Motors
Ford Grand C-Max compact model offers comfort for children
By Gerry Murphy
As a rule, cars that fit into the more compact MPV variety rarely float my boat. Designed essentially for family motoring, these cars don’t offer a whole lot in terms of design or driving dynamics.
However, looking at the type, there are essentials that make them ideal as a family car and the functionality is often the only real measurement.
Originally, these cars were only available in five-seat form and when car makers started to squeeze an extra row to make them seven-seat models, the script was re-written somewhat, not always with total success.
Ford now have a seven-seat version too that they call the Grand C-Max, and while extra seats are rather cramped, there is merit in the layout if the family is big enough to need them. Adults have little chance of decent comfort in the final row, and while they are efficient for children, they wouldn’t be the most comfortable place on a long journey for them either. Access to the rear of the five-door car is through sliding rear doors that make entry easier and safer.
Where the Ford excels is in the driving stakes. Most of these cars suffer from lack of steering feel, poor cornering and a ride height that, while it offers good visibility, really offers little confidence. Ford engineers have managed to build in some engagement for the driver. It is a trademark in all of their cars, and while I wouldn’t be getting too carried away with it, it is the most enjoyable one of this type of car that you will get.
Stiffer suspension bushes help deliver more control and reduced body roll; retuned dampers and electric steering assist helps the steering feel and ride comfort; while a new valve design reduces squeaks and rattles to improve interior refinement.
In the high Titanium spec that I have been driving, the array of extras does make it a pricey car to own. Their 1.5 TDCi, 120 hp, 113g/km diesel engine is more refined – they say more efficient too – than the older version that was fitted in the original model. This new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine, offered with 95 PS and 120 PS. You can also have a a 2.0-lite TDCi and 100 PS and 125 PS versions of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.
Fuel consumption figures registered at 6.7L/100km over a week of motoring that covered 900 kilometres. That was all done in one tank of diesel and although it was running on fumes at the end of the week, I was quite happy with the overall return.
Titanium models adds 17” alloys; cruise control; chrome doorline; LED daytime running lights; dual zone climate control; power rear windows; centre armrest; keyless start; ambient lighting; auto lights and wipers; and scuff plates.
Prices for the range start at €28,885 for the smallest five-seat petrol model rising to €34,900 for an automatic version of the Grand C-Max. My test car has a price tag of €32,200. A number of optional extras including part leather interior, Sony SYNC Gen 2 with 8’’ touch screen, Active Park Assist, seat back table trays, power tailgate and adaptive headlamps bumps the total price up to a healthy €36,740.
While I will never be a total fan of the genre, this Grand C-Max comes as close as it gets to being the best of the breed. For those who need the practicality and the extra seats, it is a car that offers the most that you can get n the segment.
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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