Motors
Baleno will be a hit with motorists looking for something new in a compact car
By Gerry Murphy
Even with the growing trends towards SUVs, the battle to tempt compact car customers to part with their money is as hot and spicy as ever. It’s a battleground that is fierce between the big brands like Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and Opel, to name just a few.
Now though, more and more car makers are targeting buyers with additional spec, smaller engines, PCP offers, and lower prices. Mainstream buyers are becoming clued in more than ever, and many are weighing up the balance between value for money and the technology being offered.
Different brands offer different driving qualities, higher specification and the promise of higher resale values but, customers don’t necessarily want to spend their hard-earned cash for stuff that they feel they don’t need or, for that matter, will never use.
In the past couple of years, a price threshold of €20,000 has become an important water level for many car makers. Although it is an SUV, the success of the Dacia Duster has awoken and consciousness in the industry that people will buy a less expensive car if the package fits their needs and their financial circumstances.
A recent arrival that fits the bill perfectly is the new Suzuki Baleno. A new car from the ground up, it has all the hallmarks that endeared the brand to its loyal fans over many years. It completes the catalogue of simple-to-drive; economical modern cars with a high standard of build quality. Plus, this car, while in the cheaper end of the scale, still packs in a lot of goodies for the buyer.
First introduced in the Vitara S, the Boosterjet engine continues in the new Baleno collection with an all-new 1.0-litre three cylinder 111ps direct injection turbocharged engine. Suzuki tell us that it has the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine (1.8-litre) and it certainly performs effortlessly and is a pleasure to drive. You can also have a 1.2-litre (SHVS) smart hybrid version.
Economically, the Baleno has a lot going for it with combined fuel consumption over 1,100 kilometres coming in at 5.3L.100km under tough test conditions. Suzuki advertises a possible figure of 4.5L/100km and that by most standards is pretty decent and definitely attainable. CO2 emissions of 105g/km put it into tax band 3 and an annual charge of €190.
Visually, while it may not win too many beauty contests, to be fair, it is far from objectionable and the front end is the best view. Also, it is more spacious on the inside than the exterior portrays.
The cabin, which is well presented, is big enough to take five adults with comfort and the seats are sturdy with decent quality materials all round.
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.
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