Car5

The new Audi Q7 will be launched here later in the year with seven seats and a striking new visual design with clear SUV characteristics, and top of the line connectivity, writes Trish Whelan . Two engines will be offered at launch followed shortly afterwards by a plug-in hybrid model. All are matched to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and permanent all-wheel-drive. The car has now grown to 5,063 millimetres long; luggage capacity varies between 865L and 2,050L, depending on if used as a five-seater or with all seats in use. The premium SUV features the new design of the Q family. Key features are its excellent comfort and spaciousness, Mild Hybrid Technology, the digital operating concept, and the optional HD Matrix LED headlights including laser light. The MMI navigation system delivers top-of-the-range connectivity with a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and the extensive Audi connect portfolio which ranges from traffic information online, navigation with Google Ea...

The Kia XCeed is a new urban crossover utility vehicle (CUV) from Kia Motors which combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging and the sporty handling of a hatchback, writes Trish Whelan . It will go on sale in Ireland towards the end of September with a Plug-in Hybrid variant following in early 2020. Competing in the C-segment, it is the latest addition to the Kia portfolio and takes the Ceed model family in a new direction, designed to achieve the cabin and storage space of an SUV in a sportier body with a more compact footprint. It offers comparable levels of space for occupants and luggage (from 426 litres to 1,378L with rear seats folded down). This newcomer also provides a more commanding view of the road ahead than a conventional hatchback. The XCeed's suite of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment features make it one of the most high-tech cars in the CUV class. It is also one of the most efficient powered by a range of fast-revving, t...

Ford has today unveiled the new Ford Puma - an SUV-inspired compact crossover that fuses 'stunning exterior design, best-in-class load space, and sophisticated mild-hybrid powertrain technology', writes Trish Whelan . It introduces a new chapter in Ford's design identity with styling cues such as the wing-top mounted headlamps and athletic, aerodynamic lines. It comes with a raised ride-height and a luggage capacity of 456 litres. Puma uses Ford's EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology together with a three-cylinder 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver up to 155hp. There's also a 125hp unit with 131g/km C02 emissions and a claimed 5.8 L/100km fuel efficiency. A diesel powertrain option and seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission will join the line-up after launch. Advanced driver assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control and New Local Hazard information which can inform the driver of hazardous situations in the road ahead before they become...

"Our Industry is very concerned and angry at the possibility of sleepwalking into another potential 2009," states Brian Cooke , Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry . SIMI warns that the Motor Industry and the motorist are facing the greatest change in taxation since 2009 which undermined both new and used car sales by being too ambitious and seeking to implement change too quickly. Overnight car values plummeted, new car sales declined and the Industry fell of a cliff. That, together with a recession, resulted in the closure of 150 family businesses, 14,700 jobs lost and over €1 billion in lost revenue for the Exchequer. The looming Budget 2020 brings a very concerning feeling of Deja vu. Brian Cooke. SIMI continues to highlight the need for extreme caution in dealing with motor related taxation in the upcoming Budget, doubly so now that the Budget almost coincides with the Brexit date. The Economic Statement issued by the Minister for ...

Kia’s mid-sized ProCeed widens the appeal of the Ceed model range and is expected to play a big role in the Korean car maker's ongoing growth in Europe, writes Trish Whelan . Like its siblings, this car was designed, developed and engineered by Kia’s European teams in Frankfurt and is manufactured at the brand’s factory in Slovakia. It now has five doors, a nod to Europe’s shrinking market for three-door hatches. It is beautifully proportioned, curvy, low, lean and lithe, a little longer and lower than the Sportswagon and Ceed five-door hatch. The suspension is 10mm lower than its companions, and tall people should mind their heads when getting in and out, or even when reaching in to collect belongings. ProCeed is beautifully styled, a cross between an estate and a liftback. It is unique in the Ceed family as Kia has put its model name in capital letters across the centre of the tailgate. The interior features high-quality, soft-touch surfaces, metallic trim and a ‘flo...

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Business and Mercedes Benz X-Class have been named Category Winners of the Irish Van of the Year 2019 in association with Continental Tyres. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Business took the Irish Commercial SUV of the Year award while the Mercedes-Benz X-Class won the Irish Pick Up of the Year award. The Irish Van of the Year awards are voted upon by a jury of Ireland’s most experienced light commercial vehicle journalists. In deciding on these category winners, the Irish Van of the Year committee members took into account such attributes as load capacity, reliability, overall versatility, cost of ownership and driving comfort. Presenting the awards to Jason Byrne of Mitsubishi Ireland, and Fergus Conheady, Mercedes Benz Ireland; Tom Dennigan of awards sponsor Continental Tyres Ireland commented: “In today’s tough commercial vehicle market, these two vehicles have been singled out by the Irish Van of the Year experts. I am sure that these awards w...

Carla Wentzel, Group Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Ireland addresses journalists Volkswagen Group Ireland, which is responsible for more than 26 per cent of new passenger cars sales in Ireland through brands Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, has welcomed the Government's proposed direction of the Climate Action Plan to reduce C02 emissions, writes Trish Whelan . Volkswagen Group is committed to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement which envisions a climate-neutral society by 2050. The VW Group is convinced that e-mobility is the best and most efficient path to a clean, climate neutral mobility. Audi e-tron Over the next five years, Volkswagen Group is investing around €30 billion in electric mobility. This includes the introduction of electric vehicles, C02 neutral production, up to providing its customers with a green energy contract to ensure 'actual' zero emissions during the usage phase of the vehicle. The Gro...

Skoda's latest addition to the Octavia range called 'Soleil' is available as a hatchback or as a Combi estate body style, writes Trish Whelan . The name 'Soleil' means sun and is derived from the brand's association with the internationally celebrated Cirque du Soleil circus. Octavia has been a consistent best seller with 18,000 vehicles delivered to customers in the last five years and holds the position of the fourth best-selling car in Ireland over the same period. The Czech brand are confident the new Soleil model will deliver a strong finish to the end of the year as the brand enters the top-five best-selling brands in Ireland for the first time. Key features are the car's 590 litres of boot capacity and what Skoda say is 'unrivalled interior cabin spaciousness'. Low fuel consumption is assured with a turbo charged line up of TSI petrol engines including the 1.0 TSI 115bhp; and the frugal 1.6 TDI 115bhp available with both manual and...

Quest Adventure Series has welcomed Volvo Car Ireland as their official event vehicle partner across Quest events for 2019, writes Trish Whelan . Quest adventure races involve running, cycling and kayaking across various distances in remote, beautiful and challenging locations. Volvo will sponsor two event vehicles for Quest over the next six months and be on hand at Quest 12/24, Quest Lough Derg and Quest Killarney so adventure racers can get to grips with the vehicles themselves. Adventure racing has become a popular past-time in Ireland in recent years with over 10,000 participants taking part in Quest events across the year. An alternative to triathlon and the popular mass participation half-marathons and other runs on offer, adventure racing extends beyond the physical and fosters a great sense of camaraderie and fun as part of the races. The new partnership is founded on core values shared between Volvo and Quest including respect and care for the environment, sustainab...

Registration for the Tour de Boyne Valley, the final event of Skoda Celtic Cycle Series' is now open, writes Trish Whelan . Kicking off in Drogheda on Saturday 31 August 2019, Tour de Boyne Valley promises to be a fantastic challenge for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. Cyclists will have two routes to choose from - the Boyne Valley 95km and the Boyne Valley 145km. Hosted by Drogheda Wheelers CC, the event starts from St Mary's GFC, Donore, and both routes will take cyclists along some of the best cycling roads in Louth and Meath heading out on the coast road north of Drogheda before passing through Termonfeckin and Clogherhead, then finally, moving inland. The event will also take you through the famous Boyne Valley and past some historic monuments including Newgrange. Registered cyclists will receive *top quality feed stations along with refueling and energy stops on the route, *a safe cycling route thanks to an experienced team of safety marshals, *bike mechanics...

The third generation of Renault’s ZOE all-electric car is on the way but pricing and specs for Ireland are yet to be announce, writes Trish Whelan . This flagship vehicle of Renault’s 100pc electric range now comes with more power and range and an array of high-tech equipment for both driving comfort and on-board experience. Seven years after the introduction of what has become Europe’s best-selling urban electric car, New ZOE evolves in versatility, quality and technology offering superior features, from the entry level. Two motors are offered: the 80kW (R110) of the previous generation, and a new 100 kW (R135) which brings more power, more torque and better revving. The R135, with 245Nm torque, can achieve 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds.   ZOE has no gearbox or clutch because of its electric motor but still retains a gear lever to switch between different driving modes or to reverse.   There’s also a new driving ‘B’ mode which almost does away ...

Peugeot has released the first images of the new 2008 SUV due in Ireland in spring 2020, writes Trish Whelan . The new-look 2008 offers a choice of 100pc electric, petrol or diesel powertrains.   With three petrol and two diesel engines on offer, the new e-2008 SUV is also available with a 100kW (136bhp) electric motor and 50kWh battery. The electric SUV will achieve a 310km range. Charing time depends on the power available: 16 hours for a full charge from a domestic plug; between 5 and 15 minutes and 8 hours for a complete charge with a Wallbox (3 phase 11kW or single phase 7.4kW); 30 minutes to recover 80pc of the battery with 100kW fast-chargers.   With the MyPeugeot app, owners will be able to pre-set the charging times, heating and air conditioning on the e-2008 SUV as well as check its current charge level remotely.   It adopts the latest equipment and driving aids, together with the Lion Brand’s latest-generation 3D i-Cockpit. The...

SEAT has announced the arrival of the new eXC Kickscooter powered by Segway to the Irish market which will be available to order for participating SEAT retailers across the country, writes Trish Whelan . This partnership between SEAT and Segway is in response to the growing demand for electric urban transport among commuters. As part of its overall 192 sales campaign, SEAT here in Ireland will run a special Open Week this week to 22 June which will boast considerable savings across the SEAT range as well as a free electric scooter for those who place an order on a SEAT model during this Open Week. Offers available include 0pc PCP finance from Volkswagen Financial Services on selected SEAT models including its SUV range of Arona, Ateca and Tarraco. Three-year service plans are also available across the SEAT range from €12.99 per month and up to a €2,000 trade-in bonus on selected models. The eXS Kickscooter has a travel range of 25kms on the one charge and its m...

Subaru Ireland’s new e-Boxer hybrid models are set to arrive in Ireland this November, writes Trish Whelan . The XV Crossover and all new Forester are the first two models to feature the e-Boxer, Subaru’s new-generation power unit system which combines electric motor assist with a Boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. The e-Boxer comes with a customised lineartronic transmission that integrates an electric motor, DC/DC converter and electric motor inverter. This e-Boxer announcement follows news that Toyota and Subaru will jointly develop a BEV-dedicated platform as early as next year marking the next stage of the Subaru electrification strategy. The two companies will apply Subaru’s AWD and Toyota’s vehicle electrification technologies to jointly develop a C-segment SUV. The Subaru e-Boxer system adjusts the power-split ratio between the dedicated 2.0 direct-injection engine and the electric motor to match the driving condition offering three drivin...

James Brooks of Kia Motors with the new e-Niro and e-Soul  Kia has launched two new electric vehicles to its line-up, the e-Niro and e-Soul, writes Trish Whelan . This five-door, five-seat car completes the eco-friendly Niro crossover range alongside Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions of which over 250,000 units have sold globally since the Niro's introduction in 2016. To date, Europe has accounted for over 100,000 sales of the hybrid crossover. New e-Niro  The new e-Niro was the first fully electric crossover utility vehicle produced by the Korean car maker. It went on sale in some European countries at the end of last year. It is equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides a driving range of up to 455 kms on a single charge (282 miles) on the WLTP combined cycle. Plugged into a 100 kW fast charger, it takes just 42 minutes to recharge from 20pc to 80pc. e-Niro interior. Features include a range of dedicated EV in-car t...

The new Peugeot 508 SW will retail here from €34,110 plus delivery related charges for the Active 1.5 BlueHDI diesel 130bhp 6-speed manual version, writes Trish Whelan . Order books are now open and deliveries to first customers here in Ireland will begin from 1 July onwards. The new 508 SW which competes in the D-segment estate sector, has the same sharp front design as the 508 fastback and adds a low-slung, svelte estate bodyline. The brand say it forms the perfect balance between sport elegance and practicality, providing plenty of passenger space and a large, easy to access boot, offering a total load space from 530 litres with the luggage cover closed and up to 1,780 litres thanks to Magic Flat rear seats. Trims are Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. Two new petrol options and four diesel options, based on the 1.6 PureTech 1.5 BlueHDi and 2.0 BlueHDI engines, are offered. A 225bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version providing power to the front wheels using a 1....

Brian Cooke Commenting on the Government’s Climate Action plan, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said the Motor Industry continues to be supportive of the drive towards zero emissions transport. “The Climate Action Plan is hugely ambitious and it is important that we get greater clarity on the detail of any proposals, both short term and long term,” he said. “The Industry is a key stakeholder as the provider of vehicles to this project and welcomes the State’s commitment to supporting the implementation of an extensive nationwide charging infrastructure that will support the roll-out of these vehicles.” He said the plan underlines the big growth in zero-emitting vehicles will happen from 2024 onward, and in that context, it’s important that the State and the Industry start talking now to consider policies that will support change both pre and post 2024. “Lessons have to be learnt from the past, when dramatic changes to the taxation systems contributed to exte...

Volkswagen Ireland’s 192 campaign includes Technology Upgrades across the range, 0pc APR PCP Finance on many models, Purchase Contributions of up to €2,500 and discounts on R-Line equipment packs, writes Trish Whelan . The addition recently of the new T-Cross means there is now a choice of five SUVs in the range, from the T-Cross to the T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and the Touareg.   Highlights of the Technology Upgrades include, on the Golf Highline model, Discover Media Sat Nav, High Beam Light Assist, and a rear-view camera (with a value of €1,308) are available now for €699. The Golf Highline is also offered with PCP finance from 0pc APR allowing a monthly repayment of €299 per month. An R-Line Exterior Pack is available from €309 per month with 0pc APR PCP finance. This includes a 3-year Service Plan. There’s also a €1,500 Purchase Contribution on TDI models, with €1,000 on petrol models.   The Polo Trendline model comes with the option of a Tech...

Peugeot’s 192 Drivetime event is now underway at all the brand’s dealerships nationwide, writes Trish Whelan . The 192 offers are available for a limited time only this summer. Customers who register their new 192 Peugeot passenger car or light commercial vehicle before 31 July can avail of finance from 3.9pc plus either scrappage up to €4,000 or a deposit contribution of up to €750 on younger trade ins. A five-year extended warranty is offered across the Peugeot car range. Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors Limited who import Peugeot cars to Ireland, commented that their car range recorded the biggest volume increase in the market in 2018 and has outperformed the car and van market June year to date. “Consumer demand for the multi award-winning Peugeot SUV range continues, with the 2008, 3008 and 5008 SUVs dominating our sales table year to date and our dealers are recording strong forward orders for 192 for these star sellers, alongside our ne...

The cars driven by two Irish drivers contesting the world’s most famous motor race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, each completed more than 4500 kilometres between the start on Saturday afternoon and yesterday’s finish, writes Richard Burke . Corkman  Matt Griffin finished eighth in class at the wheel of the Clearwater Racing Ferrari 488 GTE, while current Motorsport Ireland Young Racing Driver of the Year Charlie Eastwood from Belfast shared the TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage to twelfth place. At home, Anthony Culleton from Laois was the outright winner of the Midland Autocross at Scramogue, Co Roscommon, the third round of the Five Star Catering National Championship, with Matt Shinnors and Christopher Snow Jnr winning the main saloon classes.

Audi e-tron The Audi 192 Sales Event is currently taking place across 11 authorised Audi dealerships nationwide with offers available on vehicles registered before 31 August, writes Trish Whelan . The event offers APR rates from 2.9pc. These exclusive offers also include special edition Audi service plans making it more affordable than ever to drive an Audi with plans available from €15.99 per month as well as a complementary €250 Audi genuine accessories offer. Audi Q5 - With an APR of 2.9pc, the Audi Q5 model is available in four powerful, efficient TDI variants. This sporty SUV has a sculpturally flared singleframe grille with a solid frame which dominates its aerodynamically flat front end. Space is not compromised by design. Features include Audi’s virtual cockpit included in the Technology Pack. The fully digital instrument cluster, with various display options, projects information directly in front of the driver via a large high-resolution monitor with...

An innovative new travel health service has been launched by MyClinic.ie , meaning you can now have your travel vaccinations given at participating pharmacies nationwide, writes Trish Whelan . After completing MyClinic’s online travel health consultation, priced at €30, a GP will advise you of any vaccinations or anti-malaria tablets you should consider and issues your prescription. As well as advice from the GP, you also receive a personalised travel health pack by email, containing the most up-to-date information to help you stay healthy on your trip. Once you complete the consultation you can book an appointment online at your nearest participating pharmacy to pay for your vaccinations and have them given by a specially trained pharmacist.   The service is designed to be most convenient and cost-effective way for travellers to access travel health consultations. Commenting on the launch, Dr Daniel Clear, founder of MyClinic, said: “We are very excited...

Honda's CR-V has become the world’s best-selling SUV since it was first introduced in 1995, writes Trish Whelan . With the third generation Honda has focused on petrol engines and there is no diesel alternative. There are 2WD and 4WD versions, and the new car is offered for the first time with a hybrid petrol electric powertrain. The new CR-V is higher and wider while keeping the same length. An increased wheelbase allows a larger and more comfortable cabin and the option of seven seats. A new grille echoes that in the Civic. A-pillars have been moved forward and reduced. The bonnet length has also been shortened and overall there's better front quarter visibility especially when approaching a roundabout. Full marks to Honda for this. The doors have been redesigned to keep sills clean, so clothes don’t get dirty while people get in and out of the car. Ground clearance has increased over the previous version, and so too have the wheel sizes. The premium interior has...

With bold new styling, the new BMW X1 which will arrive in Ireland next month (July), falls in line with the latest X family design philosophy, writes Trish Whelan . The current range of three and four-cylinder Twin-Power Turbo engines will shortly be joined by a new low emission plug-in hybrid X1. Two petrol and two diesel engines feature. The petrol range starts with the e140hp 1.5 sDrive 18i   with peak torque of 220Nm. It will do from zero to 100km/h in 9.7 secs. It comes with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch auto; C02 emissions are 125g/km and combined fuel consumption 37.7 (56.5mpg). The more powerful 2.0 X1 sDrive 20i with 192hp and 280Nm of torque can be specified with a seven-speed Sport dual-clutch automatic (0-100km/h in 7.7 secs; 129g/km C02 emissions and combined fuel consumption of 47.9 (52.3mpg) 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds and C02 is 143g/km; 38.7 (51.4mpg). The diesel range utilises a 2.0-litre power-plant and both the ...