Motors
New Volvo proves equally popular as old model launched 13 years ago
By Gerry Murphy
It comes as only a mild revelation that three quarters of the orders for Volvo’s new XC90 are for the top-of-the-range Inscription model.
Evidently the new car, launched by Volvo earlier this year, is proving to be equally as admired as the old model launched 13 year ago.
That car created quite a commotion when it became the first big SUV from the Scandinavian car maker. Reports of showroom squabbles between prospective buyers when numbers were scarce were doing the rounds and it looks like they have another winner with this latest model.
I have been driving the Inscription version and it has all the trappings, the latest technologies and the splendour of prestige SUV. The delectable interior is very elegant with seven seats all wrapped in rich leather and offering quality support to both driver and passengers alike.
The on-screen infotainment system and the touch controls is one of the best I have seen in any car yet and Volvo, who declare that no one will get killed in a Volvo by 2020 is becoming a reality with the vast amount of safety equipment that you get in this car.
Externally, the new model is much bolder in style taking up a huge amount of space which is matched internally where even the passengers in the last row of seat can travel in relative relaxation. You also get a sizeable boot especially when only five seats are being used.
For practical family use it has few contenders. It looks much crisper too with defined lines along the body that should see it age better than the old one with its modern stance and brawny bulk.
Inside, however, is where the true splendour of this new car is foremost. The opulence of the leather seating, the styling of the dash and centre console is top class. Throughout the car, Volvo engineers demonstrate astounding attention to detail and the vast array of modern features; the sound system and the infotainment options are bang up to the cutting edge.
From the driving view point, it is totally engaging for a car so big. The steering is sharp and precise and the car turns into corners like a roadster rather than a beefy SUV. Volvo engineers have managed to make this car so easy to drive that you forget that you are in a two tonne giant and while it does have some SUV characteristics, the overall quality of the driving experience is one of sharpness belying its size.
Under the bonnet is their 2.0-litre D5 225bhp engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox that can also be used manually, at the gearstick. It doesn’t have paddle and perhaps that is the only additional attribute that would make it even better.
In normal automatic mode, the gear changes are spot on and the engine is both powerful and smooth giving you a quiet, comfortable ride. Fuel consumption for the week came in at 7.9L/100km. CO2 emissions are 152g/km with a road tax charge of €390 per annum.
At the lower end of the trim scale, you can have a basic Momentum XC90 for €70,950. My top-line model, the Inscription, will set you back a healthy €76,950 which adds Nappa soft leather upholstery, power passenger seat, 12.3” active TFT crystal driver’s information display, leather instrument panel, metal mesh inlays, multi-colour theatre lighting and 20” 10 spoke alloy wheels to an already long list of modern driver and safety features.
This is a big car with a big price tag but, compared to what they had before, how popular it was and matched with others in the same category of SUV, Volvo’s mix of presentation and the drivability with this car makes it the one to beat.
The economy is on the rise and more and more big expensive cars are being bought. While this is one for the well-heeled I’m sure we will see a lot more of them on our roads in the future.
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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