Motors
Designers of A4 throw off the shackles to drag model into the modern era
By Gerry Murphy
Some people swear by BMW, and more acclaim Mercedes-Benz, but Audi has been in the mix for many years too and now they have a car that has the quality and the panache to challenge these two brands in the saloon segment with the arrival of the new Audi A4 towards the end on last year.
Of course, the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are both rear-wheel drive cars while the Audi is front-wheel drive, or Quattro, if you have the need for four-wheel drive. This does define one of the major differences between the three and it has a significant effect on the interior space too.
While fans of the rear wheels doing the work are often vocal in their preference for same, the A4 is also a highly significant car in the premium segment – and now they have made it even better than ever.
A view can be taken that on looks alone, Audi may not have taken a giant step forward with the latest Audi A4. I would disagree, however, because I think that the sharper lines, a better ratio of metal to glass, and a broader, more imposing stance all give it a more positive presence on the road. For me it is a design that will age better than others before it too, and it has nice mixture of chrome and balanced headlights design that make it a rather handsome car all round.
However, the greatest advances come with the new interior where designers have thrown off the shackles and dragged this new model into the modern era. It is a complete change and vast improvement from the outgoing version. My test S-Line version is a particularly pleasing environment and while there is a continuation of some their well-tried switch gear and controls, they have smartened it up considerably and now it is a more inviting place to take on any journey.
On the road, there has never been a real complaint from customers of previous A4 models. Now, though, driving enthusiasts will be even more impressed with what Audi are offering here. For a car that provides the size of this car to the driver, the road holding, cornering and grip matches both the BMW 3 Series and is better than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Indeed it could be argued that overall it right up there with the 3-Series, which is the benchmark is the segment.
From a safety point of view, Euro NCAP awarded it the top score of five stars for adult and child safety as well as for pedestrian protection. It also gave the Audi A4 the “Euro NCAP advanced” special award for its standard-fit multi-collision brake assist system and for the Audi pre sense basic system, which is available as an option. Multi-collision brake assist automatically applies the brakes in the event of an accident, reducing the danger of skidding as well as the risk of further collisions. The pre sense basic tightens the seat belt in hazardous situations leading up to a collision, and closes the windows and sunroof.
In all Audi have six engines available: two TFSI and four TDI conforming to EU6 emissions standards. Their power output has increased significantly over the previous model and ranges from 150 hp to 272 hp, but fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 21%. The A4 2.0 TDI, which was fitted in the test car promises fuel consumption for the ‘ultra’ engine of just 3.7 litres per 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 95 grams per kilometre. My combined consumption after a full week and nearly 1,000 kilometres came in at 5.3L/100km.
The is now up to 120 kilograms lighter than the previous model, making it the lightest and most fuel efficient Audi A4 ever.
Prices for the Audi A4 start at €37,750 but, of course you can see that rise rapidly with your choice of engine and additional options. The base price for the 150hp diesel is €44,200 but with all its additions on my featured car the cost would be in the region of €55,000. For business and for premium, private motoring, the new Audi A4 must be on everyone’s list of potentials.
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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