CUPRA Ireland Announce New Dealers
CUPRA Ireland has announced four new retailers in the key strategic locations of Cork, Dublin, Galway and Waterford, taking the number of retailers for the brand across Ireland to eight.
The current CUPRA retailers, Bright Airside (North Dublin), James Barry Motors (Limerick), Johnson and Perrott, Mahon Point (Cork) and McCoy Motors, Lucan (West Dublin) will be joined by new retailers Finbarr Galvin Ltd. (Cork), George Corbett Motors (Waterford), Spirit Motors (South Dublin) and Monaghan & Sons (Galway).
Each of the retailers will provide an exclusive CUPRA area to display the product range. Each CUPRA retailer will have a dedicated CUPRA Specialist, a brand expert who has received specialised training from the CUPRA factory in Martorell, Spain. The dedicated CUPRA Specialist is the only point of contact throughout the sales and aftersales process for the customer, with the aim of providing a bespoke and premium personal service.
The CUPRA brand first appeared in Ireland in 2018, with the CUPRA Ateca the first model to go on sale here. Since then new models have been added including CUPRA Leon, Leon Sportstourer, and the Formentor.
The CUPRA Formentor, CUPRA Leon and Leon Sportstourer are now also available as e-HYBRID models.
The announcement of four new CUPRA retailers prepares the brand for the arrival of CUPRA’s first 100% electric car, CUPRA Born, which is due to have its world premiere later this month and will arrive in Ireland in late 2021.
The brand’s second 100% electric model, the CUPRA Tavascan, will join the range in 2024.
Niall Phillips, Brand Director for CUPRA and SEAT Ireland, said:
“It’s a very exciting time for CUPRA Ireland as we add to our network of CUPRA retailers. Since the brand’s launch in 2018, it has seen significant growth, which was marked with the launch of CUPRA’s first standalone vehicle – the CUPRA Formentor in January and the arrival later this year of the brand’s first 100% electric vehicle, the CUPRA Born. With plans to increase our retail network further in Ireland by 2022, we look forward to adding more CUPRA retailers to our network as the brand continues its expansion across Ireland.”
New Car Registrations For Ireland April 2021
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has released the latest vehicle registration data for Ireland in April 2021.
7,166 new cars were registered for the month of April compared to 343 in April 2020 and 8,904 in April 2019.
55,207 new cars have been registered year to date compared to 50,138 for the same period in 2020 (+10.11) and 73,030 in 2019 (-24.41%).
For the month of April, 596 new electric vehicles were registered. So far this year 3,414 new electric cars have been registered in Ireland.
Electric Vehicle, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with their combined market share now over 22.61%. Diesel now accounts for 36.86%, Petrol 32.06%, Hybrid 16.66%, Electric 6.18% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 5.95%
The top five bestselling car brands in April were: 1.Toyota, 2.Volkswagen, 3.Hyundai, 4. Skoda and 5. Ford. The bestelling car models were 1.Hyundai Tucson, 2.Toyota Corolla, 3.Toyota RAV 4, 4. Ford Focus and 5.Volkswagen Tiguan.
The bestselling car in Ireland in April was the Hyundai Tucson.
Light Commercials Vehicles (LCV) saw an increase of 2,385 registrations compared to April last year 231 and 1,798 for the same month in 2019. Year to date 13,722 new LCVs were registered an increase on last year’s 9,500 (+44.4%) and 12,853 on 2019 (+6.67%).
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) saw 325 registrations in April when compared to 96 in April 2020 and 305 April 2019. Year to date HGV's registrations total 1,223 compared with 1,004 in 2020 (+21.81%) and 1,189 in 2019 (+2.86%).
5,676 used cars were imported in April 2021, compared with 200 imports in April 2020, a decrease on the 8,887 imports in April 2019. Year to date used imports are up 36.4% (24,095) on 2020 (17,666) and down 32.54% on 2019 (35,719).
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:
“While new cars sales to the end of April have now overtaken sales for the same period last year, they are still over 24% behind pre-COVID 2019. The investment in on-line selling platforms over the last year and the ability to offer a click and deliver service to car buyers has been a lifeline to the Industry during this difficult time. The phased re-opening of showrooms announced by Government last week has been welcomed by the Industry, and retailers are cautiously optimistic about car sales, both new and used, in the weeks and months ahead. It is hoped that pent up demand allied with the increase in personal savings will see customers returning to showrooms. It should be underlined that car retailing operates in large open spaces, and with low footfall and the ability to social distance well beyond the recommended two metres, showrooms are a safe environment for customers.”.
Mercedes-Benz EQA Arrives In Ireland!
Mercedes-Benz Ireland has set their sights on a younger generation of eco-conscious motorists with the arrival here of their new EQA, the all-electric version of their popular compact A-Class range.
True to their ambition to establish a strong market presence in Ireland for their electric-powered EQ model range – and their goal to have a fully carbon-neutral fleet within the next two decades – the arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz EQA will allow Irish owners to “future-proof” their motoring in what Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland calls “a stylish, highly-equipped model designed to meet all known environmental standards in an enjoyable and responsible way”.
With its GLA-styled SUV body, the EQA’s fully electric pedigree is evident in its distinctive Mercedes-EQ appearance. At the front, its black panel grille and star, EQ blue headlamp strips and a distinctive fibre-optic strip running along front and rear reveal its Mercedes-EQ family membership. Other pointers to its electric character are evident inside including backlit trim and rosé gold decorative elements on ventilation outlets, seats and key.
Badged EQA 250, tech features include 140 kW power, combined consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 km, and a WLTP calculated range of 426 km. All-wheel-drive models will join the range at a later date with outputs of 200 kW or above, including one with a WLTP range above 500 km.
The EQA 250 with Progressive line as standard is expected to be the most sought-after model here, with prices beginning from €51,125 inclusive of SEAI grant.
In keeping with other Mercedes-Benz models, standard specifications on EQA models sold here include Mercedes’ own MBUX User Experience infotainment system and ‘Hey Mercedes’ driver assistance feature with all of their navigation and electric intelligence supports.
There are also high-performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, electrically operated tailgate, light 18-inch alloys, 64-colour ambient lighting, adjustable lumbar support, reversing camera and leather sports steering wheel.
Available also is a Night Package and two design and equipment lines – Electric Art and AMG Line.
The new compact electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz has a 0.28 Cd value and aerodynamic features include front and rear aprons, smooth underbody, closed cooling air system, and wind-optimised wheels with spoilers.
Thermally efficient, its heat pump uses waste heat from the electric motor to warm passengers, increase range and reduce the draw on battery power. Its motor is isolated from the chassis and body to improve comfort and reduce noise and vibration. Occupant protection includes driver and front passenger airbags, driver’s knee bag, and first and second row window bags. Front side airbags are also standard.
Nissan Qashqai (2021) On Sale In June
Nissan Ireland has confirmed that the new Nissan Qashqai is expected to arrive in Irish dealer showrooms this June. The car that created the crossover segment back in 2007 will return in summer 2021 with an all-new third generation Nissan Qashqai, featuring electrification for the first time and a host of other technology features.
The Qashqai has been an amazing success in Ireland since it launched here, with over 50,000 already on the road and a further 20,000-30,000 estimated to have been imported here in the car's 14 year history. Nissan has sold over 3 million units of the car in Europe since its launch 13 years ago.
The all-new Qashqai is a key part of the company’s strategy to achieve 50% electrified sales in Europe by 2024.
What's new for the Nissan Qashqai in 2021?
The new Nissan Qashqai has all-new styling that takes some cues from last year's striking new Nissan Juke compact crossover. The third generation Qashqai is unmistakably more muscular, sharp and modern. On the exterior, the Qashqai’s enhanced body stance is more purposeful, with prominent shoulder lines, an extended wheelbase and 20-inch alloy wheels introduced to Qashqai for the first time. From a preview event held in Kildare, we can confirm that the new Qashqai now has an even stronger and more stylish presence than ever before.
A longer wheelbase has created more room for passengers inside the vehicle and overall luggage capacity has increased by over 50 litres from the previous generation. A powered hands-free tailgate will also be available. Refinements to the ergonomic design of the doorways means that it is also easier to step in and out of the car, and the rear doors now open to 90 degrees, allowing easier access.
The new Qashqai also offers an advanced infotainment system with a broad portfolio of connected devices including effortless integration of smartphones, in-car Wi-Fi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services, a dedicated app with which to interact with and monitor the vehicle.
There's also an innovative new 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). Key navigation, driver assistance and road information are projected onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision. Home-to-Car features are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices.
New engine technology for Qashqai
The 2021 Nissan Qashqai will go on sale in Ireland this summer with a 1.3-litre mild hybrid petrol engine, available with manual or automatic gearboxes. An innovative 'e-POWER' hybrid is expected here from early 2022 and uses technology from the company’s 100% electric Nissan LEAF.
The 12V mild hybrid system available on new Qashqai is a more affordable hybrid technology that provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop [Xtronic only], with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/km). It’s combined with the 1.3 DiG-T petrol engine that was introduced to the Qashqai range in 2018.
The 1.3- litre petrol motor will be offered with two power outputs – 138 hp and 156 hp – with either a 6-speed manual transmission, or new Xtronic gearbox (156 hp only).
On manual versions, Nissan says the gearbox has been enhanced for a quicker, more direct and sportier shift feeling. The new generation Xtronic transmission offers better fuel economy and acceleration feel thanks to improvements including a twin oil pump system with new electrical oil pump.
2WD is available on both 138 hp and 156 hp versions, whilst 4WD will only be available on 156 hp Xtronic models. A new 4WD control system and driving selection mode is more intuitive and intelligent, adapting itself to external conditions with five driving modes – Standard, ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. In case of any wheel slip, the time which the 4WD system acts has been reduced by a factor of five to around 0.2 seconds.
Anything else?
The 2021 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER uses the petrol engine to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. The e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a category-leading variable compression ratio 154 hp petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 140 kW electric motor of similar size and power output to that found in Nissan’s electric vehicles.
The e-POWER installation is said to have been significantly upgraded for the new Qashqai in order to meet the demands of European consumers and their daily drive. The 1.5 litre petrol engine has a final power output of 140 kW (187 hp).
Similar to the LEAF, the new Qashqai e-POWER benefits from the entirely new ‘one-pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal. Drivers can start, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.
“The new Nissan Qashqai combines the best of Nissan’s pioneering crossover and EV expertise. It allows new and existing Qashqai drivers to experience hybrid and electric driving without range or charging concerns in an unmistakably stylish crossover that continues to deliver everything they would expect from a family car,” said Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Nissan Ireland.
The 2021 Nissan Qashqai is available to order now and customers are being offered a special launch version - Premiere Edition - which will offer an extended palette of two-tone colour options and advanced technology convenience features.
New Qashqai will be built in the Japanese brand's Sunderland, UK manufacturing facility.
Mercedes-Benz EQS Confirmed For Ireland
Mercedes-Benz Ireland has confirmed that the new Mercedes-Benz EQS will arrive in Ireland in September.
The latest all-electric model from the German brand has been inspired by the new S-Class, and is said to feature 40 new inventions and 20 new design applications.
Amongst these is a relaxing collection of mood-enhancing ‘soundscapes’ with titles as Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea and Summer Rain.
Another innovation is a unique fragrance that can be released into the interior.
Sound is also used to increase safety by making the EQS ‘acoustically perceptible’ on the outside, with an optional ‘driving sound’ that can be heard inside. Passengers are also greeted acoustically when approaching and leaving the vehicle.
With a goal to have a fully carbon-neutral fleet within 20 years, Mercedes-Benz designers have introduced a ‘modular’ construction method likely to be followed in future battery-electric vehicles.
Powered by batteries made in-house by Mercedes-Benz – which they claim have ‘better charging performance and significantly higher energy density’ – EQS will be available in two model variants: a rear wheel drive EQS 450+ (with rear axle eATS electric motor) and EQS 580 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive version (with motors on front and rear axles).
Helped by exceptional aerodynamics and lightweight components (including a world-beating Cd value in a production car from 0.20), it has an operating range up to 770 kms (WLTP), power output of up to 385 kW and a quoted top speed limited to 210 km/h.
Available fast-charging systems include one that delivers an extra 300 kms (WLTP) power in just 15 minutes.
With price not likely to be known until closer to arrival here, Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland describes EQS as “the embodiment of everything Mercedes-Benz represents in terms of luxury, comfort, safety and specifications,” adding that its modular build and aerodynamic construction makes it “a mould-breaker many of whose features will be seen in future EQ models”.
Amongst eye-catching interior elements is a concave glass MBUX Hyperscreen. Spanning the full width of the vehicle, its ‘zero-layer’ feature allows drivers move from menu-to-menu simply by placing fingertip pressure on the screen. Enabled by a ‘language understanding’ feature, its ‘Hey Mercedes’ function supports 27 languages.
Noticeable also on interior trim, wheels, and fascia is a Mercedes-Benz ‘pattern’ design based on a three-dimensional star motif first featured on a 1911 Daimler trademark.
Not counting antennas, up to 350 sensors monitor the functions of the EQS as well as driver eyelid movements and language. A high-efficiency, activated charcoal filter cleans incoming air while motors in the seats deliver up to ten different massage programmes.
A 15-speaker surround sound system produces an unusually expressive, natural sound while seat heating and inflatable air chambers replicate the body-soothing effects of a ‘hot stones’ treatment.
Audi Q4 e-tron On Way To Ireland
Audi Ireland has confirmed the new Audi Q4 e-tron and the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron will arrive in Ireland in June. Pricing will start from €41,465 including grants, VRT relief and delivery.
The new all-electric SUVs from the German brand will enhance the brand's electric offering, which already includes the Audi e-tron and Audi e-tron GT, as well as a growing range of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Audi descrive the new Q4 e-tron as a "true all-rounder". The highest performance battery delivers up to 220 kW of power and is capable of sprinting from 0 – 100 km/h in under 6.3 seconds. Range varies from 330 – 511 kilometres on a full charge depending on model.
The Q4 e-tron 40 and Q4 e-tron 50 quattro can avail of 125 kW charging, which takes just 38 minutes to charge from 5% to 80%.
These new models take a step forward in the brand's design language of its electric models, including short front overhangs and large wheels. The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron sports an especially low coupé-style roofline.
The Q4 e-tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28, and the Sportback has an even lower figure of 0.26.
According to Audi, the available space in the interior is comparable with the full-size SUV class, with no centre tunnel making it more spacious. The platform is designed from the start as electric-only allowing for the best use of space available.
Citroën C5 X For Ireland In 2022
Citroën Ireland has confirmed that the new flagship Citroën C5 X model will go on sale in Ireland in early 2022.
This all-new model features an original design that is said to combine "the elegance of a saloon, dynamism of an estate and the elevated stance of an SUV." It has an elevated stance thanks to increased ground clearance and large-diameter 19" wheels allowing for a higher driving position with greater safety and visibility.
Inside will feature 'Advanced Comfort' seating, simple dashboard design and spacious rear cabin invites rest and relaxation. C5 X also introduces an all-new infotainment interface for Citroën that combines a new 12" HD infotainment interface, natural voice recognition system, customisable widget-based display, 4 USB Type C sockets and wireless smartphone charging.
Other technologies include extended Head Up Display and Highway Driver Assist, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop & Go feature and Lane Keeping Assist to provide level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
Practicality will be a key focus with an easy opening tailgate, wide loading area and 545 litres of boot space available.
Ride comfort is optimised through enhanced acoustic insulation and Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension, which is designed to recreate the iconic magic carpet effect the brand became famous for.
Roominess is said to be further enhanced by 360-degree glass areas around the cabin, including quarter windows, and a large opening glass sunroof that allows more light into the cabin.
The new Citroën C5 X will go on sale with a petrol engine or a plug-in hybrid with 225 hp and electric range of around 50 km.
Colin Sheridan, Managing Director of Citroën Ireland, said:
“For generations, Citroën have been synonymous with comfort. The C5 X, as the new flagship model for the brand, now offers an industry benchmark for driver and passenger comfort. We look forward in anticipation to re-entering the D-segment with the C5 X. We expect to announce pricing and the specification line-up for this exciting new vehicle before the end of this year and look forward to first models arriving here from January 2022 in time for the 221 registration period.”
As reported by Changing Lanes, Gowan Group has now taken over the importing and selling of Citroën vehicles in Ireland. Citroën vehicle sales, spare parts and after sales services will continue to operate through the existing dealership network of 23 franchise dealerships and 6 additional aftersales service providers.
Citroën Ireland will launch many new models in the coming months including the all-new C4 and ë-C4, the C5 Aircross PHEV, as well as the facelifted C3 and C3 Aircross models.
New Car Registrations Ireland March 2021
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released official new vehicle statistics for Ireland in the month of March.
New car registrations for March were up 54.3% (9,270) when compared to March 2020 (6,006), but down 44.45% (16,687) on March 2019.
Registrations year to date are down 3.23% (48,188) on 2020 (49,794), and down 24.85% on the same period in 2019 (64,126).
SIMI says to present a more accurate picture of the new vehicle registrations, it is important to compare registrations totals with the same period in 2019 (pre-COVID) when businesses were fully operational.
The bestselling car brands in Ireland in 2021 were 1. Toyota, 2. Volkswagen, 3. Hyundai, 4. Skoda, and 5. Ford.
The bestselling models were 1. Hyundai Tucson, 2. Toyota Corolla, 3. Toyota RAV 4, 4. Ford Focus and 5. Toyota Yaris.
The bestselling car in March was the new Volkswagen ID.4.
Diesel now accounts for 36.58% of the Irish new car market, petrol for 32.68%, hybrid for 17.04%, electric for 5.87% and plug-in electric hybrid for 5.51%.
1,046 new electric vehicles were registered in Ireland in March 2021 compared to 369 in March 2020. So far this year 2,831 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 1,650 in the same period in 2020.
Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids continue to increase their market share, with their combined market share now over 11%.
Used car imports for March (5,842) have seen an increase of 25.61% on 2020 (4,651) and a decrease of 34.87% (8,970) on March 2019. Year to date imports are up 5.46% (18,420) on 2020 (17,466) and down 31.35% (26,832) on 2019.
Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) are up 110.2% (3,008) compared to March last year (1,431) and down 1.1% (3,042) for the same month in 2019. Year to date new LCVs are up 22.41% (11,346) on last year (9,269) and up just 2.63% (11,055) on 2019.
HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are up 11.54% (319) in comparison to March 2020 (286) and 19.03% (268) March 2019. Year to date HGV's are down 2.9% (882) on 2020 (908) and down 0.23% on 2019 (884).
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:
“With dealers still able to operate on a click and deliver basis, new car sales are only marginally back on last year. However, this does not tell the real story. The first quarter of each year is the key selling period for the Irish Motor Industry, and new car sales in Q1 when compared to the same period in pre-COVID 2019 are down 25%, or nearly 16,000 cars. This represents lost revenue to the sector in excess of €500 million and lost taxation to the Exchequer of €170 million. With the lockdown now extended into April, the Industry will struggle to make up this lost business. In this context and in light of dealers’ ability to transact in a low risk outdoor environment, it is vital that we do re-open at the start of May to allow dealers sell both new and used cars, and to protect local employment. On a more positive note, it is encouraging to see the increases in the sale of Electric Cars and PHEVs despite the restricted trading environment.”
New Car Registrations Ireland February 2021
According to new car registrations data released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), new car registrations for Ireland in February were up 5.3% with a total of 13,834 cars registered compared to February 2020 (13,138).
Registrations year to date are down 11% (38,986) on the same period last year (43,788).
The bestselling car brand in Ireland in February 2021 was Toyota, followed by Hyundai, Volkswagen, Skoda and Ford.
The bestselling car for the month of February was the Hyundai Tucson, followed by the Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Yaris and the Ford Focus.
Diesel accounted for 36.32% of the new car market, petrol for 33.6%, electric for 4.59%, plug-in hybrid for 4.88% and hybrid for 18.14%.
New electric car registrations increased for the month of February with 813 registered compared to 390 in the same month last year. So far this year, 1,791 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 1,281 in the same period last year, an increase of 39.81%.
Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid continue to increase their market share too.
Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) are up 51.30% (3,315) compared to February last year (2,191) and year to date are up 6.39% (8,339). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are down 15.8% (224) in comparison to February 2020 (266). Year to date HGV's are down 9.5% (563).
Used car imports for February (5,757) have seen a decrease of 7.04% on February 2020 (6,193). Year to date imports are down 0.94% (12,579) on 2020 (12,698).
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:
“While new car sales were slightly up when compared to February last year, they are down 11% year to date and down 18% on 2019. Strong pre-orders at the end of last year along with the ability to offer a click and deliver service have helped the Industry, as has the reduced VAT rate during the first two months of the year, which has brought some March sales forward. Looking ahead to March, with most year-end pre-orders having been fulfilled, the increased VAT rate and with the absence of car hire, it is anticipated that the month ahead will be a challenging one for the Industry. From a health and safety perspective, the Industry has proven during the duration of the pandemic that showrooms can operate in a safe environment for their employees and customers. The large size of dealerships, the low average footfall, the ability to do business on a strict appointment only basis and the option of displaying cars outside lends itself to social distancing and safe retailing. Car sales are very low risk, but offer a high return to the State in terms of employment and Revenue. In this context SIMI members are ready to open showrooms for business safely, but if this is not possible a move to click and collect would help the sector in the interim.”
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2021) Debuts
Mercedes-Benz Ireland has confirmed that the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will launch in Ireland in September.
The new generation C-Class features styling cues from other models in the Mercedes' range, including technology features from the flagship S-Class - the latest generation MBUX infotainment system, optional rear-axle steering and comprehensive electrification.
New Saloon and Estate models are characterised by short front and rear overhang, long wheelbase, and sporty bonnet with power domes. In what Mercedes calls its ‘cab-backward’ design, windscreen and passenger cell have moved gently towards the rear.
Mercedes-Benz promise more space inside the vehicle with greater elbow space and added rear head and knee room.
An all-new interior design features a dashboard covered with man-made leather with nappa-look beltlines and new veneers in brown and black tones.
There's also a technology upgrade in the form of the latest generation MBUX and ‘Hey Mercedes’ multimedia and voice-activated assistance systems with touch screen functions.
Five petrol and three diesels are available at launch, all with four-cylinder, turbo charged engines and 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Petrol models will include the C 180 (1.5-litre), C 200 and C 200 4MATIC (1.5-litre), and the C 300 and C 300 4MATIC (2.0-litre).
Diesel models include the C 200 d, C 220 d and C 300 d 2.0-litre engines.
Plug-in hybrid versions with an electric range of around 100 kilometres will join the range later.
A new suspension is said to deliver agile handling, along with high ride and noise comfort. Optional rear-axle steering, operative at speeds below 60 km/h, means fewer turns are required to reduce the turning circle. Sport suspension with continuously adjustable damping is also optionally available.
Latest generation driving assistance features deliver more comfortable and safer driving with functions that include distance assist, steering assist, lane keeping assist, and a feature that can detect and raise the body height in anticipation of an impending collision.
Improved surround sensors give the driver even better support when parking and manoeuvring at low speed, while emergency braking functions protect other road users.
Comparing it to its predecessor, Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, said: “in all but name, the new C-Class is pure S-Class in so many respects”.
“Coming immediately behind the flagship model, it raises the bar beyond what owners might have expected from a first-tier offering in the luxury segment. In that regard, it sets a new benchmark for Mercedes-Benz itself and others,” Allen added.
The most popular models in Ireland are expected to be the C 180 and C 200 d. Pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class range in Ireland will be announced closer to its arrival date in September.
