Motoring

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING

Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie

PEUGEOT e-208

Peugeot is fast pursuing the electric dream with a slew of new hybrid and pure electric models. Many of the French brand's key models now offer some sort of electrified option - from the smallest 208 to the popular 3008 SUV and new Peugeot 308 hatchback and estate.

The Peugeot e-208 offers a pure electric drive in Peugeot's compact and stylish small hatchback. It goes up against other small EVs such as the Opel Corsae, Renault Zoe and Mini Electric. But the Peugeot e-208 is definitely one of the most stylish. There are three trim levels available - Active, Allure Pack and GT. The GT model is the sportiest of them all with 17" diamond cut alloy wheels, gloss black around the wheel arches, black roof and a chequered flag effect grille. But even entry level cars get 16” alloys and LED headlights. Electric versions of the 208 have just a small 'e' on the C-pillar and tailgate, and a subtle blue finish to the Peugeot lion on the front grille. With pricing starting from €28,730 including VRT relief and SEAI grant, the Peugeot e-208 is also keenly priced among small electric cars. Granted it will cost more to buy than petrol and diesel versions of the 208. The Peugeot e-208 is also one of the most fun to drive small electric cars, with a range of up to 362 km measured by industry standards. Though in real world driving 280 km seems more realistic once factors such as the time of year and your driving style are taken into account. The cabin of the Peugeot e-208 stands out for its quality, with an upmarket feel that can be hard to find in the very smallest electric cars. There's lots of gloss

black enhancing the cabin's stylish design and the beautiful Peugeot i-Cockpit. In the centre of the dash there is a 7" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though Allure Pack and GT models get a more impressive 10" touchscreen. The ventilation controls are in the screen, but the elegant piano key underneath offer a shortcut to switch between menus quickly. Standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, push button start and cruise control. The e-208 is a small car so rear legroom is limited, though it's not impossible to carry adults. With the position of the battery in the e-208, Peugeot has managed to keep interior space and boot space the same as petrol and diesel 208s. The boot is compact too at 311 litres, but you can let the rear seats down for carrying larger items. The e-208 is good fun to drive with agile handling and light steering. The 136hp motor in the e-208 provides enough power and the car moves effortlessly charging is also possible using the standard CCS adaptor. Charging at the maximum 100 kW, the e208 can be 80% charged in 30 minutes. Electric suits the 208 very well. The Peugeot e-208 is super stylish, with a beautiful interior that feels more upmarket than much of the competition. The e-208's 50kWh battery offers decent performance, particularly in the town and city environs where these small cars really feel at home. The Peugeot e208 makes a great introduction to electric motoring. Like competitors, it is more expensive than an equivalent petrol or diesel car but there are many benefits to switching to electric at this time.

from town to rural roads to motorways. On short journeys and in town is where the e-208 really shines, with the range of the car offering plenty of comfort between charging. The range diminishes more rapidly in high-speed motorway driving, but with a stop planned for charging on long trips, it's still a decent enough performance for the e-208. And when it comes to charging, the e208's 50kWh battery is pretty swift at adding the kilometres. With a 7kW wallbox installed at home, it will take about 7.5 hours to charge the e-208. Fast DC Model tested: Peugeot e-208 GT Price: €33,285 Battery: 50 kWh Range: 362km (WLTP) Power: 136 hp Torque: 260 Nm Top speed: 150 km/h Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.1 seconds Motor Tax: €120 per year n

AUTO TINTING

TEL: 053 9430013

Arklow Road, Gorey

Lifetime Warranty

Professional Accredited Installers Complete Range of Tints incl. NCT www.coatek.ie www.coatek.ie info@coatek.ie info@coatek.ie

AUTO REPAIR

ENNISCORTHY

NCT Preparation – Repairs – Timing Belts Clutches – General Servicing – Etc No job too big or too small

NCRS, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy (opposite Cooney Furlong / Gala) Tel: 086-8299431 – 053 9233033 – Email: ncrallying@yahoo.ie

L&M STARTER & ALTERNATOR REPAIR SERVICE

CARS, VANS, 4X4, TRUCKS, TRACTORS, MARINE, QUADS, LAWNMOWERS AND GENERATORS. WE REPAIR ALL UNITS. ALL APPLICATIONS CATERED FOR. Island Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9235933.

Free classic car & vintage tractor show

A public showcase of some of the finest classic and vintage cars is set to take place on Saturday, July 9th, at the WWETB Waterford Training Centre located at Waterford Industrial Estate, from 10.30am.

Some of the Finest Classic Cars & Vintage Tractors to be on show at Free Classic Car Show on July 9th.

Some of the finest classic cars and vintage tractors are set to go on display at a free classic car show hosted by Waterford Training Centre located in the Waterford Industrial Estate on Saturday, July 9th, from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. The show will be hosted by the course leaders at the Classic Car Restoration Course at the WWETB Waterford Training Centre. The showcase is a celebration of the works completed by the course participants who have taken part in either the Classic Car Restoration day course or the evening course over the last 20 weeks. The Classic Car Restoration Course was launched in 2016 at the Waterford Training Centre, part of Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) and it is the only course of its kind in the entire country. In addition, the team behind the Agricultural Mechanics Apprenticeship at WWETB are joining the event and will be showcasing a display of vintage tractors alongside up to 150 classic cars and motorbikes.

The Classic Car Restoration Course Instructor Pat Bolger has over 40 years of experience in the motor trade and in restoring old cars. Commenting on the upcoming event Pat says, “We are delighted to showcase the work processes that take place in classic car restoration. The popularity of this course has been fantastic and the turnout of works and finished motors is to the highest standard, and car show visitors will be in for a treat on July 9th. “We will have approximately 150 to 160 cars, bikes and vans on the day. These will include a pair of Borgward's, a 1932 Ford hot rod, a couple of American Pickups, a 1908 Reo, 1926 Essex, 1951 Indian Chief Motorcycle plus a host of Beetles, Anglias, Escorts, BMWs and Toyotas. There will be two prizes on the day, and these will be presented to the Best Classic and Best Tractor judged by the participants in the show.” Commenting on the event and course, Shay Cummins, Assistant Manager at the Waterford Training Centre, says, “To date over 200 people have taken part and gained qualifications in our Classic Car Restoration Course. We have course participants come from all over to gain this qualification, from Dublin to Cork and all across the Southeast region. This event will demonstrate the professional skills these course participants gained and offer an opportunity to the public to gain a little insight into what do here at the WWETB Waterford Training Centre.” Members of the public are welcome to attend the Classic Car Restoration Showcase at the Waterford Training Centre, Waterford Industrial Park on the Cork Road on Saturday, July 9th, from 10.30 am – for further details see: www.facebook.com/Waterford-Wexford-Training-Services Classic/Vintage enthusiasts are also very welcome to bring along their own vehicle and enter it for 'best in show' on the day. n