The new powertrains will be in addition to the mild-hybrid combustion petrol engines and will be available in 299hp or 367hp outputs. They will offer 6.2 s and 5.1 s acceleration to 100km/h respectively. Audi is claiming an electric range of 100km.
Prices start at €67,955.
The powertrain of the Grandland PHEV is based on a 1.6 turbo petrol along with a electric motor, giving a total output of 195hp.
In a test more stringent than the WLTP cycle used to compare fuel efficiencies — temperatures were much lower, and the car was fitted with winter tyres as required at this time of the year in Germany — the Grandland PHEV achieved an overall consumption of 4.6L/100km at an average speed of 80km over the cycle. It was driven until it ran out of fuel. Slightly more than a third of the distance travelled was electrically powered.
Price and specification of the Grandland PHEV will be available closer to launch. The car is currently available in pure electric from €39,065 and in mild-hybrid petrol from €40,995.
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.
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.
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.
A new turbocharged petrol engine underpinning both variants improves both efficiency and engine longevity. A dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard.
Changes to the charging system now allow it to recharge at high-power stations, with up to 80pc of fresh charge available in less than half an hour.
Available in five grades, the car is powered by a 2.5 plug-in hybrid petrol engine outputting 327hp, or a 3.3 diesel with 254hp.
All versions are all-wheel-drive, with 8-speed automatic transmissions.
There's a claimed EV driving range of 60km.
The power unit prioritises electric mode while there is enough charge in the hybrid battery, switching to a hybrid setup on journeys longer than the rated range of 80km on electric-only power. The combined range on a full tank of fuel is in excess of 1,000km. The car is AWD, and offers acceleration to 100km/h in 5.9s.
There are two grades available in the Seal U, which has a high level of standard specification, and can also power household appliances when mains power is out.
BYD is distributed in Ireland by MDL, and there are six main dealers, two in Dublin and one each in Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford.
The electric range of the PHEV is a claimed 124km, and the Superb is available as usual in large hatchback and combi estate formats.
The PHEV is expected to pick up on the trend which has seen a 22pc increase in Irish sales for the powertrain system across the market.
The car's battery can be topped up to 80pc at public 50kW charge stations in 26 minutes.
Orders made now will see deliveries in early 2025.
The powertrain is based on a 1.6 gasoline direct injection engine, with an EV rated range of 58km, and an automatic transmission.
The car showcases the new and strong design language from Hyundai, with a strong squared presence. It has a longer wheelbase than the previous model, and has three rows of seats. Two grades will be available.
More details available from Hyundai dealers.
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| The RAV4 PHEV. |
As one of the four Toyota models which featured in Ireland's top ten model car sales in the first three months of this year, the RAV4 remains one of the firm favourites of Ireland's motorists.
The third generation of the car was offered with petrol-hybrid powertrains and this is the mainstay power of the RAV4 today. A plug-in hybrid has been available since 2020.
Prices of the RAV4 start at Prices start from €44,540.
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| 1st generation RAV4. |
Powertrain options will be a 2.5 plug-in hybrid petrol with 327hp and a 3.3 mild-hybrid diesel with 254hp. Both are AWD with 8-speed automatic transmissions.
Three-row seating for up to seven people will be available in the range.
The CX-80 will be the largest car in Mazda's European lineup.
It will be available with two hybrid petrol engines as well as as a plug-in hybrid with increased EV range beyond current PHEVs.
The car will have increased use of recycled and vegan materials and production method improvements will reduce the vehicle's total life CO2 emissions.
Toyota Ireland is planning to bring the model here during 2024.
A mouthful of a name, the car is revealed at the Brussels Motor Show today and features a rated 85km electric range, with a new rotary engine extended range petrol engine to enable longer journeys.
The electric motor will power the car all the time, the rotary engine kicking in only to recharge the battery or to give additional power during sudden acceleration.
The petrol tank for the engine is 50 litres, providing a potential combined range competitive to a standard petrol car.
The Mazda rotary engine is based on the concept developed by German engineer Felix Wankel in the 1950s. The Japanese company produced it for a range of RX sports cars until 2012, after which it was only used in a racing championship up to 2017.
A prototype rotary engine used as an EV range extender was shown in a Mazda2 in 2013.
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| The new Giulia front. |
The highlight model on display will be the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 SUV, with an 80km range on EV power alone. The car is also claimed to be the sportiest version of the range.
There will also be the Tonale hybrid which was the first electrified SUV from the brand, which also features an electronic suspension.
Changes to the other Alfa models, the Giulia saloon and Stelvio SUV include new headlights and grilles, the introduction of the latest connectivity systems, and a completely new digital instrument panel.
Alfa Romeo is one of the Stellantis Group brands and is distributed in Ireland by the Gowan Group Motor Division.
The Sportage range consists of hybrid, mild hybrid, diesel, and a plug-in hybrid electric which arrived here in mid July sharing the characteristics of both a conventional hybrid electric vehicle and an all-electric vehicle.
Many motorists would like to make the switch to EV but are not confident in the charging infrastructure which currently leaves a lot to be desired, so a plug-in hybrid makes sense as a half-way choice, going electric but backed up by a petrol engine. PHEV models account for 11pc of Kia Ireland’s sales. Adding this PHEV to their 22pc EV volume means that one in every three Kia cars sold here comes with a plug.
In looks, the exterior styling is sleek yet muscular, not too aggressive but still an impressive look. The type that appeals to buyers seeking a practical family means of transport. It has road presence when viewed from every angle. I especially liked the side view, that addition of a chrome belt-line that kicks up onto the rear side of the car created lovely lines with the rear spoiler.
The car is also a neat size for those who don’t want a larger SUV as a family car. On the practical side, it comes with improved luggage capacity, head room and legroom over the outgoing model with very good legroom for the second-row passengers. Luggage space of 540 litres expands to 1,780 litres with rear seats down. It’s a simple operation just by pulling a lever. Luggage capacity is 591 litres for ICE models.
Kia engineers have cleverly packaged the PHEV version to minimise impact on passenger and luggage space by locating the high-voltage battery centrally between the two axles under the body of the SUV. This ensures a balanced weight distribution and a comfortable and versatile interior space.
Just two trims are offered, K3 and K4. K3 has a very generous level of standard specification including 19-inch alloys, dual zone climate control, privacy glass, parking sensors, reversing camera, Blind Spot Alerts on side mirrors, smart cruise control, highway driving assist, Downhill Descent Assist, Auto Hold, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Kia Connect. K4 adds the full leather trim, drivers’ memory seat, ventilated front seats, and mobile phone charger. Both models come with All Wheel Drive system that delivers engine power to front and rear wheels for maximum traction. The Drive/Terrain button covers driving in conditions of Snow, Mud or Sand. Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) helps avoid potential hazards, fully protecting occupants and other road users on every journey.
Good quality materials are evident throughout the cabin. It makes for a very comfortable environment. Front seats have a slim design and house fast-charge USB ports on the sides and hooks within the headrests to hang clothing or handbags. The upholstery in my car was in an attractive beige leather which contrasted well with the high gloss finish on the centre facia. Seats were very comfortable for long journeys. The rear middle one is of a good size for an adult to sit in comfort.
The high-tech curved driver display touchscreen and the multimode touch display look after the driver and passenger connectivity and information needs. Both are easy-to-use and intuitive. Graphics are beautiful in design and are very clear.
My PHEV version was powered by a sprightly four-cylinder 1.6 T-GDI turbo petrol engine, part of the powertrain package that also uses a 66.9kW electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack which, combined, deliver a power output of 265hp, with 180hp originating from the petrol engine. Both the motor and engine are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Annual road tax is €140. The car is capable of an electric-only range of up to 70kms that can cover most daily trips from home to work, or for school runs and daily shopping needs. To get the most use from your PHEV car, and to save on petrol, you should charge the battery every night at home.
The car is a delight to drive and to travel in. Agile, responsive and easy to park with its neat size. On returning the car after a week’s test drives, the computer showed a petrol fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100kms. Sportage PHEV can tow up to 1,350kg braked, or 750kg unbraked.
This is one of the safest cars in its class having gained a maximum five stars for safety from Euro NCAP. All new Kia cars come with a 7-year unlimited warranty.
PRICE: Sportage K3 is priced from €46,000; K4 as tested, from €48,000.
The car retains the model’s muscular but refined lines and the solid design, including a seven-slot grille and rugged rear styling. My S version had a black roof, privacy glass, roof rails, LED headlights, sunroofs, 40/20/40 folding rear seats, air con, 8-way power adjustments on the driver’s seat and lumbar adjustment. A tall vehicle, you get a high driving position with good visibility.
The interior is quite airy with a large sunroof that allows light into the cabin. It’s spacious up front but somewhat tighter in the rear, suitable only for three adults on a short journey, or two adults (and a child) to travel in comfort. But they enjoy good head- and leg-room. The cabin boasts nice quality materials and finishes and comfy seating. Leather upholstery adds a nice touch and is easy to wipe clean.
I liked the whole sweep of the dash and the use of silver patterned trim. Screens include a 7-inch instrument panel that provides all the relevant hybrid stuff as well as your speed and the remaining range for both petrol and EV. The UConnect interactive system with an 8.4-inch high definition touchscreen allows access to functions through the steering wheel controls as well as by touch and voice controls. Below the central screen are temperature up and down arrow controls and a knob for the fan.
Drive operating modes include a hybrid button, an electric one and an e-Save button on the lower row of controls. Activating the hybrid mode optimises fuel consumption. An e-Coasting system allows you charge the battery while driving, allowing charge to be saved for use in urban areas driving quietly. The car comes with charging cables that allow you plug it into a domestic socket. A full charge with a home Wallbox will take 240 minutes. A Mode 3 cable for public charging stations is an optional extra. The 11.4 kWh battery comes with an 8-year or 160,000kms warranty. The warranty can be extended up to five years.
A ‘real’ 4x4, the Compass PHEV comes with 4WD Low, Downhill Descent, and 4WD Lock functions while the Select Terrain system includes Sand/Mud, Snow, Auto, and Sport driving modes. Jeep claim up to 70 state-of-the-art active and passive safety systems are installed in the car.
I found the Compass 4xe a good car to drive especially for family use. The steering is a tad light for me. If used as a family car, it would allow a bit of an adventure, taking in some rough terrain or a sandy beach, though I didn’t make enough use of its 4x4 system on this occasion. Maybe another time. No slouch, it can do 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds. Annual road tax is €140.
PRICES: From €43,995; Car as tested €54,995. WHAT I LIKED: The flexibility of driving modes offering efficient fuel consumption.
The model was already the brand's second-best selling one in Ireland before the new one arrived. For this year it was pushed into Kia's third place, partly because of the success of the EV6 and partly because that will always happen in a changeover year while old stocks run down and new ones are awaited. I'll not be surprised to see Niro slipping back to its slot behind the best-selling Sportage during 2023. Stock availability permitting, which is still an issue for all car distributors.
What's also interesting is that more than a third of all cars sold by Kia this year are electrified — 21pc of the total are EVs, with plug-in hybrids running at 15pc of the total. All that is very relevant to my Niro review this week, because it is the electric version I'm writing about.
In this second generation, the style has moved from being a little soft and cuddly to a stronger presence, thanks largely to the latest themes developed in lighting and front design. It looks quite purposeful. The car is also significantly wider, longer and taller, and is in the upper third in terms of size comparisons with its competitors, of which the Mazda CX-30 would be the average.
Inside, the design is clean and clear. A nicely integrated infotainment screen is large enough to work, thanks to its bright graphics, and not too big to be always in your face. The third of it closest to the driver can offer a choice of types of information, my choice in this case being battery level and range. The main instruments marry the best of traditional analogue style with the advantages of digital clarity. That last word also applies to the labelling of all the switchgear and controls, with no ambiguity. My reservations about the strip between the temperature control knobs having a dual purpose is slight, though still a tad annoying.
The Niro is roomy, and blessedly no impacting my head getting in or out, as is too frequently an issue for tall me. The heft of the steering wheel is in the Goldilocks area of just right. For my passengers, there was ample and comfortable room. Boot space has also increased over the previous generation.
My review car's electric motor offered a sub-8 seconds sprint capability to 100km/h, not spectacular but likely range-efficient for that reason. The rated distance on a charge is 460km, but on my reckoning an expectation of real-world 380km would be reasonable.
On the road there is that sense of slightly more heaviness which every electric vehicle gives, regardless of how well the suspension copes with the extra weight of the battery. In the Niro EV's case that's about the weight of two and a half adults, and you feel it most crossing a road bump. But it all seems to work quite competently, and the power from the motor is plenty adequate. As in all electrics, driving is a quiet experience.
In electric vehicle terms, the main competition are Volvo's C40 and Nissan's Leaf. The Niro EV is well able to hold its own with both, and for inside ambience would, subjectively, have the edge. Electric vehicles are still expensive, but the fact is that their non-EV competitors are closing the gap by themselves becoming more dear. Bottom line, my friends, the price of awning any car is only going in one direction.
PRICE: From €41,775. WHAT I LIKED: The quality of the overall vehicle package.
The car brings the French brand back into the large car D-segment with a car that looks like a sleek estate but offers SUV space.
The new car has petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains at launch, and both engines are matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The PHEV version includes the new Citroën active suspension as standard. All versions come with Citroen's
There are four trim levels available.
