Motors Ireland - October 23

OC T OBER 2023

€ 4.95 / £ 4.50

BMW XM

ALFA ROMEO TONALE

650HP HIGH PERFORMANCE LUXURY SUV

ŠKODA ENYAK COUPÉ

PEUGEOT

408

Contact your local dealer to book a test drive today consumption

for

408

in

WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test l/100km is 6.0-6.1. WLTP combined CO 2 emissions

Procedure) combined fuel (g/km) range is 136-137.

Let’s Explore

The new Škoda Enyaq Coupé iV is perfect for all types of Irish drivers.

Go to skoda.ie to order yours today

LETTER EDITOR

from the

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elcome to the latest issue of Motors Ireland.

The new BMW XM is on our cover this issue.

The supersized BMW XM, with its large grille and chunky proportions is hard to miss. According to BMW, the exterior design of the BMW XM is a “statement of exclusivity, presence and perfor- mance”. Defining elements of the front end inclu- de headlights split into two separate units – whi- ch also feature on the new BMW 7 Series and X7 – as well as large air intakes and a BMW kidney grille with gold-coloured surrounds and continuo- us contour lighting. The side design is characte- rised by an accent band in gold that delivers a prominent styling touch while also evoking the black strip running along the body of the BMW M1. Further nods to the past come in the form of the BMW logos engraved into the flat rear window and the eye-catching louvred structure of the sculptural rear lights. The XM comes in a single trim, but with a choice of engine outputs. It’s the same engine in both cases - a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo, closely related to the unit already in use in the likes of BMWs M5 and M8. That’s tied into a plug-in hybrid system using a 145kW electric motor and a 25kWh battery. The combined power output of the standard version, is a whopping 653hp and 800Nm of torque.

In this issue we also drive the ID. Buzz. The ID. Buzz’s exterior pays homage to the original Type 2 microbus, with a two-tone paint job, V-shaped bonnet and large Volkswagen emblems front and back. The top half, roof, and bonnet are painted white, and the bottom half is painted yellow, orange, green or blue.

But unlike the original van, the ID. Buzz’s windows surrounds aren’t painted white (they’re black), and its headlights aren’t round. This model is fully electric. All models in the Irish line-up feature a 150kW electric motor and a 77kWh battery giving 204hp that drives the rear wheels. This combination delivers a 0-100km/h time of 10.2 seconds. We had great fun driving it and you can read the full review inside.

Email: info@motorsireland.ie Motors Ireland Magazine 2023

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In this edition we also drive the New Renault Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid. The new 1.2-litre E-Tech hybrid powertrain is the only option currently for the Renault Austral and its one of the best in the industry. It is supported by a pair of electric motors, a conventional hybrid system with a small battery capacity of 1.7 kWh that cannot be connected to an external source, and the system generates 200 horsepower. Customers of the innovative and boldly-styled SUV hybrid are able to choose from three generously-equipped versions – techno, techno esprit Alpine, and iconic esprit Alpine.

In this issue we have a full lineup of Irish reviews including the above mentioned but also the new Alfa Romeo Tonale, Škoda Enyak Coupé, Nissan Qashqai e-Power, Volvo C40 Recharge and the Toyota bZ4X. Our gimme 5 section has some great new cars hitting the market and we have all the latest car releases in our news section. Enjoy the read!

CONTENTS NEWS

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BMW XM

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GIMME 5

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NEW GEAR Check out the latest trending gadgets.

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ID. BUZZ The ID. Buzz is clearly the brands new style icon and for good reason.

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ALFA ROMEO TONALE With hybrid powertrains and a variety of new technologies and features, Alfa Romeo is really throwing a lot of weight behind the Tonale.

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RENAULT AUSTRAL E-TECH HYBRID The successor to the now-retired Renault Kadjar and has the E-Tech full hybrid system that Renault have created as part of their next generation of cars.

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CANNONBALL 4X4 Escape to a kingdom of exquisite beauty and charm.

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ŠKODA ENYAK COUPÉ The popular Enyaq from Škoda is now available as a coupé version.

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NISSAN QASHQAI e-POWER The all-new third generation Nissan Qashqai is here and with it comes significant upgrades and innovative e-POWER electrification.

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VOLVO C40 RECHARGE It’s a niche SUV with four-door coupé styling that maintains all of the familiar character you’d expect from a modern Volvo.

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ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE Spectre is the Rolls-Royce that changes everything – the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé, ushering in the marque’s bold new all-electric future.

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TOYOTA bZ4X With the new bZ4X SUV, Toyota has its first model in its Beyond Zero family of zeroemission battery electric vehicles.

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Latest news from motoring sector in Ireland.

There’s never been a BMW quite like the XM, an extreme SUV mix of performance, luxury and in-your-face street presence.

Five interesting motoring facts we learnt for this issue.

www.motorsireland.ie

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NEWS

NEWS PEUGEOT UNVEILS ALL-NEW ELECTRIC FASTBACK E-3008 SUV

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he Peugeot E-3008 is the first model to use Stellantis’ brand new STLA Medium platform, which takes the brand to the next level. This innovative platform has been designed to offer best-in-class performance for the most important criteria for customers: range (up to 700km), recharge time (30 minutes), driving pleasure, performance, efficiency and connected services and functions. The Next-Level Peugeot E-3008 will be produced exclusively at the Sochaux plant in France and will be on sale in Ireland from Spring 2024. Full details of prices and specification will be announced later this year.

The range will be based on two trim levels, Allure and GT, with 3 option packs to keep the choices simple, and three all-electric powertrains: • Range of 525km, 2-wheel drive, 210bhp/157kW, • Dual Motor with range of 525km, 4-wheel drive, 320bhp/240kW, • Long Range with range of 700km, 2-wheel drive, 230bhp/170kW. Hybrid powertrains will also be available.

‘ENHANCED’ MERCEDES-BENZ GLE SUV ARRIVES

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category bestseller, with its sporty offshoot, the GLE Coupé to follow, the new GLE SUV has been updated and made better in almost every way. Electrified, the choice includes mild hybrid diesel models with 48volt system and Integrated Starter Generator as well as fourth-generation plug-in hybrids – with all-wheel drive 4MATIC standard across the range and with muscle to tow loads up to

3.5 tonnes. Updated outside and inside – with enhanced technology and equipment – its detailed exterior changes include new front bumper detailing with a revised front spoiler and expressively-shaped side air intakes formed in a jet-wing design. New LED daytime running lights and revised LED rear lights give it a distinctly more modern appearance. On GLE Coupé models, standard is an AMG Line exterior. Fresh upholstery colours, trim parts and two new body colours have been introduced – an Alpine Grey and Sodalite Blue Metallic.

As part of the model update, the range of standard equipment has been extensively upgraded – with 19-inch light-alloys replacing the previous 18-inch versions. A touch-button, fully-electric, retractable ball hitch for towing comes equipped with bolts for fixing a cycle rack.

The range is comprised of three mild hybrid models: GLE 450 (2999cc), GLE 300 d (1993cc) and GLE 450 d (2989cc) and two plug-in hybrids: GLE 400 e (1999cc) and GLE 350 de (1993cc) with AMG 53 and 63 S versions also included in the mix.

In Ireland focus will likely fall on the GLE 350 de 4MATIC which boasts 103 km of electric driving range also under WLTP. Said by Ciaran Allen, sales manager in Ireland for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars to be “significantly better equipped and more technically advanced than the versions being replaced,” the range comes on the market here at €105,900.

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NEW ŠKODA KODIAQ GOES PLUG-IN HYBRID koda Auto presents the second generation of the Kodiaq. It takes sustainability and efficiency to the next level and comes with a new interior concept.

The all-new Kodiaq features a 13-inch infotainment display, innovative Škoda Smart Dials with haptic controls and a new range structure with Design Selections. Many new and improved assistance systems, including the new Turn and Remote Park Assists. Its five powertrains offering outputs from 110 kW (150 hp) to 150 kW (204 hp) now also include a plug-in hybrid version - a first for the Kodiaq - with an electric range of more than 100 kilometres. The two top engines are mated to all-wheel drive as standard. Also making their debuts are the latest generations of the LED Matrix headlights and the Dynamic Chassis Control system.

To date, 841,900 Kodiaqs have been produced and have found customers in 60 markets worldwide. In Ireland over 11,000 Kodiaqs have been delivered. Irish pricing for the new Skoda Kodiaq has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to come with a slight price increase over the outgoing generation when it arrives in Ireland in the second quarter of 2024.

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THE ALL-NEW BMW X2 AND THE FIRST-EVER IX2 which will open its doors on 26 October 2023. The new BMW X2 will be priced from €55,350, with the iX2 xDrive30 starting from €69,500 RRP. Order books are now open at Irish BMW retailers, with the first deliveries expected to begin in March 2024.

The X2 will launch in M Sport specification as standard, bringing larger side skirts, gloss black exterior trim and 19-inch light alloy wheels. Inside, you’ll find sport seats, an Alcantara-trimmed instrument panel and an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. A new 10.25-inch infotainment display sits alongside a 10.7-inch control display, with BMW’s new Operating System 9 providing slick performance and plenty of features.

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MW has released a new version of its X2 while introducing a fully electric version in the iX2. The world premiere of the new BMW X2 and new BMW iX2 will take place at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show),

The iX2 xDrive30 has a 313hp/494Nm twin-motor arrangement, although it should be pointed out that peak power output is during a time-limited boost phase - ordinarily, the iX2 xDrive30 delivers 272hp. Using a 64.7kWh net capacity battery, the iX2 xDrive30 can go up to 449km on a single charge officially. At launch in Ireland next year, there will be four distinct variants of the new X2 to choose from.

The X2 sDrive20i M Sport is priced from €55,350 and the M35i xDrive model is €79,780, while the electric iX2 starts at €58,080 for the eDrive20 M Sport, rising to €69,500 for the iX2 xDrive30 M Sport.

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NEWS

NEW KIA EV9 IRISH PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS

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ia Ireland have announced local pricing and specifications for their latest eSUV, which will land in Irish showrooms in late November.

The EV9 is an all-electric SUV designed and built for modern lifestyles in the electrified era. As the company’s first three-row electric flagship SUV, the spacious, and striking EV9 is a rugged, sophisticated, and technologically advanced electric vehicle. Available as a six or seven-seater, it combines bold styling, premium versatility, multifaceted connectivity, and Kia’s signature ‘Opposites United’ design to deliver a vehicle that’s ready for anything, with a projected driving range of up to 563 kilometres*.

The entry level model for the Irish market is the generously equipped 7-seater ‘Earth’ model. Standard equipment includes 19” alloy wheels, Triple Panoramic Display, Heated Front and Second Row Seats, Ventilated Driver and Passenger Se-

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ats, Head Up Display, 360 degree Surround View Monitor and Premium Meridian Sound system. Standard safety equipment includes Blind-spot Collision Avoidance with Blind Spot View Monitors, LED headlamps with wide projections and high beam assist and Highway Driving Assist 3. The Earth model comes on the market at €77,500.

The AWD 384PS GT-line model @ €85,500 offers a choice of 6 and 7 seats.

Additional spec for this trim level includes GT-line styling, 21” alloy wheels, Dual Sunroofs, Intelligent Adaptive Front Headlights and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2. The 6-seater version adds extra comfort for the second-row passengers and these two seats can be swivelled around to face the two rear seats when the vehicle is stationary.

The lengths we go to for luxury.

New Bentayga Extended Wheelbase.

Introducing the world’s most spacious luxury SUV. Visit CharlesHurst.com/Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure (V8) WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 21.7 (13.0). Combined CO₂ Emissions – 294 g/km.

Fuel consumption figures subject to Type Approval. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks © 2023 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown Bentayga Extended Wheelbase.

BENTLEY BELFAST 9

BMW XM

BMW XM

There’s never been a BMW quite like the XM, an extreme SUV mix of performance, luxury and in-your-face street presence. And because its 4.4-litre petrol V8 is also a Plug-in Hybrid, there’s even an element of eco-efficiency built in.

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Words: Anthony Kelly

Pics: Webpress

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he new BMW XM is truly a landmark BMW M car of the likes that hasn’t been produced in quite some time. And it’s a strong enough departure from its broader road car portfolio that surely it signals where BMW M is headed in the future.

The 50th anniversary of BMW M, formerly BMW Motorsport was last year, and some might’ve expected an electric sports car or coupe might’ve been on the cards in celebration – a forward-looking figurehead to compliment BMW’s growing range of mainstream and M EVs. And one was, in the form of an extremely limited 3.0 CSL reincarnation. Beyond the 50 units produced of that manual-transmission coupe, BMW M’s principal birthday present to itself – and its customers – was the XM plug-in hybrid SUV you see here.

While the XM is M division’s first standalone in-house developed model since 1978’s M1 supercar, this SUV isn’t quite what many diehard M car fans may have been expecting.

The first standalone M model in 45 years and its first-ever electrified drive – and thus debut hybrid – are all key landmarks. And the XM is certainly different, inside and out, in an approach to design that’s forging new territory.

This regular XM will shortly be joined by year’s end by an even more powerful Red Label version boasting 550kW and 1000Nm that will stake the claim as officially the most powerful M car ever produced.

The supersized BMW XM, with its large grille and chunky proportions is hard to miss. According to BMW, the exterior design of the BMW XM is a “statement of exclusivity, presence and performance”. Defining elements of the front end include headlights split into two separate units – which also feature on the new BMW 7 Series and X7 – as well as large air intakes and a BMW kidney grille with gold-coloured surrounds and continuous contour lighting. The side design is characterised by an accent band in gold that delivers a prominent styling touch while also evoking the black strip running along the body of the BMW M1. Further nods to the past come in the form of the BMW logos engraved into the flat rear window and the eye-catching louvred structure of the sculptural rear lights.

Once you open the door there’s opulence wherever you look inside the XM. The seas of leather that adorn the dash and seats can be had in various different shades, including “Vintage Coffee

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BMW XM

“The supersized BMW XM, with its large grille and chunky proportions is hard to miss.”

Merino,” a natural-looking hide with creases and scars.

Alcantara, matte carbon fibre, and brushed metal adorn nearly every other surface. Plastic finishes are either metal-look or made to blend seamlessly into the overall design. Adjustable, colour-keyed LED lighting trims portions of the dash, doors, and speaker grilles.

The front seats boast ample adjustment, including thigh extension, lumbar support, side bolsters, and two-axis headrests. I found a comfortable driving position without issue. I welcomed the front-seat massage feature and its many variable settings during a long motorway journey I had during my testing. At the rear you could do a lot worse than retiring to the XM’s generously sized second row with ample legroom. Softer padding comforts you more than the front buckets do, and the surface extends to the doors for a couch-like effect. The headliner with reflective ambient lights is on full display from the back. It has a three-dimensional prism structure lit with 100 LED lights 12

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for an ostentatious overhead mood lighting effect. And on start-up, the M brand’s signature red, white and blue motif streaks along the entire ceiling. It’s an experience in itself to watch. Appropriate to the lounge theme, our test XM came fitted with the optional €5,416 Bowers & Wilkins sound system. It was brilliantly vibrant, with excellent separation, clarity, and staging.

The XM-specific gauge cluster and infotainment utilise BMW’s 12.3- and 14.9-inch displays, respectively, both sitting behind a single curved glass panel. Different markets and buyer demographics have varying preferences for how they prefer to interact with the car’s tech, so iDrive 8.0 allows for interaction via voice command, hand gestures, touch screen, or familiar iDrive toggle. The system performed quickly and was easy enough to discern. Given the increasingly global automotive industry, it should come as no surprise that emerging markets like China play a big role in driving the objectives behind this new M.

The XM bears the first electrified drivetrain in a full M vehicle, and it’s tuned more for performance than efficiency.

A pure-electric mode was essential, however, to allow for driving in the ever-increasing number of cities in Europe (London, Madrid etc) and China that enforce zero-emissions downtown zones.

The XM comes in a single trim, but with a choice of engine outputs. It’s the same engine in both cases - a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo, closely related to the unit already in use in the likes of BMWs M5 and M8. That’s tied into a plug-in hybrid system using a 145kW electric motor and a 25kWh battery.

The combined power output of the standard version, is a whopping 653hp and 800Nm of torque. Prices for this model starts from €191,645.

Standard equipment on all XMs includes 21-inch alloy

wheels (optional 23-inch wheels are available), BMW Individual Merino leather interior, carbon-fibre trim, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, heated rear seats, a Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio system, the lighting for the radiator grille, adaptive air suspension, soft-close doors, heated and cooled cupholders, active parking assistant, a head-up display and a wireless phone charger.

On the steering wheel, there are the now-traditional M1 and M2 shortcut buttons, which allow you to pre-set them with engine, gearbox, suspension and other adjustable performance settings so that you can flick easily from, say, an all-quiet mode with everything turned down, to a fullon racetrack mode with everything turned up. It’s tempting to say that the XM drives smaller than it is, but that does not paint the full picture. Through a new rear-wheel steering system and active antiroll bars, the XM corners as

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BMW XM

if it had a shorter wheelbase than it really does. Body roll is incredibly controlled, even in side-to-side transitions.

Front-end grip is higher and more reassuring than in most SUVs this size. The immense weight never disappears, but its impact is mitigated. What’s left is a capable, confidence-inspiring SUV. The long wheelbase aids in tempering bumps and road noise and its heft contributes to the sense of luxury that BMW has made a defining characteristic.

Conclusion The XM is indeed an indulgence, especially on the inside. It can comfortably cruise or explore impressive limits without much strain. It engages customers via the luxury of choice and personalisation. The XM is a turning point amid M’s five decades of success.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Model BMW XM 4.4-litre V8 twin turbocharged petrol, plug-in hybrid

800 Nm

653 hp

270 km/h

4.3 seconds

€140 per year

€191,645

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GIMME

FIVE INTERESTING MOTORING FACTS WE LEARNT FOR THIS ISSUE

Ferrari, VW, Mercedes, Porsche, & Ford 16

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GIMME

FERRARI SF90 XX STRADALE

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ased on the SF90 Stradale, the new special limited series SF90 XX Stradale was unveiled recently alongside its SF90 XX Spider counterpart. To be built in just 799 and 599 examples respectively, these new V8-powered PHEVs represent the latest and most extreme example of a concept of special versions, which pushes the performance of Ferrari’s road-going models to new levels. Price is expected to be €770k and €850k respectively.

At its core is the same 4-litre twin-turbocharged 90-degree V8 as the ordinary Stradale, now with polished inlet and exhaust ducts, new pistons, a modified combustion chamber and an increase in compression ratio boosting output by

17bhp to 786bhp – engine weight is also down 3.5kg thanks to the removal of the secondary air system. As before, a trio of electric motors (two on the front axle and the third between the transmission and engine) supplement the combustion engine, bringing the total to 1016hp. Ferrari has also extracted more power from this system, flipping its front-mounted cooling radiator for a boost in efficiency and a 13hp increase in output.

With this extra power directed to all-four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the XX knocks two tenths off the base car’s 0-100km/h time, covering the sprint in just 2.3 seconds. Top speed is 320 km/h. Ferrari has trimmed out 10kg of weight for the track special, which comes in at 1560kg dry.

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cept1.

THE NEW ID. GTI CONCEPT

TI – for decades the three letter acronym has stood for compact sports cars from Volkswagen. Golf GTI2, Scirocco GTi, Polo GTI3, up!

GTI4…icons one and all. Volkswagen is now catapulting that GTI DNA into the age of electric mobility with the new ID. GTI Con-

The ID. GTI Concept is based on the ID. 2all1 which was unveiled in March – a future electric compact car which has generated worldwide attention. Its front-wheel drive, clear design and powerful proportions make it the perfect starting point for a new GTI. Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt already also had the sporty derivative in mind when he produced the first sketches for the ID. 2all. And just like the ID. 2all, the ID. GTI Concept is more than just a show car – it is the first glimpse of the

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exciting GTI future because its series development has already been decided.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling of the ID. GTI Concept, Alan Bateson, Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Ireland, welcomed the announcement of the first all-electric GTI. “GTI is probably the most iconic three-letter combination in the automotive lexicon. Dating back to the first Golf GTI from 1976, it has become a byword for sportiness and everyday usability,” he said “Adding a GTI badge to our electric vehicles is a historic moment as well as a statement of intent. Expectations will be sky high because the GTI name is reserved for a select handful of sporty, emotional and engaging vehicles. Thankfully, Andreas Mindt and his design team have done a fantastic job bringing the electric age GTI to life.”

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GIMME

MERCEDES-AMG GT COUPÉ

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oon to arrive on Irish roads will be the new, second-generation Mercedes- AMG GT Coupé.

Two models are offered: an AMG GT 63 Coupé and AMG GT 55 Coupé, both equipped with 4MATIC + all-wheel drive. Delivering the driving dynamics characteristic of Mercedes-AMG models, its sports car appeal is seen in its superior comfort housed within a model whose features include AMG Performance delivered by an AMG 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine fitted in both variants.

Exuding eye-catching sports car appeal, its expanded ‘dimensional concept’ is reflected in more interior space, good all-round visibility and the option of a 2+2 seats arrangement.

Pronounced features are its AMG-specific radiator grille, distinctive headlights, steeply raked windscreen, long wheelbase, short overhangs, ‘voluminous’ wheel arches, and light-alloy wheels almost flush with the body. Viewed from the side, its fastback silhouette is characterised by smoothly modelled surfaces and re-

cessed door handles. Added sports car appeal is seen in an expressively modelled rear shoulder area and rear spoiler seamlessly integrated into its large tailgate.

Inside, a ‘hyper analogue’ combination of analogue geometry and digital features translate into a digital world in which AMG’s high-performance sports car genes are in evidence. A central display and a fully digital instrument cluster work with high-tech elements and an imaginative choice of materials to create a harmonious, sporty, cockpit design with the prestige ambiance owners would expect from a sports car bearing the AMG designation.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé is available to order now for delivery early next year with the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 4MATIC+ Coupé version to follow. Prices, which take account of individual specifications and requirements, will be quoted at the time of ordering in each case.

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PORSCHE 911 S/T: PURIST SPECIAL-EDITION

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GIMME

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orsche has c e l e br at e d the 911’s 60th birthday with a ‘purist’ special that weighs just 1380kg and pairs a short-range manual shifter with the 518bhp flat six from the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Effectively a Porsche 911 GT3 Touring with GT3 RS underpinnings, the new 911 S/T has been conceived as a tribute to the racing version of the 1969 911 S, and above all aims to promote “sheer driving enjoyment”.

With the GT3 RS available only with a seven-speed dualclutch automatic transmission, the 518hp and 343lb ft 911 S/T becomes the most powerful car Porsche has yet equipped with a manual gearbox. This six-speed manual has shorter ratios than that in the Porsche 911 GT3 and is engaged via a bespoke lightweight clutch – the single-mass flywheel is by itself said to shave 10.5kg.

Stringent weight-shaving measures – including the omission of rear-steering and the extensive use of lightweight materials such as CFRP – mean it is also the lightest of the current-generation 911s. At just 1380kg, the 911 S/T is 45kg lighter than a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 70kg lighter than the 911 GT3 RS, despite its more overt road-going focus.

The 911 S/T sprints to 100km/h in 3.7sec – down 0.5sec on the GT3 RS – and all the way to 300km/h. Doing without the GT3 RS’s massive rear wing is the main cause of the sprint time loss and is to keep the S/T as a true successor to the 911 S racer, which was released in 1969. To mark its place in 911 history, the German car maker has limited production to 1963 examples – a nod to the year when the first Porsche 911 was born. Pricing starts from €292,187 in Europe.

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GIMME

FORD RANGER PLUG-IN HYBRID

ord will offer customers a plug-in hybrid version of its Ranger, combining electric driving capability with adventure-ready versatility and the work-ready dependability customers have come to expect from Europe’s best-selling pickup.

Production of the first ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid starts in late 2024 with deliveries to customers in early 2025. The new model will mark a significant step forward in Ford’s plans to offer a full range of powertrain options for customers in the mid-sized pick-up truck segment.

Ranger Plug-in Hybrid customers will also benefit from the Ford Pro ecosystem of solutions – simplifying the transition to electric vehicles with charging, software and service options to help their

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businesses thrive.

“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will help customers step forward into an electrified future, with more confidence and capability than ever before, while keeping Ranger at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the mid-size pickup truck segment,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.

Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will deliver more torque than any other Ranger by combining a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system – also enabling it to be driven in pure electric mode for a targeted driving range of more than 45 kilometres. Pure electric drive capability opens new possibilities for business owners in growing numbers of towns and cities with low emissions zones.

prefers

New Gear

URBANISTA MALIBU Portable Bluetooth speakers are great, allowing you to bring loud music with you on the go. Like all our modern electronics, though, it’s limited by battery life, so the party can only keep going so long as the darn thing stays charged. While many modern wireless speakers are optimized to run for most of the day on battery power, things can change drastically once you decide to crank up the volume or keep the playlists running nonstop. The Urbanista Malibu hopes to extend its battery’s mileage by integrating a solar panel.

That’s right, this portable Bluetooth speaker comes with a solar panel that should allow it to continuously replenish its charge throughout the day. Even better, it uses Exeger’s Powerfoyle, the same solar panel the outfit uses for their Phoenix earbuds and Los Angeles headphones, which can be bent and finished like traditional materials, so it integrates seamlessly into the new speakers. That’s right, there’s none of those ugly industrial-looking solar cells anywhere on this speaker, all while being able to charge continuously from ambient light throughout the day. www.urbanista.com coming soon

ROCKDREAMER GUITARBAR

Some people pick up a guitar and learn to play the instrument pretty quickly. Others take a bit of time to get around. Then, there are those who just can’t seem to get the hang of finger placement to play the right chords. If you’re among the latter, there might be hope for you yet as far as playing the sixstring is concerned. At least, that’s the hope that’s offered by the Rockdreamer GuitarBar. Designed to mount over your guitar’s fretboard, the device offers a selection of buttons that you can press in place of pressing on the strings, allowing you to play a chord by simply pressing one or two buttons at a time. No more worrying about correct finger placement, putting enough force on the strings, or achy fingertips – just press the corresponding buttons for each chord and it will magically let you play the correct chord.

Coming soon

IZYREC PLAUD NOTE We’ve seen plenty of audio recorders before, which make it easy to record voice notes, interviews, and presentations. The iZyrec Plaud Note, however, takes the voice recorder to the next level by integrating automatic transcriptions, summaries, and more, allowing you to instantly access the information in easy-to-digest formats.

That’s right, you no longer have to manually listen to every minute of every recording in order to transcribe or summarize them, as the device’s companion app can do all that on its own. Even better, it can put it into any format of your liking, from summary notes and mind maps to lists and more.

Coming soon

ANKER SOUNDCORE LIBERTY 4 NC True wireless earbuds are great, allowing you to enjoy music without the hassle of wires. Problem is, they’re so small, there’s no just no way to put in a bigger battery, which is why they’re usually limited to six hours of listening time or less. That’s what makes the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC a noteworthy release, as it delivers better battery performance than, pretty much, every other TWS earbuds we’ve seen.

According to Anker, each earbud holds enough charge for 10 hours’ worth of playback, allowing you to listen for extended periods before having to put them back in the charging case. Even better, the charging holds another 50 hours’ worth of charge for the earbuds, allowing you to use them for a whopping 60 hours before the case requires a recharge of its own. Do note, Anker doesn’t say whether these battery ratings are taken with ANC running, so it’s entirely possible it only lasts that long without it. www.amazon.com from €95

LG STANBYME GO The LG StanbyME has to be one of the outfit’s most niche products – a 27-inch TV perched atop a wheeled stand that you can easily move around, allowing you to take the same TV from the kitchen to the bedroom to the backyard for some open air viewing. While we have no idea how well that sold, LG seems encouraged enough that they decided to release a portable version in the form of the LG StanbyME Go. No, they didn’t make a TV on a stand that you’re supposed to take with you when you leave the house. That just seems complicated.

Instead, they put a 27-inch TV on a foldable arm inside a briefcase, so you can carry and set up a big TV on the go. www.lg.com from €999 25

ID. BUZZ

“The two-tone paint really sets off the look.”

ID. BUZZ The ID. Buzz is clearly the brands new style icon and for good reason.

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ID. BUZZ

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esign-wise, the ID. Buzz’s exterior pays homage to the original Type 2 microbus, with a two-tone paint job, V-shaped bonnet and large Volkswagen emblems front and back. The top half, roof, and bonnet are painted white, and the bottom half is painted yellow, orange, green or blue. But unlike the original van, the ID. Buzz’s windows surrounds aren’t painted white (they’re black), and its headlights aren’t round.

Still, it works very well. The lineage is obvious, and the ID Buzz looks great. I’ve driven a lot of nice cars over the years and would say the ID Buzz got more interest than all of them. It’s all ages that show an interest and the ID Buzz has that Type 2 microbus nostalgia attached to it. The two-tone paint which really sets off the look is a pricey option at €2,060 but it’s well worth it. Interesting details are everywhere – I like how the headlights stretch upward along the paintline under the A pillar, like the chrome trim on the original. Also the shape of the front quarter windows, which echo the vent windows on the microbus. Likewise, the D pillar features three horizontal trim pieces reminiscent of the engine cooling vents on the second-generation (T2) van.

It’s quite big, measuring in at just over 4.7 metres long and a touch under 2.0 metres wide. There are no issues in terms of head or legroom, due to the high roof and flat floor delivering plenty of space in all five seats. The front seats come with armrests giving a comfortable commanding position on longer journeys. The ID. Buzz’s interior looks just as great as the exterior. Volkswagen even includes some fun like the smiley face behind the door pulls, the ID. Buzz silhouette embossed in the panels in the cargo area, and the Beetle-like white straps attached to the B pillars.

You’ll find two cup holders behind a panel in the lower middle of the dashbo-

ard. The centre console is removable, and includes a pull out bottle holder and two USB Type-C ports. Speaking of which, there are two more USB Type-C ports along with a wireless phone charger next to the steering wheel, one in the passenger-side door, one in each sliding door, one on each side of the cargo area, and one by the rear view mirror.

Those sliding doors are power-operated, and so is the tailgate, but unlike most other modern vans, the ID. Buzz’s sliding door windows don’t open. Second row passengers get a pair of airplane-style folding trays mounted on the backs of the front seats. It’s also worth mentioning that the front seats are power-operated, include a massaging function and are also heated.

All models in the Irish line-up feature a 150kW electric motor and a 77kWh battery giving 204hp that drives the rear wheels. This combination delivers a 0-100km/h time of 10.2 seconds.

Volkswagen quotes a range of 400425km, depending on specification, which puts the ID. Buzz ahead of the few electric MPV rivals available for range.

That big battery takes 12 hours to charge from flat to full capacity from a 7.4kW AC home charger, while fast charging can take it from 5-80 per cent in 34 minutes from a powerful enough DC supply.

Priced at €68,470 Life trim is the entry point to the range and it comes very well equipped. There are 19-inch Tilburg alloy wheels and LED headlights, tinted rear windows, heated and folding mirrors, keyless entry and starting, two-zone climate control, armrests for the front seats, a heated driver’s seat, a heated synthetic leather multifunction steering wheel and seven USB-C sockets around the cabin.

Infotainment comes courtesy of a 10inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, wireless phone charging and internet connectivity. Safety equipment

“The lineage is obvious, and the ID. Buzz looks great.”

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ID. BUZZ

is also generous, with front and rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intelligent speed assist and traffic sign recognition, lane assist, driver tiredness alert and Car2X connectivity to communicate with other cars and systems to warn of dangers.

It’s €73,040 for Family trim, which adds a different 19-inch Venlo alloy wheel design, LED lights at the rear and matrix beam units up front with an illuminated bar between them.

There are twin armrests and heating for both front seats, while the upholstery is ‘Seaqual,’ a recycled material made from PET plastic bottles. The trim itself comes in a two-tone finish with light grey and another colour determined by the car’s exterior finish. Tech upgrades include adaptive cruise control that also works in stop-start traffic, high beam assist and park assist.

Pricing for the Tech trim model is €74,640. This adds 20-inch Solna alloys, illuminated exterior door handles, a powered tailgate and a larger 12-inch infotainment system. Lane-change assist, and an even more advanced main beam control system. At the top of the range, the ID. Buzz Max we drove is priced at €77,530 and includes 21-inch wheels, electrically opening sliding doors, comfort seats up front with adjustable lumbar support and colour-changing LED cabin lighting.

At the time of launch the then Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland, Alan Bateson 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

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vehicle, we can see what all the fuss was about.”

The ID Buzz is built on Volkswagen’s Modular Electric-drive Toolkit (MEB) platform, shared with EVs like the ID.3 and ID.4. As such, the ID. Buzz’s specs are similar to its siblings, down to the 77kWh battery pack. On the road, the ID.Buzz is amazingly easy to drive for its size. It does feel odd driving a van-sized vehicle with instant torque that can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 10.2 seconds. Volkswagen offers various drive modes including Eco, Comfort and Sport.

Eco neuters the powertrain to save range, Comfort is the default profile and Sport sharpens the throttle response.

There is also a ‘B’ setting on the gear selector which can be used for higher levels of brake regeneration while you’re driving. The ID.Buzz is agile on country roads and great on motorway drives. As you’d expect from an EV, it’s smooth and refined.

Conclusion The ID. Buzz is a breath of fresh air. It’s great fun to drive with some cool retro looks, plenty of space and is comfortable and safe. It also won the 2023 Irish Car of the Year.

The only downfall is that at this price point it will be only attainable by some rather than the masses.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Model Volkswagen ID Buzz Max 150kW electric motor, 77kWh battery

310 Nm

204 hp

145 km/h

10.2 seconds

€120 per year

€68,470

*

*WLTP maximum range. Using 20-inch wheel, available as a no-cost option in the UK & Ireland

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ALFA ROMEO TONALE

or the first time in around six or seven years there is a brand new Alfa Romeo and it’s called the Tonale. Named after a mountain pass, high in the Italian Alps, the Tonale is also the luxury and performance brand’s first move towards electrification. It’s hard to understate the importance of the Tonale for Alfa Romeo. Sitting below the Stelvio in size, not only does it put them into the increasingly popular small luxury SUV Market but it’s also their first step towards electrification and that’s where the brand wants to be in its entirety by 2027. That’s the electrification timeframe set out by Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato.

The work for the design of the Tonale was done at the Design Studio at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo. The idea behind this model is to provide a distinctive, forward-looking design that fits customers that want something that stands out. This is a compact SUV, so the dimensions are 4,351mm long, a height of 1,465mm, and 1,798mm wide. You’ll be able to find many stylistic features that have been recurring in the history of the automotive industry. You’ll find the GT Line from the rear to the headlights, and even elegant volumes that might remind you of the 8C Competizione. You even get the iconic Alfa Romeo “Scudetto” shield for the front. In terms of lighting, you’ll find matrix LED headlight design that evokes the kind of proud look that could be found with the concept design.

You’ll find a similar design for the LED taillights.

Prices for the Alfa Romeo Tonale start from €49,995 for the mild-hybrid model. This features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 160hp and 240Nm of torque. It comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends drive to the front wheels, and delivers a 0-100km/h time of 8.8 seconds. The engine is assisted by a 48-volt ‘mild-hybrid’ system that is charged by the engine and provides extra power when needed. It also acts as a fuel-saving stop-start system. As a result, the Tonale MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) has WLTP-tested combined fuel consumption of 5.9-6.0 litres/100km, depending on which trim level you choose.

For the Tonale PHEV, prices start from €55,495. The plugin hybrid has a smaller engine than the mild-hybrid, with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit. However, this is accompanied by a 90kW electric motor for a combined maximum output of 280hp. The electric motor drives the rear wheels, giving the PHEV four-wheel drive, and the set-up provides the car with an impressive 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds. A 15.5kWh battery is included in the PHEV, and this offers an official all-electric driving range of 60km, while the car can drive in all-electric mode at speeds of up to 135km/h.

This zero-emissions ability helps the Tonale PHEV return an official consumption figure of 1.3-1.5 litres/100km.

The entry point trim for the Tonale, whether you choose the mild hybrid or the PHEV, is the Ti trim. It’s generously equipped, since the Tonale is designed to compete against other premium compact SUVs. Standard equipment includes 18inch ‘teledial’ style wheels, matrix LED adaptive headlights, LED taillights, heated and electrically folding door mirrors,

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ALFA ROMEO TONALE With hybrid powertrains and a variety of new technologies and features, Alfa Romeo is really throwing a lot of weight behind the Tonale.

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ALFA ROMEO TONALE front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera, keyless entry and starting, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, part synthetic leather seat upholstery and Alfa’s ‘DNA’ drive mode selector.

Infotainment is handled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless smartphone charging, while connectivity includes four USB sockets two USB-A and two USB-C. This central screen is accompanied by a large and configurable 12.3-inch driver’s display.

There’s a generous amount of safety equipment as standard, too, as all models feature adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed assist, six airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning, lane assist, driver tiredness detection and traffic sign recognition.

Moving up the range, Veloce trim adds dual-stage valve suspension, 19-inch alloys and a sportier body kit. Paddle shifters are added to the steering column, while Alcantara trim is added to the upholstery.

That’s the top spec for mild-hybrid power, but the PHEV is also available in Speciale trim. This adds 20-inch wheels and a different colour for the body kit, while privacy glass is included, too. Options for the Tonale are limited, and apart from different colours and larger wheels for the lower-spec models, there is a panoramic sunroof, the Winter Pack (which features heated seats, steering wheel and washer jets), the Premium Pack (which adds full leather trim, a Harman Kardon stereo and the Winter Pack) and the Autonomous Driving Pack, which includes 360-degree cameras, blind-spot detection, park assist, exit assist and level-two cruise control that adjusts speed and steering autonomously.

One nice thing about plug-in hybrids from an enthusiast’s point of view is that they can enhance the petrol engine’s power with thrust from the electric motor. Factor in the

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grip and traction of standard all-wheel drive, and the Tonale can launch from standstill to 100 km/h in a little over 6 seconds. While that’s quite quick, getting the most out of the Tonale requires a committed right foot. The Tonale seems set up for a greater range of preferences. Despite a huge amount of grip through quick corners, we found the Tonale’s suspension to be tuned on the comfy side. That’s a real asset on poorly maintained country roads, where the Tonale remains as serene and quiet as on the motorway.

The Veloce and Speciale model comes with an adaptive suspension for the widest spectrum of comfort and sportiness. The “Dual Stage Valve” system adapts in milliseconds to road conditions and driving behaviour.

Choose between Comfort or Sport and experience how a special valve and piston independently regulate the electronic shock absorbers and dampers. These two suspension modes are selectable within the three driving modes, Advanced Efficiency and Normal with Comfort, for a smoother ride on all roads. In contrast, the Dynamic driving mode calibrates the Sport suspension for increased handling through turns and an enhanced sporty feel.

According to Alfa Romeo the Tonale is the only model in its segment to be equipped with the cutting-edge “brake by wire” system, known as IBS. Innovation and performance, mechanics and electronics, all come together to provide increased brake responsiveness on the road and the best brake pedal feeling. This system allows you to maximise energy regeneration with zero vibrations and shortened stopping distances and we experienced the great braking power during our test.

Conclusion

The Alfa Romeo Tonale comes with a huge amount of brand responsibility, and is a first step towards brand electrification. On looks alone it’s well worth having on your driveway and when you drive it, the Tonale shows big signs of its heritage. Overall I liked the Tonale but would like the power delivery to be a little smoother.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Model ALFA ROMEO TONALE SPECIALE 1.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol, plug-in hybrid

270 Nm

280 hp

206 km/h

6.2 seconds

€140 per year

1.3 litres/100km

€57,250

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RENAULT AUSTRAL E-TECH HYBRID

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he All New Renault Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid has the new retro-inspired logo alongside the brand’s LED headlights in the signature C-shape and the cockpit forms a L-shape so that it can surround the driver. Agneta Dahlgren, Renault design project director, described the design saying “the result is materialised by the combination of generous shapes, curved shoulders, projecting sides and the integration of subtle technical details such as high-tech headlamps. which reinforce its identity design.”

Coming from the collaboration of Renault and Alpine sees the All New Renault Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid receive some of the Alpine branding throughout the model with the Iconic esprit Alpine trim level.

Customers of the innovative and boldly-styled SUV hybrid are able to choose from three generously-equipped versions – techno, techno esprit Alpine, and iconic esprit Alpine. Regardless of which variant they choose, drivers benefit from a specification that has been finely honed to deliver optimum comfort, convenience and class-leading connectivity.

Together with a premium digital experience that includes up to 35 apps* as well as the ability to plot a route and even operate home devices with voice control, technological highlights of the sporty SUV include the availability of up to 30 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), four MULTI-SENSE settings that offer a variety of driving styles, plus Renault’s third-generation four-wheel steering system, 4Control Advanced.

All versions of the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid feature a comprehensive standard specification that perfectly complements the distinctive looks, advanced drivetrain and contoured cockpit. Equipment that is shared across the range includes a frameless automatic rear-view mirror, sliding centre console armrest, sliding rear bench seat, and automatic dual-zone air conditioning with air purifier. A truly spacious SUV, there’s 35 litres of easily accessible and modular internal storage space and up to 555 litres of boot capacity.

Connectivity and entertainment solutions have been developed to make every journey an adventure for occupants of Renault’s latest hybrid car. The digital experience is delivered via the 12-inch OpenR multimedia screen, 12.3-inch driver information display, 9.3-inch head-up display, and a range of Google services built-in, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to Google Play. Two front and two rear 36

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RENAULT

AUSTRAL

The successor to the now-retired Renault Kadjar and has the E-Tech full hybrid system that Renault have created as part of their next generation of cars.

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RENAULT AUSTRAL E-TECH HYBRID

USB ports ensure connectivity with the 8-speaker Arkamys audio system.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director, Renault Group Ireland said: “The launch of all-new Austral E-Tech full hybrid is a key milestone within our Renaulution strategy, which aims to conquer the mid-sized family SUV market and offer our customers a vehicle that combines technology, eye-catching design plus a great electrified driving experience.

“With its electrified engine providing 1100km of range and CO2 emissions as low as 105 g/km, the Austral E-Tech full hybrid is a benchmark powertrain.”

The range begins with the techno. Its features include 19inch Komah alloy wheels, matrix LED vision headlights, mirage-effect rear LED lights, flush roof bars, shark fin antenna, surround parking sensors with rear-view camera, and hands-free key card with keyless entry. The techno is priced at €45,295.

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The techno esprit Alpine model adds 20-inch Daytona alloy wheels, esprit Alpine detailing and black esprit Alpine carbon fabric and Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching.

Its standard equipment is further enhanced with heated front seats, heated steering wheel, electric power tailgate, electric driver and front passenger seats with massage function for driver, traffic & speed sign recognition with overspeed prevention, and adaptive cruise control with lane centring. This mid-range version is available for €47,795.

Top-of-the-range is the iconic esprit Alpine. Priced at €52,295, it stands out with its 4Control Advanced 4-wheel steering (enabling a city car-like 10.1m turning circle), 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 360° Around View 3D camera, panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging station.

Regardless of the trim level, the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid is powered by a new 200hp petrol hybrid powertrain with a 400V 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery that fuses powerful acceleration with optimum efficiency. All

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Model Renault Austral E-Tech Hybrid

in all, 80% of driving time on urban roads is possible in full-electric mode, which translates into urban cycle driving requiring 40% less fuel than a combustion motor, all without having to change one’s driving habits or plug in.

Meanwhile, on the combined WLTP cycle, the all-new Austral E-Tech full hybrid achieves from 4.7l/100km making it one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars in the Renault line-up, keeping CO2 emissions as low as 105g/km. The impressive figures highlight its status as an exceptionally efficient hybrid electric vehicle.

While buyers might choose SUVs for their rugged looks, many of these vehicles spend their time around towns and cities. It’s here where the Austral comes into its element.

The four-wheel-steering means this Renault has a significantly shorter turning circle than its rivals, and makes it very easy to manoeuvre. Around town, the hybrid system is able to run for the majority of the time as an ‘EV’, with the engine quickly able to recharge the battery when it does start up.

The new 1.2-litre E-Tech hybrid powertrain is the only option currently for the Renault Austral and its one of the

1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol, two motor hybrid system

410 Nm

200 hp

175 km/h

€54,020

€180 p/y

best in the industry. It is supported by a pair of electric motors, a conventional hybrid system with a small battery capacity of 1.7 kWh that cannot be connected to an external source, and the system generates 200 horsepower.

The powertrain sends its power to the front wheels. Through a complex multi-mode automatic transmission, the 2023 Renault Austral uses the electric motors more regularly than you might expect, allowing it to travel 100km and consume just 4.6-5.0 litres in official WLTP fuel economy tests. It can run on electricity alone up to 80 percent of the time in the city centre.

The Renault Austral takes about 8.4 seconds to go from 0-100 km/h, while the top speed is around 175 km/h. The petrol engine can get noisy when you really push it, but in most driving situations it’s quiet and sophisticated.

Conclusion

The All New Renault Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid looks like it’s going to be an amazing addition to the French brand with strong equipment choices, sleek design, and a whole host of cutting edge technology as standard.

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CANNONBALL

CANNONBALL 4X4 ROAD TRIP ANNOUNCED FOR KERRY

T

Escape to a kingdom of exquisite beauty and charm. he thrill of wild, rugged landscapes, breath-taking cross-country and mountain drives, warm friendly pubs and spirited traditional Irish music as autumn bequeaths her most vibrant hues, a gift of seasons past and a promise of seasons to come.

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The third annual Cannonball Overland Adventure sets off on November 10th and 11th to explore the stunning scenery of the kingdom of Kerry taking in Tralee, Dingle and Killarney. Very few places cast a spell quite like the Dingle Peninsula. Located along the fabled Wild Atlantic Way, this 30-mile outcrop at the westernmost top of Ireland is home to craggy sea cliffs, rolling hills, and remote

beaches. The carefully planned route takes in magnificent mountain passes, wild coastal drives and majestic lakes all the while weaving through the famous picturesque towns and villages of Kerry.

Home for the two nights is the beautiful Dingle Skellig Hotel, nestled on the most westerly peninsula of Europe overlooking the breathtaking Dingle Bay. For lunch and

dinner participants will enjoy the very best fare that Kerry has to offer, from excellent fresh seafood to its succulent Kerry lamb and mouth-watering flavours. After dinner each evening, the group will ramble into Dingle town, famous for its vibrant pubs, and a magnet to artists, writers, musicians and filmmakers The Cannonball Overland 4X4 Adventure sees an array of

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CANNONBALL

both luxurious & off-road ready 4X4’s from the opulent Bentley Bentayga’s, Defenders old and new to monster Ford Raptors. Last year’s event saw a collection of Range Rover SVRs, Land Rover Defender 110’s, Audi Q8’s, Audi SQ7’s, Range Rover Sport’s, Jeep Wrangler’s, Porsche Cayenne’s & many more and some exciting new additions to this year’s event. Car hire is available from 4x4 Vehicle Hire.

In true Cannonball style, this road-trip goes the extra mile with wonders at every turn including a bagpiper on a bridge, some off-road surprises and ‘green laning’ and, of course, that rare ‘camaraderie’ that makes all Cannonball road-trips truly unforgettable experiences. The headline sponsor of the Cannonball 4x4 road-trip is 4x4 Vehicle Hire.

The event is also sponsored by Karl Goodwin Motors and Majestic Ireland, a new company offering tailor made luxury road-trips and corporate events.

The cost is from €850 per person sharing which includes car entry, lunch and evening meals, 2 nights’ accommodation, car graphics, photography and crew, information pack and lanyards with route plans and full itinerary. See www.cannonball.ie for details of all road trips and to register.

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ŠKODA ENYAK COUPÉ

ŠKODA

ENYAK COUPÉ The popular Enyaq from Škoda is now available as a coupé version.

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“The coupé is available with the optional Crystal Face.”

Words: Anthony Kelly

Pics: Webpress

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ŠKODA ENYAK COUPÉ

Š

koda has added this elegant coupé to its award winning Enyak electric range. The Škoda Enyak Coupé features an even more emotive design, sporty lines, generous amounts of space and a boot capacity of 570 litres. Depending on specification, the Enyak Coupé has a range of up to 545 km on the WLTP cycle. There is a choice of two battery sizes, rear- and all-wheel drive, plus power outputs ranging from 132 kW to 195 kW. Prices start from €54,710.

The new Škoda Enyak Coupé features a discrete sporty front apron as well as body‑coloured side skirts. It is equipped with alloy wheels measuring between 19 inch and 21 inches. From the B-pillar, the roofline gently slopes towards the rear before merging with a tailgate featuring a sharp trailing edge. The vehicle’s lines are further accentuated by a dark tinted panoramic glass roof, a standard feature for the Coupé model. The largest panoramic glass roof in the Škoda range, it spans the entire length of the roof and merges seamlessly with the rear window. The panoramic glass roof allows more daylight into the interior, giving the car a more airy feel. Meanwhile, a thermodynamic coating ensures temperatures within the cabin are pleasant at all times. Just as with the Enyak iV, the coupé is available with the optional Crystal Face where the vertical ribs of the striking Škoda grille are illuminated by 131 LEDs, while a horizontal light strip rounds off the car’s stunning look.

In terms of specification, the Enyak Coupé closely mirrors that of its SUV sibling with the addition of a panoramic sunroof, body coloured doorsills and bumpers as well as a stylish rear spoiler. Boot capacity is only 15 litres less than that of the Enyak SUV at 570 litres.

Standard equipment on the base models - regardless of the battery size or motor power - includes lane-keeping assist, active steering, forward collision alert and automated braking, a tyre pressure monitor, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control with a speed limiter, keyless ignition, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, automatic lights and wipers, a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, built-in navigation, voice control, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus a three-year subscription to internet access services. You also get 19inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, LED headlights and brake lights, a rear spoiler, mixed fabric and synthetic leather seats, a leather multi-function steering wheel and LED mood lighting.

As standard, the basic iV 60 model comes with 120kW rapid-charging capability, but 80 and 80x version get slightly faster 135kW charging. The standard AC charging rate is 7.2kW. Upgrade to Sportline and you’ll get 20-inch alloys, a muscular body kit with black trim, high-tech Matrix LED headlights, leather-and-suede upholstery, carbon-style cabin trim, aluminium pedals, a heated steering wheel with paddles to adjust the brake energy recuperation, heated front seats and heated windscreen washers, an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, full keyless entry and ignition, dark tinted privacy glass, acoustic insulation, wireless char-

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ging pad, selectable driving modes, progressive steering, adaptive lane-keeping with emergency assistance, three-zone climate control, roller blinds for the rear side windows, extra USB sockets, a powered tailgate with a motion sensor under the bumper and blind-spot monitoring.

At time of launch in February this year Libor Pavlas, Škoda Ireland, Product Manager, explained: “The Irish launch of the Enyak Coupé was delayed by more than 12 months as result of excessive worldwide demand. We are delighted to finally confirm prices and specifications and would encourage customers to place their orders. The original Enyak iV, Škoda’s first fully electric vehicle, was first revealed back in 2020, with Irish sales pre-booked online by way of a €1,000 deposit. Three years on and demand continues to outstrip supply so early ordering is strongly advised for the Coupé version.”

Power output starts at 132 kW with the rear-wheel-drive Enyak Coupé 60, which is equipped with a 62-kWh battery. The Enyak Coupé 80, also rear-wheel-drive, produces 150 kW from its 82-kWh battery. In addition to this larger battery, the Enyak Coupé 80x features a second motor on the front axle, making it all-wheel-drive. The Enyak Coupé 80x has a system output of 195 kW. The outstanding aerodynamics of the Enyak Coupé contribute to the car’s high level of efficiency. Meanwhile, the low drag coefficient has a positive impact on the vehicle’s maximum range, which is up to 545 km WLTP for the Enyak Coupé 80. Pricing in here!!

My Škoda Enyaq Coupé on test had just over 200hp and

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Model Skoda Enyak iV 80 Coupe 150kw electric motor, 77kw battery

160 km/h

204 hp

€120 per year

8.5 seconds

€72,225

310Nm

went from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 160 km/h. The drive is rear-wheel drive. The selection of driving modes is quite large, there are five of them in total and the option to create your own. Unlike other models, I have the feeling that these don’t change too much, which I noticed in the driving style, acceleration, steering and also in the slight change in the range prediction. In general, the Enyaq Coupé is a very comfortable car to spend long hours. Acceleration is very quick at the beginning, but then levels off noticeably towards the end. So you can quickly pick up speed and easily overtake others on open roads.

The steering is very direct in all modes and even on winding and fast roads the vehicle literally sticks to the road and feels controllable in all situations, which I can’t say

about all the electric cars. And don’t forget like a lot of electric car this car isn’t light. It weighs in at 2.1 tonnes so the fact it feels so agile is down to Škoda’s impressive attention to detail.

The Enyaq is, according to Euro NCAP, one of the safest cars you can buy, with a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating, and an 89 per cent rating for child occupants.

Conclusion Overall, the Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV is a well-rounded electric SUV that offers impressive range, performance, and features. Its coupe-like design sets it apart from other electric SUVs on the market, and its spacious and high-tech interior makes it a comfortable and enjoyable car to drive.

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NISSAN QASHQAI e-POWER

NISSAN

QASHQAI e-POWER

The all-new third generation Nissan Qashqai is here and with it comes significant upgrades and innovative e-POWER electrification.

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issan was one of the early pioneers of the electric car. The Leaf has now sold over 650,000 units worldwide since its launch in 2011 and is still going strong. The e-POWER is the latest in Nissan’s hugely successful Qashqai range, which arrived in 2006 and arguably defined the “crossover” format.

The Qashqai e-Power is bigger all round than its predecessor, so there’s more shoulder room up front (+28mm), and more legroom in the rear (+22mm).

Length is now at 4425mm while width grows to 1835mm, amongst the broadest in its class. The styling reflects the new family form with the aero-enhanced front end, greater width, and bigger wheels, up to 19 inches.

The most affordable Qashqai e-Power, the SV starts at €44,000. That comes as standard with a remarkably high standard of safety equipment, including autonomous emergency braking with cyclist detection, lane-keeping steering, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention alert, radar-guided cruise control, high-beam assistance, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. You also get 18-inch alloy wheels, electric and heated door mirrors, LED headlights, LED day time running lights, rain sensing wipers, electric parking brake, rear-view camera, a seven-inch digital instrument screen, an eight-inch central infotainment screen and dual-zone air conditioning.

For €47,400 you can upgrade to the SV Premium model, which adds privacy glass, roof rails, ‘graphite’ bumper inserts, keyless entry, auto dimming rear-view mirror, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 12.3-inch infotainment screen with connected services, a wireless smartphone charger with wireless Apple CarPlay and some extra rear USB sockets. €50,400 gets you the SV Tech, which adds 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, a hands-free powered tailgate, part-leather seat trim, eight-way electric driver’s seat adjustment, leather steering wheel, a head-up display, ambient cabin lighting, a black roof liner and automated parking.

Finally, there’s the €53,400 SVE which is the top spec model - and our test car’s spec - which includes LED front foglamps, door mirrors that automatically tilt down when reversing, Nappa leather seats, electric adjustment for the front passenger seat, memory function activated by the key, heated and massaging seats and heated steering wheel, and a Bose stereo.

The addition of Nissan’s e-Power system to the Qashqai is a big deal. It’s a pretty unique powertrain - and changing the approach to how your car is powered. e-Power is a form of hybrid in the sense that it uses both an electrical motor and combustion engine to power the car. But it’s unique and operates differently to other hybrid systems, using the electric motors to

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NISSAN QASHQAI e-POWER drive the wheels, rather than the engine. e-Power is closer to an electric car in that it’s using electrical motors to drive the wheels and the petrol engine is providing power to the electrical system, like a generator. Unlike other hybrids, there’s no gearbox/transmission, because the engine isn’t driving the wheels directly. In that sense, it’s more like an electric drivetrain. In most hybrid cars, the engine drives the car via the transmission, as well as charging the battery, which can then power an electric motor to provide a boost to drive the car through the existing drivetrain.

In Nissan’s e-Power system, the engine provides power to charge the battery and run the electric motor which then drives the wheels. The big advantage is efficiency over a conventional petrol engine. The engine in the Qashqai e-Power system is a 1.5-litre engine using a variable compression ratio and it can run much more efficiently than in a normal car because the loads can be much better managed. There’s no gearbox because the engine is only providing power to the electrical system and the result is that an e-Power car drives like an electric car. That means you get instant torque from the motors and a smooth delivery of that power, without any steps caused by gear changes.

Because the engine is better managed it’s easier to reduce emissions while preserving a long-range for the vehicle.

The official range of the Qashqai e-Power is over 1000km.

After driving the Qashqai e-Power on motorways, country roads and city streets it doesn’t always deliver the exact

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same feeling as driving an EV but it’s very close. e-Power brings advantages. It adds to the appeal of the comfortable, attractive and well-equipped new Qashqai. The way it moves off from standstill has that similar instant surge typical of an EV. There’s a smooth surge of acceleration, similar to a single-motor battery-powered vehicle. The Qashqai e-Power is also very quiet, thanks to an effective noise cancelling system. Driving at moderate speeds it’s often impossible to tell if the petrol engine is running or not. In stop-start traffic the Qashqai e-Power often runs only on power from the small 2kWh battery pack under the front seats. Driven carefully, it can cover about three to five kilometres on pure electricity. As a result, this hybrid tech is at its best in urban and city driving. It’s remarkably refined and pleasant to drive in slower moving traffic. With the pedal pressed to the floor, the petrol engine does becomes audible but on a normal commute you won’t hear it.

Conclusion

The Nissan Qashqai e-Power is a great stepping stone for drivers. There are efficiency gains but the biggest change that you’ll notice is how it drives. It’s fast off the line, it’s smooth and it’s pretty quiet. If you’re not quite ready to go fully electric the Nissan Qashqai e-Power is a happy alternative. Great tech and safety here and good pricing options as you move up the trim levels.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Model Nissan Qashqai e-Power SVE 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol, hybrid system - 140kW

330Nm

190hp

170 km/h

7.9 seconds

€200 per year

€44,000

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VOLVO C40 RECHARGE

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he design is the primary selling point for the C40 Recharge. The smaller glass-to-metal ratio contrasts against chunky lower body panels that hunker down on 19-inch wheels. Its unique 84-pixel headlights claim to do a better job at not dazzling oncoming drivers than regular LED matrix units. The taillights that extend up the C-pillar perform an LED animation whenever you lock or unlock the C40. Aerodynamic elements like a spoiler at the top and bottom of the raked rear glass add a touch of sportiness but are functional too.

On the inside of the C40 there’s no conventional leather, Volvo has decided to use vegan-friendly materials and fabrics.

This move away from leather is Volvo’s commitment to using sustainable materials to meet its environmental goals. You won’t miss the absence of leather and the interior is just as well finished as other Volvo models in the range. The cabin is a nice mix of textures and muted colours blended in a cool Scandinavian way. The dashboard gets topography-inspired inlays, which don’t look great in the day, but they are backlit and at night give a stunning, three-dimensional contour map-like look. The dashboard with Volvo’s signature 9-inch portrait-oriented screen is flanked by tall and slim vertical vents. You also get the 12.3-inch instrument cluster which is sharp with nice graphics.

Technical updates to the Volvo C40 Recharge have delivered improvements in driving range and energy efficiency beyond initial expectations. Homologated performance figures recently released for the revised SUV show increases in the distance that can be covered on a full charge, which now stand at up to 578km WLTP. The gains have been achieved through a combination of enhancements, including a switch from front- to rear-wheel drive for the single-motor Recharge version and the adoption of a second- generation permanent magnet electric motor. This e-motor is more powerful than the one in the outgoing car – offering 252hp, up from 231hp – plus it is the first e-motor to be developed in-house at Volvo Cars. Battery performance has also been improved thanks to enhancements to cooling efficiency.

Where the dual-motor C40 Recharge Twin is concerned, there is the further benefit of increased battery capacity to a nominal 82kWh (79kWh usable capacity), up from 78kWh

“The single motor version I drove has plenty of power with 252hp.”

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Words: Words:Anthony AnthonyKelly Kelly Pics: Paddy McGrath & Mazda Press

VOLVO C40 RECHARGE It’s a niche SUV with four-door coupé styling that maintains all of the familiar character you’d expect from a modern Volvo.

Words: Anthony Kelly

Pics: Webpress

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VOLVO C40 RECHARGE (75kWh usable) in the outgoing version. The C40 Recharge Twin also adopts different front and rear e-motors, with 150hp and 258hp respectively, in place of the 204hp units previously used on both axles. The total power output remains the same as before, at 408hp.

Customers enjoy the convenience of speedier recharging times for the C40 Recharge Twin all- wheel-drive models, too. An increase in their maximum charging rate from 150kW to 200kW translates into a nine-minute reduction in the 10 to 80% recharging time, which drops to just 28 minutes when using a 200kW DC rapid-charging system.

The C40 starts at €59,250 for the RWD Recharge Plus.

That comes with 238hp and a range of 484km. Next you have two models in the RWD Extended Range. The Recharge Plus Extended Range has 252hp and 578km range and pricing is €62,515. The Recharge Ultimate Extended Range has 252hp and 570km range. Pricing is €66,710 and this was the model we tested. There are two AWD models, the Recharge Twin Plus with 408hp and 548km range with a price of €67,515. The Recharge Twin Ultimate has 408hp, 543km range and the price is €71,710.

As is the trend with modern EVs, there’s no on/off button: you climb into the C40, it springs to life, you tap the transmission selector toggle switch to drive, and off you go.

Between the stop-start crawl of inner-city driving in Dublin

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City centre to rural Country roads of Co Dublin, the single-motor C40 clearly demonstrates the breadth of talent a sensible EV should display.

No matter what sort of driving you engage or how you decide to drive it, the C40 maintains a quiet and polite dignity without much of a soundtrack as you’d expect from an EV. Steering is direct and the chassis is dynamic enough to have a little fun with should you wish to push it on the abundance of sweeping Country roads you find here in Ireland. The single motor version I drove has plenty of power with 252hp and I don’t imagine you’d really need the AWD Recharge twin model with 408hp, but if it’s blistering performance in a sleek SUV you are seeking then it’s the version for you. As you’d expect from a Volvo there’s an extensive list of safety technology so you are fully covered in that respect.

Conclusion

The Volvo C40 Recharge is a very enjoyable car to drive.

There are loads of great standard features, the design inside and out is fantastic, the performance is great, and the whole experience provides a refined and surefooted ride. My negatives would be that the interior seemed a little bland compared to some rivals in my opinion and the price is on the high side.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Model Volvo C40 Recharge Ultimate Extended Range 185kW electric motor, 82kWh battery

420 Nm

252 hp

180 km/h

7.3 seconds

€120 per year

16.7 kWh/100km

€66,710

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ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE

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rucially, it is a Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second: no concessions or compromises in terms of interior space, comfort, performance or ride quality have been made– indeed, all have been refined and augmented by the car’s underpinning architecture and engineering.

proves that battery-electric technology has entirely come of age, and can be successfully deployed at the very apex of automotive excellence, luxury and performance. It also represents an epochal technological and intellectual shift for the marque: by the end of 2030, its entire product portfolio will be fully electric; Rolls-Royce will never again produce a new model with an internal combustion engine.

In 1900, motoring pioneer The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls made a bold prediction in a magazine article: “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged,” he declared.

Those words, written four years before his historic first meeting with Henry Royce, were to prove prophetic; but it was more than a century later that his vision was finally realised by the company they co-founded.

Spectre has created an entirely new class of motor car: the ultra-luxury electric super coupé. The all-electric powertrain takes the signature Rolls-Royce experience – instant torque, silent running and the sense of one imperceptible gear – and enhances it for a new generation of clients.

Its ‘Decentralised Intelligence’ system enables free and direct exchange of information between thousands of individual vehicle functions, further elevating the marque’s celebrated ‘magic carpet ride’. And in its contemporary yet timeless aesthetic, it takes the brand’s design language and Bespoke capabilities into a new, electric age.

In September 2021, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars confirmed it had begun testing of the first model in its history to be conceived and engineered from the beginning as an electric car. That testing programme extended to more than 2.5 million kilometres in every extreme of terrain and temperature, simulating over 400 years of normal use. A year later, in October 2022, Spectre was unveiled to the world: an audacious promise kept, and a monumental technical undertaking completed.

As the first fully-electric Rolls-Royce ever made, Spectre

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Spectre philosophy and positioning Spectre is the Rolls-Royce that changes everything – the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé, ushering in the marque’s bold new all-electric future. Crucially, it is a Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second: no concessions or compromises in terms of interior space, comfort, performance or ride quality have been made– indeed, all have been refined and augmented by the car’s underpinning architecture and engineering.

Pics: Webpress

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: THE ROLLSROYCE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING Spectre is the Rolls-Royce that changes everything – the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé, ushering in the marque’s bold new all-electric future.

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A generously proportioned, visually striking two-door fastback, Spectre is the spiritual successor to the fabled Phantom Coupé. Its intimate interior provides a perfect canvas for Bespoke personalisation, complemented by a unique illuminated fascia and the first Starlight Doors ever specified in a production Rolls-Royce.

No two Spectre clients are exactly alike, but they generally share a keen appreciation of fine materials and craftsmanship, and a marked preference for uncluttered, minimalist design free of ostentation and superfluity. Often younger, self-made and self-confident people, many Spectre clients embrace contemporary ideas around sustainability, authenticity, conscientiousness and longevity. As one of the world’s most desirable luxury goods, Spectre is an extension of the people who commission it, reflecting their individual personalities and values, as well as symbolising their achievements.

ENGINEERING ‘Rolls-Royce 3.0’ The first Goodwood-era Rolls-Royce, launched in 2003, was Phantom. Underpinned by its own Bespoke architecture, this was Rolls-Royce 1.0. For its successor, the marque created the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ (see below) - an all-aluminium spaceframe that also provides the foundations for Cullinan and Ghost - representing Rolls-Royce 2.0. With its fully-electric powertrain and Decentralised Intelligence, Spectre marks the start of Rolls-Royce 3.0, and a new era for super-luxury motoring.

All-aluminium Architecture of Luxury Spectre is the fourth series Rolls-Royce to be built on the Architecture of Luxury platform, which is unique and proprietary to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. In a farsighted move reminiscent of Charles Rolls’ famous prophecy, it was de-

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liberately conceived from the outset to accommodate an electric powertrain as and when the technology became available.

It comprises an all-aluminium spaceframe that is infinitely scalable and modifiable around four fixed points, one at each corner of the motor car. This inherent flexibility allows Rolls-Royce to adjust the bulkhead, floor, crossmembers and sill panels in a way most appropriate to each individual product.

With Spectre, Rolls-Royce engineers unlocked previously unexplored potential in the concept. The sophisticated extruded aluminium sections and integration of the battery into the structure make Spectre’s spaceframe 30% stiffer than in any previous Rolls-Royce. The architecture also allowed engineers to place the floor halfway between the sill structures rather than above or underneath them.

A channel for wiring and climate control pipework runs between the battery and the floor, with the battery mounted underneath, producing a perfectly smooth underfloor profile. This allows a low seating position, while moving the bulkhead location deepens the dashboard to create a truly cocooning passenger cabin. This sensation is amplified by Spectre’s dramatically raked windscreen, which also contributes to the car’s exceptional aerodynamics (see below).

The battery’s position gives it a highly beneficial secondary function: fully integrated into the motor car’s architecture, it acts as 700kg of additional acoustic insulation.

All-electric drivetrain With Spectre, Rolls-Royce committed to an uncompromised electric future by specifying an all-electric drivetrain rather than a hybrid solution. It is fitted with two Separately Excited Synchronous Motors (SSMs). The front

electric motor produces 190kW / 365 Nm, with the rear motor delivering 360kW / 710 Nm. In performance terms, this equates to an internal combustion engine of 430kW (584 hp) with 900Nm of torque. In terms of acceleration, Spectre achieves 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds).

In establishing an appropriate range for Spectre, the marque first engaged with clients, to understand their requirements. The confirmed range of 530km (329 miles) WLTP goes beyond these requirements, confirming that Spectre fits perfectly into the lifestyle of Rolls-Royce clients, who have an average of more than seven cars in their garage to choose from for any occasion, and who drive an average of 5,100km in their current Rolls-Royce per year.

Charge time from 10-80% is 34 minutes using a 195 kW (DC) fast charger: this will also produce sufficient charge for 100km in around nine minutes.

Spectre is equipped with Active Lane Centring and Adaptive Cruise Control simultaneously.

Battery Spectre has a 102kWh lithium-ion battery, made using cobalt and lithium from strictly controlled sources in Australia, Morocco and Argentina: the battery cells are produced using 100% green electricity. It has been extensively tested in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50°C: Spectre’s on-board thermal management system maintains an optimum operating temperature at all times.

Braking Recuperation Spectre has a braking recuperation function that the driver can configure by pushing a button marked ‘B’ on the Column Shifter. By activating ‘Brake Mode’, braking recuperation is increased, enabling so-called single-pedal driving and even allowing the car to come to a complete stop if desired. The default setting on starting is low recuperation, mimicking the automatic driving style of an internal combustion engine Rolls-Royce.

Digital Engineering Spectre is the most connected Rolls-Royce in history, with three times as many sender-receiver signals as any previous model. Indeed, engineers describe it as ‘Rolls-Royce in ultra-high definition’ on account of the speed and accuracy of its responses to road and weather conditions.

Each of the car’s thousands of drivetrain and chassis characteristics were exhaustively tested and refined during its 2.5-million-kilometre testing programme.

Through a software architecture known as Decentralised Intelligence, data is processed closer to its source rather than being handled in its entirety by a single central processing unit. To achieve this, each of the 141,200 sender-receiver variables has its own dedicated handmade

control; in nearly all cases, several additional sub-variables account for variations in climate, ground speed, road type, vehicle status and driving style. This enables the car to respond more quickly to driver inputs and changing road conditions.

Planar Suspension System Spectre’s suspension is an evolution of the Planar System originally launched on Ghost. Engineers describe it as ‘an orchestra of systems’, which combines specially developed hardware and Spectre’s high-speed processing capabilities to deliver the marque’s hallmark ‘magic carpet ride’.

Spectre’s 30% greater torsional rigidity negates the need for the upper wishbone damper used in Ghost. On straight roads, the system can automatically decouple Spectre’s anti-roll bars, allowing each wheel to act independently.

This prevents the rocking motion that occurs when one side of a vehicle hits an undulation in the road, and dramatically reduces high-frequency disturbances caused by smaller, repeated surface defects.

When the system detects a corner, it recouples the components and stiffens the damper, and prepares to activate the four-wheel steering system to ensure effortless entry and exit. During cornering, individual sensors monitor almost 20 different steering, braking, power delivery and suspension parameters, and adjust them automatically to maintain perfect tracking and stability.

SPIRIT – Digital Architecture of Luxury SPIRIT is a completely redesigned digital architecture that connects the Spectre owner with their car more closely than ever before. As well as managing the motor car’s functions, SPIRIT is seamlessly integrated into the marque’s Whispers app, allowing owners to interact with their car remotely.

For the first time, clients are able to extend their Bespoke commission into the digital realm; for example, by selecting the colour of the instrument dials to complement the car’s interior palette or exterior finish.

Effortless Doors At almost 1.5 metres in length, Spectre’s laser-welded pillarless coach doors are the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce. Made from 100% aluminium to reduce weight without compromising rigidity and strength, they are equipped with a specially developed iteration of the Effortless Doors power-assisted system specified on every Rolls-Royce from Phantom onwards. As originally developed for the current Ghost model, Spectre’s Effortless Doors operate on opening as well as closing.

A single pull of the interior handle opens the door to ‘comfort position’, allowing the occupant to check for ha-

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zards or obstructions. They then pull and hold the handle to activate full power assistance. When the door has opened sufficiently, they simply release the handle, which engages the door brake. The door can be closed automatically by pushing of a button on the external handle, or manually with power assistance. On-board longitudinal and transverse sensors, as well as G-force sensors fitted to each door, allow the same speed of operation regardless of hill or driveway angles.

In a feature unique to Spectre, the driver’s door closes automatically when the driver presses the brake pedal.

EXTERIOR Spectre’s design draws inspiration from worlds far beyond automotive, including haute couture, modernist sculpture, nautical design, tailoring and contemporary art. In particular, the design takes cues from the clarity and precision of line and intelligent use of reflection in modern racing yacht styling.

Spectre’s Pantheon grille is the widest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce. The polished stainless-steel vanes are smooth and flush-fitting, and softly illuminated with 22 LEDs lighting up the sandblasted rear surface, creating a subtle three-dimensional signature at night.

The Spirit of Ecstasy figurine was specially created for Spectre. With a lower stance and more aerodynamic profile, perfected over 830 hours of design modelling and wind-tunnel testing, it contributes to the motor car’s drag coefficient of just 0.25cd, making Spectre the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever built.

The split headlights have been a signature Rolls-Royce feature for many years, and are a direct visual reference to Spectre’s illustrious forebear, Phantom Coupé.

The sharp, vertical bow line draws the eye rearward to Spectre’s fastback, which is inspired by both classic motor cars and racing yachts. The seamless roofline contributes significantly to Spectre’s exceptional aerodynamics.

The lower ‘waft line’ is the visual representation of the fabled Rolls-Royce ‘magic carpet ride’; Spectre’s coachwork gently tucks into the sill, lightening the surfacing and creating a sense of motion by reflecting the road passing beneath it, much like the hull of a racing yacht reflects the water as it cuts through it.

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Following the roofline back, the tail lamps are set into the largest single body panel ever produced for a Rolls-Royce, which extends from the A-pillar to the luggage compartment. In anticipation of a variety of Bespoke exterior colour commissions, the rear lamps are colourless for neutrality.

To match Spectre’s generous proportions, it is the first production Rolls-Royce two-door coupé to be equipped with 23-inch wheels in almost 100 years.

INTERIOR Spectre’s interior contains a wealth of technologically advanced Bespoke features. For the first time on a series production Rolls-Royce, these include Starlight Doors, which incorporate 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars’. If they wish, customers can alternatively choose a backdrop of Canadel panelling, hand-crafted from a range of exquisite wood.

The ethereal, celestial theme continues with Spectre’s Illuminated Fascia. Developed over the course of two years and more than 10,000 collective hours, it incorporates the Spectre nameplate surrounded by a cluster of over 5,500 stars. Located on the passenger side of the dashboard, the illuminations are completely invisible when the motor car is not in operation.

Inspired by British tailoring, the all-new front seat design has lapel sections that can be rendered in contrasting or matching colours to the main base.

As with all Rolls-Royce motor cars, Spectre’s interior suite offers clients near-infinite Bespoke possibilities.

THE ROLLS-ROYCE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING Spectre is perfectly in tune with contemporary sensibilities, while also setting the direction for the future of the marque. As Charles Rolls himself foresaw, it is the motor car Rolls-Royce has been driving towards since it was founded – an elevated expression of effortlessness, power and historical endurance. A Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second, Spectre has been boldly conceived, meticulously engineered, exhaustively tested and spectacularly realised, and represents an unequivocal statement of intent, signalling to the world what Rolls-Royce stands for now and in the decades to come.

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TOYOTA bZ4X

he name doesn’t trip off the tongue. But there’s a logic to it. bZ stands for Toyota’s new Beyond Zero EV brand, 4 denotes the size in the model range and X represents it as an SUV. Toyota says that the brand signifies its commitment to going ‘beyond zero’ – so it’s not just about making a zero-emissions electric car, but about creating a truly zero-carbon footprint while improving the lives of both Toyota customers and wider society.

The exterior design is sleek and led by a distinctive hammerhead frontal shape. When viewed in profile, the bZ4X has a low roof and slender A-pillars, while the combination of thick sills and large wheels (up to 20-inch in diameter) express the car’s authentic SUV character. At the rear, the design similarly emphasises the corners, with a distinctive tail light that spans the width of the vehicle. The design also incorporates aerodynamic elements that manage airflow and contribute to the driving range. These include apertures in the front bumper corners that create smooth air curtains; a full underbody cover; a split roof spoiler and rear ducktail lip spoiler; rear diffuser; and a precisely angled rear screen. The slim lower grille has a shutter that adjusts to channel cooling airflow to the battery and helps reduce wind resistance.

Designed from scratch as an EV, the bZ4X benefits from a cabin that’s open, spacious and comfortable with an expansive wheelbase allowing for plenty of legroom for passengers front and rear. The load area offers 452 litres of storage with the rear seats in place. The interior is well assembled and generally finished in high-quality materials. Of note, the dashboard is covered in a tweed-like fabric, giving the cockpit a trendy, modern look. Similarly, the wireless smart phone charge pad is hidden beneath a retractable lid, and plenty of charge points and cubbies abound for driver and passengers every day items.

The driver’s controls represent a departure from what we’re accustomed to seeing in other Toyota SUVs. The primary gauge display, for instance, is meant to be viewed over top of the steering wheel, instead of through it like in most cars.

The central dash is dominated by a 12.3” touchscreen display running Toyota’s latest infotainment suite. It worked well during our time with the car, connecting wirelessly to CarPlay or Android Auto. The twist-dial gear selector is intuitive enough to use even in a hurry, unlike some competitors’ use of fiddly push-button selectors.

The Toyota bZ4X comes in three model options.

Advance

The Advance model is priced from €50,470. The all-new Toyota bZ4X comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3 (TSS3) which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian (Day & Night), Cyclist & Motorbike (Day)Detection, Emergency Driving Stop System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Control, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist, Emergency Steering Assist on Pre-Collision System, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear-view Camera and Daytime Running Lights (LED Type) to name just a few.

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TOYOTA bZ4X With the new bZ4X SUV, Toyota has its first model in its Beyond Zero family of zeroemission battery electric vehicles.

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TOYOTA bZ4X On the inside you have a 3-spoke Leather Steering Wheel and a 7” Coloured TFT Information Display. Convenience comes in the way of Smart Entry, Dual-zone Climate Control, Electrochromatic Rear-view Mirror (Auto-dimming), Illuminated Entry System, Energy Saving Heat Pump and Rain Sensing Wipers. The seats are Fabric Upholstery with driver & Passenger Seat Manual and 6-Way Adjust. On the outside you have Auto-retractable, Power Adjustable, Heated Door Mirrors, LED Headlamps with Automatic High Beam, LED Rear Brake Lights and 18” Alloy Wheels.

Sport

The Sport model which we would expect to be the most popular has a €3,000 premium on the Advance and is priced at €53,575. This is available with FWD & AWD. This comes with the above Advance features but also Privacy Glass, Rear Spoiler, Power Back Door, Triple LED Headlamps with

Adaptive Highbeam System, Front & Rear Parking Sensors with Automatic Braking (Objects), Heated Steering Wheel, Partial Synthetic Leather and HeatedFrontSeats. On the inside you get Driver Seat Power 8-Way Adjust, 12.3” Multimedia Display, Embedded Satellite Navigation System, Wireless Mobile Phone Charger, Chrome Inserts on Side and Centre Air-vents, Silver Insert on Centre Console Box! Ambient Lighting on Interior Door Handles and Illuminated Entry & Foot Lamp.

Premiere Edition

The top spec model is the Premiere Edition which comes with the Sport features but also 20” Alloy Wheels (5-double-spoke), Full Synthetic Leather, Bi-tone Body Colour with Black Roof, Panoramic Glass Roof (Fixed), Satin-chrome Plated Lower Front Grille, Chrome Door Belt-moulding, Memory function on door mirror and Blind Spot Monitor

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Model Toyota bZ4X

150kw electric motor, 77kw battery

265Nm

204hp

160 km/h

7.5 seconds

€120 per year

€50,057

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with Side Exit Assist. You have a Panoramic View Monitor, Driver Monitor Camera on Pre-Collision System, Puddle Lamp on Door Mirrors, Headlamp Cleaners! Driver & Passenger Air-ventilated Front Seats and Driver Seat Memory Function. The Premiere Edition is priced at €57,830.

As you hit the road in the BZ4X you immediately notice it’s smoothness. This is Lexus smooth and its down to the low centre of gravity along with just the right amount of damping. Visibility is good, and exterior noises are hushed but not fully eliminated. Sure, the steering could be better, but it’s responsive enough and the smaller wheel diameter doesn’t feel awkward. In its most kitted-out form, the BZ4X offers all-wheel drive from two 80kw electric motors, one on each axle, producing a net 214 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Even though those numbers don’t exactly leap off the page, the Toyota’s instantaneous

electric torque means passing and other manoeuvres are executed with ease. Switching to the EV’s Eco mode dulls the throttle response a bit and conserves battery.

AWD models get a 72.8-kilowatt-hour pack, which translates to a range of 461km. On the single-motor, front-wheel-drive configuration the output is lower at 204 hp and 196 lb-ft, it boosts range to either 512km on the Advance model, 505km on the Sport model and 444km for the Premiere Edition.

Conclusion

The bZ4X is competitively priced with other EVs and it offers a user-friendly, practical SUV format that should help the transition to an electric car be relatively easy. After our week test, we think buyers are likely to find what they’re looking for here.

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MOKKA ELECTRIC PUMPED WITH ENERGY DISCOVER MORE AT WWW.OPEL.IE

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