Motors
Latest Honda HR-V yet another SUV/Crossover fighting for share of market
Here we go again, another new SUV/Crossover to look at in the form of the Honda HR-V. With so many of these cars on the market now, the defining lines between them seem to get more blurred by the month. Honda have been in the game for a while, the original HR-V was launched back in the ’90s.
This time they have fitted the car with their 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine, and compared to the 2.2-litre version in previous models, this is a triumph for the brand and for their customers. It is as crisp as you would like, revs freely and pulls away without any fuss. It can be a little bit noisy when cold, but you can forgive it for that once you get it warmed up.
Fuel consumption figures quoted in the catalogue of 4.0L/100km seem very low and in reality it is. My return was 5.7L/200km over a mixed 1,200 kilometres. With manual transmission, CO2 emissions of 104 g/km give you an annual road tax of €190.
Visually, the HR-V looks more refined than some of the slightly boxier models around. It has a coupe styled roof and a softer shape than opposing brands. The car driven was the EX model with a couple of optional additions to the bodywork and the wheel trims. Overall, though, it has an appealing look that is not as butch as some of the others about.
Inside, Honda have packed the HR-V in this specification with a bucket load of technical gadgets. To be fair, you won’t need or use half of them in normal circumstance. However, like many of the new devises being offered in cars today, you would wonder if you will ever need them all.
Safety devices and driver assistance systems are there in abundance. That can make the setup a little complicated, but I’m sure with more time in the car, it should be much easier to navigate.
The brightly spaced cabin offers good room for front- and back-seat passengers. Compact SUVs of this nature often fall down on the levels of luggage space and interior space. Not this car and with their clever seat folding system, you can increase the 470 litres of boot space up to a healthy 1,533 litres with the seats folded flat.
On the road, the car has many decent traits. However, while I’m reluctant to be overly critical, there is one area that lets this car down. The ride on bumpy and undulating surfaces is not quite up to scratch.
On the back roads, there is a defining sense of giddiness that doesn’t bestow much confidence or feedback through a rather light steering setup. Even around town where surfaces are poor, the car lacks finesse. Otherwise, on the motorway, you would never think you are in the same car as the HR-V is very much at home.
There are some quality compact SUVs on the market now. Cars like the Opel Mokka, the Mazda CX-3, the Nissan Duke and Skoda Yeti, to name but a few, are all fighting for their share of the growing market. Honda cars have a great name for reliability and owner satisfaction. That alone is a real selling point as is the styling and the specification of the HR-V.
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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