Motors
The seven-seat Honda CR-V SUV is quite the quiet drive
By Gerry Murphy
A few weeks back, we reported on a rather giddy Honda HR-V. This week, it’s the turn of the larger seven-seat CR-V SUV from the Japanese company and are happy to report that it has none of the same traits as the smaller car.
Here, we have two SUVs from the same company where the HR-V has missed the mark, and the CR-V, a more cultured car is bang on target.
The major difference is how both handle. In the CR-V, the ride and suspension is much better and the confidence that you get when driving it is reassuring. This week’s car is an all-wheel drive and has a bigger wheel base, and those are just two of the reason for the variance.
Last year, the Honda CR-V Range was expanded with the launch of a new high-power 1.6 i-DTEC engine combined with all-wheel drive. The new more powerful diesel engine comes with the option of an all-new efficient nine-speed automatic transmission, which was fitted in the test car.
This new 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine provides considerably higher power output than the 2.2 i-DTEC which it replaces, boosting maximum power and torque to 160PS and 350Nm. The gearbox is a big success to, and with all those gears on tap, the shift is swift and seamless under any pressure that you decide to put it under.
Normally, the engine when matched to the six-speed manual gearbox emits 129g/km of CO2. When fitted with the nine-speed automatic unit, the CR-V emits from 134 g/km of CO2, a significant 20% reduction compared to the previous five-speed automatic transmission.
It is also a supremely quiet car on the road with little or no wind noise, road noise is treated by generous insulation in the cabin, and the engine is silky smooth that make living in the car a real pleasure. Add the nicely-appointed layout and the improved materials used, and Honda gives you a car of quality throughout.
Another positive point is the level of specification that you get with the car. An 8” screen dominates the controls and although it does get a bit of getting used to, when you get up-to-speed with the complication of the system, this is offset by the array of features offered.
Prices for the new all-wheel drive CR-V start at €37,495 for the manual and €39,995 for the automatic putting it firmly into the higher level for a car of its type. But, it is a premium SUV/Crossover that looks the part with its additional chrome inserts and it rather plush interior.
Honda has been in the game of producing big SUV/Crossover vehicles for a long time now. They have a well-earned name for reliability and strong resale values. They also have a rich pedigree in motorsport but, while this car is not so sporty, there are cues there from that history with good, solid seats and clever design inserts.
There is ample evidence that Honda customers are happy campers and are very loyal to the brand. Honda chiefs will be anxious to attract as many new buyers as possible. The market, although rising, is swamped with alternatives, and there are more models on the way.
Holding on to their regulars and adding a chunk of more clients should be enough to keep the bosses at Universal Honda happy too.
Specification
Make: Honda
Model: CR-V
Engine: 1.6 i-DTEC
Achieved Fuel
Consumption: 6.7 /100kms
CO2 Emissions: 134g/km
Annual Road Tax: €280
Price: €39,995
Gerry’s Rating: 8/10
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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