Motors
Peugeot models get new engines
By Gerry Murphy
Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot importers in Ireland, has announced the arrival of new engines and equipment enhancements on the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 MPV for 2016.
Active level two models now boast Peugeot’s stylish cielo panoramic roof and climate control as standard; whilst Allure level three models gain satellite navigation. The popular Peugeot 5008 MPV Active Family version now comes with full leather upholstery for easier maintenance to suit family needs.
New petrol and diesel Euro 6 engines have been introduced for 2016; Peugeot remains a European leader in highly efficient, low CO2, low consumption engine technology, today marketing 25 best-in-class engines across its range.
The Peugeot 3008 crossover, a former Irish Car of the Year winner, is the perfect choice for customers looking for excellent performance and a higher driving position. It comes as standard with a unique split tailgate and 3-position boot. Optional Grip Control technology (RRSP from €300), offers incredible traction even in snow and ice.
The 7-seater Peugeot 5008, a former Irish Family Car of the Year winner, is a stylish and flexible compact MPV. The popular Active Family model is equipped with a Peugeot Connect Video Pack with video screens set into headrests, complete with two Bluetooth headsets, to help keep little people occupied on long journeys.
Presenting more choice than ever for family motoring, engines on offer across both models now include Peugeot’s revolutionary 1.2 130bhp PureTech petrol engine with 6-speed gearbox, an International Engine of the Year 2015 category winner, with CO2 emissions from 115g on the 3008 and from 129g on 5008, qualifying for €200 and €290 annual road tax, respectively. With reduced consumption / CO2 (-18%) compared to a traditional 4-cylinder unit, over 200,000 units of this celebrated 3-cylinder petrol unit have now been produced in Europe, such has been demand in 2015.
The new Euro 6 1.6 120bhp BlueHDi diesel engine with 6-speed manual gearbox has been introduced, offering more power yet less consumption than its predecessor and qualifying for €190 annual road tax in the case of the 3008 (108g Co2), €200 in the case of 5008 (113g Co2). A highly efficient 6-speed fully automatic version of the same 1.6 120bhp BlueHDi engine emits just 108g and 112g CO2, respectively, remaining in the same road tax bands.
A new performance-driven 2.0 150bhp BlueHDi diesel engine, with emissions as low as 112g CO2 (€200 annual road tax) is now also available on the 5008 for 2016.
Both 3008 and 5008 are covered by a five year Peugeot manufacturer warranty and customers can now avail of up to €4,500 scrappage allowance or a €750 Peugeot customer reward, plus finance from as low as 2.9% on orders before December 31 during Peugeot Sensation Days. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for details.
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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