Top: Renault Arkana
Above: Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé
MERCEDES-BENZ
The surge of new models will continue from Mercedes-Benz through the rest of 2021. Just arrived is a new SUV based on the A-Class and GLA, the EQA is priced from €51,125. Arriving in July is a revised four-door CLS Coupé and the new S580 Maybach, while August sees the arrival of the refreshed AMG GT four-door coupé and a S580e, a petrol-powered hybrid S-Class. A new C-Class in saloon and estate model variants is due in September along with a C300e plug-in hybrid version. The stunning EQS, inspired by the new S-Class, will launch in October. With a fusion of high-tech and artificial intelligence, the luxury car will travel more than 700km between charges. Mercedes ends the year with an all-terrain version of the C-Class. Looking ahead to 2022, a new generation of SL-Class roadster will arrive in time for 221 sales, while a new EQB – a seven-seat family car – launches in January followed by a fully electric E-Class in March.
MG
MG Motor returned to Ireland this year with the launch of a compact SUV with a 263km range. The MG ZS EV is priced from €28,995. The MG HS plug-in hybrid – with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine combined with a 90kW electric motor to give an EV-only range of over 50km – starts from €33,150. Just launched, the MG5 EV Sportwagon is powered by a 115kW electric motor with a 52.5kWh battery pack and a combined range of 345km. Prices start from €27,645.
MINI
MINI has revitalised the range with new exterior colours, refreshed look and improved technology for the Hatch, Electric and Convertible. Inside the digital dash and 8.8-inch central screen are now offered as standard. A new Electric Collection model has joined the MINI Electric line-up.
MITSUBISHI
There’s not much happening in the Mitsubishi line-up, with no new models planned for 2021.
NISSAN
Sporting an all-new platform, hybrid-only options and a striking look, the third-generation Nissan Qashqai is due here in June and will be priced from €30,500. Powering the new crossover is an extensively revised 1.3-litre petrol engine with 12V mild-hybrid system, which will be available with either 138bhp or 156bhp power outputs. Probably one of the most important electric cars coming our way in 2021, the Ariya is an all-electric coupé crossover. It will be available in five versions and with a choice of two batteries: a 63kWh delivering an estimated 360km range; and 87kWh delivering an estimated 500km range. Available to pre-order in September, the first models will arrive at the end of the year. Full pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
OPEL
Just launched, the new Mokka is available in petrol, diesel and all-electric options. Prices start from €23,295 for the SC 1.2-litre petrol 100bhp model, while the Mokka-e is priced from €33,038. A facelifted Insignia is now in showrooms nationwide and prices start from €32,795. An all-electric Combo Cargo-e light commercial vehicle and the Combo Life-e passenger car are due in Ireland in late 2021. We also expect to see a new Astra later in the year and, possibly, the new Grandland.
PEUGEOT
Peugeot is expanding its electric commercial vehicles range with the arrival of the new e-Expert. Pricing for the all-electric van will be released shortly. The e-Boxer and e-Partner will also join Peugeot’s commercial range later in the year. The 508 is given the Peugeot Sport treatment this summer with the arrival of the PSE model. A plug-in hybrid with 355bhp and fourwheel drive, it dashes from 0-100kmh in just 5.2 seconds. An all-new 308 will also arrive in showrooms toward the end of the year.
PORSCHE
Porsche will expand its electric offering with an all-electric Macan SUV. The SUV is set to compete with the Mercedes EQC and BMW iX3. While it is not likely to go on sale until 2022, we expect it to be revealed at the end of the year.
RENAULT
Launching this summer, the Renault Arkana is a coupé SUV based on the same platform as the Captur and the Clio. Customers will be able to choose between a 1.6-litre hybrid E-Tech powertrain as already offered in the Clio and several other models, as well as a 1.3-litre engine with mild-hybrid technology and two power outputs. Elsewhere in the range, Renault’s popular Trafic van has been refreshed with a new exterior look and an all-new interior.
SEAT Leon Sportstourer e-Hybrid
SEAT
New from Seat is a facelifted Ateca with improvements to the design, technology, safety and a new Xperience trim level featuring chunky bumpers and body kit that completes the ‘go-anywhere’ look. The Ateca range starts at €32,545. A Leon e-Hybrid is now available with a 1.4-litre petrol engine, 85kW electric motor, 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack and is available from €30,570. Seat’s seven-seat Tarraco is available in the FR trim and a plug-in version joins the range at the end of the year.
Alfa to Fiat
Ford to Mazda
Mercedes to SEAT
Skoda to Volvo
Geraldine Herbert
27th May 2021
