Motors
New famiy-sized estate from Subaru is a proper car in every sense of the word
By Gerry Murphy
There are those who are fans of the World Rally Championship (WRC) that still lament the absence of the Subaru brand from the entry lists of counting events. Rallying has moved on, and the brand no longer produces a car that fits the WRC criteria anymore. Of course, here in Ireland we are well-used of seeing the mighty Subaru Impreza WRC on the stages, and that legacy is still evident in all their road cars too.
The Levorg is Subaru’s latest new model. A family-sized estate for which they are renowned comes in only one version and is powered by a newly-developed 1.6-litre DIT (Direct Injection Turbo) Boxer 170bhp petrol engine.
It is a signature format for the Japanese manufacturer and is paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission with permanent All-Wheel Drive as standard. As a rule, I have issues with CVT gearboxes. With most of them the gear change is too laboured but, to be fair to Subaru, this is not the worst that I have encountered and the dead spots when changing gears are minimal under normal driving.
You also have the option of using gear paddles on the steering which come as standard on the Levorg. When you get in the grove using the paddles, you have a drivable car that would restore the thrill of driving, if you had ever lost it.
You get Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, Vehicle Dynamics Control and torque vectoring that gives unbelievable stability in all conditions. The system is the mechanical highlight and is so subtle that there is never a kick-back when it corrects itself. Even when you hit slippery conditions, it gives the feeling of complete control no matter how enthusiastically you are driving it.
Visually, the car is a long sleek estate that while a little old-fashioned, is rather attractive from most angles. The front is typically Subaru in its presentation. The side view is extended by the long design lines that make it look slim and aerodynamic; while the rear end is well proportioned and one of the better views of the car.
When Subaru launched the Levorg on the market, the brand engineers and designers promised that the car would offer one of the company’s most refined cabins ever, with a greater use of high quality materials. For me, they have passed the test. All the modern gizmos are there and those designers have been able to make it a great working place with all the primary controls at your fingertips.
Leather-trimmed sports seats with attractive blue stitching hold the body in place with comfort and support. Subaru’s new factory-fit 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, connectivity and navigation system is easy to use and beautifully presented. Even more leather trim is used generously throughout the cabin, including the door trims, on the centre console and on top of the multi-function display on the dashboard.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Recent registration figures released at the end of last month show that the Volkswagen’s ID.4 is the best-selling electric car in Ireland. Since it arrived in 2021 there has been nearly 6,000 registered and it now leads the charge to electrification here making it officially Ireland’s number one electric EV.
Even more exciting for the brand is the arrival of their new ID.7, the brand’s first global electric model for the upper mid-size class. It was launched globally last month, and Volkswagen chiefs are promising a battery range of 700km. This is massive step up for Volkswagen and will be a game changer for the brand.
Volkswagen Ireland are saying that it will arrive here later this year, and prices will be announced closer to that Irish launch date.
“With the ID.7 we are taking the next step in our electric offensive,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
“The saloon offers a high level of comfort and long ranges. Already by 2026, we will offer the widest electric range of all manufacturers in Europe. Our goal is to achieve an electric car share of 80% in Europe by 2030. As from 2033, Volkswagen will produce only electric vehicles in Europe.”
Galway Volkswagen dealers, Western Motors are holding an electric vehicles information event on Thursday May 25 where they will have information on hand for potential buyers of any of the Volkswagen EV range.
The Western Motors sales team and service team will be able to provide information on along with additional information on the grants available and application for same and electrician to talk about the EV Charging Boxes and so forth.
For more information, call Western Motors on (091) 709970.
Following the success of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, we now have the IONIQ 6, a completely different kettle of fish with the same running gear but a completely different design.
Both have been lauded at world level as the IONIQ 6 follows the 5 by winning the 2023 World Car of the Year title.
Not only did it pick up this gong, but it also won the 2023 World Electric Vehicle as well as the 2023 World Car Design of the Year awards.
This is the second consecutive triple win for the Hyundai Motor Group – the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was last year’s winner in the same three categories. A jury of 100 international automotive journalists from 32 countries selected the winners by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their on-going professional work.
Up to now, the majority of electric vehicles have been SUVs. It’s the most popular shape of our times as buyers go for taller features and practical family characteristics. It might be strange that Hyundai would bring out the IONIQ 6 which is more like a coupe styled sedan with a lower, striking silhouette that they describe as a ‘streamliner’.
It certainly looks pretty special and while it uses the same battery, motors and platform. There are indications however that it is somewhat offers better range than the IONIQ 5. It is lower to the ground and has a lower drag co efficiency meaning reduced resistance and hence, better distance from a charge.
Under WLPT measurement the car has been tested to return 614km on a full charge. And, it can be charged at a much faster speed than other cars on the market; 315km in just 15 minutes.
There’s also a host of clever technology on board. Of course, a lot of what’s on offer these day are just toys and are not needed for everyday driving but, it is what the customer wants and he/she is always right! You can even opt to have the door mirrors on screens inside the car with cameras outside taking the pictures.
Prices for the Signature version with a 53kW battery starts at €48,295 rising toe €71,250 for the top-of-the-range Finesse all-wheel drive model with a 77kW battery.
By Gerry Murphy
There is always a flutter of expectancy when a car company like Alfa Romeo brings out a completely new car. Since the heady days of the Alfa 156, the fortunes of the manufacturer have been slowly eroding and they now need their new Tonale to be loved more than ever.
Launched a couple of weeks ago, the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 is truly a landmark for the Italian brand. In what they call the Alfa Romeo’s “zero to zero” process, which will take it from being a 0% electrified brand at the start of 2022 to being a zero-emissions, 100% electric brand by 2027 it will start off a complete conversion in just five years.
Indeed Alfa Romeo has positioned itself to be one of the fastest automotive brands to reach carbon neutrality.
Alfa bosses tell us that the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 combines maximum efficiency and Italian sportiness; the all-electric range (AER) is 56km, up to 80km all-electric range city, 600km in the total cycle and emissions reduced from 29g/km.
I have had the pleasure of taking the new Tonale for an extended test drive on the day of its official launch recently. The best compliment that I can give the car is that it is a ‘proper’ Alfa. Those who have history with the brand will fully understand what that means and why it is important that it lives up to its heritage.
The interior especially wraps itself around the driver just as in the days of old. It is a wonderful place to be, and you are completely at one with the vehicle. The quality is right up the in the premier league; dark and moody with clever details and the right amount of new technology.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.
Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Families queue up for school’s offer of free house
West has lower cancer survival rates than rest
Galway minors continue to lay waste to all opponents
Gardaí and IFA issue a joint appeal on summer road safety
Marathon Man plans to call a halt – but not before he hits 160 races
