Fleet Car Dec 23 Jan 14

IRELAND’S FOREMOST FLEET & CORPORATE SECTOR GUIDE

Issue 8 | DEC 2023/JAN 2024

www.fleetcar.ie

Edited by Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

Hyundai IONIQ 6 is Irish Car of the Year 2024

Models from MG, BYD, Renault, Nissan and BMW also claim category awards Irish Performance Car of the Year: BMW M2 Separately the Mercedes-Benz Citan won the overall Irish Van of the Year 2024 award, while the Ford Ranger Raptor claimed a category success as Irish Commercial SUV of the Year 2024.

What Fleet Car’s journalists thought:

Joe Rayfus, Chairman of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI); Sarah Hayes of Hyundai Ireland; Tom Dennigan of awards sponsor, Continental Tyres; with the winning car, the Hyundai IONIQ 6.

Hyundai’s IONIQ 6 has been announced as the Irish Car of the Year 2024 in association with Continental Tyres, the longest established and most reputable automotive award title in Ireland.

It’s the fourth straight year an electric car has claimed the prestigious award, but marks the first time that Hyundai has claimed the overall Irish Car of the Year title.

Members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI), 35 motoring journalists representing major media outlets the length and breadth of Ireland (including Jarlath Sweeney and Cathal Doyle from this publication) selected the IONIQ 6 from a shortlist of seven finalists that had earlier been chosen from an overall shortlist of 32 cars. Notably, these finalists included examples from two Chinese brands, MG and BYD, marking the first success for manufacturers from this rapidly growing automotive market (see below for the full list of category winners).

Commenting at the ceremony Chairman of the MMAI, Joe Rayfus said: “Congratulations to Hyundai Ireland FLEETCAR | WINTER 23

on taking the coveted Irish Car of the Year title for the IONIQ 6, a very worthy winner indeed. What more concrete proof can there be that the era of electric motoring is truly here. Our fourth straight winner of the title. And look at the evolution of vehicles in that time, electric models have gone fully mainstream and luxury as this IONIQ 6 proves.”

Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres, longtime sponsors of the Irish Car of the Year awards added: “The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a really stylish car at the forefront of automotive design. I am sure that our Irish Car of the Year title will be a huge boost to the nameplate’s profile with Irish motorists who are considering making the move to electric.”

Irish Car of the Year category winners: Irish Small / Compact Car of the Year: MG4 EV Irish Small / Compact SUV of the Year: BYD Atto 3 Irish Medium SUV of the Year: Renault Austral Irish Medium / Large Car of the Year: Hyundai IONIQ 6 Irish Large SUV / MPV of the Year: Nissan X-TRAIL Irish Luxury Car of the Year: BMW i7 / 7 Series

Jarlath Sweeney: In recent years Hyundai has made its mark with striking design and style that appeals to a growing audience. Its electric technology is up there with the best and early pioneers and the IONIQ 6 pays testimony to that. A worthy overall winner.

Asian car manufacturers are increasingly to the fore these days, initially with the Japanese brands, then the Koreans, and now the Chinese automotive producers are coming on stream with high quality, well-built, value for money electric cars, such as MG and BYD, which are conquesting market share. They deserve to be recognised in this manner with these category awards, and there is more to come, I’m sure!

Cathal Doyle: For me the Hyundai IONIQ 6 stood out as the best car I drove this year. While its striking looks may be slightly polarising, I love the fact that it dares to be different in an increasingly homogenised car market. But it’s more than than, it drives very well, is spacious and well equipped, and - very importantly - it is the most economical electric car I have driven to date.

Of the other contenders, the MG4 and BYD Atto 3 are both excellent examples of more affordable electric cars, while both the Renault Austral and the latest Nissan X-Trail have moved significantly upmarket. And once again BMW shows that in the luxury and performance sectors it has few peers.

NEWS TESTII | 95

Jeep enters electric future with new Avenger

Jeep has flown under the radar in the Irish market in recent years, due to a combination of a lack of suitable product and an underdeveloped dealer network. That’s changing on both fronts thanks to significant developments both globally and domestically.

At a global level Jeep is part of the giant Stellantis Group, and the first products using shared floor plans and components from sister brands such as Peugeot, Citroën and Opel are now starting to seep through. Within Ireland, Jeep is now part of Gowan Auto together with other Stellantis products and Honda, and is benefitting from significant investment into the dealer network. Indeed, that dealer network has expanded significantly in recent times from 4 to 10 outlets currently, with that number set to expand to 12 by Q2 next year.

The all-new Jeep Avenger may take its name from another vehicle from within the extended Stellantis family the Chrysler Avenger of the 1970’s, but it heralds a new dawn for the brand that traces its roots back to the Willys Jeep of World War II. It’s Jeep’s first all-electric

vehicle - one of four to be launched by the end of next year.

Moreover it’s specifically designed for and built in Europe another departure for the all-American brand.

A compact crossover that Jeep believes will appeal to customers from B-Segment compact cars to higher end C-Segment SUVs, the Avenger comes very competitively priced for an EV at a time when prices of all cars are rocketing.

Entry level Longitude models start from €35,995, with what is expected to be the volume seller Altitude model priced from €39,495, while the range topping Summit version starts at €42,495 Awarded the prestigious European Car of the Year 2023 at the start of the year, the Avenger shares much of its underpinnings with Peugeot’s e2008 and the Opel Mokka Electric, but nonetheless maintains a quite distinct identity.

Perhaps anathema to hardcore Jeep fans, it comes with two wheel drive only, but with 200mm ground clearance, it should easily handle the urban jungles that will be its natural habitat, while driving modes like mud, sand and snow maintain that link to the brand’s off-road heritage.

The Avenger is the first Stellantis product to avail of the latest generation battery and electric motor, with a 54kWh battery (51kWh net capacity) giving a promised range of up to 404km - in real

world driving we were getting around 340-350km. The motor develops up to 115kW (154hp) and 260Nm of torque, enough to accelerate to 100km/h from rest in Sport mode. Leave it in default Normal setting and the horsepower is reduced to 108hp, while in Eco mode it’s further reduced to 81hp. Features like a heat pump fitted as standard and regenerative braking via ‘B’ mode further help to maximise distance achievable on a single charge.

On the move it rides well, though the steering is a bit light to offer much driver feedback. Some road noise is noticeable at higher speeds but overall it’s a pleasant and comfortable vehicle to pass a journey in, while the controls are well laid out and easy to use. Physical buttons too for the heating controls, which are so much easier to use than having to navigate via a touchscreen.

“With Avenger’s cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly design, this vehicle is set to revolutionise the way we think about electric cars. The Jeep Avenger boasts an impressive range, allowing you to go the distance without worrying about recharging,” said John Saunders, Managing Director of Jeep in Ireland. Certainly it’s a very attractive offering in a competitive market, and combined with a resurgent dealer network, should help to significantly revive the fortunes of Jeep in this country.

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fleet.ie www.fleet.ie

96 | LAUNCH PAD I

Tesla’s revised Model 3

An updated Tesla Model 3 has gone on sale with prices starting from €42,990.

It’s available to order now on the Tesla configurator, with deliveries expected to start from January next year.

External updates are relatively minor, with the Model 3 getting new headlights, and brighter tail-lights that are now integrated into the boot lid. Two new

colours - Ultra Red and Stealth Grey have been added. The bodywork has been subtly revised with sharper body lines and aero-optimised surfaces to improve aerodynamics. Tesla says the Cd figure of 0.219 is the lowest of all its models to date.

The cabin has had a significant overhaul, with all-new seats and a redesigned centre console. Customisable ambient lighting wraps around the full cabin. The large 15.4” centre display is

the same size as before but offers more usable screen thanks to a thinner bezel.

A new 8” rear display with integrated climate control, ventilation, and entertainment is available to rear seat passengers.

Noise levels have been improved thanks to improved suspension bushings, more sound deadening materials and 3600 acoustic glass.

Moving away has been simplified - just sit in, press the brake pedal and swipe up or down to engage Drive or Reverse. Safety has also been improved with additional side impact protection and blind spot indicators in the door pillars.

Cathal Doyle

Škoda Kodiaq take two gains hybrid power Škoda has unveiled the second generation of its large SUV, the Kodiaq.

It’s expected to arrive in Ireland in early 2024 and looks to build on the success of the first generation model which has sold 841,900 models worldwide and over 11,000 in Ireland.

Noteworthy is a plug-in hybrid version, a first for the Kodiaq. It promises an electric range of over 100km and power output of 193 hp. Also available will be a mild-hybrid 1.5 TSI with 150 hp, and a 2.0TDI diesel with 193 hp and allwheel-drive. All powertrains are mated to a DSG automatic transmission as

standard.

External revisions feature elements of the new Modern Solid design language and technologies such as TOP LED Matrix headlights. The interior gets sustainable materials, while new features include a free-standing 13-inch infotainment display, innovative Škoda Smart Dials with haptic controls, and a new range structure with Design Selections. A head-up display is available as an option for the first time while the gear selector lever is now mounted on

the steering column. Two smartphones can be charged at a time using the new Phone Box inductive charging.

Improved assistance systems include new Turn and Remote Park Assists, and the Dynamic Chassis Control system.

Cathal Doyle

New Citroën ë-C3 is all about comfort, price…. and electrification!

The fourth generation of the Citroën C3 has been unveiled - and it’s all electric!

The B-segment ë-C3 is engineered around a platform designed from the outset to accommodate an all-electric power train, Citroën says the focus is on best-in-class comfort, an easy electric experience, and high level of equipment. While prices have yet to be revealed, Citroën says it has been created to aggressively meet the challenges of making all-electric mobility accessible to all at a net, fair FLEETCAR | WINTER 23

and affordable price - comparable it says to an average petrol-engined B-hatch vehicle.

Electric propulsion is via an 83kW (113hp) electric motor while a 44kWh battery pack delivers up to 320km WLTP driving range. Fast charging at speeds of up to 100kW DC is possible.

At 1.57m high the ë-C3 is taller than before, making entry and exit easier. All models of the ë-C3 come with Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Suspension as

standard, tailored for the car and using additional foam to provide a soft feel and supportive ride. Also featuring is C-Zen lounge, which, Citroën.says, reinvents the traditional dashboard and provides extremely high levels of comfort. Instead of a traditional instrument cluster, the ë-C3 uses a new Citroën Head-Up Display that reflects vehicle information onto a glossy black section between the top of the dash panel and the bottom of the windscreen.

Cathal Doyle

LAUNCH PAD II | 97

KIA enters new territory with EV9

A new flagship model from Kia has gone on sale in Ireland. The EV9, an all-electric cross between an SUV and and MPV comes with six or seven seats, a driving range of up to 563km, and 800V fast charging. It’s priced at €77,500 for the 7 seat RWD Earth model, while higher spec GT-line versions with 6 or 7 seats retail at €85,500.

Built on Kia’s dedicated EV platform E-GMP, the EV9 comes with a flat floor that maximises passenger space in the cabin. While physically it’s a substantial vehicle, it boasts an impressive air drag factor of just 0.28. Power is provided from a single electric motor to the rear wheels (Earth models) developing 204PS and providing a range of up to 563km, or dual motors giving all-wheel-drive, an output of 384PS and range of up to 512km. A new generation high voltage 99.8kWh Lithium-Ion battery offers 8.5% increased energy density compared to

that in the EV6, and can accept charging speeds of up to 210kW. The EV9 can tow up to 2.5 tonnes.

Inside the EV9 is generously appointed with a triple panoramic display comprising two 12.3” screens and a 5.3” climate control screen. On the six seat layout the 2nd row of seats can swivel to face backwards. New technology includes a digital key, custom smart cruise control and, coming soon, vehicle to grid charging and plug and charge at Ionity stations where the charger automatically starts charging when plugged in.

Cathal Doyle

New Peugeot 208 on way, while 308 gets full electrification Peugeot has announced an updated 208 and launched electric versions of the 308 and 308SW. The 208 gets a new external light signature inspired by the 9X8 Hypercar and updated grille. On the inside, a fresh design for the digital instrument cluster can be seen, along with a 10-inch touchscreen taking centre stage on the dash, and dynamic ambient lighting available with 8 different colours to choose from.

The iConnect system has improved substantially, by offering full connectivity via a wireless mirroring function with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as well as extra USB sockets, a more

powerful induction charger and high-definition parking cameras. A new range of driving aids include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency brakes, extended road sign recognition and display, active lane departure warning with lane correction, driver attention alert, and blind-spot monitoring.

Three trims are offered– ALLURE, ACTIVE, and GT. Five powertrains include a new 115kW all-electric motor on the e208 which offers an improved range of up to 400km. There’s also a new mild hybrid option with a 48V powertrain matched to a PureTech 100bhp engine.

The new 208 is ready to order in Ireland for January with prices starting with €25,395 for the PureTech and €32,780 for the E-208.

Full electric versions of the 308 in both hatch and SW estate form will arrive early in 2024, making Peugeot the first in Europe to provide a 100% electric estate.

They will have a range of up to 413km from a new electric engine with 115kW and 260Nm of torque.

Charlotte Gillian

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class moves up a level

The new Mercedes-Benz policy as stated by the Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG - Ola Kaellenius is “we must get back to our core to make modern luxury vehicles.” The company is no longer going after market share but intends to deliver a high quality and desirable product for their customers.

The new E-Class just launched fully embraces that statement. The

model arrives loaded with a host of standard features including a new chassis that allows integrated rear-wheel steer, as well as an increase in interior space and 540 litres of luggage space. Inside, the level of technological innovations is unrivalled and includes such features as an enhanced version of the MBUX system, Apple Car Play / Android Auto, facial recognition, and the car-key embedded into your phone. With this level of sophistication Mercedes-Benz believe it will set a new benchmark in the industry.

With E-Class it is now possible (when stopped) to host video conference

via the six onboard cameras, and for a passenger to amuse themselves by gaming on the 12.3” dashboard screen.

Safety is clearly a high priority and the E-Class includes many of the latest active and passive safety systems and the car is now arguably a serious rival to the short wheelbase S-Class.

There are a choice of 3-diesel and 3-petrol engines with additional options for mild hybrid, and all are linked to a 9-speed automatic. Prices start from €80,525 for the E 220 diesel and €82,130 for the E 200 petrol.

Paul White www.fleet.ie

98 | | NEWS CONTEMPLATIONS 1

As our road casualties mount, we’re about to close our motorway lay-by rest areas to private cars. How is this good policy?

I was surprised to read a report last month that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is planning to close access to motorway lay-bys to private cars, limiting their use instead to emergency services and drivers of heavy goods vehicles from the end of this year.

It follows the conclusion of a public consultation process on a policy which has been in place since 2014 on the need for lay-by rest areas. Seemingly TII believes that because of growth in motorway service areas, there are now a sufficient number of rest areas of this type to make it no longer necessary to offer temporary rest areas at motorway lay-bys.

According to the report in the Irish Times, a spokesperson for TII said that there are currently 29 unserviced lay-bys available to be used by the public as well as a further 20 Garda enforcement areas.

TII is proposing to close eight of these 49 lay-bys and designate the remaining 41 as “new” lay-bys for professional drivers only.

Granted, there has been an increase in the number of motorway service areas which is to be welcomed, with these locations offering decent facilities for both the private motorist and professional driver.

But that still leaves significant gaps in the motorway network where drivers are unable to pull over, nor has TII explained why it feels the need to take this step - or how it is going to implement it.

Is it that it believes that lay-bys are currently being overwhelmed by private car drivers? Certainly not the case in my experience…you’d rarely see more than a handful of vehicles in any lay-by at any point in time? And I’ve never seen people FLEETCAR | WINTER 23

wandering around them, so it’s unlikely that they are being used for social or malfeasant activities.

It also begs another question. If TII is leaving these lay-bys open to be used by professional drivers, it clearly believes that there is a need for such halting places to allow such drivers to rest. Therefore it presumably thinks that private drivers are less likely to be tired or feel sleepy behind the wheel considering that the alternative motorways services also cater for the professional driver?

The thinking behind this logic would be interesting to hear.

Also, what defines the professional driver in TII’s definition? Is it just drivers of HGVs? What about professional drivers in vans of up to 3.5 tonnes GVW doing huge mileage, as well those bigger commercials of up to 7.5 tonnes GVW that require a tachograph, or even the professional reps in humble cars? Do they not get tired the same as truck or coach drivers? And if this type of driver is allowed to use these lay-bys, how is TII planning to enforce it?….a ‘professional’ van or car looks pretty much the same as a privately owned one.

It’s doubly depressing to see that the Road Safety Authority - you know, the organisation that likes to plaster signs all over the place saying that ‘Tiredness Kills’ - is backing TII in this move. In a statement to the Irish Times it said: “The RSA agrees with the repurposing of lay-bys, as alternative, safer lay-by options now exist within an appropriate distance. The RSA does not believe the repurposing will impact road safety as the proposal takes into account the requirements under EU law to ensure the provision of adequate service areas

across the motorway network where road users can park, rest and access facilities” Well that’s alright then. As long we meet EU minimum requirements, to hell with actually trying to achieve best practice or actually do something to lessen the possibility of a driver falling asleep at the wheel.

As anyone who has experienced it knows, drowsiness and sleepiness happen very suddenly. You can be driving along perfectly alert, then suddenly you’re struggling to keep your eyes open. It’s especially a problem on motorways which by their nature require relatively little driver input.

To take one example if this new policy comes into place, that of someone heading westward from Dublin to Galway on the M6. At present there’s the choice of a number of lay-bys where they can pull in and rest along what is one of the most featureless and sleep inducing sections of motorway in the country.

However going forward, if this driver is hit by a wave of tiredness having just gone past the motorway services at Kinnegad, they will now have to travel a distance of 56 kilometres before being able to legally pull in at the next motorway service halt just east of Athlone. That’s 56 kilometres of potentially weaving across lanes or coming off the road entirely at motorway speeds - think of the potential carnage.

And dare I say it, but what happens in the future if the passing motorist is to be charged to park at these motorway services, like in some countries? The hard shoulder or long acre will not be wide or long enough…..

Not building additional lay-bys is one thing, but deliberately deciding to restrict drivers access to rest time on existing lay-bys is bordering on criminal.

This is a shocking policy, and should not be adopted.

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie