Halim blog

The revival of the iconic Renault 5 next year as an electric car is currently under way in the form of testing of the new platform on which it will be the first car, writes Brian Byrne . Renault reckons that the manufacturing cost thanks to the new platform's efficiency will be 30pc lower than for the Zoe, the equivalent EV being produced by the company at the moment. Nine prototypes are being exhaustively tested at Renault facilities in Arvidsjaur in Swedish Lapland and at Lardy outside Paris and Aubevoye in Normandy. The new car's battery design will also take up less space than an equivalent in use today. The original Renault 5 was produced between 1972 and 1996 with more than 5.5 million units produced. 

Eithne Mallon O'Brien (Joe Mallon Motors), William Walsh (CEO, SEAI) and Aoife O'Grady (Head of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland at the Department of Transport) at the ZEVI Electric Vehicle Dealership of the Year Awards. Car dealership Joe Mallon Motors of Naas, Co Kildare, has been named the National winner of the ZEVI Electric Vehicle Dealership of the Year award at the SEAI Energy Show in the RDS, writes Trish Whelan . The Renault dealership was selected by a panel of experts who assessed each dealership's performance across a range of criteria amid tough and challenging competition. Some 124 car dealerships from 24 counties participated in this year’s awards.  Four regional finalists were previously announced at the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Awards in February for their demonstrated commitment to best-in-class customer experience. A panel of experts assessed each dealership's performance across a range of criteria, including showroom visibility of EVs, sales...

The new Alfa Romeo Tonale has gone on sale in Ireland at a starting price of €49,995, writes Brian Byrne . The compact crossover is available with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and in two grades along with a 'Speciale' extra launch version.  All versions are automatic, with outputs of 160hp and 280hp respectively, the latter being AWD thanks to the electric motor on the rear axle.  The PHEV includes a 15.5kWh battery thats some 36pc bigger than that used in the Jeep Compass PHEV, to which the Tonale is closely related. The car kicks off the new Irish distribution by Gowan Auto, based in a purpose-built HQ at City West, Dublin. Currently there are three Alfa Romeo dealerships, in Dublin, Cork and Waterford. Plans are to increase this to a network of eight. Two other models are currently available, the Giulia large sedan and the Stelvio SUV which sits above the Tonale.

The MG4 EV fully electric family hatchback arrived here in Q4 of last year joining the XS, MG5 and HS plug-in hybrid in the MG line-up, writes Trish Whelan .  This compact car will help the brand to attract more Irish customers with its quite eye-catching exterior design, high-end technology and its value for money. Other key qualities are space, technology, and the car’s driving quality. This is the first fully electric hatchback from MG; the first MG model to use the new MSP (Modular Scalable Platform) architecture developed by MG’s Chinese parent company SAIC Motor for all-electric vehicles. This platform will pave the way for future MG electric cars from hatchbacks to SUVs and even sports cars as it is suitable for wheelbases ranging from 2,650 to 3,100mm. MG4 EV has a wheelbase of 2,705mm.  This advanced architecture also offers very good roadholding and engagement for the driver thanks to the car’s 50:50 weight distribution. It also means more direct steering movements a...

It's the small things that make you feel good or bad about a car, writes Brian Byrne . I recently wrote about how difficult it was on one model to disconnect driver assistance features that annoy me. If you have to do it by navigating a touch-screen, it's no good. But there are carmakers who get it right. That was a thought when I got into a Peugeot 308 SW estate for another take on a car I have liked since it was launched here last year. While the driver assists, including the dratted lane-keeping, are default from start, there's a button on the steering wheel to disconnect-reconnect them. It's even labelled 'Assist'. Simple. Thoughtful. Designed by drivers instead of screen-time addicts. Any carmaker who doesn't do it this way should look at the current Peugeot, Citroen, DS, and Opel compact models. And learn. This latest 308 is the third generation of that car. The style details are right on message with the latest overall Peugeot look. A sharp-looking fr...

BMW has been winter-testing what will be the first all-electric 5 Series sedan, writes Brian Byrne . The i5 had already been journeyed in Arctic conditions a year ago, but this latest round of extreme weather in Sweden last month  has been fine-tuning powertrain and chassis control systems using frozen lakes test areas, BMW says the results show the car performs 'at least as proficiently' as any conventionally powered vehicle in such conditions. 

Kia's next all-electric model the EV9 SUV will be launched in Ireland in the last quarter of this year, writes Brian Byrne . The car will have a three-row seating configuration and  in details just released will have a target range of 541km, with the capability of ultra fast charging at suitable 800-volt stations. A feature of the EV9's connectivity will be the option for owners to buy specific extra features with over-the-air software upgrades.  The EV9 is designed to offer Level 3 driver assistance in the future for suitable markets. More details on the Irish price and specifications in advance of launch here. 

Ford is now offering two Ranger pickup variants with enhanced offroad capabilities, writes Brian Byrne . The Ranger Wildtrak X and Ranger Tremor will be available to order from next month, with deliveries expected in European markets from August. Both will come with higher ride height and wider track than the standard Ranger versions, as well as special suspension components including Bilstein high-performance dampers, and a 'Trail Turn Assist' which reduces turning radius in tricky offroad driving. The Ranger Tremor has visual differences as well as seats and floor materials designed to weather tough conditions. Both Ranger Wildtrak X and Tremor can be specified with Ford’s innovative new Flexible Rack System, a folding roof rack and adjustable sliding rear load hoop that allow long items to be carried above the roof rather than wedged between the tailgate and cab.  Flexible Rack System is now also available as an option for Ranger Wildtrak series.   

Mazda has updated the exterior and interior of its Mazda2 small car for 2023 and established a new grade structure, writes Brian Byrne . The exterior changes include a new grille and bumper, while there are new instrument panel, air vents and door trim finishes inside. New grades are Homura and Homura Aka special edition models with distinctive exterior and interior visual elements. The upgraded versions are due in European markets from June of this year. 

A new state-of-the-art headquarters in Dublin's Citywest has been unveiled by Gowan Auto, following the consolidation of nine major motor brands and the completion of a phased relocation of 129 staff.  Gowan Auto is the exclusive importer and distributor of Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Honda, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot in the Republic of Ireland. The company has united its suite of car brands, teams and expertise and presented its expansive office space, to include a 110,000 sq ft parts warehouse, a contemporary training academy, and an extensive marketing showroom. Gowan Auto, a member of the family-owned holding company, the Gowan Group, has made a significant commercial investment in the new Citywest premises, to future-proof the business and to meet its dealer partners' sales, parts, technical and aftersales needs, more readily.  The complex is equipped with 26 electric vehicle chargers, 123 car parking spaces, seven meeting rooms, and two tra...

EQ is the name given to the Mercedes-Benz electric car range and the EQS is the electric equivalent of the ICE-powered S-Class, writes Trish Whelan . It brings luxury and electric power together to the very top of the car maker’s model range and is beautiful to behold outside and in, especially with a black exterior and those 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. It is offered in standard and long wheelbase versions.   The car has a cab-forward design and coupe-like rear with the downward sweep of the roof contributing to the exceptional aerodynamics (a Cd value from 0.20) that helps bring its huge range. My review car also had the AMG exterior package which really sets it apart.  The interior is the most beautiful of any car I have had the pleasure to drive. Nappa leather beige upholstery with some grey leather, as well as a lime wood centre console, combine to offer a warm and welcoming feel. Lovely padded soft cushions are built into the head restraints. The gorgeous f...

A final edition of the Mini Clubman is being produced in a limited number to mark the end of a model that was first launched in 1969, writes Brian Byrne . Adding a wagon to the iconic Mini two-door saloon of the time, it had split rear doors, a feature which was retained when the 'modern' Mini version was introduced in 2007. At that point it also got a rear-hinged single extra door so passengers could more easily access the rear seats. In 2015 the car got a further stretched wheelbase, allowing for two rear passenger doors. The Final Edition will be limited to 1,969 units globally, reflecting the model's year of introduction. Just 100 of those will be RHD for the UK, and presumably the Irish, market. Just one specification — a Cooper S engine, ‘Exclusive’ trim, and choice of Black, White or Silver exterior paint colours. If you're in the UK, you can pre-order one for £37,000 OTR. 

MG have been the first in of a wave of Chinese brand electric cars coming down the road to Europe, and are making the most of their head start here, writes Brian Byrne . Their latest model is the MG4, the first EV hatchback from the marque, once a sporty iconic British one but now owned by the giant SAIC Motor Company in China. Driving the MG4 was being very much in the public eye. It turned heads all the time, and not just because of the orange colour, appropriately named Volcano. The car is very smartly styled, and quite distinctive. The designers went for advanced-looking lights up front and a brace of spoilers at the back extending from the roof that reference some supercar styling motifs. The visual kink in the profile made by black colouring in the lower parts does its bit too. No question, here is something smart. In size The MG4 sits between Renault's Megane E-Tech and Cupra's Born electric cars, but is wider than both. All three can be considered in the space where Vol...

Ford has announced a new all-electric Explorer crossover which will be available to order in Europe from later this year, writes Brian Byrne . The car is the first in a planned selection of new EVs from the brand, and will be available in both 2WD and AWD versions. The Explorer EV will be built in Cologne, Germany, which has been redeveloped as the company's electric vehicle HQ in Europe. Virtual 'test drives' can be experienced online at this link .  Details on range and specifications will be available closer to launch. 

Blackwater Motors Group have been appointed retailers for ORA GWM and the new electric car, the ORA Funky Cat for the Cork and Munster region, writes Trish Whelan .   The ORA Funky Cat has landed at Blackwater Motors Wilton, with models available for immediate delivery.  The highly specced model is available in two grades, the 300 PRO with a 310km range and the 400 PRO+ with a range of 420km. Prices, from €31,99, include features such as facial recognition, voice recognition, 360deg cameras and adaptive cruise control as standard.  Head of Business at Blackwater Motors Group Michael O’Brien said the first model released, the ORA Funky Cat, has a lot to offer in terms of its range, price and specification. He extends an invite for people to take a closer look at test drive at their location in Wilton.  Pat Ryan, Managing Director for GWM ORA in Ireland said this appointment ensures excellent representation in the south of Ireland.  Pictured are Pat Ryan, MD GWM O...

Nissan is to continue as the Official Vehicle Partner of the Football Association of Ireland for a new three-year term up to 2026, writes Trish Whelan .  Nissan has played a pivotal role in driving the development of football in communities all over Ireland since it became an FAI partner in September 2019. The car company will continue to supply a fleet of 55 vehicles to FAI Development Officers and other personnel working across Ireland to promote football and to attract girls and boys of all ages and abilities to play the game.  The total value of the cars is €2 million and the fleet includes the new Nissan Qashqai e-Power which allows drivers to experience the thrill of EV driving without ever having to plug in the car to recharge it. Other cars supplied to the fAI are 100pc electric, mild hybrid and hybrid vehicles as part of an ongoing green initiative which is helping the FAI reduce its carbon footprint.  Commenting, FAI CEO, Jonathan Hill, said: “The 55 electrified...

Nissan’s Qashqai is the brand’s biggest seller in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne . By a long shot — last year the C segment SUV sold more than twice the number of the company’s second best performing model here, the iconic Leaf EV. This is the third generation of a nameplate first rolled off the assembly line in 2007. At that time, anticipating the trend of crossover-SUVs for the family car market, it was designed to replace both the Almera compact and the Primera large family saloon models, both aged and tired. The strategy worked, and Qashqai boosted both the carmaker’s reputation and its bank balance. The strange-sounding name was used in Europe — variants were sold in other markets under more normal monikers, such as Rogue in the US.  The original quite soft style has sharpened up through the last two iterations, with the current car having a very strong presence indeed. The stylists have provided edgy shapes, managing to meld curves and angles into unexpectedly attractive element...

The new EV9 electric SUV from Kia has been further revealed in a release in advance of the car's full premiere later this month, writes Brian Byrne . Teased with detail flashes over recent months, the EV9 will launch in Ireland at the end of this year. The blocky style of the car holds a 3-row seating format that promises a lot of comfort for six or seven people. Second row seats can swivel so their occupants can interact with those in the third row. More details will be revealed at the global premiere event.

Volkswagen revealed a new small electric car as a concept today in Hamburg, writes Brian Byrne. The ID.2all was a preview to a production car that will go on sale in 2025. The ID.2 is the size of a Polo, and Volkswagen are planning to pitch its price point below €25,000. No details of the car’s powertrain were given. 

A second battery option targeting urban drivers has been added to the ID.4 by Volkswagen Ireland, writes Brian Byrne . The 52kWh battery comes with a claimed range of up to 357kms, and provides an entry price point €44,343 on the road for the car, VW's best selling model in Ireland in the first two months of this year. The battery complements the offering to date of the 77kWh with a claimed range of up to 525kms, pricing that version of the car from €51,440 OTR. These prices include all available grants. 

Renault’s new Megane E-Tech electric car stands out from the crowd with gorgeous styling and is a real head-turner, writes Trish Whelan , stunning from every angle, especially in the Shadow Grey colour and black roof of my review car. Coupe-like with an extended wheelbase, high waistline, reduced overhangs, it has a powerful stance. The design includes full LED lighting, beautiful light signatures, and flush door handles that glide out as the keyholder approaches.  The cabin provides a roomy and obstacle-free environment, with a welcoming feel. The seats were in an attractive grey-black upholstery of synthetic leather and recycled materials. They were really comfy. Front ones can be heated and have lumbar adjustments.  The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display shows speed, driving range and maps. It combines with the 9-inch infotainment display angled towards the driver to deliver an excellent connected experience with access to Google Maps and Google Assistant. Google’...

Opel is to be the official car partner to the Forever Young Festival 2003, at Palmerstown House Estate in Naas from 14-16 July, writes Brian Byrne. Acts confirmed for the festival include Erasure’s Andy Bell, Bananarama, Jason Donovan, Soul II Soul, Tony Hadley, Billy Ocean, Midge Ure, Go West, Hothouse Flowers, Cry Before Dawn, and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey. For further details see foreveryoung.ie .  The third year of the Festival, attendance is capped at 20,000 per day and facilities include luxury glamping, hot showers and golf buggy transport. The music is 1980s which makes it very much an adults-focused event. Pictured at the official launch of the festival are Dr Sharon Alston, festival organiser; James Brooks, Managing Director at Opel Ireland; and a 1980s Opel Kadett with the multi-award winning Opel Astra, Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023. 

The Kia Niro has been named Women's Best Car of the World 2023 , writes Brian Byrne . The accolade was announced on International Women's Day yesterday, having been chosen by a majority of 63 women motoring journalists from 43 countries across five continents. In all, a total of 59 candidate cars were tested for the 2023 Awards, with the seconf generation Niro being chosen in the category awards as the Best Urban Model . Other category winners were the Jeep Avenger, that brand's first electric vehicle and not yet on sale here, voted the Best Family SUV . Nissan's X-Trail is the Best Large SUV , the Audi RS3 is the Best Performance Car , and Ford's latest Ranger the Best 4x4 & Pickup . The Best Large Car is the Citroen C5 X. Women’s World Car of the Year is the only car awards group in the world comprised exclusively of women motoring journalists. It was created by New Zealand's Sandy Myhre in 2009. She is currently Honorary President while Marta García pe...

Hyundai has released more details of its second generation Kona compact crossover, in style moving forwards in reflection of its onward EV progress, writes Brian Byrne. The car was announced at the end of last year. A careful design of the front end helps the new car achieve a very creditable drag coefficient of 0.27. The electric version shows off a full-width LED daylight running light across the top of the bonnet. The car is significantly longer than the current car, a bit wider and with a longer wheelbase which provides more room inside. The extra length means more cargo capacity. Depending on market, engine options will include petrol, hybrid and the familiar EV powertrain which will carry over from the current car. 

Kia Ireland has commissioned three pageant elements for this year's St Patrick's Festival Parade in Dublin, under the title 'A Future That Moves Us', writes Brian Byrne . The pageant will be a total of 100 metres long within the Parade, exploring the balance between nature and humans and highlighting Creativity, Nature, and Oceans — that last a reflection of Kia's global support for the Ocean Clean-up project. The pageant is being built by Buí Bolg Youth Arts based in Wexford. A fleet of electrified Kia vehicles will be provided to assist the various celebrations of the Festival from March 16–19. This will include a vehicle display area at the Festival Quarter in Collins Barracks, National Museum of Decorative Arts. Pictured are Ronan Flood, Managing Director of Kia Ireland with Richard Tierney CEO of St Patrick’s Festival, at the partnership launch in Collins Barracks, National Museum of Decorative Arts. 

The new generation Renault Kangoo Van has arrived in Irish dealerships at a starting price of €26,495, writes Brian Byrne . The van is available in both diesel and electric versions, with an automatic option available for the diesel. The price of the electric version starts at €39,995, for which an SEAI Grant may be applicable. The new Kangoo offers a choice of two grades and two lengths. A 5-year warranty applies to all versions, with an 8-year warranty on the E-Tech Electric Kangoo battery.  Both have a cargo load volume of 3.3-4.2 cubic metres, while the payloads are 800kh-970kg on the diesel, and 600kg-760kg on the electric version. The WLTP figure for range in the electric Kangoo is 300km. 

The BMW Group has revealed its iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet that will go into service this year, writes Trish Whelan . After four years of development work, the iX5 Hydrogen vehicle and development project is entering its critical next phase. The fleet of under 100 vehicles will be employed internationally for demonstration and trial purposes for various target groups. The iX5 Hydrogen was developed on the basis of the current X5.  The BMW Group sources the individual fuel cells from the Toyota Motor Corporation. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership for many years and have been collaborating on fuel cell drive systems since 2013.  BMW say the car will have a range of 504km in the WLTP cycle. Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to four minutes and that the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6 secs.  The iX5 Hydrogen is being built in the BMW Group’s pilot plant at its Research and Innovation Centre in Munich. 

Additional versions of the Dacia Jogger and Sandero Stepway will aid owners who want to venture somewhat off the beaten track, writes Brian Byrne . In addition to providing off-road style trim and fittings, these Extreme variants will come with an electronic control that adjusts the electronic stability control (ESC) settings to maximise the available traction on loose surfaces. The Jogger will also offer the option of a Sleep Pack which provides a camping bed format for the inside of the vehicle. Both the Extreme trim models and the Jogger Sleep Pack will be available in Ireland from May. 

The famous Italian Lancia brand is set for a relaunch by owners the Stellantis Group after for years having only one model, the supermini-sized Ypsilon, writes Brian Byrne . A new Ypsilon will be based on the Fiat 500 EV, and there will also be a new Delta compact electric model. A new flagship car for the brand is as yet un-named. A statement from the Lancia division of Stellantis says the brand’s cars will have the highest percentage of recycled content of any of the group’s other brands, which include Peugeot, Citroen and Opel as well as former Fiat Chrysler Auto makes. A first concept from the revitalised Lancia will be revealed in April. Lancia hasn't sold in the UK and Ireland since 1991, when the brand ceased making RHD models..  

Registrations of new cars for the first two months of 2023 are up 9.4pc on the same period last year, according to figures from Ireland’s motor trade organisation SIMI, writes Brian Byrne . Within that, sales of electric cars are showing much higher growth, up 37.5pc on the 2022 first two months. Electric vehicles are now at 14.56pc of total new car registrations, led by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (above)from the VW ID.4, the Hyundai Kona, Kia EV6 and BMW i4. Petrol cars represent almost a third of a third of engine types, followed by diesel at 23.32pc, and hybrid at 19.16pc. The top selling car brands so far this year are Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Skoda and Kia. Light Commercial Vehicle sales are up 11pc on last year. 

One of the features of the ever more connected car is that carmakers are increasingly ‘over the air’ in charge of many functions, writes Brian Byrne . In the same way that we have got used to the operating systems in our phones and computers being automatically updated across the internet, this is happening in many of the latest new cars which are ‘always on’ connected to base by proprietary online systems. For extra services owners can subscribe via a monthly fee. But that electronic ‘street’ is very much a two-way thing, and the extra services can be disabled if the subscription is ceased.  Ford is one manufacturer looking at bringing that control a step further. In the US is is trying to patent a system for disabling a car over the air if the buyer hasn’t kept up repayments on the vehicle. The company’s application for a patent titled "Systems and Methods to Repossess a Vehicle" was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) last week. Looks like th...

When I got my first in the metal view of the Citroen C5 X at a 2021 preview, I immediately thought of the Citroen XM large executive car I drove a number of times through the 1990s, writes Brian Byrne , eventually discontinued in 2000. Sleek, truly comfortable thanks to its hydro-pneumatic suspension, and close to luxury inside. As a big hatchback, it offered more flexibility than the saloons that were then the norm in the segment. It was a 1990 European Car of the Year . But it wasn't the success in sales terms its maker hoped, hitting an era when large cars from most mass-market brands were in decline against their premium brand equivalents. Drive on two decades and we have that car's spiritual successor, with clear physical reflections of the XM.  Sleek, truly comfortable, a flexible format as a large hatchback-estate that is aimed at crossing the market between large saloons and the trending SUV format. An interior that can compete in quality terms with any premium brand co...