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
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
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
DS 3 E-Tense Review
Read Caroline's DS 3 E-Tense review for everything you need to know about buying the upmarket DS compact crossover in Ireland.
DS Automobiles has updated the DS 3 for 2023, adding even more style and equipment. But it's the electric DS 3 E-Tense that sees the most significant update with the addition of a new battery that gives this model a range now of up to 404 kilometres (WLTP).
The new DS 3 range will arrive in Ireland in April and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
Both petrol and electric models will be offered in two trim levels.
Caroline travelled to Spain with DS Automobiles Ireland to drive the new DS 3 ahead of its arrival in Ireland.
Styling
The DS 3 is styled as a fashionable compact crossover. Launched for the first time in Europe in 2019, it was previously known as the DS 3 Crossback, but now it's known simply as the DS 3. It's the most compact model DS makes alongside the newly launched DS 4, DS 7 and DS 9. DS is positioned as a premium brand and the DS 3 has a more sophisticated presence than many more mainstream rivals like the Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona and the Toyota Yaris Cross. That makes it more of a rival for premium competitors like the Audi Q2 and the Mini Countryman.
Most of the style updates take place around the front of the new DS 3. Efficiency has been a key part of the design with a new spoiler and grille redesigned to optimise the car’s aerodynamic performance. The grille is a little bit wider and is available with gloss black or chromed diamond tips depending on the model. There are also new LED headlights that come as standard across the range and a new design of the daytime running lights that takes inspiration from other models like the DS 7 and DS 4.
In Ireland the DS 3 will be available in two trim levels. The Bastille model comes with 17-inch wheels, while the Rivoli sits on a set of diamond cut 18-inch alloys for even more presence. Premium features include flush door handles that glide out to meet you as you approach the car.
There are two new colours - Diva Red (exclusive to new DS 3) - and Lacquered Grey. A contrast roof is available in Perla Black or new Carat Grey.
Interior
DS has lightly revamped the interior of the DS 3 to make it more modern. There are some new features like the new multifunction steering wheel and a glossy 10-inch touchscreen that is a big improvement on the previous version. The new DS Iris System is built in, offering connected navigation and intelligent voice recognition, as well as customisation of the central screen and the 7-inch instrument panel. The cabin of the DS does feel more plush and sophisticated than many more mainstream rivals, though the overall feel and quality is still some way off the new DS 4. The layout is also quite quirky with the door handles not where you expect them to be and the controls for the windows embedded in the centre console. Rivoli models get full leather seats as standard, which do make this car feel more luxurious than most. Standard features include a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic air conditioning, folding electric mirrors and automatic headlights.
Practicality
The DS 3 is a compact vehicle with a 350-litre boot that is only really average for this class of vehicle. It's smaller than what you will find in a Puma, and premium rivals like the Q2 and Countryman. But the rear seats can be folded down for more space. Rear legroom is adequate but some rivals feel more spacious in the back of the car.
Battery
The new DS 3 E-Tense debuts the Stellantis Group's new 54kWh battery. The previous model used a 50kWh battery. The range has increased from 320 kilometres to up to 404 kilometres (WLTP). This makes it more competitive against rival compact EVs like a Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV. The new electric motor benefits from the brand's expertise acquired in Formula E. Power is up from 136hp to 156hp, though on the road this doesn't impact the performance of the car too much. There's still 260 Nm of torque and the DS 3 E-Tense feels good in all driving scenarios.
DS also offers the DS 3 with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that puts out 100hp in models with a manual gearbox and 130hp with the automatic gearbox.
Charging
Charging speeds remain the same with DC fast charging available up to 100kW (10% to 80% in 30 minutes). There’s also an 11kW on board charger for faster AC charging (0-100% in 5 hours).
Driving
The electric powertrain suits the DS 3 very well. The DS 3 moves over the tarmac with real elegance, and is one of the most comfortable and refined small electric crossovers you can buy. There's plenty of sound insulation, which adds serenity to the cabin and it never gets too noisy on the motorway. Some EVs can feel quite firm on the road, but the DS is admirably softly sprung. The car doesn't feel too heavy on the road so handling feels quite natural also.
Pricing
Pricing for the new DS 3 range will be announced closer to launch. The current DS 3 range kicks off from about €31,000 for a petrol manual and from about €42,000 for an electric DS 3 E-Tense.
Verdict
The DS 3 E-Tense has had a little more than just a facelift. A number of design improvements make the DS 3 E-Tense more efficient, while the new battery makes it more competitive overall with more electric driving range than ever before. It's a compact car and some rivals offer better value overall, but the DS 3 bites back with its upmarket styling and premium driving experience. The cabin is more modern and some versions feel more luxurious than others but the DS 3 still has some way to catch up with the larger DS 4 for interior quality. Still, the DS 3 E-Tense makes a charming electric compact crossover and is something a little more chic and different than the competition.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volvo XC40 Recharge Review
Read Caroline's Volvo XC40 Recharge review for everything you need to know about buying Volvo's electric SUV in Ireland.
Volvo is well on its way to becoming a fully electric car brand by 2030 with the launch of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, and its coupé SUV derivative, the new Volvo C40.
The Swedish car brand has also recently announced that its next electric model will be the new flagship Volvo EX90.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is already one of Ireland's bestselling electric models. It's based on the excellent Volvo XC40, a former Irish Car of the Year.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is on sale in Ireland priced from €53,730 including the SEAI grant. In this review I'm going to take a closer look at what it has to offer Irish new car buyers in the market for a new electric SUV.
What's so special about the Volvo XC40 Recharge?
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is one of the best-looking electric SUVs you can buy. It has compact proportions and a confident stance on the road. The blanked out grille in body colour is the only clue to its electric underpinnings.
Styling has been lightly tweaked for the latest version on sale to keep the all-electric XC40 Recharge visually in sync with the Volvo C40 Recharge, including a new front bumper and a frameless grille plate.
The signature Thor’s Hammer headlights have pixel LED light technology in some versions. This means that they can automatically adapt to traffic in front and efficiently light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers.
A black contrast roof comes as standard and alloy wheel sizes vary between 19- and 20-inch depending on model.
Inside the XC40 Recharge has a classic Volvo interior that's comfortable and well-equipped, featuring a new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system.
The XC40 Recharge tested is front wheel drive and powered by a 69kWh battery giving a projected range of up to 425 kilometres (WLTP).
There's also an all wheel drive version badged 'Recharge Twin' that is powered by a 78kWh battery and gives a projected range of up to 438 kilometres (WLTP).
Inside the Volvo XC40 Recharge
The XC40 has a lovely interior that feels upmarket and is simple to navigate. A full digital instrument cluster comes as standard and Volvo's familiar portrait style touchscreen sits in the centre of the dashboard.
The XC40 was the first Volvo to use a brand new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system. It's intuitive to use and contains in-built Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant.
There are two trim levels, Plus and Ultimate. Standard features include wireless smartphone charging, heated front and rear seats, cruise control, dual zone climate control, and lots of safety equipment.
Fabric seats come as standard but the XC40 Recharge Ultimate gets more sophisticated suede style seats. Other features include an opening panoramic glass roof, Harman Kardon sound system and 360-degree parking camera.
The XC40 Recharge was built on a multi-energy platform but it's still roomy enough for a mid-size SUV, with two large footwells in the rear. The large transmission tunnel makes it a bit more awkward for a middle seat passenger to place their feet comfortably. The middle seat is also quite narrow.
The boot offers 452 litres of space which is a bit less than a BMW iX1. But the XC40 does offer an extra 31 litres under the bonnet, which is handy for storing charging cables. A powered tailgate also comes as standard.
Driving the XC40 Recharge
The electric XC40 is available with a choice of batteries, and there are single and dual motor versions available. The single motor XC40 Recharge on test uses a 69kWh battery and is a more affordable entry into the range for buyers who do not require all wheel drive.
It offers adequate performance for a mid-size electric SUV with 231hp available and the 0 to 100km/h sprint completed in 7.4 seconds. The official electric driving range for the XC40 Recharge is 425 kilometres (WLTP). Though that seems a bit ambitious, particularly in colder winter weather. The XC40's energy consumption could be better.
But there's still plenty of driving between charges and it is one of the nicest electric SUVs you can drive. It feels very natural from behind the wheel. It carries over much of the qualities that make the XC40 an award-winner. That means it's very comfortable and refined. Journeys are completed with ease.
When it comes to charging, DC fast charging is possible up to about 150kW, and AC charging is possible up to 11kW.
Every XC40 also comes with a Plugsurfing card that allows you to use over 200,000 charge points across Ireland and Europe with just one access card.
Did you like it?
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is extremely likeable. It has classy looks and an equally upmarket cabin that's finished to a high standard and features some great on-board tech.
The electric XC40 offers a great driving experience, proving to be a capable and comfortable companion no matter what the weather (or the road, for that matter). It's not the most efficient electric SUV but there's still plenty of driving between charges.
For buyers in the market for a premium mid-size electric SUV, the XC40 Recharge is impossible to ignore. It's well-priced against competitors, with lots of standard equipment.
Volvo will also sell you a more expensive dual motor version with more power. But the single motor XC40 on test will make a lot more sense to more people, while still offering good performance from behind the wheel.
For buyers seeking something a little more stylish and exclusive, there is also the new Volvo C40, which uses the same battery and underpinnings as the XC40.
Model tested: Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate
Price: €53,980 (After SEAI Grant Deduction)
Battery: 69 kWh
Range: 425 km (WLTP)
Power: 231hp
Torque: 330Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.4 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
Kia Niro EV Review
Read Caroline’s Kia Niro EV review for everything you need to know about buying Kia's new electric crossover in Ireland.
Kia in Ireland has strengthened their range once again with the arrival of the new Kia Niro. It's the second generation of the popular crossover and just like before, it offers customers a few unique flavours.
This new model is already an award winner, having been awarded Irish Small Crossover/SUV of the Year at the Irish Car of the Year awards.
The new Niro is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and the jewel of the range is undoubtedly the new Niro EV.
With a 64.8kWh battery, the new Niro EV can drive electric up to about 460 kilometres (WLTP). It goes on sale priced from €41,775.
Let's take a closer look.
Styling
The Kia Niro has had a serious makeover for this new generation. It's longer, higher and wider than the car it replaces. Niro has evolved into a very handsome car, with more angles and a futuristic front end that takes inspiration from Kia's new design language. Roof rails, black painted wheel arches and side door mouldings, and chrome coated front and rear skid plates give the Niro some more rugged crossover appeal. The closed radiator grille helps the Niro EV to stand out from the Niro Plug-in Hybrid.
There are two trim levels offered for Niro EV - K3 and K4. The K3 has 17-inch alloy wheels, while the K4 gets a larger 18-inch set. All versions come with LED lights front and rear.
Interior
The cabin of the Niro EV has been transformed with a new generation Kia interior that's big on digital and high-tech features. Quality has improved even a bit more so it all looks tastefully put together. There's a full digital instrument cluster to keep the driver informed, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charger comes as standard, as do a reversing camera, automatic air con, heated front seats and heated steering wheel. Step up to K4 for even more luxury features like dual zone climate control, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, full synthetic leather interior, electric lumbar support, and a head-up display. There's also a full suite of standard safety features like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and highway driving assist.
Practicality
The new Niro EV has a longer wheelbase than the car it replaces so it feels a little bit roomier inside. For a compact crossover, the rear footwells are generously sized. It will be tight to sit three across the rear bench, but two adults will have enough room to get comfortable.
A powered tailgate comes as standard on the Niro EV K4 model and opens to reveal about 475 litres of space. That's more than the previous electric Niro and it's considerably more than the Niro Plug-in Hybrid! There's even a small storage compartment under the front bonnet.
Battery
There’s just one battery available for Niro EV and it's 64.8kWh offering a projected range of up to 460 kilometres (WLTP). In real world driving this might be a little optimistic but it still offers an excellent range for a compact electric crossover. It's also relatively efficient on the move, with consumption averaging about 17.8kWh per 100 kilometres during my time with the car.
Charging
DC fast charging is available for the Niro EV up to 72kW, while there is also a 7.2 kW on-board charger for AC charging.
Driving
The latest Niro is built on a new platform that allows for improvements to the suspension and steering compared to the previous version of the car. This makes for a more responsive and enjoyable drive. Niro EV feels agile on the road and a little more fun to drive than the Niro Plug-in Hybrid. The electric Niro is also the most powerful of the range with 204hp. It feels nippy in town, while also getting up to speed quickly on motorways. Overall refinement is good as well thanks to more insulation and padding around the vehicle’s structure. Niro EV also feels more settled and comfortable on the road than the Niro Plug-in Hybrid.
Pricing
The Kia Niro EV K3 is available from €41,775, while the Niro EV K4 is available from €44,990. It is the most expensive model to buy of the range compared to the Niro Hybrid (from €37,700) and the Niro Plug-in Hybrid (from €39,700). But all Niros come exceptionally well-equipped.
Summary
The Kia Niro EV has been one of Ireland's most popular electric models for some time now and now it has evolved into a more desirable car than ever before.
While there hasn't been a big step forward in the battery and range offered, it's still very competitive among rivals in these areas, testament to what a great buy the electric Niro has been from the start and why it's always been a much sought after model.
But big improvements have been made now in the Niro's design, interior and on the road performance. Combined, they make this car more modern and desirable than before.
The Niro EV also happens to be the pick of the Niro range. It doesn't cost too much more to buy than the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, yet offers an excellent zero emissions powertrain, more boot space and is nicer to drive.
It's a win win for the new Kia Niro EV! It's not cheap but it's a great offering.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Nissan Ariya Review
Read Caroline's Nissan Ariya review for everything you need to know about buying Nissan's new electric SUV in Ireland.
It's over 10 years since Nissan launched the Leaf in Ireland, the brand's first mass market electric car. At the time, electric cars were still on the fringes. Today they account for just under 15% of the Irish new car market, and the tide has definitely turned in their favour.
In recent years Nissan has become synonymous with family crossovers and SUVS like the popular Nissan Qashqai and the X-Trail. Now they look to drive on the electric revolution with the arrival of the new Nissan Ariya, a new large electric SUV.
The new Nissan Ariya will be available in Ireland with the choice of a 63kWh battery (from €48,995) or 87kWh battery (from €66,995). The electric driving range varies from up to about 402 kilometres (WLTP) for the Ariya 63kWh and up to about 529 kilometres (WLTP) for the Ariya 87kWh, though in real world driving those figures will be somewhat ambitious.
All-wheel drive is also available, though standard versions are front wheel drive.
What's so special about the Nissan Ariya?
Just look at it! The Ariya is one of the best-looking electric SUVs you can buy, offering a futuristic spin on Nissan's latest design language.
Nissan bill the Ariya as a 'coupé-crossover' and there's certainly elegance to how the roofline slopes off dramatically to the rear of the car. It's an impressive vehicle from every angle.
In Ireland, the Ariya goes on sale in two trim levels, Advance and Evolve. 19-inch alloy wheels come as standard, while Evolve models get a larger 20-inch set.
There's a range of colours available including two special paints developed just for Ariya - Akatsuki Copper and Aurora Green. There are some bi-tone options too with a contrasting black roof.
But it's inside where the Ariya really shines. It has one of the most upmarket cabins we've seen to date from Nissan and easily surpasses the competition for style and quality.
The Ariya is longer, taller and wider than a Qashqai, so it feels bigger inside with generous space in the second row.
Inside the new Ariya
Built in Japan, the Ariya has one of Nissan's best interiors to date. It feels more sophisticated than a Qashqai for example, with a stylish design and a stunning use of high-quality materials.
There's a large touchscreen as standard with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charger, intelligent personal assistance technology and a full digital instrument cluster - all which add to the high-tech ambience.
Ariya inside feels premium and well-appointed, which does elevate it above the likes of the Tesla Model Y and the Volkswagen ID.4. Neat features include a sliding centre console and a tray table that slips elegantly out of the dash at the push of a button.
Evolve models add more luxury features like part synthetic suede seats, digital rear view mirror, head-up display and ProPILOT Park. There’s also ventilated (heat and cooled) front seats, heated rear seats, power memory mirrors, power memory driver and passenger 8-way seats, Bose 10-speaker sound system and a panoramic sunroof.
Is it practical?
Built on a new EV platform, the interior of the Ariya has a lounge-like feel. Up front, you sit high with the classic driving position of an SUV. It feels very spacious and roomy, and rear legroom is excellent making it a great family car. The sloping roofline doesn't impact rear headroom too much either.
Seating three across the rear bench is entirely possible thanks to the dedicated EV platform that sees a flat floor throughout, and no annoying transmission tunnel.
Boot space in front wheel drive Ariyas is 466 litres, which is a bit off the pace of a Volkswagen ID.4 but still usable. All wheel drive versions offer a more compact 408 litres of boot space. But unlike the Model Y, the Nissan Ariya does not have a frunk under the front bonnet.
A handy powered tailgate comes as standard on the Ariya Evolve.
Driving the Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is built on a new platform and was tuned for Europe. It offers a sublimely comfortable and refined drive from behind the wheel. It is easily more comfortable over the tarmac than a Tesla Model Y. While refinement is similar to the ID.4, the Ariya offers a better cabin experience overall making it a nicer place to spend time on longer journeys. It's also agile for its size and easy to manoeuvre.
If there is one area where the Ariya could be better, that's efficiency. Despite its sleek aerodynamic body and bespoke electric vehicle architecture, the consumption remained stubbornly above 20kWh per 100 kilometres during my time with the car. So the range quoted in the brochure may be a tad optimistic, yet there's still plenty of driving to be had between charges.
And when it does come to charging, DC fast charging is available up to 130kW. There is a 7.4kW onboard AC charger, with the option of upgrading to a 22kW unit for faster AC charging.
There's lots of safety equipment on board like a 360° Around View Monitor, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Intervention. There’s also Intelligent Emergency Braking (Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection, Junction Assist), Rear Emergency Braking and cross traffic alert technology.
Other standard features include ProPilot with Navi-Link, and the e-Pedal, which allows one pedal driving using only the accelerator.
Did you like it?
The Nissan Ariya is a remarkable comeback for Nissan, a brand which pioneered electric vehicles with the Leaf but failed to keep up when the market was hit with a slew of new electric vehicles from European and Korean car brands.
Until now. The Ariya hits the market just perfectly, with a large SUV that is an excellent alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Tesla Model Y. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but it has one of the most comfortable and upmarket cabins in this company.
Crucially it's desirable in a way the Leaf never quite reached. That's kerb appeal for you. It could be more efficient but there's still plenty of driving to be enjoyed between charges, along with silky refinement that makes it one of the best Nissans yet.
Model tested: Nissan Ariya 87kWh Evolve
Price: €66,995
Battery: 87kWh
Range: 529 km (WLTP)
Power: 242hp
Torque: 300Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.6 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
BMW iX1 Review
The new BMW iX1 will arrive in Ireland in early 2023 and joins a burgeoning line-up of electric BMWs including the BMW i4, iX and iX3.
The launch of the new iX1 coincides with a new generation of the popular BMW X1, which is also available with petrol and diesel engines, as well as next generation BMW plug-in hybrid technology that is capable of up to about 89 kilometres of electric driving alone.
The new iX1 is the brand's first electric compact SUV and will go on sale priced from €63,995.
So what does the new iX1 have to offer Irish new car buyers? Caroline travelled to Munich with BMW to drive the new iX1 ahead of its official arrival in Ireland.
Styling
The iX1 looks great with a solid, muscular look that sits well on its compact frame. It looks like a genuine member of BMW's X range of SUVs, with modern sleek surfacing and trademark BMW design cues like the large, square kidney grille and new LED light clusters front and rear. All versions of the new BMW iX1 and X1 look similar, with the iX1 distinguished by a closed kidney grille and blue trim, which can be deselected to leave just a subtle blue outline to the BMW badge.
Improving efficiency has been a key part of the development of the new iX1 and X1 so features like the air curtains at the front and new flush door handles are designed to help improve aerodynamics. Buyers will be able to choose from xLine and M Sport trim lines across the new iX1 range. xLine models are more ruggedly styled, while M Sport models are the sportiest with a cleaner and more urban look. Alloy wheel sizes vary from 17-inch to 20-inch for the very first time. There's a range of paint options available including a new ‘frozen’ paint option from BMW Individual.
Interior
The new iX1 and X1 get a new generation BMW interior that looks a lot more modern than the previous generation of the X1. The BMW Curved Display is a stunning new feature that comes from other new BMWs like the i4 and new 3 Series. Two digital screens come together to give a fashionable widescreen effect, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The control display uses the latest BMW Operating System 8 so there are less buttons and the voice control works better than before. Even the ventilation controls are accessed from the screen. Wireless smartphone charging also features.
The quality of the cabin is excellent with lots of plush materials and some more rugged design cues like large grab handles and textured decorative inserts in the doors. There’s also a new floating armrest with storage and a new rocker switch for the gear selection. All together, it's a stylish and comfortable cabin for the new iX1 and X1.
Practicality
The iX1 is well-designed so it feels roomy inside for a compact SUV. There's no difference in cabin space between the electric iX1 and petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the X1. In fact, a longer wheelbase in this new generation means it feels a bit roomier inside than the previous X1. In the back there's plenty of legroom and headroom for adults, and an almost flat floor making it more comfortable for a middle seat passenger. Fuel versions of the X1 have the largest boot at an impressive 540 litres. The iX1 only loses about 50 litres, and the 490-litre boot remains very practical for an electric compact SUV.
Battery
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 uses a 64.7kWh battery, with a projected range of up to 440 kilometres (WLTP) on a single battery charge. There are two electric motors, one on each axle, giving the best performance of the range with a power output of 313hp and the 0 to 100 km/h sprint done in just 5.7 seconds.
Charging
DC rapid charging is possible up to 127 kW, so you could charge the battery from 10 to 80% in about 29 minutes. An 11kW AC on-board charger is also standard.
On the road
The BMW iX1 feels great from behind the wheel. It's swift with the full 313hp possible to access in short bursts from a 'Boost' paddle on the steering wheel along with some augmented sound to add to the fun and drama of it! It's a heavy car but the iX1 does a good job of feeling athletic and supple on the road - we wouldn't expect anything less from BMW. There's some lean in the corners but matched with superb grip, the iX1 turns out to be quite a natural and engaging drive for a compact electric SUV. The electric powertrain suits it well, offering a quieter and more refined drive than the X1 diesel for example.
Pricing
The new BMW iX1 is available from €63,995. Petrol versions start from about €46,415 for the X1 sDrive20i (170hp) Sport and from about €47,185 for the X1 sDrive18d (150hp) Sport. The X1 xDrive23i (218hp) xLine is available from €56,815 and the X1 xDrive23d (211hp) xLine is available from €54,635. The X1 xDrive25e (245hp) plug-in hybrid will be available from €50,610 and can be driven electric for a range of up to about 89 kilometres alone. There's also an xDrive30e (326hp) plug-in hybrid available from €55,755. M Sport models are available from €53,465.
Summary
The new BMW iX1 is one of the most eagerly anticipated new models of 2023. It will be a formidable contender in the market for premium compact SUVs. It scores high for desirability with its handsome styling and sporty handling making it one of the nicest electric SUVs to drive. What's more, the new generation BMW interior is brimming with technology and is comfortable and spacious for a family SUV.
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions package much of the new X1's charm but it's the iX1 that feels like the right car at the right time for the growing market for upmarket electric SUVs.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Ora Funky Cat Review (2023)
The Ora Funky Cat is a new compact electric car expected to arrive in Ireland before the end of the year. The Funky Cat will be available with two different battery sizes and will go on sale priced from €31,995, including the grant for electric vehicles.
Ora is a Chinese car brand that's part of the Great Wall Motor (GWM) group and it's one of the newest car brands to arrive in Ireland and Europe. The IM Group will be responsible for distributing the new Funky Cat in Ireland, adding to their brand portfolio that already includes Subaru.
Caroline travelled to Birmingham to drive the new Ora Funky Cat ahead of its official arrival in Ireland.
Styling
The Ora Funky Cat is designed as a compact hatchback - but a very stylish one. It might look like a supermini but it's actually similar in size to a Volkswagen ID.3. At the front, there are striking details like the circular headlights, reminiscent of another famous small car! The bonnet has some quite sporty looking detail and there is a sleekness and shine to this car that will surely put a smile on your face. The Ora logo is an enigmatic exclamation mark and appears on the bonnet and the alloy wheel caps. 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. At the back, there is an unusual fully integrated light bar in the windscreen and a mid-mounted fog lamp finishes off the upscale look. Later in 2023, a GT model will become available with more sporty features.
Interior
Ora pitches the Funky Cat as an upmarket compact car and the interior certainly mostly lives up to that. It strikes a good balance between feeling spacious, but also cosy and well-appointed. A black interior comes as standard, while there is the option of two-tone colour schemes that add a fashionable bespoke look to the cabin of the Funky Cat. Stylish touches include the rotary dial for the gear selection and the chrome switches in the dash. There is some stylish quilting in the doors, suede-style fabric finish to the dashboard, and the quilted leatherette seats are another highlight.
Where the Funky Cat really excels is in onboard technology. There is a widescreen set up behind the steering wheel that incorporates the digital driver display and the touchscreen for the infotainment and voice control that responds to commands of 'Hello Ora'. Wireless smartphone charging is also included as standard as well as high-tech features like a reversing camera, 360 degree surround cameras and even facial recognition to personalise your settings to the car.
Practicality
The Ora Funky Cat comes with five doors as standard. It feels roomy up front for a compact car, while the back seat is much more spacious than small electric cars like the Fiat 500e and the Peugeot e-208. The Funky Cat is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and the floor in the back is flat giving everyone on board some great legroom. It doesn't feel too cramped for headroom either.
The boot measures 228 litres, which is small for a compact car. It's bigger than a Fiat 500e, but smaller than something like a Peugeot e-208 and significantly smaller than the likes of a Renault Megane E-TECH, MG4 or Volkswagen ID.3. Still, it will work for some lifestyles and you can let the rear seats down. There is also a small bit of underfloor storage for a set of charging cables.
Battery
The Funky Cat is available with two different battery sizes. The range kicks off with the 48 kWh 300 PRO (priced from €31,995) with a range of 310 kilometres (WLTP). The price rises to €39,995 for the 63 kWh 400 PRO+ with a range of 420 kilometres (WLTP).
Charging
The new Cat can charge up to 11kW (AC) and up to 67kW (DC). A standard CCS port comes as standard for all Funky Cats sold in Europe.
On the road
The Ora Funky Cat uses a 171hp motor to send power to the front wheels, making it a secure and swift compact hatchback on the road, no matter which version you go for. There's 250Nm of torque available and the 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in just over 8 seconds, going on to a top speed of 160 km/h. There's certainly power when you want it, and it feels nippy and capable, whether in town or on the motorway. It rides well for a small electric car too, offering a smooth and comfortable drive for the most part. Refinement out on the motorway could be better, with a fair bit of noise entering the cabin at high speeds. Steering provides some feel and there's lots of front end grip. Despite some lean in corners, it remains a fun and agile compact electric car. I was driving the 48 kWh 300 PRO version, which showed about 300 kilometres of range when I got into to it with a full battery. It seems reasonably efficient as well, averaging about 17.4 kWh per 100 kilometres during my time with the car.
Pricing
The Ora Funky Cat goes on sale priced from €31,995 including grants for the 300 PRO version with a 48 kWh battery and 310 km (WLTP) of range. It's exceptionally well-equipped with lots of high-tech interior features, safety equipment, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The 400 PRO+ version is available from €39,995 including grants with a 63kWh battery and 420 km (WLTP) of range. It has even more luxurious features as standard including heated steering wheel, heated front seats with massage function, powered tailgate and a panoramic glass roof.
Summary
In Ireland, expect a dealership to open in Dublin very soon where the Ora Funky Cat will be available for test drive, followed by locations in Cork and Galway before the end of the year.
The Funky Cat is a stylish and charismatic addition to the market for compact electric cars in Ireland. It's a car that leads with style and high-tech features as standard, while the interior fit and finish with its myriad of colour options give it an upmarket feel.
Depending on which version you go for, the Funky Cat falls into two arenas when it comes to rivals. At the lower end of the scale it compares well to small EVs, offering bespoke style, a high specification, and a lot more passenger room in the back. The battery range is competitive as opposed to outstanding, but the Funky Cat has enough charm to be in contention.
Go for the more expensive version with the larger battery, and there's a more impressive 420 kilometre range yet the Funky Cat's small boot may hold it back from family buyers in the market for a good value, compact electric vehicle.
Ora is positioned as a more premium brand in the market so for buyers looking for a stylish and well-appointed small electric car that's a little bit different to the competition, then the new Funky Cat is definitely worth a look.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Polestar 2 Review
Read Caroline's Polestar 2 review for everything you need to know about buying the new electric car from Polestar in Ireland.
Polestar is one of Ireland's newest car brands, which launched here earlier in 2022. The first car to market here is of course the Polestar 2, a Tesla Model 3 rivalling premium electric car.
Since July, the brand has already registered over 100 new cars here, but expect that to rise quickly with the opening of their first retail location in Ireland in Sandyford, Dublin. Called 'Polestar Space', it's where prospective buyers can view the car and take it for a test drive before starting the online process of buying the car.
The new Polestar 2 goes on sale in Ireland priced from €51,135 after the SEAI grant is applied. There's a choice of standard range and long range batteries, and single and dual motor versions.
What's so special about the Polestar 2?
Polestar was established as a new, standalone Swedish premium electric vehicle manufacturer in 2017. Founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding, Polestar cars share technology and engineering with Volvo Cars.
That's good provenance but the most striking thing about the Polestar 2 is surely its design. For the brand's first mass production electric car, Polestar has created a stylish sedan-style vehicle but with some of the more fashionable design cues of this era - without turning it into an SUV.
The Polestar's compact proportions give it grace and elegance, while the raised ride height and more rugged styling features like cladding around the wheel arches and sills give it more presence than your average hatchback. There's a tasteful palette of neutral shades to go with it.
The Volvo family DNA is indeed evident in the design - see those confident lines and upright front grille and rear - but with the prestigious stamp of the new Polestar brand.
Polestar is cool, no doubts. Their enigmatic logo appears in various places around the outside and inside of the car. At the back a full width light bar gives the car its own characteristic style.
19-inch wheels, signature LED light designs front and rear and frameless mirrors make all variants largely indistinguishable from each other.
All in all, it's a cool Scandi alternative to the likes of the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Inside the Polestar 2
For anyone familiar with the latest Volvos, the interior of the new Polestar 2 will feel quite familiar. But the design of the Polestar 2 means it feels sportier behind the wheel. The cabin is cosy with quite a high centre console, which enhances the sporty vibe. It feels well made with some nice sustainable materials used also.
The steering wheel bears the Polestar emblem, which also appears in what we think might be the world's most beautiful gear selector! There's a full digital driver display and portrait style touchscreen that's also used in the latest generation Volvo cars. The touchscreen uses a Google operating system - it was the first car in the world to do so. It's a very nice system to use with in-built Google maps and services.
Other standard features include a premium stereo with 8 speakers, front- and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. There are a number of packs that add more equipment.
The Polestar 2 will seat five but it's fair to say that two will be most comfortable in the back. There is a prominent centre tunnel, which gives the car the feel of an elite sports sedan, but eats into legroom. A Tesla Model 3 feels a bit more spacious inside - but not by much.
The boot is a practical hatchback-style opening and offers 405 litres, which is on par with a lot of family hatchbacks and small SUVs. There’s a handy divider that is easy to slide up from the boot floor to separate items. A powered tailgate comes as standard.
Polestar has also include a 41 litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet, which is handy for storing the charging cables.
Driving the Polestar 2
The new Polestar 2 is based on Volvo Car Group’s adaptable Compact Modular Architecture platform (CMA), which is also used by the Volvo XC40 and Volvo C40. It shares the same batteries - 69kWh or 78kWh. The best for range is the single motor version with the 78kWh long range battery, with up to 551 kilometres (WLTP) possible (from €56,135).
On test was the Polestar 2 with 78kWh, long range battery and dual motors. It is the most expensive of the range (from €63,850), but offers the best performance of the range with a whopping 408hp and the 0-100 kmh sprint completed in just 4.7 seconds. The projected range is up to 487 kilometres (WLTP).
But the performance of single motor versions is hardly shabby with both offering 231hp and the 0-100 kmh sprint in 7.4 seconds.
The Polestar 2 feels neat and agile on the road, offering a high-end driving experience behind the wheel. It cruises effortlessly at high speeds on the motorway. The ride is good on these smooth road surfaces, though it can feel a bit firm over any bumps or imperfections in the road surface.
All the controls are nicely weighted so it feels natural to drive. One pedal driving is possible, which means the car will gently come to a stop when you lift off the accelerator without having to touch the brake.
You can also adjust the steering feel but it's not quite as entertaining to drive as a BMW i4 or as outright 'fast' as a Tesla Model 3. Still, it's a balanced drive that leaves little to complain about.
Polestar 2 comes equipped with an 11 kW onboard charger, which gives more flexibility in AC charging. DC fast charging is available up to 150 kW, for an 80% charge in 35 minutes. It will take about 11 hours to charge the Polestar 2 at 7 kW from a wallbox installed at home for example.
Did you like it?
The Polestar 2 is one of the most anticipated new cars of 2022 and it doesn't disappoint. It's a very welcome addition to the market, offering a slick design and clever cabin, long range and fast charging. That makes it impossible to ignore for buyers looking for one of the best electric cars on sale at the moment.
Some are a bit more spacious or a bit more fun to drive, but the Polestar is a brand you buy into because you like they way they design cars and how they sell them too.
Single motor versions look like the best value and provide adequate performance, though of course dual motor acceleration is fun! But it's the sophistication of this car's cruising ability and cabin refinement that make it a stylish and capable executive car.
If you sit in and love the cabin of this car, that's probably enough already.
Welcome Polestar!
Model tested: Polestar 2 long range, dual motor
Price: €63,850
Battery: 78 kWh
Range: 487 km (WLTP)
Power: 408hp
Torque: 660Nm
Top speed: 205 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.7 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