EV Talk Live Roadshow Comes To Enniskillen
South West College hosted a large group of motoring enthusiasts and electric vehicle industry experts at its Erne Campus in Enniskillen on Saturday 23rd September for the Northern Ireland Regional EV Talk Live Roadshow, organised in support of the FASTER Project. The key point of discussion on the day was the continued transition to the use of electric vehicles in Northern Ireland and the requirement for further public charging infrastructure in rural areas.
Over the coming months the FASTER Project will install 73 rapid charging stations for electric vehicles across Western Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (Border Region). The project has received €6.4 million EU funding under the INTERREG VA programme with match funding provided by the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), Department for Transport (Republic of Ireland) and Transport Scotland.
South West College is one of seven project partners and is responsible for the delivery of initiatives designed to increase knowledge about electric vehicles and improve confidence in the EV markets across the project regions.
Donal Monaghan, FASTER Project Officer at South West College said:
"South West College is delighted to host this event here at our ground-breaking Erne Campus today and we are pleased that so many motorists from across Northern Ireland and indeed the border region made the trip to Enniskillen to share their stories or to find out more about electric vehicle use.
Our fantastic line up of guest speakers from organisations including Cenex, Changing Lanes, Weev, EasyGo, EVANI, Everun and GoPlugable have helped to demonstrate that Northern Ireland is embracing a modal shift to the use of electric vehicles and despite a prolonged shortage of public charging infrastructure we are now seeing big improvements in the network and with the addition of the 24 FASTER Project chargers over the coming weeks we expect market confidence to grow even further."
Andrew Benfield, Ireland Country Manager at Cenex added:
"These events are very important to give people an opportunity to see and try electric vehicles for themselves and ask any questions that they might have around the use of EVs."
Maebh Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO of the award-winning, community charging company, GoPlugable, was a guest speaker on the day and commented that the FASTER Project is creating really nice focus groups and environments for these important conversations to take place regarding the use of electric vehicles.
GoPlugable was named the overall winner of this year’s INVENT awards run by Catalyst in partnership with Bank of Ireland UK and is the first Greentech winner in 10 years.
Chris Kelly, Chief Executive Officer at EasyGo is working closely with the FASTER Project team to install the new electric vehicle chargers In Northern Ireland and said the event offered a great opportunity to meet drivers, explain how public charging works, how motorists can get access to those charges and help allay any fears that may exist around the switch to electric vehicle.
A number of electric vehicles were also available for test drives on the day supplied by Tesla, Monaghan Brothers, Donnelly Group, Western Cars Enniskillen, Lochside Motors and Weev.
Skoda Octavia Review (2023)
Read Caroline's Skoda Octavia review for everything you need to know about buying Skoda's most popular model in Ireland.
The Octavia has been a real success story for Skoda. It's the brand's most popular model and over 7 million have been sold.
A fourth generation of the Octavia launched in 2020 and has kept the car among the bestsellers. And that's despite the market being saturated with SUVs and crossovers of all sizes. Skoda's humble hatchback has prevailed.
The Octavia has always been known for practicality and straightforward motoring. But the latest version is the brand's most advanced yet. It goes on sale from €30,245, though the price does creep up when you opt for one of the more powerful engines and trim lines.
And for that there are many - Ambition, Style and Sportline - as well as petrol and diesel engines including high performance Octavia RS models.
The plug-in hybrid has been withdrawn from sale for now due to supply issues.
What's so special about the Skoda Octavia?
The Octavia is classed as C-segment but it is huge inside. It's built on the same platform as other Volkswagen Group cars like the Seat Leon, Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf. Yet the stretched wheelbase means that there is much more generous legroom in the back.
The boot is by far the biggest of the compact class with 600 litres in the hatchback and 640 litres in the estate version. To put that in perspective, a Volkswagen Golf can only manage 380 litres.
There's been a gentle evolution of styling but somehow the Octavia looks a little more elegant and upmarket than before. Even the entry level Ambition model gets 17-inch alloy wheels.
Top of the range Sportline models sit a bit lower to the ground and come with more sporty black trim around the grille, bumpers and rear bootlid spoiler, along with a set of unique 18-inch alloy wheels.
The latest Octavia is a bit more aerodynamic than before and clean lines accentuate its length. It's a timeless design that ages well. The Octavia is technically a hatchback but it looks more like a saloon really.
Headlights are now slimmer with matrix LED technology available for the very first time in the Octavia.
There are quite a few changes inside too.
Inside the Skoda Octavia
There's loads of space for passengers inside and it's a very comfortable cabin to spend time in. Seating three across the rear bench shouldn't be a problem either.
The dashboard has a new minimalist design and Skoda has also introduced some plusher materials to the cabin and ambient lighting.
Infotainment is provided via a new free-standing touchscreen in the centre of the dash and there are a few sizes available from 8- to 10-inch. Ventilation has moved to the screen but there are a few handy shortcut buttons below that make it easier to interact with. There's a modern, full digital driver display.
Some hard plastics prevail in the cabin in obvious places like the door handles. But generally the cabin looks good and feels hard-wearing.
Sportline models get sports seats with integrated headrests and a fabric insert in the dashboard. There's also a three-spoke sports steering wheel. Though the overall impression is a little underwhelming for a top of the range model with a list price from €40,700.
There is a good level of equipment however, like heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.
Driving the Octavia
Engine options for the Octavia include a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol with 110hp, a 2.0-litre diesel with 115hp or 150hp, and a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol with 150hp. Mild hybrid versions of the petrol engines are available with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. But the 6-speed manual remains a good choice for the Octavia.
The high performance Octavia RS is available as a 2.0-litre diesel (200hp) until early 2024 when production stops or as a 2.0-litre TSI (245hp).
My test car was the Octavia 1.5-litre TSI Sportline with a list price of €40,700. It is a real gem of an engine. With 150hp, there is plenty of power when you want it and the Octavia never feels under pressure. It's a smooth, quiet and refined companion of the Octavia.
There's also cylinder deactivation to improve the efficiency. It works by shutting down two cylinders when the engine is under low load. On the motorway it really helps lower the consumption, though it does increase during town and other suburban driving. My average fuel consumption over a week of driving was 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
On the road, the Octavia is a straightforward drive with direct, precise steering and good grip in cornering. It's more comfortable and refined than ever but there is some persistent road noise. Sportline models also ride a little firmer over the road surface than Octavia's on a more standard suspension, though it does cruise motorways with ease.
Did you like it?
Nothing else in this class really comes close to the value the Octavia offers when you consider how much bigger it is than rivals. If you value practicality, this is the car for you.
It's also very handsome, particularly in the Sportline trim. The Octavia has closed the gap on rivals with more comfort and tech on board than ever before. There's a good selection of well-proven engines to choose from with the 1.5-litre petrol being one of the nicest to drive.
The Skoda Octavia is an Irish favourite and it's easy to see why. It's a sensible and practical choice of car. After all these years.
Model tested: Skoda Octavia Sportline 1.5 TSI
Price: €40,700
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol
Power: 150 hp
Torque: 250 Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.5 seconds
Motor Tax: €200 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Cupra Formentor Review (2023)
Read Caroline’s Cupra Formentor review for everything you need to know about buying Cupra's stylish crossover.
The Cupra Formentor first launched back in 2021 and was Cupra's first model designed exclusively for the brand. Since then the Cupra range has expanded to include the Born electric hatchback. The Cupra Leon and Ateca complete Cupra's range of family cars and SUVs - with a little bit of attitude. The new electric Cupra Tavascan is expected to arrive in 2024.
Cupra is pitched as an upmarket sporty brand within the Volkswagen Group. The Formentor has really helped to establish Cupra as a new standalone brand in the Irish market since Cupra first appeared here in 2019. The Formentor's blend of sporty crossover style and array of power options including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid has made it a good choice for Irish motorists. It is the brand's bestselling model currently.
In this review, I take a closer look at the Formentor range in 2023 and drive the plug-in hybrid version with 204hp.
The Formentor goes on sale priced from about €40,630.
Styling
The Formentor is priced in the region of familiar family SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai. But it's a bit more of a sporty coupé-crossover by design. It's lower and longer than a Cupra Ateca SUV but still sits a little higher off the ground than your average hatchback, which gives it a sense of presence. There's also a touch of rugged crossover style with a contrasting finish around the wheel arches, bumpers and lower sills to add character.
The Formentor is quite outlandish in its looks - in a good way. It definitely stands out on the road as something a little different. There's a sporty front splitter, sexy roof spoiler and diffuser effect in the rear bumper hinting at some good performance. Though the plug-in hybrid's copper 'exhaust tips' are for styling only. There are a range of captivating 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs available with Cupra’s signature copper accents.
Interior
The cabin is quite distinct too and feels very 'Cupra'. The gorgeous bucket-style sports seats are a must-have and really add to the sporty vibe. The dashboard layout feels very driver-focused, with a lovely leather-wrapped, Cupra-branded steering wheel and lots of soft-touch materials adding to a feeling of quality that seems just about right for a car at this price point. There's more of Cupra's signature copper trim to add style and exclusivity.
The Formentor is very well-equipped with tri-zone climate control, reversing camera and heated front seats/heated steering wheel. There's also a full digital driver display and you can toggle between a few different layouts from a button on the steering wheel. The large touchscreen in the centre of the dash comes with Cupra-specific graphics as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless integration with your smartphone. It can be a little bit fiddly to use. There's heavy reliance on the screen for simple tasks like adjusting the ventilation or the fan speed for example. You get used to it but it's not the most practical of systems.
Practicality
The Formentor will seat five and offers two large footwells in the rear as well as a decent enough amount of headroom for a stylish crossover like this. It will be more comfortable for two rather than three passengers. But there are amenities included like separate vents as part of the tri-zone climate control, USB ports, an armrest and hatch that opens through to the boot.
When it comes to boot space, the petrol and diesel models are best offering a competitive 450 litres. If you go for a plug-in hybrid that figure goes down to about 345 litres. It's a shallower space overall but still useful.
Engines
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options are available with either a 6- or 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox depending on model. The entry into the range is a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with 150hp. There's also a 2.0-litre diesel with 150hp. The plug-in hybrid uses a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine, electric motor and a 12.8 kWh battery. So it can be driven electric for up to about 55 kilometres at most. It's available with 204hp or 245hp (VZ trim only).
At the top of the range, there is a high performance 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine just like the Golf R, putting out 310hp in the Formentor.
Driving
On the road the Formentor is more fun to drive than most crossovers and SUVs. Being a more performance-oriented brand, the Formentor gets an electronic limited slip differential that improves traction and grip in front wheel drive models. It helps to keep the Formentor tidy through bends. The steering is direct and well-weighted, and the whole car feels quite driver-focused. In plug-in hybrid form, it's not a hot hatchback but there is plenty of power when you want it. The Formentor responds willingly, with 0-100 completed in 7.8 seconds.
To get the best efficiency from the plug-in hybrid, the battery is best charged, which takes about 3.5 hours at a rate of 3.6kW. Over a week of driving in mostly hybrid mode, my average consumption was about 6 litres per 100 kilometres. Motor tax for this model is €140. The ride quality is mostly good with just a hint of firmness over bumps and imperfections in the road surface. The Formentor settles down well to a cruise on the motorway but there is some wind noise at high speeds.
Pricing
The range starts at about €40,630 for a 1.5 petrol manual, from €42,335 for a 2.0 diesel manual and from €48,300 for the plug-in hybrid. VZ high performance models are available from €57,795 for the plug-in hybrid and from €74,825 for the top of the range 2.0 TSI 310hp.
Verdict
The Formentor is a brilliant crossover. It offers style and sportiness in abundance, without compromising the sort of practicality that will make it work for families too. There is a great range of power options that keep the Formentor relatively affordable. While also offering a good plug-in hybrid option for buyers who have the ability to charge to get the best out of the car. Inside, the Formentor is stylish and well-made, with lots of standard equipment coming as standard. What's more, it's really enjoyable to drive.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Hyundai Kona Hybrid Review (2023)
Read Caroline's Hyundai Kona review for everything you need to know about buying Hyundai's compact crossover in Ireland.
The second generation Hyundai Kona has just gone on sale in Ireland, priced from about €30,895.
At launch, buyers can choose between a simple 1.0-litre petrol engine or a hybrid.
A new all-electric Kona is expected to go on sale before the end of the year with a range in the region of 500 kilometres.
What's so special about the Hyundai Kona?
The Kona is a small SUV-style vehicle that slots into the Hyundai range between the Bayon and the Tucson. It has been a big success for Hyundai Ireland since it launched here in 2017. Kona is a consistent bestseller, only outsold in the Hyundai range by the mighty Tucson.
Now Kona has grown up. The second generation Kona is a significantly bigger car than before - it's longer, wider and taller - which makes it a lot more spacious and practical than the previous version. It should perform now better as a small family car.
The styling is quite a radical evolution, taking inspiration from the brand's latest models with dramatic lighting and even more pronounced squared-off wheel arches finished in thick cladding for a classic crossover look. It certainly commands attention on the road and there's a premium touch to how K-O-N-A is spelt out across the boot lid.
There are three trim levels available for the petrol Kona - Signature, Elegance and a sporty N Line. There's just two for Kona Hybrid - Signature from about €34,000 and Elegance from about €36,000.
Wheel sizes vary from 16- to 18-inch, depending on trim level.
Inside the Kona
The new cabin also shows Kona's maturity and growing stature within the Hyundai range. The cabin feels more upmarket than before with a focus on improving the cabin quality, design and technology. The finish is excellent with a leather wrapped steering wheel as standard and plenty of soft touch materials, including nice fabric panels in the doors.
There has also been an upgrade in the digital tech. Kona gets a new touchscreen with intuitive design, modern graphics and over-the-air updates. It's easy to sync with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A full digital driver display comes as standard on all but the entry model.
The shift-by-wire gear selector has been moved to a stalk behind the steering wheel, creating more space in the centre console.
All Konas come very well equipped. Standard features include automatic climate control, cruise control, high beam assist and a parking camera.
Elegance models add features like heated front seats, heated steering wheel, driver lumbar support and wireless smartphone charging.
Is it practical?
Yes, the cabin is much more spacious than before. There's a longer wheelbase so legroom has improved a lot. It's also a bit wider so even seating three across the rear bench from time to time should not be a problem. There's a centre armrest, USB ports and separate vents for rear seat passengers.
Hyundai has also improved the boot space on offer. The volume has increased from about 361 litres to 466 litres in the new version. That makes the Kona now one of the best of the segment for boot space. There's also a false floor that can be used to create a flat loading sill.
Driving the Kona Hybrid
The entry into the range is a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 120hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Then there's the Kona Hybrid, which is a 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. It's a standard hybrid so does not need to be plugged in to get the best efficiency from it. With 141hp, it offers more power than the petrol Kona and the smoothness and ease of use of an automatic, which is very useful in traffic or town driving.
The refinement of the hybrid is excellent, aided by the dual clutch transmission that keeps everything very smooth and quiet. The driver is barely aware of any transitions between the EV and hybrid drive.
There are a few driving modes like Eco for the best efficiency, Sport for livelier acceleration and Snow mode for extra traction in low grip conditions.
The Kona Hybrid returns excellent economy, with my fuel consumption averaging at about 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres during my time with the car.
The Kona is smooth and easy to drive, with the compact dimensions and light steering making it feel very agile. It handles the road well, feeling secure and planted. It's comfortable by class standards with just more audible road and wind noise at high speeds on the motorway.
Did you like it?
Hyundai has made a very popular model more practical and upmarket than before. This car has seriously grown up and will now function very well as a small family car.
Elsewhere, the new styling is futuristic but might be a little divisive. Yet it's a car that really makes a statement.
The hybrid is a smooth and agile drive that consistently delivers good fuel economy - without trying too hard. For that, it remains a very good choice in the market and offers customers real options when it comes to finding the best power option - whether that be petrol, hybrid or the forthcoming electric model. It is a brilliant all-rounder that still manages to offer good value in the market.
Model tested: Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elegance
Price: €36,545
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid
Power: 141hp
Torque: 265Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 11.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €140 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
MG5 Review (2023)
Read Caroline’s MG5 review for everything you need to know about buying MG’s electric estate in Ireland.
While the newly launched MG4 has been grabbing all the headlines this year, it's the brand's larger MG5 model that will offer you even more space and comfort at a competitive price.
Styled as an estate car, the MG5 is powered by a 61 kWh battery with a range of up to 403 kilometres (WLTP) and a starting price of €37,395.
The MG5 has also recently been facelifted and refreshed inside for 2023 so it's definitely worth a closer look.
Styling
The MG5 was one of the brand's first models to go on sale when MG launched in the market in Ireland in late 2020. It offers the traditional style and space of an estate car and slots into the MG range above the MG4. For 2023, the MG5 gets the new face of the MG brand with a redesigned nose and slim LED headlights that brings it right up to date. There's now some real design cohesion emerging between models in the MG line-up and the MG5 benefits greatly from this facelift. The design is a little more generic around the mildly revised rear of the car.
In Ireland there are two trim levels for MG5: Excite and Exclusive. 16-inch alloy wheels with aero covers come as standard. Exclusive models get upgraded to a nicer 17-inch design - though they reduce the range to a maximum of 379 kilometres (WLTP).
Interior
MG has also updated the interior of the MG5 for 2023. It's also a very welcome update. The new dashboard design is more modern and stylish than before. The MG5 feels like a proper grown-up car from behind the wheel. There's a new 10-inch touchscreen that uses the same updated software as the new MG4. It is an improvement on the previous system and is easy enough to navigate, though the minimalist design means that the ventilation must be adjusted from the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, which will be the preference for many to access music, maps and contacts. But during my time with the car I found it difficult to get a stable connection with Apple CarPlay.
Standard features for MG5 Excite include the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system, air conditioning, driver's seat lumbar support, reversing camera, vehicle to load charging and the MG iSmart app connectivity.
The Exclusive adds features such as rear privacy glass, leather-style interior with electric seat adjustment and heated front seats, automatic climate control, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror and a 360-degree camera.
Practicality
There’s a natural sense of practicality to the MG5 because it’s an estate car. There's good legroom in the back and plenty of headroom for adults. There’s also 479 litres of boot space with the load cover in place, or 578 litres with it retracted. The MG5 might be a better option than the MG4 for buyers who need a big boot and more practicality.
Battery
There is just one battery available and it's the same as in the previous version of the MG5. The 61 kWh battery offers a range of up to 403 kilometres in the Excite model and up to 379 kilometres in the Exclusive model.
Charging
AC charging is possible up to 7 kW for a full charge in about 10 hours. DC charging is possible up to 87 kW for a full charge in about one hour.
Driving
The MG5 is front wheel drive and powered by a 156hp motor. There's 280Nm of torque and 0-100 km/h is a healthy 7.7 seconds, so the MG5 never feels under pressure to keep up with traffic or join motorways. It offers a big car feel from behind the wheel, secure and planted on the road, more comfortable and softer sprung than the MG4. It may not be as lively or nimble to drive, but it feels like a better cruiser overall. It's efficient for its size too, with my consumption over a week of driving averaging at about 16.3 kWh per 100 kilometres.
You can adjust the level of the regenerative braking to recover energy back into the battery. There are also three different driving modes - Normal, Sport and Eco - that adjust the drive somewhat depending on your preference.
Pricing
The MG5 Excite with a range of up to 403 kilometres is priced from €37,395. The MG5 Exclusive is priced from €40,645. All prices include the SEAI grant.
Verdict
MG has made serious progress in the Irish market since the brand launched here in 2020. While new models like the MG4 have been helping grow the brand, the MG5 still offers a sound package overall of comfort, technology and practicality in an estate-style body.
It's not quite as trendy or modern as the MG4 but the latest update has done wonders for the MG5. It looks far more interesting now and the interior is also more contemporary. It performs well as an EV with smooth operation and competitive range. What's more, in today's market the MG5 still offers a lot of car for the money.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Renault Austral E-Tech Hybrid Review
Read Caroline's Renault Austral E-Tech Hybrid review for everything you need to know about buying Renault's new compact SUV in Ireland.
The Austral is Renault's newest SUV. It replaces the Kadjar and slots into the range just above the Renault Arkana, with pricing starting from about €45,000, rising all the way to €52,000.
It's classed as a 'C-segment' SUV so goes up against familiar rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008.
The Austral goes on sale in Ireland exclusively as a hybrid - there's no pure petrol or diesel options in the range. But it's a powerful hybrid with 200hp that offers some excellent efficiency in real world driving.
What's so special about the Renault Austral?
We've had to wait a while for the Austral to arrive. Alongside the newly launched Megane E-Tech and the popular Arkana SUV coupé, the new Austral signals something of a renaissance at Renault.
With these three models, Renault hopes to gain more ground in the C-segment, Europe's most popular segment for new car buyers.
While the Megane E-Tech is electric only and the Arkana offers some petrol and hybrid options, the new Austral is a flagship of sorts, boasting Renault's newest hybrid technology.
There's also bold new styling that complements the Megane, including Renault's new logo and brand identity. The Austral also sees the introduction of new 'Esprit Alpine' models, with design inspiration from Renault's Alpine brand of sports cars.
19-inch alloys come as standard on the entry Techno model, while the Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine both get 20-inch alloy wheel, as well as an exclusive matte grey paint option.
While the Austral is a much more expensive car to buy new than the Kadjar it replaces, it is absolutely loaded with equipment and technology so marks a step up for the brand among family SUVs. Does it have what it takes to take on the mighty Qashqai, Sportage and Tucson? It certainly looks the part.
Inside the Renault Austral
The Austral's interior is another highlight. The level of standard equipment is truly astounding. All versions come with a head-up display, full digital driver display and portrait-style touchscreen.
The digital tech is very stylish and glossy. Like the Renault Megane E-Tech, the touchscreen uses a Google operating system with useful integration of Google Maps, Google Assistant and much more. But Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used if you prefer.
Esprit Alpine models dial up the style with unique Alcantara and fabric seats with blue stitching and headrests embossed with the Alpine logo in blue. There is also more Alcantara fabric in the dashboard, with elegant ambient lighting. The new Renault steering wheel features French Tricolour stitching and more Alcantara.
Other standard features include heated steering wheel and heated front seats with massage function and power adjustment.
There's lots of legroom and headroom in the back for a compact family SUV, as well as amenities like an armrest, cupholders, air vents and USB-C ports.
The rear bench split folds 60:40 and can be moved forward to create more boot space. In their normal setting, the boot offers 430 litres. That's a bit off the best in class but with the rear bench moved forward, up to 555 litres is possible. A powered tailgate also comes as standard.
Iconic Esprit Alpine models also come with a full panoramic glass roof with blind, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 360-degree camera and wireless phone charging.
Driving the Austral E-Tech Hybrid
In Ireland, the Renault Austral will be available exclusively as a petrol electric hybrid that does not require charging to get the best efficiency from it.
It's got 200hp so it's competitive in power terms to other hybrid SUVs in this class like the Qashqai E-Power and the Tucson Hybrid. It differs to the Arkana E-Tech Hybrid with a 1.2-litre three petrol engine at its heart, two electric motors, a small capacity battery and an improved automatic gearbox.
The result is a hybrid that is even smoother and more refined. Most of the time, it switches between EV drive and hybrid drive with very little fuss. Occasionally you can hear the engine working, but it never thrashes around.
The power delivery is strong and responsive, with a number of different driving modes to enhance the drive including Comfort, Eco, Sport and Perso to fine tune things like the engine responsiveness, steering effort and the agility of the chassis.
It proves to be very efficient, averaging about 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres during my time with the car across a variety of road types - from motorway to town and rural roads.
Top of the range Iconic Esprit Alpine models come with four wheel steering as standard. This allows the rear wheels to turn a little, which boosts the agility and manoeuvrability of the Austral in low speed town driving and parking. Out on the open road, it creates more stability and makes the Austral nice and secure to drive quickly.
Versions with four wheel steering get a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, while those without use a torsion beam.
The only real downside is that the Austral rides quite firmly over less than perfect road surfaces and there is audible road noise.
Did you like it?
Renault is upping its game with its latest cars and SUVs to go on sale. There has been a notable step up in price but also quality, while the digital tech on board is truly impressive for a compact SUV.
On the road, the Austral offers a powerful and refined driving experience, while also delivering on efficiency. It's not completely perfect though on Irish roads and some rival SUVs offer more comfort over less than smooth tarmac.
But on a whole the Austral is a welcome return for Renault to the family SUV market with style and practicality in abundance. It can take on the best in class with a touch of class.
Model tested: Renault Austral E-Tech Hybrid Iconic Esprit Alpine
Price: €52,295
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol-electric hybrid
Power: 200hp
Torque: 410Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.4 seconds
Motor Tax: €180 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Ora Funky Cat 400 Pro+ Review
Read Caroline's review of the 2023 Ora Funky Cat for everything you need to know about buying Ora's new electric car in Ireland.
The Ora brand launched in Ireland late last year and its first car to market here is the cutely named Ora Funky Cat.
Ora is a Chinese car brand that’s part of the Great Wall Motor (GWM) group. It will bring more electric vehicles to Ireland in the coming months.
The Funky Cat is a compact hatchback, priced from €33,495. It's available with two different battery sizes, the largest of those giving a range of up to 420 kilometres (WLTP).
What's so special about the Ora Funky Cat?
If you're looking for one of the most stylish compact electric cars on sale at the moment, look no further than the Funky Cat.
It's clear that designers took some inspiration from the success of the Mini brand to create a charismatic look for the Ora. Those circular headlights look familiar! The design is crammed with little details that make the Funky Cat anything but ordinary.
Yet it's definitely not as small as a Mini. Looks are deceiving because in the metal, the Funky Cat has a similar 'pawprint' to a Volkswagen ID.3. That's how much space it takes up on the road.
You'll feel that the minute you get inside, as the cabin feels quite spacious.
Like every fashionable small car, there is the option of a contrast white roof or black roof, and a palette of colour choices from metallic to pastel. 18-inch alloy wheels come as standard across the range with a cool retro design.
At the back, there is an unusual fully integrated light bar in the windscreen that gives a slick welcoming sequence.
The upscale look continues inside with matching coloured interiors available.
Inside the Funky Cat
Ora has made a lot of effort inside the Funky Cat to make it feel stylish and upmarket. A black interior comes as standard. But there is the option of two-tone colour schemes that really lift the cabin out of the ordinary.
The material quality is good in all the important places, though some harder scratchier plastics can be found lower down and in the centre console.
Luxurious quilting features in the doors. The quilted leatherette seats are another highlight. There's also a suede-style fabric in the dashboard.
Stylish touches include the rotary dial for the gear selection and the Mini-style, chrome switches in the centre console.
A full digital driver display combines with a touchscreen to give a fashionable widescreen effect. The system is packed with features like voice control, a reversing camera, and 360-degree surround cameras. There's even facial recognition to personalise your settings to the car and wireless smartphone charging.
Luxury features on the 400 Pro+ model include heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, heated steering wheel and an opening panoramic sunroof.
Yet one glaring omission is the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which would be a much more convenient interface to use to access media, maps and phone contacts. It's expected soon in an over-the-air update.
There is loads of legroom for rear seat passengers. But the boot lets the Funky Cat down at just 228 litres, particularly for family buyers. That's significantly smaller than rivals like a MG4, Volkswagen ID.3, Renault Megane E-Tech and even small EVs like the Peugeot e-208.
There is a small bit of underfloor storage for a set of charging cables and a powered tailgate comes as standard on the 400 Pro+ version.
Driving the Funky Cat 400 Pro+
The Funky Cat range kicks off with the 48 kWh 300 PRO (priced from €33,495) with a range of up to 310 kilometres (WLTP). The price rises to €41,495 for the 63 kWh 400 PRO+ with a range of up to 420 kilometres (WLTP). That's just a bit off some of the best electric hatchbacks for range like an MG4 or Megane E-Tech (450 kilometres).
A 171 hp motor sends power to the front wheels in both versions, providing adequate acceleration. Though the Funky Cat can spin its wheels if you ask for too much power quickly, particularly on wet surfaces. There’s 250 Nm of torque available and the 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in 8.2 seconds. There are a few driving modes too, including a Sport mode that makes the accelerator response more lively.
There's also regenerative braking with the ability to switch between a few levels of strength.
The steering is light, which makes it easy to park and manouvre in town. Yet out on the open road, it could do with a bit more weight for a more precise drive. Funky Cat is comfortable for the most part, though it does feel firm over imperfections in the road surface, manhole covers and bumps in town. There is a lot of road noise at high speeds on the motorway so it could do with a little more insulation to improve refinement.
The new Cat can charge up to 11kW (AC) for a 15-80% charge in just over 4 hours. DC charging is a little average at 67 kW. It will take about 42-48 minutes to go from 20-80% charge if you stop at a fast charger on the motorway, for example.
My average consumption was 15.5 kWh per 100 kilometres.
Did you like it?
The Ora Funky Cat is a cute and charismatic car that's spacious and well-kitted out with a decent electric range for a compact hatchback. The pricing means that it will be compared heavily to rivals like the ID.3 and MG4. It's fun and quirky but not the complete package, as the small boot and lacklustre drive take a little of the shine off what is otherwise a credible newcomer to the Irish market.
But if you're looking for one of the most stylish compact electric cars on sale, the Ora Funky Cat is definitely it.
Model tested: Ora Funky Cat 400 PRO+
Price: €41,495
Battery: 63 kWh
Range: 420 km (WLTP)
Power: 171 hp
Torque: 250 Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Cupra Born e-Boost Review
Read Caroline's Cupra Born e-Boost review for everything you need to know about buying Cupra's electric hot hatchback in Ireland.
The Cupra Born is one of most exciting electric hatchbacks on sale at the moment offering eye-catching design and some of the best handling and driving dynamics of any battery-powered hatch of this type.
In Ireland, the Born is available with two different battery sizes. The 58 kWh offers a range of up to 427 kilometres of range, while the larger 77 kWh can travel up to 552 kilometres on a single charge.
The Cupra Born 58 kWh with a standard 204hp motor is available from €40,080 including grants, while the Born 77 kWh e-Boost is available from €51,890.
What's so special about the Cupra Born e-Boost?
The Born shares batteries and underpinnings with the popular Volkswagen ID.3. But Cupra offers the Born with a special performance package that's not available for the ID.3 because Cupra is positioned as a sporty premium brand within the Volkswagen Group. The unique 'e-Boost' package ups power to 231 hp and adds stronger front brakes. It retails from about €45,830.
Cupra's styling is also a little more daring and exciting. The Born is much sharper and sportier looking than the Volkswagen with Cupra's copper trim accentuating its rock chick credentials.
19-inch alloy wheels come as standard on the Born e-Boost with a number of captivating styles available. There's also the option to upgrade to 20-inch with performance tyres.
Sportier bumpers, side sills and a diffuser-effect in the rear bumper add to the Born's hot hatchback looks. There's a range of unique colours like Aurora Blue, Vapour Grey and Quasar Grey that really look good with Cupra's contrasting copper trim and striking LED lighting at the front and rear.
It looks good inside too and the Born e-Boost has the extra power to really impress on the road.
Inside the Born e-Boost
The Born gets a bespoke cabin that really suits its more sporty positioning in the market. It's finished well with some good quality plastics and more of Cupra's signature copper trim.
The highlight is the sports seats with integrated headrests finished in soft fabric. They really make the cabin feel special. There's also a Cupra-branded steering wheel, with e-Boost versions adding two satellite buttons to access the sportier driving modes more quickly.
The dashboard design is very minimalist with most of the car's functions controlled from a large touchscreen with Cupra specific graphics and menus. It looks good but the lack of physical buttons for things like adjusting the climate control makes it a bit frustrating to use. This is not helped by haptic buttons on the steering wheel that are equally unsatisfying to use.
Still, it features modern equipment like a wireless smartphone charging pad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The high spec includes heated steering wheel, heated front seats and reversing camera.
There's loads of storage space and plenty of room for passengers thanks to an EV-specific platform. In the back that's most obvious with a flat floor that runs the width of the car giving ample legroom. The boot offers 385 litres of boot space, which is a bit off the best in class like the Renault Megane E-Tech but still very usable - but there's no where to store the charging cables when not in use.
Driving the Born e-Boost
The Born e-Boost is the most powerful of the range with 231 hp. Power goes to the rear wheels, which naturally adds a certain amount of dynamism and agility to the Born. Cupra has also made a few tweaks to the Born including a lowered, stiffer suspension, more responsive steering and lastly, stronger front brakes for e-Boost models.
It handles with some real style. Maximum power and torque is possible in the Cupra driving mode, with e-Boost versions doing the 0-100 sprint in just 6.6 seconds. It's hot hatchback-like performance capable of throwing you back in your seat. Standard 58 kWh versions will do it in 7.3 seconds.
The Born still shares most of the same smoothness and refinement as the ID.3. It does ride a little firmer but it's far from uncomfortable. While there isn't quite the same excitement as driving a petrol-powered hot hatchback like a Volkswagen Golf GTI, the acceleration, handling and quick steering mean that there's still plenty of fun to be had behind the wheel.
My average consumption was about 18.3 kWh per 100 kilometres during my time with the Born e-Boost.
DC fast charging is available up to 120 kW for the Born 58 kWh for an 80% battery charge in about 35 minutes at a high power charging station. While AC charging is possible up to 11 kW for a full battery in a little over 6 hours.
Did you like it?
The Cupra Born e-Boost stands out among electric hatchbacks with its stylish looks and sporty cabin. It's good to drive and feels more driver-focused than rivals, while retaining much of the same comfort and smoothness as the best in class.
It's not cheap to buy, particularly in e-Boost spec but it's well-made, practical and truly fun to drive. So if that's important to you, it would be hard at the moment to find a better electric hatchback to fit that bill.
Model tested: Cupra Born e-Boost 58kWh
Price: €45,830
Battery: 58 kWh
Range: 422 km (WLTP)
Power: 231hp
Torque: 310Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6.6 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Citroen E-C4 X Review
Read Caroline's Citroen E-C4 X review for everything you need to know about buying Citroen's new electric saloon car in Ireland.
Citroen has added to its range of family cars and SUVs in Ireland with the arrival of the new Citroen E-C4 X. Following the launch of the new C4 hatchback, the C4 X is a new saloon from the French car brand. But with a little bit of crossover style to help it to stand out.
In Ireland, it launches exclusively as an electric model, though fuel versions are likely to join the range at a later date.
The new Citroen E-C4 X goes on sale priced from €41,455, including grants and VRT relief.
Styling
The new E-C4 X is essentially a saloon version of the C4. But the X in the name hints at a bit of rugged, crossover charm. In length, the E-C4 X is somewhere between the C4 hatch and the larger Citroen C5 X. However the wheelbase is the same as the hatchback version and it's built on the same CMP platform. The 50kWh battery is also shared with the C4. At the front, it's identical to the hatchback but around the side it's clear the E-C4 X has a different story to tell. The elongated rear and saloon-style boot adds a certain amount of grandeur to this car and harks back to a time when saloon was king.
The E-C4 X is a little more interesting because it sits a bit higher off the ground than the average saloon car, like a Toyota Corolla Saloon for example. Citroen has also used plastic cladding around the lower parts of the car to help it to stand out. There are four trim levels for Ireland (Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack) and 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels come as standard across the range. At the back, the styling is quite different to the hatch, with different light clusters and C I T R O E N spelt out across the boot lid.
Interior
The cabin shares much with the C4 hatchback though Citroen has given the E-C4 X an updated 10-inch infotainment system, shared with the C5 X. It looks great and is very responsive to use. It also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ventilation controls can be accessed from the screen or adjusted using some physical buttons and dials below the infotainment screen. There's a lovely tactile dial to adjust the volume of the stereo. Other standard features include rear parking sensors with reversing camera, keyless entry/start and automatic dual-zone air conditioning.
Like the C4 hatch, there are a lot of hard plastics in the dashboard and doors. It would be nice to see some plusher material used in these places considering the price point of the vehicle. Citroen's 'Advanced Comfort' seats are a highlight however, and feature thicker foam. They are available in a variety of fabrics, including full leather. There's also a tasteful leather wrapped steering wheel. Generally it's a comfortable and relaxing cabin that's easy to interact with - a staple these days of the Citroen brand.
Practicality
The E-C4 X offers excellent rear legroom and headroom is not bad for a compact saloon either. The rear seat backs are deliberately more reclined than in the hatchback to give a more 'limousine' feel.
The boot offers 510 litres of space, which is significantly more than the 380 litres available in the C4 hatch. Yet the aperture is narrower as is typical with saloon cars, which limits its practicality.
Battery
Powered by a 50kWh battery, the E-C4 X has a range of up to 360 kilometres (WLTP). In real world driving this will be less, particularly during a lot of high speed motorway driving. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 136hp electric motor and single speed automatic transmission. There's 260Nm of torque and the 0-100km/h sprint is 9.5 seconds.
In some markets, Citroen is selling this model alongside a 54kWh battery with more range and efficiency. However it's not available in Ireland at the time of writing.
Petrol and diesel versions are expected in late 2023 including a 1.2-litre petrol manual (110hp) and a petrol automatic with 130hp. A 1.5-litre diesel with 130hp and an 8-speed automatic will also be available.
Driving
On the road, the E-C4 X is an exceptionally calm and relaxing car to drive. Yes, it's electric and that does contribute to this character. But there are a few other things at work here too. Citroen's advanced comfort suspension with progressive hydraulic cushions takes the edge off the worst of Irish roads making the E-C4 X remarkably soft for an electric car. The ride quality is really very good. It's not designed to rival athletic hatchbacks like a Ford Focus or a Cupra Born. But it handles with reasonable composure through bends. The steering is light in town making the car easy to park and manouvre and is precise enough for bigger roads too. Citroen has also added an acoustic insulation pack to the E-C4 X that keeps road and wind noise at a minimum.
Charging
DC fast charging is possible up to 100kW for an 80% battery charge in about 30 minutes. AC charging is more standard, with a 7.4kW onboard charger meaning it will take about 7.5 hours to charge this car from a wallbox at home.
Pricing
The E-C4 X costs about €1000 more per trim level than the E-C4 hatchback. The range starts from €41,455 for the Feel, from €42,550 for the Feel Pack, from €43,507 for the Flair, and from €45,160 for the Flair Pack.
Verdict
Citroen has managed to create something entirely different in the C-segment and the E-C4 X will satisfy any appetite among Citroen customers for a more elegant saloon-style vehicle.
The E-C4 X is the brand's second electric offering in the compact segment, alongside the E-C4 hatchback. With the 50kWh battery and up to 360 kilometres of range, the E-C4 X won't win the range test with plenty of competitors now offering over 400 kilometres of range.
Yet, the E-C4 X is efficient, particularly in town and city driving, and over rural roads, where the soft suspension makes it a dream to drive.
The relaxing drive and wafty way this car goes about its business, is probably its biggest asset, along with the big boot and characterful styling. While the cabin finish is a bit dull in places, the digital technology is on point. Buyers will find a spacious, comfortable and well-equipped car in the new E-C4 X.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
BYD Atto 3 Review
Read Caroline's BYD Atto 3 review for everything you need to know about buying BYD's new electric compact crossover in Ireland.
BYD is the newest car brand to arrive in Ireland and plans to sell a range of electric cars here, starting with the Atto 3.
The Chinese carmaker has partnered with Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) to bring cars to market in Ireland. MDL already distributes Mercedes-Benz cars here.
The Atto 3 is BYD's first model to launch here. It will be followed by the Dolphin compact hatchback and the Seal four-door saloon shortly.
So BYD is serious about Ireland but should Ireland be serious about BYD? I took the Atto 3 for a test drive to find out.
What's so special about the BYD Atto 3?
BYD stands for 'Build Your Dreams' and is written across the back of the new Atto 3.
Priced from around €40,000, the Atto 3 arrives into a competitive market for compact electric crossovers and hatchbacks. But already BYD design is emerging as something quite distinct and different for Irish roads.
Being a crossover-style vehicle certainly helps. The Atto 3 has a fair bit of presence because it sits a little higher off the ground than the average hatchback. Yet it's not the most stylish model from BYD... yet. The upcoming Seal is sure to turn more heads when it arrives soon.
In its favour, Atto 3 is a substantial looking car with five seats inside and a 440-litre boot so it's going to be practical for a lot of people.
It's powered by a 60 kWh battery with a range of up to 420 kilometres (WLTP). That's close to the Peugeot e-2008 (406 kilometres) and just a little way off some of the best like the Kia Niro EV (460 kilometres) and the Hyundai Kona 64kWh (484 kilometres).
Inside the Atto 3
The cabin of the Atto 3 is quite quirky in its design with some unique door handles and even guitar strings in the doors. It's bright and colourful, with my test car featuring a blue and grey theme with red detailing.
It won't be to everyone's taste but it's definitely not boring. The quality feels good with a nicely finished steering wheel and some gorgeous leather-effect seats with integrated headrests.
It's not a cheap car but there are no rattles or squeaks and it feels well put together for a car brand that is new to the Irish market.
Infotainment is provided via a large screen (12.8-inch or 15.6-inch) that can change orientation, but I did find the light reflection made it hard to see clearly on bright days, even when switched from day to night mode. A wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto connection is included, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Equipment levels are high with three trim levels available and not much of a price walk between them. Atto 3 kicks off with the Active (from €39,078), the Comfort (from €39,546) and the Design (from €40,949).
There's plenty of legroom in the back of the Atto 3 thanks to a flat floor the entire width of the car and it's wide enough for three children to sit comfortably too. The 440-litre boot is competitive for this class of vehicle and will be practical for daily life.
Driving the BYD
The Atto 3 is built on BYD's new e-Platform 3.0 and features BYD's own cobalt-free, Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LFP) battery called the 'Blade Battery'.
On the road, the BYD feels solid and well-made. There's a good seating position too and it's easy to get comfortable in. The steering is nicely weighted and allows for a smooth drive. Ride comfort is good for an electric crossover of this size, particularly in town, with just a touch of firmness over rougher surfaces.
The Atto 3 has a 204hp motor sending power to the front wheels. At speed, it cruises well with not too much road noise. There's plenty of power should you want it, with 0 to 100km/h completed in 7.3 seconds. There are also two levels of regenerative braking and a heat pump to improve the efficiency of the battery in cold weather.
Over a week of driving my average consumption was 17.3 kWh per 100 kilometres so it's reasonably efficient for an electric crossover of this size.
AC charging is available up to 11kW, while DC charging is possible up to 88kW.
Did you like it?
BYD will start to build a presence here with the first two dealerships already open in Dublin and a third in Cork. More locations are planned, as the brand establishes itself here.
The Atto 3 is a good debut for the BYD brand. Its chunky crossover styling is what the market loves right now, while it offers plenty of comfort, equipment and space inside.
There are plenty of competitors from more established brands in the Irish market hovering around a similar price range. But the Atto 3 does have an impressive build and lots of technology on board so the newcomer is worth paying attention too.
BYD has plenty more on the way too, including the BYD Dolphin, which will start from under €30,000 in the Irish market. Then there's the stylish Seal expected later this year. And 2024 will likely see the arrival of the BYD Han, a large and luxurious four-door saloon.
BYD is already off to a great start and the Atto 3 is definitely one to watch!
Model tested: BYD Atto 3 Design
Price: €40,949
Battery: 60.48 kWh
Power: 204 hp
Torque: 310 Nm
0-100km/h: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 160 km/h
Motor tax: €120 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year