Volkswagen e-Up Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen e-Up review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's electric city car in Ireland.
Volkswagen's ID range of electric cars has been grabbing all the headlines with the success of the Volkswagen ID.4 in Ireland and the high profile launch of the ID.Buzz, Irish Car of the Year 2023.
With strong momentum in the market and increased consumer appetite for EVs, the brand has finally brought the e-Up to Ireland, which is definitely cause for celebration!
The Volkswagen Up was on sale in Ireland for many years as a small petrol city car. Now Volkswagen has made the decision to replace it with the electric version - the cutely named 'e-Up' - which has been on sale in Europe for a few years now.
Priced at €29,313 on the road including delivery charges, the e-Up is now one of the cheapest electric cars on sale.
What's so special about the Volkswagen e-Up?
Launched back in 2013, the e-Up was Volkswagen’s first mass-produced electric vehicle. Since then, over 80,000 e-Ups have been sold around the world. At the end of 2020, such was demand for the e-Up that Volkswagen had to halt taking orders for a while to catch up with production and deliver cars to customers.
Hidden beneath those compact dimensions is a 32 kWh battery, which gives the e-Up a range of up to 253 kilometres (WLTP). That's plenty for a small car that is designed primarily for town and city driving. Being light (1,160 kg) means it's an efficient way to travel too.
In Ireland the e-Up is available in just one trim level called Style. It's a smart looking car, despite the Up being an ageing design now. It also comes with the practicality of five doors, which gives it an advantage over its closest rival, the Fiat 500e.
There's some elegant blue trim as well to highlight its EV status and Volkswagen's C-shaped LED daytime running lights, used to highlight the brands electrified models like the Golf GTE.
15-inch alloy wheels come as standard, with the option to upgrade to a sportier 16-inch design for €375. There are six colours to choose from and a black roof comes as standard on the Style trim.
There's also a quality and solid feel to the e-Up that can be hard to find in small cars.
Inside the e-Up
The e-Up has an older generation Volkswagen cabin with a clear and logical layout. You use a key to start the car and there's also a mechanical handbrake.
Compared to the cabin of the Fiat 500e, it is quite old-fashioned, lacking glossy touchscreens and digital tech. But the e-Up makes up for it in quality. This car feels solidly built with no squeaks or rattles.
There's a leather wrapped steering wheel as standard and a lovely gearshift lever in leather too. The grey cloth seats with integrated headrests look and feel good too. Both front seats get height adjustment. The steering wheel only adjusts for rake (up and down).
There's no touchscreen but there is a Bluetooth connection as standard and a smartphone cradle. You can download a 'Maps + More' app to use your phone as a sort of entertainment and navigation screen. Other standard equipment features include automatic lights and wipers, heated front seats, laminated heated windscreen, automatic climate control, small parking camera and cruise control.
There's more room in the back than in a 500e and the five doors make access easier too. Still, it's a city car so a Polo is far roomier in the back.
The boot is also small at 251 litres, though it has some depth so there's enough room for a few bags and a hidden place to store the charging cables. Quite clever really.
Driving the e-Up
On the road, the e-Up's solid feel pervades.
Moving to electric certainly benefits the driving experience. The e-Up feels more mature and powerful on the road than how I remember the Up petrol. Joining motorways is less frantic, with smooth delivery of power to the front wheels from an 82hp motor and 210Nm of torque. 0 to 100km/h is still a leisurely - 11.9 seconds - but the e-Up feels faster than what numbers might suggest on paper.
A single gear automatic transmission is great for town use. There is a B mode to enhance regenerative braking and a few different driving modes like Eco and Eco+. Eco mode limits the motor’s power and torque, reduces the top speed and switches off the air conditioning. The stricter Eco+ mode reduces these figures even more to maximise the battery range.
The electric Up is nimble and agile to drive, though not quite as fun to drive as the old petrol Up. It feels heavier for a start and the acceleration a little less fizzy. But the extra weight does make it feel more stable in cornering so there are benefits after all. There are no modifications to the suspension but it does feel comfortable for a small electric car.
The range may seem quite mediocre at 253 kilometres but with consumption as low as 14.7kWh per 100 kilometres, you might be surprised how far this Up can go per battery charge. Particularly when you stick to its natural habitat of town and city.
When it comes to charging, it takes 5.5 hours to charge the battery to full from a 7kW wallbox at home. There is a CCS port for fast charging, but DC charging is only possible up to 40 kW. So it will take roughly one hour to charge an empty battery to 80%.
Did you like it?
The Up was always a great city car. The electric version is no different. It feels more mature than ever, with a nice solid feel from behind the wheel.
Like its rivals, it's expensive for a small car, especially compared to the petrol Up that used to be on sale. The cabin is not the most modern in terms of the in-car tech, but it really does make up for it in quality and comfort.
The e-Up is also very practical for its size, with the boon of five doors and decent enough space for two rear passengers from time to time.
It's a car that is at home in town and city driving. So if you're willing to pay for something small, stylish and electric for mostly that sort of driving, the e-Up is a great buy!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Volkswagen e-Up
Price: €29,313 OTR
Battery: 32kWh
Power: 82hp
0-100km/h: 11.9 seconds
Top speed: 130 km/h
Motor tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen ID Buzz Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen ID Buzz review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's new electric people carrier in Ireland.
The long-awaited Volkswagen ID Buzz arrived in Ireland last year, a modern take on the classic Volkswagen Microbus and winner of Irish Car of the Year 2023.
With a 77kWh battery and up to 425 kilometres (WLTP) of electric driving, the new ID Buzz marks the start of a new electric era for Volkswagen people carriers and MPVs.
It is now Volkswagen's largest electric model within the ID range of electric vehicles. Priced from €68,470, it is a high-end vehicle with van-loads of charm.
What's so special about the Volkswagen ID Buzz?
Just look at it! The new ID Buzz takes the iconic style of the original Microbus and brings it right up to date. All the classic design cues are there, like the square silhouette and wheels pushed out to the corners. There are four trim levels for Ireland and wheel sizes vary from 19- to 20-inch. They really add to the smart, futuristic and 'electrified' look of the 21st century Buzz.
Let's not forget this is a big 'bus', measuring about 4.7 metres in length. Though despite this, it's remarkably easy to handle and manoeuvre on the road. The ID Buzz is five seat only for now,, but seven seat versions will arrive later.
With a range of bright colour options and the choice of a two-tone paint finish inspired by the original, this is a car that makes people smile wherever it goes.
There are loads of practical features including sliding doors and a huge boot of over 1000 litres.
For space and practicality, it doesn't get much better than the ID Buzz.
Inside the ID Buzz
The cabin of the ID Buzz is as cheerful as the outside of this car. It's a bright and colourful space with an open, lounge-like feel. You sit high in the driver's seat, 'van-like'. But the ID Buzz is far better furnished than most vans I know!
There are coloured interiors to match the exterior paint of the car. The two-tone look adds fun to the cabin of the Buzz. It feels solid and well-made, with lots of modern features like a full digital driver display and large touchscreen (10- or 12-inch) with Apple Car Play/Android Auto. There are touchscreen controls for the ventilation but a short cut button at least brings up the menu quicker.
A wireless smartphone charger comes as standard, as well as lots of USB-C ports dotted around the cabin. There's also dual zone climate control, heated front seats, parking sensors, and cruise control.
There's loads of storage space, ideal for families on the go, including the 'Buzzbox' removal storage compartment between the two front seats.
Some versions get a powered tailgate, which is useful as there is quite a large, heavy bootlid. The boxy shape of the Buzz makes for a very practical, square-shaped boot that's easy to load and unload.
There's loads of headroom and legroom in row two with a bright, airy feel. Though it's worth noting the rear windows don't open and there's no ventilation vents in the centre console for rear passengers either.
Driving it
The new ID Buzz is built on the same platform as other electric vehicles from VW like the ID.4. So it may look like a van from the outside, but it's surprisingly car-like in the way it feels and behaves on the road.
The controls are all nicely-weighted and the electric powertrain adds a level of smoothness to the drive that many van drivers may be unfamiliar with. It's quiet enough on the motorway at high speeds and comfortable too - though it can be a bit bumpier on country roads.
The 77kWh battery realistically will deliver over 300 kilometres of electric range, which is good but longer trips will still require a few stops for a fast charge at up to 135kW. AC charging possible up to 11kW.
The Buzz is easy to drive and can hustle along nicely. Though it is best enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. There's a 204hp motor powering the back wheels, with 0 to 100km/h completed in 10.2 seconds.
Did you like it?
It's hard not to like the ID Buzz. It's such a cheerful car to behold and a bit of a marvel technology wise - a battery-powered version of an icon with decent range that's good to drive too.
The Buzz scores very high for practicality and is an ideal vehicle for families. It is expensive however for a family car, priced in the region of upmarket electric SUVs like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB. But this is a charming alternative that really is in a class of its own.
Model tested: Volkswagen ID Buzz Max
Price: €78,515
Battery: 77kWh
Range: 425 km (WLTP)
Power: 204hp
Torque: 310Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen Polo Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen Polo review for everything you need to know about buying the small hatchback from Volkswagen in Ireland.
The Volkswagen Polo is one of Ireland’s favourite small cars and has been for many years. Sales of small hatchbacks like the Polo have been in decline as customers switched to more fashionable SUVs and crossovers. But the humble hatch still has a lot to offer buyers.
Now Volkswagen has streamlined the Polo line-up in Ireland, which coincides with an update for the classic small hatchback that sees even more sophisticated style and high-tech equipment as standard than ever before.
The latest Volkswagen Polo goes on sale priced from €23,840 and is powered by a simple 1.0-litre petrol engine.
So is the Polo still up to the job? Let's take a closer look to find out.
What's so special about the Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo is one of the classiest small cars you can buy with handsome but understated style, and the theme continues inside.
Over the years it has grown in size, to a point where it's roomy enough inside now to function as a small family car.
In Ireland, the Polo range is very simple. There's the Polo Life priced from €23,840, the Polo Style from €26,995 and the Polo R-Line from €25,840. All cars come with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 95hp. Automatic versions are available for about €2,000 more.
The styling updates have been very successful, with now a more mature-looking front end. LED headlights are standard across the range and some versions get more advanced matrix LED units.
At the back, there's a new set of lights with a horizontal design that adds width and elegance to the Polo's road presence. Wheel sizes vary from 15- to 16-inch, with the option of a 17-inch set.
The R-Line model on test is the sportiest of the bunch with standard kit including 16-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels, sportier bumpers, and exterior trim and roof spoiler finish in gloss black.
Inside the Volkswagen Polo
The Polo has one of the best cabins you will find in a small car. It's solidly built and reassuringly simple in its design. Yet all the modern features are here - a full digital instrument panel and touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard. Entry level Life models make do with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, but Style and R-line versions get a more impressive 8-inch unit.
Some small car interiors like the Renault Clio and Peugeot 208 feel a little more glamourous, but the Polo interior is a sound and comfortable place to spend time in.
Other standard features include air conditioning, leather wrapped steering wheel, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Style trim adds a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control. R-line versions have a slightly sportier ambience with sports seats, black roof liner, and stainless steel pedals.
It feels really roomy inside too, with one of the largest cabins in the segment. It's comfortable in the back for passengers with plenty of headroom and large footwells. It definitely feels more spacious than a Peugeot 208 or a Toyota Yaris. The rear doors open wide and there are Isofix child seat fixtures on the two outer seats and the front passenger seat.
The Polo also has one of the largest boots in the class at 351 litres, with practical features like a two-position floor and a spare wheel.
Driving the Polo
On the road, the Polo drives pretty much the same as it looks. It's a solid and steady drive, offering plenty of comfort for those on board and impressive refinement on the move - even on the motorway.
It's not the most fun to drive small car with the steering being a little on the light side for that. But it's perfectly agreeable with a robust quality that sees it move effortlessly from town to motorway and rural roads.
When it comes to power, there's no choice other than the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 95hp. But it's actually an ideal engine for the Polo and feels lively enough whether in town or on the motorway. A five-speed manual gearbox comes as standard but there is the option of a 7-speed automatic.
The five-speed manual gearbox has to be worked at times to keep the engine in its sweet spot, but it settles down well to a cruise on the motorway, so you won't actually miss a sixth gear. It’s also efficient by class standards.
Did you like it?
In recent years, many buyers have switched to small crossovers and SUVs like the Volkswagen Taigo and T-Cross for example, but there is still a lot to be said for a hatchback like the Polo.
The Volkswagen Polo is an easy car to recommend. These days it's never looked better, with smart styling that looks good just about everywhere.
The Polo is easily one of the most upmarket small cars on the market in Ireland, with a classy cabin that's comfortable and well-equipped.
What's most impressive is the space and practicality the Polo offers inside, making it very good value indeed. On the road, it's comfortable and refined.
Overall, the Polo is a great all-rounder and a smart choice of small car.
Model tested: Volkswagen Polo R-Line
Price: €25,840
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol
Power: 95hp
Torque: 175Nm
Top speed: 187 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.8 seconds
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
Volkswagen Taigo Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen Taigo review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's new compact crossover in Ireland.
Volkswagen has expanded their compact car line-up with the arrival of the new Taigo. It joins the likes of the Polo and the T-Cross, but offers something a little different to each.
While the Polo can be praised as one of the best small hatchbacks on the market today, the T-Cross and Taigo are Volkswagen's response to market demand for compact crossovers and small SUVs.
But while the T-Cross carries some more traditional 'square' SUV styling (and I mean 'square' in the best possible way!), the Taigo sits a bit higher in the Volkswagen range and offers a stylish SUV-coupé design.
The new Volkswagen Taigo goes on sale priced from €28,995 and is available in three trim levels: Life, Style and R-Line.
What's so special about the Volkswagen Taigo?
The Taigo looks good. All the charismatic design cues of a modern crossover are here, like the cladding around the wheel arches. It also sits higher off the ground than a hatchback.
The elegant sloping coupé-inspired roof line towards the rear of the car is also unique among small crossovers. Inside, there's a higher driving position behind the wheel that's popular with buyers at the moment.
Taigo Style (from €32,035) and R-Line (from €33,345) models look the best with silver roof rails and more stylish 17-inch alloy wheel designs, as well as the option of 18-inch. The Taigo R-Line on test is the sportiest looking of them all with 17-inch 'Valencia' alloy wheels as standard, as well as sportier bumpers and rear privacy glass.
LED headlights come as standard for a modern appearance on the road, with Style and R-Line models getting more advanced Matrix LED units.
Power comes from Volkswagen's well-proven 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, which is available with 95hp (Life only) or 110hp. There's the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG automatic.
Inside the Taigo
The Taigo has a straightforward interior for a small crossover. All the controls are logically laid out and the cabin is solidly built, if a little dull in design. Some compact crossovers like the Renault Captur and the Peugeot 2008 have more stylish cabins.
Still it features a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, as well as a full digital driver display, which keeps the cabin feeling modern.
Standard features include a leather wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, multifunction steering wheel, lane assist and front assist. Though the Taigo Style adds more salubrious features like front sports comfort seats with lumbar support, front and rear parking sensors, parking camera, ambient lighting, adaptive cruise control and a glossy 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The top of the range R-Line model has a sportier ambience with special R-Line seat covers, stainless steel pedals and a black headliner.
The Taigo will seat five and despite being a compact vehicle does offer a reasonable amount of legroom and headroom for rear seat passengers. The 440-litre boot is also an excellent size, while the rear seats split fold 60:40 and there's also a two-position boot floor as standard.
Driving the Volkswagen Taigo
The Taigo is built on Volkswagen's MQB platform and is powered by a simple petrol engine, no matter which version you go for. With 110hp it feels lively enough, with plenty of power for driving on larger roads like motorways.
On test was the 1.0 TSI with Volkswagen's 7-speed automatic gearbox, however it's not the smoothest combination in the Taigo. Still the Taigo is competitive when it comes to fuel consumption for a small petrol crossover.
It's easy to handle on the road with light steering and a well-judged suspension making it comfortable on longer journeys too. It's not the most fun to drive small crossover but its mature road manners give it broad appeal.
Did you like it?
In recent years, Volkswagen has transformed their line-up with a plethora of new SUV models like the T-Cross and the T-Roc. Now the Taigo falls somewhere in between. It is very stylish to look at, though inside it does feel a little more old-fashioned than more modern competitors.
More expensive to buy than the T-Cross, and not far off the slightly larger T-Roc, the Taigo does occupy a bit of a middle ground without adding much to the Volkswagen range other than a slightly sleeker 'SUV coupé' appearance.
Still it's a well-built compact crossover with a simple line-up and practical cabin, and that is enough to keep it in the running.
Model tested: Volkswagen Taigo 1.0 TSI R-Line
Price: €37,140
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 110hp
Torque: 200Nm
Top speed: 191 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.9 seconds
Motor Tax: €210 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen ID.Buzz On The Way To Ireland
Volkswagen has taken the covers off the new Volkswagen ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo. Both models are expected in Ireland before the end of 2022, with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.
The all-electric bus and transporter range are built by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hannover, based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB).
Volkswagen ID.Buzz features
The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will launch with a 77 kWh battery. It provides current to a 150 kW electric motor, driving the rear axle. The lithium ion battery can be charged from wall boxes or public charging stations using 11 kW alternating current (AC). DC rapid charging is also possible via a CCS plug connector. When charged in this way, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Using the latest ID. software, ‘Plug & Charge’ function will also be available in the future. The ID. Buzz authenticates itself at compatible DC rapid-charging stations via the charging connector.
Standard features in the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will include Front Assist emergency braking function, ‘Lane Assist’ lane-keeping assistant in the ID.Buzz MPV version, and the ‘Car2X’ local warning system. It uses signals from other vehicles and the transport infrastructure to spot hazards in real time.
The ID.BUZZ MPV version will have seating for five people in a lounge-like interior. Seating configurations include two or three seats up front.
Alan Bateson, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland, said:
“The ID. Buzz is a complete game changer for Irish motoring. Not only is it the first all-electric MPV and van to be made and shipped with a carbon neutral footprint, it brings the spirit of the original T1 to the cutting edge of vehicle design and technology. There has been a huge amount of interest in ID. Buzz ever since the Microbus prototype was unveiled in Detroit in 2000. Now that it is finally here, as a desirable family passenger car and highly-practical and versatile commercial vehicle, we can see what all the fuss was about.”
Volkswagen Golf Mk1 'Kermit' Auction For Charity
Volkswagen Ireland will auction the brand's 1977 Mk1 Volkswagen Golf, to raise money for Women’s Aid Ireland, the charity that supports victims of domestic violence.
The vintage car was bought by Volkswagen Ireland in 2013 and is affectionately known as Kermit, inspired by its frog-shaped headlamps and distinctive Bali Green paint work.
It will be auctioned off this week to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Powered by a 1.1-litre, 50-horsepower petrol engine, the Mark 1 Volkswagen Golf was considered nippy in its day with a cruising speed of 80km/h.
Despite showing signs of age, Kermit - licence plate KZN 712 - has lived a charmed life, spawning a legion of fans and appearing in the 2015 St Patrick’s Day Parade.
The lucky winning bidder at Wednesday’s auction gets to own a piece of automotive history, while raising vital funds to support victims of domestic violence.
Rodolfo Calixto, Brand Director for Volkswagen Ireland, says:
“We are sad to see Kermit go but confident he will be happy in his new habitat. Women’s Aid Ireland does wonderful work and we are delighted to support our charity partner via this unique auction.”
Volkswagen ID.4 Price In Ireland
Just as the first Volkswagen ID.4 reviews for Ireland begin to roll in, we can confirm the Volkswagen ID.4 is on sale in Ireland priced from €41,248, including grants and VRT relief.
The ID.4 is the German brand's all new electric SUV and the follow-up to last year's ID.3 hatchback.
The customer deliveries will arrive here later in the spring and will be high specification ID.4 1st Edition and 1st Edition Max models. These models are powered by a 77 kWh battery with a system power output of 204 hp and an electric range up to 500 km (WLTP).
There is 310 Nm of torque, the top speed is 160 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h is reached in 8.5 seconds.
VW ID.4 Price in Ireland
The Volkswagen ID.4 1st is available from €41,248 with equipment highlights including heated front seats and steering wheel, "Discover Pro" navigation system, 20" “Drammen” alloy wheels, reversing camera, LED headlights/taillights and Lane Assist.
The Volkswagen ID.4 1st Max is available from €54,580 and adds massage feature to the front seats, 21" “Narvik” alloy wheels, Area View, LED matrix headlights, 3D LED tail light clusters, Travel Assist, augmented reality head-up display and panoramic sunroof.
From May, the Volkswagen ID.4 52 kWh will launch here with an expected lower entry price of €35,000 after grants. It has a range of around 340 km.
The ID.4 is classed as a compact SUV and uses Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) architecture. Volkswagen says the space available in the vehicle interior is at the level of conventional SUVs in the next category up. Depending on the rear seat backrest’s position, the luggage compartment will have a capacity from 543 to 1,575 litres.
Inside the ID.4
The new electric Volkswagen SUV's operating concept will be based on two displays. One diagonally measures up to 12 inches and features touch functionality – as well as “Hello ID.” natural voice control. The new ID.Light – a narrow light strip under the windscreen – also features.
The ID.4 can avail of DC quick-charging at 125 kW adding 325 km in as little as 30 minutes.
It is available in four colours at launch: Manganese Grey Metallic, Glacier White Metallic, Blue Dusk Metallic, and Honey Yellow Metallic.
“The ID.4 is an emotional all-rounder which will impress many customers with its efficient electric drive, generous amount of space, modern assist systems and powerful design,” says Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen brand.
“As the first global electric car, this model will roll out our modular electric drive matrix platform that has been developed specifically for electric mobility the world over. Volkswagen is thus once again demonstrating its leading role in innovation, technology and quality on the high-volume market.”
A source in Volkswagen Ireland has said that the brand expects to sell 1700 ID.4s here in a year. The ID.3 has already posted strong sales in the Irish market since its launch in the latter half of 2020.
Volkswagen Tiguan (2021) Pricing For Ireland
Volkswagen Ireland has confirmed that the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is available to order now.
The new facelifted version of the popular Tiguan mid size SUV will build on the success of this model in Ireland. Since the current generation launched in 2016, it has become the German brand's bestselling model in Ireland and was the third bestselling car in the country in 2020.
The new Volkswagen Tiguan range will go on sale priced from €31,510 RRP with a €1,000 delivery charge on each model.
What's new for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
At launch the 2021 Tiguan range will go on sale with petrol and diesel engines, with a new Tiguan plug-in hybrid to follow later in the year. The Tiguan eHybrid will feature a 1.4-litre TSI engine twinned with an electric motor that produces a combined 245 hp and makes the eHybrid capable of covering up to 50 km in electric mode. We don't have pricing for this model yet.
A high performance Volkswagen Tiguan R will also go on sale for the first time priced from €66,990, powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine with 320 hp. Four wheel drive and DSG gearbox are also standard on this model.
A comprehensive facelift means a more modern appearance for the Tiguan akin to larger Volkswagen SUVs like the Touareg. The bonnet is more concise in its appearance and the new radiator grille with LED headlights is wider, with the new Volkswagen badge positioned centrally at the front. There are redesigned bumpers, and at the rear the Tiguan lettering is now in a prominent central position below the Volkswagen badge.
Inside there is a new steering wheel featuring touch controls (standard on R-Line and R), and Volkswagen has also digitalised the climate control functions by means of touch sliders and touch buttons in some trim levels.
What are my engine options?
The petrol range kicks off from €31,510 RRP with the option of 130 hp and 150 hp versions of the brand's proven 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, and choice of manual or DSG automatic gearbox.
The diesel range is available from €33,345 RRP and uses the brand's 2.0-litre TDI engine with 122 hp (manual only), 150 hp (manual and DSG automatic) or 200 hp for the top of the range diesel model with four wheel drive and a DSG gearbox.
Pricing and equipment
The new Volkswagen Tiguan will be sold in four trim lines here: Tiguan, Life, Elegance and R-Line. Standard equipment includes 17” Montana alloy wheels, 8” Ready 2 Discover radio system, 2 USB-C ports in the front, air conditioning and LED daytime running lights. There is also Wireless App Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Tiguan Life is available from €34,285 RRP for the 1.5-litre, 130hp petrol engine with a manual gearbox or €39,330 RRP with a 7-speed DSG. The Tiguan Life 2.0-litre TDI diesel starts at €35,515 RRP with a 6-speed manual transmission or €40,425 RRP with a 7-speed DSG automatic. Extra features include 18” Frankfurt alloy wheels, 8” Discover Media Navigation System, adaptive cruise control, Park Distance Control, 3-zone climate control, natural voice control, black roof rails and tinted rear windows as well as Comfort seats in the front and additional storage compartments.
The Tiguan Elegance is aimed at those buyers wanting the best of technology and is available from €44,020 RRP for the 1.5-litre TSI with 150 hp and 7-speed DSG. There are three diesel versions, priced from €42,350. Equipment highlights include 19” Victoria Falls alloy wheels, ArtVelours upholstery, an ambient lighting pack with 30 colours, a multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats, chrome elements, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control ACC Stop & Go incl. speed limiter, Park Assist with Park Distance Control, keyless entry and lane change system ‘Side Assist’ and Rear Traffic Alert.
The Tiguan R-Line is the sportiest of all with standard 20” Suzuka alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers in ‘R-Line’ design and a rear spoiler in ‘R’ style. Inside there is an ‘R-Line’ interior including decorative ‘Carbon Grey’ inserts and a black headliner.There is one petrol R-Line, a 1.5-litre TSI putting out 150 hp, mated to a 7-speed DSG, for €44,920 RRP and three diesel options from €43,195 RRP.
Volkswagen Golf GTE On Sale In Ireland
Volkswagen Ireland has confirmed that the new generation Volkswagen Golf GTE and new Golf eHybrid are now on sale here. Both use a plug-in hydrid powertrain.
The Golf eHybrid kicks off the Golf hybrid range and is priced in Ireland from €36,570 with a power output of 204 hp. With CO2 emissions of 21g/km, it sits in Tax Band A1 with annual motor tax of €170.
Pricing for the new Volkswagen Golf GTE
The new Golf GTE has a bias towards performance and goes on sale from €42,330 with 245 hp available.
The new plug-in hybrids can now cover more range on electric power alone. The Golf eHybrid covers up to 71 kilometres (WLTP), while the Golf GTE is said to travel up to 64 km in pure electric mode.
Both models feature a TSI petrol engine and a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
The new Volkswagen Golf eHybrid is available in the Style trim level and equipment includes 3-zone climate control, keyless cccess advanced, rear-view camera, ArtVelours microfleece seat coverings, Travel Assist with lane keeping system, Emergency Assist and Traffic Jam Assist.
The eHybrid gains some additional standard equipment such as a a head-up display, IQ light matrix lights and taillights, 16” eHybrid alloy wheels, advanced high-beam control, dynamic light assist, dynamic cornering lights, dynamic turn signals in front and rear, and a poor weather light.
Equipment highlights for the GTE
Like the predecessor, the Golf GTE will again be offered as an independent model and comes with a very high level of standard equipment including 17” ‘Richmond’ alloy wheels, GTE-specific body-coloured bumpers, 10” ‘Discover Pro’ radio system with a clear glass touchscreen and 8 speakers, and a head-up display. Volkswagen says acceleration is similar to the new Golf GTI (6.7 seconds to 100km/h), though CO2 emissions are just 36g/km.
The new Volkswagen Golf PHEV models join the Passat GTE in Volkswagen's hybrid range, with plug-in hybrid versions of the Arteon, Tiguan and Touareg soon to arrive in Ireland.
Volkswagen ID.3 Arrives In Ireland
The all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 is now on sale in Ireland, priced from €32,915 including VRT relief and Government grants.
Pre-bookers are now beginning to take delivery of the new models, however Volkswagen Ireland says there is still an opportunity for buyers to get into a limited-edition version of the ID.3 with 58 kW battery and WLTP range of 410-424 km.
The ID.3 1st is available in three trim levels – the 1st, 1st Plus and 1st Max. For private buyers all are eligible for a VRT rebate of €5,000, plus an SEAI grant of €5,000.
Commercial buyers will get the VRT rebate alone so the starting price for business buyers after grants is €37,915.
The ‘entry-level’ ID.3 1st (from €32,915*) comes with 18” alloy wheels, Discover Pro Navigation system, 2-zone air conditioning and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The ID.3 1st Plus (from €39,970*) adds ‘ArtVelours’ upholstery, 19” alloy wheels, Matrix LED lights and a rear view camera.
The ID.3 1st Max (from €46,610*) adds Ergo-Active Seats, 20” alloy wheels, fixed panoramic roof, augmented reality head-up display** and wireless smartphone charging.
All ID.3 1st models have the distinctive ID.Light – an LED strip in the cockpit that visually communicates with passengers.
All buyers of the 1st Edition models receive free access at public charging points for one year or a maximum of 2,000 kWh, whichever occurs soonest. This is accessible through the IONITY high-performance charging network, and all public charging points connected with the WeCharge service including the ESB ecars charging network.
At the IONITY charging points, six of which are in Ireland, ID.3 1st with a charging capacity of 100 kW can be charged from 5% to 80% in only 35 minutes.
Volkswagen says renewable energy for vehicle and battery production means that the ID.3 will be delivered to the customer with a carbon-neutral balance.
Under its electric offensive, the Volkswagen brand is planning to offer electric vehicles in all main vehicle segments by 2022.
*includes VRT of €5,000 and SEAI grant of €5,000 for private customers.
**At market launch, the distance feature in the head-up display will not yet have been activated. For applicable vehicles, a software update will be provided later.