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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
could get three adults into the back seat the middle person could have leg room problem. So it would be probably be more comfortable with just two people in the back. The front lights are very attractive and I liked the way the amber rear lights moved horizontally when I applied the central locking. I called to a friend, who was wearing his usual ‘car anorak’ and he pointed out that the door handles open up by Seán Creedon rather than out. The beginning of each year is a popular time for So not a whole lot of exterior change and the inpeople trying to lose weight, but very often those terior looked familiar also. There is the usual imresolutions don’t last very long. Weight is easier to pressive infotainment screen on the dash, which control when you are working on a new car and doesn’t fold down. You can choose five driving Audi say the weight of their revamped A4 has options, comfort, sport, eco, etc. The screen can been reduced by 110 kg. also be used for Sat Nav and of course for the imAs with humans less weight in a car means better portant radio controls. And the button to choose economy and lower running costs. Audi claim that the radio stations can be controlled by the driver you should be able to get up to 72 mpg. Most of or front seat passenger. And while it didn’t have my driving last week was in the city and I honest- heated front seats, the heating was very good. ly couldn’t verify that figure, but what I can say The boot is huge and the good news is that you is that the fuel gauge in my 2.0-litre diesel model get a ‘mini’ spare wheel rather than that dreaded dropped very slowly. repair kit. I drove a silver version, which looked In addition to the weight loss, Audi has made a well, but then one day I saw a red version and it few tweaks to the exterior design, but you would looked even better. Once again colour makes such need to be wearing your anorak to spot them all. a difference when choosing a new car. I know that the A4 is very popular with females, Available in petrol and diesel, the Audi A4 range but some of the older females in our house found start at €35,800, while the top of the range S Line the new car was slung a bit too slow for access and version I drove starts at €44,200. Then there are is egress. a plethora of extras available, if you have cash to The seats are very comfortable and while you spare. With low emissions road tax is only €190.
Audi A4
DS4
The revolution continues. Hot on the heels of BMW’s first ever front wheel drive, the 2-Series active Tourer hatchback, the same model has been stretched and pulled in all directions to make the firm’s first seven-seater MPV. We’re just going to put this out there but, whisper it, there are actually people who aren’t aching with desire for the endless parking and driving conundrums associated with owning an SUV behemoth. Certain badges are aspirational, though, and it will be a relief to many fans of premium German engineering that they now have an option to carry large payloads in style without feeling like they ought to take out a HGV license. Not that this is a tiny vehicle. It may be the same width as an Active Tourer but that payload capacity requires an extra218mm length on it’s baby brother.
The DS4, which has been described as ‘the spirit of avant garde,’ is very stylish. If you didn’t know it already, you would guess that it’s French. I drove the DS at the Irish launch in Druid’s Glen back in January, but last week I was in the slightly fancier DS4 Crossback. I have had a small issue with the automatic release of the electronic handbrake in another other models recently, one of which turned out to be my own fault as I hadn’t fastened my seat belt before attempting to drive off. When you sit into the Crossback there is a notice in five different languages on the door, warning the driver to apply the electronic handbrake before leaving the vehicle. But the good news is that the handbrake automatically disengages when you attempt to drive away, even if you are still fumbling to try and fasten the driver’s seat belt. The Crossback version is really cute, with a slightly different rear end from the regular DS, two silver roof rails, all topped with 18-inch Brisbane diamond-cut alloys. We are told it’s a higher ride, but
The dash area is very compact and I loved the sporty-looking steering wheel. You get a seven-inch touch screen with Sat Nav. And the DS caters for Apple i-Phone users. There is room in the back but it might be a bit of a squeeze if they are all bulky adults. Also the rear windows don’t open. The boot is a decent size and underneath is a ‘mini’ spare wheel. On the road the road the DS handles very well and you will be very comfortable when cornering. DS don’t actually tell you what the actual horse power of the car is, saying instead if it’s Pure Tech or Blue Hdi. Prices for the DS4 start at €26,995, while the Crossback range starts at €30,495. Road tax is €190. For me the only problem was the way the two back doors came to a very dangerous point. You need to be very careful when opening or closing the back doors as you very easily injure your eye.
It’s full of French flair. With Citroen there was always the worry about residuals, I don’t know if the same situation will apply to the DS range.
Publisher Details Issue 33
Publisher/ Sales Director: James Williams
The engine range is extensive with two petrol and three diesel options ranging from the 1.5 litre three cylinder 216D which is a little breathless at 116bhp but makes up for with just 108g/km Co2 and 4.11 litres of fuel every 100km. At the other end of the scale, the diesel 2-litre can produce 192bhp but drinks 6.3 litres of crude every sixty odd miles. Whichever one you choose you’ll be getting premium motoring in a practical and desirable package. Best Version: Grand Tourer Price Range: €36,211 to €51,280 EuroNCAP Safety Rating: Not yet tested
DS5
the increased height is only 30mm, so I think it’s an attempt to try and give the car a more SUV look. My test car came in a burnt-orange colour and it certainly was attractive and got a few envious glances from a few teenagers who I think might turn to be boy-racers in the not too distant future.
Citroen introduced the iconic DS sub-brand over 60 years ago. Now the French manufacturer is keen to promote the DS as a separate entity from regular Citroen cars. It’s a difficult task for dealers, customers and sub-editors alike, but that’s the way they want it.
from BMW and the standard goodies include twozone air conditioning, auto headlights, rain sensors, collision warning with City Brake and parking assist which help to make it a nice cut above.
Inside it is pleasingly plush as you would expect
by Seán Creedon
We are now into summer weather with long evenings, but it was only when I returned to the car late one night that I noticed how attractive the LED lights were. The beams come on automatically when you unlock the car. The new grille and lights come from the DS5. When I sat in I thought the interior was a bit dark and as the weather was fine I thought it could have done with a sun roof. But you can adjust the sun visors for the driver and passenger to allow more light in the car.
BMW 2 Series
Citroen reintroduced the iconic DS name to its fleet a few years back. The DS range, which was originally launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, was brought back in 2010 when the DS3 was introduced. Then came the DS4, which was followed by the gorgeous DS5. Now the DS5 has got a makeover and Citroen are so proud of the range that they now talk about the DS as a separate entity. So is the brand with the Avant Garde styling strong enough to stand out on its own two feet or in this case, own four wheels? Ultimately the buying public will decide. But I can tell you that it certainly is luxurious. The recent make-over saw the introduction of a new grille at the front, but really the changes are so discreet you would probably need to be wearing your favourite anorak to spot all the improvements. The front is very attractive with beautiful head lights and it got a few envious glances from young men last week. Young men, who at this stage of their life are unlikely to be able to afford a DS. Most of the improvements are under the bonnet with a new Blue HDi 2-0-litre engine, which is very smooth. With 150 brake horse power, you won’t be left behind at the traffic lights, but really this is not just a car for rapid take-offs, but for mo-
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by Seán Creedon
torway cruising. Inside there is some beautiful craftsmanship, but there is a serious amount of metal over your head. My daughter, who is my regular front seat passenger found it all a bit claustrophobic and she couldn’t be described as very tall. There is a sunroof and it’s divided up into sections and controlled by the driver and front seat passenger, who can open or close the blinds to control the light levels. All the controls are right next to the gear lever and I mean all as the buttons to open and close the windows are also included in that cluster. The back seat passengers are not afforded as much individual choice. The roof at the back does open and the back seat passengers can feel the wind in their hair if they so wish. Normally we associated clocks with being round, but in this car the clock on the dash has a rectangle angle shape, which is very unusual. You can also get the time from the display unit on the dash, so no excuses for being late. Overall the cabin it very comfortable, but also very busy looking and when you first sit in there is so much for the brain to absorb. The last time I drove a DS5 a witty passenger remarked that there were more buttons in the cabin than you would see in Cadburys factory in Coolock. The boot is a decent size, but no spare wheel, just the dreaded repair kit. Apart from head room for my front seat passenger, the only other complaint I got was the lack of a proper cup holder between the driver and front seat passenger, but there are cup holders inside the doors. All that luxury is not cheap and prices start at €36,045. No doubt it’s gorgeous and if you are going to the Euro finals in France later year and want to rent a car, do it in French style and opt for a DS.
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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
Fiat 500
by Seán Creedon
‘The evolution of an icon.’ That’s how Fiat describe the latest edition of their popular 500, which was introduced 59 years ago in 1957 as the Cinquecento. The 500 was revived in 2007 and there have been a few special editions in the past few years. Fiat say that there are 1,900 new components in the new car, but you would need to be wearing your best Italian anorak to notice all the improvements. The exterior changes are subtle and included now are LED daytime running lights, new headlamps and driving lights designed to echo the zeros in the car’s 500 badging. That badging was extended to the alloys in the top of the range ‘Lounge’ version which I tested last week. I drove a lovely Avantgarde Bordeaux-coloured model. Externally it was so cute and it’s so bright inside you might be reaching for your sunglasses when you sit in. It has a really fresh and attractive look to it. The dash is red and is set off with a nice shade of cream. First impressions are lasting and if you have any doubts about which external colour to choose from, you will certainly be won over by the colours on the dash. There is no doubt that the 500 has more female
Ford Focus ST
Ok, it’s not exactly a sportscar but where do you put a machine that is the subject of aspirational drools from just about every car enthusiast of a sporting nature? The new ST sits at the top of the Focus range until a faster and more powerful four wheel drive Focus RS arrives this year, like it the ST is a showcase model that highlights the technology Ford behold. It’s coming up on 19 years since the first Ford Focus ST’s hit the streets and since then over 500 have been sold in Ireland and more than 140,000 worldwide. Ford has broadened the horizon with the latest ST(which stands for sports technology, by the way) by offering for the first time a diesel derivative and, looks wise, the ST does the business. From the dust caps on its 18” or optional 19” alloy wheels, to the red brake callipers that shine through the wheel spokes, this car looks special and with the new Ford identity blackened grille, side skirts, front and rear spoilers, this hot hatch has that aggressive mean look all hot hatches should have. Sitting on low profile and wide 235/35 Michelin tyres, these alone hint that a lot of rubber is required to tame what is under the ST’s bonnet. In either petrol or diesel guise each ST has a meaty sporty look which is just as well considering the machine’s cornering capability.
than male owners in Ireland, but take a trip to Italy and you will see how much the Italian love it, male and female. It had a stop-start technology, but really wasn’t that smooth and took a bit of effort to get through the gears. The car is only 3.5 metres long and that means parking is so easy. I think it would be the ideal car to use if you need to park in Fleet Street or Christchurch car parks in Dublin city centre. The material in the front seats is attractive, but my regular front seat passengers didn’t think the seats were really comfortable. I liked the way the gear lever is incorporated in the dash area, which is dominated by a huge mini-type speedometer. The buttons to open and close the two front windows are also located in this cluster. In the back you could accommodate two adults with short legs or three children with similar short legs. The back windows don’t open. Naturally the boot is small, but the good news is that you get a proper spare wheel. My top of the range ‘Lounge’ version had a sun roof, which meant for a really bright interior. The controls on the dash are well laid out and easy to use. There are also slave controls on the cute steering wheel. Prices start at €14,450 for the basic Pop version. PCP for the Pop version will cost you only €150 per month. Then if you want a bit more luxury there is the Pop Star and Lounge versions. Engines are 0.9 and 1.2 petrol plus 1.3 diesel. It’s certainly a neat city car and there are not many new cars that you can get for 14k. You friends won’t know it only cost 14k and if they know anything about cars, they will be impressed with the retro look. There are lots of new colours available and if you fancy yourself as a car designer there several customisation possibilities. Everything about the 500 is cute, but it’s probably best suited to urban driving.
There may be some die-hard Ford enthusiasts who will laugh at the idea of the ST having five doors. As the photographs show, two rear doors add versatility rather than taking anything away. The 2.0 litre Eco Boost petrol is expected to be the best seller. Capable OF 250bhp, this motor features turbo-charging, twin independent variable cam timing technology and high pressure direct injection. 0-100km/h timing of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 248 km/h suggests track days may be the only solution to the search for the true capability of this car. Ford lay claim to 6.8L/100km (41.5mpg) on the combined cycle, the most fuel efficient (6% improvement) petrol Focus ST, ever, apparently. The diesel derivative has proved every bit as satisfying with 185bhp on tap from the advanced 2.0 TDCi ST for an only very slightly tamer experience than the petrol ST. Claimed to return 4.2L/100km (67.8 mpg) on the combined cycle Ford insists that this car offers the same fuel efficiency as the 1.6 litre TD1 95bhp unit found in the normal Focus. Apart from offering lesser chances of getting penalty points and better economy the ST diesel with a 110g/km CO2 has a road tax rate of €190 against the petrol 158g/km CO2 €570. Each car is mated to an individually matched sixspeed gearbox operated by performance-orientated, short throw shifts. Complete with stiffened body shells and sports suspension the torque steer under hard acceleration is controlled by Ford’s specially designed front suspension. With communicative steering an electronic stability control(ESC). This senses vehicle stability and driver inputs, predicts when a skid or loss of control might occur and intervenes as required using individual wheel braking. Comfortable as hot hatches go, the ST in either guises showed great surefootedness and stability. A driver’s car in either guise if ever there was one, I’d only opt for the estate car if I wanted to be the fastest commercial traveller on this island. Best Version: 2.0 Eco Boost Petrol Hatch Price Range: €39,200 to €39,800 EuroNCAP safety rating: Not yet tested
Dacia Sandero
It might be as cheap as chips but we’re not talking half a pound of grease stained with yesterday’s red top newsprint here. No, what you get for your few bob at Dacia is something that puts you more in mind of those gourmet, oven roasted, rock salt garnished, served in a miniature stainless bucket with an array of dipping sauces chips. The Sandero is the second wave of Dacia’s selfstyled “Shockingly Affordable” models and comes with a spec and build quality that , from the oppositions point of view, makes it ”frighteningly capable”. Aimed at that broad constituency of consumer tied to ageing second-hand motors and the fast rising costs that go with them, a brand new Sandero can be sitting on your drive way for as much as €5,000 less than the opposition. And that, mark you, is half the total cost of €9,990. Decent styling, doors that shut with a thud rather than an off putting clanging sound and bolted together in such a manner that we couldn’t detect a single squeak or rattle throughout our time with it (which is more than can be said for some better established brands…) and you have a car and brand
going further than just ‘a’ to ‘b’. Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Brake Assist and ABS all come as standard. Add in four airbags, daytime running lights, 60/40 split seating, electric front windows, radio with CD,MP3,USB and most importantly Bluetooth and it’s a heady mix for the amount that some people would spend on a watch or a stereo system. Renault rescued Romania’s Dacia brand in 2004 so inevitably the French marque’s switchgear and engineering feature strongly. The basic model utilises an old Renault Clio 1.2-litre petrol engine good for 75bhp but produces 135g/km Co2 emissions. The 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine is better again and the cutting edge three cylinder 90bhp 898cc turbo petrol reduces emissions to 116g/km and looks the best bet. Our test Signature model had alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and an assortment of other goodies for a €3,000 premium carrying it closer to the opposition but the basic model has enough clout to make a serious dent in the market. With 1200 litres of storage capacity with the60/40 seats folded flat it’s plenty of roomy. The steering requires a light touch and the handling is competent rather than inspiring but that’s hardly the point. Some might see the Dacia Sandero as austerity motoring. That’s no bad thing. Perhaps ‘smart motoring’ is the better epithet. Best Version: 898cc TCe90 Price Range: €9,990 to €14,990 EuroNCAP Safety Rating: 4-star,80% adult,79% children,57% pedestrian,55% safety Assist
Dacia Duster
There’s a nice honesty to the Duster. Some people may see it as the yellow pack, or bargain basement type of crossover / SUV, but it does everything it says on the tin. You can’t compare the Duster to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga etc. Instead this is for those who aspire to owning an SUV 4X4 but can’t afford the models listed. They have an old car, could possibly afford to come up a few years to a high mileage, no warranty used SUV –or buy a Duster at prices starting at €15,990. Dacia offers the Duster in three derivatives: Alternative 4x2, Signature 4x2 and signature 4x4. The walk from the base model to the other variants is €2,000 per move. The fact that Dacia has put its money where its mouth is with two warranties is credible and very welcome. Three-year warranty is standard while five years is optional at an extra cost of €549. I’d seriously consider the latter. What you see is what you get with this car. Sitting on proper tyres (Continental 215/65/R16) and alloys, the Duster has a modern, fresh appearance. In the boot a full sized wheel is located under the solid floor. Inside is simple and easy. The Renault dials are
clear, there’s a manual adjustment for the headlights, an on-board computer, central switch for 2WD and all-wheel-drive with diff lock and, best of all, standard Bluetooth. Powered by the Renault/Nissan 1.5 DCi unit similar to that found in the Qashqai, it produces 110bhp and with a Co2 of 137g/km for the 4x4(130g/km 2WD) falls into tax band B (€280 per annum). With a lovely power-to-weight ratio, the Duster is more than capable, proving to be smooth, sufficiently powerful and economical. Dacia claims a combined cycle figure of 5.3 litres per 100km (54mpg) for the 4x4. With a laden vehicle we achieved 6.5 litres (43mpg) per 100km. The Dacia showed great confidence, surefootedness and returned an element of comfort that competes with many cars that cost a lot more. With the 2WD costing more or less similar money to that of a three year old hatchback I’d lean towards the base Duster. Best version: Alternative 4.2 Price Range: €16,190 to €20,890 EuroNCAP Safety rating: 3-star,74% Adult,78% Child,28% Pedestrian,29% Safety Assist.
YOUR ŠKODA DEALER HAS MIRACULOUS OFFERS JUST FOR YOU
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In addition to Interest FREE Finance we also have… FREE SmartLink* which enables you to access the Apps and Navigation on your Smartphone through our Colour Touch Screen Sound Systems. UPGRADE PACKAGES. We also have some exceptional interest free upgrade packages such as: Fabia Tech pack for less than €6 per month. Yeti Full leather package from just €17 per month. Octavia Sportline package with Bi-Xenon Lights and a whole host of extra kit from only €42 per month. For more details on these great packs visit www.skoda.ie
Typical Finance Example: Octavia 1.2TSI 86bhp Active on the road price excluding metallic paint €19,595. Deposit / Part Exchange €6,056.64. 36 monthly payments of €179 (including service plan of €13.99 per month). Optional final Payment €7,598. Total cost of credit €0. Total hire purchase price €19,595. Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. 0% APR is offered on Fabia, Rapid, Yeti and Octavia models ordered between the 23rd May and the 31st July 2016 & registered before 31st August 2016. *Excludes Citigo models & Active trim lines across all models. Smartlink may already be standard equipment on selected models or may not be offered on certain stock models. Please check with your authorised ŠKODA dealer in advance of placing your order.
06
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
It is one of Ireland’s favourite small cars since 1976, consistently ticking the boxes for small car requirements and the new Fiesta from the big blue oval doesn’t disappoint. On the road the stylish new Fiesta is very comfortable for passengers and driver alike and we found its chassis design even brought the fun back into driving. The latest Fiesta offering comes to market with a selection of new safety features and technology that many larger cars can envy, keeping the Fiesta a major contender in the small car segment. The new exclusive My Key feature allows you to programme individual keys and set functions like max speed, audio system volume and safety feature settings, convenient for setting parameters for younger drivers. The Fiesta is available in three specification levels and offered with options like Ford
Ford Fiesta Ford S-Max and Ford Galaxy
Ford Mondeo
Continental Irish Car of the Year 2016
The new continental Irish car of the Year for 2016 is the latest version of the evergreen Ford Mondeo, the new model sporting a cavernous Zagato-esque grille courtesy of Ford stable mate Aston Martin which is both delightfully distinctive and wonderfully evocative. It was a long time coming as Ford transferred production from Belgium to Valencia in Spain but the new Mondeo was certainly worth the wait. It looks terrific in either two of the guises(hatch or estate). A four-door saloon will be available in hybrid form a little later. The Mondeo is huge on the inside. So big, so accommodating is the car that if cars in general were priced and sold by the centimetre this Ford would represent marvellous value. The boot has a massive 550 litre capacity and this can be extended to 1444 litres with the seats folded. But the true worth of this vehicle is apparent when you get behind the wheel. We first drove the new Mondeo in 2.0 litre 150bhp diesel and 1.5-litre Eco Boost 160 bhp petrol formats. The initial 1.6 litre,115bhp and 2.0 litre 150 bhp die-
by Seán Creedon
SYNC which provides voice activation to connected devices, hill start assist and active city stop add to the safety and driving experience. The only complaint we had was the information display which, as good as it is, looks dated and is perhaps not as easy to operate as it could be. Our test of the award winning three cylinder 1.0L Eco-Boost engine delivering 100PS consisted of over 650km of mixed road driving which returned 5.6l/100km (50.3mpg in old money) and it revealed itself as extremely capable and a pleasure to drive. Nice car Henry. Best Version: 1.0 Litre EcoBoost 100PS Price range: €16,340 to €27,890 CO2 range: 98 to 120g/Km EuroNCAP safety rating: 5- star, 91% adult, 86% children, 65% pedestrian, 71% safety assist
sel engines have been supplemented with 1.0 litre and LS litre Eco Boost petrol variants and 2.0 litre petrol Hybrid. While the 2.0 litre diesel is a very competent performer it was the 1.5 Eco Boost petrol that really stole the limelight at the launch. Extremely capable, it proved to be one of the quietest and most refined engines we’ve ever tested. Any small misgivings are quickly dispelled by grasping the steering wheel and selecting first gear. Over the fast, twisty mountainous Spanish roads, the Mondeo revealed a remarkable sure-footedness fro such a huge car. It really is great fun to drive. It’s a vehicle that straddles the segments and takes on everything from Opel and VW to BMW 3-Series and Audi A3. It took a while to arrive but when it did the new Mondeo didn’t disappoint and there are few if any other cars in this class that can relay such a range of positive emotions. Best version: 2.0 litre 150PS Price Range: €27,645 to €42,445 Euro NCAP safety Rating: 5-star,86%adult,82% child,66% pedestrian,66% safety assist.
In recent weeks I had a brief drive in the Ford Mustang, the first time this powerful sport scar has been made available in Europe in a right hand drive. I have also road tested new versions of Ford’s S-Max and Galaxy, which are very similar. I first drove the smaller S-Max, which has much the same attributes as the Mondeo; it has been described as the driver’s seven-seater and it’s hard to have any complaints about that moniker. It has been with us now since 2006 and the following year was voted European Car of the Year. This new version has, like most other makeovers, meant a new grille among the changes. It’s also the first Ford car worldwide to offer Intelligent Speed Limited, a technology that scans traffic signs and adjusts the throttle to help drivers stay within legal speed limits. In total there are 20 new technologies, including glare-free highbeam lights, adaptive steering and Ford’s Intelligent AllWheel Drive. I drove a Ruby red-coloured S-Max and it was gorgeous, so comfortable to travel in and despite its length, every easy to handle. Ford like to call the S-Max an SAV (sports activity vehicle), rather than SUV, which is applied to their smaller C-Max. The second week I had the Galaxy, which is the top of the range in Ford’s people carriers and
truly massive. In the interior of both cars there is very little change to the previous versions and everything is very well laid out, much the same as the Mondeo. The dash is dominated by an eight-inch touch screen. It’s easy to adjust the middle row of seats and those seated in the middle have the benefit of a tray to hold laptop or drinks. In the S-Max the third row is best suited to small children, who will love the novelty of being so far away from their parents, but the third row in the Galaxy has bigger seats and more head room. These SAV’s are massive cars and a pleasure to travel in. Regular readers will know that I’m a big radio fan. The radio in both cars had a scan button, which was brilliant. I know that I did annoy my daughter occasionally by pressing the scan button, but how do you know what’s on the other stations unless you can have a quick listen! Prices for the S-Max at €35,860, while the Galaxy starts at €38,860. I drove an automatic version of both cars. As with most cars, the more extras you want the higher the price. For example, the panoramic sun roof will cost you an extra €1,060 in the S-Max, while it’s €1,275 in the Galaxy. It’s only when you go to buy a new car you will realise how the extras quickly add up. The S-Max is available in 1.5-litre petrol Eco Boost and 2.0-litre diesel, while the Galaxy is only available as a 2.0-litre diesel. The good news is that there is a ‘mini’ spare wheel in both cars, but you might get yourself dirty finding the spare, as it’s located under the car. Still a spare is better than a repair kit. So it’s a hard call, but I suppose ultimately it will come down to what you can afford and how much space you need. The Galaxy is huge and there is better head room for people sitting in the third row, but I think the S-Max should be able to cater for most people’s needs.
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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07
Mondeo Vignale
New Ford Mustang Arrives in Ireland
First Time Right Hand Drive Model is Available For the first time since it was launched in 1964, a new specially developed ‘European’ Ford Mustang has arrived in Ireland - also marking the first time that the iconic nameplate is available as a right hand drive model. “Up till now, left hand drive Mustangs imported from the US are the only models that car fans would have seen here,” said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “That is all set to change now that the sleek, all new Mustang has arrived on our shores. We are sure that the new eye-catching Mustang will become a common sight on the motorways and by-roads of Ireland.” “As you would expect, the new Mustang is modern, technologically advanced and forward-looking, but its look also harks back to the heritage of Mustang’s unique identity that has inspired Ford customers for generations – it is a great mix of the old and the very, very new. And true connoisseurs of great driving dynamics will be delighted to hear that that new Mustang is a wonderful driving experience”, concluded McMahon. Even though the car has never been sold in Europe until now, the Mustang’s reputation for performance and its iconic status as a symbol of the free, open road is well implanted in the psyche of motorists across Europe. More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook, Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games. The new Mustang has been developed with world-class performance, driving dynamics and usability in mind – and includes a significant amount of advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies.
The Mustang experience The way Ford Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience. The Ford Mustang offers outstanding power options and a
sophisticated new chassis designed to meet the driving dynamics expectations of European drivers. Ford’s acclaimed 5.0 litre V8 engine – yielding 416PS and 524Nm of torque for Europe – is joined by an all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang; delivering turbocharged performance with the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions demanded by Europe’s car consumers. The Mustang’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver usable performance. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect, with 317PS and 434Nm of torque for Europe. An automatic transmission option features steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that deliver convenience and control for drivers.
A Mustang for the true driving enthusiast The new Ford Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride. The new double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of large, powerful brakes. Both 2.3 litre EcoBoost and V8-powered GT Mustang models will feature performance brake packages behind standard 19 inch wheels in Europe. At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application, and are well-suited to European roads and high speed driving culture. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.
Ford has introduced a new word to the motoring vocabulary, Vignale. Italian Afredo Vignale established a coach building company in Turin in 194 8 and that company was eventually sold to Ford in 1973, but they didn’t use the name until now.
However, the arrival of the Vignale version of the Mondeo has definitely put Ford ahead again.
Ford are using Vignale to describe premium versions of their cars. Last week I drove the Mondeo Vignale and in the coming years we will see Vignale versions of the S-Max and Kuga and maybe a few more models from Ford.
Inside there is a lot of leather on the seats and dash area. Back seat travellers can leave down an arm-rest with cup holders. My back passengers told me that it was a very relaxing car to travel in. Maybe it had something to do with the inflatable seat belts, which cost an extra €200. On the road the Vignale is just a little smoother than the regular Mondeo. I suppose the fact that it was automatic added to the luxurious feel.
It has been suggested that Ford want to grab a piece of the ‘premium pie’ from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. But all that luxury comes at a hefty price, with prices starting at €43,900. With a few extras thrown in, the price of my automatic 2.0-litre diesel test model climbed to 50k. Vignale is to Ford’s premium offering what RS is to its performance cars. I drove a brown coloured version which attracted compliments from almost all of the people I spoke to. It’s impossible to please everybody, but nearly all thought that the brown looked the part. The official colour was Vignale Nocciola and it got some envious glances, not from boy racers this time, but from mature adults. We had to wait a long time for the new Mondeo to come to Irish garages. The closure of a Ford manufacturing plant in Belgium and a switch to Spain meant we had to wait over a year for the new car. It was worth the wait, but some people felt that the new VW Passat, which arrived around the same time, was even more stylish.
Externally the main change from the regular Mondeo is the honeycomb grille that will be part of the Vignale signature. There is also a lot more chrome around the fog lights and at the back.
I always feel very comfortable in a Ford, no matter which car it is. The dials on the dash are user friendly and so easy to use. However, I wasn’t mad about the electronic handbrake, which didn’t release automatically when I attempted to drive off. And yes, I did have the seat belt fastened! It’s luxurious, but you pay a lot of money for that extra comfort with prices starting at almost €44,000. You could buy two of Ford’s popular Focus cars for that money. Still it’s classy to look at and to travel in. I had lots of extras like cruise control and plenty of parking sensors. I got a puncture, but when I went to get it repaired the helpful young man in Thorntons said that it was a 15-inch spare not a full-size 18-inch. Still a spare wheel for only €35 is good value any day.
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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
Honda CRV If I say that the best thing about the all new Honda Crv is its massive 589-litre boot, does that sound like I am damning it with faint praise? I hope not, because once again, Honda had come up with a cracking mid-size SUV, that majors on quality, refinement and comfort and, crucially, has, thanks to that massive boot, the best utility credential in the class. The styling looks more imposing than before, and the cabin is typically Honda; a little hazard in strict ergonomic terms but comfy and beautifully built. Until recently the
Honda Jazz
Honda HR-V
by Seán Creedon
A few weeks back I said that dark blue didn’t really do much for the new Honda HR-V I was driving. Better news this week as the Honda Jazz press car came in a very impressive red. It really stood out in the supermarket car park and as we didn’t have any rain the week I had the car, it looked sparking right throughout the week. There is an old saying that ‘the day you buy is the day you sell,’ and a motor fanatic told me last week that solid red is a great colour to have when trading in. So there is a good tip for you to remember when buying your next car. This is the third generation of the Jazz supermini and it has undergone a complete overhaul. The previous version was more like an MPV, while now it reminded me of a Ford Fiesta. Only one engine this time, a 1.3-litre petrol, which has more power than the previous 1.4-litre and is more economical than the old 1.2 version. The front now has a much sleeker look to it and the headlamps merge with the multi-layered grille that is part of Honda’s latest design. Indeed the Japanese company has refreshed its entire range of cars. The cabin is bright, but no sun roof option which I had just got used to the previous week in the Skoda Yeti. It certainly is a comfortable car to travel in and there is plenty of leg and head room in the back for three adults. Honda describe those back seats as ‘magic,’ and they certainly are very flexible. It’s very nippy around town, but once or twice I thought it was a bit sluggish and you will need
to work through the gears if you happen to approach a steep incline on the road at a slow speed. The boot is a decent size and while space has been left for a spare wheel, none is provided. Once again you will have to haggle with your dealer for a spare. Honda build reliable cars, but you just never know the time of day or night you might get a puncture and believe me there is no joy in fumbling with a repair kit late at night. There are lots of safety extras like the City Brake active system which comes as standard across all models, while I appreciated the Forward Collision warning which came as standing in my ES version, which is the mid range. It genuinely is a big improvement on the previous version. I liked it and the only small complaint was the touch-screen for the radio controls. I found the controls frustrating and somehow I ended up changing the language on the screen to Danish, but Marty Whelan still played music from that wonderful Italian composer Ennico Morriconi. I would have preferred an old-fashioned knob to scroll through the radio stations; but then not only am I old but sometimes I’m old-fashioned also! Prices start at €17,395 for the entry level SE version and rise to €21,900 for the top of the range ES CVT version. PCP from €189 per month. Road tax is €200 in five of the six models, the exception is the SE CVT where it’s only €190. If you are thinking of buying, I would recommend the red option.
CRV came in four wheel drive only form with the familiar small iDTEC 2.2-litre 148bhp diesel engine, but now you can order a front-wheel-drive version using Honda’s all-new 1.6 diesel that will score just 99g/km on the emissions scale. A Band A Suv with space and comfort to burn? Sounds good to us. Best version: 2.2 iCDTI SE Price Range: €31,995 - €51,565 Co2 Range: 119-180g/km EuroNCAP Safety rating: Not yet tested
I’m always interested to learn where cars companies get names for their new models. Do they come from a nomadic tribe, like the Qashqai or historic places in Spain which are used by Seat. So naturally I had to try and get the bottom of what Honda meant with their HR-V, which I drove last week. The HR-V apparently stands for Hi-riding Revolutionary Vehicle. The HR-V has been around since 1999 and the second generation was introduced in this part of the world last year. It obviously made a big impression as last November it was voted the Irish Motor Writers’ Continental Compact Car of the Year. The first HR-V model was clever enough, but it had a boxy look to it. This new model which has a semi-coupe style with contours and crisp lines, is very attractive and naturally will be compared with Nissan’s best-selling Qashqai. At first glance you would think it’s a two-door car, but in a trend I first saw used by Alfa Romeo many years ago the rear doors handles are very discreet and are integrated into the C pillars. My test model had a full length sun-roof which meant for a bright interior. You won’t get the sunroof as standard in the entry level SE version, but it’s standard in the top of the range EX version which I drove. The front seats can be easily adjusted and there is plenty of room in the back for three adults. There are plenty of cubby holes for holding drinks, phones etc. And there is an unusual storage compartment between the two front seats. It was so unusual that one day I couldn’t find the keys of the car. But I knew they were in the car as I was able to start it! There is an unusual-looking air vent over the glove compartment. A colleague said it reminded her of the wing of airplane. The boot is a decent size and while there is plenty of space left for a spare wheel, none is provided. So it will be ‘haggling time’ with your local Honda dealer. I drove a dark blue colour, which didn’t really sparkle, think red might be better. I drove a frugal diesel version with 118 brake horse pow-
er and I’m told it’s better than the petrol which can call on ten more horses at 128 bhp. Prices start at €23,995 for the 1.5 petrol while the 1.6 diesel version starts at €25,995. All the extras in the top of the range EX version I drove brought the price up to €32,895. Road tax is €190. Incidentally there are so many goodies in the top of the range version it took a full page on the Honda press release to itemise them all. I liked it and had no complaints with the driving, handling or fuel economy. Some cars with electronic handbrakes disengage the handbrake when you drive off. In the Honda you have to release the button, annoying, but probably safer. My regular front seat passengers said she found the radio controls a little frustrating and would have preferred a button rather than the touch screen. I would also prefer a button for the radio, but I did have the benefit of slave controls on the steering wheel. And if you want reliability it’s good to know that Honda won the What Car? magazine most reliable car manufacturer award nine years in-arow.
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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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Hyundai Tucson by Seán Creedon
Remember the old Tommy Cooper joke ‘‘I used to be indecisive, now I’m not so sure.’’? It reminds me a bit of Hyundai, who have been flitting between the names Tucson and IX35 for their neat SUV, but now it looks like they have finally made up their mind; it’s going to be Tucson from now on. Incidentally in Japan the car was called ‘JM’, which meant Joyful Mover.
has a touch of arthritis, didn’t have any problem ‘climbing on board.’ We all get so used to these high-seated cars. I think they are safer than saloons as you can see the dangers around you, but then it’s a big change when you sit in a regular saloon car the following week. The seats in the Tucson are solid, but also very comfortable and they provide great lumbar support.
At the launch of the new model in Powerscourt, County Wicklow last October Hyundai’s Irish MD Stephen Gleeson said they have changed the name back to Tucson because the company wanted a ‘world car.’ And it looks like they certainly have got one.
I read recently that there are at least 41 cars named after places in the US, and the Tucson, named after a city in southern Arizona has sold over 1.2 million units in Europe up to now.
Once again the ‘Q’ word was mentioned at an Irish launch. Every SVU that’s launched here is compared to Nissan’s best-selling Qashqai. This time round Hyundai said that they are similar to the Qashqai on price and that their Tucson has more ‘goodies’ on offer than the Qashqai. And looking at the list of items which come as standard, they really are impressive. One of those goodies in the version I drove was heated seats, which were appreciated by my front seat passengers last week, when there was a bit of a ‘nip’ in the air. Make no mistake this Tucson compares very favourably with the Qashqai and what greater praise can I give it. My test model was wine-coloured and it looked great. It also drove very well and was very comfortable for front and back-seat passengers alike. It has a high seating position, but my wife, who
There is a massive boot and a full-size 16-inch alloy Hankook tyre spare wheel. Now that’s something to recommend to new buyers. The boot door is very heavy and it opens very slowly. At first I thought it might be closed by pressing a button, but no, you open and close with your hands. It’s a big motor, but if you are parking on a narrow street it’s nice to know that the side mirrors will fold in when you apply the central locking. Prices start at €25,245 for the 1.6 petrol of if you want to opt for PCP it will cost you €241 per month. Naturally prices increase the higher the spec and the diesels start at €26,995, while the 1.7 premium version I drove with a sun roof will cost you €31,995. So forget about JM and IX35, it’s now the Tucson for 2016 and beyond. With this new version I expect Hyundai to continue to grow their slice of the Irish car market.
Hyundai ix20 by Seán Creedon
It’s worth pointing out that the Hyundai ix20 has a near enough twin sister in the form of the Kia Venga. Both cars look very similar. Use identical drive trains and have cabins that match each other for space, comfort and versatility. So why is the Hyundai getting the nod here? Simply because its cabin feels a little bit better made (or at least made with slightly nicer materials) and its ride quality feels a little more settled down than the Kia’s. You can have your ix20 with a 1.4 petrol or even a 1.6 petrol tied to an automatic gearbox, but we’re being really sensible and plumping for the 1.4 CRDI diesel with 90bhp and 119g/km
Co2 emissions. So you’re in the lowest tax bracket, and can enjoy sub 5.0-litre per 100km fuel economy. It’s well equipped too, with aircon, iPod connectivity, steering wheel controls and more, and the new entry price of €18,995 means it’s once again promoting Hyundai’s value for money brand message. Best version: 1.4 Diesel 90bhp Price Range: €12,496 to €18,995 Co2 Range: 93 to 140g/km EuroNCAP safety rating: 5-star;89% adult,85% child, 64% pedestrian, 71% safety assist
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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
Why it’s good: The XJ is the car the finally, finally broke Jaguar’s old apron-strings connection to its styling past. Previous Jaguar management just couldn’t see past the styling of the original 1968 XJ and slavish devotion to those lines was leaving Jag’s biggest out in the cold relative to the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. Underneath, it keeps the old XJ’s space-age aluminium chassis and body, which buys the Jag a weight advantage of up to 200kg over its major opposition. That’s an advantage that gives the XJ remarkable chassis composure and agility, not to mention excellent CO2 emissions and economy. You could splurge on the brilliant 5.0 litre petrol V8 versions, in either naturally aspirated
Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE
It’s easy to take a brilliant car and create an equally brilliant successor. Taking a howler and turning it into a star takes more effort. That’s what Jeep have done right here. Having had a complete redesign from the ground up, the biggest change was the switch from a live-axled, separate chassis set up (good for off-roading , bad for refinement) to a car-like monocoque chassis with independent air suspension. And what a change. Instead of thumping and lumbering along, the new Grand Cherokee glides and slinks. It is outrageously comfortable (the big, squishy seats help here too) and yet, when you show it a tight, twisting road, it reacts with more than a little aplomb. It’s not quite the tall hot hatch that the Range Rover Sport is, but pretty good, nonetheless. The 3.0 CRD diesel V6 is good too, mostly very
quiet (unless you’re really giving it the beans) and frugal enough to keep it out of the top road tax (water tax) bracket. The standard spec list is pretty lengthy too and includes leather, touch screen infotainment, a reversing camera and more. And it looks great. A little plain around the back, true, but up front those scowling headlights and chrome grille give it real presence. And yet, it still manages to feel less ostentatious than the Range Rover. The only problem? That fuel prices are just too high to allow us to run the awesome 5.7 V8 petrol. Best Version: 3.0 CRD Overland Price Range: €69,700 to €118,200 EuroNCAP safety rating: 4-star; 81% adult, 69% child, 45% pedestrian, 71% safety assist
Jaguar XJ
or supercharged forms, but the best all-rounder by far is the 3.0 V6 diesel. It’s sufficiently powerful, refined and economical enough for almost any purpose. While Jaguar is now riding high in the financial pages, at the time of the XJ’s initial development, it wasn’t and you can still see the product development budget holes in the likes of the sub-standard touch-screen sat-nav and the fact that the supposedly clever electronic TFT main dials don’t actually do anything that normal dials don’t do better. Smashing machine otherwise. Best version: 3.0 Premium Luxury Price Range: €91,750 to €165,235 EuroNCAP safety rating: Not yet tested
Jaguar XF by Seán Creedon
Last year I attracted a huge amount of male admirers when I drove the new Jaguar XE. Last week the luxury was much the same in the larger Jaguar XF, but somehow I didn’t seem to have as many admirers. Maybe Irish motorists and tyre-kickers are more familiar with the XF and of course this is not really a new car, just a revamp. But it has got a decent make-over and at the launch at the end last year Doug McCoy, MD of Jaguar Ireland, said that 83 per cent of the parts are new. The XF has also done very well in the weight-watchers guide for the first few months of the year. It has shed 190kg and although it’s 7mm shorter than the previous model there is more room inside thanks to a longer wheelbase. The weight loss is attributed to more use of aluminium in the body. Seven millimetres in length is very little and it’s still a fairly long motor and you will appreciate the reversing camera and sensors. The camera is brilliant and you get two sets of yellow lines in your line of vision. And if you want to keep an eye on what’s coming up behind you while you driving, you can turn on the camera. It’s not much use if you are driving very fast, but it can be useful in heavy city traffic. At the front the distinctive grille really makes the car stand out in the supermarket car park. But I suppose it’s when you sit in and take a drive that you really appreciate the luxury which the XF affords. I drove an automatic version and it made for a really smooth drive. I love the way
the gear lever pops up when you start the car and retracts once you turn off the engine. When you look down all you have to do is chose from one of the following: PRNDS, which means, park, reverse, neutral, drive and sporty drive. The interior is very classy and everything you need to know is contained in the eight-inch touch screen on the dash. The boot is massive and there is still room underneath for a ‘mini’ spare wheel. You get a flashing amber light on the side mirrors if somebody is overtaking you and the mirrors adjust when reversing. It’s a massive car to look at and a joy to travel in. It should be well able to compete with its main rivals, who include the Audi A6, BMW 5-series, Mercedes E Class and Lexus GS. In the past the XF has received 145 global awards and if you take a drive you might understand why. The car is made in Castle Bromwich in England and that’s probably why they include the old traditional British Telecom phone box in the infotainment area as the link to your mobile phone connection. The automatic Business Edition starts at €43,205, while the Automatic Prestige version I drove started at €48,995; if you opted for all of the extras available it would bring the price up to over 61k. But you don’t have to go for all the extras, but I would recommend the spare wheel, which in this case will cost you €285. With the Celtic Tiger now enjoying a new lease of life, Jaguar say they expect to sell close to 400 units this year. Road tax starts at €190.
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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Kia Optima
Kia Sportage
by Seán Creedon
Normally I get plenty of attention from people in shopping centre car parks if I’m testing a sporty-type car, but last week I got a good few enquiries when driving what could be described as a fairly regular four-door saloon. The Kia Optima is a car that you won’t see every day in Ireland, but that could change in the coming years. I drove an attractive red-coloured Optima and it looked great. Little wonder then that passersby and fellow motorists were asking the same question, ‘what make of car is that.’ Since the Kia brand was introduced to Ireland at the beginning of this century they have made steady progress each year. In 2002 the Korean company sold 400 cars here, while last year it was close to 6,000. Up to now Kia has been best known for excellent SUVs like the Sorrento or Sportage and the smaller cee’d, but the Optima could I think give them a serious foothold in the saloon car market here. The Optima, which was first launched in 2000, started life as a cousin of the Sonata from the Hyundai stable. Later the Magentis name was used for the car in Europe. Kia has also used the names Lotze and K5, but now Optima is going to be used everywhere except China. This is the fourth generation of the Optima, which is designed by German-born Peter Schreyer, who previously worked for Audi. He is doing great work with the Kia brand and the Optima is comparable to the likes of the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Skoda Octavia or Toyota Avensis. It really is that good. Externally the car looks great and the changes have been very discreet. They improvements are
mainly to the grille and headlamps and around the doors and windows to reduce wind noise. At the back the car now has a sharper look to it. Inside I seem to remember being able to view the reversing on half of the rear-view mirror in the previous version. That has now changed and instead you get an excellent reversing camera located on what is a very neat dash area. Back seat passengers will also be impressed as there is now more head and leg room for three well-built adults. The boot is massive and the good news is that underneath is a mini spare wheel. And I like the way the side mirrors folded in when the central locking was applied. Only available in 1.7-litre diesel, the horse power has been increased from 136bhp to 141bhp, so if you wish you should now be able to get from zero to 100k/h in ten seconds. But while it has massive power, this is really a saloon for a relaxing drive. It’s so solid on the road and I was really impressed with the fuel economy. The fuel gauge was definitely the slowest moving item on the dash. Prices start at €27,950 for the EX version. The next version up is called the Platinum and it starts at €31,450. Also available in automatic. You get 17-inch alloys with the EX and 18-inch in the Platinum. And don’t forget Kia’s famous seven-year warranty deal. Colour is so important when choosing a new car and if you are thinking about an Optima, ask to see the red version, it’s just gorgeous. Up to now the Optima has been one of the most under rated cars in the Irish market, but I think it truly has arrived now.
by Seán Creedon
I have often said on these pages that colour is so important when choosing a new car. Last week’s test car the Kia Sportage came in a very attractive infra-red colour and it looked great. This is the fourth generation of the Sportage, which is Kia’s biggest seller; it accounts for up to 40 per cent of their total sales. It has been a good year so far for the Korean companies with a representation in Ireland. The Hyundai Tucson, a first cousin of the Sportage, started the year as the overall best seller and sales have also improved at Ssangyong. With Irish new car sales figures booming there seems to be plenty of room for everybody. At the launch of the Sportage in January, James Brooks, MD of Kia Ireland said: ‘‘The Sportage has been a key driver in the growth of the Kia brand in Ireland with over 11,000 very happy customers as brand ambassadors for the car. Competition in this segment is growing, but we are confident that the new Sportage will emulate and exceed the success of its predecessors. Following a very successful pre-marketing campaign we are forecasting full-year sales of 3,500 this year.’’ The new version of this five-seater is very impressive, especially when you look at the car from the front, which now has a completely new look. Head on it looks very attractive and the rear end has also got a revamp. It’s a chunky-looking motor, but not too chunky. Inside the cabin is neat, but spacious. On the dash everything is well laid out and easy to use, including the radio. For the radio you get two knobs, one for volume and one to scroll through the sta-
Kia Ceed by Seán Creedon
The Kia brand has grown rapidly since it was introduced to Ireland in the early part of this century. In 2002 the Korean company sold 400 cars here, last year their total was close to 6,000. Big cars like the Sorrento and Sportage have been mainly responsible for a large slice of the growth, but the smaller Cee’d has also done its bit and now we have revised versions of the Cee’d. The late Con Houlihan often said that he wouldn’t trust anybody who misplaced an apostrophe and no doubt Kia were taking a gamble by using an apostrophe for the name of a car. The cee’d is pronounced ‘seed’ and was originally known as ED for European design; the ‘ce’ was added as shorthand for the community of Europe. And so we got the lower case Cee’d and there have been no complaints, but I do think that we are becoming much more acceptable to change in every walk of life. This is a neat looking family hatchback and the external improvements are down to chief design-
er Peter Schreyer. The motor trade is a bit like the soccer transfer market in that the top people move around. After producing excellent designs for Audi and VW, the German-born Schreyer has now moved on to Kia where he is making significant improvements to the design of their cars. Schreyer said that prior to his arrival all Kia cars looked ‘neutral.’ Kia has also recruited another significant ‘player’ in Albert Bierman from BMW and his job is to look after the engineering developments in Kia and their sister company Hyundai. So I suppose in soc-
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cer terms you could describe Schreyer as a striker, while Bierman will be the man who holds the defence together. The upgraded Cee’d looks better at the front, with some visual modifications to modernise the car’s appearance. It now has a more angular and wider bumper with chrome trim around the fog lamps, and a new oval-shaped grille mesh. There are also many changes under the bonnet. Kia seem to be favouring petrol over diesel right now and they now have an excellent 1.0 petrol engine, a 1.4-litre petrol and 1.4 and 1.6 diesels. Inside the car is very spacious and there is plenty
tions. I wish other car manufacturers would copy this simple idea. The back seat can carry three well-built adults and there is plenty of leg and head room. In the previous editions of the Sportage there was some criticism regarding the size of the back window. That has now been improved and rear window is a decent size. And the boot is massive; there is a divider where you had hide items underneath and also underneath is a ‘mini’ spare wheel, which is always appreciated. There are two engines, a 1.7 diesel for the twowheel drive and 2.0-litre diesel for the all-wheel drive. Prices start at €27,995 for the entry level LX version, but Kia say they expect the mid-trim EX version, which will cost you an extra two grand, will be their big seller in Ireland. That extra money gets you lots of extras like 17-inch alloys, Sat Nav, reversing camera and speed limit information. Now with stop-start technology emissions have been reduced and road tax is down €80 to €200. On the road the Sportage is a very comfortable motor to travel in and it has a frugal engine. Overall it’s stylish and very practical. I have always liked Kia, even when they placed the indicator stalk on the ‘wrong’ side of the steering wheel and that’s a long time ago. It looks great and feels good on the road also. Naturally Kia make much of their seven-year warranty, but the brand is so well accepted here, you don’t hear much talk about the warranty any more, but it’s good to know that it’s still there.
of room for up to five adults. The dash is well laid out and the stylish steering wheel contains a plethora of buttons, which tell you everything you want to know about the running of the car. There is a nice touch of glossy black on the dash to match the exterior black and the seats get a nice touch of grey. The boot is a decent size, there is a section where you had hide items and the good news is that under that section is a proper spare wheel. I liked the way the side mirrors folded in when the central locking is applied. Overall I found that it very comfortable car to drive and travel in. There was no road noise and no complaints from family members who travelled in the car. The new ‘signings’ at Kia seem to be making a difference and we will see further evidence of their work in five new models coming down the assembly lines in Slovakia. Next up is the Optima, followed by the Sportage later this year. Prices start at €20, 650 while the GT version starts at €22,500. Road tax is €200. Kia’s advertising strap line is ‘The Power to Surprise.’ Take a test drive and it might surprise you also.
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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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Mercedes GLC
New Mercedes-Benz E-Class
by Seán Creedon
Flag Carrier In The Luxury Segment lot parking assist, heated front seats, full leather upholstery, reversing camera, LED static lights, satellite navigation, mirror pack, ambient lighting, stowage pack, ‘through loading’ feature, seat comfort pack, alarm pack and a ‘connect me’ function. Standard on all models is 9G Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.
Interior
Destined to be the brand’s most important model introduction of 2016, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has arrived on the market here and can be viewed in dealer showrooms across Ireland. Now in its tenth generation - with 13 million units sold since it was first introduced – the E-Class lies at the very heart of the MercedesBenz product offering, here and internationally. Despite the rapid expansion in its model offering recently, distributors in Ireland expect it will continue to be the largest-selling model here, a position it has traditionally held. Mirrored in their description of the E-Class as a ‘masterpiece of intelligence’, Mercedes-Benz has set out to give owners a preview of what motoring will be like for future generations. Showcasing a number of features that electronics and mobile technology make possible - some standard, some optional - the new E-Class brings the era of ‘autonomous and accident free motoring’ even closer. One that every motorist will applaud is a feature that allows the car to be manoeuvred remotely via a mobile phone without the driver being inside – a development likely to appeal to all who ever found themselves hemmed in within a narrow parking space and unable to gain entry to their car. This movement towards autonomous motoring is reflected in the new Drive Pilot system in which key functions such as remote parking, guidance, speed control, braking, acceleration, gear changing and an ability to anticipate hazards ahead and take corrective action are amongst those that can be carried out automatically, depending on model and options choice.
Appearance Sophisticated, elegant and stylishly sporty, the new E-Class has all of the characteristics one expects in a Mercedes-Benz saloon. Its long bonnet, 43mm longer body and 65mm longer wheelbase work with a coupé-like roofline and broad-shouldered rear to replicate lines familiar in the recently-introduced S-Class and C-Class models. Three style and equipment lines are offered - Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG. As before, buyers can choose between models with a bonnet-mounted star and louvered grille favoured by regular E-Class owners or one with grille inset star likely to appeal to more sporty buyers.
Price-Value Maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s price-value offering - whereby features that previously came only as options are now included as standard - the entry level Avantgarde model is equipped with over €7,000 worth of standard features compared to the outgoing version. Included is Parking Pi-
Contributing to the look, feel and interior styling is the craftsmanship and use of authentic, high-quality materials for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned. Highlights include new sculptured seats designed for long journeys, heated armrests in the doors and centre console and a choice of sixty-four interior LED lighting colours. Optionally available are two high-resolution 12.3inch display screens (a first in the segment) and three different wide-screen instrument cluster styles. A wide choice of materials and colour combinations gives owners scope to ‘individualise’ the interior. It is the first car ever to feature touch-sensitive finger swipe buttons on the steering wheel which the driver can use to control the infotainment system while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. Mobile phones with the inductive charge facility can be charged and connected with no need for cables or a telephone holder.
Model & Price In Ireland, focus is being placed on the E220d Avantgarde Automatic at €52,850 ex works – which represents a price decrease of €850 compared to the previous model. Also available to order will be Exclusive (€55,210) and AMG versions (€57,650). Available also is an E350d version at €66,900. Further model variants to follow in time will include an E350e hybrid and a powerful V6 E350d.
Engine Aerodynamically, it has a drag coefficient of 0.23. Under the bonnet, a completely new engine on which Mercedes-Benz spent some €2.6billion in development costs delivers a 17% weight reduction, lower fuel consumption (3.9 litres/100Km combined), lower C02 (102g/ km), increased horsepower (194 HP), 400Nm of torque and lower road tax (€190).
Driver Assistance Systems Amongst its standard fitments is Active Brake Assist, providing support during emergency braking, Attention Assist with adjustable sensitivity to alert the driver to inattentiveness or drowsiness and Crosswind Assist, which mitigates the effects of strong crosswinds. An optional Driver Assistance package offers a further suite of safety features that Mercedes-Benz claims makes the E-Class the most intelligent saloon in its class, one being a system that moves the driver or front passenger away from the danger zones when an imminent lateral collision is detected. Another safety innovation is a sound warning that triggers reflexes and prepares occupants if the risk of a collision is detected.
Comment Commenting, Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in Ireland, said that buoyed by an unprecedented level of interest and a bank of pre-launch orders far into treble-digit territory, the new E-Class will play an important role in underpinning the position of Mercedes-Benz as flag-carrier in the luxury segment. ‘Exceptional in every respect, it will redefine standards in the business-class, not least in its outstanding specifications and highly competitive price-to-value proposition’ he said.
Call me old fashioned and I suppose I am, but I have always liked the three-pointed star in Mercedes cars. I realise the famous stars were the target of vandals who took pleasure in breaking them off, an act which was very costly for the owners as they had to replace them. No doubt that’s probably one of the reasons why Mercedes opted for their logo on the bonnet instead of the star, although I think with most vehicles in the Mercedes range you can opt for the three-pointed star as an extra option if necessary. That’s all by way of introduction to this week’s test car the Mercedes GLC which has the famous crest on the bonnet. The GLC is a crossover and in my humble opinion I think it needed the star to let you know that this mid-size SUV is really a Merc. Mercedes have made an SUV of this size previously, it was called the GLK, but not in right-hand drive, so it never came to Ireland. The GLC slots in between the smaller GLA and the larger GLE and it will compete against the likes of: Audi A5, Range Rover Evoque, BMW X Class and Volvo XC60 to name just a few. It’s a chunky-looking motor, but not as chunky as some of its rivals. I visited my ‘anorack friend,’ who is a huge Merc fan and he was very impressed. The only thing he didn’t like was the display screen which dominated the dash. I shared his views on the screen and wish that, like some Audi cars, the screen would fold down into the dash. But I was able to ‘live with it’ for a week. The rest of the dash area is like the C-class, so
no complaints there. You will love scrolling up and down the wavelengths, if like me you are a radio fan. And of course Mercedes has the most user-friendly cruise control of them all. My friend sat into the back seat and couldn’t really make up his mind if it was suited for two or three adults. We agreed that you could fit three at a squeeze, but apparently nobody wants to be the middle passenger in the back seat of most cars. Available in petrol and diesel, I drove the 2.1-litre diesel wand with 170 brake horse power there was plenty of poke. On the road it was as you would expect from Mercedes a joy to travel in. And all my passengers enjoyed the high-driving position. The boot is massive and you could certainly fit in a spare wheel, if you had one. I’m sure you can haggle with your local dealer for at least a space-saver, but the version I drove only had a repair kit. The motor trade, which is seems to be a good barometer of the Irish economy, is booming once again and there should be no shortage of buyers for the GLC, which starts a €50,280. I drove an automatic version which will cost you €53,700. Road tax is €270. Certainly worth a test drive, with or without the three-pointed star. I drove an Iridium Silver version and to be honest it didn’t really stand out in the supermarket car park. Maybe there are too many silver cars around right now.
Mercedes B-Class
A drive to the West of Ireland and back on the same evening revealed what the latest MercedesBenz B-Class is all about. It quickly became apparent that the second generation B-Class has evolved to become a very competent car that is likely to appeal to all ages. Visually it’s amazing how a new front apron, lights and grille plus a restyled rear bumper can transform the look of a car while the interior really shows off its quality. The B-Class is suited to those who like ease of access and a higher than normal driving position. The usual cheap, plastic interior bits are ditched for chrome air vents, wooden dash inserts, small and nicely curved binnacle, clear dials and lovely feel multi-control steering wheel.
The B-Class as tested used the 1.5 litre 109bhp turbo diesel engine. Capable and relatively quiet, only the odd irregular road surface induced little bit of tyre noise. The engine proved sufficiently powerful on motorways and secondary roads. Mated to a column change 7-speed automatic transmission the car also proved very economical producing an impressive 5.2L/100km (57mpg) against a manufacturer claimed 4.0-4.2l/100km (70/67 mpg). Overall the Mercedes-Benz is a wonderful accommodating, reasonable to run car that is better looking, offers a lovely inner ambience. Best Version: B180 CDI Price Range: €31,845 to €38,650 EuroNCAP Safety Rating: Not yet tested
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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
PEUGEOT LAUNCHES 308 GTi BY PEUGEOT SPORT IN IRELAND… THE ULTIMATE HOT HATCH and the body-hugging seats. Those who buy the car are set for an intense experience with this new version developed by an entire team. It comes with a raft of high-end performance features as standard.”
Peugeot has brought the 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport to market in Ireland. The 308 GTi has been developed by Peugeot Sport engineering experts and offers drivers the ultimate ride. Showcasing Peugeot’s unique i-Cockpit interior, a 1.6-litre THP Stop & Start petrol engine and a tuned chassis, the 308 GTi is available in two versions – a 250bhp version and a 270bhp version with Torsen® differential. The featured engine is the most efficient in its category, capping CO2 emissions at 139g/km and delivering 47.0mpg (6.0 litres / 100km). The 308 GTi 250bhp retails from €36,990 plus delivery, whilst the 270bhp version is launched from €39,990 plus delivery related charges. The 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport is now available on special order through the Peugeot Dealer Network in Ireland. Bruno Famin, Director of Peugeot Sport said, “As with all our competition models including the recently victorious 2008 DKR beast, in developing the 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport, we targeted all aspects of the car, including weight, the efficiency of the chassis and brakes, the engine performance
MILFORD CARE CENTRE LAUNCHES PEUGEOT 308 CAR RAFFLE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR NEW HOSPICE BUILD FOR THE MID-WEST
The 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport, in both 250bhp and 270bhp guise, adopts a striking stance, sitting 11 millimetres lower to the ground on large wheels. Full LED headlamps flank an exclusive black radiator grille with a horizontal chequered pattern and gloss-black finishing, while two ample exhaust pipes are found housed at the rear. There are two front spoilers below the bumper, which add to aerodynamic performance, with a SCx of just 0.69. The GTi signature is clearly visible on the front wings and the tailgate. The 308 GTi 250bhp features the same engine as its more powerful sibling. Fitted with 18” alloys, it goes from 0 to 100kmph in 6.2 seconds and covers 1,000 metres from a standing start in 25.6 seconds, with a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.82kg/hp. Brakes include 330mm discs in the front and 268mm counterparts in the rear. Power is channelled to the ground through Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres (225/40 R18). With a rich heritage in motor sport success, since the launch of the legendary 205 GTi, Peugeot has sold its sportier performance models to more than 800,000 satisfied customers, to include the 206 GTi, 307 GTi, 309 GTi, 405 Mi16, the 505 GTi, the 306 GTi-6, more recently the 208 GTi and the RCZ R and now the much-anticipated Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport.
Pictured at the launch of the Milford Care Centre Peugeot 308 Car Raffle are Kevin Downes, Limerick Senior Hurler and Brendan Maher, Tipperary Hurling Captain and Peugeot Brand Ambassador at Slattery’s Garage Puckane
Proudly Supported by Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland and Slattery’s Garage Puckane, Main Peugeot Dealers in North Tipperary, the highly regarded charity, Milford Care Centre, has today launched a Peugeot 308 Car Raffle, in a bid to raise funds towards a new Hospice build. Milford Care Centre, very much a household name in the Mid-West, is a voluntary, not for profit organisation that provides specialist palliative care and services for older persons throughout County Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. With 280 staff employed in palliative and day care services and a pool of close to 200 volunteers, Milford Hospice, as an operating entity of Milford Care Centre was established in 1977 and today cares for over 1,800 individual palliative care patients each year within the specialist unit in Limerick, or through Hospice at Home teams, operating from Ennis, Limerick City, Nenagh, Newcastlewest and Thurles. The sole designated palliative care specialist service for the Mid-West, the HSE provides less than 80% of the total required operational budget, with ongoing fundraising activity in the region of €1.5m per annum necessary in meeting the budget deficit. In December 2014, the Centre took the decision to redevelop existing facilities at Castletroy to add additional patient bed capacity and a move to an all single room bed configuration plus increased overnight accommodation for families who need to be close to the loved ones in difficult times. With building targeted to commence by September 2016, a budget shortfall for the building project of some €2.2m has been identified to be met over the next four years, which is in addition to its annual operational fundraising requirement. Therefore, Milford Care Centre is embarking on a number of new fundraising initiatives this year, including the running of a Peugeot 308 Car Raffle.
Pat Quinlan, Chief Executive at Milford Care Centre, said “Every single patient matters to our team and we aim to deliver the highest quality of care, in all settings, to each of our patients, which is no less than they deserve. Our new Hospice will ensure we continue to care for each patient with full respect and dignity, while better supporting family members. I call on all our wonderful followers throughout the Mid West and beyond to support the Peugeot 308 Car Raffle and we thank them sincerely for their continued patronage. This incredible prize will undoubtedly make such a great Christmas present for somebody! Our sincere thanks also to both Slattery’s Garage in Puckane and Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland for their support in this initiative.” The stunning Peugeot 308, Peugeot’s best-selling model across Europe, was crowned Continental Irish Compact Car of the Year 2015 and European Car of the Year 2014. The prize is an Allure level 3 model, fitted with the latest generation BlueHDi diesel 1.6 litre 100bhp engine. Equipment includes 17” alloy wheels, programmable cruise control + speed limiter, front parking sensors and reverse parking camera, Hill Assist, automatic electric parking brake, auto headlamps and wipers, full LED headlights and front fogs, auto climate control, spare wheel, sports style front seats and a colour touch screen. The 308 boasts Peugeot’s unique i-Cockpit interior for a safer, more comfortable driving environment. The Peugeot 308 draw commences on 01 May 2016 and the winner will be announced on 16th December 2016. Tickets cost €20 and can be purchased direct from sellers and at events throughout 2016 or online, by logging ontowww.milfordcarecentre.ie. The full terms and conditions of the Car Draw are available on the Milford Care Centre website or contact the Fundraising Department, Milford Care Centre on 061 485860.
Pictured from left to right are: Emma Toner, Marketing Manager at Gowan Distributors; Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors; Michael Slattery, Slattery’s Garage Puckane; John Le Gear, Chairperson of the Milford Hospice Friends; Pat Gilmartin, Chairperson of Milford Care Centre Board; Pat Quinlan, CEO of Milford Care Centre
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
Opel Adam
It’s a given really, the Adam looks great. It’s cute, funky and glamorous. The Adam is aimed at young and stylish urbanites. Thanks to its highly customisable interior and exterior, no two Adams will ever be the same. As many as 16 different roofs and body colours, 8 grilles and 33 different alloys are available. It’s not all about the looks though, the Adam also boasts a 170 litre boot which can be increased to 663 litres by folding the seats. Finally you can make that much needed trip to IKEA in style. Also with its electronic adaptive steering, the Adam is both very easy to park but is also very manageable at higher speeds.
Inside the cabin you will find the best part – An infotainment system with IntelliLink Siri Eyes Free. Connect your iPhone to make calls, send texts and play music all without having to take your eyes off the road. Rear visibility is slightly limited, but that’s no different to a lot of its competition. Best Version: All equally good Price Range: €16,195 to €20,195 EuroNCAP safety rating: 4-star,87% adult,72% child, 65% pedestrian, 81% safety assist
Opel Meriva
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Opel Astra
It’s been a long circuitous road to this point for Opel, the one-time kings of Irish motoring who have recently presented the fiercely competitive family hatchback segment with the wonderful new Astra, a potential market leader. This new Astra is quite a bit more than just a makeover of the undoubtedly good looking model launched a few years ago.
LED lights.
There’s plenty of engineering gone into this latest iteration with a remarkable 200kgs stripped from what was admittedly at times a slightly bloated previous version. The result is slightly smaller exterior dimensions but somehow the Tardis committee at GM have actually translated this into more room on the inside. Go figure.
The new Astra comes with five engine options including a 100ps 1.4 litre petrol, a less economical 1.4 litre turbo good for 150 horsepower, a 1.0 litre turbo petrol producing 105ps and the diesel turbo 1.6CTDi that is likely to be the main attraction. Produced in 110ps and 136ps,versions, the latter is an amazing combination of thoroughly usable power and extraordinary quietness. This diesel engine range has been tagged ‘whisper’ and little wonder. It well deserves it. Best Version: 1.6CDTi Price Range: €19,995 to €31,995 EuroNCAP: Not yet tested
Inside the bewildering array of buttons of its predecessor have for the most part been replaced by a massively simplified and thoroughly intuitive control panel featuring excellent smart phone connectivity. The boot space is ample and unchanged at 370 litres while outside the car gets some rather tasty segment leading matrix beam
The rear suspension continues to be the Watts Link torsion beam at which some rigid proponents of fully independent suspension look down their noses but we defy any but the most committed track day racers to tell the difference and the beam does offer some very useful packaging advantages.
It’s been a long circuitous road to this point for Opel, the one-time kings of Irish motoring who have recently presented the fiercely competitive family hatchback segment with the wonderful new Astra, a potential market leader. This new Astra is quite a bit more than just a makeover of the undoubtedly good looking model launched a few years ago.
tasty segment leading matrix beam LED lights.
There’s plenty of engineering gone into this latest iteration with a remarkable 200kgs stripped from what was admittedly at times a slightly bloated previous version. The result is slightly smaller exterior dimensions but somehow the Tardis committee at GM have actually translated this into more room on the inside. Go figure.
The new Astra comes with five engine options including a 100ps 1.4 litre petrol, a less economical 1.4 litre turbo good for 150 horsepower, a 1.0 litre turbo petrol producing 105ps and the diesel turbo 1.6CTDi that is likely to be the main attraction. Produced in 110ps and 136ps,versions, the latter is an amazing combination of thoroughly usable power and extraordinary quietness. This diesel engine range has been tagged ‘whisper’ and little wonder. It well deserves it. Best Version: 1.6CDTi Price Range: €19,995 to €31,995 EuroNCAP: Not yet tested
Inside the bewildering array of buttons of its predecessor have for the most part been replaced by a massively simplified and thoroughly intuitive control panel featuring excellent smart phone connectivity. The boot space is ample and unchanged at 370 litres while outside the car gets some rather
The rear suspension continues to be the Watts Link torsion beam at which some rigid proponents of fully independent suspension look down their noses but we defy any but the most committed track day racers to tell the difference and the beam does offer some very useful packaging advantages.
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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
Renault Kadjar
Renault is building on the huge success of it’s compact crossover, Captur with a stylish, innovative and individual big brother. Based on the stable-mate Nissan Qashqai, one of the best reviewed cars in the segment over recent years, the Kadjar has been equally well received. Now on sale in Ireland in a 1.5-litre version range offering three engines, two gearboxes and four trim levels (Expression+,Dynamique Nav, Dynamique SNav and Signature Nav) the Kadjar is available with two or four-wheel drive. The Kadjar measures 4.45 metres long, 1.84 metres wide and 1.60 metres high. It has a ground clearance of 190mm which is all the more remarkable considering its compact footprint. The Kadjar has an expressive front end with thr Renault diamond logo set against a black background, which has become a signature feature. With full LED lighting available, every Kadjar features LED daytime running lights, body coloured mirror shells and door handles. Roof bars feature on the Dynamique Nav and above models as standard fit. The interior of the Kadjar is characterised by a stylish blend of comfort and refinement with an admirable attention to detail. Dominated by a horizontal dashboard with two trim strips and soft-foam-backed materials the
quality throughout is reinforced by the standard digital speedometer in a 7-inch TFT (thin film transistor) display. It’s no off-road superstar but then few in this segment show real mud plugging aspirations. Conversely it is a very assured performer in its natural tarmac habitat, offering a confident and surefooted driving experience. Renault’s new SUV offers an ample boot capacity of between 472 and 1478 litres, a payload of up to 549kg and a towing capability of up to 1,800kg braked. Three engines are on offer: the 1.2-litre turbocharged TCe 130bhp four-cylinder-direct-injection petrol, the 1.5-litre Energy dci 110bhp four-cylinder diesel and the 1.6-litre Energy dCi four-cylinder 130bhp diesel. They drive through two gearboxes and two drive systems delivering fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg (3.8L/11km) say Renault with Co2 emissions as low as 99g/km. All versions come with Renault’s 5 year or 200,00 Km warranty. Best version: Dynamique Nav 1.5dCi 110 Price Range: €24,990 to €28,290 EuroNCAP Safety rating: 5-star, 89%Adult,81% Child,74% Pedestrian,71% Safety Assist
Renault Captur
Petite crossover SUV’s are all the rage and the Renault Captur certainly goes a long way to slaking an apparently unquenchable consumer thirst. Based on Clio engineering the Captur combines the looks of an SUV with MPV practicality and the economy and town driving pleasure of the Clio that underpins it. Renault is doing very well in the Ireland of late thanks in part to one of the best diesel engines in the market-the lovely 1.5Dci unit. Having rediscovered their design mojo, Renault have again got a lot of very attractive models in their line up and none more so than the Captur, the new urban crossover that brings a splash of colour and glamour to the B segment. A unique blend of MPV,SUV and family hatchback, Captur will appeal to a particularly broad spectrum of customer tastes. Though compact, it is very roomy thanks to a key feature, a sliding rear seat which has for-andaft travel of 160mm and provides up to 215mm of knee room for rear passengers. The Captur has a slightly elevated driving position-which many like, and the cabin is among the best-superb materials, lots of colour but a logical and simple to follow instrumentation lay out. Renault’s stable-mate Nissan have the well regarded Juke and their Renault cousins have a lot to be proud of
with a machine that rivals it for looks and practicality. There are many trim levels and colour options and an important theme with this machine is the opportunity for the customer to put their individual stamp on it with a wide range of customisation options. It’s certainly a distinctive looking car and the high ride height and slab sides that sometimes dog the looks of cars in this category have been nicely offset by the sloping roofline which gives it a unique and far from unpleasant aspect. There are some neat touches inside such as seat covers that can be unzipped for cleaning which sounds like something that should have been on all cars since the dawn of time. This is, as you would expect, a fun machine not a performance machine. The 898cc petrol model is all about providing an affordable car which provides economical motoring while the 1.5litre diesel is the version of choice for most and combines economy with enough performance to keep up with the throbbing masses around town. Best Version: 1.5litre dCi Manual Price €19,590 to €25,490 EuroNCAP Safety Rating: Five star, 89% Adult, 81% Child,, 74% Pedestrian, 71% Safety Assist
Twin Test: Renault Megane Coupe GT V Renault Sport Megane Coupe RS Moving inside the cabin, the GT line sports seats are damn comfortable and the low-ish slung seating position gives you the opportunity to pretend that you’re driving something a lot more potent, such as the RS perhaps. Parking sensors and carbon effect dash inserts complete the major extras list of the GT over a standard coupe.
ranging from snow to extreme. Needless to say we had it in extreme for the week. When in sport/extreme, the exhaust lets other road users know so. The noise is nothing short of incredible under ‘encouraged acceleration’ if you know what we mean. The 6.0 seconds it takes to get to 100 kph are short lived, obviously, but they’re not sprints we’ll be forYou can own the above for approximately €27,500 getting any time soon. The RS monitor allows you give or take a few options. Not a bad price for what’s to time these sprints, and we managed a time of on offer. But here’s the niggling bit, and the reason 6.13 seconds. Gotta work on those up-shifts a bit. why we decided to pit the GT against its altogether If you’re looking for body roll or lack of grip more potent brother - the RS. when cornering, you’ll have to look elsewhere. The The 265hp - 6 second sprint - 2.0 Turbo Renault RS behaves far more like a mid-engine rear wheel Okay so these two cars are hardly meant to be pitSport variant can be yours for just €35,000. To put drive than an FF. ted against each other no matter what angle you’re it simply, that’s a bit of a bargain compared to the Where the RS really shocked us was at cruising looking at it from, but we got some drive time in GT line. You might argue about its extra running speeds on motorways. We expected the ridiculous both cars recently and here’s how we got on. You costs and so forth, but you’ll forget all of that when performance, but we didn’t expect it to be a may think we’re a little biased towards performance you drive one. We racked up a hefty 1300km dur- cruiser. Sitting at the limit we managed here at The Finest, and you’d be right thinking that, ing our time in the RS. We basically took the week to get the manufacturers claimed but have a read anyway. off and hit Ireland’s North West in search of some mileage of 8.2liWe initially spent time in the GT. The GT is es- testing roads. Needless to say we found them, and t re s / 1 0 0 k m sentially a standard coupe with a few extra bells they were pretty much free of any other road users. & whistles and a sportier look. It’s fitted with the This made us smile. 110hp 1.5 dCi diesel unit as found throughout the Roads aside, how good looking is this car? The Renault range. It’s a pretty refined power plant, flared arches give it a completely new look, which and perhaps surprisingly it’s also adequate for the is so much more masculine. You know it means car, since it’s a light enough package. It’s naturally business by just looking at it. The 19” titanium pretty frugal, and we averaged an impressive 5.7 alloys against the white bodywork really set it Litres/100km (50mpg). This economy paired with off. Surprisingly, the ride wasn’t harsh at all, even the 110hp on offer actually makes for a decent drivwhen the RS monitor is showing ‘Extreme Mode’. ing package, and contrary to what diesel haters will The RS monitor enables you to change the throttle say, there is enough torque on offer to pull you out mapping of the car, and has a handful of settings of bed, provided you change up before 3500 RPM.
(34mpg). For a hot hatch with 265 hp that’s pretty spectacular. The fact that some family saloons get worse economy than that can justify this as a logical purchase in our opinion. It’s probably the hot hatch which is easiest to live with out of any currently on sale. At said motorway speed limit, the car behaves pretty grown up, and that engine note fades neatly into the distance. This coupled with the luxurious leather trimmed interior makes it a pretty pleasant place to be on both longer and shorter journeys. So both the GT & RS are based on the Megane coupe, yet they really couldn’t be more different. The RS really is competitively priced, and if you were to take Carpe Diem approach at any one point in your life, we highly suggest going for it and bagging yourself an RS. You really won’t regret it.
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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Renault SCENIC
Why it’s good: The XJ is the car the finally, finally broke Jaguar’s old apron-strings connection to its styling past. Previous Jaguar management just couldn’t see past the styling of the original 1968 XJ and slavish devotion to those lines was leaving Jag’s biggest out in the cold relative to the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. Underneath, it keeps the old XJ’s space-age aluminium chassis and body, which buys the Jag a weight advantage of up to 200kg over its major opposition. That’s an advantage that gives the XJ remarkable chassis composure and agility, not to mention excellent CO2 emissions and economy. You could splurge on the brilliant 5.0 litre petrol V8 versions, in either naturally aspirated
Renault Twingo
An extremely cute and more often than not loveable little car, Renault are going against the grain here in more ways than one. The third generation Twingo still falls into the city car category but suffice to say, there’s nothing like it out there right now thanks to its rear-engine, rear-wheel drive format. Sitting on 15 inch rims with two tone wheel trims, the car’s creased polymer bonnet folds over headlights topped by the eyelid-like indicators. It’s round, daytime running headlights frame a broad air intake which helps relay the car’s stance. Inside it is bright, simply appointed, modern and offers good all round visibility. Four people accommodated in comfort don’t compromise the driving position and in ‘Play’ guise the Twingo comes with height adjustment and manual air
conditioning. The dash boasts clear dials, easy to use controls and a number of trump cards. Among them is connectivity as standard across the range through the smart phone operated R and Go system. Via the radio, a universal fascia mounted cradle and a free app which gives owners access to navigation, telephone, multi media and trip computer functions. Navigation is provided by Co-Pilot so drivers won’t be using up their data allowance while driving. In short, it’s a small car with a large capacity for fun. Best version: 1.0 Play Price Range: €13,990 to €16,590 Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 4-star, 78% adult, 81% children,68% pedestrian,56% safety assist.
or supercharged forms, but the best all-rounder by far is the 3.0 V6 diesel. It’s sufficiently powerful, refined and economical enough for almost any purpose. While Jaguar is now riding high in the financial pages, at the time of the XJ’s initial development, it wasn’t and you can still see the product development budget holes in the likes of the sub-standard touch-screen sat-nav and the fact that the supposedly clever electronic TFT main dials don’t actually do anything that normal dials don’t do better. Smashing machine otherwise. Best version: 3.0 Premium Luxury Price Range: €91,750 to €165,235 EuroNCAP safety rating: Not yet tested
Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is a clean, futuristic five-door hatchback EV. The Zoe comes in the wake of the Fluence SE saloon, the Kango Van Se and the innovative (crazy) urban runabout, the Twizy. It’s available in three trim levels-Expression, DynamiqueIntens and Dynamique Zen, and is packed with a raft of innovations for a new form of motoring. The sleek supermini is the first vehicle to be equipped with Range OptimiZEr which combines three major innovations-new generation regenerative braking, a heat pump and Michelin Energy TM E-V tyres. The Renault’s electric motor generates 65Kw, 88 hp with 220Nm of torque on tap from the very beginning. Over the course of our test drive we mostly drove the car in Eco mode, which is simply chosen by the press of a button. In either eco or standard mode, the Renault proved quite
amazing for what you’d expect to be an anxious car to drive. Almost 700 kilometres in one later, we now write about a car that has its warts but the underlying factor is that it will deliver is one works with the car rather than working against it. We could have easily worked against this Renault, we could have developed an attitude to prove the Zoe useless or we could read what is says on the display and work with the Zoe and the infrastructure that has been assembled around this country for such cars. Best version: Dynamique Zen Price Range: €17,490 to €19,290 EuroNCAP safety rating: 5-star, 89% adult, 80% children, 66% pedestrian, 85% safety assist
KENNEDY MOTORS
If you are in the market for a new Mitsubishi then look no further than Kennedy Motors on the Syngefield Road in Birr Co Offaly. Kennedy Motors are a family run motoring business serving the Midlands community since 1992. Over the years Kennedy Motors have seen many changes in the industry, the latest of which is welcoming in the Mitsubishi brand franchise to their purpose built dealer showroom on the Kinnity Road in Birr Co Offaly. Kennedy Motors also specialize in aftersales and car servicing with a fully operational purpose built body shop which operates to all standards and regulations. Why not call in today to view the full range of Mitsubishi Brand vehicles which serve a range of purposes from family car to the hard working 4 wheel drive Mitsubishi Pajero.
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
Seat Ibiza FR An extremely cute and more often than not loveable little car, Renault are going against the grain here in more ways than one. The third generation Twingo still falls into the city car category but suffice to say, there’s nothing like it out there right now thanks to its rear-engine, rear-wheel drive format. Sitting on 15 inch rims with two tone wheel trims, the car’s creased polymer bonnet folds over headlights topped by the eyelid-like indicators. It’s round, daytime running headlights frame a broad air intake which helps relay the car’s stance. Inside it is bright, simply appointed, modern and offers good all round visibility. Four people accommodated in comfort don’t compromise the driving position and in ‘Play’ guise the Twingo comes with height adjustment and manual air conditioning. The dash boasts clear dials, easy to use controls and a number
Seat Alhambra
of trump cards. Among them is connectivity as standard across the range through the smart phone operated R and Go system. Via the radio, a universal fascia mounted cradle and a free app which gives owners access to navigation, telephone, multi media and trip computer functions. Navigation is provided by Co-Pilot so drivers won’t be using up their data allowance while driving. In short, it’s a small car with a large capacity for fun. Best version: 1.0 Play Price Range: €13,990 to €16,590 Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 4-star, 78% adult, 81% children,68% pe- destrian,56% safety assist.
‘‘It looks like a minibus.’’ That was my daughter’s first reaction last week when she sat in alongside me in the revamped Seat Alhambra. The Alhambra has been with us for 20 years now and it’s the largest car in the Seat stable. It’s built on the same platform as the VW Sharan and it truly is a massive motor to look at and travel in. Many people claim it’s the best car that Seat has ever built. It’s named after the Alhambra of Granada, a famous monument in Spain, but is built in Portugal.
Pricing For The All New Seat Ateca To Start From €24,750
As with most face lifts there is a new grille and LED tail lights, but the main changes are under the bonnet where Seat claim the new 2.0-litre engines now produce 15 per cent more fuel economy. It’s available in 115 and 150 brake horse power and there is plenty of pulling power, even with seven adults on board. Yes, there are seven seats and the second and third rows are very easily adjusted. But who you may well ask has five children nowadays, the normal in Ireland is supposed to be 2.5. Well a young lady, let’s call her Lynda, pointed out to me that in modern Ireland many couples getting together now have children from previous relationships. So 2.5 multiplied by two equals five and then two adults in the front, your seven-seater is full. ‘Blended Families’ is what Lynda calls the new groupings.
SEAT has announced price details for the eagerly anticipated SEAT Ateca, SEAT’s first ever SUV model. With prices starting at just €24,750 for the 1.0 TSI 115hp petrol model, the SEAT Ateca will be without question the best value for money mid-sized SUV in the Irish market. Meanwhile, the 1.6 TDI diesel model of the Ateca is priced at just €26,450 meaning the Ateca will offer Irish motorists the most attractive pricing in the SUV segment across both petrol and diesel. Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing & Product at SEAT Ireland commented; “A core principle of SEAT is offering Irish motorists the best package in terms of quality and value for money to ensure our first ever SUV model becomes a key player in this increasingly popular segment.” “There is no doubt that the Ateca will provide motorists with an exceptional driving experience, high class design and innovative technology.” SEAT enters the mid-sized SUV market at a time when the segment is experiencing rapid growth, up +85% on the same period last year. As well as unrivalled value for money, the SEAT Ateca will be the most dynamic SUV on the road offering motorists a host of attractive features adding to the wonderful driving experience that comes with the Ateca. Created in Barcelona with German engineer-
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ing, the SEAT Ateca has been designed to make driving an absolute pleasure and its full connectivity will appeal to customers who enjoy technology. The SEAT Ateca XCELLENCE offers wireless phone charging and KESSY, a keyless entry with start system as standard – so convenient and brilliantly thought through. Full LED Headlights, multi coloured ambient interior lighting that adjust to suit the drivers mood and welcome lights in the wing mirrors ensure that the ATECA looks every bit as good as it drives. A full leather interior, an 8 inch colour touch screen media system and heated front seats add to the sense of luxury offered by the ATECA. Prices for the SEAT Ateca XCELLENCE start at €31,120. The all new SEAT Ateca is available in a choice of 1.0TSI 115hp and 1.4 TSI 150hp petrol engines or 1.6TDI 115hp and 2.0TDI 150hp diesel engines and is economical in fuel consumption across the range. The SEAT ATECA is available in three trim levels S, SE and XCELLENCE, and will arrive at SEAT’s 22 strong dealer network in late August. To register your interest in the most exciting car launch this year and to avail of pre-launch information and dealer VIP events throughout the summer.
I drove an automatic Black Oak Brown-coloured version and it looked really great. However, Seat advise motorists that they should try and see the colour in the flesh before ordering one. I agree as buying a new car or indeed any large product from a brochure is a bit of a gamble colour wise.
Having driven older versions of the Alhambra I knew what to expect and was looking forward to the two sliding doors which are brilliant. The sliding doors ensure you won’t be banging off other cars in the supermarket car park and I think those sliding doors would be ideal for taxi drivers. It’s a really long motor and the sensors were appreciated. But I wouldn’t fancy having to park the massive Alhambra in tight Dublin city centre car parks like the ones in Fleet Street or Christchurch where the walls are already covered in various shades of paint Other improvements in this new model see the introduction of the multi-collision break as standard. In the event that the driver can no longer intervene following an accident, it initiates automatic braking to avoid a secondary collision. You also get ‘blind-spot sensor’ which warns of vehicles in the blind spot when changing lanes. And there are new massage seats and a plethora of sensors, but the massage will probably cost you extra. Prices start at €38,595 and naturally there are extras if required. It’s really is a comfortable motor to travel in and the engine is very frugal. Even if you are not thinking about buying a new car this year, I think the Alhambra would be an ideal car to rent out if you are going on a holiday abroad with your family. There is a full-length sunroom and separate air conditioning for the back seat passengers. It’s also a perfect car for bringing your children and the neighbours’ children to sports events on Saturday or Sunday mornings or maybe for that ‘blended family,’ with five children!
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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Skoda Yeti
Daniel O’Donnell has a lovely line in a current radio ad for a hearing aid service. In the ad Daniel says: ‘‘Some people like my music and other people just don’t know what they are missing.’’ I was expecting Daniel to say something like ‘‘other people don’t like my music,’’ but he gets round the topic very nicely.
That ad came to mind when I drove the revamped Skoda Yeti last week; some people will like it and others probably won’t be mad about the shape. The boxy-looking Yeti has been a great seller for Skoda and since it was launched in 2009, over half a million units have been sold worldwide.
ŠKODA Superb The new ŠKODA Superb was one of the big stars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and the third generation of the model arrived in Ireland in July, with prices for the diesel models starting from €27,795. The brand’s new flagship is, according to the brand, the best ŠKODA of all time and once again features the most room of any vehicle in its segment among many other features. The previous version was a favourite among Irish buyers with over 1,150 sold in Ireland in its last 12 months on sale, which is spectacular for a runout model. The new vehicle differentiates itself from the previous version with a new dynamic appearance but still maintaining its cavernous proportions and functionality. Although the outgoing model is already enormous, the new car is surprisingly 28mm longer and has an 80mm longer wheelbase. The already vast luggage capacity has increased to 625-litres in the saloon model. The family favourite combi model will arrive in and around September 2015. The new Superb has reached a new dimension in terms of technology. For the first time in Skoda, the vehicle features Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), including drive profile selection. Alongside this there is a brand new air-conditioning system, including three zone climate-controls. An electronic sliding and raising panoramic roof is also available, along with auxiliary heating, heated seats, wirelessly heated windscreen and the electronic boot that can also be opened with a virtual pedal. The Superb is easier to manoeuvre thanks to
the new parking assistant, the park distance control and the new rear camera. The original Superb back in 2001 was famed for the storage compartment with umbrella. The new Superb now comes with two umbrellas with new compartments neatly tucked away in the front doors. Already renowned for being very economical the new ŠKODA Superb boasts record values in consumption and emissions. Five new petrol and three TDI common rail diesel engines are available at launch. The volume seller in Ireland is expected to be the 1.6 TDI 120bhp that boats 14% more power and 13% improved fuel economy when compared with the outgoing unit. There is a 15% improvement in fuel economy on two new 2.0 TDI units that have been introduced with 150bhp and 190bhp. New Transmissions have also been introduced including a new 7-speed DSG for the smaller diesel derivative and 6-speed DSG that can also be combined with 4X4 transmissions if one desires. A high performance 2.0 TSI,4X4 with 6-speed DSG replaces the normally aspirated 3.6, V6 that was offered previously. There are three specifications from launch; Active, Ambition and Style. A premium L&K model is expected at a later date. Pricing for the petrol models have yet to be finalised.
The car is 75kg lighter than the previous version and when combined with improved aerodynamics ensures the new Superb has superior acceleration, fuel efficiency and emissions than the outgoing car.
Skoda has introduced sporty-looking Monte Carlo versions for their Fabia and now the Yeti gets the Monte Carlo look. Normally with the Monte Carlo you get a red and black combination, but this time it was a white body with a black roof. Inside red and grey stripes plus white stitching gave the front and rear seat that sporty look. With the Monte Carlo version you also get 17-inch Origami alloys, chrome tail pipe plus a few other extras. This is the second revamp that Skoda has given their Yeti, without dramatically changing the daring look and design of what their first cross-over vehicle when launched seven years ago. It’s still has a high driving position with plenty of clearance between the wheels and the body of the car. My test model had a full-length panoramic glass roof, which ensured a very bright interior. The roof is retractable, but in a country where the climate varies so much it might be safer to use the blind underneath the roof, which can be easily adjusted to allow as much sunlight as needed into the cabin. We had a few sunny days while I had the car and my wife told me there was no need to worry about getting my thinning top getting burned as the glass had ultraviolet protection. As with all Skoda cars, the controls on the dash are well laid out and so easy to use.
I liked the high driving position, but I didn’t really have any need to go off-road on this occasion and look for that elusive Yeti, they call the Abominable Snowman. A few years back Skoda brought a group of Irish motor writers to the forests of Engelskirchen near Cologne where we drove the car across slippery telegraph poles to prove how well the car operated in dangerous off-road road situations. There was also a section in a Top Gear programme a few years back when Jeremy Clarkson was the main man. Clarkson drove the Yeti through an undulating field while a tattoo artist worked on the arm of a client in the back seat. And we didn’t see any blood, which proved how solid and comfortable the car was or maybe it just showed how professional the tattoo artist was. The boot is a decent size and as with all Skoda’s you get a proper spare wheel, which is always appreciated. Another nice Skoda touch is the clip on the windscreen to hold your parking ticket. Prices start at €31,165 for the 2.0-litre version I drove with 150 brake horse power. I enjoyed reacquainting myself with the frugal Yeti, but like Daniel O’Donnell’s singing there are probably some people around who still don’t know what they are missing!
Skoda Octavia RS230
From a distance the Skoda Octavia RS 230 which I drove last week looked much the same as your regular Octavia. Externally the main difference is the spoiler at the back and the fancy alloys, but once you sit in you realise that this is a sporty version of one of the Skoda brand’s best seller. In the past Skoda has described their RS as a ‘hot hatch for sensible people.’ But the Garda who stopped me last week for jumping away too quickly from a red light admitted that he expected to see a 21-25 year-old behind the wheel. He was very understanding and let me off with a warning when I explained the reason for my hurry. In recent weeks I have driven a Skoda Fabia that had a very distinctive red and black colour combination. This time round the test car was white with a black trim and it looked great. As mentioned earlier externally there are only a few clues, but inside you will be immediately impressed with the ‘tombstone -shaped’ front seats. A touch of red stitching on all of the seats really does add to the sports car look. The dash is much the same as your regular Octavia, which means everything is well laid out and easy to use. The difference in this ‘hot hatch’ from others is that the back seat has plenty of room for three adults and the boot is massive. I used to think that the boot in the Skoda Superb was bigger than the Octavia, but Ray Leddy from
Skoda assured me that the Octavia boot has more space. And of course the good news with Skoda is that you get a ‘mini’ spare wheel. But an RS is all about speed and thanks to the 2.0-litre TSI engine and the 230 horses working under the bonnet, you can get from zero to 100km in just under seven seconds. The top speed is 250kph. Having learned my lesson from the Garda, I didn’t put the latter limit to the test. With any new car it’s difficult to stay within the speed limits in urban areas and naturally it’s harder not to break the law in a powerful motor like the RS. In some ‘hot hatches’ you feel every bump on the road and often they are very noisy. But the Octavia RS was very quiet and very comfortable. It handled very well and was a joy to drive. It was gorgeous car to look at and to travel in and my only complaint was that it was a bit thirsty, despite having the stop start technology. Also maybe the dash area could have been spruced up just a little. As usual with Skoda there is a neat clip on the windscreen where you can securely place your ticket for parking and it won’t be blown away when you open or close the door. So with the Octavia RS 230 you can have the best of both worlds, a decent-sized family fourdoor saloon or a sports car with plenty of poke under the bonnet. Prices start at €35,995 and road tax is €200. And you don’t have to be in your twenties to drive one!
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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SKODA Fabia Combi 1.2 TSI
This month the kind folks at SKODA Ireland sent us out a new Skoda Fabia Combi 1.2 TSI to test drive for seven days. The timing couldn’t have been better as I had been planning on getting out there to take a series of photographs for the paper along the East coast and midlands. Where to start? Okay as I have been out of the test drive loop I had to embrace the new-fangled technology which as usual passed me right by over the last few years and straight away I was presented with an upgrade experience, the car starts with a on off button. Simple you might say, but on your first attempt I implore you to get a flawless start result. So after some foostering around with the clutch pedal and the start button I managed to fire her up and went off for a quick spin to get used to the car before hitting the road. It does feel a bit strange driving a car with the keys still in your pocket and I must admit I found myself getting a bit confused by this as the week went by as the preprogramed habit of keys equals start refused to let go easily. I have been driving a 2.2 Honda Accord for the last few years and straight away the difference in weight became apparent. The Skoda Fabia Combi 1.2 Tsi weighs in at just 1639kg which makes the car feel nimble and light especially when you are on your very first drive of the car. I found that around the small town environment that the car was quite capable of zipping in and out of tight parking spaces, reversing out onto the main thoroughfare was a doddle especially with the assistance of the rear sensors on the car. As a person of considerable height (6ft4’) I of course also have to jam back the driver seat as far as it can go in most cars. Car manufacturers are pushing for ever smaller vehicles in order to keep within emissions regulations and price point concerns for buyers to stay in business. The driver’s seat in this car offered me the space that I require to operate the vehicle and to also feel comfortable. The seat itself was particularly comfortable and within a day I had also noticed that the usual pain in the shoulder or back from switching cars around had not surfaced. The downside to jamming back the driver’s seat to fit me in of course is that the rear passenger seat is left with no space as we discovered when the family got in. Bear in mind that most people are nowhere near 6ft4’ and let’s chalk that one down to being my fault. Next on the checklist was the practical side of
things. I noticed that the Skoda Fabia offered me an almost wide angle view of the road which also put me at ease with the car. The front wheel drive makes the car feel light and nippy when driving within the town. I didn’t expect to feel the roar of the engine in a 1.2 petrol, but hey most people buy cars to go from a to b, pick up the kids, go shopping, get to work. I couldn’t quite understand the placement of the arm rest as it obstructed access to the hand brake, once again the car is built with five footers in mind and I also noted that when the driver’s seat is set right back that it is in fact quite difficult to see out the passenger side window, but I managed. Over the course of the week I also noted some of the automatic sensors doing their thing such as the road sensors when the temperature dropped right down to icy road conditions. The car has a top speed of 190kmh which I didn’t put to the test. There was a significant amount of motorway driving during the test and I did notice the power difference of the 1.2 engine. The car’s 1197cc engine did feel a touch light on power at certain points although it handled well during some pretty bad weather conditions during the week. The Skoda Fabia Combi has ample space for a Supermini with a large boot that almost compares to a Ford Mondeo in terms of size. Plenty of space to fit the shopping in there or if you have a boot-liner fit you could easily accommodate two adult Labradors. Overall I found the car fun to drive and yes I actually did “feel good” while driving it. It’s a good product. With the right trade in buyers could expect to get a great deal on one of these and manageable monthly repayments. With more people than ever moving into the cities I would say that the Skoda Fabia Combi is an ideal city car, but at the same time I found it to be a worthy vehicle for use in a rural setting zipping in and out of towns across the midlands.
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Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo by Seán Creedon
Colour is so important when choosing a new car and if you are interested in the new version of the neat Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo, you will be impressed if a combination of red and black is your favourite colour.
There is room in the back seat for two people, comfortably or three at a squeeze. The version I drove with lots of extras also had a full-length sun roof. The sun roof will of course cost you a bit more.
Skoda used to sponsor the Tipperary hurlers and footballers, but it’s a pity they don’t link with the Down footballers or Bohemians soccer club as the Monte Carlo red and black colours would be ideal for promotional purposes.
The boot is a decent size and there are nets to hold shopping and other cubby holes to place items. And the good news is that like most Skoda cars, there is a full-size spare wheel in the Monte Carlo. The 17-inch alloys are also black and looked great.
The Fabia is a very neat supermini and after driving a couple of huge people carriers in the previous weeks, it made a pleasant change to sit into what you could describe as a fairly normal small car. It’s very neat and ever so lively. It reminded me a skinny Opel Corsa that I owned in the 1980’s. There is a 1.0-litre version available, but my test model was a1.2-litre petrol with 110 brake horse power and it really had plenty of power. There are lots of nooks in the cabin to store items. And the red and black design, which is carried inside makes for a very bright decor. The dash is so like a Volkswagen and it will remind you, if you need reminding, that Skoda is now part of the powerful VW group. The radio is a Bolero and the dials are sturdy and easy to use.
The 1.0-litre version starts at €13,895, while the 1.2-litre starts at €16,595. However, the top of the range version I drove will cost you €19,995. Road tax is €190. I loved it. It’s lively, frugal, ideal for navigating through narrow city streets and so easy to park. I like the way I got a speed warning on the dash in front of me if I went over 100km/h speed limit on the M50. This is an updated version of the Monte Carlo, which Skoda first introduced in 2011 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the famous race and Skoda’s 110th year in motor sport. But as I have often said before you would need to be wearing your ‘motoring anorak’ to spot the changes or improvements.
Skoda Octavia by Seán Creedon
find an even more spacious cabin than the last model, and a boot that easily leaves the Octavia’s rivals in the shade. Not only are there those differences, but now you’ve got the option of a proper 4X4 hatchback without going all out for the Skoda Scout. Engine wise you get to choose from the excellent 1.2 litre 200bhp TSI petrol’s, as well as the frugal yet naturally capable 1.6 litre 103bhp and 2.0 litre 148bhp diesels, and the torque laden 2.0 litre 184bhp TDI.
This model comes at €18,995 excluding dealer and delivery related charges. The car will do 0-100km/h in 10.9 seconds, delivers 107g/km and will cost you €190 in annual road tax. Fuel consumption of 60mpg and the 1.2 Tsi engine delivers 90bhp. Out of five stars I would give this car a 4.25 The latest Skoda Octavia is harking back to good old Czech engineering. The Octavia new and old is slowly becoming a very common sight on Irish roads and maybe it’s because we Irish have always had a love for well-made machinery. Skoda comes from a country that gave Ireland one of the big names in farm machinery-Zetor. Many people know the line ”The Massey is classy but the Zetor is better” and in many ways the same can be said about Skoda. People are realising that what was once a so called uncool brand is steadily finding a fond place in many Irish hearts because of its good engineering. Open the doors of the new Octavia and you’ll
The transmissions are five-and six-speed manual gearboxes or a six-speed, 36,945 for the loaded up RS, twin clutch DSG semi-automatic. Three trim levels, Active, Ambition and Elegance are offered and prices run from €18,995 for the basic 1.2 petrol to €36,945 for the loaded up RS. Problem? Top end 4x4 models are (Skoda) Superb money. It is unlikely to be a huge seller here due to the typical commuter lives most Octavias will live. For those in more remote, damp or hilly parts of the country however, the small premium over the front wheel drive model could make it a worthwhile option. Best Version: 2.0 TDI 4X4 Price Range: €19,795 to €40,875 EuroNCAP safety ratings: 5-satr; 93% adult,86% child, 82% pedestrian, 66% safety assist
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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Subaru Impreza RC
NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND GREATER REFINEMENT FOR UPGRADED 2016 SUBARU FORESTER The Subaru Forester has been upgraded for 2016, to ensure the model maintains its status as one of the most capable and versatile SUVs in its class. The 2016 model-year upgrades to the Subaru Forester result in improved safety, convenience, comfort and refinement. The upgraded Subaru Forester has arrived across the brand’s Irish dealer network this month. Prices for the range start from €36,995 for the 2.0 Diesel X model. Every Forester is equipped with Subaru’s signature core technologies: Symmetrical All-WheelDrive, affording surefootedness in all conditions; and the latest-generation four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engines, contributing to the low centre of gravity beneficial to balance, road holding and handling.
Upgrades to exterior and interior styling
The 2016 Subaru Forester has had an exterior and interior refresh. At the front of the car, the Forester’s distinctive hexagonal grille has been updated with a new ‘wing’ motif grille mesh, while the front bumper has been reshaped and now features new L-shaped chrome trim adding greater visual volume to the lower part of the Forester’s ‘face’. The change is designed to emphasise the car’s low centre of gravity, wide stance and innate stability. The wraparound headlamps – retaining Subaru’s signature ‘hawk-eye’ shape – feature a new black base paint finish, for a sharper appearance. The 2016 model is also fitted with new LED combination lamps at the rear. Inside the cabin, new materials and technologies have been introduced to further modernise the interior and introduce a higher-quality look and feel, while still retaining the functionality for which the Forester is renowned. The interior is finished with a higher proportion of soft-touch materials, new piano black and metallic trim, higher-resolution TFT displays, and new upholstery, with leather as an option. Following the adoption of Subaru’s new touchscreen infotainment and navigation system in 2015, the changes to the 2016 Subaru Forester are designed to further improve the quality look and feel of the cabin. Additional soundproofing measures for significantly improved refinement A series of modifications have been made beneath the surface of the 2016 Forester, to greatly improve cabin refinement. Thicker glass has been applied to every door and the front quarter lights at the base of the A-pillar, reducing the ingress of wind ‘rush’ and other noises into the cabin. For the front quarter lights and front doors, glass thickness has increased from 3.5 mm to 4.0 mm, while rear door glass is now 3.5 mm (up from 3.1 mm). The seals around the window frames in the doors use a new, more sound-absorbent material to further reduce noise levels. Additional soundproofing material has been added around the dashboard, particu-
larly where the dashboard meets the base of the windscreen and in the front passenger foot well, minimising noise intrusion from wind rush and the engine, respectively. Safety improvements with new headlamp technology Already an exceptionally safe vehicle, the higher specification XC and XE Forester variants adopt new headlamp technologies, which include LED lights with Adaptive Front Lighting System. The new Adaptive Front Lighting System allows the headlamps to rotate left or right into corners as the driver turns the wheel. By illuminating the road ahead in the direction in which the vehicle is traveling, the Forester’s night visibility is greatly improved, particularly useful in poorly-lit rural areas. All existing safety equipment on offer is fitted as standard to every model in the Forester range, including twin front, side, curtain and knee airbags, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC; Subaru’s electronic stability control system) with trailer stability, and Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology. Greater ride comfort and more confidence-inspiring handling The 2016 Subaru Forester features a range of modifications to improve ride quality and agility, and ensure greater refinement for passengers. Updated suspension settings at the front and rear ensure the car remains comfortable and refined, particularly over broken or choppy surfaces, while the adoption of a new steering gearbox quickens the steering ratio (from 15.5:1 to 14.0:1) to improve reactions to steering inputs. The range of engines remains unchanged for the 2016 Forester; buyers can choose from two 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines – a 150 PS naturally-aspirated 2.0i petrol engine, or a 147 PS 2.0D turbo-diesel unit from Subaru’s FB family of engines. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard to 2.0D models, with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission available as an option. This transmission is offered as standard on models equipped with the 2.0i petrol engine. In uneven or slippery road conditions, the all-terrain capability of the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is enhanced further with the X-Mode on Lineartronic CVT models, a control system which includes Hill Descent Control and makes traction even better than that of the outgoing model. Model line-up and pricing There are five models in the 2016 Forester range, starting at €36,995 for the diesel 2.0D X, and €37,995 for the petrol 2.0i XE Lineartronic auto. A Lineartronic option is available in the 2.0D diesel, (RRP €3,000), while XC pack spec. upgrades, (RRP €3,000) are available with both engine types. The upgraded Subaru Forester comes with the brand’s extended five year, 160,000 km. warranty.
Here we report on not the rally inspired WRX but on a normal road going family orientated Impreza that is the only car in the C segment to offer allwheel drive(AWD) as standard. Sleeker and more aerodynamic this Imprezza has not lost all the hallmarks that made its predecessor such a household name. Compared to the Imprezza’s gone before it this new Imprezza is notably more spacious. All one has to do is reach over to open the passenger door to notice the extra width and space. Wider door dimensions and higher hip points make for easier entry and exiting. The cars cabin is nicely composed and it features highly durable and high quality materials. Having a wide field of vision we admired its comfortable seating and excellent rear leg room. With a good driving position, clear dials and easy controls the Imprezza also comes with a Multi-Function Display screen on top of the central console which features a reversing camera. Complete with a leather clad multi-functioning steering wheel the RC equipped (only one trim
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level) Imprezza benefits from automatic on/off headlamps, rain sensing wipers that feature a really handy de-icer system and power folding heated door mirrors with LED turn signals. It also has a wonderful dual-zone air conditioning system, heated front seats and Bluetooth as standard. Like its predecessor the companies’ hall mark four-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine has been retained. Complete with an Auto start/stop system there is no denying that the Boxer engines lower centre of gravity supports superior road holding, but we found that this comes at a price. Tested here in 1.6 petrol guise we would have loved to see how a diesel derivative would have performed. With AWD as standard this other Subaru hallmark certainly separated the men from the boys. In the slippery wet conditions we witnessed the Imprezza coming into its own and even had us thinking that the poor fuel economy versus its rivals could be a small price to pay for such surefootedness. The car returned excellent comfort properties from its fully independent front and rear suspension system, while it also inspires confidence in wet and cold conditions and this is no bad thing considering the mixture of weather that Irish motorists endure on the roads. Add in the vehicles Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with its emergency brake assist function, its high proportion of high- tensile steel and eight airbags and this Subaru ticks many safety boxes. On its merits the latest Subaru is a great car once you bear in mind that there is a higher running cost to be paid for such superior road holding and comfort elements. Best Version: There’s only one Price Range: €24,995 Euro NCAP safety rating: Not yet tested
Subaru Outback Outback fitted with Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, and includes six features: Pre-collision Braking, Pre-collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure& Sway Warning, Pre-collision Steering Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. With the addition of EyeSight and Subaru’s active and passive safety features, the new Subaru Outback benefits from lower insurance ratings, amongst the most competitive in its class. For over two decades, the Outback has acted as Subaru’s flagship model in Ireland, winning the hearts of many due to its practical, all-road nature and general cruising abilities. The all new, fifth generation Outback is now going on sale, sporting an all-new exterior design, a significantly higher quality interior, and a raft of new safety technology compared to the outgoing model. The new Outback has been developed to offer space and practicality; world class safety; all-conditions and all-terrain versatility; a higher quality cabin; more contemporary yet timeless exterior and interior styling; and improved environmental performance to meet changing customer and regulatory demands. More significant changes can be found on the inside. The new model’s revamped interior uses a range of higher quality materials throughout, for a more premium fit and finish, complemented by a new 7.0-inch touchscreen factory-fit infotainment and sat-nav system. Also new to the latest model, EyeSight is Subaru’s advanced collision avoidance technology which acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers, employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards. This is the first time this driver assist technology has been made available in Ireland and Europe, contributing to the Outback’s maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating. The system’s two colour cameras are located either side of the rear view mirror to detect the presence of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other potential hazards. EyeSight is fitted as standard to every
Drivetrain wise, it’s business as usual up front, with a horizontally-opposed four-cylinder Boxer, fitted deep in the engine bay to ensure a low centre of gravity for improved handling, despite the cars raised ground clearance. The 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine produces 150PS and 350 Nm torque. Available with either a six-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s programmed seven-speed Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, the former is without a doubt the easiest to live with, offering traditional and more controlled throttle response when on any terrain other than the road. Handling and ride quality have improved over the outgoing Outback through the adoption of new, stiffer struts, which cut and roll, and revised spring and damper rates, for a more flexible reaction to bumps. There are two trim levels available on the Outback for Irish buyers-SE and SE Premium- both of which offer generous levels of standard equipment. SE models are equipped as standard with automatic LED headlamps and headlamp washers, cruise control, Active Torque Vectoring, 17 inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat and privacy glass, as well as a 7.0-inchtouchscreen infotainment system, incorporating audio, smartphone connectivity and a rear view parking camera. While SE Premium models add a sunroof, keyless entry and pushbutton start, satellite navigation, leather seats, electrically-adjustable passenger’s front seat and a powered rear tailgate for added functionality. Best Version: Manual SE Price Range: €40,995 to €48,995 EuroNCAP safety rating: Not yet tested
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“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
www.thefinest.ie
Baleno is Suzuki’s new baby... The luxurious Culloden Hotel in Hollywood, East Belfast was the venue Suzuki chose to launch their new car, the Baleno. Before any letters to the editor arrive, I know that Hollywood is officially in County Down and of course it’s the home place of golfer Rory McIlroy. A new car is often treated like a new baby. With a child, grandparents will try and find a link with the parents, e.g. he/she has its mother’s nose or its father’s red hair. It’s much the same with cars, the grille in that new car is like the grille in X and the rear looks like Y etc. But I didn’t hear any of the motor writers gathered in East Belfast earlier this month make any comparisons for the Baleno because it’s really different to anything I have seen in recent years. The downturn in the Irish economy affected most car companies and small companies like Suzuki were badly hit. However, Suzuki Marketing Manager Declan Maguire said ‘‘It’s has been tough going since 2009 when a lot of people ‘fell off the cliff.’ And it took the small suppliers a few years to climb back up. But I’m glad to say that we have turned the corner and we expect to sell approximately 700 new cars this year.’’ The Baleno, which will fit into the ‘B’ segment, is a super mini and will go on sale here in June with a very attractive starting price of €17,995. Normally when a new car is launched in Ireland the manufacturers tell us that the mid-range model is expected to be the best seller. But the entry level of the Baleno is packed with goodies like Sat Nav and you won’t need to spend any more of your hard-earned cash. The Baleno is slightly longer than the Suzuki which, which it will be sold alongside. Howev-
er the Baleno offers more passenger and cargo space and is built in India on a completely new Suzuki platform. There will be two models to choose from, a 1.0-litre Booster Jet SZ-T or the S25 which will cost €19,495. It will also be available in Automatic at €22,495. You could also opt for a 1.2 mild Hybrid at €18,995. Both grades will have a high level of specification, including seven-inch screen, Bluetooth, apple Car play and Mirror Link for phone with other operating systems. You get a three-year or 100,000km warranty. I wasn’t able to stay in Northern Ireland for two days and had to skip the recommended test drive which involved a ferry crossing at Port ferry and back up to Belfast on the western side of Strangford Lough. However, we did manage a trip out along the coast to Bangor and on to Donaghadee. And it brought back memories of the old Waltons programme on Radio Eireann on Saturday afternoons and a song with the famous line ‘‘Sure it’s six miles from Bangor to Donaghadee.’’ On that short drive the Baleno felt good to drive. However, I wasn’t mad about the Hybrid version, but it’s difficult to make a decision after a short drive and I will have a proper review for you later in the summer. Watch out for a new television ad and there will also be a Suzuki Road Show in June to promote the Baleno. Declan Maguire says he expects to get a lot of conquests sales from people who are planning to downsize, Swift drivers and lapsed SX4 drivers. We wish Suzuki well with their new ‘baby.’
Ssangyong Korando 2.2 by Seán Creedon
Ssangyong has been back in the Irish market for a few years now. Bill Cullen and Jackie Lavin’s dealership in Bluebell, Dublin has attracted a lot of publicity, but the company has 11 other dealers countrywide. Ssangyong was saved by a huge investment from Indian conglomerate Mihandra and Mihandra and this time round the cars are being imported into Ireland by the Harris group. The Korean company has a reputation for building massive diesel crossovers like the Korando, Rexton and Rodius. Last year they introduced their first car,
the Tivoli to Ireland and last week I got to test drive the revamped and powerful new 2.2-litre Korando. Thanks to the famous Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who has previously designed for Ferrari and Lamborghini, we now have a more attracting looking Korando and the addition of a 2.2-litre diesel engine certainly provides more power under the bonnet. Apart from a more powerful engine there are few external changes to the front of the car as this chunky-looking motor got a make-over.
There is a lot to like about the Korando, but it’s probably more suited for the countryside than for urban driving, still you may see a few ‘Yummy Mummies’ in one for the school run. The high driving position is brilliant and you will feel like the ‘king of the road.’ There are lots of extras like windscreen wiper heating, which could be very useful in a harsh winter, heated front seats and privacy rear windows. And in such a big motor it would be shame not to have a proper spare wheel. And the Korando, which could be expected to see a lot of off-road use, does have a space-saver spare. When I drove the 2.0-litre Korando a few years back it was a burnt orange-coloured version. This time round it was a more conservative techno grey colour, which didn’t attract as much reaction from passers-by. The only thing missing was a grip over the driver’s head. A grip is provided for the passenger side which my wife, who has a touch of arthritis, said she
appreciated, but somebody forgot about the driver. There is plenty of room for five well-built adults in the back seat where there is ample leg and head room and the boot is huge. The previous 2.0-litre version of the Korando was named Caravan Club Towcar of the Year in Britain in its price category, so there was already plenty of pulling power. No doubt this new version will also pick awards for its towing ability. When you start it up you will quickly realise that it’s a diesel, but on the open road it’s not too noisy. I enjoyed my time in the Korando; it was a pleasure to drive and to travel in it. I didn’t get an opportunity to go off-road, but it performed well on the motorway. The seats are comfortable and I think it would be an ideal car to rent out if you wanted to go on a driving tour of the country. It’s well kitted out with plenty of slave controls on the steering wheel. And it comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Prices start at €25,995 and road tax is €280.
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
SsangYong Korando Sport Never judge a book by its cover. That’s just one of the many cliches that spring to mind as essential while describing the SsangYong Korando Sports. SsangYong have re entered the Irish market with not one but three very different new vehicles. When I first met the sharp looking lines of the Korando Sports SUV I struggled to see what market it was aimed at. However during my time with the Korando Sports it’s versatility shone through and it’s the type of SUV that will prove itself equally at home for anyone with a love of the outdoors or adventure sports, a trades person with a family or perhaps a farmer. The refined and economical 2.0 direct injection turbo diesel quietly puts down 155hp through your selected choice of two or four wheel drive with up to 360nm of torque. With a flat load carrying area behind the cabin of around 2sq metres and the ability to tow a trailer of up to 2,300kg the Korando Sports certainly ticks a lot of boxes for the leisure or business load lugger. Options available here for the Korando Sports include two different types of fully sealed hard top covers for the load area with a choice of a full roofline height cover that looks great or a ram assisted lid that well, looks different. The rugged exterior styling of the Korando Sports will certainly turn heads and it probably looks at it’s best without the optional but practical hard top covers for the load areas.
From a drivers perspective I found the engine provided performance more than adequate for this type of vehicle and the power delivery is smooth quiet and car like, as was the fuel consumption. The use of coil suspension makes the drive in this SUV feel a lot more like driving a car than a pick up and my three passengers described the cabin space as pleasantly and surprisingly quiet and refined. Driving off road or over the type of rough ground that most off us don’t cross too often proved comfortable and effortless in four wheel drive high or low with no lack of ground clearance experienced. In the background the ESP and ARP (Active Rollover Protection) along with the cabin airbags are there to keep you safe while the HSA (Hill Start Assist) does just what it says. The cabin space is spacious and comfortable for 4 adults with a practical and durable feel and the four large doors provide easy access to the fabric or leather seats. As well as the enormous exterior load carrying area the interior has lots of storage spaces for bits an pieces. The list of specifications is extensive and includes the likes of aircon, cruise control, multiple function steering wheel, heated seats, ESP and Bluetooth but parking sensors are an extra. I must admit that while it would not be my usual cup of tea I was indeed surprised and I enjoyed my time with the Korando Sports which proved itself as a good practical all- rounder that was easy and comfortable to drive.
Suzuki Vitara
The new Vitara really showed its ability in an off-road section on launch day that brought memories of the wonderful old SJ 4X4 flooding back. Of course the latest Vitara is not all about off-road capability as the company offer five out of their six variants with two wheel drive in GL, GL+ and GLX trim specifications. Twenty seven years since the Vitara name was first introduced the latest incarnation is a tidy sized SUV that competes with the likes of the new Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, Ssangyong Tivoli, Mazda CX-3, Opel Mokka and Dacia Duster. Measuring 4.175m long, 1.725m wide and 1.610m tall, the Vitara looks well sitting on 17” polished alloys with 215/55 Continental tyres (16”GL). Customers can also choose from ten body colours as well as five two tone combinations. At first glance the new Vitara has traits of the Range Rover Evoque and latest Land Rover Discovery written all over it. In other words it’s a good looking SUV. Enhancing the styling even further was the GLX standars fit LED headlamps with blue projector covers. First impressions of the interior affected by the plastic door coverings which lend what is otherwise a quality interior, a slightly cheap look. This is a pity for Suzuki have otherwise pulled out all the stops with the suede seating, a lovely panoramic sunroof and keyless entry with start button on
the GLX model. The 60/40 split rear seating allows loads from 375 to 710 litres to be accommodated. The car also had Smart phone connectivity, navigation and some cutting edge safety systems such as Radar Brake Support. The exterior colour extends to the dash and dials. With the round air vents and round clock, it all adds up to lending the Vitara a youthful sporty look. Power for the Vitara comes in the for of a Fiat-derived 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine. It’s a marvellous power plant which can also be found in the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade. Capable of producing 120bhp it proved exceptionally powerful, refined and economical. While Suzuki claim 4.2L/100km our average take was a satisfactory 5.6L/100km (50mpg) over 1046 kilometres covered. Mated to the wilful engine is a smooth precise and easy select six-speed gearbox. On the road the Vitara drives like a larger SUV as it soaks up irregularities with relative ease. Surefooted in normal conditions the addition of ALLGRIP relays a lovely peace of mind. The ALLGRIP system with four driver selectable modes for safe, enjoyable driving on diverse surfaces debuted in the Suzuki S-Cross. This system is enhanced by the addition of a new feed forward function. The Suzuki Vitara proved to be a very satisfying car in GLX ALLGRIP guise transmitting confidence at a very rewarding running cost. Best Version: 1.6 Turbo Diesel DDis GLX ALLGRIP Price Range: €19,995 to €30,495 EuroNCAP safety rating: 5-star, 89% adult, 85% child,75% pedestrian,76% safety assist
Better late than never, after some time out in the design department, Suzuki is back in the crossover game with a seriously capable competitor. Not to be confused with a standard SX4, the S-Cross will no doubt nick some prospective Yeti and Qashqai drivers. It’s great looking, it’ll do the whole off road thing, it’s frugal, it’s very well equipped, and it drives like a car. The last point is crucial here, as it is the vehicles on road manners that give the S-Cross its unique selling point. Suzuki has worked magic with the chassis and it almost feels as flat as a Swift Sport when driven through
winding mountainous roads yet it’s still got the traditional jacked up ride height and comfort of a crossover. Suzuki is actually so confident of the cars driving dynamics that they’ve even included a Sport setting. Probably not necessary on such a vehicle, but it certainly adds to the versatility of the car. Other settings include Auto, Snow/Mud and 4 Wheel Drive lock for when you (and you will) find an excuse to go places you could normally only visit in a full on SUV. Of the 1.6 litre petrol and diesel units on offer, the diesel is the one you want. Ample amounts of torque and 120hp aid in its impressive overall agility, and it feels a lot quicker than you imagine it should, as well as being substantially more powerful than some of its higher capacity rivals. The GLX model we tested was fully loaded with necessary luxuries including heated leather seats and USB connectivity, and without sounding too biased it’s literally all the car we’d ever need.
“The Finest” | Issue Nº 33
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VW Touran
Toyota RAV4
available and all with Isofix seats. Normally I’m not a huge fan of cruise control as you just cannot relax with people adopting so many different speeds on the motorway. But the Touran had adaptive cruise control where you can set the distance you want to stay from the car in front. You get a flashing amber light on the side mirrors if you are being overtaken on the outside or inside. I also like the way the side mirrors fold in when the central locking is applied. I liked the high driving position and my top of the range Comfortline model had a full-length sunroof which made for a very bright interior. On the dash it’s typical VW, which means all the controls are well laid out and so easy to use. And there are slave controls on the steering wheel. And if you are a person who likes to carry a lot of items in the car it’s good to know that there are 47 storage areas. As usual with VW there are three options, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Prices start at €30,500, but my top of the range Highline with lots of goodies will cost you €45,232. You can get the basic version for €379 per month on a PCP offer. Right now VW has attractive upgrade offers, but check with your local dealer as the prices quoted are always for the basic model. I really liked the Touran and found the 2.0-litre diesel very frugal. You will need to top up occasionally with Adblue, but you will a warning on the dash.
The boot is massive and underneath is a ‘mini’ spare wheel, which is always appreciated no matter what size or make of car. I had the car over the second weekend of May when the weather was really good on the Sunday. So there was only one thing to do, head for the hills. We headed out towards the Blessington lakes, past Manor Kilbride, then took the Lake Drive through Lacken and up the mountains towards Turlough Hill. It was an idyllic Sunday drive, made even more memorable in what was comfortable SUV, that provided a great view of the countryside. Ian Corbett, marketing manager of Toyota Ireland tells me that they are very happy with the improvements made to the RAV 4 and he is looking forward to the arrival of their new C-HR, which will be available in November. The C-HR will be Toyota’s competitor for the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson. It will have much the same interior as the Qashqai and that’s good news for a start. Ian said: ‘‘With the continued consumer demand for SUV’s every manufacturer really needs two models within the segment to cater for the varied customer requirements and one of them needs to cost less than thirty thousand.’’ Prices for the 2.0 diesel which I drove start at €29,959, while the 2.5 Hybrid starts at €37,950. Road tax is €270 in the diesel and €200 in the Hybrid. My test car came in a ‘sparkling blue’ colour and it was very easy to spot it in the supermarket car park where it certainly ‘sparkled.’ After complaints from other car manufacturers Toyota are no longer allowed to say that they have ‘the best built cars in the world,’ but it was such a strong and catchy strap line that every time I see a Toyota I think of the ad.
by Seán Creedon
Some executives at Volkswagen’s head office obviously likes the letter ‘t’ as it has been used at least three times when choosing names for their cars. Last week I had the seven-seater Touran, there’s also the chunky Touareg, which I will have in a few weeks and the smaller Tiguan. Colour makes such a difference when you are deciding on a new car and the Touran came in a very attractive Atlantic Blue colour. Of course you cannot generalise with buyers, but in a recent survey by Auto Express they said that VW drivers are likely to work in business and follow rugby. And there could well be some truth in that as VW are sponsors of Leinster Rugby. The Touran has been with us since 2003 and the version I drove is not new, just a refresh. It’s based on the Golf Mark V and in some countries like Japan it’s known as the Golf Touran. There are more stylish-looking cars around, but the Touran is very practical and a pleasure to drive. I needed to pay a long overdue visit to the recycling centre last week and when the second and third row of seats are folded down there is massive space. The seats are very easy to fold down and the car is now 62kg lighter, which makes for better fuel economy. For the record it’s now 13cm longer and the wheelbase is extended by 11cm, figures you are unlikely to notice unless you have a really sharp eye It’s available in 1.2 petrol and 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel. In Ireland only the seven-seater version will be
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by Seán Creedon
Toyota has given their popular RAV4 a makeover. This chunky-looking SUV has been with us since 1994 and the recent mid-life facelift comes three years after the 4th generation of the SUV was launched in this part of the world. There were a few complaints about the chunky look at the back of the 4th generation, but thanks to the revamp they have been more or less ‘ironed out’ now what you now get is a more linear look at the back. Inside the cabin is still a bit dark, due mainly to all the black material used around the dash area. The only thing bright on the dash is the reversing camera, the rest is fairly dark. However, I liked the buttons for the radio controls, even if they are located the ‘wrong way round’ in that the volume control button is nearest to the driver. But you get used to it after a day or two. There is plenty of leg and head room in the back seat for three ‘well built’ adults. In fact there is so much leg room that if your back seat passengers were footballers they could practice their skills on the way to a game. Naturally it’s a high driving position and my wife said she appreciated the grips on the passenger door. No I wasn’t driving too fast, it’s just that the grips are very useful when climbing on board.
VW Jetta by Seán Creedon
Toyota Verso
by Seán Creedon
Restyled at ED2 Toyota’s European design centre in France, the latest Verso has over 470 changed parts over that of its predecessor. The changes to the Verso which equates to 60% visible and 40% relating to its driving dynamics, noise vibration and harshness characteristics(NVH), represent a comprehensive model mid-life cycle upgrade for Toyota in Ireland. The style is pleasing to the eye. It’s more aggressive and attractive front and rear styling places the emphasis on width rather than height, resulting in an MPV with a somewhat sporty stance. Inside the feeling of quality is evident. Everything fits with precision, is easily reached and easily adjusted. It’s a top family mode of transport that shows to offer, in Sky View trim, all the creature comforts (seat trays, cup holders, MP3
player, under floor storage, good sized door pockets) most families would require. It’s 2.0 litre D-4-D turbo diesel engine, that produces 124bhp, is both frugal and sufficiently powerful for a car of this size. 470+ changes have greatly improved this MPV from the previous Toyota Verso. It’s now more than an MPV. It’s a vehicle that can also be enjoyed by those who don’t have little voices shouting from the back ‘are we there yet’. It’s a comfortable, refined and excellently built large car that just so happens to offer versatility. Best version: 2.0 litre D-4-D Luna Sky View: Price Range: €26,710 to €31,895 EuroNCAP safety rating: Not yet tested
The VW Jetta is described in some motoring magazines as a ‘small family car’ which seems a bit unfair as I have always found that the car has decent interior space and is a proper five-seater. But that’s the way it’s classified. People in the motoring trade have been known to joke that the Jetta is really a ‘Golf with a decent boot.’ But really it’s true because that’s how the Jetta evolved by adding a big boot and making a few subtle changes to the Golf hatchback Irish motorists seem to have a ‘love affair’ with the Jetta which has been with us since 1979, which was the year that Pope John Paul II came to Ireland. Coincidentally Benedict, the Pope Emeritus drove a Golf before getting the top job in the Vatican. That’s enough Papal info for this week! Last week’s Jetta test car was a refreshed version of the Jetta mark VI. I have often said on that you would need to be wearing your ‘motoring anorak’
to spot the changes and improvements when a car gets a make-over. The external changes are cosmetic and very minimal inside. The front fascia now has a triple-slat chrome grille, restyled headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, restyled bumper and new fog-light enclosure. You also get 18-inch Preston alloys. No mistaking the interior as it has the familiar VW look. You now get a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, new infotainment system with piano black surround and new upholstery. So there are changes, but I suppose VW’s motto is ‘‘it’s not broke don’t fix it.’’ I always liked the dash area of VW cars. The controls are very well laid out and radio controls which can be ‘finicky’ in some other cars, are really simple in the VW. The seats are solid and comfortable and there is ample foot and head room for five adults. Then you have the wonderful boot and maybe that’s one of the reasons why the car is so popular with farmers. I don’t play golf, but I think the boot in a Jetta would also be a golfer’s delight. It’s huge and the good news is that underneath you get a fullsize spare wheel. And if you want to carry a long item such as a pole vault, you can open a section of the back seat into the boot and that will allow you carry very long items. On the road I found the Jetta to be very solid and the 2.0-litre diesel engine was very frugal. Prices for the Highline version of the Jetta, which has a decent amount of goodies as standard, start at €24,705, while the 2.0-litre diesel model I drove will cost you €27,995. It’s not the most stylish-looking car around, if you are a golfer, farmer or pole-vaulter the revamped Jetta is no doubt the car for you.
All-New
Renault KADJAR and Renault CAPTUR
3% APR
3 years Servicing Included 5 years Warranty & Roadside Assistance
Book a test drive. Models shown: KADJAR Signature Nav 1.5 dCi RRP €30,990, Captur Signature TCe 90 RRP €22,390. Prices exclude metallic paint, delivery and dealer-related charges. Maximum recommended dealer delivery charge €725. 5-year/200,000km manufacturer’s warranty as standard. Finance example: Renault Captur Life TCe 90 S&S, RRP €19,790. Includes 3-year service plan. Deposit €6,721. Term 36 monthly payments of €165. APR 3%. Total cost of credit €877, inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional final payment €7,857. KADJAR Expression+ TCe 130 RRP €25,190. Deposit €8,585. Term 36 monthly payments of €199. APR 3%. Total cost of credit €1,088, inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional final payment €10,378. Excess mileage and wear & tear charges may apply. Offer exclusive to Renault Finance. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See renault.ie. [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made.] Visit renault.ie