Halim blog

Range Rover is a 4x4 full-size luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, a marque and sub-brand of Jaguar Land Rover, writes Trish Whelan . First launched in 1970 by British Leyland it is now in its fifth generation. Standard (SWB) or Long Wheelbase (LWB) body designs are available with five seats, while the LWB model can seat up to seven adults.  This flagship Range Rover is larger than the previous version at 209mm in width, 5,064mm in length (standard wheelbase), and 1,870mm in height. It is now even more luxurious, with the very latest technology, and is also more capable on and off-road than before. Land Rover claim it is also the most aerodynamically efficient luxury SUV in the world. The new design incorporates a beautifully sculpted clean body style, falling roofline, strong waistline and rising sill line. The side shows a clear expanse of metal, while rear tail lamps are ‘hidden until lit’. Huge 23-inch wheels add even more poise to the car.  The interior exudes calmness...

The new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has arrived in Ireland at a starting price of €139,880, writes Brian Byrne . The luxury SUV is now the flagship electric model for the brand, offering more headroom and an airier viewpoint than its saloon equivalent. There's also extra storage spaces in the cabin, and the instrumentation features the full-width 'Hyperscreen' version of the MBUX information setup. An optional third row of seats provides room for seven occupants. All the expected premium and safety features are on board. Power output is up to 544hp, and the rated range is up to 639km, both depending on chosen configuration. All versions except the entry one are 4WD.

The latest generation of the BMW 5 Series has been unveiled to the Irish market with a showcase event of the i5 electric version, writes Trish Whelan . With more than 10 million units of the model produced since it was launched in 1972, it currently represents some 22 per cent of the brand’s sales. First deliveries of the car in Ireland, in both BEV and internal combustion variants, will be in October. The new saloon is longer, wider and higher than before with a longer wheelbase for improved seating comfort, especially in the rear. The exterior features a long bonnet and almost upright BMW kidney grille, a panoramic sky roof for the first time in the model’s history, Adaptive LED lights, and high-gloss black elements, slim rear LED light, and a sporty rear apron. Boot capacity is 490 litres. Interior features include a BMW’s fully digital 12.3-inch curved driver’s information display and 14.9-inch screen which merge into a single unit, a new Interaction Bar from the brand’s 7 Series w...

This is the Skoda Rodiaq, a one-off camper-mobile office EV developed as an exercise by students at the Skoda Vocational School, writes Brian Byrne . It won't be coming to a showroom near you, but does show the possibilities for an enthusiastic convertor. It's the ninth such students' showcase vehicle from the School, which this year has 29 participating apprentices. Primarily designed for on the road office use, with a permanent internet connection, laptop docking station and 27-inch monitor, a few short steps converts the vehicle into a living space with bed and kitchen. There's also a tent extension add-on for full camping facility.

A new electric model to the compact family sector from Citroen has been launched in the Irish market, writes Brian Byrne . The e-C4 X is available now from €39,967.  Petrol and diesel versions of the fast-back style car will arrive towards the end of this year, though prices have not yet been firmed up. Based on the C4 model, the C4 X reflects the styling of the larger C5 X which won the Large Crossover-SUV category in the Irish Car of the Year 2023 Awards in association with Continental Tyres. The new smaller car is likely to have a significant appeal to young family buyers who need more space than a standard hatchback and also favour a sporty design. The e-C4 X has a rated range of up to 360km with a 136hp electric motor, and at a suitable public station can replenish up to 80pc charge in 30 minutes. The car comes in four grades, all of which include Citroen's bespoke suspension system which underpins the brand's high comfort selling proposition. 

Northgate Vehicle Hire have boosted their commercial vehicle fleet with the addition of a number of recently launched, new-to-Ireland, Mercedes-Benz Citan vans, writes Brian Byrne . Supplied by Motor Distributors Limited, all units will go into service for rental to their commercial customers. Marking the entry by Mercedes-Benz in Ireland into the 1-tonne panel van segment, the 1.5-litre turbodiesel Citan 110 panel vans, complete with PRO specification, feature safety and driver assistance elements including multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, reversing camera and six airbags for passenger and driver. Northgate has been supplying and managing vehicles for businesses across Ireland for over 20 years, with branches in Cork, Limerick and Belfast. The firm operates a fleet of over 4,500 vehicles, and has a strong infrastructure of workshops and technical centres throughout the county. Pictured are Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles national fleet manager Jason Mulcahy, with Fergus...

This is the next generation of Toyota's C-HR which will be launched next year, writes Brian Byrne . 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. 

Opel's complete model portfolio will be electrified by next year when the new generation Crossland small SUV comes with a fully electric version, writes Brian Byrne . That will mean all Opel models will be offering an fully electric model, bringing the brand well on the road to having an electric-only offering by 2028. The most recent such addition to the Opel EV range has been the Astra Electric, available to order to Irish customers from later this year. Including commercials, Opel will have 15 EV models available for the start of 2024. Meanwhile, Opel has unveiled a new interpretation of its lightning bolt 'Blitz' emblem (inset above), which will be rolled out on its first new model next year. 

The second model in the Chinese BYD electric car range for Ireland will arrive in September as the Dolphin C-segment hatchback, writes Brian Byrne . With a 60kWh battery, the car will have a rated range of 427km and will be available in four trim levels. Prices will start at €27,818 for pre-July orders, and €29,318 after that. These are inclusive of state subsidies deducted. Currently, there are two BYD dealerships, part of the Motor Distributors Limited network, in Dublin and Cork. The first model here, the Atto 3, was launched earlier this year.

Platinum Services, Dublin Airport’s 24-hour private terminal, has moved to a fully electric vehicle fleet in partnership with BMW Group Ireland, writes Trish Whelan .  The fleet upgrade includes the installation of a suite of additional EV charging units for customers.  The new electric fleet comprises of the BMW i7 and iX vehicles.  Helen Westby, Managing Director, BMW Group Ireland, said ‘the introduction of an all-electric fleet of cars to Platinum Services is an important opportunity for us to showcase a truly premium electric experience to customers’ while Ronan O’Donoghue of Platinum Services said: “This investment in sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation is a significant step forward for us and we look forward to offering our customers a premium, top-quality service with the added benefits of luxury and comfort.”  

Peugeot Ireland has announced their partnership with TV & radio broadcaster and fitness enthusiast, Kathryn Thomas, as brand ambassador, writes Trish Whelan .  Kathryn has been a prominent figure in the Irish entertainment industry and has delighted audiences with her infectious energy, charm, and commitment to promoting well-being. Through her various television shows she has inspired and encouraged many to embrace a healthier lifestyle and make positive changes. In 2015, she set up her own business, Pure Results, so that others could feel the benefits of a health and fitness kickstart.  Commenting, Peugeot Ireland’s Managing Director, Des Cannon, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Kathryn as our brand ambassador. Her passion for fitness and her ability to connect with people align perfectly with Peugeot’s ethos. We believe she will play a significant role in promoting our range of innovative, stylish, and alluring vehicles across ireland.”  Kathryn will drive a new ...

Competing in the C-segment, Qashqai has been a great success for Nissan since first introduced back in 2007 from when they claim to have invented the crossover blend of hatchback and SUV practicality, writes Trish Whelan .  The second generation was released in 2014 and the third and current one in 2021. Each iteration has held its value reputation as a practical and reliable family car.  The current model is longer, wider and somewhat taller than before and with a longer wheelbase. In looks, it is nicely curvy. Its competition includes Toyota’s RAV 4 and Hyundai’s Tucson.   The cabin is stylish and quite spacious with nice quality soft materials throughout. The slightly curved dash is dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 9-inch instruments one, and thankfully real buttons for climate and volume controls instead of having to go through a screen. You can integrate your smartphone, avail of in-car Wi-Fi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services ...

Mercedes-Benz Cars Ireland will introduce a number of new 232-registration models this year arriving here between July and December, writes Trish Whelan .  Arriving first in July is the new EQE SUV - the fully electric, innovative and luxurious multi-purpose variant of the EQE saloon, offering comfort and connectivity for up to five passengers.  Amongst the Q3 introductions will be five facelifted SUVs- the GLA, GLB, GLE, GLE Coupe and larger GLS coupled with the latest versions of the compact, 4-door CLA coupe.  Scheduled to arrive in Q4 will be the new E-Class saloon - the eleventh generation of a model that the brand says continues to define standards of luxury in the executive-class segment - complete with an electronics architecture for a comprehensive digital user experience. The new E-Class saloon is pictured above. The final arrival, due before year-end, will be a new 3-door CLE coupe.   

Toyota Ireland has launched Hybrid Nation, a promotion aimed to showcase the zero emission driving capabilities of its hybrid electric vehicles, writes Trish Whelan . Anyone who owns a new generation Corolla, Yaris, Yaris Cross (pictured above) or C-HR can take part by taking a photo of the EV % time dashboard readout at the end of a trip longer than 20 minutes and send it to Toyota Ireland at hybridnation@toyota.ie to be in with a chance to win a €200 monthly prize. The promotion runs until the end of 2023.  The above mentioned models all feature an EV Drive Time reading on the dashboard at the end of each journey so drivers can track the percentage of time they spend driving with zero emissions.  

Motorists interested in having a test drive in the Polestar 2 can do so at Malahide Marina in Dublin (K36 W540) until this coming Sunday 18 June, and at Ballymaloe Grainstore in Cork (P25 FH67) from 28 June to 2 July, writes Trish Whelan .  These test drive events are open to anyone who wants to take a drive in this premium EV car. Those interested must hold a full clean Irish driving licence.  Polestar 3 launched in late 2022 as a high-performance SUV that delivers sports car dynamics with a low stance and spacious interior.  

Ford has opened what will be the company's first carbon-neutral assembly plant in the world, the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, writes Brian Byrne . The facility will build Ford’s new generation of electric passenger vehicles for millions of European customers. As part of a $2 billion investment, Ford has transformed the original 93-year-old plant with a brand-new production line, battery assembly and state-of-the-art tooling and automation. An annual production capacity of 250,000+ EVs is planned. Ford recently unveiled its fourth EV globally, the Explorer, which will be the first electric vehicle to be produced in Cologne, to be followed by a sports crossover. These will join the lineup of the brand's current electric vehicles, Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and F-150 Lightning. Ford has committed to reach carbon neutrality across its entire European footprint of facilities, logistics and direct suppliers by 2035. 

Occasionally I have a car that's like honey to bears, writes Brian Byrne . People wind down their window and ask questions if stopped in traffic beside you. They knock on your door if you're sitting in it parked. They’re gathered around, peering in, when you come back after shopping. They all want to know what’s the buzz? The Volkswagen ID Buzz. There’s something about it. Especially if you’re driving the two-tone bright yellow and white one currently on Volkswagen Ireland’s evaluation fleet. Clever people, those Volkswageners. They know that nostalgia is something very strong in car marketing. Even if decreasingly few of us remember when a yellow Volkswagen ‘bus’ was a symbol of freedom. The yellow pop-top VW van used by the characters in James Michener’s ‘The Drifters’ in his 1971 blockbuster novel has outlived the story and the drugs-fuelled sleaze that underpinned it. It’s part of today’s folk memory distilled through generations into a hazy essence of pleasurable irrespons...

It could have been called the Haomao, its name in home country China, writes Brian Byrne . But the Ora brand called it the Funky Cat for Europe, though they don't show that name anywhere on it. Still, this latest electric car from Chinese Asia is an engaging and well-presented motor. Stylistically it has elements of VW's Beetle, Fiat's 500, and BMW's Mini, which might have been a recipe for mish-mash. That's not at all the case, and Funky Cat turned out to be a consistent crowd-puller and begetter of smiles everywhere I parked it during my review time. I reckon I may have even sold a couple … Ora is the electric cars division of Great Wall Motors, which at one time sold a pickup here that wasn't brilliant in perceived quality or comfort. They have learned well, though, and one of the first things you realise when you get inside the Funky Cat is just how well finished it is. High quality trim materials, in a style theme without the extreme flourishes of design wh...

Volkswagen Group's Alan Bateson with the new Amarok. The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok made its Irish debut this week to members of the motoring press as well as to the brand’s dealers, writes Trish Whelan . This new model is only available as a double cab 4-door pick-up and comes with a completely unique exterior and interior design. All-wheel drive standard across the range.  Regarded as a true workhorse vehicle, new Amarok is aimed primarily at those who work in the construction industry, at tradespeople, and families who enjoy active lifestyles. More than 830,000 first generation Amaroks have been sold worldwide since its introduction in 2010. A major update in 2016 saw the addition of V6 diesel engines opening the model to a whole new customer base. Kim Kilduff, Head of Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland said the first generation Amarok 'brought pick-ups to the mainstream'. "This second generation model is an upgrade in every way a...