News: Updated Kia Sorento goes on sale

The new 2013 Kia Sorento goes on sale in Ireland this  week .Powered by an improved and more economical 2.2 197bhp diesel engine both trim levels available Ireland will be fitted with All Wheel Drive as standard. The Sorento is a 7-seater with the  EX model  priced at €37,990 and the Platinum model at € 41,790. Astonishingly, given the similar looks to the model that came out in 2010, it's all-new from the ground up.

News: Jamie Heaslip tackles a new Discovery

You may have noticed some excitement amongst rugby-loving friends this week as anticipation mounts ahead of the opening games of the RBS 6 Nations championship, starting on Saturday with Ireland v Wales. Frankly, we know as much about rugby as the back side of the moon, but hey, here's Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip picking up his shiny new Land Rover Discovery this morning! A band-wagon-jumping we will go...

A self-proclaimed Land Rover enthusiast, Jamie Heaslip was delighted to take delivery of his new Discovery 4: “I’ve been driving the Discovery for almost two years now and it is the perfect vehicle for my lifestyle.  It really is in a class of its own and I’m thrilled to continue driving it this year”.

Land Rover Ireland General Manager, Eddie Kavanagh said: “Land Rover has a well-established relationship with Rugby and as well as supporting Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, the company are also Global Sponsors of The British & Irish Lions for their Tour to Australia 2013.

"Jamie is an excellent brand ambassador for Land Rover in Ireland and I would like to wish him and all his teammates continued success and the very best of luck this Saturday.

"Now in its fourth iteration, the Discovery is an unparalleled vehicle with class-defining versatility and all-round capability.  It can seat seven passengers, can tackle the most challenging off-road conditions and delivers superb on-road refinement.  Featuring a powerful and highly efficient TDV6 3.0 litre diesel engine, fresh exterior and premium cabin, it is the ultimate all-purpose vehicle.

"Prices in Ireland start from €52,925. For more information or to arrange a test drive log onto www.landrover.ie or visit your local Land Rover dealership."

News: First pic of the new Toyota Corolla?

Is this the first image of the new Toyota Corolla? It could be...

Actually, what this definitely is is the first image of the Furia concept car, which Toyota will be showing off at next week's Detroit motor show. The speculation is (judging from what we can see under the dust-sheet in the other photo) that it's a compact four-door saloon that will replace the current Corolla in the American market first before making its way over here.

Frustratingly, Toyota is staying tight-lipped on the subject, admitting only that "it will be revealed using a custom-built structure housing thirty of Samsung Display’s new 46-inch transparent LCD screens. Toyota will be the first automotive company to use this technology to reveal a vehicle at a major international auto show."

News: Mercedes' E-Class nose-job continues

Just before Christmas, Mercedes revealed a striking new look for the E-Class saloon and estate, doing away with almost two-decades of upright, four-headlamp tradition. Now, it's moved on to the E-Class coupe and cabriolet, with equally arresting results.

Gone, once again, are the four separate headlamp units, replaced by strikingly curvy single lamp setups (albeit with a hint of the old four-lamp shape in the LED daytime running light highlights) while the slatted grille has been replaced by a gaping SLS-style maw.

Oddly, and unlike the saloon and estate, the awkward-looking retro coachline above the rear wheel, meant to evoke memories of the classic fifties 'Pontoon' Mercs, has been retained. 

Inside, there are only minor changes, and the cabin retains its obvious C-Class links (in spite of the name, the E-Class coupe and cabriolet are more closely related to the smaller C-Class). There's a new steering wheel, some updated displays, an analogue clock and some updated trims and materials.

Mechanically, there are no changes of significance, bar some minor engine and transmission details that bring the Co2 figures down a small bit, and safety equipment also remains the same as the saloon's, including the newly updated DISTRONIC PLUS system which watches for possible accidents ahead, PRE-SAFE PLUS which preps all the safety systems for an incoming collision and lane keeping assist to wake you up if you drift out of your lane.

“Three words sum up both the E-Class Coupe and the four-seat Cabriolet model: captivating, athletic, passionate”, said Mercedes-Benz head of sales and marketing Dr. Joachim Schmidt. “It is especially pleasing that the two vehicles also incorporate the most intelligent technology ever. This makes them true dream cars.”

News: Subaru shows off new Forester

Subaru has released the first official photos of the all-new Forester SUV, which will go on sale in Ireland next summer. Subaru claims that it will come with competitive pricing, and improved fuel economy.

The fourth-generation Forester builds upon the outgoing model’s credentials as a go-anywhere, user-friendly SUV, with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a larger, more practical cabin. Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the vehicle, while a low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity contribute to improved refinement and a typically engaging drive on the road.

Confirming the of the Forester, Subaru has also announced outline details of the engine line-up, which will include the existing 150bhp 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol units, as well as a new high-performance 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 280bhp. That model is rather unlikely to reach Irish shores, sadly.

All engines will feature a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission is available as an option on petrol models.  The Lineartronic transmission has been modified to manage the increased power while also providing improved fuel efficiency, and ensures that both CVT-equipped petrol engines achieve the 2015 Japanese fuel economy standard.

News: Fiat plans to beat the Budget with new prices

FIAT Group Automobiles Ireland has announced its revised pricing for 2013 despite the lack of clarity from the government regarding VRT, road tax and number plate revisions in the run up to the announcement of those measures in Budget 2013.


In the light of such uncertainty, FIAT has chosen to extensively streamline its range, focusing on the most popular derivatives, which in turn facilitates low and fluid stock levels. The FIAT Panda range, for example, has the same number of versions available as in 2012 despite welcoming the new normally-aspirated, 65hp TwinAir and 4X4 Climbing models to the range for 2013.

Whereas the TwinAir Turbo commands a premium of around €1,000 (depending on the model) compared to the 1.2 69hp engine, the new TwinAir 65hp is only an additional €500, a small price to pay to cut CO2 emissions from 120g/km to just 99g/km which could be further offset by a potential reduction in road tax. Quite what the total saving to the consumer will be for opting for the new TwinAir 65hp we will have to wait until December to learn, however.

The FIAT 500 range is reduced from 11 derivatives to just four, with renewed emphasis on the low CO2-emission TwinAir engines, while the entry level price of the hardtop has been reduced by €400 to €12,495 compared to 2012. The 500C Cabrio now starts at €15,495, a price reduction of almost €1,000, while the entry-point for the award-winning FIAT 500 TwinAir is reduced from €16,745 to €13,495, a massive reduction of €3,250!

FIAT Punto range is reduced from eight derivatives to just three with reconfigured pricing to better suit Irish market conditions. The entry point for the five-door FIAT Punto, for example, has been reduced from €15,295 to just €13,495, a remarkable saving of €1,800! The TwinAir 85hp model is also reduced by €1,800 - from €16,295 to just €14,495 - and that despite the addition of two extra doors. With a price difference of just €1,000 compared to the 1.2 69hp it is expected to be a cornerstone model in 2013, particularly when its low CO2 emissions (98g/km, compared to 1.2's 120g/km) and improved performance are taken into consideration.

The price of the five-door FIAT Punto diesel remains unchanged despite significant technological upgrades to its 1.3-litre MultiJet engine. It now employs new efficiency technologies (Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow) to reduce its CO2 emissions to a mere 90g/km while power increases from 75hp to 85hp for improved driver satisfaction. Priced at €15,495, FIAT Punto diesel will be one of the most competitive superminis on the market in Ireland in 2013.

Announcing pricing for 2013, Managing Director of FIAT Group Automobiles Ireland, Adrian C. Walsh, commented: "Despite the lack of clarity from the government regarding VRT, road tax and number plate revisions due in 2013, we believe that no matter what the 2013 Budget throws at us in December, FIAT will be ready with some of the most technologically advanced, environmentally sound and great-value vehicles on the market today."

News: Jaguar Land-Rover expands its network in Ireland

Jaguar Land Rover Ireland has announced the expansion of its retail networks with the appointment of three new Land Rover dealers and an additional new Jaguar dealer.
 

In Dublin, HB Dennis has been appointed as a Land Rover Authorised Dealer for Sales and Aftersales.  Based in Airside Motor Park, Swords, Co. Dublin, HB Dennis is owned and operated by the Joe Duffy Motor Group.  A well-established car retail business in Dublin, the Joe Duffy Motor Group prides itself on delivering complete customer satisfaction.  Commenting on the recent appointment, Gavin Hydes, Managing Director of the Joe Duffy Motor Group said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Land Rover business in North Dublin and look forward to welcoming Land Rover customers old and new to our showrooms in Airside”.

In Kildare, existing Land Rover Authorised Repairer, N. Conlan & Sons of Rathangan has extended its remit to Land Rover Authorised Sales Dealer.   Appointed as a Land Rover Authorised Repairer in 2010, N. Conlan & Sons will build on their experience and expertise with the Land Rover brand and will bring their excellent reputation for customer satisfaction to the growing number of Land Rover drivers in the Kildare area.    Established in 1965, N. Conlan & Sons is a family-run business.  Raymond Conlan, Managing Director commented, “This is a very positive move for us and we are very pleased to be developing our Land Rover business to meet the growing demands of our customers here in Kildare”.

The appointment of Lyons of Limerick as both Jaguar and Land Rover Authorised Dealer for Sales and Aftersales completes the current expansion of Jaguar Land Rover Ireland’s retail networks. Based on the Ballysimon Road, Lyons of Limerick will bring their many years of experience in customer service to Jaguar and Land Rover customers in the Limerick area.  Speaking at the announcement, Ken Lyons, Dealer Principal, said, “We are delighted to take on the Jaguar and Land Rover franchises at Lyons of Limerick.  Jaguar Land Rover, a company that is renowned for creating cars that are innovative, exciting and always original, is an excellent addition to our business.   We will offer our Jaguar and Land Rover customers an unrivalled experience in terms of quality product and quality service”.

Commenting on the new dealer appointments, Gerard O’Farrell, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Ireland said, “We welcome HB Dennis, N.Conlan & Sons and Lyons of Limerick to our  dealer networks and are confident they will bring their expertise in customer service to all of our Jaguar and Land Rover customers in their respective regions.  Jaguar and Land Rover Ireland has achieved significant growth in 2012 with combined sales of 1,113 vehicles upto the end of October – an increase of 63.2% versus the same period last year.  The increased demand for both Jaguar and Land Rover demonstrates the unique desirability and strength of our products”.

Road Test: Ford B-Max 1.5 TDCI Titanium

 

Price as tested: €23,050

+ Clever doors, space, practicality, quality, comfort

– Diesel engine lacks punch, ride too firm

= Clever and useful but ride and performance lacking

I cannot hear the phrase “sliding doors” and not think of the eponymous movie of the late 1990s starring Gwyneth Paltrow. It’s about a woman whose future apparently takes two divergent courses, with the dividing line being whether or not the sliding doors close on her as she tries to catch a train. Not sure why such an otherwise forgettable romcom should stick with me, but it’s always at the back of my mind whenever I drive a car with, well, you know.With the Ford B-Max (and its sliding doors) Ford will be trying to both create a new future for itself and erase memories of an unhappy past. That’s because the company’s previous effort in the mini-MPV arena, the little Fusion, was largely critically panned, even if it did have its loyal customers. The new B-Max’s only similarity to the Fusion, thankfully, is that both cars shared their mechanicals with a sister Fiesta. The B-Max is more clearly a junior MPV, though, owing much to the sharp-looking C-Max for its styling. And wait until you see its trick doors . . . 

Actually, the doors themselves are not the trick here; it’s the absence of pillars between them and the front doors. When both front and back doors are open, there is a gargantuan 1.5-metre opening in the side of the car. For parents loading kids and child car seats, this is a huge boon, and the B-Max backs up the loading aperture with proper space in the back – room enough even for tall adults to get perfectly comfortable. There’s a properly useful 318-litre boot out back, too.

Up front, and behind that beaky nose, is a range of three petrol and one diesel engines, with the highlights being the new 1.5-litre 75bhp TDCI diesel and the brilliant 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo petrol, which Ford Ireland’s people reckon will prove to be the best seller. The base model comes with a 1.4-litre petrol engine, and you can have the old 105bhp 1.6-litre petrol if you fancy an automatic transmission.

With its sweet-revving nature and 119g/km CO22 emissions, the 1.0 EcoBoost is definitely the star of the range, especially as the new 1.5 TDCI engine is actually a bit of a disappointment. Thankfully, an early cold-start clatter dies away as the engine warms, to be replaced by generally very good refinement; but it’s very short on grunt, lacking the kind of low-down punch we’ve come to associate with diesel engines. The creakingly long 16.5sec 0-100kmh run confirms its gutlessness. It is capable of a claimed 68mpg compared to the 1.0 petrol’s 55mpg, though but the bald fact is that, foot to the boards in third gear, I was really having to wait around and wait for the B-Max to pick up speed. On this brief acquaintance, I'd say that Ford's new 1.5 diesel isn't half the engine the existing 1.6 TDCI is. Which is worrying, as eventually a whole family based on the 1.5 will replace the 1.6...

Ford has slipped up a touch with the driving experience too, for my money. In trying to keep Ford’s now-traditional sporty chassis dynamics, the B-Max has gone a bit too far down the stiff suspension route, and the upshot is a ride quality that never settles down and frequently jiggles. Fine in a sporty, spry hatchback but not what you want in a family-oriented people mover. Yes, the sharp steering and good body control are welcome, but I’d have happily traded both in for a comfier ride.

There's also a sense that the whole car feels top-heavy, which in spite of the too-firm ride, means it feels as if the roof is heading towards the ditch under brisk cornering loads. Not a pleasant feeling and in general I think Ford should be heading back to the drawing board with the B-Max's suspension settings. As a final caveat though, our Titanium model was riding on big-ish rims, so possibly a lesser spec version with smaller wheels might feel a touch better.

The B-Max does have one whizz-bang ace up its sleeve, though: SYNC, Ford’s new phone-friendly infotainment system, which is easy to use, useful and, Ford claims, potentially live-saving, automatically dialling the emergency services if it detects you’ve had a crash. It’ll even read your text messages to you.

It's almost laughably easy to use (albeit we couldn't get the text message reading system to work with my iPhone 4S) and the option to be able to plumb your music into the car either by Bluetooth or USB cable is a nice one. 

SYNC on its own is almost impressive enough to warrant a recommendation for the B-Max, and the doors and space are truly family-optimised. Fix the ride and install a punchier diesel engine and you could happily see it in your future.

Ford B-Max 1.5 TDCI Titanium
Price as tested: €23,050
Price range: €19,170 to €26,430
Capacity: 1,490cc
Power: 74bhp
Torque: 190Nm
Top speed: 157kmh
0-100kmh: 16.5sec
Economy: 4.0l-100km (68.9mpg)
CO2 emissions: 109g/km
Road Tax Band: A. €160
Euro NCAP rating: 5-star; 92% adult, 84% child, 67% pedestrian, 71% safety assist

News: Volkswagen Ireland gives us Golf prices

Volkswagen Ireland has revealed the pricing for the all-new Golf, which goes on sale in Ireland in December, and they start from just €19,995.


Not only is the new car lighter, safer, more advanced, more spacious, more efficient and better equipped than previous generations of Europe’s best-seller, of which over 29 million have been sold, but with a starting price of just €19,995 for the 3-door 1.2-litre 85bhp Trendline model it is still below €20,000. The diesel line up starts at just €22,695 for the 105bhp 1.6-litre TDI model. This new 1.6-litre TDI 105bhp engine will have CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

From launch, the Golf will be available in Ireland in three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline (the GTD, GTI and BlueMotion models will join the line-up in 2013). Three petrol engines and two diesel engines will be available to order.

The petrol engine range starts with a four-cylinder 1.2-litre TSI unit producing 85 bhp, rising via a 1.2-litre TSI 105 bhp up to the all-new 1.4-litre TSI 140 bhp engine with Active Cylinder Technology. This helps to create an extremely efficient engine capable of 4.7 l/100km (combined cycle) and 109 g/km thanks to the ability to deactivate the central two cylinders under light loads. This makes it 23% more efficient than the equivalent engine in the previous version of the Golf.

The two diesel engines at launch are a 1.6-litre TDI 105 bhp and a new 2.0-litre TDI 150 bhp unit. Both feature the latest common rail diesel technology for maximum efficiency. All new Golf models – both diesel and petrol – come with a Stop/Start system as standard, along with battery regeneration. A 90bhp diesel will follow in Quarter 2 of 2013.

Gearboxes are a mixture of five- and six-speed manuals, and six- and seven-speed DSG units, depending on the engines’ power and torque outputs.

Standard specification levels build on those of the outgoing Golf, bringing new items of luxury and technology to the class.

All Golf models come with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, five three-point seatbelts, ABS with ESP, XDS electronic differential lock and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats.

On Trendline models, the standard Composition Media system includes a 5-inch colour touchscreen, FM/AM radio as well as eight speakers (front and rear) and a CD drive (MP3 compatible). The CD drive is located in the glovebox along with the SD card slot.

Also standard is ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning and an electronic parking brake, among a host of other features.

Moving up from Trendline to Comfortline trim brings an outstanding range of features, including Cruise Control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Radio Composition Media which has a 5.8 inch touch screen display which responds to wiping and zooming gestures and there is access to ‘Phone’ and ‘Voice’ commands. There are USB and aux-in interfaces integrated into a separate compartment in the centre console in front of the gearshifter. On the outside, 15” Lyon alloy wheels come as standard on Comfortline models.

From the outside, the Highline model can be recognised by its 16-inch ‘Dover’ alloy wheels, front fog lights, deep red tail-light clusters, black radiator grille with chrome mouldings and electrically folding exterior mirrors. Inside, the Highline gets a 3-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel, sports front seats and Piano Black Mesh inserts for the centre console.

Optional equipment includes high beam assist, lane assist, park assist (which is able to parallel-park the Golf in spaces only 80 cm longer than the car itself in addition to providing automatic parking), ACC adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera. Drivers can also select from a choice of alternative alloy wheels up to 18 inches in diameter, bi-xenon headlights, ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery (optionally with 12-way electrically adjustable front seats), 2-Zone climate control, the Discover Pro navigation system with 8-inch colour touchscreen, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof, among other options.

Volkswagen retailers will start taking orders for the new Golf from mid-to-late-October, with first deliveries due in mid-December. As ever, attractive finance rates will be available from Volkswagen Bank, with Hire Purchase rates of just 4.9% available on new Golf and PCP (Personal Contract Plan) rates from just €239 per month including delivery charges.

For full details, see the price list. For more information on the Volkswagen range visit www.volkswagen.ie.

Full price list:

Model                 Engine                   Trim                   Co2  Price
GOLF TL BMT 1.2TSI 3DR 85HP Trendline Petrol 114 €19,995
GOLF TL BMT 1.2TSI 5DR 85HP Trendline Petrol 114 €20,945
GOLF TL BMT 1.2TSI 3DR 105HP Trendline Petrol 116 €20,745
GOLF TL BMT 1.2TSI 5DR 105HP Trendline Petrol 116 €21,695
GOLF TL BMT 1.2TSI DSG 5DR 105HP Trendline Petrol 116 €23,445
GOLF TL BMT 1.6TDI 3DR 105HP Trendline Diesel 99 €22,695
GOLF TL BMT 1.6TDI 5DR 105HP Trendline Diesel 99 €23,645
GOLF TL BMT 1.6TDI DSG 5DR 105HP Trendline Diesel 103 €25,395
GOLF CL BMT 1.2TSI 3DR 105HP Comfortline Petrol 116 €22,395
GOLF CL BMT 1.2TSI 5DR 105HP Comfortline Petrol 116 €23,345
GOLF CL BMT 1.2TSI 5DR 105HP Comfortline Petrol 116 €25,095
GOLF CL BMT 1.6TDI 3DR 105HP Comfortline Diesel 99 €24,345
GOLF CL BMT 1.6TDI 5DR 105HP Comfortline Diesel 99 €25,295
GOLF CL BMT 1.6TDI 5DR 105HP Comfortline Diesel 103 €27,045
GOLF HL BMT 1.2TSI 3DR 105HP Highline Petrol 116 €24,045
GOLF HL BMT 1.2TSI 5DR 105HP Highline Petrol 116 €24,995
GOLF HL BMT 1.2TSI DSG 5DR 105HP Highline Petrol 116 €26,745
GOLF HL ACT 1.4TSI 3DR 140HP Highline Diesel 114 €25,995
GOLF HL ACT 1.4TSI 5DR 140HP Highline Diesel 114 €26,945
GOLF HL ACT 1.4TSI DSG 5DR 140HP Highline Diesel 113 €28,695
GOLF HL BMT 1.6TDI 3DR 105HP Highline Diesel 99 €25,995
GOLF HL BMT 1.6TDI 5DR 105HP Highline Diesel 99 €26,945
GOLF HL BMT 1.6TDI DSG 5DR 105HP Highline Diesel 103 €28,695
GOLF HL BMT 2.0TDI 5DR 150HP Highline Diesel 109 €29,695
GOLF HL BMT 2.0TDI DSG 5DR 150HP Highline Diesel 119 €31,645

News: Suzuki refreshes Jimny 4x4, but not for us. :-(

It's not on sale in Ireland any more (shame) but Suzuki is not only keeping the little Jimny off-roader in production, it's actually updating it.



It was the high emissions of the standard 1.3 petrol engine that killed off Irish sales (still no diesel after all these years) but elsewhere in Europe and the world, buyers will now be able to get a Jimny with a new bonnet, grille and bumper, some new cabin trim, new colours and the option of heated seats for the first time.

The Jimny may have been a bit crude on the road but it was a properly good off-roader with astonishing mud-plugging ability. We kinda miss it...

News: VW Beetle goes topless in California

Volkswagen has released the first details of its all-new Beetle cabriolet, appropriately enough in sunny California.

 It's thankfully sticking with the traditional fabric roof, rather than a complicated folding hard top, but in true Beetle tradition the windscreen is still bolt upright and the roof, when folded, sits pram-like on top of the rear deck.

Impressively though, it can be opened up in as little as 10secs and and works at speeds of up to 48kmh. Handy for non-Californian downpours that.

Entry levels cars will get the 105bhp 1.2 TSI turbo petrol, while 105bhp 1.6 TDI diesel, 140bhp 2.0 TDI diesel, 160bhp 1.4 TSI turbo petrol and a range-topping 200bhp 2.0 TSI (effectively a Golf GTI engine) will be available too.

Now, if only we could get a little of the weather from these photos...

News: Mercedes announces Irish prices for the new A-Class

Mercedes-Benz's new A-Class will cost from €26,435 when it goes on sale in December, says Motor Distributors, Mercedes' Irish importer.



Mercedes has announced that it will be giving pride of place in Ireland to two models from their new A-Class range, both of which are due to arrive here in December. One will be an A180 petrol version at €26,435 (ex works) and the other an A180 CDI diesel version at €28,550 – the latter model being the one predicted to take the spotlight in Ireland, thanks in part to its greener CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.

Billed as the car that many believe will introduce the luxury car maker to a completely new, younger generation of customers, both models will come in a choice of three specifications and equipment lines – Style Pack, Urban Pack and Sports Pack. Entry models sold here will all be equipped with the Style Pack option – a package that includes items which, were they purchased separately, would have a value equivalent to €1,600.

To highlight what is seen as one of the A-Class’ USPs – its iPhone and iPad compatibility - the launch plan being put together by Mercedes-Benz will major heavily on Facebook and smart phone App technology to create an ‘interactive platform’ whereby prospective customers can scroll through its features to select the model that suits them best.

Since its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, queues for the new A-Class have already begun to form, here and around the globe. With over 40.000 orders already placed even before production has commenced, Mercedes-Benz has had to supplement production capacity to meet expected demand.

As different from its predecessor as it is possible to be, the new A-Class sits some 18cm closer to the ground – a lower-slung posture that gives it a distinctly sporty, youthful appearance. Built on the B-Class platform, its on board high-tech functionality is such that iPhone Siri voice-activated units and iPad music and Apps can be played through the car’s infotainment system.

All engines offer an idle-stop system as standard, linked to a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive, the new A-Class has a new four-link rear suspension system with a range of settings on offer that includes an optional sports setting with direct steer. Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Adaptive Brake Assist and Brake Hold are all part of its standard safety features.

Road Test: Volvo V40 D2 1.6 SE

Price as tested: €28,995

+ Styling, cabin, comfort, dynamics, safety, innovation
– Poor auto ‘box, gimmicky functions, expensive and confusing options list
= Volvo's best drivers’ car should give the A3 a fright


With the new V40, Volvo is at last right-sizing its range. The previous S40 saloon and V50 estate were nice cars in their own right, but sat at confusing price and size points, half way between the likes of a BMW 1 Series and 3 Series. Now, they have been done away with (although the smaller C30 hatch will continue for a while in some markets) and replaced with a new hatchback, the V40, which aims itself right down the throat of the 1 Series, the Audi A3 and the upcoming new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, while also taking on the likes of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta or a well-specced VW Golf.

Style-wise, it certainly makes an impact and is probably Volvo's best styling effort since the clean, muscular 1995 C70. You could easily accuse it of having a few too many lines and the little inset in the rear doors, meant to homage the original P1800 coupe, is rather lost. But for all that, it's a deeply handsome car; unmistakably a Volvo but still breaking new styling ground for the brand.

Inside, much has been lifted from the existing S60 saloon and that's no bad thing. It looks gorgeous in there and quality levels are very high with, as almost goes without saying for a Volvo, comfort levels to match. Space is excellent in the front, aside from a slight lack of foot space for front passengers, while it’s fine in the back, even for tall passengers, unless you option it up with the panoramic glass roof, which robs a bit of headroom. The 'floating' centre stack has been a love-it-or-hate-it Volvo touchstone for some time now but the TFT digital instrument pack is all new. It's fitted to all but the most basic ES models (which make do with regular analogue dials) and allows you to customise the display colours and layout to your taste, flicking between Comfort, Eco and Sport modes. To be honest, it's a bit too gimmicky for its own good, with the layouts being pretty but not very intuitive and, oddly for a Volvo, needing you to distract yourself from the road ahead too frequently to figure out what's going on.

Equally gimmicky and equally pointless is the adjustable steering weight. We've come up against similar systems in the past (hello, Hyundai i30) and they are rarely, if ever, satisfactory. Yes, there is a difference in feel and effort in each mode, but it's too subtle a difference to make it worth the effort and we'd rather see a single setting that works well for all. Just leave it in Light mode and you'll be fine.

Underneath its swoopy new body, the V40 uses a mixture of old S40 mechanical parts (which also therefore means it's related to the MkII Ford Focus) and some S60 components (which itself draws on the current Ford Mondeo). The result could have been a mish-mash, but actually it works very well. As long as you avoid the optional 10mm lower Sport Suspension, the V40 combines such talents as being a refined and comfy motorway cruiser and a decently talented back-roads attacker. Certainly in the mountains above Verona, it felt agile and responsive, displayed no bad manners under than an occasional tendency to understeer at maximum effort and generally gave a good dynamic account of itself. It's not (quite) as engaging to drive as a Golf nor (anything like as much) as a BMW 1 Series, but it does do an excellent job of balancing comfort, agility and stability. Probably Volvo’s best-ever drivers’ car, in fact

The primary engine for Ireland will be the familiar 115bhp, 270Nm 1.6-litre D2 engine, which also sees service in other Volvos, various Fords and a glut of Peugeots and Citroens. It's a thoroughly decent engine, with plenty of low-down oomph, but an unfortunate habit of giving elongated growls at the top of the rev range. Not enough to seriously upset refinement, but you'll never enjoy wringing it out. Volvo claims average fuel consumption of 3.6-litres per 100km (better than 70mpg) which we got nowhere near, but then we did have the sweeping roads of the Dolomites to enjoy, so ask us again on that score once we get the V40 at home in the summer. Co2 emissions are 94g/km when fitted with 16" wheels (a class leading figure) and if you go for the optional 18" rims, that only climbs to a very creditable 99g/km. That should keep you safe from anything Michael Noonan's got planned...

Speaking of options, we need to speak of options. Volvo is offering a frankly bewildering range of optional extras on the V40, some of which can be bought individually, some of which come in packs and to be honest, we still haven't got our heads around it. The headlining safety pack, which includes Pedestrian Detection cameras, blind spot monitors, lane keeping, collision warning and active headlights seems only right and proper to fit to a Volvo, but it will set you back an extra €1,300 on this SE model, thanks to the loading of VRT and VAT on the options. Which, for ground breaking safety items, seems more than a bit churlish of the Government to charge for with one hand while simultaneously smacking us around the head with the other for not driving more safely... Fit the kit and you would almost unquestionably have the safest car in its class.

Other options include such items which you might think should come as standard, including such as Bluetooth phone connection and cruise control. Let's just say that you're going to have to do your homework if you want to spec your V40 up correctly. A couple of options to avoid are either of the twin-clutch Powershift or conventional Geartronic automatic gearboxes, both of which felt erratic and ill-matched to their engines. Ireland will take only the D2 diesel, more powerful 5-cylinder D3 2.0-litre 150bhp diesel and T3 150bhp petrol 1.6, which has a creditable 125g/km Co2 figure.

Thankfully coming as standard is Volvo's new pedestrian airbag, a vast u-shaped device that emerges from the trailing edge of the bonnet should a sensor in the front bumper detect that you've just run into someone. It works above speeds of 20kmh and below 50kmh and is part of Volvo's ambitious commitment to see that by 2020, none of its vehicles should be involved in a fatal collision. Once again, the Swedes are showing the rest of the world the way to go when it comes to safety.

Price-wise, it could find itself in a touch of difficulty though. At a basic €26,995 (for either the entry level diesel or petrol) it's right up against the cheapest BMW 1 or Audi A3. Should it have undercut them more? And is an extra €2-€3k over and above an equivalent VW Golf too much of a stretch for potential buyers? Perhaps it comes down to how well Volvo's traditional safety and environmentally friendly messages can combine with the new-found style, and whether sufficient youthful buyers can be found to whom that will appeal.

The V40 is an instantly appealing kind of car though; not just because it's pretty, not just because it's safe but because it's the kind of car that, even after a few minutes, you want to spend a lot of time with. It feels like a car that will fit neatly into a broad swathe of lifestyles, and with its understated Swedish looks and image, feels a bit more in touch with our caring, sharing times than the more overtly aggressive Germans. It's also a new beginning for Volvo, as it seeks to dramatically expand its sales under its new Chinese owners, Geely Motors. We will more than likely be seeing more versions of the V40; a faux-4x4 XC40 has already been confirmed, a four door saloon is apparently being worked on and a sporty R version is not being ruled out.

If we say the V40 is nice, that sounds like damning with faint praise, but that's exactly what it is; nice. And frankly, these days, a bit more niceness wouldn't go astray.


Facts & Figures

Volvo V40 1.6 D2 SE
Price as tested:€28,995
Range price: €26,995 to €35,995
Cubic capacity: 1,560
Power: 115bhp
Torque: 270Nm
Maximum speed: 190kmh
0-100kmh: 12.3secs
Fuel consumption: 3.6l/100km (78.5mpg)
Co2 emissions: 94g/km
Tax band: A (€160)
EuroNCAP rating: Not yet tested

Road Test: Chrysler 300C 3.0 V6 CRDI

Price as tested: €137,637

+ Looks, comfort, refinement, space, quality
– Still some cheap cabin bits, high-ish Co2 levels
= Brash and proud of if. And damned likeable

Chrysler chose to launch the new All-American 300C saloon in the astonishing surrounds of the American Air Force hanger at the famed Duxford aviation museum near Cambridge. The centrepiece of the Norman Foster-designed building is a simply massive Boeing B52 bomber - the mainstay of the US Air Force bomber fleet for sixty years now. A hulking slab of Yankee menace, the 52 induces at once giggly excitement and intimidated awe. Shock and Awe may be a modern phrase, but the big 52 was doling out just that in 200 bombing missions over North Vietnam three decades ago.

The link being drawn between the aircraft and the car was explicit; the finest of American technology wrapped up in an aggressive, iconic shape. The 300C, now significantly re-worked, is back on Irish roads for the first time since 2010 and whatever you may feel about its being compared to a nuclear bomber, the old  300C value of S-Class-size-for-E-Class money remains intact.

The old 300C had felt old even when it was new, though. Based on a mid-nineties Mercedes E-Class chassis, it looked mean, but you could feel the age in dopey dynamics and a terribly lo-rent interior.

Under Fiat's guidance, the 300C has been made-over from stem to stern, with crisper exterior styling and an entirely new cabin that, almost, erases the memories of the dreadful old one. Inside, it's as spacious and as comfy as before, but now the quality of the plastics, leathers, woods and metals is up to German standards, nearly. You can still find some cheap, tacky surfaces without looking too hard but the main dials look tasty, backlit in blue neon, the steering wheel feels expensive and the massive colour touch screen, while fiddly to use, looks impressive.

Up front lies a new, bespoke-for-Chrysler VM Motori V6 diesel, with 239bhp and 500Nm of torque. It's the only engine available, and with the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, averages 7.1-litres per 100km (39.7mpg) and emits 185g/km of Co2. That puts it in an uncompetitive tax band (E, €677 motor tax) compared to a 530d or Audi A6 3.0 TDI but a forthcoming update with a new 8-speed auto should help reduce that figure a little. For now, it's a smooth, powerful, effortless and exceptionally refined drivetrain.

The 300C certainly has a character of its own and it doesn't follow the strict German executive saloon template. The ride is soft and pillowy, even on optional 20" alloy wheels, and the whole car has a very relaxed demeanour. Grab it by the scruff, and it it will corner briskly and responds well enough to being thrown around, but you can tell it would rather be cruising. Comfort is king.

For a basic price of €57,995, it comes rammed with standard equipment including full leather, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, touchscreen satnav and infotainment, chilled and heated cup holders, and keyless entry and go. The only options available are high-tech safety items like radar guided cruise control, blind spot monitoring and emergency braking systems.

Whether or not you will want one will depend very much on your taste for Americana. The styling and mien is quite brash. Get it in a nice dark metallic and it's a very good looking car. Silver looks too plain, white just ridiculous on one so large. As a value proposition, compared to its direct opposition, it is in good shape and even against its lesser 2.0-litre rivals, you wouldn't be long dipping into the German options list to get their prices to match that of the larger Chrysler. True, the poor emissions and tax performance will be a stumbling block, and potential buyers will have to walk past the German giants and Jaguar and Lexus dealerships to get into a 300C, but it could, just, be worth the effort. It has its shortcomings (the chief one being that it's not German) but it is immensely likeable and characterful.

It all depends on whether you prefer Obama to Merkel, Dan Rather to Brian Dobson or Happy Meals to haute cuisine.


Facts & Figures

BMW M5
Price as tested: €57,995
Range price: €57,995 to €62,495
Capacity: 2,987cc
Power: 236bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Top speed: 231kmh
0-100kmh: 7.4secs
Economy: 7.1/100km (39.8mpg)
CO2 emissions: 185g/km
Tax Band: E. €677 road tax
Euro NCAP rating: Not yet tested