Fleet Car Spring 2024

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ThinK Great with KGM and new Torres EVX

The KGM Torres EVX marks the dawn of a new era for auto brand SsangYong, following its corporate restructuring and endorsement of the South Korean company’s refreshed global identity.

The KG Mobility Corporation was formed by the KG Group, an industrial giant, following the takeover of SsangYong Motors in late 2022. KG Group, which celebrates its 70th anniversary, has a broad portfolio of business activities, national and international, stretching from steel production, broadcasting and publishing, hospitality, energy, information technology, lifestyle, finance and automotive.

KGM, which also comes with the tag line: ‘Korean Genuinely Made’, has set out an ambitious plan, aiming to achieve 320,000 unit sales of its Sports Utility Vehicles and Pick-up trucks inside the next two years worldwide. To put that in perspective, 120,000 units were sold in 2023, 55,000 of which were exported. The European continent is to play its part in reaching this objective and with new models coming on stream to complement the refreshed existing line-up, all augers well for the programme. Production will remain in Korea in the main, with a new factory to be added there soon, while knock down assembly points will be located

in Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. Under consideration is the establishment of a production facility in Europe and possibly the importation and distribution of its electric bus range, based on Edison Motors models that the Group acquired recently. In the meantime, a new business operations headquarters and an expansive parts warehouse is to be established in Germany and the Netherlands.

According to Joon Kim, Head of EU Business Unit, new sales should top 35,000 units this year.

continued overleaf

Another significant and positive development is the partnership formed with BYD, the Chinese electric technology manufacturer, which will supply zero-emission powertrains to KGM. This alliance is to grow further as KGM extends its electric vehicle offerings, to include petrol- electric hybrids, specified to the new Torres initially.

KGM is making another strong statement in offering customers a 10-year, 1 million kilometre warranty on its electric drivetrains.

Torres EVX, KGM’s new all-electric C+ segment SUV is the first model to reflect the brand’s new ‘Powered by Toughness’ design philosophy, filling the gap between small-medium-sized SUVs such as Korando and large SUVs like Rexton. It certainly stands out from the crowd with its strong frontal styling, creating a curiosity from first glance. The fact that there is no badge or marque identification on the front adds to the intrigue. Its side and rear profiles are just as interesting and unique, in a world of fairly bland segment offerings.

At the EVX launch in Istanbul, in Turkey, attended by Fleet Car, Kyo Chin, Overseas Product Market Team outlined details of the new vehicle: “Torres draws heavily on our unique heritage. Its launch marks an exciting, new era for design

and performance. It’s a highly efficient SUV.”

He explained the significance of the symbols on the front bumper and rear light cluster, replicating aspects of the South Korean flag, meaning sun, fire and earth.

Plus, he emphasised the quality of the construction of the vehicle, using 81% high tension steel, class leading.

Torres’ interior has been designed to maximise comfort and convenience for all onboard. The wide yet slim dashboard creates a spacious feel, providing an uninterrupted view of the road. The four-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel offers integrated audio controls for quick access, while information and data is presented on a user-friendly, twin-panoramic 12.3” digital display cluster and infotainment controls. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, and front USB & and AUX ports, accompanied by six cabin speakers.

Torres offers convenience from the moment one sits inside with ample cabin and load space to maximise accessibility.  With a width of 1,890mm, Torres offers space for passenger comfort and a load area that sets an industry standard, ranging from 703 to 1,662 litres, presenting an expansive luggage capacity suitable for a mid-size SUV, while also having best-in-class luggage space and numerous useful storage spaces.

On the technical side, the 152.2 kW electric motor aligned with the 73.4 kWh battery pack provides up to 462 km (WLTP) and facilitates quick battery charging. Helping to eke out the maximum mileage, there are four driving modes: Eco; Comfort; Sports and Winter, and three levels of brake retardation, engaged by paddles behind the steering wheel.

All systems were tried and tested on drives along the famous and vast Bosphorus

river and passing over the recently constructed Yavuz Sultan Selim Koprusu bridge. An engaging steering feel added to the smooth running of the electric power unit, ensuring a pleasant experience which is further enhanced by the roominess inside. No issues either with the touch screen systems, plain to see and easy to use.

The towing capacity of Torres is up to 1.5 tonnes with a braked trailer, and 750kg for an un-braked trailer.

These latest designs from KGM, including the forthcoming yet to be named electric (4x2 & 4x4) Pick-up, due later this year, are set to further establish the brand, meeting the demands of customers while simultaneously staying attuned to the latest trends in the automotive industry.

“Torres represents a departure from the brand’s traditional design with the introduction of a sleek and modern exterior, proceeding the brand’s reputation for strong, practical lines. This design’s bold direction sets it apart within the company’s lineup and draws inspiration from iconic SUVs on the market,” concluded Jeremy Hong, Regional Manager, Europe, KG Mobility.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

The Dacia retail network is transforming at pace, featuring a new interior showcasing the brand’s bold new visual identity. The rollout will be complete ahead of the launch of the All-New Dacia Duster later this year.

Simple, striking and innovative, the fresh interior design complements the already bold facade of Dacia retailers. Like the new exterior, it is designed to convey Dacia’s adventurous nature and synergy with the great outdoors, while being functional, flexible, eco-smart and cost-effective.

Recycled and sustainable materials

are used in the manufacture of fixtures and fittings, such as panels, rugs, flooring and lights.

At the heart of the concept are ‘bricks’ which are made from recycled tyres and specially made for Dacia by HET. The bricks act as stands for panels around the showroom and proudly display the Dacia emblem.

More than 50,000 bricks will be produced globally from 100,000 recycled tyres. For example, the bricks in the Dacia UK retailers are made from a total of 6,000 recycled tyres. Elsewhere, display boards in the new interior are made of honeycomb cardboard and are printed with a minimum layer of ink, while the sofas are covered with 98% post-consumer recycled polyester, including plastic bottles. The carpets are produced

SIMI announces winners of prestigious Motor Industry Awards in partnership with Bank of Ireland

Automotive companies from all over Ireland were honoured at the Irish Motor Industry Awards hosted by The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) in partnership with Bank of Ireland, which took place recently at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin. Master of ceremonies, TV and Radio personality Simon Delaney, announced the accolades at the event which was attended by 700 representatives from the motor trade.

Adjudicated by an independent panel, the award winners were selected from across all sectors of the Irish motor industry, with the companies selected demonstrating excellence and best practice in their categories over the last 12 months.

C Ategory AwA rd wI nners

Bodyshop of the year:  Denning’s Cars Ltd, Dublin,

Vehicle recovery operator of the year: Hamill Rental Ltd, Co. Westmeath, Independent retailer operation of the year:  Autopoint Motor Group, Co. Kerry,   Franchised Aftersales operation of the year: Toyota Naas, Co. Kildare,

Franchise sales operation of the year: Western Motors Drogheda, Co. Louth,

from 100% recycled yarns from nylon waste, used carpets and industrial waste.

Key to the Dacia showroom design is its ability to change over time and adapt to any retailer space. As such, three formats have been created to cover the main differences in terms of showroom size and the number of cars on display, while the chosen furniture can also be easily moved and changed. Clearly defined zones and signage help direct customers from the second they enter the showroom through to the final stages of aftersales care.

Should a customer’s chosen model not be on display in the showroom, there’s the option of using the Dacia AR augmented reality app. Via the innovative app, customers can explore every Dacia vehicle in 1:1 scale, getting a close look at the finer details and even get a feel for what it is like to sit inside.

Before the announcements, SIMI President Paddy Magee commended the resilience and adaptability of the motor industry to trade during these challenging times and acknowledged the industry’s continued committed to the climate change targets.

The motor industry continues to play a significant role in the Irish economy, collecting over €1 billion for the Exchequer from car sales alone last year. When other motoring taxes and the annual tax take from motorists are included it is close to €6 billion, according to Mr. Magee, who also remarked: “Manufacturers and retailers have worked diligently to grow the EV market, with over 70 different new electric vehicles models now available, demonstrating the dedication to consumers and the investment by the industry in the electric vehicle transition. While we accept that incentives cannot continue indefinitely, it is still too premature to start phasing supports.

The Government has been generous in

its supports of EVs to date; it is simply imperative that this Government commitment is maintained as we move to the next cohort of potential EV buyers.”

The SIMI welcomed Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), which announced the winners of the ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Regional awards, recognising and rewarding excellence in the promotion and sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland.

ZeVI eV dealership of the year regional Award winners:

n Fitzpatrick’s Garage Kildare Ltd in Kildare for Leinster,

n Fermoy Nissan in Cork for Munster,

n Western Motors Ltd in Galway for Connaught,

n Connolly’s Volkswagen Letterkenny for Ulster

Paddy Magee President of SIMI, John Feeney Bank of Ireland with Peter and Brian Hamill - winners of the Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year 2024, and Brian Cooke Director General of SIMI

Test-driving the Opel Astra Sports Tourer brought back memories of family life in various stations wagons, among them an Opel Rekord Stationwagon as well as a Hillman Minx Estate and an Alfa Romeo 159 SW. Long before Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) were created, estates or station wagons were the ultimate practical option. Primarily developed as load carriers, they were popular sales reps’ cars, while those offered in the premium segment, often termed shooting brakes, were more likely to be used to meet the needs of weekend hunts in the wilds.

Our family estates were used in the main as workhorses, delivering and collecting goods to customers and wholesalers, usually with a trailer on tow. Petrol engines were the norm at the time, and they had to have more than 1,600 cc capacity, even with the 2007 Alfa, which had a 1.9-litre block.

These days the functionality of estates remain the same, albeit with today’s versions, the packaging is a little more sophisticated and safer. Their body shapes are more rounded, more aerodynamic and to many, more appealing than some SUVs.

From memory, both the Opel Rekord and Hillman Minx had full bench seats at the front, with a column gearchange, thereby allowing six people to travel at one time, with ample room in the rear for luggage etc. Yes, a six seater before its time. The extra person accommodation is something of a rarity nowadays, not seen since the days of the Fiat Multipla and the Honda FR-V. Apart from some van derived passenger cars, the 3+3 layout isn’t offered on current cars, although push-button automatic transmissions do leave the central console area free, to allow for extra legs and legroom up front.

Opel has enjoyed a long history making station wagons and the eight generation Astra variant carries on that fine tradition. Its sleek shape is more coupé like than traditional estates, yet doesn’t compromise on load space. With

OPEL ASTRA SPORTS TOURER GS 1.5 DIESEL

the rear seats folded down flat, a good load area is revealed, one that is easily accessible from the low slung rear door hatch or through both rear doors. Up front, the layout and design is the same as the standard hatchback Astra, modern, ergonomic, comfortable and safe.

An 8-speed auto box delivers smooth power delivery, and if the Astra doesn’t make a statement performance wise, it has no reason to. What it has in its favour is a rather efficient and economical 1.5-litre turbo-diesel, that has a fuel tank capacity that extends over 1,000 km. No such thing as range anxiety here! What a joy for any owner or driver who has to criss-cross the country on a regular basis.

Tested with a 300kg load on board, the Astra ST proved well up to the task.

These days, touchscreens dominate the centre console and some consume the fingers and minds of the driver to distraction and often frustration. Not so with the Astra’s system as thankfully it has a panel of actual push buttons that engage audio volume, heating and ventilation. More controls can be found on the steering wheel, covering functions such as cruise control and speed limiter. Other elements and data are easily accessed via the touchscreen.

Unlike our 3-door Opel Rekord Stationwagon back in the day, this white Astra Sports Tourer with its black grille, black roof line and football-stitching like silver alloys looks the business. Does the

sPeC CHeCK

business too, and with such good fuel economy, brings peace of mind to the owner and driver(s).

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

MAK e/M ode L: oP e L Astr A sP orts tourer gs

engIne: 1.5-litre 16 Valve 4-cylinder Euro 6 turbo-diesel

Power: 130 bhp @3750rpm

torQue: 300 Nm@1750rpm

trAnsMIssIon: 8-speed Automatic

Co2/tAX BAnd: 133g/B2 €210.

dIMensIons/CAPACIty: L; 4702mm x W; 2042mm x H; 1510/540; 1630 litres

wHeeLBAse: 2732mm

towIng: 1.5 tonnes

FueL eConoMy/tAnK: 4.13 l/100 km (57 mpg)/1000km

wHeeLs/tyres: 225/45 R17

PrICe: €41,195 plus delivery

Geneva International Motor Show 2024PalExpo Exhibition Centre – 26 January - 3 March

For over a hundred years, the Geneva International Motor Show has been synonymous with excellence and the future of automotive mobility. First held in 1905, GIMS has introduced the world to legendary cars that have defined their eras. Also known affectionately as the “Salon de Genève”, the event is widely recognised as a launch pad and guiding light for the industry, attracting over 10,000 journalists and more than 600,000 visitors. The exhibition also hosts the announcement and presentation of the European Car of the Year Award.

r en Au Lt sC en IC e - t e CH e L e C tr IC e L e C ted e uro P e A n C A r o F t H e ye A r 2024

The new Renault Scenic E-Tech electric was honoured as European Car of the Year 2024 at a special ceremony at the Geneva Motor Show (Switzerland) on Monday, 26th February.

After the first round of voting last November, Scenic was chosen as one of seven finalists alongside the BMW 5-series, BYD Seal, Kia EV9, Peugeot E-3008/3008, Toyota C-HR, and Volvo EX30.

The trophy winner was chosen by a jury of 59 motoring journalists from 22 countries. Scenic came in first place with 329 points and now becomes the seventh Renault vehicle to be awarded the prestigious ‘The Car of the Year’ title. Previous winners include the Renault 16 (1966), Renault 9 (1982), Clio (1991), Scenic (1997), Megane (2003), and Clio (2006).

“Winning the prestigious ‘The Car of the Year’ award is a great source of pride for everyone at Renault Group and the Renault brand. This recognition demonstrates that we have made the right choices: record-breaking range, generous and inviting roominess, all with a closely managed environmental footprint! When you add in the driving pleasure and ‘voiture à vivre’ equipment such as the new Solarbay panoramic sunroof or

the latest generation OpenR Link system with integrated Google systems, Scenic has all the right features to shore up its position on the European EV market.” Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault.

A full-electric vehicle developed on the medium AmpR platform (formerly CMF-EV), Scenic E-Tech electric is designed for customers looking for versatility. Zero emission, agile, light (1,890 kg) and compact (4.47 m long), Scenic is in its element on city roads. For long journeys, Scenic boasts up to 610km of range (WLTP), it has a comfortable, spacious interior, and is packed with tech to enhance driving pleasure.

Meanwhile, Renault revealed the long awaited 5 E-Tech electric, a car unlike any other. Packed with electrical and digital technology and entirely manufactured in France, it is also competitively priced, starting at around €25,000.

Byd LAun CH es yA ngwA ng & se AL

u d M- I MAK es I ts e uro P e A n de B ut

As the world’s leading NEV (new energy vehicles) manufacturer, BYD is changing the automotive industry through innovation in technology. Alongside its new eye-catching BYD product lines, the Chinese auto brand hosted the European premiere of its luxury sub-brand, YANGWANG, coming with high levels of technology on both safety and performance fronts. Continuing its assault on the European market, BYD also premiered DENZA, another premium sub-brand, sporting many technological attributes.

All eyes were focussed also on the new BYD SEAL U DM-I, an elegant and spacious D-Segment plug-in hybrid SUV with Super DM (Dual Mode) Technology. As an ideal family-sized car, the five-seater BYD SEAL U DM-i will be available to European customers from Q2 2024. Optimised for space and comfort, the

vehicle measures 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. The seats can be split 60:40 allowing the 552-litre boot to be increased to 1,440 litres when both seats are folded

The latest version of Dacia’s iconic SUV, Duster, made its first official public appearance at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. Developed on the CMF-B platform, this third generation Duster is more robust and assertive with its design and offers a range of engines to suit everyone’s needs, including the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel, HYBRID 140, and the 48V TCe 130 mild-hybrid available in 4x2 and 4x4 transmission.

Also revealed was the all-new Spring which is Europe’s only fully electric car to weigh less than a tonne. All-new Spring offers a customisable digital dashboard featuring a 7-inch screen and a 10-inch multimedia central screen. A 45 hp motor is available on the Essential and Expression trims, and 65 hp on the Expression and Extreme trims. Spring is the perfect solution for people looking for simple, affordable and efficient mobility.

Sandrider is its prototype that will first race in 2025, starting with the Dakar Rally, the opening round of the World Rally-Raid Championship. The race will be an opportunity for Dacia to put its focus on the essentials to the test by competing in the most challenging terrain imaginable. It will focus on its commitment to affordable decarbonisation, with Sandrider running on synthetic fuel made by Aramco. Sandrider’s design has been inspired by feedback from racing crews from the very beginning and is perfectly consistent with Dacia’s DNA.

gLo BAL de B ut o F t H e

ALL -new M g3 HyB r I d+

MG Motor launched the new MG3 hybrid supermini at the PalExpo. This was the world debut of MG’s important supermini which is set to be offered to European customers for the first time in 2024.

Replacing the petrol model which has been well-established in the UK market, the MG3 Hybrid Plus represents a landmark in MG’s powertrain development, offering customers their first opportunity to drive a pure hybrid MG..

The new MG3 underlines MG’s commitment to offering

customers generous levels of driver assistance and entertainment features as standard, such as new twin-display screens and a wide choice of connected services.

Natasha Maher, Marketing & PR Manager, MG Motor Ireland, commented at the launch: “With the MG3, we’re set to redefine expectations in the hybrid B-segment hatchback category, offering a superior mix of performance, efficiency, sophistication, and tech features. We’re confident it will be a very strong challenger in a market where customers seek both excellent value and practicality.”

F sd 59, A F utur I st IC M otor BIK e F ro M Fr A n K s te PH enson d es I gn

Leading global design house Frank Stephenson Design has revealed its latest design concept, FSD 59, a futuristic motorbike that combines advanced technology, radical design elements, and unparalleled functionality.

FSD 59 is a project motorbike that showcases the vision and creativity of Frank Stephenson Design, which has previously worked on projects such as space capsules, eVTOLs, supercomputers, supercars, watches, baby seats and more.

The design team aimed to create a bike that could adapt to different riding styles and preferences, such as sportbikes, supersport cruisers, and high-end commuters. To achieve this, they incorporated elements of customisation and adaptability, such as adjustable handlebars, footpegs, and seats. The bike is light and agile, without being too aggressive or compromising on comfort and safety.

FSD 59 is not just a concept, but a realistic prototype that has applications for the real world. It has the capability to feature an electric motor that delivers impressive performance and efficiency, as well as a pure aerodynamic design that minimises drag and maximises speed. The bike also boasts a modular battery monocoque platform, a dynamic windscreen angle adjustment, an AR-enabled HUD, and a monoblock fairing, among other innovative features.

The bike has been designed to cater to the diverse needs and desires of the riders, whether they want to cruise along the valley roads or enjoy a weekend at the track.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

dACIA P resents t H ree wor L d P re MI eres

Cool, calm and connected is how Ford describes the latest Puma, its most successful compact crossover. Ford states that ‘new Puma makes journeys more enjoyable and relaxing with an all-new interior, large digital displays,

New Ford Puma purrs

5G cutting-edge connectivity and advanced driving technologies, making driving easier, whether helping drivers slow down to negotiate junctions and bends, or park in tight spots’

On the revamp, there’s more to the new headlamps than a fresh design and distinctive light signature. Optional

SEAL makes it three BYDs

SEAL is the third model to launch here since BYD was introduced to Ireland just eight months ago. It’s a four-door, all-electric, D-segment with a dynamic and sporty appearance. Here the model line-up will consist of two powertrain variants – ‘Design’ and an all-wheel drive ‘Excellence’, offering two trim levels, six body colours, two interior trim colours and several technological ‘firsts’.

Given its outstanding range of equipment and generous dimensions, SEAL comes with ‘an attractively-com-

petitive price’, beginning at €44,036 for the Design model and from €49,836 for the Excellence model (after State subsidies).

Dynamic Matrix LED technology uses Predictive Dynamic Bending Light to monitor the road ahead and shine light into corners.

Customers can choose from Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X models, powered by Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine that uses a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic gearbox. Ford also announced that the fully electric Puma Gen-E will be revealed later this year.

Jarlath sweeney

Like its predecessors, the BYD SEAL will be powered by the Chinese brand’s own, in-house developed 82.5 kWh Blade Battery with power outputs from 230 kW (Design) to 390 kW (Excellence). WLTP ranges of 570 kms (Design) and

Having created a successful marketplace in the budget car segment, Dacia is continuing its business model into the battery electric sector with its inaugural zero-emission model. Called Spring, the 5-door hatch was first launched in 2021 in certain markets and achieved more than 140,000 sales worldwide since then.

Spring has received many awards. Its energy efficiency and carbon footprint were particularly praised in 2022 when it was awarded the maximum 5-star rating from the independent European organisation Green NCAP.

Dacia Spring has found its audience with people looking for simple, affordable, and efficient zero-emission

520 kms (Excellence) are promised and 0-100 km/h speeds of 5.9 seconds and 3.8 seconds respectively. Other key Blade Battery features include a 30% to 80% fast charging time of 26 minutes, when charged at a 150 kW DC charging point.

Jarlath sweeney

Dacia Spring’s eternal!

mobility. Data collected via the vehicle’s on-board connected systems shows that the average daily trip made by Spring users cover 37 km at a speed of 37 km/h. In 75% of cases, cars are recharged at home.

Today the new Dacia Spring is more versatile than ever with a more accessible 65 hp engine, yet still as efficient thanks to a carefully managed weight, while remaining the most affordable full-electric model on the market passes another milestone, taking those qualities that made it a success to the next level.

Jarlath sweeney

The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring is being offered for the first time in all-electric drive form, with a plug-in hybrid version coming later in the year. As striking in looks as ever, the exterior dimensions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring are slightly larger than those of its predecessor, emphasising

BMW 5 Series Touring enters new era

its stretched proportions with increased amount of space available in both rows of seats.

At the heart of the progressive, driver-oriented cockpit design is the BMW Curved Display. Its 12.3-inch Information Display and the Control Display with a 14.9 inch screen to form a fully digital display network.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring will be available in four distinct trim levels in

Astra Electric added to broadening Opel selection

With first deliveries having arrived at Opel Dealerships nationwide, the new Astra Electric, offering up to 418km on a full charge, is available in three trims – SC, Elegance, and GS – and retails from €39,598 including applicable grants. Its electric motor delivers 115kW/156hp and a powerful 270Nm of maximum torque. Depending on preferences, Astra Electric drivers can choose between three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.

Energy is stored in a compact 54kWh lithium-ion battery, and the 5-door hatch requires just 14.8 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometres (WLTP), thanks in part

to the heat pump, and its regenerative braking system The Astra Electric can be charged to 80% of the battery capacity in under 30 minutes at a 100kW DC fast charging station and it is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11kW onboard charger for a wall box at home.

Ireland, with the Sport Edition, M Sport, M Sport Pro and range-topping BMW i5 M60 models each providing a compelling offering unique to the segment. As one of the most important sales regions for the new BMW 5 Series Touring, Ireland will be one of the first markets to launch the all-electric model this May 2024, with the hybrid to follow.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is available to order now at BMW Retailers with a starting price of €92,880.

Commenting at the launch, James Brooks, Managing Director at Opel Ireland, said: “The Astra, voted Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023, in

Previously known for compact city-cars and roadsters, smart returns to Irish shores with the launch of an all-electric compact crossover, the #1 (called the hashtag 1).

These days owned 50% by MercedesBenz and 50% by Chinese automotive giant Geely, Smart is set to launch a

association with Continental Tyres, is already enjoying success in its segment in Ireland. The addition of our full electric hatchback model, soon to be joined by an Astra Sports Tourer estate BEV, is sure to strengthen the range’s appeal.”

Jarlath sweeney

smart returns aiming to be #1

range of electric models produced in China, with a second model, the #3 arriving shortly here. The brand is being distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Ltd.

A 272PS electric motor driving the rear wheels takes power from a 66kWh battery giving a stated WLTP range of 420-440 kilometres. Charging speeds of 22kW (AC) and 150kW (DC) are possible.

Four trims - Pro, Pro+, Premium and an exclusive Brabus edition - are

offered. A limited run First Edition version is also offered at launch. Features include a floating centre console with high resolution touch screen display, a premium audio system with 13 speakers, a panoramic sunroof and Matrix LED headlights. On the practical front the boot offers 273 litres of space expandable to 411 litres with rear seats folded.

The smart brand will be sold through selected Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Ireland. Prices are from €37,479 for the Pro model.

Cathal doyle

Jarlath sweeney

Tech that ‘doesn’t do like it says on the tin’

Modern cars and vans come laden with loads of technology, so much so that it’s hard to keep up with it all. Indeed countless surveys reveal that the average driver only uses a small portion of the technology aids fitted to vehicles, and often they are completely unaware of the features available to them.

But there’s also technology being fitted to vehicles that either isn’t doing the job it should be doing, or distracts the driver so much that they ignore it or turn the feature off. Here are four pieces of tech that, in our opinion, really should function better than they do.

t yre Pressure Mon I tor I ng s yste M s ( t PM s )

I’ve lost count of the number of vehicles I’ve test-driven recently where the TPMS light has come on warning of an under-inflated tyre. In every case I’ve dutifully pulled in to the nearest service station and checked all four wheels to find that one tyre was just a PSI or two of pressure below the others, certainly nothing that would warrant having to take immediate action.

TPMS has been compulsory on new cars since 2012, but it seems that manufacturers are fitting the cheapest versions possible that provide the minimum of information and are set to trigger at the slightest discrepancies. Despite it being perfectly possible to display individual tyre pressures on screen, most examples don’t even identify which tyre is causing the low pressure alert.

The problem of course is like all false alarms, drivers will just end up ignoring the warning light on the screen and continue to drive on. Which is well and good until the time when there is a genuine tyre pressure loss….

oV er-re AC t IV e A dA s syste M s

Safety technology that helps prevent

a potential collision is a good thing, right? Well it is, as long as it isn’t so distracting that drivers feel compelled to turn it off.

From the start of this year, all new cars and light commercial vehicles sold in the EU have to be fitted with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), and driver monitoring systems (DMS). While the benefits of these cannot be disputed in theory, their implementation sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. In particular, the lane departure warning systems fitted on some vehicles are very intrusive, often wrenching the steering wheel away from the driver’s preferred trajectory or buzzing incessantly. It’s particularly an issue on rural roads, where, in the absence of road markings, the LDW system will often identify a seam of tarmac as a traffic line and tries to steer to it accordingly, forcing the driver to take corrective action.

It should be noted that systems vary hugely by manufacturer, with the better ones gently aiding rather than fighting against the driver. All the overactive ones do though, is ensure drivers turn them off every time they start their car. Which rather defeats the purpose of having them

oV er Co MPLICAted

tou CH s C reen I nter FAC es

Really, what have manufacturers been thinking the last number of years? On one hand they like to tell us about how focused they are on safety, but on the other they design cars that necessitate you taking your eyes off the road for extended periods of time while trying to negotiate your way through complicated touchscreen menus and sub-menus to perform a simple task. It does seem that designers desperate

to showcase beautiful dashes and fascia unsullied by knobs and buttons, aided and abetted by over-enthusiastic computer programmers demonstrating how clever their latest tech advancements are have taken over from the sensible people in the room, who actually understand what a driver should be focussed on.

Thankfully there are some signs that manufacturers are starting to take note and provide manual controls for at least the most critical functions, but let’s be very clear, interfaces that require the user to accurately place their figure on exactly the right spot of a screen are not compatible with driving a vehicle safely (and that’s not even getting into the fact that the position of touchscreens on right hand drive vehicles don’t suit the majority of right-handed people).

Auto-d IMMI ng H e A d LI g H ts

This is another technology that’s been around for years now, but that doesn’t mean it has been perfected. As someone who drives a fair amount at night on dark rural roads, it’s surprising how many test cars I’ve had that leave me feeling uncomfortable trusting the auto-dims to work correctly. In some cases they are slow to dip the main beam, blinding (and irritating) drivers coming in the opposite direction (a situation exacerbated by the powerful LED lights found on most new cars nowadays). Other times, they are too slow to return to full beams, while it’s still very rare to drive a car with auto-dim headlights that will react to cyclists, pedestrians, or cars at junctions. The end result: I end up doing it the good old-fashioned way, by turning the headlamp switch to manual mode.

Advanced Technology eh!

Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

INNOVATIVE FUNDING SOLUTIONS

With extensive experience and knowledge across the transport industry, our team of specialists are committed to finding the right funding strategy for your business.

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