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
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
DS 4 Review
Read Caroline's DS 4 review for everything you need to know about buying the new premium hatchback from DS.
DS Automobiles has made a comeback to Ireland now under the stewardship of Irish multi-brand motoring distributor Gowan Auto. The first ever DS Store is now open in Dublin giving the brand a home in Ireland that was missing during previous attempts to gain traction in the Irish market.
The range of DS cars and SUVs has also expanded in the right direction. Already the brand has brought new crossovers and SUVs to market like the quirky DS 3 compact crossover and the large DS 7 SUV, as well as a new flagship saloon - the DS 9. Their range is also notable for all-electric models like the DS 3 E-TENSE and plug-in hybrid technology.
Now part of the Stellantis Group, DS is positioned as a French premium brand to rival the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Tough competition. What we've seen so far from the brand has been good but has not always fully lived up to those premium aspirations.
But now DS looks set to be launching their most premium car yet - the new DS 4. Priced from €37,295, the DS 4 takes on other high-end hatchbacks like the Audi A3 Sportback and the BMW 1 Series.
But can it deliver? It was time to take the new DS 4 for a drive to find out!
What's so special about the DS 4?
The DS 4 is a glorious hatchback with some serious style and road presence. At the front, there is a large grille bearing the DS logo flanked by slim LED headlights and dramatic daytime running lights. Some versions like the top of the range Performance Line+ and Rivoli get more advanced matrix LED headlights, as well as scrolling rear indicators.
It does stand out well against competitors like the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series. Maybe it's the slightly more flamboyant French style - cue the jewel-like rear LED lights and flush chrome door handles that pop out to meet you as you approach the car. There's a lot of detail in this car, so it does continue to surprise as you get to spend more time with it.
There are a range of paint colours to choose from with some of the best being Velvet Red Metallic, Lacquered Grey and Pearl White. For Ireland there is a great selection of trim levels. They vary in equipment, alloy wheel designs, interior trims and upholstery, with very French names like Bastille, Trocadero and Rivoli. Performance and Performance Line+ are the sportiest looking of the bunch with exterior trim in black and black alloy wheels.
All but the very entry model get 19-inch alloy wheels, with the option of 20-inch for maximum impact.
The DS 4 is also available with a fine complement of engines including high-powered petrols and plug-in hybrids.
But it's inside where the DS 4 has moved up a gear and now feels like a new breed of premium car from the French brand.
Inside the DS 4
A premium car should instantly make you feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. The DS 4 does that and feels more luxurious inside than anything we've seen from the brand to date.
There is an avant-garde finish to the interior of the DS 4 with a generous use of Alcantara across the dashboard, doors and seats of Performance Line models. This gives the cabin a plush and high-end feel that moves it above more mainstream hatchbacks. There's no scratchy hard plastics visible and the fit and finish feels worthy of the car's positioning.
The design is also full of interesting details like the subtle air vents and discrete buttons for operating the windows and the climate control. It's certainly different but this layout is not immediately logical and does require a little bit of getting used to.
There is a small digital instrument cluster for the driver and Trocadero models and above also get a useful head-up display. In the centre of the dash there is a slim touchscreen with DS-specific graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Cloth seats come as standard but it's worth going up to Performance Line for the gorgeous Alcantara version with Performance Line branding.
The DS 4 offers seating for five and offers adequate space in the back for a compact hatchback. It's not quite as roomy as the DS 7 for example, but adults will easily be able to get comfortable with just enough headroom and legroom.
The boot is at its biggest in petrol and diesel models offering 430 litres of space. That's good for this class of vehicle. But go for a plug-in hybrid and it dips to about 390 litres, which is a bit more average - but not completely useless either!
Driving the DS 4
DS Automobiles Ireland is selling the DS 4 with a range of engines from launch. The range kicks off with the 1.2-litre Puretech turbo petrol engine with a modest 130hp. However, go up to Performance Line and the range expands to offer a 1.5-litre diesel with 130hp or a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid with 225hp.
Opt for Performance Line+ or Rivoli and you'll find what is my pick of the bunch - the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with 180hp.
But no matter which version you go for, all come with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Buyers expect more power from a premium car and the DS 4 Puretech 180 offers all that. It's a four cylinder engine so is naturally more refined than the 1.2-litre three cylinder option in the DS 4. It's feels more smooth and powerful on the road and it sounds better.
The DS 4 Puretech 180 can still post some very impressive fuel figures as the engine is never under huge effort to deliver power across motorway, town and country driving. Over a week of driving I averaged about 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
On the road, the DS 4 offers impressive levels of grip and offers a mature and comfortable drive. The refinement is excellent helped by acoustic glazing in the windscreen (some models have it in the front windows too). So it offers a very high-end driving experience behind the wheel.
Hybrid models come with the DS Scan Suspension, which uses a camera to monitor the road ahead and then adjusts the suspension settings based on that for a smoother and more comfortable drive.
But even on standard suspension the DS covers the tarmac like a true professional without any annoying firmness. Yet it's a controlled drive, offering plenty of grip and stability through corners.
Did you like it?
The DS 4 is the DS brand's most convincing model to date.
The DS 4 is a good alternative now to premium hatchbacks like the 1 Series, A Class and A3 - with a refreshing French twist. The interior technology may not be as glamourous as the A-Class or as user-friendly as the 1 Series, but it is upmarket and distinct enough to be considered in the same company.
It's the driving experience that really helps the DS 4 to stand out, offering excellent comfort, power and refinement from behind the wheel in the 1.6 petrol model tested for Changing Lanes.
Like rivals, the DS 4 carries a premium for style and quality, but this time DS delivers.
Model tested: DS 4 Performance Line+ 1.6 Puretech 180
Price: €52,445
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo petrol
Power: 181hp
Torque: 250Nm
Top speed: 230 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8 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
Peugeot 408 Review
The new Peugeot 408 will arrive in Ireland in early 2023 and is a brand new model for the French car brand. It will join the 308 and 3008 in Peugeot's C-segment offering.
The 408 is positioned as a more stylish and exclusive fastback-style model for buyers seeking an alternative to an SUV. It will go on sale in Ireland priced from €39,995 and will be available with petrol and plug-in hybrid engines from launch, with an electric version to join the range at a later date.
So what does the new 408 have to offer Irish new car buyers? Caroline travelled to Barcelona with Peugeot to drive the new 408 plug-in hybrid ahead of its official arrival in Ireland.
Styling
The new 408 is just one more in a long line of very stylish new models from Peugeot - but could be the brand's most dramatic yet. It's now the second model to wear the new Peugeot 'lion shield' logo. Styled as a fastback, the 408 measures just under 4.7 metres in length. It's a bit wider than a 308 and has a slightly more flamboyant grille at the front that's the same colour as the bodywork and framed by slim LED headlights (Matrix LED on GT) and fang-like daytime running lights. It sits a bit higher off the ground than a 308 with some crossover-inspired styling cues like cladding around the wheel arches and sills. At the back the roof slopes down to the boot lid in an elegant coupé-style and there's a large contrasting grey bumper, which gives an aggressive and sporty stance to the car.
The 408 has a lot of presence and looks best in a metallic hue like Obsession Blue, which is available at no extra cost. Alloy wheel sizes will be available from 17-inch up to optional 20-inch with a special geometric design. In Ireland, there are three trim levels available for the 408: Allure, Allure Pack and GT.
Interior
Inside, the 408 has a similar cabin design to the 308 but the extra width of the car gives it a little more mature feeling behind the wheel. The cabin wraps around the driver for a cosy, driver-focused feel. The cabin quality is excellent throughout with elegant trim details in the doors and dashboard. A full digital driver display comes as standard, and a large 10-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. It's a latest generation Peugeot interior with the brand's unusual 'i-Cockpit' arrangement where the driver looks over the compact steering wheel at the driver display. Always worth trying before you buy to make sure this is a comfortable driving position for you!
Fabric and leather-effect seats with mint stitching come as standard, while Allure Pack models get Alcantara and leather-effect seats with green stitching, and GT models have the choice of black or stylish blue 'Naboo' leather. High-tech driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Night Vision, which warns of animals, pedestrians or cyclists ahead before they appear in the high beam, long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres), and Rear Traffic Alert.
Practicality
The wheelbase is longer than a 308 so the 408 scores really well for rear legroom. It's a bit wider as well, so seating three should be more comfortable. Headroom is just slightly compromised for the sake of that sloping roof line towards the rear of the car. The boot is also a very good size. The petrol versions are best for boot space at 536 litres, but plug-in hybrid versions still manage 471 litres. The opening is wide and the sill quite low too for loading things in and out easily. A powered tailgate is standard on the 408 GT.
Engines
The new 408 will be available in Ireland with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 130hp or as a range-topping plug-in hybrid with either 180hp or 225hp. All models are front wheel drive and come with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The hybrids can be charged to give an electric driving range of up to about 60 kilometres.
Charging
There's a 3.7kW on-board charger with the option of a 7.4kW version for faster AC charging. With the standard charger it will take about 3.5 hours to charge to full from a wallbox or 5.5 hours from a 3-pin plug.
On the road
The 408 drives with maturity on the road, offering a big car feel from a compact model. It feels a bit more comfortable and planted in the corners thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider track than a 308. At the launch, I tested the range-topping plug-in hybrid with 225hp, which offers a pleasant delivery of power and responsiveness. It was a smooth drive over the Spanish tarmac and very quiet on the road, no doubt helped by an acoustic windscreen as standard and additional laminated side windows on Allure Pack and GT models. There's some lean in corners but impressive amounts of grip and well-weighted steering make it agile and secure through bends for all types of driving. You can drive the hybrid in electric mode for up to about 60 kilometres, and it seems efficient even when running in the hybrid mode.
Pricing
The 408 Allure 1.2 petrol will go on sale from €39,995. The same power option with Allure Pack will be available from €41,995, while the top of the range GT model will be available from €44,995. The plug-in hybrid with 180hp is available from €44,995. The range-topping plug-in hybrid with 225hp is available from €52,495 (GT only).
Summary
The Peugeot 408 is a great addition to the Peugeot range and offers a spacious and stylish alternative to an SUV. The fastback design is very appealing and the 408 will stand out as something very different on Irish roads for quite some time. There are plenty of SUVs hovering around the 408's price range but this car has great presence and offers a lot of rear legroom and boot space that make it very practical as well. It might sport some very dramatic styling but it's no folly. There are subtle differences to the cabin and driving experience compared to a 308 - all of them good. Peugeot has gone up in the world and the 408 will fill a very pleasant niche within the range.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Peugeot 308 Review
Read Caroline's Peugeot 308 review for everything you need to know about the latest version of Peugeot's popular hatchback to reach Ireland.
The new Peugeot 308 launched in Ireland earlier in 2022 and marks a new chapter for the French brand. Peugeot has chosen the new 308 as the first model to wear the brand's new 'lion shield' logo. Combined with a striking new design, digital interior and a range of on-point engine options, the 308 heralds a new generation of Peugeot cars that move the brand on once again in terms of design and quality.
It's been a long journey but Peugeot has been on the rise for some years now. Models like the Peugeot 2008 and the 3008 have become a regular sight on Irish roads, while the brand has also fully embraced the electric revolution with a range of new electric and hybrid models including the Peugeot e-208 and the 3008 Hybrid.
What's so special about the new Peugeot 308?
The latest generation of the 308 makes strides forward in design, technology and powertrain, with the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid for the very first time. We can also expect a full electric 308 before the end of 2023.
The new 308 goes on sale in Ireland priced from €31,765, which is a bit more than rivals like the Ford Focus or Opel Astra. But the 308 is more upmarket than both when it comes to the finish of the car. And all 308s sold in Ireland now come as standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Blessed by good looks, the new 308 has an immediately arresting presence. At the front, the grille is large and impressive, wearing the new Peugeot lion shield logo. LED headlamps and dramatic hook-like daytime running lights add impact. It's a little bit lower than the car it replaces, and appears sleeker and sportier. At the rear, there are new light clusters. Look closely and you'll see that they have a new 'claw' effect signature.
Olivine Green is a signature colour for the new 308 and comes as standard at no extra charge. All versions get alloy wheels, with mid-range Allure models sporting some lovely 17-inch diamond cut alloys.
Inside we see the next generation of the sporty Peugeot 'i-Cockpit', with a glossy new touchscreen and digital driver display.
Plug-in hybrids are the most expensive of the range but you can charge the battery and drive the 308 hybrid on electric power only for a range of up to about 60 kilometres.
But what's the 308 like in its simplest form, with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 130hp? There was only one way to find out.
Driving the 308
The new 308 sits on a new multi-energy platform that means it can be sold with petrol and diesel engines, as a plug-in hybrid, and as an upcoming electric e-308.
So the 308 offers buyers lots of options, if you like the look of the car. The entry into the range is the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 130hp. It's an award-winning engine and one we've tested many times in various different vehicles.
But it suits the 308 exceptionally well, feeling more powerful than what you might expect from a small capacity engine. Nippy and responsive, the 308 offers a new found maturity on the road. It's not the sharpest handling of these hatchbacks - an Opel Astra or a Ford Focus feel a bit more athletic on the road.
But the Peugeot majors on comfort and refinement, offering quite a high-end driving experience from behind the wheel, with the ease of an 8-speed automatic.
It's efficient too for a petrol automatic, averaging about 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres during my time with the car. But if you do a lot of high speed motorway driving, you might be interested in the 1.5-litre diesel with 130hp.
The 308 hybrid uses a 1.6-litre petrol electric powertrain and is available with two different power outputs - 180hp or 225hp.
Inside the Peugeot 308
The new Peugeot 308 is available in Ireland in three trim levels – Active, Allure and GT. It goes on sale priced from €31,765 for a 308 Active 1.2 petrol automatic with 130hp.
The mid-range Allure model is one of the best equipped and goes on sale from €35,705. But all versions get a new 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Allure models also get new 'i-Toggle' switches so you can create easy shortcuts to popular menus, like the ventilation controls for example.
Behind the wheel, the new 308 feels very upmarket and driver-focused. A lot of that is down to the new version of the Peugeot 'i-Cockpit'. You look over a new compact steering wheel at the new digital driver display. The graphics have been updated and there are a number of different views available. The driving position is unique but different, so worth getting in behind the wheel to make sure it's comfortable for you.
The design of the dashboard and centre console is stylish and quite avant-garde for the segment. The material quality also makes it feel a cut above some more mainstream rivals. Allure models get lovely ambient lighting and part-leather upholstery to make it feel more high-end.
The 308 will seat five but a longer wheelbase means there is now a bit more legroom than before. It's not the largest C-segment hatchback on the market, but it does offer adequate seating for adults in the rear. The boot opens to reveal 412 litres in petrol and diesel models, which is good for the segment. But in 308 hybrid models that is reduced to 360 litres. There's also the Peugeot 308 SW estate on sale that offers just a bit more practicality and looks great too.
Did you like it?
The Peugeot 308 has grown up and matured. It's one of the best-looking cars in the class, and that's probably a big reason why you will be attracted to it in the first place.
On looks alone, it can compete with other high-end hatchbacks like the Mazda 3 and Audi A3.
While it now commands a higher list price than some key rivals like the Astra and Focus, it's in the cabin where your money goes. The 308 offers a much more salubrious cabin experience, with a cosseted, quality feel throughout. The new i-Cockpit and 10-inch touchscreen look more stylish and modern than many rivals too.
The new 308 offers a great complement of practical power options, while being comfortable and refined. But it makes a lot of sense in its simplest form as a lively 1.2 petrol. The 8-speed automatic adds the premium touch.
The Peugeot 308 has come a long way. It's now one of the most stylish and quality hatchbacks you can buy, and a compelling alternative to the usual suspects in the compact class.
Model tested: Peugeot 308 1.2 Allure
Price: €35,705
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol
Power: 130hp
Torque: 230Nm
Top speed: 210km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 9.7 seconds
Motor Tax: €200 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Suzuki Swace Review
Read Caroline's Suzuki Swace review for everything you need to know about buying Suzuki's new estate car in Ireland.
Suzuki has launched a series of new models in Ireland this year, expanding into new segments and building their hybrid portfolio.
The Suzuki Swace has just gone on sale in Ireland this summer and is the Japanese brand's first ever estate car. Built as the result of a collaboration with Toyota, the new Swace shares a lot with the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.
Priced from €30,995, there's just one version of the Swace on sale in Ireland and it comes very well-equipped.
So the Swace is shaping up to be a practical and stylish alternative to an SUV at a great price. In this review we're going to take a closer look at Suzuki's new car.
What's so special about the Suzuki Swace?
Suzuki has some great cars in their line-up like the Swift and the Vitara. The Swace feels like an entirely different prospect because it shares so much with the Toyota Corolla, which has already been a big hit in Ireland.
On the outside the Swace is a sleek and good-looking estate. The car received many admiring glances during my time with it. In fact the position of the Suzuki badge on the bonnet gives the Swace an ever so slightly more appealing look when viewed head-on compared to the Corolla. LED headlights come as standard as do LED daytime running lights. There's also a big glossy black mesh grille.
Other standard features includes five-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, body-coloured door handles, and rear privacy glass. The Swace has the classic elongated shape of an estate car with quite a sporty rear end. At the back, the rear bumper gets a glossy black tip.
Estate cars like the Swace are a great alternative to an SUV. The Swace offers a great sized boot at 596 litres. It's only about 40 litres less than the boot in the Skoda Octavia Combi.
Swace is also fuel-sipping hybrid. And that means a lot these days. During my time with the car, I saw consumption as low as 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres, without trying very hard.
Inside the Swace
As we've discussed, the exterior of the new Suzuki Swace lacks originality. Inside it's pretty much the same story. Everything from the steering wheel to the dashboard, switchgear and infotainment comes from the Corolla. That's no bad thing as the design and quality of the Swace's interior does feel a step up from other cars in the Suzuki range.
The touchscreen and digital instrument cluster are borrowed from the Corolla too. The touchscreen comes as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can avoid the dull interface of the native system.
The Swace is only sold in one trim level and the good news is that it comes loaded with comfort features including dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, driver’s seat electric lumbar support, radar cruise control, reversing camera and push button start.
The Swace has a lot to offer anyone looking for a practical family car. The cabin is a bright and spacious with good headroom and legroom in the rear for a compact estate car. The rear bench can even seat three in reasonable comfort with enough legroom for all three passengers. There’s also separate ventilation controls in the back and Isofix anchors on the two outer seats.
The boot offers a lot of flexibility with a low sill, two position floor with reversible waterproof side. You can use the two position floor to create a flat loading sill or place it in the bottom of the boot to maximise the space available. Another handy feature are the switches in the boot to let down the rear seats, expanding the load carrying abilities to over 1600 litres.
What kind of hybrid is the Swace?
The Suzuki Swace has the advantage of being a fuel-sipping hybrid - but it's not a plug-in hybrid. It's a petrol-electric hybrid that doesn't require you to plug it in and charge it to return excellent economy. There's a low capacity battery on board that helps the car to run more efficiently, particularly in low speed town driving.
The Swace uses the same 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain as the Toyota Corolla and can return some impressive economy figures. There's a modest 122hp sent to the front wheels through a CVT automatic gearbox.
Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres, and that included some motorway runs. It's one of the most efficient cars I've driven in a while.
On the road the Swace is a steady and reliable drive. The automatic transmission makes it all rather effortless, though the CVT gearbox can get noisy under hard acceleration.
Instead, the Swace hybrid is more suited to a gentler pace, where you can enjoy this car for being a comfortable cruiser.
Did you like it?
In 2022, Suzuki has added a new S-Cross and Vitara Hybrid to the Suzuki range. The Swace is a brand new model and very accomplished.
While the brand hasn't done much to make the Swace stand out from the Corolla, they've taken a good car into the Suzuki stable and not done anything design-wise that would impact what a fabulous efficient car this is.
Suzuki in Ireland is selling the Swace in just one trim level and it's packed with equipment. It's just a few hundred euro less than a similarly specced Corolla estate.
Still, it's arguably got a slightly more appealing, high-tech appearance and will never be quite as ubiquitous as the equivalent Toyota.
And if you love Suzukis, you'll definitely enjoy this new addition to the range because it really has some of the best quality and design wearing a Suzuki badge.
The Swace has broad appeal and certainly offers a good value alternative to an SUV in a sleek and stylish estate car with a big boot.
Model tested: Suzuki Swace SZ-T
Price: €30,995
Engine: 1.8-litre petrol electric hybrid
Power: 122hp
Torque: Nm
Top speed: km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): seconds
CO2 emissions: 103g/km
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
Opel Astra Review
Read Caroline's Opel Astra review for everything you need to know about buying the popular Astra hatchback in Ireland.
The Opel Astra returns in 2022 with a new generation of Opel's perennial hatchback. Since the last version of the Astra was launched, Opel is now part of the Stellantis Group so this is a real fresh start for the Opel Astra. In Ireland, Opel also has a new distributor.
In recent years, SUVs have put the squeeze on cars like the Opel Astra and key rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla. But before SUVs and crossovers became fashionable, many kids would have grown up in the back of hatchbacks like this.
These days hatchbacks like the new Opel Astra look like good value beside a similarly sized SUV. In Ireland, the new Opel Astra goes on sale priced from a very attractive €27,995.
There are petrol and diesel engines from launch, but a hybrid is expected soon and a full electric Astra by the end of 2023.
What's so special about the Opel Astra?
Just look at it! The Astra is now one of the best looking hatchbacks you can buy. Since last year's Opel Mokka, Opel seems to have real direction now when it comes to styling. The design language is sharp and sporty, and the new Astra gets the new Opel 'face'. The brand calls it the 'Vizor' face and it's a gamechanger for Opel.
The Astra kind of harks back to some of the great Opels of the past, while being really modern too. A black panel stretches across the front of the car with the Opel blitz blacked out in SRI models like the one on test for Changing Lanes. There is a sharp charismatic crease in the bonnet that brings the front of the car together in a perfect V. The 'gill' effect in the C pillar is a nod to the Kadett, the Astra's predecessor.
LED lighting front and rear completes the great new look for the Opel Astra.
There are three trim levels - SC, SRI and Elite - which all alter the look of the new Astra somewhat. But SRI models (from €31,995) look the best to our eyes and offer a good compromise between price and equipment. They get sporty black 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, black wing mirror caps, and a black contrast roof, as well as that blacked out Opel blitz at the front and rear of the car.
There's also a brand new interior and Opel has tuned the Astra 'to make it an Opel' though it shares much in common with other cars from the Stellantis Group like the recently launched Peugeot 308. Has it worked?
Driving the Opel Astra
The most affordable entry into the new Astra range is the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 110hp or 130hp, and a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed gearbox (130hp only).
On test for Changing Lanes was the Opel Astra SRI 1.2 petrol with 130hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox. It's a fabulous option for this new Astra, well-priced and offering lively performance and reasonable economy for a petrol hatchback too. Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres.
But the best thing is just how fun this car is to drive. For sure, I don't drive many manuals these days with the rise in electric cars and hybrids. There is something distinctly tactile and engaging about driving this Astra manual. The handling is sharp and composed, and the car grips well through corners.
Being an Opel and a German car, it's also 'Autobahnproof' so stays nice and steady on the motorway too! Refinement has been improved over the previous generation of the car, and the Astra has excellent road manners.
The 1.5-litre diesel with 130hp will offer better economy if you do a lot of high speed motorway driving for example.
We can also expect a new hybrid at some point over the next few months with two different power outputs -180hp and 225hp - and the ability to be plugged in, charged and driven electric for up to 60 kilometres.
Inside the new Astra
The interior of the new Astra has also been transformed into a modern, digital cabin. One of the first things that strikes you is just how good the seats are. They are 'AGR' approved, which means they are some of the best you will find in the compact class.
Cabin quality is about 'middle of the road' we would say. Everything in your direct line of sight looks good but the fit of some of the buttons below the infotainment screen and the exposed hard plastics in the door panels seem at odds with how polished this car is in other areas.
Still, the Astra interior seems to vibe nicely with this car's modern, sporty styling on the outside. There's a new steering wheel and new digital instrument cluster for the driver. Combined with the new 10-inch screen for the infotainment in the centre of the dash and you have a kind of wide screen effect that is very fashionable at the moment.
There's also a wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto connection. Standard equipment is good and other features include climate control, cruise control, leather steering wheel, keyless start, and parking sensors.
SRI models get a sportier cabin ambience with some red detailing as well as alloy pedals, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, and heated front seats.
So is it practical? The Astra will seat five and though some rivals offer a little more headroom and legroom in the back, you will be able to sit adults back there and children will be fine. There is Isofix on the two outer seats and a USB-C port for connecting devices. The 422-litre boot is one of the biggest in the class and also has a handy two position floor.
Did you like it?
The new Opel Astra is one of the most anticipated new cars of 2022 and it delivers. The Opel brand is really gaining momentum again with new models like the Mokka and now Astra.
The new Astra has got the modern update it needed. It is a car you'd like to be seen in, with a sporty and distinct design that helps it to stand out in the compact class.
Inside it comes well-equipped with all the technology features we expect from a car like this. The finish is a bit disappointing in places but when you consider the price and equipment of each model, it's easy enough to overlook any shortcomings.
For people who enjoy driving, this Astra is simple and engaging to drive. The 1.2-litre petrol might not sound high tech in a world where the next big thing is either hybrid or electric, but for many people it's the most affordable way to drive a new car.
So if you're looking for a simple hatchback that drives well, looks good and is well-equipped, you really need to check out this new Astra.
Model tested: Opel Astra SRI 1.2
Price: €31,995
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol
Power: 130hp
Torque: 230Nm
Top speed: 210km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 9.7 seconds
Motor Tax: €200 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes
Cupra Born 58kWh Review
Read Caroline's Cupra Born review for everything you need to know about buying Cupra's new electric car in Ireland.
The new Cupra Born makes Cupra one of the most exciting new entrants to the electric vehicle market in Ireland. A market we know is growing.
But the Born is a welcome addition, making a bold statement with its hot hatchback inspired looks. It's a compact EV with presence that's sure to turn heads.
The new Cupra Born goes on sale in Ireland in 2022 with a choice of two batteries: a 58kWh and a 77kWh, though a Born 45kWh is expected to join soon.
The new Cupra Born goes on sale priced from €36,360 (including grants and VRT relief) for the 58kWh version with a range of 425 kilometres measured to WLTP industry standards. Expect the Born 45kWh to be a bit cheaper when it arrives here and compromise some range for that too.
What's so special about the Cupra Born?
First it's electric. And anything with a battery is hot these days. But there's clearly more to the Born than just being a BEV.
Rewind a little. Cupra began as the performance arm of the Seat brand. So you might remember hot hatchbacks like the Seat Leon Cupra and a personal favourite of mine, the Seat Ibiza Cupra.
But then Cupra became its own brand. And in 2021 they brought us their first car that wasn’t just a rebadged Seat, the Cupra Formentor, which turned out to be a really good car.
Now they’re back with this, the new Cupra Born, and it’s the Spanish brand’s first electric car. It shares a lot with the Volkswagen ID.3, because all these brands are part of the Volkswagen Group.
But the Cupra Born has been designed to be sportier and more dynamic. And it certainly looks the part.
The dimensions of the Born might be the same as the Volkswagen ID.3 but Cupra has really put their stamp on this car. It has a much more youthful and sportier appearance than the ID.3. Wheel sizes are available up to 20-inches; 18-inch come as standard. There's a range of unique colours available including the signature Aurora Blue pictured.
The car is full of sporty details, like a flowing aerodynamic side sill element and copper accents, now a signature of the Cupra brand. The Born looks strong, unique and desirable, though the loud styling and big wheels won't suit everyone. There are full LED headlamps at the front and a charismatic full length light signature at the back. A body-coloured, integrated diffuser adds a final sporty flourish.
Inside the Born
The cabin of the Born is very stylish and well-appointed. It's quite a minimalist design - a small digital screen displays relevant battery and driving information to the driver, while a 12-inch infotainment screen comes as standard and takes centre stage in the centre of the dash. There are few buttons, which may or may not be your thing. There are also touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, but they are not the most satisfying to use.
Standard equipment levels are high including wireless smartphone charging, heated, Cupra-branded bucket seats, heated steering wheel, rear view camera and adaptive cruise control.
The car certainly has a high-end, sporty ambience with more signature Cupra brand copper accents inside, good quality materials, and those gorgeous bucket seats.
This is a compact car but it has been designed from the very beginning to be an electric vehicle - born to be a BEV if you will. So there’s a good use of space inside. You can sit three in the back and legroom is particularly good. Though the large bucket seats up front make it a little less friendly for children in the rear maybe.
There is a 385-litre boot, which is competitive for a hatchback like this one and a place for the charging cables under the boot floor.
Driving the Cupra Born
The Cupra Born uses Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture and comes with a choice of batteries shared with the Volkswagen ID.3. I drove the Born 58kWh, and it’s a good compromise between price and range. It starts from about €36,000 and the real world driving range is about 350 kilometres, which makes every day driving very comfortable.
There’s also a Born 77kWh available at the moment. It costs a bit more to buy (from €44,100). But offers a longer range - 548 kilometres measured to WLTP industry standards.
The Born 58kWh is available with a choice of two electric motors that alter the performance somewhat. I was driving the standard 204hp version, but if you go for the e-Boost package you’ll have 231hp. The Born 77kWh is sold by default with the e-Boost package.
Cupra is keen to highlight the performance of the Born and it's fair to say it's quick regardless of which version you go for. It's very responsive off the line, with the 204hp Born 58kWh hitting 100km/h in just 7.3 seconds. In all models, power goes to the rear wheels.
Yet this is hardly a hot hatchback. For sure Cupra has tuned the car somewhat and it does handle in a natural way, with good pedal feel. When the Performance mode is selected, there's a more defined feel to the steering, which makes it a bit more fun to drive down a twisty rural road.
Out on the open road, the Born proves comfortable and refined. It is a good car but not as 'racy' from behind the wheel as what you might expect from those good looks.
The CUPRA Born can be plugged in to both AC (up to 11kW) and DC charging networks (up to 170kW depending on the model). The Born 58kWh can fast charge up to 125kW so you can get to 80% battery charge in about 35 minutes at a high power charging station. It will take about nine hours to charge the battery to full at home using a standard 7.4kW wallbox or about six hours at 11kW.
Did you like it?
If you’re looking for one of the coolest electric vehicles on the market right now, this might be it.
It’s not quite hot hatchback thrills behind the steering wheel. But for an electric car at this price point, the Cupra Born is fun to drive and super stylish.
If you're just looking to drive an electric car that has a bit of style and charisma, then the Cupra Born fits the bill. It's finished well inside and offers a spacious interior for a small family.
Cupra is growing in profile with a suite of exciting new models on the way and a strategic dealer network developing in Ireland. The Born should help accelerate growth of the Cupra brand in Ireland, in a market growing increasingly comfortable with an electric future.
Model tested: Cupra Born 58kWh
Price: €36,360
Battery: 58 kWh
Range: 427 km (WLTP)
Power: 204hp
Torque: 310Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.3 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes
MG5 EV Review (2022)
Read Caroline's MG5 review for everything you need to know about buying MG's electric estate car in Ireland in 2022.
MG returned to Ireland at the end of 2020 with a new suite of electrified vehicles. Under a new distributor, the brand has launched three new models here - the MG ZS electric SUV previously reviewed for Changing Lanes, the MG HS plug-in hybrid SUV, and this, the MG5, an all-electric estate car for the Irish market.
Now in 2022, MG has updated the ZS and the MG5 with a new long range battery to give buyers more comfort and convenience behind the wheel.
The MG5 launched in Ireland for the first time in 2021 with a 52.5 kWh battery giving a range of up to 345 km (WLTP).
It's replaced now by the MG5 EV Long Range with a 61 kWh battery that bumps the range up to 403 km (WLTP) - and the price. It's now available from €30,645.
Let's take a closer look.
What's so special about the MG5?
Well first of all it's an estate car, and an electric one at that. For the moment it's the only electric estate car you can buy on the Irish market.
We don't hear much about estate cars these days as the market is obsessed with SUVs and crossovers. Yet estate cars were always the default choice for buyers seeking a lifestyle vehicle that can fit the dog and some gear. While also giving a more active image than a saloon or hatchback.
But SUVs these days seem to capture most of that market. Though it's debatable how well they fit the brief for space and practicality.
The new MG5 has the classic silhouette of an estate car and is discreet in its styling. It's clearly not as trendy as the MG ZS, which has more fashionable SUV styling. But it's cheaper to buy and gets almost as much range on a full charge.
The MG5 sits quite low for an electric car, with the water-cooled battery pack integrated into the car’s chassis. There are dynamic benefits here too, with the low centre of gravity influencing how the car feels on the road.
With pricing starting from €30,645 for the Excite model and from €33,895 for the Exclusive model with more equipment on board, the MG5 remains affordable in today's EV market.
What's it like to drive?
The MG5 EV Long Range on test uses a 61.1 kWh battery with up to 403 km (WLTP) of range available. There's a 115 kW motor on board, equivalent to 156 hp.
The performance figures are good and the MG5 feels swift and responsive on the road. It is agile and simple to drive with a very conventional layout to the controls used to operate the vehicle and monitor its progress. The low centre of gravity means it feels planted at all times, behaving in a natural way in response to driver inputs.
The car is comfortable in driving on its 16" wheels and will cruise happily on the motorway. In that way it can't be faulted. The MG5 is predictable in charging and there are no massive drops in range when you get it out on the motorway.
Ownership of the electric MG5 of course will mean acquainting yourself very quickly with charging. With a 7 kW wallbox installed at home for example, a full charge can be got in about 9.5 hours or overnight.
The MG5 is also equipped with a CCS charging port so can avail of fast charging, gaining 80% in about an hour from a public 50 kW fast charge point. The charging port is easily accessed from the front of the car behind the MG badge.
From a 100 kW rapid charger, it will take about 40 minutes to charge the MG5 to 80%
What's it like inside?
Inside the MG5 there is a traditional dashboard layout with all the controls logically laid out. The cabin is nicely appointed for the price point of the vehicle. The layout and design is more traditional than avant garde. But the rotary gear selector on the centre console is a neat feature.
Standard equipment includes the 8" colour touchscreen and Android Auto/Apple Car Play, auto air con, parking sensors and rear view camera. There's also a full suite of safety equipment 'MG Pilot' including lane keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist and high beam assist.
The MG5 Exclusive has plenty of nice features like heated front seats, keyless entry and electrically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support.
However, it doesn't get MG's latest infotainment system as seen in the new MG ZS, which is more modern and responsive. Or a digital instrument cluster for that matter.
There's a natural sense of practicality to the MG5 because it's an estate car. Rear legroom is good for the C-segment also. There's plenty of headroom from that tall roof line.
Buyers will be pleased to note that there's 464 litres of space available up to the luggage cover, or 578 litres up to the roof. Other advantages include a wide loading area. There is a bit of a lip between the boot opening and the boot floor. A flat loading area would have been an even greater advantage and more practical for an estate car. The rear seats also split fold 60:40 for even more space.
Did you like it?
Estate cars often get overlooked in favour of SUVs. But the MG5 is a practical family car that just happens to be electric too.
Still, the MG5 lacks contemporary style and does feel a generation behind in terms of its styling and interior. It does without MG's latest interior digital technology and app. But thankfully it's not behind in battery technology and charging.
The new battery in the MG5 gives buyers that little bit more comfort between charges. The MG5 behaves in a predictable way on the road, with high equipment levels and a comfortable ride.
Though the entry price into the range has gone up, the MG5 still offers a lot of car for the money in today's market. It undercuts the more fashionable MG ZS on price.
At a time when it's getting even more expensive to run and own a fuel car, the MG5 is a good value entry into electric motoring.
Model tested: MG5 EV Exclusive
Price: €30,645
Battery: 61.1 kWh
Power: 156 hp
Torque: 260 Nm
Top speed: 185 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.7 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes