CUPRA Born For Ireland In 2022
The CUPRA Born is the first all-electric vehicle from CUPRA and is set to arrive in Ireland in March 2022, with pricing starting from under €38,000.
Designed and developed at CUPRA’s headquarters in Martorell, Barcelona, the CUPRA Born is produced at the Zwickau plant in Germany and features an electric range quoted in excess of 500 km.
The CUPRA Born’s electric powertrain is available in a choice of 150PS (110kW), 204PS (150kW) and a 231PS (170kW) e-Boost pack - this one car accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds and comes with larger front brakes and 19” wheels as standard.
Three battery options - 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh - deliver ranges of 350km, 424km and 540km. When charged on a 170 kW network, the Born can go from 5% charge to 80% charge in 35 minutes. It can also get 100 km of range in as little as seven minutes.
CUPRA say that despite its environmental credentials, the Born remains a driver’s car first and foremost. Power is delivered to the rear wheels, producing a sportier feel and a more engaging driving experience.
It combines a MacPherson strut suspension at the front with an advanced five multi-link design at the rear. When equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), it rides 15 mm lower in the front and 10 mm lower in the rear.
The electric motor is located above the rear axle while the battery sits low between the front and rear axles, delivering a low-slung centre of gravity and what is said to be almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Five driving modes - Range, Comfort, Performance, Individual and CUPRA (e-Boost only) - adapt to the driver’s needs.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s modular MEB platform, the Born measures 4,322mm long, 1,809mm wide and 1,540mm high. It has a wheelbase of 2,767mm and a 385-litre boot capacity.
Assistance systems include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, Side and Exit Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Emergency Assist and Pre-Crash Assist, delivered via an augmented reality head-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen.
Six colour choices are available - Vapor Grey, Glacial White, Geyser Silver, Rayleigh Red, Quasar Grey and the exclusive Aurora Blue. Alloy wheel designs (from 18” to 20”) include aerodynamic inserts and copper accents. Contrasting C-Pillars have a floating design while puddle lights beam the CUPRA logo on to the ground from door mirrors.
Inside there is a driver-focused cockpit and 12” infotainment system. Users can access online services, downloadable apps and service features as well as remote access and charging via the My CUPRA app or charge their mobile devices using the standard wireless QI charger.
The CUPRA Born marks a new era of electrification for the brand, joining plug-in hybrid variants of the CUPRA Leon, CUPRA Leon Sportstourer and the CUPRA Formentor in the electrified portfolio, already on sale here.
Expected to hit Irish showrooms in early 2022, the Born will be followed by the all-electric Tavascan in 2024 and an urban electric car in 2025.
Niall Phillips, Brand Director for SEAT & CUPRA in Ireland, said:
“We look forward to the arrival of our first fully electric CUPRA, the Born in March of next year. The new model is proof that electric cars can set pulses racing, with an impressive all-electric range of more than 500km it is a real game-changing car for the CUPRA brand. It’s environmentally conscious but at the same time dynamic and exciting.”
CUPRA Born pricing is yet to be finalised but will start from under €39,000, excluding grants and delivery charges.
Mazda To Launch New SUVs, CX-60 And CX-80
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced plans to expand its SUV line-up from 2022 onwards. Two new models from the company’s Large Product group, the Mazda CX-60 and Mazda CX-80, will be introduced throughout Europe during the next two years.
To meet the growing needs of the segment, Mazda will offer European customers a wider choice of SUVs. The new Mazda CX-60 will feature two-row seating, while the CX-80 will be three-row.
Mazda say that the CX-60 and CX-80 will spearhead the European introduction of plug-in hybrid models to the range for the first time, with both SUVs using a straight four cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor.
The new generation straight-six Skyactiv-X petrol engine and Skyactiv-D diesel engine will also be introduced in combination with a 48V mild hybrid system.
The brand has also announced that during the first half of 2022, a new version of the Mazda MX-30 electric SUV will be introduced that incorporates multiple electrification technologies using Mazda’s unique rotary engine as a generator.
From around 2025, the company will introduce a number of new products on a new EV-dedicated platform. With the introduction of these models, Mazda is on track to complete the electrification of its complete range by 2030.
Alongside these new models, the Mazda CX-5 has recently been updated and the brand says it remains one of the core models driving Mazda’s business globally, along with the compact CX-30.
FASTER Project Launches In Armagh
The FASTER Project has been officially launched at an event in Armagh that brought together project partners from across Western Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the border region of the Republic of Ireland.
This EU-funded project will see the installation of 73 Rapid Charging Points across the three regions, supported by €6.4 million in funding under the EU INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The FASTER EV charging network will be installed on a phased basis over the next 18 months, supported by a series of public awareness and community engagement events, promotional campaigns and initiatives to address public concerns with existing charging infrastructure and produce materials to support the transition to low emission vehicles.
The project is being led by East Border Region, a local authority-led, cross-border organisation, in partnership with a cross-border consortium which includes Ulster University, South West College, University of Strathclyde, HiTrans, Louth County Council and Dundalk Institute of Technology.
The Consortium is already working with a range of Local Authorities across the three regions to identify suitable locations for the new infrastructure, which support the switch to more electric vehicles on our roads through the availability of more public charge points for EVs in key locations.
Match-funding for the project has also been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport in Ireland.
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said:
“Electric vehicles play a vital role in decarbonising our transport sector. The rollout of 73 rapid charging stations, as part of the EU INTERREG VA programme, will further incentivise the switch away from fossil fuel vehicles and will benefit drivers across all three jurisdictions. We look forward to working with SEUPB and our Partners in the implementation of this project.”
Gina McIntyre Chief Executive of the SEUPB said:
“Transport, on both sides of the border, is dominated by car usage, which is only increasing as our population grows. This is not sustainable as the stark realities of irreversible climate change are becoming more and more evident across the world. This new EU INTERREG VA-funded project will create a readily accessible cross-border infrastructure that will encourage increased use of electric vehicles. It will help to address many of the issues that discourage people from using this form of transport and contribute to a reduction in harmful carbon emissions that have such a negative impact upon our environment. I really look forward to hearing how this very important cross-border partnership progresses over the coming months ahead.”
Cllr Kyle Savage Chairman of East Border Region said:
“East Border Region are delighted to be Lead Partner on this innovative project which will provide much needed EV charging infrastructure across the three jurisdictions. This project clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of cross border collaboration between a range of key stakeholders, and the benefits to be gained by adopting a strategic approach to sustainable infrastructure development”
Further information about the FASTER Project will be available from a dedicated website and social media channels scheduled to launch this September.
New Car Registrations Ireland August 2021
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has released the latest new car registrations data for the month of August. It shows that 6,013 new cars were registered in August compared to 4,808 in August 2020 (+25.1%) and 5,088 in August 2019 (+18.2%).
So far this year, 96,309 new cars have been registered compared to 78,864 for the same period in 2020 (22.1%) and 110,527 in 2019 (-12.9%).
The bestselling car brands so far this year are 1. Toyota, 2. Volkswagen, 3. Hyundai, 4. Skoda and 5. Ford.
The bestselling cars this year are 1. Hyundai Tucson, 2. Toyota Corolla, 3. Toyota Yaris, 4. Toyota RAV4 and 5. Volkswagen Tiguan.
The bestselling car in August was the Hyundai Tucson.
The current market share by engine type in 2021 is diesel at 34.09%, petrol at 32.5%, hybrid at 16.32%, electric at 7.33% and plug-in hybrid at 7.11%.
831 new electric vehicles were registered in August, compared to 294 in the same month last year. So far this year 7,057 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 2,954 on the same period 2020. Electric Vehicle, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with their combined market share now over 30.76%.
5,088 used cars were imported in August 2021, compared with 8,141 imports in August 2020, a decrease on the 9,706 imports in August 2019. Year to date used imports are up 16.4% (46,185) on 2020 (39,668) and down 36.0% on 2019 (72,214).
Light Commercials Vehicles (LCV) saw an increase of 2,972 registrations compared to August last year 1,689 and 1,890 for the same month in 2019. Year to date 24,783 new LCVs were registered, an increase on last year’s 16,701 (+48.4%) and on 21,904 in 2019 (+13.1%).
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) saw 188 registrations in August when compared to 186 in August 2020 and 155 in August 2019. Year to date HGV registrations total 2,038 compared with 1,642 in 2020 (+24.1%) and 2,209 in 2019 (-7.7%).
Commenting Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General:
“The appetite among consumers for new cars, boosted by pent-up demand and strong consumer savings, that was in evidence in July has continued into August. New car sales are up 25% on the same month last year and by 22% year to date. However, these numbers must be viewed in the context of the pre-COVID market, and registrations are still lagging 18% behind 2019. The new car market has in recent years been hampered not only by the pandemic, but also by Brexit related issues, and this has seen several years of a weakened new car market. What is positive is that those businesses and consumers who have been buying new cars are choosing lower emitting vehicles across all fuel types. In particular there has been a significant uplift in the sale of new electric cars since the start of this year. As we move into a post pandemic economic environment, it is vital that the momentum behind this drive to lower emissions is maintained and built upon. In this context, it is important that both the Government and the Motor Industry deliver affordable transport options to give consumers the real choice to make positive environmental decisions. For the Industry this means continued investment in driving down emissions from the vehicles they produce. For Government any Budgetary measures in relation to new cars must support a strong new car market that focuses on lower emitting vehicles, and also on getting older higher emitting vehicles off the road. We need integrated incentives to build consumer confidence and encourage behavioural change across both the new and used vehicle markets. In Budget 2022 this means a Budget that encourages consumers and business to trade up to a lower emitting vehicle. The electric vehicle grants, the zero percent Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) for company cars and other incentives are vital supports to increase the sales of EVs and these need to be extended. While State and commercial investment in a nationwide EV charging infrastructure is key to giving motorist more confidence in the essential strategic EV project".
New Car Registrations Ireland In July 2021
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released new car registrations data for Ireland in July 2021, which marks the first month of the 212 registration plate.
The data shows that 26,483 new cars were registered in Ireland in July 2021, compared to 21,171 in July 2020 and 24,681 in July 2019.
90,342 new cars have already been registered this year, compared to 74,056 for the same period in 2020 (+22%) and 105,439 in 2019 (-14.3%).
5,345 used cars were imported in July 2021, compared with 8,740 imports in July 2020, a decrease on the 9,382 imports in July 2019. Year to date used imports are up 30.4% (41,097) on 2020 (31,527) and down 34.25% on 2019 (62,508).
Registrations of new electric vehicles continue to grow with 1,902 EVs registered in July compared to 771 in July 2020. So far this year 6,233 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 2,660 on the same period 2020, accounting for 6.9% of the market.
Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share too, with their combined market share now over 30.44%.
Diesel now accounts for 34.43% of the new car market and petrol for 32.62%.
The bestselling car brands in Ireland for the month of July were 1. Toyota, 2. Volkswagen, 3. Hyundai, 4. Skoda, and 5. Ford.
The bestselling models in July were 1. Hyundai Tucson, 2. Toyota Corolla, 3. Toyota Yaris, 4. Toyota RAV4 4, and 5. Volkswagen Tiguan.
The bestselling car was the Hyundai Tucson.
Light Commercials Vehicles (LCV) saw an increase of 4,794 registrations compared to July last year 4,443 and 4,697 for the same month in 2019. Year to date 21,814 new LCVs were registered, an increase on last year’s 15,012 (+45.3%) and on 20,014 in 2019 (+8.99%).
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) saw 325 registrations in July when compared to 257 in July 2020 and 251 July 2019. Year to date HGV registrations total 1,852 compared with 1,456 in 2020 (+27.2%) and 2,054 in 2019 (-9.83%).
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:
“In what has been a very difficult and uncertain trading environment over the last eighteen months, new car sales in July have brought a much needed boost to both the Industry and to local economies. Pent-up demand and record savings have led to strong appetite for all vehicles, new and used, cars and commercials. While new car sales continue to be well behind pre-COVID levels, hopefully this growth in activity in July is the first step in a return to more sustainable business levels. It is particularly encouraging to see an increase in the sale of new electric vehicles, a vital component in driving down emissions from transport. The level of zero and low emitting vehicles will continue to grow and it is vital that both the Industry and the State continue to invest to deliver the widest possible choice to motorists and commuters. The move to zero emissions is a huge challenge across society. In this context, taxation policy and incentives can drive this change positively, but it must support motorists to make the right decisions based on their own individual needs, which will include choosing electric, hybrid and lower emitting traditional fuel type vehicles.”
Hyundai Bayon Pricing For Ireland
The Hyundai Bayon has arrived in Ireland and goes on sale priced from €21,645 rising to €24,245.
It has been designed for Europe and has been given a European name to reflect that - Bayon is inspired by 'Bayonne', the capital of the French Basque Country.
With on-trend crossover styling, it is now the most compact of Hyundai's SUV family - joining the Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe. Bayon is the latest model from Hyundai to showcase the brand's “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, with strong lines, slim headlights and arrow-shaped lights at the rear.
In Ireland the new Bayon goes on sale with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 84 hp. It's available from launch with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with an automatic to join the range in January 2022. Motor tax is €200 per year for the Bayon 1.2 manual.
The interior of the new Bayon has been designed to be clean, roomy, and well-lit with ambient lighting available as standard on Executive models, which also get the full digital look with touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster for the driver.
There has been a focus on maximising front and rear passenger comfort and increasing boot space, with 411 litres available.
New Bayon goes on sale in Ireland in two trim levels - Comfort Plus and Executive - with a two tone roof option available on the Executive model.
Standard equipment includes roof rails, air con and Bluetooth, while the Executive model (from €23,645) adds 16" alloys, heated from seats, automatic air con, 8" touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger and digital instrument panel.
The launch of the new Bayon means Hyundai has now launched or enhanced seven new models in just 12 months.
The Bayon is in Hyundai dealers around Ireland now.
Greenergy And ESB To Bring More EV Chargers To Irish Forecourts
Greenergy has agreed with ESB to introduce fast and high power EV charging points at selected Irish retail forecourts operating under Greenergy’s Amber and Inver brands.
To start, 16 forecourts have been identified across the Inver and Amber portfolio and include a mix of company owned, company leased and dealer sites. The charging units will be rolled out in two-phases, with over half of the sites to be completed over the coming 18 months.
Chris O’Callaghan, Head of Greenergy Ireland, said:
“Our Inver and Amber retail forecourts give our customers variety in both our fuel and non-fuel forecourt services, and we see this venture with ESB as a way to provide another convenient offering to meet a new fuel demand. EVs alongside liquid renewables, where Greenergy has a market leading position, will make up the energy mix as we head to a decarbonised Ireland, and we are adapting to meet the needs of our customer base.”
John Byrne, Head of ESB ecars, said:
“For the last 10 years, ESB has installed and maintained the country’s public charging network with more than 1,350 points now available. We are always looking to expand and enhance our network with these 16 sites crucial to delivering a well located, reliable public charging network to the increasing number of EV drivers across Ireland.
These sites will include a mix of fast and high power chargers which can provide 100 km of range in as little as six minutes. We are excited to partner with Greenergy and selected the Amber and Inver sites given their attractive convenience retail and local community offering. We look forward to working with Greenergy on providing this essential service to their customers.”
Changing Lanes Turns 7!
My beautiful Changing Lanes turns 7 today! Happy birthday Changing Lanes!
What does 7 years of Changing Lanes look like? Over 350 cars tested, over 150,000 test kilometres, and over 700,000 words typed on this website - I'm exhausted just thinking about it! It's been a pleasure and a privilege to drive so many beautiful cars.
Changing Lanes was my dream, the blog I started in my bedroom. I was lost but the only way was up.
Once I got a taste for this industry, I wanted it ALL - the cars, the people, the places! I still do!
I worked hard to establish Changing Lanes, build it into something that could work for me, be authentic and true. It’s never strayed too far from the values I first established it on - to be fun, honest and friendly.
In return I would contribute my voice and perspective to the world of cars. Maybe I could change the world just by being present in this space! That is the magic that keeps me motivated.
Thank you!
Caroline Kidd
Founder & Editor of Changing Lanes
2021 Nissan Qashqai Pricing For Ireland!
Nissan Ireland has announced pricing for the new generation Nissan Qashqai, which is on sale now.
The range will kick off from €30,500 for the Nissan Qashqai mild hybrid with a 1.3-litre petrol engine.
It's available with two power outputs – 138 hp and 156 hp – with either a 6 speed manual transmission, or new Xtronic gearbox (156 hp).
Nissan is launching the car with four trim levels, with many safety and infotainment features standard across the range.
The entry grade XE model is available from €30,500. The SV grade is priced from €33,200, the SV Premium Grade from €37,395 and the top of the range SVE Xtronic grade from €44,600.
Full LED headlights and auto headlights with high beam assist are standard across the range. Standard safety features also include rear parking sensors, blind spot intervention, traffic sign recognition, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (Pedestrian & Cyclist Recognition, Junction Assist) and Rear Automatic Cross Traffic Alert and Braking.
Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto comes as standard from the SV grade upwards, while the popular Wireless Phone Charger is introduced at the SV Premium grade. The 8” Infotainment display in the SV grade increases to 9” in the SV Premium and SVE Xtronic grades, including higher resolution and Nissan Connected Services.
The top of the range SVE Xtronic includes 19” alloy wheels, Nappa Quilted Leather seats, a handsfree powered tailgate which makes accessing the boot effortless when hands are anything but free, heated front seats with massage function, ProPilot with Navi Link, a Heads Up Display (HUD), Automatic Tilt Reversing Mirrors and a Bose sound system with 10 speakers.
A full hybrid will join the range in early 2022, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Read more about what's new for the Nissan Qashqai in 2021 in our article.
Kia EV6 Pricing For Ireland
Kia Ireland has announced pricing for the new Kia EV6, the brand's first dedicated electric vehicle.
The EV6 can now be ordered from Kia dealers, with customer cars expected to arrive in Ireland in October.
From launch it will be offered in two trim levels, EV6 and EV6 GT Line. Both cars are rear wheel drive powered by a 77.4 kWh battery paired with a 168 kW (229 ps) electric motor, with a battery range in excess of 510 km.
The Kia EV6 will go on sale from €50,000 including SEAI grant. Equipment includes 19" alloys, Dual 12.3” Curved Driver Display Screens, UVO Connect, charcoal grey vegan leather upholstery with premium relaxation seats, LED headlamps and smart power tailgate.
The EV6 GT Line is available from €54,345 including grant and comes with GT Line styling, 20" alloys, suede vegan leather seats (front ventilated), Blind Spot View monitors, AR heads-up display and panoramic sunroof.
Kia’s partnership with part-owned IONITY network will give EV6 customers access to over 400 high power charging stations across 24 European countries, including 6 in Ireland. At IONITY charge points, 100 km in range can be added in less than 4.5 minutes. All EV6 buyers will receive a free 12 month Kia Power Package subscription that offers this IONITY fast charging service at just €0.29 (normally €0.79) per kWh.
“Making the EV6 available to customers for dealer order at this stage in the car’s journey –– shows the excitement, interest and passion that this forward-looking, state-of-the-art battery electric vehicle has already created,” said Ronan Flood MD of Kia Ireland. “The huge buzz around the Kia EV6 is unlike any other model we have brought to market and it is proof that electric vehicles can be fun and are getting Irish motorists energized when it comes to considering sustainable mobility.”
