Motors
Renault joins C-segment crossover field
By Gerry Murphy
One car in every five sold around the world today is a crossover, and the sector is projected to continue growing in the coming years.
Renault has entered the C-segment crossover field with the new Kadjar, which is a bigger brother of the Captur and they will be hoping that the new models will be equally liked by the car-buying public. Indeed, they are claiming already that this car will be their best selling model next year.
Based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s versatile Common Module Family (CMF), which allows a wide variety of cars of different sizes to be created using a common basket of out-of-view parts, it brings cost reductions which can be passed on to customers in the form of increased content at attractive prices.
All this means that the Kadjar is a direct relative of the Nissan Qashqai, using the same engines and many of the same parts.
The three engines on offer are a 1.2-litre turbocharged TCe 130 hp four-cylinder direct-injection petrol unit, a 1.5-litre ENERGY dCi 110 hp four-cylinder diesel available in manual and EDC, and a 1.6-litre ENERGY dCi four-cylinder 130 hp diesel. Intelligent four-wheel drive with three operating modes – Auto, LOCK and 2WD –is offered with the dCi 130 in the three upper trim levels.
The three engines, two gearboxes and two drive systems offer fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg (3.8 l/100km), with CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km. Prices start at €24,990 for the 1.2-litre petrol 2WD with the basic diesel model starting at €26,790.
The version that is likely to be the best seller is the Dynamique Nav S model which will set you back €29,290. The car is already in the showrooms and I had the opportunity to test drive it at the official launch this week.
On the open road it feels sturdy with just a hint of roll in the cornering. Also, the build-quality seems better than anything that Renault has ever produced. As with others in the sector, there is lots of space in the cabin and the ambience is bright and comfortable. Off-road, this car in 4WD mode does handle the terrain with ease.
Fifteen versions form a line-up of petrol and diesel models based on four trim lines familiar to owners of other Renault vehicles – Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav. You will also be able to specify a four-wheel drive and automatic versions, and all provide a comprehensive standard specification, rising to the truly luxurious at the top-of-the-range.
Renault’s fabled active and passive safety has been democratically applied across the range, while connectivity via the easy-to-use R-Link 2 system is fitted to all models above Expression+.
Standard safety features include ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, electronic stability control with traction and understeer control, cruise control, speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, six airbags, seat belts with load limiters and pretensioners at the front, side impact protection bars and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outer rear seats.
The Visio system on Dynamique Nav and above provides lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and automatic headlight beam adjustment, while Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav have front and rear parking sensors. Signature Nav also has a rear parking camera with a display in the R-Link 2 screen. Automatic park assist – capable of parallel, perpendicular and even angled steering into parking spaces – is also available on Signature Nav.
Kadjar allows a significant level of personalisation through individual options and cost-saving packages. There are seven themed high-value equipment packages, depending on model.
Other accessories include side running boards, wheel arch extensions, a retractable tow bar which can be released from within the boot and illuminated lower body side mouldings.
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.
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.
Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Families queue up for school’s offer of free house
West has lower cancer survival rates than rest
Galway minors continue to lay waste to all opponents
Gardaí and IFA issue a joint appeal on summer road safety
Marathon Man plans to call a halt – but not before he hits 160 races
