Alpine A110 Review
Read Caroline's Alpine A110 review for everything you need to know about what it is like to drive a legendary Alpine sports car on Irish roads!
Alpine made a spectacular return in 2017 when it took the covers off the new A110 sports car. Inspired by the original lightweight A110 sports car of the 1960s and 1970s, the new A110 has since spawned a number of more hardcore variants including the A110 S and the A110 R. None of which are officially on sale in Ireland. Though it's likely that the Alpine brand will begin to establish a presence here soon.
That's because within the Renault Group, Alpine is set to take off where Renault Sport left off and become the French carmaker's performance brand with a range of sporty, electric models planned. Yes, that's right - the future of Alpine is electric!
But for now, Renault Ireland lent me their 2019 Alpine A110 to discover a little more about what Alpine has to offer and what the future might hold for this iconic brand.
Styling
The Alpine A110 is just gorgeous whatever way you look at it. Low and sleek, the design is very much inspired by the original A110 Berlinette with lots of nostalgic nods to its predecessor - the twin front headlights, bonnet spine, and wraparound rear screen. The silhouette is classic A110 and finished in Alpine Blue, this car commands attention wherever it goes. The French tricolour badges on each side are a neat touch. The A110 Légende GT sits on 18-inch alloy wheels with blue brake calipers. If you're bored of the Porsche Cayman or Audi TT S, then the A110 is a refreshing alternative.
Interior
Inside, the cabin of the A110 is snug and sporty There are a set of gorgeous sports seats, which have been designed to be lightweight. There's lots of nice quilting in the door panels and Alcantara that lends a luxury feel. The overall quality is no match for rivals like the Cayman or TT, but the sight of the sporty silver paddles behind the new Alpine steering wheel, big red sport button and aluminium pedals are enough to build the atmosphere before you've hit the start button. There's also a bespoke digital instrument cluster that changes the view depending on which driving mode you're in. There are also comfort features like heated seats, reversing camera and climate control. The 7-inch infotainment screen is far from impressive for a sports car like the A110, but newer versions at least come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Practicality
There's not much storage space in the cabin of the Alpine. The boot offers a very shallow 96 litres. There's an extra 100 litres under the bonnet. But overall you might struggle to pack the A110 for a weekend away!
Engine
For now, the A110 uses good, old-fashioned petrol power. The mid-engined sports car uses the same 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the mighty Renault Mégane RS. It's been tweaked for the Alpine and puts out 252hp and 320Nm of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels via a seven speed dual clutch transmission. There are paddles behind the steering wheel so you can shift gears manually if you wish.
Driving
The Alpine has been designed to save as much weight as possible. It's made from aluminium and weighs just 1,100kg, which is about 300kg lighter than the Porsche Cayman. On the road, it's simple and fun to drive with a tactile feeling to the controls and the way it takes on corners. The lightness is truly breath-taking and the little Alpine cuts through corners with real grace and elegance. The steering responds quickly with no artificial heaviness numbing the sensations reaching the rim. Driving the Alpine is pure joy! It's quick when you do give it full throttle, sprinting to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. In Sport mode the engine gets a bit more vocal, with more pops and bangs to accompany your sporty driving. The A110 will cruise effortlessly on bigger roads though the suspension is quite firm over bumps and ruts in the road surface. It's quite light on fuel for a sports car too with over 40mpg possible.
Pricing
The A110 tested would retail from about €85,000 if it was officially on sale in Ireland.
Verdict
Alpine has committed to an electric future with more sporty electric models planned including an electric replacement for the epic A110. Modern-day Alpine has found an exciting niche in the Renault fold and it feels like this is a brand very much in ascent again. The Alpine A110 is a brilliant sports car that captures all the fun of a lightweight, mid-engined sports car. Alpine's impeccable racing heritage shines through in this car's emotive good looks, raspy engine note and playful handling. I can't wait to see what comes next from this brand!
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Nissan Juke Hybrid Review
Read Caroline's Nissan Juke Hybrid review for everything you need to know about buying the hybrid Juke in Ireland.
The Nissan Juke is one of the brand’s most successful models to date. The second generation of the trendy Juke crossover launched in Ireland in 2020, powered by a simple petrol engine.
The next chapter in the Juke story is this - the new Nissan Juke Hybrid that brings more power to the range and promises more efficiency. The brand is currently rolling out hybrid technology across the range for the first time, to models like the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail.
The new Nissan Juke Hybrid goes on sale in Ireland priced from €34,110, which makes it competitive against rivals such as the Renault Captur Hybrid and the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid.
What's so special about the Nissan Juke Hybrid?
The Nissan Juke Hybrid shares the same sporty crossover design as the rest of the Juke range. The Juke still looks modern and fresh with distinctive styling features including hidden rear door handles for a coupé style and a trendy contrast roof. It certainly has street cred.
New hybrid badges feature on the front doors and the boot lid. The front grille of the Juke Hybrid displays the new Nissan brand logo and also features a strip of black gloss where it meets the bonnet - a new feature of all electrified Nissan models including the electric Nissan Ariya.
The Juke Hybrid is offered in three trim levels - SV Premium, N-Design and SVE. Diamond cut, 17″ alloy wheels come as standard, with 19-inch on higher trim levels.
LED headlights also come as standard across the range.
But with more power and a slick automatic transmission, the Juke Hybrid offers a more sophisticated feel behind the wheel.
Driving the Nissan Juke Hybrid
The new Nissan Juke Hybrid uses a 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine, 1.2kWh battery and a 36kW electric motor. Power is up to 143hp in the hybrid versus 114hp in the 1.0-litre petrol Juke.
It's also more efficient, on paper at least. Official figures suggest 5.1 litres per 100 km versus 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the Juke petrol.
The Juke Hybrid starts in electric mode, moving off silently. It's not a plug-in hybrid, so doesn't require charging to get the best efficiency from the vehicle. Over a week of driving the Juke on mixed roads, my average fuel consumption was 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres. That's okay but a Toyota Yaris Cross is more efficient.
Yet that's only half the story as where the Juke excels is in its refinement and power delivery. On the road the extra power of the hybrid is apparent compared to the Juke petrol, offering pleasant acceleration and lively performance. The Juke’s automatic gearbox makes little noise though it does seem to hold on to gears marginally longer than what you might expect. There are no paddles or manual mode to override this but in Sport mode, they are quicker. So like in most compact hybrids, a gentle use of the throttle is appropriate for the best experience behind the wheel.
Elsewhere, the Nissan Juke Hybrid is a sporty and composed drive, offering lots of grip in cornering, and stability and refinement at high speeds on the motorway. It’s compact and agile around town, though the ride is firm over bumps.
Inside the Juke Hybrid
Inside the cabin, the Nissan Juke Hybrid has a sporty vibe just like the Juke petrol. There are charismatic circular air vents and plenty of soft touch materials. Hybrid models have an updated driver display including a power gauge and one for the battery’s state of charge. A visual representation of the flow of power can be displayed on the 7″ combimeter screen between the two dials.
Infotainment is provided via a touchscreen on top of the dash with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a new button to activate 'e-Pedal' one pedal driving on the centre console, as well as driving modes and an EV mode. It’s mostly a cool cabin for the Juke, though the infotainment system is not as modern as in some of the brand's newer models like the Qashqai and Ariya.
Still with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto it's possible to bypass the native system and use a more modern interface. All versions of the Juke Hybrid come very well equipped with cloth and synthetic leather seats, keyless entry and start, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and parking camera.
The SVE on test (from €37,100) comes fully loaded with synthetic leather seats with quilting and headrest hole finisher, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera, and more safety equipment like blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent cruise control, lane keeping assist and traffic jam pilot.
The Nissan Juke Hybrid is smaller inside than a Nissan Qashqai for example but it does offer similar space inside to many other compact crossovers on the market. It’s possible for two adults to get comfortable in the rear. Headroom could be tight for taller adults but children will be fine.
While the standard Juke petrol has an excellent boot volume of 422 litres, the hybrid loses some of that volume to accommodate the battery. It’s down to 354 litres but that’s still comparable to many compact hatchbacks.
Did you like it?
The Nissan brand is gaining momentum again with the arrival of new electric and hybrid models like the electric Ariya and the Qashqai hybrid.
Now hybrid joins the Juke range, giving more options to buyers on the lookout for a stylish compact crossover with hybrid power.
You will pay more for the Juke hybrid, but it does have a more mature feel behind the wheel and the extra power and ease of the automatic transmission. The hybrid transmission does feel well-sussed compared to rivals on power and refinement, though the efficiency gains are not as dramatic in real world driving.
The Juke is a great car, no matter whether you go for the petrol or hybrid. It's fun to drive and has a cool cabin and quirky coupé-inspired styling. That makes it a smart buy in the compact crossover segment.
Model tested: Nissan Juke Hybrid SVE
Price: From €37,100
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid
Power: 143hp
Top speed: 166 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.1 seconds
Motor Tax: €190 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Audi Q4 e-Tron 50 Quattro Review
Read Caroline's Audi Q4 e-tron review for everything you need to know about buying Audi's compact electric SUV in Ireland.
The Audi Q4 e-tron is Audi's first electric model in the compact segment and is a stylish addition to the range. Priced from €46,900 inclusive of grants, the Q4 occupies an increasingly crowded part of the market for premium electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge and BMW iX1.
But there's strength in those four rings. And the Audi Q4 comes with plenty of choice when it comes to battery size and range.
What's so special about the Audi Q4?
The Audi Q4 is one of the best-looking electric SUVs you can buy. It has classic Audi styling with refined elegance and fashionable SUV looks that make it very desirable right now. A more coupé-like Sportback version is also available.
There are a range of trim levels - Advance, Sport and S Line. But as always it's the Q4 S Line that will draw the most admiring glances (from €52,490).
19-inch alloy wheels come as standard while S-Line models stand out with unique 20-inch wheels, sportier styling and S Line badging.
The Audi Q4 e-tron is available with three batteries offering varying levels of power and range. The entry into the range is the Q4 e-tron 35 with a 55kWh battery, 170hp and a range of up to 350 kilometres (WLTP), priced from €46,900.
Next up is the Q4 e-tron 40 with an 82kWh battery, 204hp and a range of up to 518 kilometres (WLTP), priced from €51,780.
On test was the top of the range Q4 e-tron 50 quattro S Line with the same 82kWh battery, 299hp and a range of up to 489 kilometres (WLTP), priced from €71,095.
Inside the Audi Q4
The Q4 has a typical Audi cabin with a minimalist design and lots of glossy digital tech on board. It feels classy and well-built.
Standard equipment includes heated front seats with lumbar support, cruise control, rear parking sensors, digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen with smartphone connectivity.
S Line models get sports front seats and some nicer interior trims and ambient lighting. There's also a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.
The Q4 does score well on interior space having been built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform shared with several other well-known models from the Volkswagen Group.
There's plenty of legroom and headroom in the back, while a flat floor stretches the width of the rear passenger space. The rear bench is also slightly raised to give passengers a better view of the road. Footwells are large with room for feet to be tucked in under the front seats.
A powered tailgate is also available, with a generous 520 litres of boot space. More than a Volvo XC40 Recharge and just a bit less than a BMW iX1.
Driving the Q4 e-tron
On the road the Q4 offers a smooth and stable drive for an electric SUV. It's reasonably agile and nifty on the road, though a BMW iX1 or Tesla Model Y are a little more fun to drive.
Still the Q4 offers excellent levels of refinement for cruising on motorways and it's comfortable too, offering a smooth and supple ride quality for an electric SUV.
S Line models have a sports suspension as standard, which does firm things up a bit but it still rides better than a Model Y.
The Q4 e-tron 50 is the most expensive of the range but it comes with extra grip from standard fit quattro all wheel drive. It's also the quickest of the range, accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 6.2 seconds.
It can be charged at home from a 7kW wallbox in 9-13 hours or using the public charging network. Up to 125 kW rapid charging is possible, taking about 38 minutes to charge from 5% to 80%.
Did you like it?
The Audi Q4 is a perfectly sized and styled premium SUV for a market that is ever more receptive to electric vehicles. The Q4 is so modern and quiet on the move that it definitely has appeal over a petrol or diesel powered SUV.
Things are moving quickly in the world of electric vehicles but the Q4's timeless Audi style and classy drive make it one of the most desirable of its generation.
Model tested: Q4 e-Tron 50 Quattro S-Line
Price: €71,095
Battery: 82kWh
Range: 489 km (WLTP)
Power: 295hp
Top speed: 180 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6.2 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
Nissan X-Trail Review
Read Caroline's Nissan X-Trail review for everything you need to know about buying Nissan's large family SUV in Ireland.
The Nissan X-Trail is one of Ireland's favourite family SUVs and has been for many years. Since the introduction of the X-Trail in 2001, more than seven million have been sold around the world.
The latest model introduces hybrid power to the X-Trail range for the very first time.
The new Nissan X-Trail, badged 'e-Power', goes on sale priced from €45,995 for five seat versions and from €54,995 for seven seat versions - which also add four wheel drive.
What's so special about the Nissan X-Trail?
It's a fresh start for the Nissan X-Trail in the Irish market. No more diesel. Nissan's innovative new X-Trail e-Power hybrid uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine to act as a generator to charge the onboard battery. This powers the electric motor to turn the wheels.
It's the same hybrid system that can be found in the current Nissan Qashqai range.
But the X-Trail is bigger, mightier than the Qashqai. The new model sports an evolution of styling. But there's the brand's now familiar 'V-motion' grille at the front framed by slim LED headlights and daytime running lights.
The X-Trail has lots of kerb appeal when compared to rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
There are a range of trim levels - SV, SV Premium and SVE - with 18-inch alloys coming as standard. Top of the range SVE models get a 19-inch set with a chrome finisher in the front and rear bumper underlining the X-Trail's rugged appeal.
Inside the X-Trail gets a new interior that is a big step up from the previous version of the car in design and quality.
Inside the X-Trail
The X-Trail feels immediately more sophisticated and plush from behind the wheel than the previous version of the car. Now made in Japan - just like the Ariya electric crossover - the build of the car is rock solid.
The layout is simple and minimalist, with a digital upgrade for the cabin too. But that's best experienced in the SV Premium (from €48,995) trim level and above, which add the brand's new digital driver display and 12-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
There’s lots of standard safety equipment as well as dual zone climate control and a reversing camera. More luxurious features are added as you go up the trim levels like an electric sunroof on SV Premium and wireless smartphone charging, Bose sound system and synthetic leather seats for top of the range SVE.
The cabin feels generously sized with lots of headroom and legroom in the second row of seats. The X-Trail's ace card is the rear doors that open at almost 90-degrees, making this car ideal for family life. The rear seats can also move forward and back, and recline a little.
Five seat X-Trails are best for boot space with a generous 560 litres. Opt for the seven seat X-Trail and the two extra seats in the back add more flexibility while being fine to accommodate children. Boot space in five seat mode is 465 litres. When all seven seats are in place there's space for a few more bags though overall a Skoda Kodiaq is more spacious.
60/40 split folding rear seats come as standard. SVE models upgrade that to a 40/20/40 split and the bonus of a powered tailgate.
Driving the X-Trail e-Power
The Nissan X-Trail is built on a new lightweight platform that allows the X-Trail to be electrified for the very first time. Nissan's e-Power hybrid is quite unique in the way the engine is never directly involved in powering the wheels. That's reserved for the electric motor so it means that the X-Trail offers an almost EV-like driving experience. Engine noise is well-suppressed most of the time and the X-Trail is smooth and responsive on the road.
Front wheel drive versions have one electric motor and 201hp, while four wheel drive versions are badged 'e-4orce' and use an electric motor on both axles to create 211hp.
There is a touch of wind and road noise at high speeds. It's mostly a comfortable drive but it does feel firm over manhole covers and other imperfections in the road surface.
When it comes to efficiency, seven seat X-Trail's post consumption figures of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. In real world driving that might be possible with a lot of low speed town driving. But in mixed driving the X-Trail's consumption did increase.
The X-Trail feels agile on the road and less bulky than some seven seat plug-in hybrid SUVs like the Sorento and Santa Fe. One pedal driving is possible through the e-Pedal step and there is also an EV mode that’s best suited to short bursts of low-speed city driving.
Did you like it?
The new Nissan X-Trail moves on significantly in design, quality and refinement for this new fourth generation model. It's not cheap - particularly seven seat models - but the cabin is one of the best in class with a great build and slick finish.
The X-Trail also functions well as a big, practical family SUV with the option of seven seats.
Nissan's new e-Power technology introduces hybrid to the X-Trail for the very first time. This new X-Trail feels far smoother and more refined to drive than previous diesel versions. Fuel consumption is less impressive for such an innovative hybrid though there is potential to run the X-Trail more efficiently in town.
Overall the Nissan X-Trail starts a new chapter as a hybrid and is one of the most polished and desirable large SUVs on the market.
Model tested: Nissan X-Trail e-Power SVE 7 Seater 4WD
Price: From €61,995
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol electric hybrid
Power: 211hp
Top speed: 180 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €270 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Opel Grandland GSe Review
The Opel Grandland GSe is a new top of the range, more performance-oriented Grandland plug-in hybrid with 300hp, all wheel drive, sportier styling and improved handling.
Along with the new Opel Astra GSe, it’s one of the first Opels to wear the brand’s new GSe badge, which stands for Grand Sport Electric and blends Opel’s sporty heritage with their electric future.
Caroline travelled to Malaga, Spain, with Opel Ireland to drive the new Grandland GSe ahead of its arrival in Ireland very soon.
Styling
The Grandland GSe gets some sporty distinguishing features that really lift the styling of Opel's family SUV. Diamond cut 19-inch alloy wheels with an Opel Manta GSe inspired design come as standard, a sportier front bumper, unique rear diffuser, as well as the Opel black pack that includes a striking black bonnet and blacked out Opel badges and lettering.
Interior
AGR-certified Alcantara-trimmed front sports seats are a new addition to the cabin of the Grandland GSe. They are comfortable and supportive, but it's a shame there are not a few more sportier touches to the cabin. The cabin is quite plain for a top of the range Grandland, though it does come well-equipped with heated steering wheel, heated seats, 10-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-inch driver information display, parking sensors, 360-degree camera, side blind spot alert, night vision, lane keeping and change assist, enhanced traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and start, dark tinted privacy rear windows, ambient lighting and AFL Pixel Matrix LED lighting.
Practicality
The Grandland GSe is a mid-size, five seat SUV and feels roomy inside with plenty of space for adult passengers. However, being a hybrid Grandland means that boot volume is reduced from 514 litres in petrol and diesel versions, to 390 litres in the hybrid. That's still more than the Astra GSe's boot and enough to swallow a few suitcases.
Engine
The old top of the range Grandland plug-in hybrid is replaced with the new Grandland GSe model. The powertrain is the same so it's still a 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid putting out 300hp from an electric motor on the front and rear axle. It has 520Nm of torque and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds, which is actually quicker than the new Astra GSe. The Grandland GSe also gets some technical updates to improve its handling. Blending power with efficiency, the Grandland GSe is capable of up to 63 kilometres of electric driving on a full battery.
Driving
The Opel Grandland GSe has been designed to be more performance-oriented than the rest of the range. The GSe gets unique suspension and steering calibration. Just like the Astra GSe, there are firmer springs and dampers with Frequency Selective Damping technology. The Grandland GSe shows impressive composure in fast cornering but the ride quality does suffer and it feels quite firm over the road surface compared to the Astra GSe - or even more standard versions of the Grandland. Acceleration is brisk with the extra grip from the four wheel drive system making it feel secure across different road types.
Pricing
The new Opel Grandland GSe is available from €59,995 in Ireland. The standard front wheel drive Grandland plug-in hybrid with 225hp is available from €47,995.
Verdict
The GSe badge adds some prestige to Opel's top of the range, four wheel drive Grandland plug-in hybrid. It's a smart-looking SUV, but the cabin feels a bit dull by comparison, with the new sports seats the only nod to the GSe's sporty upgrade.
Under the skin, there's been a bit more work to enhance the Grandland's performance. It's a very composed SUV when you want to quicken the pace but the GSe makeover still fails to fully ignite a sporty character for Opel's family SUV.
As a top of the range, plug-in hybrid SUV with unique style, the Grandland can make a case for itself - though the price tag will keep the Grandland GSe a niche buy in Ireland.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Mercedes-Benz EQS Review
Read Caroline's Mercedes-Benz EQS review for everything you need to know buying Mercedes' new luxury electric car in Ireland.
When the Mercedes-Benz EQS was launched, it was the brand's first large electric saloon and a flagship for the Mercedes EQ brand of electric vehicles. It's also the first model from Mercedes to be based on the brand's new modular architecture for luxury and executive electric vehicles.
The new EQS goes on sale in Ireland priced from €135,245, which is in the region of the S-Class.
It's also Irish Luxury Car of the Year 2023.
Styling
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a stunning car, measuring over five metres in length and making just the right impression with a sleek, coupé-like exterior design. It is one of the most aerodynamic cars on sale today with a low, smooth nose and flush door handles contributing to a Cd value of just 0.20. It's also one of the prettiest and classiest luxury electric cars you can buy. The full-width light bar at the front and rear is a futuristic nod to other models in the EQ range. Frameless, coupé-like doors add to the prestige. The AMG Line exterior comes as standard, but the elegant Electric Art exterior is available as an option at no extra cost. Both versions come with 20-inch alloy wheels, with up to 22-inch available as an option.
Interior
The cabin of the EQS is a very comfortable and luxurious place to spend time in. Buyers can choose from an AMG Line or Electric Art interior. The Electric Art interior comes as standard with leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 12.3-inch digital driver display and large 12.8-inch central touchscreen supporting MBUX infotainment with more intelligent voice control than ever before. The brand's new Hyperscreen is available as an option for €12,213, with a curved and flexed surface that appears to float across the full width of the vehicle. It gives your front passenger access to their very own screen and a stunning 17.7-inch central display. There’s also a 15-speaker surround sound system. The seats can offer up to ten different massage programmes, while seat heating and inflatable air chambers replicate the body-soothing effects of a ‘hot stone’ treatment.
Practicality
The EQS measures over 5 metres in length and has a roomy, comfortable cabin with lots of passenger space. There is limo-like legroom in the rear with plenty of comfort features for your passengers. There is also a huge boot of 610 litres and a powered tailgate comes as standard.
Battery
The EQS introduces a new generation of batteries made by Mercedes-Benz with significantly higher energy density. The new battery management software was developed in-house and allows updates over the air (OTA) so it stays up to date throughout the lifetime of the car. The EQS uses a 120kWh battery and the 450+ is the best for range with an incredible 745 kilometres (WLTP) possible on a single charge. Goodbye range anxiety.
Charging
DC rapid charging is possible up to 200kW, while AC charging can take place up to 11kW. From a 7.4kW wallbox, it will take about 15 hours to charge the battery to full.
Driving
The EQS 450+ offers 333hp, while the 450 4Matic offers 360hp. For even more power, the EQS 500 4Matic offers 449hp, while the Mercedes AMG EQS 53 4Matic offers 658hp.
The EQS comes with air suspension as standard, which contributes to a pillowy ride befitting of a luxury car. Refinement is excellent with Mercedes-Benz investing significantly in insulation and sealing the gaps to offer a high-end cabin experience with very little noise. The EQS moves over the tarmac effortlessly with the EQS 450+ offering plenty of responsiveness and power on demand. There's 568Nm of torque available so the EQS can sprint to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds. Rear wheel steering also comes as standard, which boosts the agility and manoeuvrability of the vehicle.
Pricing
The new Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ goes on sale from about €135,245, or from €139,510 for the EQS 450 4Matic. The EQS 500 4Matic with more power goes on sale priced from €150,645. The top of the range Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic is available from €186,710.
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a true masterpiece of a car. The EQS oozes class and demands respect wherever it goes. Just from those sleek, showstopping looks, which are as much about aerodynamics as they are about beauty.
There's effortless power available and the range is truly exceptional in a production car.
As a luxury electric car, it really doesn't get better than the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Opel Astra GSe Review
The Opel Astra GSe is a new top of the range, more performance-oriented Astra plug-in hybrid with 225hp, sportier styling and improved handling.
It's also one of the first Opels to wear the brand's new GSe badge, alongside the new Opel Grandland GSe.
GSe stands for Grand Sport Electric and blends Opel's sporty heritage with their electric future.
Caroline travelled to Malaga, Spain, with Opel Ireland to drive the new Astra GSe, which will be available as a hatchback and as an estate.
It's expected in Ireland in the next few months. It will sit at the top of the newly launched Astra range - Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023 - and is on sale priced from €52,695.
Styling
The new Opel Astra is already one of the most dynamic looking cars in its class with sharp styling and compact dimensions. The Astra GSe builds on the sporty look of the Opel Astra SRI with 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with a unique design inspired by the Opel Manta GSe Elektromod concept, a sportier front bumper with larger glossy black intake, and the new GSe badge on the boot lid. The new Astra GSe is a good-looking car with lots of presence, especially finished in white, and has as much kerb appeal as a Cupra Leon e-Hybrid.
There's also a stylish Astra Sports Tourer GSe available with the same sporty design features.
Interior
Inside the Astra GSe gets new GSe-branded, Alcantara and leather-effect sports seats. Like the rest of the Astra range, the seats are AGR certified so they are very comfortable and supportive. Alcantara also features in the door panels. Though overall the cabin doesn't feel as posh as a Volkswagen Golf GTE. The Astra GSe does get lots of standard equipment like heated steering wheel and seats, parking sensors, 360-degree camera, wireless smartphone charging, as well as lots of safety features. There's also a full digital instrument cluster for the driver and a large touchscreen that's simple to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Practicality
The Astra GSe hatchback will seat five and provides adequate accommodation for adults and children. However, if you opt for the Astra GSe, boot volume is reduced from 422 litres in petrol and diesel Astras, to 352 litres in the hybrid. Though that's still more than in a Cupra Leon e-Hybrid or Volkswagen Golf GTE.
The Astra GSe Sports Tourer is the best for practicality with a longer wheelbase giving a feeling of more space in the rear seat, a bigger boot and larger rear door openings.
Engine
The Opel Astra GSe uses a 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid powertrain with a range-topping 225hp and power goes to the front wheels. It has 360Nm of torque and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. That's just marginally quicker than the Astra plug-in hybrid with 180hp already on sale, but it's the technical updates that make the Astra GSe more special.
Up to 64 kilometres of electric driving is possible on a full battery, and it takes less than 2 hours to charge the battery from a 22kW charger.
Driving
The Opel Astra GSe has been designed to be more performance-oriented so Opel engineers have made adjustments to the chassis, suspension and steering to achieve better handling characteristics. There are three driving modes - Electric, Hybrid and Sport. Pop it into Sport mode and there's also an enhanced GSe sound.
The handling is improved over a standard Astra plug-in hybrid and feels faster and more secure over the tarmac. Opel Astra GSe models have a dedicated chassis that has been lowered by 10 millimetres for greater stability in the corners. The steering also gets a sportier calibration and is faster and more responsive. The front and rear suspension have unique springs and oil-filled dampers with Frequency Selective Damping, which makes the Astra feel remarkably comfortable, yet controlled in the corners. The ESP settings are also exclusive to GSe models, allowing more slip before intervening. The Astra GSe is certainly a top handling car, though it feels more like a swift and capable hybrid than a hot hatchback.
Pricing
The new Opel GSe hatchback is available from €52,695 in Ireland. The standard Astra plug-in hybrid with 180hp is available from €45,995.
Verdict
Alongside the new Opel Grandland GSe, the Astra GSe is one of the first Opels from their new sub-brand of dynamic, electrified models. The GSe badge taps into Opel's sporty heritage with cars like the Opel Manta and Monza, but it's sporty performance for a new era.
Styling updates are subtle inside and out, though the interior does benefit from those new sports seats. Aside from that, the interior is a little bland - but it does come well-equipped.
This is an expensive Astra yet Opel engineers do deserve credit for the tweaks made to improve the Astra's handling. The GSe does feel more sophisticated on the road than the rest of the range, with a quiet and smooth plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers both efficiency and power.
Is it enough? The Astra GSe will be a niche model in Ireland but it is great to see a revival of Opel's sporty performance badge for a new electrified era.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
MG4 Review
Read Caroline's MG4 review for everything you need to know about buying MG's new electric hatchback in Ireland.
The MG4 has arrived in Ireland and is one of the most anticipated new cars of 2023.
MG has slowly been establishing itself in the Irish market since the end of 2020 with a new dealer network and a range of hybrid and electric vehicles like the MG ZS, MG HS and MG5.
But it's the new MG4 that looks set to really accelerate the growth of the MG brand in Ireland.
The MG4 comes to market with the choice of two batteries, with an electric driving range of up to 450 kilometres (WLTP) depending on model.
And the best bit? It's available in Ireland from just €27,495. Let's take a closer look.
Styling
The new MG4 looks great and is a step forward in design for the MG brand. The sleek, aerodynamic design is full of interesting design features that help to sharpen the MG4's presence on the road. The MG4 is available in two trim levels - Excite and Exclusive - and 17-inch alloy wheels and automatic LED headlights and rear lights come as standard. At the back, the slim LED rear lights help the MG4 to stand out, as does the dual wing roof spoiler on Exclusive models. The MG4 is a sporty looking hatchback like the Cupra Born and is available in a range of paint colours including some charismatic hues like Volcano Orange and Ocean Blue, as well as subtler shades like Urban Grey and Black Pearl.
Interior
The MG4 has one of the most modern interiors we have seen to date from the MG brand. The design follows the trend for an open and minimalist layout like the interiors of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech. There is a small digital instrument cluster for the driver and a large touchscreen comes as standard with a wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection. The steering wheel has a modern two-spoke design. The modern cabin design frees up a lot of space between the two front seats, which the MG uses for some practical storage compartments and cup holders. The finish of the cabin is good for a car at this price. There are hard plastics but they blend in quite well, though a Cupra Born still feels like a plusher place to be. The part synthetic leather seats with blue stitching in the MG4 Exclusive look good too.
Standard features for MG4 Excite include the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise
control, automatic climate control and the MG iSmart app connectivity.
The MG4 Exclusive adds an upgraded MG Pilot system (Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, two-tone roof, rear privacy glass, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging and an upgraded MG iSmart system compatible with live services.
Practicality
The MG4 is styled as a five-door hatchback. It's the first MG to be built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and that ensures a spacious interior for a car of this size. In the back seat there is generous legroom and a mostly flat floor making the car more comfortable for rear seat passengers.
The boot offers 363 litres of space, which is not far off the Volkswagen ID.3 (385 litres). But a Nissan Leaf (420 litres) and Renault Megane E-Tech (440 litres) offer considerably more. It's reasonable for a hatchback but there is no clever place under the boot floor to store the storage cables or under the front bonnet.
Battery
The MG4 Excite is available with a choice of 51kWh battery (350km WLTP range) or 64kWh (450km WLTP range). The MG4 Exclusive is available with the 64kWh battery only and can drive electric for a range of up to 435km (WLTP).
Exclusive models add the Active Grille Shutter System, which regulates air flow to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Charging
The MG4 64kWh allows DC fast charging up to 135kW and it takes 9 hours to charge the battery from a 7kW wallbox.
Driving
The MG4 is the first MG to be built on the brand's new MSP platform from its parent company SAIC Motor. It's a dedicated EV platform with 50:50 weight distribution, a rear-wheel drive configuration and a low centre of gravity from the battery design and its placement in the car.
On the road the MG4 feels light, swift and fun to drive for a compact electric vehicle - whether you go for the 51kWh (170hp) or 64kWh (204hp) battery versions. It grips the road well, and feels agile when the roads get twistier. It is a firmly sprung car so you will be aware of any imperfections in the road surface beneath you, even on the motorway. Refinement could be better with a fair bit of wind noise at high speeds. Some compact electric vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born offer more comfort and refinement.
Pricing
The MG4 Excite 51kWh Standard Range is priced from €27,495. The MG4 Excite 64kWh Long Range is priced from €30,995 and the MG4 Exclusive 64kWh Long Range is priced from €34,495. All prices include the SEAI grant.
Verdict
The new MG4 is shaking up the market for compact electric vehicles with excellent pricing and competitive battery range that makes this car very appealing. Standard equipment levels are high across the range and the MG4's sharp styling really stands out. The MG4 is one of the most desirable cars the MG brand has brought to market so far and is sure to become a popular sight on Irish roads.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Range Rover Sport Review
Read Caroline's Range Rover Sport review for everything you need to know about buying the luxury SUV in Ireland.
The Range Rover Sport first debuted back in 2005. It quickly became a byword for luxury and performance with a sportier edge than the brand’s flagship Range Rover.
Now it’s back for a third generation but it’s the new plug-in hybrid that attempts to add more efficiency to the range.
It goes on sale priced from €111,400 for a plug-in hybrid rising to €220,267 for a top of the range 4.4-litre V8. That puts it up against other high-end SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Audi Q7.
So is the Range Rover Sport still the king of performance luxury SUVs?
What's so special about the Range Rover Sport?
The Sport is all about performance and luxury worthy of the Range Rover badge, but in a sportier and more dynamic package. Well that's the premise anyway.
It's no surprise Land Rover took the prestigious Range Rover badge and expanded its range with models like the Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque. But the Sport is surely the most luxurious and desirable of them all.
It's built on the same platform as the new Range Rover but is a bit shorter in length with more dynamic styling. For this new generation the styling has been modernised with the brand’s new design language. The standard fit pixel LED headlights are a bit slimmer for example.
A luxury sports SUV wouldn’t be complete without big wheels and this one does not disappoint with standard fit 21-inch wheels, rising to 23-inch. Red brake calipers are a no cost option.
In Ireland the Range Rover Sport is available with a range of powerful engines from plug-in hybrid to 3.0-litre diesels and a range-topping V8 petrol with 530hp. There are a range of trim levels but this SUV is packed with luxury features no matter which one you go for.
Inside the Range Rover Sport
Inside the cabin it’s pure luxury - from the finish of the materials to all the tech on board. It feels like a big step forward. All the materials feel good and leather upholstery comes as standard. There are also electric heated front seats with memory function and 20-way adjustment.
Every Range Rover Sport comes with a digital driver display as well as a new 13-inch touchscreen that is a real highlight of the cabin experience. There's also a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection, wireless smartphone charging and a Meridian sound system.
Most of the car’s functions are controlled from the large touchscreen including the operation of the heated seats and lumbar support for example. But it's relatively easy to navigate and there are shortcut buttons on the centre console to pull up menus quickly.
Being a Land Rover, there’s also lots of driving aids for off-road driving as well.
The new Range Rover Sport is bigger than before so it feels a bit roomier inside with more legroom and kneeroom. There is loads of space in the back and luxurious features like heated, power reclining seats. There’s also a huge boot measuring 835 litres stacked to the roof with lots of clever features as standard including a power tailgate. You can lower the rear suspension from a button to make it easier to load things. There’s also a handy divider and buttons to release the rear seats, which split fold 60:40, and also bring them back up again. This SUV brings luxury to the next level, even when it comes to practicality.
Driving the P440e hybrid
The new Range Rover Sport is available with a range of high-performance petrol and diesel engines, and two plug-in hybrids. The all-electric version is expected in 2024. The plug-in hybrids use a six cylinder, 3.0-litre petrol engine, with two different power outputs available - 440hp and 510hp. That's the power box ticked.
Or you can have a 3.0-litre six cylinder diesel or petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, or a top of the range 4.4 litre petrol V8 with 530hp!
But the plug-in hybrids are quite special because the 38kWh battery gives an all-electric driving range of up to 113 kilometres (WLTP) or 88 kilometres in real world driving on a single battery charge. It takes less than five hours to charge the P440e at home from a wallbox. There's also a CCS adaptor so the Sport can accept DC fast charging, giving 80% battery in just under an hour. You can switch between three different modes - EV, Hybrid and Save - the latter holds on to the battery range for town or city driving for example. But even running in hybrid mode, average fuel consumption sticks around 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres. That's not bad for an SUV that weighs about 2.7 tonnes.
On the road, the Range Rover Sport P440e is fast when you put your foot down. There's 620Nm of torque and 0 to 100km/h takes just 5.8 seconds. Standard air suspension offers excellent comfort and control. Yet the Sport is not quite as dynamic as what you might expect from the badge. It's hard to disguise all that weight on board. It never really feels that sharp or engaging when you’re pushing on through corners.
But what it is very good at is comfort and refinement. There is no noise in the cabin as it glides across the tarmac. That's thanks to Active Noise Cancellation as standard, which filters out wind and road noise through 29 cabin speakers. Sublime!
Did you like it?
The Range Rover Sport has one of the world’s most prestigious car badges. But it’s not immune from changes in the motor industry towards hybrid and electrification.
Thankfully the brand has done an amazing job with the new P440e plug-in hybrid. It offers all the power and luxury you would expect, with an excellent electric driving range and a high-tech interior. What it misses in pure dynamism it makes up for it in refinement.
If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that’s comfortable and refined with lots of kerb appeal, there’s really nothing quite like the Range Rover Sport.
Model tested: Range Rover Sport P440e Dynamic SE
Price: From €111,400
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol electric plug-in hybrid
Power: 440hp
Torque: 620Nm
Top speed: 225 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5.8 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
Peugeot 308 SW Review
Read Caroline’s Peugeot 308 SW review for everything you need to know about buying Peugeot's compact estate car in Ireland.
With the arrival of the new 308 in Ireland, Peugeot has added a compact estate car to the range to join the hatchback. The new Peugeot 308 SW offers a little more practicality than the hatchback, and is arguably an even better looking car.
It goes on sale in Ireland priced from €32,765, and is available with petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid engines.
So it it any good? In this review I'm going to take a closer look at the new 308 SW to find out!
Styling
From the front, the 308 SW is identical to the 308 hatchback with all the same striking design cues: the slim LED headlights, fang-like daytime running lights and big grille bearing the brand's new 'lion shield' logo. But viewed from the side, it's obvious that this is a very different car indeed. The 308 SW's extra length and unique rear styling give it even more presence than the 308 hatchback. It's now one of the best-looking estate cars you can buy, with an upmarket, sporty look that stands out among rivals like the Skoda Octavia Combi, Toyota Corolla Touring Sports and Suzuki Swace. Only a Seat Leon Sportstourer comes close on kerb appeal.
The 308 SW is sold in three trim levels in Ireland - Active, Allure and GT - with 16-inch alloy wheels coming as standard. The mid-range 308 SW Allure (from €37,495) offers a good balance between price and equipment, with sportier 17-inch 'Halong' diamond cut alloy wheels, chrome exhaust surrounds, grille finished with chrome stamping, and gloss black diffuser effect trim to the rear bumper. GT models have even more sporty features and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Avatar Blue metallic paint is exclusive to the 308 SW and comes at no extra cost.
Interior
The 308 SW has a great cabin that features Peugeot's new generation 'i-Cockpit' - just like the Peugeot 308 hatchback. It's one of the most stylish interiors of the segment, with a very driver-focused layout. It feels more modern and posher inside than a Corolla Touring Sports or Swace. The compact steering wheel is now a Peugeot trademark. You look over it rather than through it to view the full digital instrument cluster. There's also a glossy 10-inch touchscreen as standard in the centre of the dashboard with a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection.
The cabin of the 308 SW has a plush feel with lots of good quality materials used. Allure models come with synthetic leather and cloth seat upholstery with mint stitching. While top of the range GT models add the option of blue or black leather seats. Automatic air conditioning and parking sensors come as standard. Allure models add a 180-degree parking camera, ambient lighting, high beam assist, keyless entry and push button start.
Practicality
The 308 SW sits on a longer wheelbase than the hatchback so it offers a little more legroom for rear seat passengers. It also offers a more practical boot shape with a low flat sill and wide opening that makes it ideal for carrying cargo. In petrol and diesel versions, boot space increases from 412 litres in the hatchback to 608 litres, which is similar to the Corolla and the Swace, and not too much smaller than the Octavia Combi or Leon Sportstourer. There's 548 litres of boot space in 308 SW plug-in hybrids, up from just 361 litres in the hatchback hybrid.
Engine
Just like the 308 hatchback, the new 308 SW is available with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines. No matter which version you go for, an 8-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine with 130hp is the most affordable entry into the range. There's also a 1.5-litre diesel available, also with 130hp. The most powerful of the range is the plug-in hybrid that's available in two different power outputs: 180hp and 225hp. Both have a battery on board that can be charged to give an electric driving range of up to about 60 kilometres.
An electric e-308 SW will join the range towards the end of 2023.
Driving
The latest Peugeot 308 SW is built on a new platform and there have been numerous improvements to how it drives. It grips the road well and feels pleasantly agile. It's also very comfortable over the tarmac.
On test was the 308 SW 1.5-litre diesel and it's the one to go for if you need a car that offers the best return on a tank of fuel, particularly if you do a lot of high speed motorway driving. It offers more torque than the 1.2-litre petrol engine (230Nm vs 300Nm), though the petrol is slightly quicker to 100km/h (9.7 seconds vs 10.6 seconds).
The diesel offers the best efficiency but the petrol and plug-in hybrid 308 offer more refinement and less engine noise, particularly in town driving. Still, the diesel settles down once cruising speeds are reached. The automatic gearbox can feel a little bit awkward at lower speeds, and the stop start system can cut in a little too abruptly.
Pricing
The new Peugeot 308 SW costs €1000 more to buy than the 308 hatchback. The 308 SW 1.2 petrol is available from €32,765, while the 308 SW 1.5 diesel is available from €34,865. The range-topping 308 SW plug-in hybrid is available from €43,935. The Allure diesel on test has a list price of €39,080.
Verdict
The Peugeot 308 SW is a great option if you are looking for a stylish and practical family car that's not an SUV. The 308 SW will make heads turn with its eye-catching good looks, while inside it offers a great cabin experience that feels a little more upmarket than the competition.
Bearing in mind that it's a bigger car, with more rear legroom and offers considerable more boot space than the hatchback, it's quite good value within the Peugeot 308 range.
There's also a great range of engine options to choose from and an upcoming electric Peugeot e-308 SW.
Peugeot is set to expand their compact car range in 2023 with the arrival of the new Peugeot 408 fastback, but the sporty 308 SW remains a very desirable and handsome car.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year