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Renault Kadjar set to become one of the most popular models on Irish roads

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The Renault Kadjar.

By Gerry Murphy

It is the simple things that add up to defining a car. That Renault had the thinking to include a place for coins in the centre console shows that they are in touch with their customers.

Like Ireland, many roads in France are tolled too, and, as Renault is a French company, the inclusion of such a simple thing makes a whole lot of sense.

Indeed, there’s much more to like about the Kadjar. It is a sister vehicle of the Nissan Qashqai, and we all know how popular that is. The Kadjar runs on the same platform, and uses the same engines as the Nissan.

Visually, Renault designers have produced a car that is more muscular, with an aggressive front end and stylish body lines that reflects other cars in their range. As looks go, compared to the huge number of SUV/Crossovers on the road today, this car is, in my opinion, is one of the most striking there is.

Inside, that trend continues along the same lines with superb, body-holding seats and a dashboard that gives the cabin a robust authority. It also feels very solid and well-built, something that will stand the test of time and should help the desirability as a second-hand into the future.

Under the bonnet of the Energy model tested, you get a 1.6-litre 110hp diesel and a six-speed manual gearbox. There is also the ultra-reliable 1.5 diesel that will be the most popular in Ireland.

One of the highlights of the Kadjar is the silky gearbox that is well-spaced and is as smooth as anything I have come across in any car. It adds a huge amount to the overall pleasure of driving the car.

Base models all come with cruise control with speed limiter, LED daytime running lights, foglights, Hill Start Assist, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, digital-display speedometer (7 inch TFT screen), and electric front and rear windows.

Additional specifications for the test version include Renault hands free keycard, automatic dual zone climate control, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic high/low beam, Nappa Leather steering wheel, 7” touch screen R-Link 2 live multimedia system including satellite navigation with Western European mapping and Bluetooth technology.

In addition, there are front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable door mirrors, heated and folding, fixed panoramic sunroof, and a wonderful Bose energy efficient sound system: seven speakers, DAB radio and MP3 with a digital amplifier plus subwoofer and 19″ Apollo diamond cut alloy wheels.

SUV/Crossovers can at times be tricky to handle because of their higher stance compared to a car. Some don’t behave that well on the road, but the Kadjar is a top-class family SUV/Crossover that takes to most road conditions with confidence.

Space is also a defining trait of the Kadjar. Passengers will not complain about the legroom or the headroom. The boot delivers 472 litres with the back seats intact and a very useful 1,478 with them folded.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Connacht Tribune

Western Motors to host EV information day

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The Volkswagen ID.7.

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.

 

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Award-winning IONIQ 6 is set to rock the Irish market

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The Hyundai IONIQ 6.

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.

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Alfa Romeo making a comeback with the stunning new Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4

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The Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV Q4.

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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