from a full charge, and the car has a claimed class-leading towing capability of 2,100kg.

Inside, the latest wide-screen iteration of Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system has 5G connectivity allowing access to cloud-based real-time navigation. Driver assistance technologies including enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control.

Kuga as a model was first launched in 2008.

New generation Skoda Superb revealed

Skoda have revealed the fourth generation of their large car Superb, which features the brand's updated style cues and higher specification, writes Brian Byrne.

The new bar is longer and taller than the predecessor vehicle, but retains the same wheelbase.

Part of the enhanced technology are new LRD headlights offering a 40pc increase in output over the previous version.

Powertrains are petrol, diesel and an improved plug-in hybrid which the company claims offers a 100kms-plus EV range. A mild-hybrid petrol is also available for the first time in the model.

The Skoda Superb was first launched in 2001 and a total of 1.6 million units have been built.