Range Rover Makes Irish Debut!
The new Range Rover is making its Irish debut this month and will be available to view in Land Rover showrooms across Ireland.
Land Rover's luxury flagship will officially go on sale here in the summer, priced from €146,000. It will be available with a suite of efficient mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. An electric Range Rover is set to join the line-up in 2024.
What's new for the 2022 Range Rover?
There will be a choice of four, five or seven-seat interiors available across Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs.
The P510e and P440e Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) produce CO2 emissions as low as 18g/km. They provide up to 113 km of range driving electric, which the brand translates into a real-world all-electric range of 88 km.
The new Range Rover is also one of the few PHEVs to offer 50kW DC rapid charging capability. It is said to charge up to 80 per cent in under an hour, making it one of the fastest charging plug-in hybrids.
The most powerful P510e plug-in hybrid powertrain uses a 38kWh lithium-ion battery, 105kW electric motor and 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium engine, with 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
There will also be a choice of mild-hybrid six-cylinder petrol and diesels. There's also a new V8.
Anything else?
Trim lines include SE, HSE and Autobiography models, with an exclusive First Edition available during the first year of production.
Both Standard (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) body designs are available with five seats. The new LWB model offers enhanced comfort for rear-seat occupants.
The new Range Rover will become the first in a series of electric Land Rovers, with every Land Rover set to be available with pure-electric propulsion by 2030.
Irish prices start from €146,000 for the SWB 3.0 Si6 PHEV SE model.
For preview dates and locations to view the new Range Rover, visit landrover.ie.
Kia Niro On The Way To Ireland (2022)
Kia Ireland has confirmed that the new Kia Niro will arrive in Ireland this summer as a plug-in hybrid (Niro PHEV) and an electric vehicle (Niro EV).
Pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch. The Niro PHEV will arrive in time for the new 222 registration in July, with the Niro EV following later in the summer
What's new for the 2022 Kia Niro?
Kia’s popular Niro crossover has been entirely redesigned from the ground up for this new generation of the car. The Niro first arrived in Ireland in 2016 as a hybrid, before adding a plug-in hybrid and full battery electric vehicle to the range. It has since helped establish Kia as a major player in the EV market.
At the front, the new Niro showcases the latest evolution of Kia’s signature Tiger Face. At the rear there are new boomerang-shaped LED taillights. Personalisation options include the choice of different C-Pillar colours that contrast or complement the body colour and up to three different finishes for the cladding depending on the trim level chosen.
The new Niro is built on the brand's K3 platform and is said to feature class-leading interior space and storage capacity for the C-SUV segment. The new Niro EV has 475 litres of boot space and an additional 20 litres in the frunk. Niro PHEV models come with 348 litres of boot space, which can be further expanded by fully reclining the flat-fold rear seats.
Premium-effect recycled materials are used in the new cabin of the Niro, and a suite of new safety systems will also feature. Two 10.25-inch display screens show vehicle and navigation information, while a multi-mode touch display allows control of infotainment and heating
Other convenience features added to the new Niro include Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
Niro PHEV
The new Kia Niro PHEV will use the brand's 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine, paired with Kia’s second-generation six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 62kW e-motor in the PHEV version results in combined maximum power of 183PS and provides an electric-only range covering up to 65km (WLTP).
The Niro PHEV debuts Hyundai Motor Group’s very first 5.5 kWh high-volt Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for Plug-in Hybrid models, extending the electric driving range in colder conditions. The self-regulated ceramic elements provide cabin heating to complement the vehicle’s heating core and ensure a continuous flow of warm air.
An intelligent Green Zone Drive Mode on Niro PHEV automates the use of electric power by taking location guidance from the navigation system, driving pattern learning or manual driver input.
Niro EV
The battery electric Kia Niro will use an 64.8 kWh battery with an electric range of 463 km (WLTP). When temperatures are low, the system in Niro EV uses navigation-based battery conditioning to pre-heat the battery when a charge point is selected as a destination, which helps shorten charge times and secure battery performance.
The EV version is distinguished from the PHEV by a two-tone closed grille and unique steel grey side cladding. The Niro EV has also received a dedicated lower grille and bumper treatment in addition to model-specific 17-inch alloys. The plug-in charging port for the EV model is positioned in the centre of the front grille for easy access at all charge points.
The new Kia Niro has received suspension and steering improvements in this new generation of the car. Additional insulation and padding have been inserted around the vehicle’s structure to reduce engine and road noise.
Other engineering advancements include a slight increase in torsional rigidity, said to deliver improvements in ride, handling, and steering behaviour.
Opel Grandland Pricing For Ireland (2022)
Opel has announced pricing and equipment for the new Opel Grandland range in Ireland, ahead of its arrival in dealers this April.
The Opel Grandland has been updated for 2022 and will go on sale priced from €35,495, plus delivery related charges.
What's new for the Opel Grandland?
At the front, the Grandland now has the new Opel 'Vizor' brand face. While inside the interior has been significantly updated to include the brand's 'Pure Panel' cockpit.
Segment first adaptive IntelliLux LED® Pixel Lights with high beam assist now feature as standard across the range for Opel's flagship family SUV for improved safety and visibility.
Designed and produced in Germany, the latest Grandland is available with petrol and diesel engines from launch. A plug-in hybrid will join in early summer.
The Grandland petrol is a 1.2-litre with 130 hp and the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or 8-speed automatic. There's also a 1.5-litre diesel engine available with 130hp and an 8-speed automatic. Front wheel drive versions of Opel's Grandland plug-in hybrid will arrive in the summer with 225hp. While all wheel drive versions will follow later in 2022.
Pricing and equipment for new Grandland
Available in three trims in Ireland, the Grandland SC trim retails from €35,495 plus delivery. Standard equipment includes LED Pixel Lighting, active emergency braking, cruise control with speed limiter, active lane keep assist, side blind spot alert, enhanced traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, hill start assist with electronic parking brake, and electronically controlled dual zone air conditioning. There's also DAB radio, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, 7” touchscreen, Bluetooth audio streaming, front console USB, 230V plug in 2nd row, 17” alloy wheels, auto headlamps, front fogs, rain sensitive windscreen, front and rear parking sensors and rear view camera.
The sporty SRI trim retails form €37,495 plus delivery. Standard equipment includes AGR driver’s seat, electrically adjustable driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, adjustable driver seat cushion extension, half leather-effect seat trim, and alloy sporty pedals (auto versions). There's also a 10” touchscreen with satellite navigation, 12” multi-colour driver information cluster, USB connection in the 2nd row, wireless charger, Black Pack (high gloss Opel logo and badging), two tone black roof and black mirror caps, high gloss black roof rails, 18” alloy wheels and privacy tinted windows.
The top-of-the-range Elite trim retails from €39,495. It comes as standard with keyless entry and start, heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, 19” alloy wheels and handsfree electric tailgate.
James Brooks, Managing Director at Leeson Motors, Opel Importer in Ireland, said:
“The striking new Grandland sports a fresh new exterior look, a high-tech interior, a range of highly efficient powertrains and incredible levels of standard safety and comfort equipment. It is sure to appeal to our existing and new conquest customers alike. We look forward to market growth in 2022 in the all-important C-SUV segment.”
The new Opel Grandland is available this April at Opel Dealer showrooms to test drive.
This summer will also see the launch of the new Opel Astra, with the Astra Sports Tourer to follow.
New Car Registrations Ireland March 2022
New car registrations data from SIMI for March shows a 40.7% increase to 12,935 cars when compared to 9,192 in March 2021.
Registrations year to date are up 4% on the same period last year, with 49,928 cars sold in total.
The top 5 bestselling car brands so far in 2022 are 1. Toyota, 2. Hyundai, 3. Kia, 4. Skoda, and 5. Volkswagen.
The top 5 bestselling cars were 1. Hyundai Tucson, 2. Toyota Corolla, 3. Toyota C-HR, 4. Toyota RAV4 and 5. Toyota Yaris.
The bestselling electric vehicles were 1. Hyundai IONIQ 5, 2. Volkswagen ID.4, 3. Kia EV6, 4. Nissan Leaf and 5. Tesla Model 3.
Used car imports for March were 3,793 cars, a decrease of 35.1% on March 2021. Year to date imports are down 36.8% on 2021.
For the month of March, 1,930 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 1,034 in March 2021.
So far this year 6,244 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 2,816 on the same period 2021.
Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with a combined market share now of 44.63%. Despite a large decrease in market share for internal combustion engine type vehicles, petrol remains dominant at 27.4%, with diesel accounting for 25.83%, hybrid for 24.56%, electric for 12.51% and plug-in hybrid for 7.56%.
Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) are down 32.2% (2,032) compared to March last year (2,998) and year to date are down 17.3% (9,372).
HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are down 25.9% (249) in comparison to March 2021 (336). Year to date HGV's are down 8.4% (823).
Commenting on the new vehicle registrations Brian Cooke, Director General SIMI said:
“While new car sales are up 41% on March last year and up 4% year to date, they still remain 22% behind that of pre-COVID (2019) levels. Commercial vehicles registrations for both the heavy and light sectors are down for March and year to date. There is strong demand for new and used cars among consumers, although supply continues to remain a major challenge for the Industry, while the hire drive market continues to be well below pre-pandemic levels.
The Electric Vehicle market continues to grow, with the first quarter of this year seeing over 10,000 new EVs (BEV and PHEV combined) registered, almost double the amount for Q1 2021. This acceleration in EV sales is down to both the increase in the number of models now available for sale, and the SEAI Grants supporting their purchase. We welcome the Government's publication yesterday of their draft Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025. It is vital that Ireland delivers a modern agile charging infrastructure that keeps pace with both the increasing number of EVs and the ongoing improvements in charging technologies. By doing this, we can work together to build consumer confidence in the EV project.”
Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid Debuts
Suzuki has enhanced their Vitara range with the addition of a new hybrid. The new Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid goes on sale in Ireland priced from €28,995.
The current generation of the Vitara was updated in early 2019, with higher specification and 48V mild hybrid technology added in 2020.
Suzuki Vitara Hybrid in Ireland
The new Vitara Hybrid uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine, 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter, Motor Generator Unit (known as MGU), a 12V lithium-ion battery as well as a conventional 12V lead-acid battery to power components requiring lower voltage such as lights, instruments and heating / air conditioning. The power output is 115 hp, while CO2 emissions are rated at 121g/km.
The new Hybrid system has two switchable modes- Eco and Standard. The Vitara Hybrid is equipped as standard with Auto Gear Shift (AGS) that automatically shifts the manual transmission and gear ratios that are optimised to help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy. The transmission also has a manual mode with steering wheel mounted shift paddles.
Anything else?
The SZ-T model features a strong specification including 17-inch silver painted alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, white stitching for seat trim fabric, smartphone connectivity, rear parking camera, keyless entry/start, navigation, climate control, Dual Sensor Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The new Vitara Full Hybrid is also available in SZ5 trim, priced from €30,995. Moving up to SZ5 adds 17-inch polished alloy wheels, suede seat upholstery, Panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors and availability of ALLGRIP 4WD as an option.
The new Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid joins the Vitara Mild Hybrid, already on sale here priced from €26,535.
The Vitara is produced at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary.
Suzuki has recently launched new models in Ireland - the S-Cross and Swace.
Suzuki S-Cross On Sale Now (2022)
The new generation Suzuki S-Cross has arrived in Ireland and goes on sale priced from €29,365.
What's new for the 2022 Suzuki S-Cross?
Suzuki's C-segment SUV has a bold and more muscular design, including angular wheel arches and smooth flowing lines. The front end design incorporates a raised bonnet line, piano black front grille and new design three LED position headlamps.
This theme continues at the rear with larger combination lamps that integrate horizontally with the rear centre garnish to emphasise a sense of width, in addition to roof rails and integrated rear spoiler.
Inside there is a more spacious and versatile interior, and a higher standard and safety specification than the previous model. The boot offers 430 litres of space.
The new Suzuki S-Cross is powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid technology and a manual or automatic gearbox. A full hybrid will join the range before the end of the year.
The 48V Hybrid powertrain for new S-Cross is very lightweight in design and its components add less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle. It's designed to improve the efficiency of the vehicle.
Weight savings during development help the new S-Cross remain one of the lightest SUVs in its class at just 1,235kg for 2WD with manual transmission and an increase of only 70kg for the optional ALLGRIP model (manual transmission).
Anything else?
There are two trim levels: Motion and Ultra. Standard equipment includes 17-inch painted alloy wheels, three signature LED projector headlamps for low and high beam, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, keyless entry and start, dual zone auto air conditioning, heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors.
The Ultra model will arrive before the end of the year and will be four wheel drive only. It adds 17-inch polished alloy wheels, leather seat upholstery, integrated on-board navigation, panoramic sliding sunroof and further driver safety and convenience with the fitment of a 360 view camera.
S-Cross is produced at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary.
Suzuki has also just launched a new estate car in Ireland - the Suzuki Swace.
All Suzuki models now offer hybrid technology.
Suzuki Swace Arrives In Ireland
The new Suzuki Swace has arrived in Ireland, priced from €30,995.
It's the brand's first estate car and comes to market as an exclusively hybrid vehicle.
The Swace is the second new model to be launched from the Suzuki/Toyota collaborative business agreement. Based on the Toyota Corolla Hybrid Estate, the Swace is almost identical except for a new Suzuki signature front end and Suzuki badging.
Suzuki Swace in Ireland
In Ireland the Swace will be sold in one trim level, SZ-T, with a high specification. Standard equipment includes dual zone automatic air conditioning, eight-inch multimedia audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, rear parking camera and pre-collision emergency braking system.
The Swace is available in a choice of five colours in Ireland.
A ‘less-is-more’ approach has been taken inside the Swace, with a simple interior design that focuses on spaciousness, comfort and practicality. Material quality is good with plenty of soft touch materials and chrome or silver accents.
The Swace has a 596-litre boot. The carpeted floorboard can be placed in a lower position to store taller objects and is also reversible with a resin backside that can be used for stowing wet or dirty items. The compartment can be easily expanded into a fully flat space by using the remote folding lever to fold down the second-row seats, which creates up to 1,606-litres of luggage space.
There is a detachable tonneau cover for privacy that can be retracted with a single touch. The luggage compartment is equipped with auto-illuminating lights and DC12V accessory socket for added convenience.
Swace Hybrid
The Swace's hybrid powertrain is shared with the Corolla. The 1.8-litre petrol electric hybrid has a power output of 122 hp and CO2 emissions of just 103 g (WLTP). The hybrid system optimally drives the Swace with the motor, engine or both depending on driving conditions. In EV drive mode, the vehicle is driven solely by its electric motor with power supplied from the battery.
The Suzuki Swace arrives in Ireland along with a new Suzuki Vitara Hybrid and the new generation Suzuki S-Cross.
2021 saw the arrival of an updated Suzuki Swift. Every model in the Suzuki line-up now offers hybrid technology.
The Swace is manufactured in the UK and is available now.
Polestar 2 Arrives In Ireland!
Polestar, the Swedish premium electric performance brand, has arrived in Ireland. The brand's first model to officially go on sale here is the new Polestar 2. Styled as an electric performance fastback, pricing for the new Polestar 2 will start from €54,500 in Ireland.
Polestar 2 is said to bring avant-garde design and a unique ownership experience to the premium compact electric segment. First launched internationally in 2020, it was the first car in the world to feature Google built-in through the car's Android Automotive OS infotainment system – including the Google Assistant, Google Maps with support for electric vehicles and the Google Play Store. An 11-inch touch screen display brings the new interface to life, with natural voice control.
Polestar 2 battery and range
In Ireland, the Polestar 2 model range will include three versions, offering a mix of performance and range.
The Standard range Single motor version will feature a 231 hp / 330 Nm electric motor and a 69 kWh battery pack good for a WLTP range of up to 474 km.
The Long range Single motor will increase battery size to 78 kWh with a corresponding jump in its WLTP range of up to 542 km.
he Long range Dual motor variant has two electric motors and the same 78 kWh battery, with a total output of 408 hp and 660 Nm, with a WLTP range of up to 482 km.
Buying Polestar in Ireland
Polestar cars are purchased online through a simplified, 100% digital process, which is complemented by physical retail locations known around the world as Polestar Spaces and Polestar Destinations.
These bespoke retail environments allow consumers to interact physically with the brand, meeting with Polestar Specialists to explore the car in more detail, including test drives.
The first Polestar Destination in Ireland is planned to open to the public in Dublin later in 2022.
In the meantime, the Polestar 2 will soon be available to order here from the Polestar Ireland website.
Consumer test drives will start with a four week roadshow in Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Galway, from 9th May.
Kieran Campbell, Market Lead for Polestar Ireland, said:
“It’s clear there’s huge appetite for new premium electric cars here in Ireland, so the arrival of Polestar couldn’t be better-timed. With its avant-garde styling, advanced technology and impressive sustainability credentials, Polestar 2 is the perfect car for Ireland’s transition to electric vehicles.”
Jonathan Goodman, Polestar’s Head of Global Communications and Polestar UK, said:
“We’re excited to bring Polestar to Ireland. As we continue our rapid and global roll out of the Polestar brand, Ireland was the logical next step in our plans. We’re proud to offer an exciting and advanced EV in the premium segment here.
Anything else?
Polestar was established as a new, standalone Swedish premium electric vehicle manufacturer in 2017. Founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding, Polestar cars share technology and engineering with Volvo Cars.
The Polestar 2 electric performance fastback is the company’s first fully electric, high volume car. The Polestar 1 was built between 2019 and 2021 as a low-volume electric performance hybrid GT with a carbon fibre body, 609 hp, 1,000 Nm and an electric-only range of 124 km (WLTP) – the longest of any hybrid car in the world.
Polestar is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. The brand's cars are currently available in markets across Europe, North America, China and Asia Pacific. They are currently manufactured in two facilities in China, with additional future manufacturing planned in the USA.
From 2022, Polestar plans to launch one new electric vehicle per year, starting with Polestar 3 – the company’s first electric performance SUV.
Polestar 4 is expected to follow in 2023, a smaller electric performance SUV coupe.
In 2024, the Polestar 5 electric performance 4-door GT is planned to be launched as the production evolution of Polestar Precept – the manifesto concept car that Polestar released in 2020 that showcases the brand’s future vision in terms of design, technology, and sustainability.
Ford Supports Irish Guide Dogs With S-MAX Hybrid
Henry Ford & Son Ltd. is providing a new Ford S-MAX FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind to help with the charity’s work across Ireland.
With its National Training Centre in Cork, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is dedicated to assisting people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism. They are committed to improving the mobility and independence of individuals through their world-class dog training and ancillary services.
John Manning, Market Lead for Ford in Ireland, said:
“The Irish Guide Dogs team do wonderful work that impacts hugely on the lives of their clients right across Ireland. We are delighted to be able to support that great work with the long-term loan of the new S-MAX FHEV. The new S-MAX FHEV is the ideal vehicle for the Irish Guide Dogs team with 7-seat flexibility and, thanks to the easy-to-use fold flat seat capability, there is ample space to safely and securely transport dogs, large, medium or puppy-size! S-MAX is the original sports activity vehicle and the new FHEV version brings even more appeal for a new generation of customers with pure-electric driving capability”.
"We wish the Guide Dogs team many safe kilometres as they carry out their valuable work with the help of the S-MAX FHEV".
SEAI Electric Vehicle Dealership Awards
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced the county winners of the first ever Electric Vehicle Dealership Awards.
The aim of the awards is to recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sales of electric vehicles (EV) in Ireland. Car dealerships are a vital part of the transition to clean and efficient transport. SEAI wants to recognise and award those dealerships who are working to increase consumers understanding and experience of EVs and their uptake on Irish roads.
There were 116 applications for the SEAI Electric Vehicle Dealership Awards, across 25 counties. Car dealers competed through a mystery shopping exercise where they were scored on a number of factors including how visible EVs were in the showroom, how knowledgeable their salespeople were on EVs, and their sales approach. Other evaluation areas included EV training, sales trends and the dealership’s website.
The winners are now on the shortlist for the national award. It will be announced at this year’s SEAI Energy Show taking place in the RDS, Dublin on March 30th and 31st.
Declan Meally, Director of Business, Public Sector and Transport at SEAI said:
“SEAI recognises that EV car dealerships and their staff are a key set of enablers to EV uptake. I congratulate this year’s winners whose commitment and dedication are hugely inspiring. I would also like to thank those Dealerships for supporting the awards in such large numbers. Engaging and supporting EV dealers will help influence Ireland's transition to EVs. These new SEAI Dealership Awards provide additional incentives and opportunities to build capacity and competence in the supply chain and help to improve the overall public customer experience.”
Check out all the county winners in this year's competition:
| County | Dealership |
| Cavan | Cavan Autoparc Ltd. |
| Clare | Western Garages Ltd. |
| Cork | Keary’s BMW & Mini |
| Donegal | Inishowen Motors (JMCL) Ltd. |
| Dublin | Joe Duffy Volkswagen North Dublin |
| Galway | Windsor Motor Mall |
| Kerry | Randles Bros |
| Kildare | Fitzpatrick's Garage |
| Kilkenny | Barlo Nissan |
| Limerick | Hinchy's Garage Ltd. |
| Longford | O'Reilly & Sons |
| Louth | Lynn Motors Ltd. |
| Mayo | Cleary & Sons Ltd. |
| Meath | Windsor Clonee |
| Monaghan | Doran Motors |
| Offaly | Tullamore Motors |
| Roscommon | Cooney Motors Ltd. |
| Sligo | Connolly’s Sligo |
| Tipperary | E Cleary Motors Ltd. |
| Waterford | Tom Murphy Car Sales |
| Westmeath | O'Briens Motor Group |
| Wexford | Trinity Peugeot |
| Wicklow | Avon Motors |