MotorMarket

Celebrating 27 years of service to the car buyer

By DECLAN GLYNN

TThenew RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) combines Toyota’s most powerful Hybrid technology yet with outstanding EV capability.

Underneath its sophisticated design, the dual energy delivered by Toyota’s fourth-generation Hybrid technology and high-capacity lithium-ion battery provides instant acceleration, and class-leading range. The RAV4 has consistently evolved since its initial launch in 1994, and has secured its position as one of the world’s best-selling vehicles. The new RAV4 boasts sharp edges, chunky squared-off wheel arches, and a distinctive front and rear lighting signature for a truly rugged, sporty and confident look from every angle.

TWO TRIMS, ONE POWERPLANT

The new RAV4 PHEV is available in a choice of two highly-specified trim levels – Sol and Sport – with both variants powered by a 2.5-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force petrol engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor to produce 306bhp

and 270Nm of torque. This remarkable combination enables the RAV4 PHEV to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.0-seconds. Best-in-class Co2 emissions (as low as 22g/km) and fuel consumption from 1.0l/100km (combined driving cycle using WLTP data) show that the RAV4

refined relaxation

PHEV has the efficiency to match its effortless performance.

A new 18.1kW lithium-ion battery means you can travel up to 75kms on pure EV power, while the car’s 6.6kW on-board charger provides a full battery charge in 2.5 hours from a domestic wallbox charger. Drivers can switch seamlessly from Hybrid to pure EV through the four-mode drive selector. The default mode allows the RAV4 PHEV to travel at speeds of up to 135km/h on zeroemission, electric power alone. When the battery is empty, the efficient Hybrid system will power occupants on to their destination with ease.

SPACIOUS & HIGH QUALITY CABIN

The spacious and wellappointed cabin in the RAV4 PHEV is built around a wide centre console and contemporary instrument panel, and is complimented with thoughtful additions like cleverly-concealed storage areas. A high seating position within the relaxing environment of the RAV4 provides great visibility for all occupants, while a 500-litre boot provides flexible load space with minimal battery intrusion.

€2.50 (incl. VAT) The long, wide boot space has no lips or ridges to tackle, making it easy to slide cumbersome

luggage in and out.

When the need arises, the rear seat backs can be folded to provide van-like cargo capacity.

Overall cabin build quality is exceptionally high, with premiumgrade materials used throughout.

For seamless access to the RAV4’s entertainment and connectivity, the intuitive dashboard boasts a 9” touchscreen with Toyota’s userfriendly multimedia system and smartphone integration, while a wide range of advanced safety technologies helps to protect everyone, inside and outside of the vehicle.

Toyota’s ingenious ‘Safety Sense 2’ technology is standard across the range and consists of Toyota’s Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection (along with night-time pedestrian detection), full-range Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beam.

CAR ON REVIEW

My review car was a RAV4 PHEV ‘Sport’, which attracted lots of admiration in its Pearl Red BiTone Pearlescent paint with a contrasting Attitude Black roof, front pillar design, door mirrors, roof rails, side mouldings, wheel

arches and rear spoiler.

Key standard features include 19” machined-face two-tone alloy wheels, projector LED headlamps, black painted upper front grille, sporty red stitching on instrument panel and front seats, black roof lining, paddle shift controls, rear privacy glass, dualzone climate control, front & rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, satellite navigation, electronic parking brake, and blue ambient lighting on the dashboard and front cup holders, along with a temporary spare wheel under the boot floor.

With an outstanding balance of power, efficiency and driving pleasure, the RAV4 is an

exceptionally easy SUV to drive, while its rugged SUV stance provides terrific road presence.

With the RAV4 PHEV, you can

glide through the city, and embrace the open road, while its hybrid powertrain ensures you enjoy the benefits of electric

NO LOANS FOR PETROL AND DIESEL CARS

power for up to 75kms on every journey.

The RAV4 PHEV is refined when at a gentle cruise and in stop-start traffic, while it remains composed on a variety of road surfaces. and when going over speed ramps too.

A strong brake feel every time the brakes are applied ensures the five-seat SUV stops in an urgent and orderly fashion.

The new RAV4’s body structure is 57% more rigid than its predecessor, and this makes it an extremely capable performer on twisty roads, while steering that is direct, and nicely weighted, adds greatly to the overall driving experience.

RoboTaxi of The Future

PRICING & WARRANTY

Toyota has an enviable reputation for reliability, durability and strong resale values, so the RAV4 PHEV should prove to be a very easy mid-size family SUV to live with in every respect.

Pricing for the new Toyota RAV4 PHEV starts at €51,890, with my review car specification priced at €53,835 – both prices are excluding dealer delivery and related charges.

A comprehensive 3Year/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty comes as standard, along with a 5-Year/100,000km warranty on hybrid components. Annual road tax is just €140.

In a development that could lead the way for banks in Ireland, Bank Australia has decided that it will not give loans for petrol or diesel cars after 2025.

Its chief impact officer Sasha Courville told the National Electric Vehicle Summit in Canberra the bank's new policy was 'an important step in decarbonising the Australian economy'.

'By ceasing car loans for new fossil fuel vehicles, we are

sending a signal to the Australian market about the rapid acceleration in the transition from internal combustion to electric vehicles we expect to see in the next few years,' she said.

'We've chosen 2025 because the change to electric vehicles needs to happen quickly, and we believe it can with the right supporting policies in place to bring a greater range of more affordable electric vehicles to Australia.'

As Dublin struggles to get enough taxis on the streets for peak times, a Chinese company has given us a glimpse into the future.

The Apollo RT6 from Baidu is a fully autonomous taxi that does away with the driver and the steering wheel. This taxi of the future is designed with an App.

The absence of a driver and steering wheel allows for the installation of desktops, games consoles, luggage racks and vending machines within its 15.6 feet by 6.1 feet floor space.

According to Baidu, its 9.3-foot wheelbase makes it the size of an A-class car, but it has the space of a B-class car and the experience of a C-class car.

It is a cross between an SUV and a minivan, and offers 41 inches (105cm) of legroom for the two seats positioned in the rear of the vehicle, atop a completely flat floor.

Apollo RT6 has a futuristic exterior with intelligent electric sliding doors, that can be opened via Bluetooth connection, password input or a phone app. Images courtesy of Baidu

AND FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Latvia is not a country we normally associate with motor manufacturing but it’s the home of the somewhat offbeat firm Dartz. To date they have specialised in the production of large unusual designs for the rich and famous.

Now this business is launching The Dartz Freeze Froggy Beachstar, a quirky electric beach buggy style machine, based on the Chinese best seller the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. It uses a 26.5kW

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battery linked to a 40bhp electric motor to offer a range of 186 miles and top speed of 65mph.

At the moment it is only available as left hand drive but a right hand drive version is going into production. An expected price of 20,000 Euro could make it a fun vehicle for those long sunny days, which we get from time to time.

The colours available are sure to get you lots of attention. Practical? Hardly, but fun absolutely.

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They also reserve the right to omit any advertisement from any particular edition of the paper without compensation or allowance.

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Advertisements, whether prepaid or otherwise, are therefore accepted only subject to the above conditions. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against all liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement. The placing of an order will be considered an acceptance of the above conditions. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy no liability will be accepted for any omissions or errors.

Cool air and where it comes from

Air conditioning now comes as standard in almost all newly produced cars and is a feature that most car owners have come to expect, and few of us give much thought to what is going on under the bonnet or how this technology developed.

The first versions of air conditioning emerged in the United States in the late 1930s when Packard began to offer it as an option.

Although it was initially slow to grow in popularity, by 1970 almost half of all new American cars produced had air conditioning.

The technology now still works to the same basic principles as developed in the 1930s. Your car’s a/c system is made up of three main parts – the

compressor, the condenser and the evaporator.

They all work together moving a substance called refrigerant through a high pressure/low pressure closed-loop system.

Refrigerant changes from gas to liquid, and back to gas, and is a vital part of the air conditioning system and process.

The compressor is driven by a belt attached to the car engine. This is where the low-pressure refrigerant gas is compressed into a high-pressure, hightemperature gas before being pumped to the condenser.

The condenser works like your car’s radiator by dissipating out heat but also cooling the highpressure refrigerant gas so it forms into a high-pressure liquid.

This high-pressure liquid then has any water removed from it by

a small until called the receiverdryer before being pumped to the thermal expansion valve.

Here, the high-pressure liquid is allowed to expand and become a low-pressure liquid, as it enters the low-pressure side of the loop system before moving to the evaporator which is located within the vehicle interior.

At this point, the low-pressure refrigerant liquid again turns into a gas and moves out of the evaporator taking the heat from the interior of the vehicle.

During this process, a fan blows over the exterior of the compressor, blowing cool air into the interior of the vehicle.

The low-pressure refrigerant gas now enters the compressor once more and the process

£71,00 for a Ford Capri!

When Ford launched the Capri it was seen as the European attempt to capture the Mustang market they had created in the USA. It was a big seller and many of the leaders in today’s motor industry spent their childhood squeezed into the back seats. Few could have realised that it would become a future classic.

Albert Clarkson in Essex saw that potential and in 1986 he bought this 2.8 Injection Special and immediately garaged it. In June 1986 his Capri cost him £7,698, and he was prepared to wait for his investment to show a return. The car was kept in a heat controlled garage up on blocks and maintained in a completely new condition.

Not surprisingly, when it went for auction recently there was extraordinary excitement in the car collector business as the car had only covered 585 miles!

At the auction the bids quickly reached £71,000 setting a new record for a Capri.

New PEUGEOT 408 is in ‘The Sphere’

Revealed to the world in June, the new Peugeot 408 is on display at the unexpected setting of the LouvreLens Museum, France.

The new 408 can be seen housed inside a transparent ‘Sphere’, suspended and rotating in order to show the latest model from the Lion brand from every angle.

This unexpected presentation is perfectly aligned with the 408’s unexpected design.

With its unique, dynamic and innovative design, the first public display of the new Peugeot 408 had to be inspiring. A talented team of artists, engineers and technicians from the Parisian creative studio Superbien

implemented the project imagined by the OPEN agency and transformed it into a breath-taking reality that appears to defy gravity.

These specialists in the design of unique installations created this impressive setting, that leaves viewers questioning how the new Peugeot 408 can be suspended, twisting, and turning inside “The Sphere”. The new 408 has been made into a unique work of art.

Linda Jackson, CEO of the Peugeot brand, said: “We really liked the idea of this ephemeral work of art, which is original and beautiful to look at, and which perfectly accentuates our new arrival. The new

Peugeot 408’s original style has been praised by many people who have already discovered it. It has been presented in a very original way, in the magnificent and modern setting of the Louvre Lens.”

Phil York, Marketing and Communications Director for the Peugeot brand, said: “Peugeot moves and innovates in all areas. The transparent Sphere, designed for the new Peugeot 408, shows the allure of our new model from all sides. This creation is perfectly in line with Peugeot’s global expression of its new brand identity.”

The stunning new Peugeot 408 is due to be launched in Ireland in December 2022.

Spare a thought for your CAR BATTERY

Next time you jump in the car and turn the key, spare a thought for your battery. It’s probably been sitting in the driveway all night getting cold.

Cold weather puts an extra strain on the battery as it tries to keep a charge to start the car.

Your car needs the power stored in the battery to get the engine running and keep all those electrical extras you need to stay driving.

Here are a few common problems to watch out for.

LEAVING THE LIGHTS ON

The most common mistake drivers make is to leave the lights on after they’ve left the car. Even a small interior light left on overnight can be enough to leave the owner with a dead battery in the morning.

Parents need to watch out for little fingers that delight in turn on

interior lights in the back of the car.

COLD WEATHER

Freezing temperatures and batteries aren't the best of friends.

Cold weather has a negative effect on the chemical reaction that takes place within batteries, which makes charging slower and make the battery struggle to get your car going.

It’s a wise precaution to carry a set of jump leads which are available in any motor accessory shop and could get you out of trouble on a cold morning.

Beware of connecting them correctly with another car that you don’t reverse the connections. If in doubt, YouTube is full of lots of “How To” videos

TOO BIG A LOAD

Your car is not a power station! If you regularly run extra electrical appliances though the

cigarette lighter you are going to wear out the battery that you are going to need one day.

STOP START DRIVING

If you only do a series of short start stop journeys you aren’t giving the battery a chance to charge up. Give your car a break and bring it for a longer drive occasionally to let the battery recharge

ALTERNATOR ISSUES

The alternator is the piece of electronic wizardry under the bonnet that actually charges your battery. This is not a home service item so get to a garage to have it checked.

Remember, batteries are a bit like people, they don’t get any better as they get older! If your battery is 5 years old it’s almost certainly time to get it checked and probably replaced.

Kia Ireland appoint Cathal Kealey as new Head of Marketing & PR

Kia Ireland have announced the appointment of Cathal Kealey as Head of Marketing and PR. He replaces Aidan Doyle who retires in early October.

Kealey joins Kia with a wealth of automotive experience in Product and Marketing Communications gained from management roles in VW, Skoda and most latterly as Head of Marketing with Citroen Ireland.

Commenting on his appointment Cathal said “I’m delighted to be joining such an innovative brand at an exciting time for the automotive industry. KIA have excelled in the area of electrification in recent years and with such a strong new product offensive in the pipeline, I have no doubt that they will continue to strengthen their place as one of the top automotive brands in Ireland over the coming years. I hope that I can assist the brand on this

journey and very much look forward to the challenge ahead.”

“Cathal joins Kia Ireland at a time of strong growth for the brand. Kia is now the number four brand in Ireland in 2022 and we are now firmly established as a top-five manufacturer in the country and also as one of the leading brands helping Ireland achieve its EV targets. We are confident that Cathal will help Kia go from strength to strength “, added Kia Ireland MD Ronan Flood.

A graduate of University of Limerick, and native of Offaly, Kealey now lives in Kildare with his wife and two daughters. A previous captain of the Kinnitty Senior Hurling Team, Kealey has now retired from his playing duties but is still a keen GAA enthusiast and also enjoys rugby, soccer, cycling and running.

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As the cost of fuel soars the number of bizarre “fuel saving hacks” continues to boom on social media.

In case you haven’t heard of some of the more common ones circulating on the internet the team in MotorMarket have assembled some of the more bizarre ones:

• Ketchup/tomato sauce: this has no benefit and will do damage to your engine, fuel injectors and fuel filters

• Dishwasher tablets and toothpaste: old content circulating claims dishwasher tablets and toothpaste can reduce fuel consumption. Both these claims are completely false with no proven research to support it and has since been revealed as clickbait.

• Buying fuel early in the morning: the theory is the colder it is, the denser fuel is, giving you more for the same price. Fuel, however, is stored underground and temperatures only vary by a few degrees which is not enough to change its density.

• Overinflating tires: this was touted to reduce resistance and friction while driving and therefore increase mileage. It is proven, correct air pressure is what actually

saves fuel and increases tyre lifespan

• Not using air con: this depends on various factors.

Keeping the AC off and driving with windows closed can save fuel. If, however, the windows are open then you increase drag and affect aerodynamics which actually increases fuel consumption

•

Coca Cola: Our advice is to drink it if you must, but don’t risk letting it near your expensive engine.

Be cautious of the techniques employed to save fuel especially if it involves putting foreign substances into fuel tanks. It can cause a lot of harm which is not worth the ‘supposed’ savings of these products. Research proves it does not provide fuel savings and only harm your vehicle.

“Instead, you will achieve more effective results with tried and tested means of reducing fuel consumption. This includes defensive driving techniques: keeping a 3-second following distance, avoid speeding, anticipate changing traffic conditions, avoid reckless driving, planning routes, keeping revs below 3000 RPMS and removing any unnecessary weight from your vehicle.

Ultimately, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

$22 Million for a car!

If you are still pondering buying a new car or making do for a bit longer with what is in the driveway, you probably wouldn’t have felt comfortable in the auction in Monterey USA recently.

While 148 cars were sold for more than $1 million dollars or above, the star of the show was this 1955 Ferrari which went for an eye watering $22 million, including fees.

Ronan Flood, Cathal Kealey and JP Lee (President of Kia Ireland).

New PEUGEOT 2008

The strength of attraction

For more than 200 years, PEUGEOT has honoured a high-quality and inventive French manufacturing tradition. Today, more than ever, PEUGEOT is harnessing all of its energy to design elegant vehicles that deliver a sensory experience and take driving to a whole new level. From ergonomics and materials to connectivity, they have meticulously worked on each detail to provide drivers with the most intuitive driving experience. The all-new PEUGEOT 2008 SUV is testament to the French brand’s core values, and brings with it excellence in every detail.

POWER AND EFFICIENCY

With its fluid and robust lines, the new 2008 SUV delivers masterful power and efficiency. Its expressive front grille, horizontal bonnet and raised ground clearance enhance the sophisticated and sharp design.

The well-crafted and dynamic rear design of the 2008 SUV is enhanced by full LED rear lights with PEUGEOT’s famous 3-claw effect lighting signature, which are illuminated day and night to enhance visibility on the road.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION OPTIONS

The new PEUGEOT 2008 SUV is available with a choice of four PureTech petrol engines to include a 1.2 PureTech 100bhp 6-speed manual, a 1.2 PureTech 130bhp 6-speed manual, a 1.2 PureTech 130bhp 8-speed automatic and a 1.2 PureTech 155bhp 8-speed automatic.

The diesel offering is a 1.5 BlueHDi 110bhp unit which is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, while a fullyelectric e-2008 is also available.

TRIM VARIANTS

There are three specification variants in the new 2008 – Active, Allure and GT.

Standard specification across the range includes 16” alloy wheels, airconditioning, 6 airbags, ESP with Hill Start Assist, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, eco LED headlights, front fog lamps, full LED 3D claw-effect rear lights, Programmable Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation, Extended Traffic Sign

Recognition, automatic headlights and wipers, two ISOFIX child seat fittings and child locking on rear doors. Customers will also benefit from the PEUGEOT iCockpit®, featuring a compact multi-function steering wheel, heads up instrument panel and touchscreen, while Bluetooth, Mirror Screen® with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto is also standard across all versions.

CAR ON REVIEW

The new PEUGEOT 2008 Allure 1.2 PureTech (100bhp, six-speed manual) review car I drove was finished in distinctive Vertigo Blue metallic paint.

Standard ‘Allure’ features include 17” ‘Salamanca’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, gloss black B-pillar, gloss black longitudinal roof bars, rear bumper with gloss black finish, leather-effect and cloth seat trim, central front armrest, dark tinted rear glass, rear parking sensors, Visiopark 180degree colour reversing camera, configurable 3D head-up instrument panel, modular boot floor, electric

parking brake, passenger seat height adjustment, 4 x USB sockets (including 1 USB-C), and Active Safety Brake with night function, cyclist and pedestrian detection.

Producing 100bhp and 205Nm of torque, the car can complete a 0-100km/h sprint in 11.9-seconds, can reach a top speed of 188km/h, and can consume as little as 5.5l/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle, while a Co2 emission figure of 125g/km results in annual road tax of just €200.

Impressively flexible engine performance makes the new 2008 a relaxing car to drive, whether negotiating city streets, or cruising on a motorway. The brake and accelerator pedals feel naturally

weighted and responsive, while the six-speed manual transmission is precise and intuitive.

The 2008’s seats are mounted quite high, allowing for ease of access, and providing a commanding view of the road ahead. A myriad of seat and steering wheel adjustment options make it easy to find a comfortable driving position, while PEUGEOT’s terrific i-Cockpit layout provides a real sense of occasion to every journey.

The 3D-effect driver display puts the most important information closer to the driver, enabling it to be easier to identify.

The 2008’s roomy interior oozes style from every angle, and those upmarket looks are backed up by

DID YOU KNOW...???

The Peugeot Company started out as a coffee mill?

Although Peugeot is the world’s oldest manufacturer of cars, when the company first got started, it didn’t even make cars. Originally, it was founded as a coffee mill in 1810.

French brothers Jean Pierre and Jean-Pierre II converted their father’s old grain mill into a steel foundry, producing items ranging from coffee grinders, salt and pepper grinders, springs and saws to even umbrella frames.

By DECLAN GLYNN www.motoringmatters.ie

excellent build quality and the use of plush materials.

Boot space with the rear seats in place measures an impressive 434-litres, but this can be expanded to 1,467-litres when the rear seat backs are folded.

Additionally, the new 2008 has 32-litres of interior storage areas located around the cabin for ultimate practicality, while striking piano key-styled physical buttons that protrude from the cars dash look fantastic.

ATTRACTIVE PRICING

First launched in 2013, PEUGEOT has sold more than one million units of its star-selling 2008 SUV. With pricing for the newgeneration 2008 SUV starting at just €29,840 (exworks), PEUGEOT aims to remain a leader of the compact SUV market in Europe.

A comprehensive 5year/100,000km warranty comes as standard, and is sure to add even further to the overall appeal of PEUGEOT’s all-new small SUV.

Legend Rosemary Smith presented with FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame Award

The legendary Rosemary Smith was presented with her FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame award at the recent Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club (IVVCC) 44th Powerscourt Picnic event, to celebrate her motor sport achievements.

Rosemary arrived in style in a 1936 Bentley Derby driven by Peter Lynch. She was

accompanied by her good friend Janet Taylor.

Myles O’Reilly, IVVCC President welcomed Rosemary and those attending the Picnic and was followed by Tiddo Bresters, FIVA President who spoke about the award and the inclusion of Rosemary in the Hall of Fame before presenting her with the award. Peadar Ward then presented Rosemary with a bouquet of flowers.

Strong July performance for

Volvo Car Ireland announces that it has registered 499 cars for July 2022, an increase of 111.4% from July 2021, bringing its market share for the month to a high of 2.28%.

The XC40 was the best seller for the month, followed by the XC60 and XC90 respectively. Demand for the company’s Recharge range of pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars were particularly robust, with 41.7% of July registrations being a fully electric car, and 41.5 % a plug-in hybrid. These results highlight the electrification strategy of Volvo Cars to become a fully electric car maker by 2030.

Earlier this year, Volvo Cars introduced a range of updates to its entire car line-up, the most prominent

of which was an exterior refresh of the fully electric XC40 Recharge and the introduction of a single electric motor variant of the pure electric C40 Recharge. A new front bumper and a frameless grille plate keep the all-electric XC40 Recharge visually in sync with the Volvo C40 Recharge, aligning the two cars that symbolise Volvo Cars’ electrification journey.

Alan Cowley, Commercial Operations Director of Volvo Car Ireland said, “We are very pleased with our July results, we enjoyed a healthy supply of key models, especially those from the fully electric and plug-in hybrid Recharge range, which we expect to continue into 2023.”

Myles O’Reilly, IVVCC President, Keith Gribbins, FIVA Motorcycle Commission Chairman, Rosemary Smith, Tiddo Bresters, FIVA President and Peadar Ward, IVVCC.

10 MotorMarket Rosemary with Peter Lynch and Janet Taylor

By BREDA CORRIGAN www.motoringmatters.ie

With the new Audi Q3 TFSI-e it is possible to experience the dynamic combination of an electric drive and a combustion engine. A combined system power output of 245bhp, along with a thumping 400Nm of torque, enables the Q3 TFSI-e to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 7.3-seconds thanks to the availability of an engine boost function. When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the electric motor is activated for a brief period thereby providing a boost in power – the availability and repetition of this function depends on various factors, such as the battery’s state of charge, and the temperature of the drive components.

OUTSTANDING ENERGY CONSUMPTION

With a full charge, the Q3 TFSI-e always starts in all-electric EV mode, using the combustion engine only when needed.

Ingeniously, by entering a destination in the navigation system (where fitted) the vehicle will switch to hybrid mode. Using a wealth of route data, the vehicle manages the interplay of the two drives to allow the driver to complete as many trips as possible in all-electric mode.

The MMI lets the driver choose from additional driving modes:

complete everyday short trips in all-electric EV mode, or use the combustion engine as the primary source of power to conserve battery charge for a future electric drive (Hold mode) or increase it (Charge mode).

When used in an optimum manner, it is possible to achieve a combined fuel consumption figure as low as 1.6l/100km (176.5mpg), along with projected power consumption as low as 14.4kWh/100km on a combined driving cycle.

TRIM & BODYSTYLE OPTIONS

Now in its third generation, the new Audi Q3 delivers the usual SUV attributes: taller driving position, better vision around the car, and a higher ‘hip-point’, making it easier to get in and out of than a traditional hatchback.

There is a choice of two trim variants: SE and S Line, both of which are powered by a 4cylinder 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid powerplant (badged 45 TFSI e).

Power is supplied to the front wheels via a standard slickshifting S-tronic automatic transmission that combines the efficiency and sportiness of a conventional manual gearbox with the convenience of a modern automatic.

The dual-clutch gearbox enables rapid shifting with almost no noticeable interruption in the power flow.

In addition to a traditional SUV bodystyle, the new Q3 is also available in a sporty coupé-styled Sportback variant, both of which offer terrific practicality, outstanding build quality and distinctive style.

TEST CAR DETAILS

My Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI-e S Line test car looked very appealing in its Mythos Black metallic paintwork with stylish 19” 5-arm matte black alloy wheels (optional).

Standard S Line specification includes LED headlights with

dynamic rear indicators, dynamic headlight range control (selfadjusting while driving), sporty S Line-specific bumpers, sports seats in front, cloth and artificial leather upholstery, 3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, stainless steel foot pedals and foot rest, ambient lighting, rear spoiler, roof rails in anodised aluminium, dual-zone automatic climate control, Audi virtual cockpit, Audi Connect (infotainment, emergency call & more), Audi Smartphone

interface, voice control, cruise control, hill descent control, hold assist, lane departure warning, front & rear parking sensors, Audi drive select, progressive steering, start-stop system with brake recuperation, black headlining material, and sports suspension, along with a host of advanced safety features.

Additional packs and individual optional features are available for buyers who wish to tailor the specification to their own personal needs.

On the road the Q3 is relatively quiet and refined, with a wellcontrolled suspension set-up ensuring that road imperfections and speed ramps are tackled with ease.

The steering is light, precise, and impressively responsive in its operation, and this makes it easy to manoeuvre the Q3 at low speeds and when parking.

The vehicle accelerates smoothly and dynamically, with the S-tronic transmission proving itself to be an ideal match for the

punchy 1395cc petrol engine.

The Lithium-ion battery that powers the electric motor has a gross capacity of 13kWh, with a 10.4 kWh usable capacity on offer, and this allows the Audi Q3 TFSI-e to drive up to 51kms in all-electric mode while producing zero emissions in the process.

As with all offerings from the Audi stable, the interior of the new Q3 is extremely practical, with large door pockets front and rear, and a decent size glovebox too.

The Q3 is one of the roomiest vehicles in its market segment, both in terms of back seat space (where there is ample foot room under the front seats) and the cargo area, which offers a classleading 530-litres of space.

VERDICT & PRICING

Overall, the new Audi Q3 Sportback PHEV is yet another outstanding SUV from the German premium car manufacturer. It is an impressive and well-rounded family SUV, with all of the benefits that come with plug-in hybrid ownership.

Pricing for the electrifying new Q3 plug-in hybrid starts at €49,430 (SUV bodystyle) with the Sportback bodystyle priced from €51,365 – both prices include dealer-related delivery charges.

Annual road tax is just €140.

Award winning architect Hugh Wallace announced as DS Automobiles Ireland Brand Ambassador

DS Automobiles Ireland are delighted to announce Hugh Wallace, an awardwinning architect as their new Brand Ambassador.

Hugh is a founding director of the architect firm Douglas Wallace, a member of the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, past president of the Institute of Designers in Ireland and a well-known TV personality.

Hugh is a judge in RTE’s Home of the Year is where he opens the door to the most extraordinary homes in Ireland to see the creativity that abounds. He is also the presenter of RTE’s Great House Revival, his other passion, the restoration of our architectural heritage from the humble farm buildings to the great houses of Ireland.

Outside of the day job, Hugh loves to cook. In 2019, he appeared on Virgin Media’s The Restaurant and was awarded five stars.

Hugh joins the DS Automobiles team at an exciting time for the brand, as it launched last year in the Republic of Ireland with a stunning range of premium vehicles. Hugh’s choice of motor is the ALL NEW DS 4 E-TENSE PHEV (plug-in hybrid) in a vibrant Velvet Red colour, a model voted by Festival Automobile International jury as the Most Beautiful Car of 2022.

Speaking of the new partnership with Hugh, DS Automobiles Ireland Marketing Manager, Jana Solovjova, said: “Hugh’s reputation in the architecture world and passion for finer details, is perfectly aligned with our target audience, whilst exceptional design and appreciation of using premium, well-crafted materials are areas where we see real parallels with our own

brand values. DS Automobiles embodies innovative, luxury design, French savoir faire and exceptional know-how. When we marry this up with Hugh’s style, charm and engaging personality, we think he’s a great fit for DS Automobiles.

Standing beside his brand new 225bhp DS 4 RIVOLI E-TENSE PHEV, Hugh commented on his new appointment: “’I’m delighted to work

Clean sweep is the way ahead

Some of the most common NCT failures are headlamp aim, or headlamp aim incorrectly set, tyre tread depth and finally, windscreen wipers.

Arguably, wiper blades are one of the easiest checks for a technician to make, as the wipers just need to effectively clear water and leave no smears on the driver’s side to pass the test. However, although they are perishable and should be changed every 12 months, it’s often something drivers forget to change.

There are typical signs that wiper blades need to be replaced:

Streaking – when the blade doesn’t completely clear the windscreen, leaving streaks of water or debris.

Chattering – when the blade doesn’t move smoothly across the windscreen.

Smearing – when the debris or water is smeared across the windscreen, but not removed.

While TRICO still recommends that wiper blades are changed every 12 months, regardless of their condition, it’s vital that technicians ensure that the blades are in the best condition when leaving the workshop, as it’s such a crucial safety feature for drivers.

Checking the wiper blades while doing the NCT is a must, and even if there’s damage that doesn’t actually lead to a failure, it’s still worth highlighting any concerns to the driver, and recommending prompt replacement before problems

worsen.

alongside DS Automobiles. The cars feature exceptional design and a very premium feel, which stood out to me. The brand has already been doing some great things this year, I am very excited to be part of its future and work with the DS team.”

Visit www.dsautomobiles.ie or DS Store Dublin located at Gowan Motors, Navan Road, Dublin 15, to start your own DS journey today.

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TRICO’s Group Brand & Marketing Manager (Europe), Sam Robinson, said: “Drivers do not rush to a workshop for new wiper blades at the best of times, so,

during a test, technicians need to be proactive.

They are not expensive items and once highlighted of the facts, we’ve found that drivers are usually willing to have them

replaced, which is where we step in to provide the premium quality products required.

“By fitting a pair of our OE quality wiper blades, selected from a wide range of options

including conventional, hybrid, beam and rear, technicians and drivers can be assured of their effectiveness and reliability in any situation.”

Hugh Wallace with his new DS 4 at DS Store Dublin.

The biggest electric car company you haven’t heard of

While the names of the top electric car companies are known to every schoolboy in Ireland the Chinese company BYD is unknown here.

BYD is first and foremost a battery company, supplying Motorola (from 2000) and Nokia (from 2002) with lithium-ion batteries, so unsurprisingly puts a lot of emphasis on the battery technology.

BYD make lithium iron

phosphate (LFP) cells work at a far higher efficiency than any other battery maker, while most other EV manufacturers use nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries.

BYD isn’t actually that young in Chinese market terms, has backing from American billionaire Warren Buffett (it is a publicly listed company with no backing from the Chinese government) and is currently the third most valuable car company in the

world in terms of market value, sitting behind only Tesla and Toyota.

The company was established in 1995, with its automotive division not starting up until 2002 – but it has grown incredibly quickly, with its share of the Chinese domestic market growing from 0.5% to 5% in just three months shortly after it was started, and is now accounting for a massive 30% of the same market.

Big rises in some Classics

LAND ROVER SERIES 1

While it was never comfortable the “Landy” has always had a very loyal group of collectors who can’t get enough of them.

Big money in repossessions

Fortunately the Irish Market has managed to avoid the car “repo culture” that is very common in the USA, where car loan defaults are treated with maximum speed and minimum subtlety.

One man who has made a lot of money Stateside from repossessing cars is millionaire Patrick Willis.

No Return To The Office Yet

The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office give a clear indication of how ‘Work From Home’ is affecting traffic. July car traffic is still well down to 80% of pre-pandemic levels and public transport is still only at a fraction of where it once was.

While we can expect traffic to increase when schools reopen it may be the cost of heating home offices in the Winter that will force workers back to their offices.

An indication of the success he enjoys is the value of the yacht he is selling. At over $31 million it has everything a motoring tycoon needs.

It comes complete with pool, gym, staterooms and all the toys you’ll need.

CITROEN 2CV RIPPLE BONNET

As French collectors look with nostalgia on these simple cars, prices have been rising at 22% over the last year. Even ordinary models are making £17,000.

LOTUS ESPRIT S2

While it was always a stunner to look at, many drivers discovered it wasn’t always particularly reliable. Nevertheless it has a very loyal following who probably had posters of it on their bedroom wall.

Prices have risen 20% over the last year with average models now making £22,000.

Prices have risen 19% over the last year and you could expect to pay £35,000 for your passion.

MASERATI BITURBO BASE COUPE

The base model of this Italian classic has risen most, showing a 12% increase, with average prices of almost £13,000 being achieved.

FORD CORTINA MK111 2000E

Nostalgia is driving up prices of what was a very common car back in the day. Collectors who were driven around in this model as kids are now prepared to pay to re-live their childhood.

Prices for the 2000E have risen 10% over the last year with typical prices of up to £10,000.

UK Price guide Hagerty has been monitoring the prices of some affordable classics and their research has shown some of the fastest movers in the last year.

Lotus Esprit S2

Maserati Biturbo Base Coupe

Ford Cortina Mk111 2000E

Landrover Series 1

Citroen 2CV Ripple Bonnet

Buying a classic car for the future

So you’re looking ahead and thinking about buying a classic car as an investment, as the banks have stopped paying interest, or you just like the idea of handing something on to the next generation.

Firstly, remember that investing in a classic car has to take time to show results. Don’t expect to buy something today and double your money in 5 years. Buy a car that will be valuable in 20 years. Identify your target market.

Most classics are bought by people in middle age who have nostalgic ideas of recapturing the romance of their childhood, so they focus on cars they may have been driven in as children or teenagers. The market that is going to pay dividends as investment is not necessarily in exotic cars but in mundane motors that are full of memories for your target customer.

VW Beetles are being bought today by a generation who were reared in them. The 30-year-olds of today will be buying classics in another 25 years, so look at the models that form part of their childhood and teen years.

You’ll need to store it, so take that

into consideration. Unlike stocks and shares a classic car needs to be kept in a safe and dry location. If you are living in an apartment maybe you should focus on buying wine as an investment.

While a suburban garage may do, over time that tends to get full of household debris so try and look for a larger shed or outbuilding where there will be room to work on it as things emerge with servicing and repairs.

If you are going to store the car for long periods there are a few steps you need to take.

Fill the tank with fuel as an empty tank tends to attract moisture which will rot the tank and fuel lines. A full service should be done before storing to ensure that everything is fully lubricated and protected.

Buy some commonly used spares and put them in the boot. Things that are readily available and cheap now may be unobtainable in 20 years so a small spend now could make huge savings later. Make sure to check your precious investment regularly. Starting the engine every month will help keep things in good order.

The best option to get the most

Fiat 500 Hair!

While we all like our cars to be individual, Italian hairdresser Maria Mugno of Salerno in Italy has taken it to another level entirely. She has imported hundreds of bags of human hair from India, where she claims the hair is stronger and has braided it to decorate her Fiat 500.

She glues and stitches the locks onto every surface of the car, inside and out, including the steering wheel, dashboard and doors. Her distinctive Fiat is still road-legal however and is a familiar sight as she drives it around Salerno.

from your future classic is to take it out for a drive regularly. In this way you will make sure that the car is kept in top condition but

above all you’ll get to enjoy the sheer pleasure of owning a classic and letting other car lovers see it on the road.

TIRED OF BEING STUCK IN TRAFFIC?

MAYBE THIS ELECTRIC THREE WHEELER COULD BE THE ANSWER

Commuters and businesses are now able to experience the fun of the new 50mph electric Carver three-wheeled scooter at CleevelyEV.

It can transport two people, or one person plus cargo. Approximately one metre wide, it can nip through gaps in traffic, yet, with three wheels, it offers levels of stability not possible with a twowheeled scooter. The occupants are protected from the weather thanks to a windscreen, roof and doors, and there’s no need to wear a helmet.

The Carver has a steering wheel, automatic gears and a patented tilting mechanism, resulting in it being huge fun to drive.

The Carver base price starts at £9,158 excluding VAT in the UK.

The new Carver S+ model has a top speed of 50mph, and the new Carver R+ model has a driving range of 80 miles. Both versions are available as a two-seater, or as a Cargo version which has 500 litres of storage space, making it ideal for businesses.

The Carver is available for sale – along with maintenance and repairs –

from CleevelyEV Cheltenham. CleevelyEV offers electric vehicle sales and servicing.

Matt Cleevely from CleevelyEV comments: “At CleevelyEV our goal is to promote zero-emission forms of transportation. We agree with the Carver philosophy that

commuting is clogging-up and poisoning our towns and cities and typically there are just one or two people in a car. The Carver is an ideal commuter or final-mile delivery solution and we are proud to be a dealer for the brand – and to use Carvers ourselves.”

Aston Martin have revealed plans to build a DBR22 in a tribute to the 1956 DBR1. Powered by a 5.2 litre V12 engine this sports supercar will deliver 715 horses, so it certainly won’t have any difficulty in reaching the speed limits.

If exclusivity is what you are looking for then this is the car for you, as only 10 will be made. While petrol heads may lust over this beauty it should be noted that it does not have a roof so it may not be all that practical in the Irish climate. One final thing before you order one is to remember that you’ll need £1.8 million in the bank!

Matt Cleevely and William Keene of Cleevely EV

A CARAVAN FOR THE PRICE OF A HOUSE!

Volkswagen Flying High!

These days buying a place to live is almost out of reach but the Bowlus Volterra brings independent living to a new level. This American state-of-the-art mobile home has a vintage look but is equipped with all the latest luxuries and technology to allow the owner to live off grid.

The roof mounted solar panels mean that you always have electricity on board, as long as the sun shines. It’s equipped with a satellite ready installation to ensure easy access to the internet.

The interior looks more like a boutique hotel room than a caravan of old but all this luxury doesn’t come cheap. With a price tag of over $300,000 maybe you’d be better off saving for a house.

Volkswagen is a name we normally associate with very down to earth cars but VW China has taken things to a new level. The Chinese division has announced the plans for an electric vertical take-off and landing craft{evtol}. It works like a helicopter and can carry passengers and luggage 200 kilometres.

The company sees that the future users will be taking to the air as a form of taxi ride. They have chosen China as an initial market because the very crowded cities means there is a big demand from business people to move about at speed.

Sounds like it might be useful on a wet Friday on the M50!

HOW LONG WILL YOUR CAR LAST?

Next time you are looking at a high mileage car think of Irving Gordon in Canada and his 1966 Volvo 1800S. The car has covered over 3 million miles! The original clutch lasted a staggering 450,000 miles. Obviously he looks after his car really well including changing the oil every 3,000 miles. So, regardless of the mileage, the service record is really important.

Why are tyres always black?

Maybe you’ve never even given it a thought but why exactly are all tyres black?

When tyres were first introduced on cars most were actually white in colour as that is the natural colour of rubber as it is collected from the rubber tree.

It was only in the early 1900s that Goodrich Tyre Company started to use a new chemical compound, Carbon Black. The addition of this chemical turned tyres black but more importantly it made tyres stronger and more durable.

The changes that adding carbon black made to the traditional white tyre were enormous. It increased the strength of the rubber by over 1000% percent and helped to reduce the heat being placed on the rubber treads by redirecting it to the carbon black fillers elsewhere.

Carbon black has also been found to increase safety on the road. The chemical additives, in addition to the innovation in tread design, improved traction so that it became less hazardous to drive in wet weather.

Vintage Bentley restored for Pebble Beach

Recently, Vintage Bentley commenced the restoration of the 1930 Bentley Speed Six Close Couple Coupe. Having been the custodian of chassis SB 2761 for over 15 years and Martin Walker coachwork for nine years, this restoration came with a vision like no other; to restore all original elements for the first time in over 45 years.

Time has been the only luxury to the project since she was first built 90 years ago; the Vintage Bentley team completed the restoration inclusive of original chassis, engine and coachwork with techniques and restrictions that Bentley Motors Ltd and Martin Walter would have experienced in 1930.

During the restoration project, the original Martin Walter interior of SB 2761 has been carefully stripped prior to the delicate removal of the existing paintwork to evaluate the body’s condition.

Prior to dispatch to the coachbuilder, the chassis completed a successful 86mile test drive in February this year. The rolling chassis delighted her audience and welcomed over 14.2M views across the world on social platforms.

Factory finishes have been applied as faithfully as possible by the Vintage Bentley team. In period, engine scraping was a labour-intensive job carried out by apprentices which was completed in one sitting. The chassis and Bentley Motors Parts were hand painted in grey primer using a period painting technique. All of which have been reflected in this restoration project, including keeping the chassis intact to fit the body.

The finished product was then despatched to sunnier climes in Pebble Beach.

Automatic cars

More and more modern cars are coming with automatic gearboxes. While they make driving a lot easier they can easily cause major financial problems if motorists ignore some warning signs. It can be as easy as replacing fluids or it can be thousands for a complete rebuild.

Minor transmission repairs involve replacing defective solenoids, re-sealing for leaks, replacing parts, and throttle cable adjustment. Major transmission repair requires disassembling, inspection, cleaning, and rebuilding. It's labour intensive and cost prohibitive.

No recession for Supercars

At a time when the prophets of doom are talking the world into recession it is notable that supercar manufacturers are booming.

Lamborghini announced that sales are up 5 per cent in its opening six months, though profits surged by a massive 70 per cent. CEO Stephan Winkelmann also confirmed it already has enough orders to cover the entirety of next year's production run, ultimately meaning it has sold out of supercars until 2024.

Ferrari revealed record sales and profits for the second quarter and Bentley reported its best ever financial results for the first half of a year, as the rich show no sign of slowing down when it comes to splurging on the world's most exclusive motors.

Bentley announced at the end of July that first-half operating profits had more than doubled in the first six months of this year, boosted by increased customisation of cars as sales rose significantly in Europe and Britain despite ongoing global economic uncertainty.

The best-selling Bentayga luxury SUV claimed 40 per cent of total sales, with the latest Flying Spur limousine accounting for 27 per cent and the Continental GT Grand Tourer recording 33 per cent of the brand's share of sales.

Luckily, transmission failure doesn't usually happen without warning. There are several warning signs that your transmission's going out. Here are some transmission symptoms to keep in the back of your mind.

STRANGE SMELLS

Road trips are full of smells, but if any of them seem to be coming from your engine, pay attention. If you notice a burning smell, it's a sure sign something's not working correctly.

As transmission fluid runs low or degrades, it overheats and starts to burn. This makes your engine run hot, which contributes to early wear, excess debris, and corrosion.

Other causes of burning smells include trapped plastic, dripping antifreeze, or a melting heater core.

You should always get a burning smell checked out, no matter the cause.

STRANGE SOUNDS

Car breakdowns are always accompanied by clunking sounds, whether it's a flat tyre or a faulty starter. Strange sounds can mean transmission trouble.

Don't pass off abrupt changes in your driving soundtrack with a cursory, "well, that's new."

Clunking, humming or whining sounds are signs of automatic transmission problems. Faulty manual transmissions will also give off loud machine-like sounds that seem to come out of nowhere.

A clunking noise when you shift gears is a tell-tale transmission situation. Have a mechanic look it over.

NOISINESS

Excess noisiness may also indicate a problem. A noisy, bumping sound when your car is in neutral requires an engine check.

The solution is usually pretty simple. It might be low fluid. It could also be that the wrong fluid type was used, and it's not doing the job.

On the other hand, it could be a problem with your bearings or gear teeth, which may need replacements.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Though many drivers are used

to ignoring a chronic check engine light, there are times to take it seriously. A red or blinking light is trying to alert you to an urgent problem.

Sensors all around your vehicle can trip the warning system. Even something as inconsequential as a loose filler cap can set it off.

When the transmission sensors set off the check engine light, it's a cause for concern. The sensors detect minute jerks and tremors that you wouldn't otherwise notice.

Don't wait until you do notice them when a simple diagnostic scan could give you peace of mind.

NO RESPONSE

A functioning transmission will slide right into the proper gear. If your car is hesitating or giving you no response, something's wrong, and it's often the transmission.

In a manual vehicle, this delayed shifting is accompanied

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by an RPM surge and engine noise that doesn't match your speed.

It might just be your clutch, but the only way to know for sure is to take it in for service.

FLUID LEAK

If your fluids leak or break down and you don't replace them fast enough, your engine can't work properly.

An automatic transmission fuel leak is easy to spot by its red colour and sweet smell. It can also take on a darker colour and toasty smell if it's past its prime.

DON'T MISS THESE TRANSMISSION SYMPTOMS

If your car is exhibiting any of these transmission symptoms, get it checked out. If something feels off, it probably is. 2Ignoring unusual smells, sounds, and temperament could cost you in the long run.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann

682HP Cadillac Escalade

Although the Escalade is a common sight on the streets of the USA, sightings in these islands tends to be limited to footballers going to training sessions in their left hand drive mammoths.

Cadillac have just launched their 682 HP SUV/Truck stateside for an eye-watering price tag of $150,000. The monster engine will take this monster from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds. If you feel you can do without all the extra horse power the range starts at $76,295.

The interior is exactly what you’d expect from a

class leading prestige vehicle.

The first thing one notices is that the gloss black dash is actually a screen that encases another screen, which is the instrument cluster.

This is a 38-inch curved OLED display. On this screen, you can view different options such as night vision and augmented reality GPS, which essentially takes the image from the camera in front of the truck and adds GPS navigation information to that.

Add to that everything that modern technology can deliver and you have a pretty good sense of what Cadillac will deliver you for the money.

Auction to mark 60 years of James Bond films

Defender, Range Rover and Jaguar stunt cars from No Time To Die are among lots being auctioned to mark 60 years of James Bond films.

Two Defenders and a Range Rover Sport SVR will be offered, led by a Defender 110 (estimate: £300,000-£500,000) famed for its all-terrain stunt scenes in No Time To Die. Its sale will benefit the British Red Cross. The auction lot has the unique VIN (vehicle identification number) 007. One of 10 Defenders used during filming, it was also used in promotional activity ahead of the film’s release.

A Defender 110 V8 Bond Edition, created by SV Bespoke and inspired by the specification of the Defenders in No Time To Die, also goes under the hammer (estimate: £200,000-£300,000). Just 300 Bond Editions were available worldwide, and this version has a unique ‘60 Years of Bond’ logo etched on the instrument panel end cap. This vehicle is fully road legal and will be sold to benefit conservation charity Tusk.

The Range Rover Sport SVR stunt car (estimate: £80,000-£120,000) also starred in a high-speed allterrain No Time To Die chase and was one of six supplied for filming.

Chosen by the No Time To Die stunt team as a perfect chase car, a Jaguar XF (estimate: £50,000£70,000) is one of two that appeared in the film’s precredit sequence. They pursued James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) through the narrow, twisting streets of Matera in southern Italy.

Nick Collins, Executive Director Vehicle Programmes, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Defender, Range Rover and Jaguar were in the thick of the action in No Time To Die. Each car represents a unique piece of James Bond history which we're sure collectors will be keen to own and we are delighted to be able to support our charity partners through their sale. With such high demand for the Defender V8 Bond Edition, we are also hoping this special one-off version with the 60 years of Bond logo will attract a keen buyer.”

The official two-part charity sale, Sixty Years of James Bond, features 60 lots in total. The online sale will be open for bidding from 15 September until James Bond Day on 5 October presenting 35 lots spanning the twenty-five films with posters, props, costumes, memorabilia and experiences. The Defender, Range Rover and Jaguar stunt cars are among the 25 lots at the live auction to be held by Christie’s and EON Productions in London on 28 September by invitation only. Fans and collectors worldwide will be able to bid online using Christie’s LiveTM.

2200 Horse Power Supercar

The Vayanne is a new all-electric hypercar from Austria-based Deus Automobiles. They were established in 2020 with the goal of building niche electric hypercars, and only 99 units are planned for production. It definitely qualifies as niche, and with over 2,200 bhp (1,641 kilowatts), it absolutely qualifies for hypercar territory. Deus describes it as a "design language of symmetry and infinity" and who are we to disagree?

New Defender during rehearsals on set of ‘No Time To Die’

2020 Danjaq LLC and MGM

By DECLAN GLYNN www.motoringmatters.ie

Updated Toyota Camry sharpens the senses

Following a 14-year hiatus, the world’s best-selling saloon car, the iconic Toyota Camry, returned to Irish shores in 2019. Now, just a few short years later, an updated Camry Hybrid has been launched in Ireland.

Beloved by drivers who favour premium quality and luxury in their car of choice, the arrival of the 2019 Camry represented a major reassessment in the appreciation for Toyota’s large saloon car with its ingenious platform design credentials, dynamic driving experience and sumptuous cabin. Its arrival as a hybrid-only version also spoke volumes for the change that Irish drivers were taking in terms of seeking out cars with lower CO2 emissions, negligible NOx, and the fuel consumption and lower running costs inherent in Toyota hybrids.

DYNAMIC INNOVATION

Building on more than 20 years of hybrid expertise, the revised Toyota Camry fuses dynamic innovation with timeless sophistication, while combining seamlessly-integrated technology with striking good looks.

Powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine, the driving experience has been transformed, allowing the self-charging hybrid system to produce impressive power and torque, alongside excellent fuel economy, and CO2 emissions from just 107g/km. The supremely quiet drive is made even more tranquil thanks to superior sound insulation that reduces road and wind noise at all speeds.

IMPRESSIVE SAFETY FEATURES

The new Camry Hybrid comes with ‘Toyota Safety Sense 2’ as standard, providing a unique set of advanced driver assistance

technologies.

Toyota Safety Sense 2 features a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (day & night-time) and Cyclist Detection (daytime), Intersection Turn Assist, Emergency Steering Assist, Full-Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, and Road Sign Assist.

With the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform underpinning the Camry, safety and ride refinement meet exhilarating handling and intuitive new technology.

With 524-litres of usable boot space, the Camry Hybrid Saloon can accommodate a golf bag and accessories with ease, while the boot capacity can be increased dramatically by folding the rear seats – a task that is made easy by way of a pair of levers in the boot.

Due to the fact that the 2019 Camry was pretty much perfectly formed in every respect, the changes to the updated model are few, with the main external difference being a newly-crafted front bumper with chrome-effect inserts.

TWO HIGH-SPEC VARIANTS

The revised Toyota Camry is available in two highly-specified trim levels – Sol and Platinum Edition – both of which are powered by the same petrol/electric self-charging hybrid system.

Standard features in Sol trim include 17” alloy wheels, front & rear corner parking sensors, rearview camera, LED headlamps (low beam), LED front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, LED (low) rear combination lights, leather upholstery, powered driver and front passenger seats,

7” Toyota Touch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, DAB Radio, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, eCall emergency call system, and a temporary spare wheel, along with an EV Indicator to enable drivers to see when the car is operating in electric-only mode.

Upgrading to the Platinum Edition will bring with it 18” dark grey machined-face alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, front & rear full parking sensors, Smart Entry, LED headlamps (high & low beam), LED (high) rear combination lights, heated and ventilated front seats, driver seat memory function, 9” Toyota Touch infotainment screen, Panoramic View Monitor, wireless charger, heated steering wheel, paddleshift control, power-adjustable steering wheel with memory

function, and dark wood-effect insert on centre console.

CAR ON REVIEW

My review car was a Toyota Camry ‘Platinum Edition’ which looked very elegant in its Precious Metal pearlescent paintwork and beige leather upholstery.

Producing 218bhp and 221Nm of torque, the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in as little as 8.3seconds in a refined and wellcontrolled manner.

The Camry will start every journey in electric mode and, thanks to a super-quiet driving experience around town, driver’s will be hard pushed to realise when the petrol engine kicks in, with a comfortable ride quality equivalent to some ‘premium brand’ models.

The spacious cabin in the revised Camry is built with precision, with a logical and intuitive layout allowing for a relaxed driving experience. Thankfully, the e-CVT (automatic) is super-smooth, with the engine noise produced by CVT-equipped cars of old now pretty much absent.

The car corners flatly and without fuss, while strong brakes ensure excellent stopping performance.

Fuel consumption as low as 5.3l/100km (53.3mpg) on a WLTP combined driving-cycle ensures that petrol station visits are as

infrequent as possible.

My mix of urban and motorway driving returned an impressive 5.6l/100km (47.1mpg) according to the on-board computer, and that is quite remarkable for a large saloon car with a powerful 2.5-litre petrol engine.

The hybrid engine in the new Camry allows drivers to experience a smooth drive, while producing up to 90% fewer NOX emissions, and less CO2 emissions compared to driving a diesel vehicle.

Thanks to a wheelbase measuring in at 2825mm, the Camry provides rear seat passengers with limo-like space and comfort, while materials used throughout the spacious cabin are of exceptionally-high quality.

VERDICT & PRICING

Overall, the updated Toyota Camry Hybrid offers striking good looks, commendable spaciousness, intuitive technology, and outstanding fuel efficiency, while also delivering a rewarding driving experience. Toyota’s comprehensive 3-year/ 100,000km warranty comes as standard, along with a 5-year hybrid component warranty.

The updated Camry Hybrid Saloon is priced from €44,190 (ex-delivery) and is certainly a car that is ‘built for a better world’.

New Suzuki S-CROSS with Hybrid Technology

original Suzuki S-Cross earned high acclaim for its stylish design, compact and easy-to-manage dimensions, and good on-road performance, as well as impressive off-road capability with its optional ALLGRIP Select 4x4 system. It is now replaced by an all-new model which takes advantage of Suzuki’s long established expertise in packaging vehicles above their class with flexibility, an even higher level of safety equipment, and the latest technology to meet the diverse needs of both driver and passengers.

The

SMOOTH FLOWING LINES

The S-Cross expresses Suzuki’s SUV styling heritage, and the new model makes a strong statement with its bold and more muscular design that enhances its presence with larger and more angular wheel arches, and smooth flowing lines.

The front-end design incorporates a raised bonnet line, piano black front grille and new design three LED position headlamps that help portray a high centre of gravity.

This theme continues at the rear with larger combination lamps that integrate horizontally with the rear centre garnish to emphasise a sense of width, in addition to roof rails and integrated rear spoiler.

This all-new design is complemented with a more spacious and versatile interior, and an even higher standard of safety specification than the previous model.

BOOSTERJET TECHNOLOGY

The innovative 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine used in the new S-Cross was developed with Suzuki’s ethos of reducing weight and size with added response and smooth power delivery to achieve the characteristics that Suzuki engines are renowned for.

This engine incorporates an electric Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system for the intake side, as well as latest design fuel injectors, and a high pressure fuel pump.

Offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normallyaspirated engine, it delivers an effortless drive and genuine driving pleasure.

Boosterjet technology is Suzuki’s own development and is characterised by improved fuel efficiency which is made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger. The Boosterjet system reduces

pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power and fuel-efficiency.

An air bypass valve is also utilised to prevent turbo ‘stall’ after the throttle has been closed and then quickly reopened.

48V MILD HYBRID SYSTEM

The new S-Cross also benefits from the introduction of Suzuki’s 48V hybrid system which is very lightweight in design, and its components add less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle.

The 48V Suzuki system consists of a lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), and a 48V-12V converter to power components requiring lower voltage – such as lights, audio and air-conditioning.

The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven, and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take-off for a higher level of torque, with 235Nm available from 2,000rpm and up to 3,000rpm.

The compact and high performance lithium-ion battery stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking, and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the ISG. This battery, as well as the convertor unit, are located under the front seats to assist overall weight distribution.

The new S-Cross Hybrid has a six-speed manual transmission, and gear ratios are optimised to

help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy.

Additional measures added include a shift lever counterweight to help provide a smooth, positive shift action. An optional six-speed automatic transmission is available, and this transmission also offers paddle shift control with levers located behind the steering wheel.

TEST CAR

My test car was a new S-Cross SX4 Hybrid 6-speed manual, which looked stunning in its Energetic Red pearlescent paintwork. With its combination of a high bonnet line, chrome exterior trim, aluminium roof rails, sloping roof line, and bold front grille, the new S-Cross certainly is a handsome car from every angle.

Standard equipment in Motion specification is comprehensive and includes seven airbags, 17-inch painted alloy wheels, three signature LED projector headlamps for low and high beam, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, keyless entry & start, dual-zone auto air-conditioning, heated front seats, and front & rear parking sensors.

The 48V Hybrid system in the new S-Cross benefits from the introduction of electric motor idling when the clutch is

By BREDA CORRIGAN www.motoringmatters.ie

disengaged and engine speed is approximately 1,000rpm. This feature essentially replaces fuel injection with power from the electric motor to then control and maintain engine idling at vehicle speeds below 16km/h, and when stationary. The optimised gear ratios in the manual transmission provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy, while additional features include a shift lever counterweight to help provide a smooth, positive shift action every time. Superior rigidity and ride comfort are provided by way of a rear suspension with a beam design –a closed section consisting of a pipe crushed to form a ‘U’ shape. The spring rate of the coil springs, as well as damper tuning, have also been optimised during development to further improve handling, stability and overall driving dynamics.

Ventilated disc brakes at the front of the new S-Cross, and solid disc brakes at the rear provide superior braking performance at all times.

Lane changing at speeds above 16km/h is made safer with the standard Blind Spot Monitor function. The system has two rear-mounted side radar sensors that are capable of detecting vehicles located in, or approaching, the rear blind spots on either side of the vehicle. This potentially life-saving system illuminates an LED warning icon

in the relevant exterior mirror when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, and if the driver ignores it and indicates to change lanes, a flashing LED icon is accompanied by a warning sound alert. The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the new S-Cross produces 127bhp (129PS) and a healthy 235Nm of torque, and this enables a 0100km/h sprint time of just 9.5seconds. Fuel consumption as low as 5.3l/100km (53.2mpg) is possible on a WLTP combined driving cycle, with annual road tax costing just €190 (manual) or €200 (automatic).

VERDICT, PRICING & WARRANTY

The new Suzuki S-Cross is a very likeable and commendable SUV in every respect. It performs every task asked of it in a confident and capable manner, it comes very well equipped, and is practical and versatile too.

Spirited performance, excellent fuel economy, and a strong torque output should be enough to satisfy even the most demanding of drivers in the midsize SUV market segment.

The new S-Cross is priced at just €29,365 (including delivery) for the six-speed manual version, with the six-speed automatic variant priced at €31,395 (incl. delivery). A 3-year/100,000km warranty comes as standard, along with roadside assistance for complete peace of mind motoring.

Put your knowledge to the test with our

1.

2.

What is the best-selling car of all time?

What country consumes the most petrol every year?

What year is considered the birth of the modern automobile?

What is the most popular colour for a car?

What is the van in the popular cartoon show “Scooby-Doo” named?

What was the most expensive car every sold and for how much?

What year was the first speeding ticket issued in the United States?

8. What year was the first electric traffic light invented?

9. What year was the first auto insurance policy created?

10. Who invented the intermittent windshield wiper that is still used on vehicles today?

11. What was the first foreign car company to go to America?

12. What did people use to indicate turns while driving before the invention of the turn signal?

13. Oscar J. Simler invented the turn signal in what year?

14. What year was anti-freeze invented?

15. On average, how many parts are there in a car?

16. What did drivers use to steer their vehicles before the steering wheel was invented?

17. The earliest known use of the steering wheel was in what year?

18. What percentage of car parts are recyclable?

19. Where did the sports car originate from?

20. What year was Ford Motor Company established?

21. Who is the protagonist in the Disney Pixar film “Cars”?

22. Who was the first company to provide seatbelts as an option in automobiles?

23. What year was the first manual retractable hardtop convertible invented?

24. What was the name of the first car sent into space?

25. “The American Dream” is the name of the world’s longest car. How long is it?

Opel partners with Mondello Park to launch 2022 Early Drive Road Safety Programme

Opel Ireland has partnered with Mondello Park to launch the 2022 EARLY-DRIVE road safety programme. A unique young driver education programme, developed by Mondello Park and the Irish School of Motoring, EARLYDRIVE | Electrified by Opel, has been designed specifically for 13 to 17-year-olds to give them valuable first-time driving experience behind the wheel of an Opel Corsa on the famous Mondello Park circuit in County Kildare.

Mondello Park recently took delivery of five Opel Corsa models, including two allelectric Corsa-e models, ahead of the launch and new school academic year in September.

The EARLY-DRIVE | Electrified by Opel course at Mondello Park aims to instil general road safety awareness in students from an early age, ensuring they immediately become safer pedestrians and cyclists, and setting them on their way to becoming safe drivers of the future.

With a combination of practical on- and theoretical offtrack sessions, the course is delivered in a fun, exciting and ultimately safe environment.

A Road Ready session includes theory test practice questions and a step-by-step guide to applying for a driver’s

license.

The highlight of the day sees participants driving a dual controlled zero-emissions electric or petrol automatic Opel Corsa on the famous Mondello Park track, with an instructor beside them. They learn precision throttle and steering control, correct speed and braking techniques, parallel parking, reversing, spatial awareness and observation skills.

The experience further includes a tour of Mondello Park, the home of Irish Motorsport since 1968, taking in the podium, garages and pitlane, as well as a tour of the impressive selection of Le Mans, NASCAR and Formula One cars in the Martin Birrane Collection.

Roddy Greene, Managing Director of Mondello Park said:

MOTORING NEWS...

“This is an unforgettable day for teenagers, giving them their first driving experience in the safe environment of our track. The excitement and enjoyment of the day is clear to see.

“The ISM (Irish School of Motoring) has had a significant input into creating the program

and we are delighted to partner with Opel Ireland.”

Richard Dillon, Head of Retail Sales at Opel Ireland, said: “It is very timely to partner with Mondello Park and to launch EARLY-DRIVE | Electrified by Opel, given the recent announcement Opel will be purely electric in

Walmart USA is selling the pool for $45 and it fits almost like a square in your pickup truck. With the price of diesel it might be better value than a trip to Brittas Bay!

RECALL FOR FERRARI

Here’s more proof that even some of the finest crafted cars in the world aren’t immune from recalls. Ferrari issued a sweeping recall of 23,555 cars because of a possible brake fluid leak. Failing brakes are not ideal, but compound that with the high-performance pedigree associated with Ferrari’s sports cars.

The root of the problem is a brake reservoir cap that might not vent properly. If the cap doesn’t vent as intended, it could create a vacuum in the system and cause a leak. This leak could cause the brake system to fail, which could then lead to a crash.

Europe by 2028. Indeed, today’s young learner driver may only ever drive an electrified, automatic car and we are delighted to be part of that transition.

“The zero-emissions Opel Corsa-e is the perfect introduction to driving; fun to

drive, it also looks great.

For further details or to book the EARLY-DRIVE | Electrified by Opel course at Mondello Park, go to http://www.mondellopark.ie No previous driving experience is required and the courses are available for both individuals as well as school groups.

DOUBLE WIN FOR CITROEN

Both Citroën C3 Aircross and Grand C4 SpaceTourer have been named winners in the annual Auto Express Used Car Awards.

This is the second year that C3 Aircross has been awarded the ‘Best Used Small SUV’ trophy, and it’s the third consecutive year that Grand C4 SpaceTourer has taken the ‘Best Used MPV’ title. The judges from Auto Express praised both vehicles for their unique design, and spacious and comfortable interiors, with lots of compartments and family-friendly features.

ONLY IN AMERICA

Little did you realise that the cargo bed in your pickup truck could be used for more than just hauling the items you picked up at Tesco. It will soon become your favourite spot to hang out in summer, thanks to the Summer Waves Inflatable Truck Bed Pool.

The inflatable pool has two air chambers for quick inflation and deflation. All you have to do is inflate it, fill it with water, and get in. So even if you don’t have a pool in your garden, you’re guaranteed one whenever your truck is nearby. It’s basically like having a mobile pool.

The fix is almost as simple as you’d imagine: your Ferrari dealer will replace the suspect brake reservoir cap and then update your car’s software. According to the recall notice, the software update is designed to “provide a new warning message for low brake fluid.”

CAZOO LOSES £243 MILLION IN FIRST HALF 2022

Even the big boys are struggling in the UK motor trade. Cazoo, which is one of the big players in the market, lost an eye watering £243 million in the first half of this year despite turnover being up 153% to £628 million.

Alex Chesterman Founder & CEO of Cazoo, said he was proud of what the group had achieved so far in 2022.

“We achieved record revenues and retail unit sales in Q2 and grew our market share significantly, despite the tough macroeconomic backdrop, as the consumer shift towards online car buying continues to accelerate.”

Pictured from left to right are: Managing Director of Mondello Park, Roddy Greene with Richard Dillon, Head of Retail Sales at Opel Ireland

Mercedes-Benz EQB

–

Electrifying family transport

By BREDA CORRIGAN www.motoringmatters.ie

TTheall-new Mercedes-Benz EQB is a seven-seat fullyelectric family SUV which is based on the petrol and diesel-powered GLB, and it is packed with lots of premium appeal too. Like the GLB, the EQB comes with a high roofline and rugged off-road appearance, but under the metal and behind the blanked-off front grille, the EQB has an identity all of its own.

The new EQB is fitted with a 66.5kWh battery and a pair of electric motors providing 4MATIC all-wheel drive capability. Mercedes-Benz claim that the EQB will return a range of 419kms from a fully charged battery and, from my own personal experience, this certainly does appear to reflect real-world driving.

IMPRESSIVE CABIN & BOOT

SPACE

As is the norm with the majority of seven-seat cars, you are not left with much in the way of cargo space when all seats are in their upright mode. However, the EQB offers 465-litres of space in its five-seat configuration, and up to 1,710-litres when all five rear seats are folded flat.

Overall cabin space is impressive, with lots of headroom on offer throughout, while a relatively large glass area

ensures great visibility for all occupants.

Space in the middle row is more than adequate – even for taller adults – with all seven occupants benefitting from comfortable and supportive seats. Even the rearmost seats get ISOFIX anchorage points, and this may be an important requirement for families who need to place small children in the 3rd row of seats on a regular basis.

POWERFUL AND CONFIDENT STANCE

The EQB interprets MercedesEQ’s Progressive Luxury in an edgy and particularly characterful way, and it features the typical Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with central star.

A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at the front and rear. A muscular shoulder dominates the side view of the EQB, which is further enhanced by the rise of the beltline, while outwardly positioned wheels give the EQB a powerful character and confident stance on the road.

The upmarket cabin of the EQB features an ultra-modern widescreen digital display which is MBUX controlled, and it can be individually configured with the help of various options.

Key advantages of the system include a powerful computer, brilliant screens and graphics, customisable presentation, fullcolour head-up display, navigation with augmented reality and learning software, and voice control activated by the keyword “Hey Mercedes”.

EASY CHARGE OPTIONS

The EQB has a 100kW maximum rapid charge rate, and this allows drivers to achieve a 10-80 per cent top-up in just 32 minutes.

A 0-100 per cent charge at home via a wallbox can be achieved in around 11 hours, but most drivers will never let the

battery reach anywhere near 0 per cent before they recharge, so less time should satisfy the needs of the majority of EQB drivers in this regard.

TEST CAR

My test car was a MercedesBenz EQB 300 4MATIC which was finished in stylish Mountain Grey metallic paint, with macchiato beige and black ARTICO manmade leather upholstery.

Key standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, Comfort seats, Comfort suspension, cruise control, DAB radio, EASY-PACK tailgate (electrically operated), leather multi-function steering wheel, extended MBUX function (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), heated front seats, hard-disc navigation, KEYLESSGO, LED high-performance headlights, MBUX multimedia system, reversing camera, front & rear parking sensors, black roof lining material, Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), steering wheel shift paddles (for regenerative braking intensity), THERMATIC automatic climate control, Touchpad with controller, tyre pressure waring system, velour floor mats, and rain sensing windscreen wipers, along with a host of advanced safety systems.

The only options fitted to my test car were metallic paint (€1,068) and a Night Package (€764) consisting of black roofbars, and heat-insulating dark tinted glass, along with 18”

5-spoke alloy wheels with black accents for an extra dash of style and panache.

Producing 228bhp and 390Nm of torque, the EQB 300 can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.0-seconds on its way to a top speed of 160km/h (where permitted).

Due to instant, and well controlled power delivery, overtaking slower moving traffic can be executed with ease, with instant acceleration right up to motorway speeds.

The EQB handles in a safe and secure manner at all times, with well-judged steering, strong brake pedal feel, and a terrific brake regeneration system all playing their part very well indeed.

Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles enable the driver to select the right amount of brake regeneration to suit their driving style.

In their strongest setting, you can bring the car to a complete stop by just lifting off the accelerator, while a coasting mode makes for simple, efficient motorway driving.

The EQB is smooth and relaxing to drive, while the amount of grip the dual-motor and 4MOTION drivetrain provide is reassuring on all road conditions, and in all weather conditions too.

VERDICT & PRICING

The new Mercedes-Benz EQB brings with it a new era in fullyelectric driving, and it is a wellrounded and suitably impressive mid-size family SUV that has the distinct advantage of being able to carry up to seven people in comfort and style.

Pricing for the new EQB starts at €65,660 and it is on sale now at Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealerships nationwide.

Driving Electric in the UK?

Tesla owner unlocks his car with contactless chip he had implanted IN HIS HAND

Iou know that feeling when you lose the car keys? One man who hasn’t got that problem is Brandon Dalaly

in the USA. He has had a tiny chip inserted in the skin under his hand which allows him to open his Tesla with a simple flick of the wrist.

It may not be for you and think it’ll never catch on, but it wasn’t that long ago we all paid in cash and contactless was only in science fiction!

car

Nissan dealership of the future?

Car dealerships are changing fast. The idea of an industrial unit with a few cars on the floor has already disappeared as distributors seek more and more exacting standards from their retailers.

Nissan have given an indication of their plans for the future with the opening of their Crossing in Ginza, Japan. This isn’t just a car dealership or showroom, it’s a totally immersive experience.

“Nissan Crossing is a complete re-do of the Nissan Gallery, a Ginza landmark for over 50 years. Now it literally lights up the streets of Tokyo’s glitzy, high-fashion district, thanks to its all-new Virtual Façade, featuring a “digi-tech” display of embedded LEDs.

The interior space is just as dramatic. Its oneof-a-kind, nearly impossible to construct spiral design was achieved with computerised fabrication techniques used in automotive

The Bragging Game

manufacturing. The space changes colour with the time, season, and scheduled event, keeping it fresh for visitors year-round.“

This look at the future dealership includes a theatre, interactive wall and boutique for all those little extras drivers may need.

Car manufacturers, like small boys, love to have the bragging rights.

When Tesla produced a record, 7 minutes 35 seconds, for an electric car around the 12.9 mile Nürburgring in Germany it was sure to annoy the big boys in Porsche.

The Tesla Model S Plaid held the record for over a year but now Elon Musk has to eat humble pie as

Porsche have managed to beat the Tesla time by a mere 2 seconds!

Porsche deployed their Taycan Turbo S for this event, a car that costs £142K in the UK.

If you need to ask the price here you probably don’t need the car anyway. Where could you use all that speed? For the record it hits 62 mph in 2.8 seconds.

At that price you know there has to be a problem. The new Bajaj Qute is currently available in India where it has fought a long legal struggle to be recognised as a passenger car. It is currently being regarded as an auto rickshaw and only available for commercial use.

This dinky sized car comes with 4 doors, seatbelts, but little else that would be familiar to Irish motorists. There is no radio, or air conditioning or even a fan. The windows slide open and that is the only way to get a bit of fresh

air circulating.

With a top speed of 70 kilometres per hour and a zero to 60 time of 27 seconds it really is little more than a glorified go kart!

On the plus side it does accommodate 4 adults and with a single cylinder 216CC engine its going to be really cheap to run.

If you are concerned about personal safety this car is unlikely to meet EuroNCap standards so you’re unlikely to see it on Irish roads any time soon.

If you are planning to travel in the UK in your EV, downloading an app seems to be the way ahead. Zap-Map has over 15,000 locations, 25,000 devices and 40,000 connectors mapped. Zap-Map shows charge points from the major networks and smaller providers across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Oasis singer sells Jag

Rock stars are usually known for excessive spending so when Oasis singer Noel Gallagher decided to invest in a vintage Jag he probably thought he was being sensible. Back in the 90s he ordered his ‘67 Mark 2 vintage Jag and paid up to £110,000 to have it completely rebuilt. When the car arrived 18 months later he forgot he’d ordered it, as rock stars do!

He also forgot an important detail: he couldn’t drive. Time went by and he never learned to drive so the car stayed garaged. In fact, it stayed under wraps for 25 years without being driven.

Recently he decided to part with his undriven investment. It sold for £125,000. His investment didn’t really make him a big return but then that’s life in the fast lane as a rock superstar.

Nifty Fifties display a blast from the past for Beaulieu’s International Autojumble

Beaulieu will be celebrating a golden era of motoring with a brand new Nifty Fifties display, as part of International Autojumble, returning on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September for a packed weekend of buying, selling and automotive enjoyment.

Nifty Fifties will bring together classic vehicles dating from 1950 to 1959, with a crowd-pleasing line-up from this much-loved era. The display will be just one of the features of the event, eagerly anticipated by thousands of motoring enthusiasts.

All 1950s motors are invited to take their place in the show, from popular British saloons and sports cars such as Standards, Wolseleys and Austin-Healeys, to chrome-ladened American classics such as Chevrolets and Cadillacs, European favourites such as Porsches, Citroens and Volkswagens, and even eye-catching bubble cars.

If you are searching for parts to complete a restoration project a trip to Beaulieu is essential.

£117,000 is the price of going back in time

Leading specialists in the sales and servicing of classic and prestige vehicles, Hilton & Moss, offer a lucky Jaguar-lover the chance to wind back the clock and experience the roar of an iconic 1950s sportscar with a near-perfect 1953 Jaguar XK120.

A whisker under the ripe old age of 70, the big cat doesn’t look a day older than the brand new, having been treated to a comprehensive restoration – after which the car has only travelled 335 miles under its own power.

Offering a transfixing glimpse into the glamour of the British sportscar’s heyday, the XK120 is a glowing testament to the revolutionary engineering that saw it claim the title of ‘fastest car in the world’ upon its global debut in 1948.

The beautiful sportscar may have been designed to tear up the roads to the tune of its soulful straight-six engine, but it didn’t take long to make an impact on the world of road-racing.

Marking Jaguar’s first foray into the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1950, the XK120 laid the groundwork for the XK120-C –otherwise known as the C-Type – to earn Jaguar’s first ever win at the prestigious motor race just a year later.

The XK120 began its life in the USA as a left-hand drive example finished in Pastel Blue, before making its way back home to the UK – where it was destined for a no-expenses-spared approach to

preserving its lustre and race-winning dynamics.

Immaculately restored from tyre treads to windscreen, the vehicle was professionally converted to right-hand drive and treated to an extensive powertrain upgrade.

The snarling 3.4-litre straight-six engine was bored out and modified to deliver engaging performance on the open road – power and pull delivered in every gear courtesy of a new five-speed transmission.

Drivers can also channel the confidence of the racers who tackled the infamous Le Mans circuit in years gone by with state-of-the-art disc brakes on all four corners of the car, making it a pure joy to drive whether on a laid-back grand tour or rip-roaring road rally.

Financial savings an important factor when buying an electric vehicle

New snapshot research undertaken by Energia and the Irish Electric Vehicle Owners Association has found that while large numbers of EV purchasers are driven by environmental concerns (40%), almost as many are enticed by the financial savings offered by electric charging (39%).

More than half of respondents to the survey, which took place in June 2022, are paying less than €5 to charge their car, a clear illustration of the cost benefits of EVs versus traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

Furthermore, the number of people charging their electric vehicle daily has dropped by 7%, with charging 1-3 times a week the most common response.

The survey also found that electric vehicle owners feel the Government is not doing enough to promote electric vehicles, with 87%

of respondents stating so.

Almost a third (28%) lack confidence that the government’s target of 1 million EVs by 2030 would be reached. However, respondents were positive about the available SEAI grant, with nearly a fifth stating that they wouldn’t have purchased a home charge point without it.

91% of respondents charge their electric vehicles at home. Free chargers, such as those provided by a third of survey participants’ employers, along with range anxiety, were the main reasons stated by the 9% who do not charge at home.

In terms of charging technology, most home charge points continue to come from charge point installers (47%) despite a decrease of 19% since 2021.

Being able to connect their home charge point to their solar panels was of importance to 31% of respondents, an increase of

18% since 2021. There has been a 3% increase since 2021 in those using public chargers.

Ciara Moane, Electric Vehicle Product Owner with Energia commented: “We know that the environment is the most important factor for those deciding to buy an electric vehicle, and as Ireland’s greenest electricity supplier, we take pride in providing 100% renewable energy to our customers with charge points located at their home.

“Over the past year, the number of home charge points we have installed has increased tenfold. With one in five cars licensed so far this year being electric or plug-in hybrid, we are confident that we will see these numbers continue to grow significantly, along with the numbers of customers on EV specific tariffs.

Energia’s EV offers include reduced night rates and tariffs bundled with

discounted home charge points. We are delighted to be energy partners with some of Ireland’s largest electric car manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, Opel, Honda, FIAT and Citroën. Energia are very proud to

play our part in assisting customers to make cleaner energy choices and help them on their exciting journey to owning an EV.”

Kevin Dowling, Chair of the IEVOA added: “Over the past few years we have

seen the shift to EVs accelerate, and from this research we know that Irish people’s deep concerns about their carbon footprint and their household running costs are prompting this.

“Being able to charge at

home is a huge benefit for owners and alongside public transport, walking, and cycling, switching to an EV becomes low hanging fruit for households to play their part in efforts to reach net zero.”

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE UNLEASHED

Whilst Rolls-Royce has built a reputation for creating the pinnacle of super-luxury motor cars using internal combustion engines, the concept of electrification is long familiar to the brand.

Henry Royce began his working life as an electrical engineer and dedicated much of his career to creating internal combustion engines that simulated the characteristics of an electric car – silent running, instant torque and the sensation of one endless gear.

Yet the connection with the marque’s founders is far deeper. When Charles Rolls drove a 1900 electric car named the Columbia, he made a prophecy: “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration.

They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.”

Spectre is the fulfilment of

this prophecy.

Spectre also represents a promise kept.

In 2011, Rolls-Royce showcased a fully electric Experimental Phantom concept named 102EX. This was followed by 103EX, a dramatic design study that anticipated a bold electric future for the marque.

These experimental cars prompted significant interest from Rolls-Royce clients, who felt that the characteristics of an electric powertrain would fit perfectly with the brand.

Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Officer, Torsten MüllerÖtvös, responded to this with a clear promise: RollsRoyce will go electric, starting this decade, and by 2030 Rolls-Royce will be a fully electric motor car brand.

In September 2021, RollsRoyce confirmed that it had commenced testing of the first all-electric Rolls-Royce, Spectre. To ensure Spectre is first and foremost a RollsRoyce, it will undergo the most demanding testing programme ever conceived

by the marque, spanning 2.5 million kilometres, simulating on average more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce. It is an extraordinary undertaking.

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: A BESPOKE ELECTRONIC ARCHITECTURE

Spectre is unlike any Rolls-Royce before it. This is not only because of its fully electric powertrain, but also its unprecedented computing power and application of advanced data-processing

technologies.

Spectre is the most connected Rolls-Royce ever and each of its components are more intelligent than in any previous Rolls-Royce.

It features 141,200 sender-receiver relations and has more than 1,000 functions and more than 25,000 sub functions. This is around three times more sender-receiver signals than a typical Rolls-Royce.

44 MotorMarket The dramatically increased intelligence of Spectre’s electronic and electric powertrain

architecture enables a free and direct exchange of detailed information between these functions with minimal centralised processing.

To unlock the potential of this technology, Rolls-Royce software engineering specialists developed a decentralised intelligence for Spectre. This is based on data being processed closer to its source rather than being handled in its entirety by a single central processing unit.

In harnessing this new

processing power, the marque’s engineers are creating unparalleled levels of detail, refinement and effortlessness for Spectre whilst ensuring continuity in the experience of RollsRoyce’s internal combustion engine motor cars. These highly experienced specialists describe the result as “Rolls-Royce in high definition”.

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: A NEW AERODYNAMIC STANDARD

In announcing the

redesigned Spirit of Ecstasy mascot that will sit proudly at the prow of Spectre, Rolls-Royce aerodynamicists predicted that the motor car would have a drag coefficient (cd) of just 0.26, making it the most aerodynamic RollsRoyce ever created.

The dramatic design of this landmark motor car, which itself is only possible using the marque’s spaceframe architecture, has enabled engineers to further improve on this landmark figure.

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: THE EXTRAORDINARY UNDERTAKING CONTINUES

The Spectre global testing programme continues: the Electric Super Coupé will still be tested for a further one million kilometres before the marque’s engineers will consider this undertaking complete.

First customer deliveries of Spectre will commence in the fourth quarter of 2023. Let’s all form an orderly queue!

By BREDA CORRIGAN • www.motoringmatters.ie

Mercedes-Benz EQE

High-tech electric luxury saloon

high quality materials throughout, and is in contrast to the relatively dated and minimalistic Tesla Model S cabin.

Mercedes-Benz has managed to strike an admirable balance between technology and traditional opulence in its design, with materials including leather, wood and piano black plastics.

The EQE features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and a 12.8-inch central infotainment system, and the interface will be familiar to anyone who has used the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system.

exceed those of the current E-Class, and this translates to impressive space and comfort for all occupants, while a 430-litre boot space can be accessed via a saloon-style opening that can be electronically opened and closed at the touch of a button.

The electric-car market in recent years has been driven mainly by city cars and large, family-friendly SUVs, while executive saloon car offerings have been slower to electrify. However, Mercedes-Benz has already arrived at the electric executive saloon party with its EQS luxury flagship, and now its electric car range has grown with the launch of the stunning EQE.

While the EQS is the electric equivalent of the super-luxurious S-Class saloon, the EQE is a fully electric equivalent to the petrol, diesel and hybrid-powered E-Class saloon. The EQE mirrors the sleek aerodynamic shape of the larger EQS, thereby making it more of a large four-door coupé than a traditional saloon.

SENSUAL SIMPLICITY

Rivals to the EQE are relatively few at present, with the Tesla Model S being the most obvious direct competitor. However, this will change somewhat in the near future with the launch of the Polestar 5, BMW i5 and Audi A6 e-tron executive saloons.

With its sensual simplicity, the new EQE emits outstanding modernisation from every view point, while the elegant one-bow design, sculpted surfaces,

reduced joints and seamless styling blend together perfectly to provide a head-turning athletic character. Additionally, the overhangs at the front end are kept short, while the rear provides a vibrant accent with a sharp rear spoiler.

STUNNING CABIN DESIGN

As with the EQS, the EQE boasts an absolutely stunning cabin that is laden with eyecatching design features and

Transforming the in-car user experience, the innovative infotainment system can, over time, even predict personal habits thanks to artificial intelligence. Activated by the keywords “Hey Mercedes”, LINGUATRONIC voice control lets you control many of the infotainment functions, including destination input, phone calls or music selection.

MBUX is able to understand different accents and is able to understand which individual seat the request has come from. It will, therefore, only respond to their specific request – such as adjusting the temperature for just the front passenger. Occupants can stay connected any time and anywhere with ‘Mercedes me connect’. Accessible via mobile, tablet or PC, ‘Mercedes me’ lets you enjoy the highest standards of care and support in a way that integrates seamlessly into our busy lifestyles.

The interior dimensions clearly

MODEL OPTIONS/DRIVING RANGE

The new Mercedes-Benz EQE is available in a variety of power outputs from 245bhp to 408bhp.

The entry-level EQE 300 produces 245bhp and has a driving range of up to 622kms, while the EQE 350 produces 292bhp and has a similar range.

These rear-wheel drive models are joined by an EQE 350 4MATIC and EQE 500 4MATIC (both of which are all-wheel drive with a range of up to 579kms) with 292bhp and 408bhp respectively.

For drivers who demand even more performance, a pair of beefy Mercedes-AMG EQE’s are available too. Options consist of a 43 4MATIC or 53 4MATIC with 476bhp or 625bhp respectively, with a driving range of up to 532kms depending on the model chosen.

The EQE 300, 350 and 500 are available with a choice of Standard Exterior, Electric Art Exterior or AMG Line Exterior, all

of which come with a high specification as standard, while buyers can choose from an Electric Art Interior or AMG Line Interior according to their own individual style, with numerous upholstery and wheel options also available, along with a host of optional equipment and packages.

In terms of safety, the EQE comes complete with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, including numerous driver support functions.

The EQE’s charging port is located on the driver side rear quarter panel and is compatible with AC and DC charging options.

A full charge (0-100%) from a standard 7.4kW domestic wallbox charger can be completed in around fourteen and a half hours, while a 10-80% charge at a DC rapid charging station can be completed in just 32 minutes.

Most drivers of electric vehicles will never let their cars’ battery run down to anything near empty, so a top-up at home, or at a public charging station, will certainly reduce these charging times accordingly.

TEST CAR DETAILS

My test car was an EQE 350+ AMG Line (interior & exterior), and

was finished in High-Tech Silver metallic paintwork with contrasting Black and Space Grey leather upholstery.

The rear wheel-mounted electric motor is powered by an 89kWh lithium-ion battery with an on-board charger capacity of 11kW (A/C) and 170kW (D/C). Producing 292bhp and a hefty 565Nm of torque, the electric motor can propel the car from 0100km/h in just 6.4-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 210km/h (where permitted). The driver can choose from four different driving modes in the EQE – Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual – so the car can be adapted to suit different driving styles.

The suspension is modelled on that of the S-Class, with air springs all round, and this enables the EQE to cruise along rough road surfaces unperturbed, while remaining amazingly serene at all times.

The EQE possesses impeccable road manners and it feels nimbler and smaller on the road than its footprint suggests, while parking sensors front and rear, along with 360-degree cameras make the car super-easy to manoeuvre in and out of parking spaces.

A comprehensive list of comfort, convenience, infotainment, safety and security features come as standard across the EQE model range, with my test car also benefitting from an optional ‘Premium Package’ and trendy ‘red seat belts’ for an added dash of visual drama, along with the AMG Line interior and exterior trim.

VERDICT & PRICING

The new Mercedes-Benz EQE is a serious contender for outright class honours in the electric luxury saloon market. It is impressively refined and supremely comfortable, while its effortless acceleration and radarbased energy recuperation greatly add to the overall driving pleasure from behind the leatherbound, multi-function steering wheel.

The EQE 300 is priced from €82,943, with the EQE 350+ priced from €85,980. The optional extra fitted to my test car brought the price to €105,131. Prices quoted do not include dealer and delivery related charges. With the Mercedes-Benz EQE, an outstanding driving experience awaits you.