Top: Skoda_Enyaq
Above: Toyota Yaris Cross
SKODA
Skoda’s popular Octavia is now available in plug-in hybrid and RS variants. The Enyaq iV is Skoda’s first electric car for Ireland and boasts up to 510km with prices starting from €46,570 on the road, which includes a three-year service and tyre plan. The end of the year sees the arrival of an all-new Fabia. The fourth generation of the popular small car will be available with petrol engines only and is likely to be priced below €20,000.
SSANGYONG
June sees the arrival of the Tivoli Plus in 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre turbo petrol, with prices starting from €21,995. The passenger-only Rexton G4 will be available in five- or seven-seat options and arrives in dealerships in September. The 2.2-litre turbo diesel with 202hp is equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and boasts a towing capacity of 3500kg. Prices start from €59,995. There will also be a commercial version starting from €42,995. SsangYong’s Musso Sports crew-cab pick-up is due to be facelifted this September and the 2.2-litre turbo diesel with 181hp – available in either six-speed manual or auto – will be priced from €33,995. A Nissan Qashqai-sized electric model is also likely to be launched this year, but details are sparse for now.
SUBARU
Subaru’s Outback blends the practicality of an estate with the styling cues of an SUV and there is a new model for 2021. Due here this autumn, it promises to be the toughest, most rugged and most capable version yet. Competing with the likes of the BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo’s V90 Cross Country, the new model will provide a much-needed boost to the Subaru lineup. Subaru’s first electric vehicle will be an SUV called the Solterra and it is scheduled to go on sale in 2022.
SUZUKI
The Japanese carmaker recently added the refreshed Vitara and S-Cross hybrid to its range. The Vitara is priced from €28,250, while prices for the S-Cross start from €30,235.
TESLA
The Model 3 has been a huge seller for Tesla and the addition of the long-range version with a 78kWh battery has only added to its appeal. There is a new Model S and Model X due here next year. Unveiled back in March 2019, the Model Y is the second vehicle based on the Model 3 saloon platform. With a promised range of 505km, it is likely to be more expensive than the Model 3. It will not hit showrooms until 2022.
TOYOTA
Another head-turner that is due to arrive this year is the Toyota GR C-HR, the Gazoo Racing variant of the popular crossover. While it’s more sporty tweaks than fullblown GR, the new model does get a new GR Sport exclusive interior and exterior design. Power comes from a 1.8-litre hybrid and prices start from €38,050. Sharing a platform with the regular Yaris hatchback, the Yaris Cross arrives this summer. With a high-riding driving position and more ground clearance, it is Toyota’s first B-SUV segment car and prices will be released later in the year. The Proace EV, Toyota’s first EV in Ireland, arrives later this year and will be available with two battery options. We expect to see an electric model similar in size to the RAV 4 SUV at some stage this year based on the bZ4X which previewed at the Shanghai Motor Show.
VOLKSWAGEN
The ID.4 with a 58kWh battery and 340km range has just gone on sale, priced from €35,000. Recently unveiled is a new ID.4 GTX, which comes later this year and is performance-focused with all-wheel drive. An entry-level version of the ID.3 is available to order, with prices starting from €31,404. A revised Polo arrives in December and prices are expected to start at less than €20,000 along with a new small SUV sporty coupé, the Taigo that sits between the Polo and the T-Cross.
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD in Glacier Silver
VOLVO
It’s an important year for the Swedish brand, with the launch of its first all-electric XC40 Recharge. With a range of more than 400km, the all-wheel-drive SUV has an output of 408hp and the battery charges to 80pc of its capacity in 40 minutes on a fast-charger system. The XC40 will also be the first Volvo car to have the new Google Android-based interface. Arriving in showrooms this summer, the refreshed XC60 will be available with a range of hybrid options.
Alfa to Fiat
Ford to Mazda
Mercedes to SEAT
Skoda to Volvo
Geraldine Herbert
27th May 2021
