Kia Pro Cee’d
JEEP –While other markets get the storming, 465hp Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 in 2013, Jeep Ireland will instead offer its customers a more sensible vehicle with the looks of the SRT8 but powered by the company’s new 241hp 3.0-litre, V6, turbo-diesel engine. Called the “S-Limited”, it features a new body kit, 20-inch wheels and unique black detailing, as well as leather-and-suede SRT8-style seats amongst numerous other cabin enhancements. Pricing has yet to be announced but it is expected to be more affordable the range-topping Overland version on which it is based. Details of the new Jeep Liberty/Cherokee are scant at this stage, so much so that the name hasn’t even been finalised yet and might end up being called something completely different. While the Liberty/Cherokee has remained on sale in the U.S. it was dropped from Europe in 2011. An all-new replacement is now in the works and is due to arrive in the second half of 2013, slotting in between the Compass and the Grand Cherokee and boasting a sophisticated new platform, advanced low-CO2 petrol and diesel engines with ultra-efficient transmissions as well as surprising, head-turning looks.
KIA – The very sleek second generation Pro-Cee’d hatchback arrives here in March and will be powered by the same choice of 1.4 and 1.6 diesel engines currently in the Cee’d 5 door and Sportswagon. Kia’s Ford C-Max rival,the new Carens promises space, style and practicality. Featuring a lower roofline and longer wheelbase, it will come as a 7 seater only and will be available with the same 1.7D engine that’s in the Sportage.
LAND ROVER – The big news for Land Rover is the arrival of the all-new Range Rover. Lighter, more efficient and the world’s first all-aluminium SUV, the first all-new Range Rover in almost a decade promises to be a major step forward. Available with 3.0-litre TDV6 engine, this smaller engine delivers the same performance as the previous 4.4-litre TDV8 Range Rover but the reduced weight achieves a 22 % reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Available from showrooms January 2013, prices start from €119,300 for 3.0 TDV6. The Freelander benefits from some slight modifications to the exterior and interior styling for 2013.
LEXUS – Lexus kicks off the year with the launch of the LS 600h in January. The LS range will start from €122,480 and will feature the latest interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille design. We would also expect to see a new IS in the summer but this is as yet unconfirmed by Lexus.
MAZDA – Mazda’s new model for 2013 is the third-generation Mazda 6. With stylish looks, first impressions from the International Launch are good. Due here in February prices are expected to be in the region of €30,000. Available as a Saloon or Estate version it will be powered by a 148bhp 2.2 diesel that returns 68.9mpg and has emissions of 108g.
MERCEDES – Another busy year for Mercedes who have added both a new B-Class and a new M-Class to the range in 2012. They end the year with the addition of another three new models, a diesel-powered E 300 BlueTec Hybrid, the very glamorous and elegant CLS Shooting Brake and a brand new A-Class arriving. As different from its predecessor as it is possible to be, the new A-Class range includes an A180 petrol version at €26,435 and A180 CDI diesel version at €28,550. 2013 is set to be another busy year for Mercedes with a raft of new models arriving. The mid-life revised E-Class range comes to the market at the beginning of the year followed by a new S-Class and an all-new, eye-watering Compact Style Coupé whose design cues will be distinctly A-Class.
MINI – March sees the arrival of the Mini Paceman. Based on the five-door Countryman crossover the Mini Paceman has two fewer doors and comes with a starting price of €27,060. Two petrol and two diesel engines will be offered initially, with a high performance John Cooper Works version due later. All come with a six-speed manual gearbox, or the optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic function for manual control. In addition a MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is on the way and will be the first to come with MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive. MINI John Cooper Works GP, the quickest MINI sprints from 0-100km in 6.3 seconds, joins the range in 2013.
MITSUBISHI – The new Outlander, is due here next week with a starting price of €34,995 for the 2WD 5-seater. Emissions are lowest in class at just 126g/km with fuel consumption of 58.9MPG and Band B road tax. February sees the arrival of the replacement for the Colt, the Mirgae, that will be powered by a 1.2L, 79BHP, petrol engine which delivers emissions of under 100g/km and excellent fuel economy. Mitsubishi are also offering an 8 year/150,000km warranty on all passenger cars.
