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Posted by Alex Bale
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The new 2013 Kia Sorento goes on sale in Ireland this week .Powered by an improved and more economical 2.2 197bhp diesel engine both trim levels available Ireland will be fitted with All Wheel Drive as standard. The Sorento is a 7-seater with the EX model priced at €37,990 and the Platinum model at € 41,790. Astonishingly, given the similar looks to the model that came out in 2010, it's all-new from the ground up.
The EX entry level model features AWD as standard and also comes with a generous level of comfort and safety equipment .Standard on the EX are 17” Alloys, roof rack, parking sensors, climate control front, manual heating/air con in the rear and Bluetooth .
The major spec differences on Platinum are Panoramic Sunroof, Leather Upholstery with Heated front seats, driver’s seat with 6 way power adjustment, rain sensor, rear privacy glass, reversing camera and HID headlights.
The upgraded Kia Sorento SUV incorporates significant changes, including a re-engineered body shell, an improved R2.2.diesel engine for better fuel economy with lower emissions, improved ride, handling and refinement, additional high-tech convenience and safety features, plus a fresh, new look for the exterior.
“During the last decade, Sorento has earned widespread regard with Irish and European drivers . Kia has listened to customers all over Europe and our engineering and design teams have responded in creating the upgraded Sorento, The result is a new Kia model which is not just a cosmetic exercise but represents a major step forwards for our popular SUV which is sure to bring back existing Sorento customers and competitive owners who are becoming increasingly aware of the design ,engineering and quality that Kia offers “ , commented James Brooks Managing Director of Kia Motors Ireland.
“On a more practical level we are delighted to be offering a D segment 7 seater SUV that comes with AWD drive as standard at a very competitive price, unlike our major competitor in this segment where AWD is only available on higher trim models “ added Mr.Brooks .
To give the upgraded Sorento a fresh look that reflected the new model’s stronger structure, premium quality and enhanced specification, Kia’s design team restyled the upgraded vehicle’s front and rear, creating larger areas of body-colour surface. Careful attention to surface detailing cut aerodynamic drag to Cd 0.34.
Kia’s designers developed new front and rear bumpers with unconventional upright fog lights, a new front grille and headlamps with LED positioning lights, and a new tailgate with reshaped LED combination lamps. Depending on model, the Sorento’s updated styling can be completed with 17-inch, 18-inch or new, optional 19-inch alloy wheels.
A new two-part glass panoramic sunroof with a single powered roller-blind shade will be available.
Inside the upgraded Sorento’s cabin, numerous enhancements create a refreshed ambience, with premium high-tech equipment available on some models and an extended choice of options
Access to the cabin is improved by the lower ride height (down by 10 mm), and the cabin floor has also been lowered, increasing legroom by 30 mm (second row) and 9 mm (third row).
Kia’s engineers have implemented a host of measures to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) to ensure that the upgraded Sorento boasts even greater refinement than the previous model, making it one of the quietest vehicles in its class.
In the upgraded Sorento, the 2.2-litre, 197bhp TCI (turbo charged inter-cooler) engine features a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system which reduces CO2 emissions by 14% – down to as little as 155 g/km. Maximum torque is 436 Nm (automatic models) and 421 Nm (manual). The reduction in CO2 emissions from 171 to 155 brings the new Sorento into the C band for Irish customers with road tax of just €390 per year .
Every upgraded Sorento model will feature a manual or automatic six-speed transmission carried over from the previous model
The 4WD drivetrain is an ‘on demand’ system that delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels during all routine city and highway driving. Whenever a front wheel loses grip a percentage of torque (up to 50%) is automatically transferred to the rear wheels. In severely slippery conditions the driver can select ‘Lock Mode’ which delivers 50% of torque to both the front and rear axles.
Kia chassis engineers worked hard to ensure that while the upgraded Sorento gives rewarding responses to driver inputs, it also delivers a sophisticated ride/handling balance to rival the best vehicles in its class.
While the basic specification of the suspension is unchanged – front MacPherson struts and a multi-link set up at the rear – the subframes which support the suspension are completely new, stronger designs. They give more precise location of the suspension components and have revised mounting bushes to dampen vibrations. Larger suspension bushes, longer trailing arms at the rear and HPD (High Performance Dampers) work together to improve ride comfort and stability.
For precise vehicle control and good ‘feel’ the upgraded Sorento’s steering is now more direct, with 2.95 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock. Kia’s new FlexSteer™ system is an option, providing Normal, Sport and Comfort modes with three different weights to match customer preference.
When it was introduced in 2009, the second-generation Sorento was awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating. Today, official crash test standards in Europe are much tougher and Kia engineers re-visited the upgraded Sorento’s structure and safety equipment to ensure that the new model will also win the accolade of a top safety score in Europe’s Euro NCAP and the USA’s official NHTSA crash tests.
Extensive revisions to the body shell, which already incorporates a higher percentage (70.4%) of high-tensile strength steel than most vehicles in its class, have improved front, side and rear impact protection. Hot stamping is used to heat steel to 900º C and press immensely strong components for the front bumper, centre floor member and rear floor side members – improving crashworthiness.
A bracing bar between the top of the front suspension towers is fitted and the bodyshell’s torsional rigidity has been raised by 18%, enhancing refinement and creating a stronger foundation for the suspension and steering, which benefits ride comfort and directional stability.
Inside, the upgraded Sorento are fitted with up to six front, side and curtain airbags, while for maximum stopping power, all upgraded Sorento models are equipped with larger diameter (320 mm) ventilated front disc brakes.
All upgraded Sorentos will be fitted with an AHS (active hood system) which raises the trailing edge of the hood during a collision to reduce the severity of pedestrian injury. Also standard on the new Sorento are active safety technologies including ESC (electronic stability control), VSM (vehicle stability management), and HAC (hill-start assist control), which prevents slip-back during stop-start driving on inclines.
Posted by Alex Bale
Thursday, January 31, 2013
You may have noticed some excitement amongst rugby-loving friends this week as anticipation mounts ahead of the opening games of the RBS 6 Nations championship, starting on Saturday with Ireland v Wales. Frankly, we know as much about rugby as the back side of the moon, but hey, here's Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip picking up his shiny new Land Rover Discovery this morning! A band-wagon-jumping we will go...A self-proclaimed Land Rover enthusiast, Jamie Heaslip was delighted to take delivery of his new Discovery 4: “I’ve been driving the Discovery for almost two years now and it is the perfect vehicle for my lifestyle. It really is in a class of its own and I’m thrilled to continue driving it this year”.
Land Rover Ireland General Manager, Eddie Kavanagh said: “Land Rover has a well-established relationship with Rugby and as well as supporting Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, the company are also Global Sponsors of The British & Irish Lions for their Tour to Australia 2013.
"Jamie is an excellent brand ambassador for Land Rover in Ireland and I would like to wish him and all his teammates continued success and the very best of luck this Saturday.
"Now in its fourth iteration, the Discovery is an unparalleled vehicle with class-defining versatility and all-round capability. It can seat seven passengers, can tackle the most challenging off-road conditions and delivers superb on-road refinement. Featuring a powerful and highly efficient TDV6 3.0 litre diesel engine, fresh exterior and premium cabin, it is the ultimate all-purpose vehicle.
"Prices in Ireland start from €52,925. For more information or to arrange a test drive log onto www.landrover.ie or visit your local Land Rover dealership."
Posted by Alex Bale
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Is this the first image of the new Toyota Corolla? It could be...Actually, what this definitely is is the first image of the Furia concept car, which Toyota will be showing off at next week's Detroit motor show. The speculation is (judging from what we can see under the dust-sheet in the other photo) that it's a compact four-door saloon that will replace the current Corolla in the American market first before making its way over here.Frustratingly, Toyota is staying tight-lipped on the subject, admitting only that "it will be revealed using a custom-built structure housing thirty of Samsung Display’s new 46-inch transparent LCD screens. Toyota will be the first automotive company to use this technology to reveal a vehicle at a major international auto show."
Posted by Alex Bale
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Just before Christmas, Mercedes revealed a striking new look for the E-Class saloon and estate, doing away with almost two-decades of upright, four-headlamp tradition. Now, it's moved on to the E-Class coupe and cabriolet, with equally arresting results.Gone, once again, are the four separate headlamp units, replaced by strikingly curvy single lamp setups (albeit with a hint of the old four-lamp shape in the LED daytime running light highlights) while the slatted grille has been replaced by a gaping SLS-style maw.
Oddly, and unlike the saloon and estate, the awkward-looking retro coachline above the rear wheel, meant to evoke memories of the classic fifties 'Pontoon' Mercs, has been retained.
Inside, there are only minor changes, and the cabin retains its obvious C-Class links (in spite of the name, the E-Class coupe and cabriolet are more closely related to the smaller C-Class). There's a new steering wheel, some updated displays, an analogue clock and some updated trims and materials.
Mechanically, there are no changes of significance, bar some minor engine and transmission details that bring the Co2 figures down a small bit, and safety equipment also remains the same as the saloon's, including the newly updated DISTRONIC PLUS system which watches for possible accidents ahead, PRE-SAFE PLUS which preps all the safety systems for an incoming collision and lane keeping assist to wake you up if you drift out of your lane.
“Three words sum up both the E-Class Coupe and the four-seat Cabriolet model: captivating, athletic, passionate”, said Mercedes-Benz head of sales and marketing Dr. Joachim Schmidt. “It is especially pleasing that the two vehicles also incorporate the most intelligent technology ever. This makes them true dream cars.”
Posted by Alex Bale
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Subaru has released the first official photos of the all-new Forester SUV, which will go on sale in Ireland next summer. Subaru claims that it will come with competitive pricing, and improved fuel economy.
The fourth-generation Forester builds upon the outgoing model’s credentials as a go-anywhere, user-friendly SUV, with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a larger, more practical cabin. Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the vehicle, while a low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity contribute to improved refinement and a typically engaging drive on the road.
Confirming the of the Forester, Subaru has also announced outline details of the engine line-up, which will include the existing 150bhp 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol units, as well as a new high-performance 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 280bhp. That model is rather unlikely to reach Irish shores, sadly.
All engines will feature a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission is available as an option on petrol models. The Lineartronic transmission has been modified to manage the increased power while also providing improved fuel efficiency, and ensures that both CVT-equipped petrol engines achieve the 2015 Japanese fuel economy standard.
Posted by Alex Bale
FIAT Group Automobiles Ireland has announced its revised pricing for 2013 despite the lack of clarity from the government regarding VRT, road tax and number plate revisions in the run up to the announcement of those measures in Budget 2013.
In the light of such uncertainty, FIAT has chosen to extensively streamline its range, focusing on the most popular derivatives, which in turn facilitates low and fluid stock levels. The FIAT Panda range, for example, has the same number of versions available as in 2012 despite welcoming the new normally-aspirated, 65hp TwinAir and 4X4 Climbing models to the range for 2013.
Whereas the TwinAir Turbo commands a premium of around €1,000 (depending on the model) compared to the 1.2 69hp engine, the new TwinAir 65hp is only an additional €500, a small price to pay to cut CO2 emissions from 120g/km to just 99g/km which could be further offset by a potential reduction in road tax. Quite what the total saving to the consumer will be for opting for the new TwinAir 65hp we will have to wait until December to learn, however.
The FIAT 500 range is reduced from 11 derivatives to just four, with renewed emphasis on the low CO2-emission TwinAir engines, while the entry level price of the hardtop has been reduced by €400 to €12,495 compared to 2012. The 500C Cabrio now starts at €15,495, a price reduction of almost €1,000, while the entry-point for the award-winning FIAT 500 TwinAir is reduced from €16,745 to €13,495, a massive reduction of €3,250!
FIAT Punto range is reduced from eight derivatives to just three with reconfigured pricing to better suit Irish market conditions. The entry point for the five-door FIAT Punto, for example, has been reduced from €15,295 to just €13,495, a remarkable saving of €1,800! The TwinAir 85hp model is also reduced by €1,800 - from €16,295 to just €14,495 - and that despite the addition of two extra doors. With a price difference of just €1,000 compared to the 1.2 69hp it is expected to be a cornerstone model in 2013, particularly when its low CO2 emissions (98g/km, compared to 1.2's 120g/km) and improved performance are taken into consideration.
The price of the five-door FIAT Punto diesel remains unchanged despite significant technological upgrades to its 1.3-litre MultiJet engine. It now employs new efficiency technologies (Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow) to reduce its CO2 emissions to a mere 90g/km while power increases from 75hp to 85hp for improved driver satisfaction. Priced at €15,495, FIAT Punto diesel will be one of the most competitive superminis on the market in Ireland in 2013.
Announcing pricing for 2013, Managing Director of FIAT Group Automobiles Ireland, Adrian C. Walsh, commented: "Despite the lack of clarity from the government regarding VRT, road tax and number plate revisions due in 2013, we believe that no matter what the 2013 Budget throws at us in December, FIAT will be ready with some of the most technologically advanced, environmentally sound and great-value vehicles on the market today."
Posted by Alex Bale
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Jaguar Land Rover Ireland has announced the expansion of its retail networks with the appointment of three new Land Rover dealers and an additional new Jaguar dealer.
In Dublin, HB Dennis has been appointed as a Land Rover Authorised Dealer for Sales and Aftersales. Based in Airside Motor Park, Swords, Co. Dublin, HB Dennis is owned and operated by the Joe Duffy Motor Group. A well-established car retail business in Dublin, the Joe Duffy Motor Group prides itself on delivering complete customer satisfaction. Commenting on the recent appointment, Gavin Hydes, Managing Director of the Joe Duffy Motor Group said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Land Rover business in North Dublin and look forward to welcoming Land Rover customers old and new to our showrooms in Airside”.
In Kildare, existing Land Rover Authorised Repairer, N. Conlan & Sons of Rathangan has extended its remit to Land Rover Authorised Sales Dealer. Appointed as a Land Rover Authorised Repairer in 2010, N. Conlan & Sons will build on their experience and expertise with the Land Rover brand and will bring their excellent reputation for customer satisfaction to the growing number of Land Rover drivers in the Kildare area. Established in 1965, N. Conlan & Sons is a family-run business. Raymond Conlan, Managing Director commented, “This is a very positive move for us and we are very pleased to be developing our Land Rover business to meet the growing demands of our customers here in Kildare”.
The appointment of Lyons of Limerick as both Jaguar and Land Rover Authorised Dealer for Sales and Aftersales completes the current expansion of Jaguar Land Rover Ireland’s retail networks. Based on the Ballysimon Road, Lyons of Limerick will bring their many years of experience in customer service to Jaguar and Land Rover customers in the Limerick area. Speaking at the announcement, Ken Lyons, Dealer Principal, said, “We are delighted to take on the Jaguar and Land Rover franchises at Lyons of Limerick. Jaguar Land Rover, a company that is renowned for creating cars that are innovative, exciting and always original, is an excellent addition to our business. We will offer our Jaguar and Land Rover customers an unrivalled experience in terms of quality product and quality service”.
Commenting on the new dealer appointments, Gerard O’Farrell, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Ireland said, “We welcome HB Dennis, N.Conlan & Sons and Lyons of Limerick to our dealer networks and are confident they will bring their expertise in customer service to all of our Jaguar and Land Rover customers in their respective regions. Jaguar and Land Rover Ireland has achieved significant growth in 2012 with combined sales of 1,113 vehicles upto the end of October – an increase of 63.2% versus the same period last year. The increased demand for both Jaguar and Land Rover demonstrates the unique desirability and strength of our products”.
Posted by Alex Bale
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Price as tested: €23,050
+ Clever doors, space, practicality, quality, comfort
– Diesel engine lacks punch, ride too firm
= Clever and useful but ride and performance lacking
I cannot hear the phrase “sliding doors” and not think of the eponymous movie of the late 1990s starring Gwyneth Paltrow. It’s about a woman whose future apparently takes two divergent courses, with the dividing line being whether or not the sliding doors close on her as she tries to catch a train. Not sure why such an otherwise forgettable romcom should stick with me, but it’s always at the back of my mind whenever I drive a car with, well, you know.With the Ford B-Max (and its sliding doors) Ford will be trying to both create a new future for itself and erase memories of an unhappy past. That’s because the company’s previous effort in the mini-MPV arena, the little Fusion, was largely critically panned, even if it did have its loyal customers. The new B-Max’s only similarity to the Fusion, thankfully, is that both cars shared their mechanicals with a sister Fiesta. The B-Max is more clearly a junior MPV, though, owing much to the sharp-looking C-Max for its styling. And wait until you see its trick doors . . .
Actually, the doors themselves are not the trick here; it’s the absence of pillars between them and the front doors. When both front and back doors are open, there is a gargantuan 1.5-metre opening in the side of the car. For parents loading kids and child car seats, this is a huge boon, and the B-Max backs up the loading aperture with proper space in the back – room enough even for tall adults to get perfectly comfortable. There’s a properly useful 318-litre boot out back, too.Up front, and behind that beaky nose, is a range of three petrol and one diesel engines, with the highlights being the new 1.5-litre 75bhp TDCI diesel and the brilliant 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo petrol, which Ford Ireland’s people reckon will prove to be the best seller. The base model comes with a 1.4-litre petrol engine, and you can have the old 105bhp 1.6-litre petrol if you fancy an automatic transmission.With its sweet-revving nature and 119g/km CO22 emissions, the 1.0 EcoBoost is definitely the star of the range, especially as the new 1.5 TDCI engine is actually a bit of a disappointment. Thankfully, an early cold-start clatter dies away as the engine warms, to be replaced by generally very good refinement; but it’s very short on grunt, lacking the kind of low-down punch we’ve come to associate with diesel engines. The creakingly long 16.5sec 0-100kmh run confirms its gutlessness. It is capable of a claimed 68mpg compared to the 1.0 petrol’s 55mpg, though but the bald fact is that, foot to the boards in third gear, I was really having to wait around and wait for the B-Max to pick up speed. On this brief acquaintance, I'd say that Ford's new 1.5 diesel isn't half the engine the existing 1.6 TDCI is. Which is worrying, as eventually a whole family based on the 1.5 will replace the 1.6...Ford has slipped up a touch with the driving experience too, for my money. In trying to keep Ford’s now-traditional sporty chassis dynamics, the B-Max has gone a bit too far down the stiff suspension route, and the upshot is a ride quality that never settles down and frequently jiggles. Fine in a sporty, spry hatchback but not what you want in a family-oriented people mover. Yes, the sharp steering and good body control are welcome, but I’d have happily traded both in for a comfier ride.There's also a sense that the whole car feels top-heavy, which in spite of the too-firm ride, means it feels as if the roof is heading towards the ditch under brisk cornering loads. Not a pleasant feeling and in general I think Ford should be heading back to the drawing board with the B-Max's suspension settings. As a final caveat though, our Titanium model was riding on big-ish rims, so possibly a lesser spec version with smaller wheels might feel a touch better. The B-Max does have one whizz-bang ace up its sleeve, though: SYNC, Ford’s new phone-friendly infotainment system, which is easy to use, useful and, Ford claims, potentially live-saving, automatically dialling the emergency services if it detects you’ve had a crash. It’ll even read your text messages to you.It's almost laughably easy to use (albeit we couldn't get the text message reading system to work with my iPhone 4S) and the option to be able to plumb your music into the car either by Bluetooth or USB cable is a nice one. SYNC on its own is almost impressive enough to warrant a recommendation for the B-Max, and the doors and space are truly family-optimised. Fix the ride and install a punchier diesel engine and you could happily see it in your future.Ford B-Max 1.5 TDCI Titanium
Price as tested: €23,050
Price range: €19,170 to €26,430
Capacity: 1,490cc
Power: 74bhp
Torque: 190Nm
Top speed: 157kmh
0-100kmh: 16.5sec
Economy: 4.0l-100km (68.9mpg)
CO2 emissions: 109g/km
Road Tax Band: A. €160
Euro NCAP rating: 5-star; 92% adult, 84% child, 67% pedestrian, 71% safety assist
