Top: Cupra Formentor
Above: Citroen C5 X
The drive toward sustainability has begun in earnest as new electric and hybrid models making up the lion’s share of the new arrivals for 212, writes Geraldine Herbert
ALFA ROMEO
Alfa’s electrification roll-out has begun with the Tonale, a plug-in hybrid compact SUV that will launch later this year. Combining a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, it will rival Volvo’s XC40 and the Range Rover Evoque. Elsewhere in the range, a Veloce Ti trim has been introduced on both the Giulia and Stelvio, while Alfa Connected Services is now available across the range.
AUDI
It’s another busy few months for Audi as it continues to introduce new and updated models. The new all-electric Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback can now be ordered, with prices starting from €41,465. The range varies from 330km to 520km depending on the model. Audi’s e-tron GT – a rival for the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S – arrives here this summer. The e-tron GT costs from €102,370 and comes with a range of 479km and sprints from 0 to 100kmh in 4.1 seconds. The more powerful RS model accelerates from zero to 100kmh in just 3.3 seconds, but comes with a reduced range and an increased price. The Q2 has been given a sharper look outside as well as interior enhancements and new equipment. A plug-in version of the Q5 and Q5 Sportback will hit showrooms next month. Other models to join the Audi range include a new plug-in hybrid model for the Q8 line-up. The flagship SUV is capable of up to 47km (WLTP) on a single charge and can accelerate to 100kmh in 5.4 seconds.
BMW
With ambitions to have 13 all-electric BMW models in the range by 2023, this summer sees the arrival of the new electric iX3 SUV. This is BMW’s first model made in China for worldwide export and will have a range of up to 458km. Prices will start from €70,205 on the road. Vying for the same customers as the Tesla Model 3, the new i4 all-electric saloon is due to go on sale later this year. The four-door Gran Coupé will be available in different versions covering ranges of up to 590km (WLTP). Arriving at the end of the year is BMW’s new iX Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). Two models will launch – the iX xDrive50 and iX xDrive40 – and prices start at €80,815.
CITROEN
If you want a funky small car, the updated C3 fits the bill and now comes with 97 customisation options. Arriving in Ireland next month, it will be followed by a facelifted C3 Aircross. Citroen’s new C4 will cover all the bases with petrol, diesel and EV variations when it arrives here mid-June. With its quirky crossover styling, it is guaranteed to stand out on the road. The fully electric e-C4 provides a 100kW electric motor and 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack to offer 350km range from a single charge. New also for 2021, the C5 Aircross PHEV will deliver a 60km fully electric WLTP range and the new flagship model, the C5 X, is expected here before the end of the year. The large crossover promises to be an interesting addition to the line-up, but pricing will be key to determining its success.
CUPRA
Hot on the heels of the Formentor, Cupra’s first stand-alone vehicle is a plug-in versio, the Formentor E-Hybrid, with 245hp and will be available in the coming weeks. Prices start from €39,895. The Cupra Born, a sporty EV based on the VW ID.3, will also launch later in the year.
DACIA
Dacia continues to woo customers with rock-bottom prices. An all-new Sandero and Sandero Stepway have just been launched with starting prices from €12,990 and €15,990 respectively. Both models promise significant improvements and fresh styling. Launching in September, Ireland’s most affordable 4×4, the Duster, gains a makeover with refreshed styling and improved technology.
DS
The latest DS7 and DS3 models will be on sale in time for July registrations and will be followed later in the year by the largest car yet from the French company, the DS9. It will launch with a choice of powertrains including a plug-in hybrid version. The fourth model, the DS4, will be added at the end of the year and will be available in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models.
The all electric Fiat 500
FIAT
Electrification has finally come to the Italian carmaker’s range in the diminutive shape of an all-electric 500. While retaining the exterior look of the 500, underneath is a new platform designed from the outset to be an electric car. The Honda E and Mini Electric rival is due here in the autumn and will be available in both hatchback and convertible options, with two battery choices and a range of either 185km or 320km. Elsewhere in the range the Panda, Tipo, 500, 500X and 500L have all been refreshed, while an all-new Cross variant has joined the Tipo range. Other changes to the range include the availability of a 1.0-litre 70hp mild hybrid in the Panda and 500 ranges.
Alfa to Fiat
Ford to Mazda
Mercedes to SEAT
Skoda to Volvo
