MOTORING REVIEW: Cars that will be rolling into Limerick in 2025

THE start of the new 251 registration period this week, is an optimistic time for the Irish Motor Industry. With the big variety of incentives and offers from retailers and manufacturers, this is a good time for customers to shop for a new, or used, car.

The key feature of the 2024 new car market was the fall off in Electric Vehicles sales, a reduction of 24pc compared to 2023. However, the Industry is anticipating an increase in EV sales for this year.

Here’s a small flavour of what to expect in Ireland this year. Some have already arrived in dealerships, others are imminent, while others are due towards the end of the year.

ALFA ROMEO

The new Junior from Alfa is a small SUV. Powertrains will include all-electric power with 156hp and 240hp and petrol hybrid of 136hp. An electric version of the executive Giulia is on the way.

AUDI

The new Q6 e-tron electric SUV is the first Audi on a new dedicated electric platform. The new A5 liftback saloon and Sportback replace the A4. A new A5 e-tron liftback saloon and avant wagon will up the brand’s executive electric car game.

BMW

The new generation 2 Series Gran Coupe is due from March in 170hp with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and an AWD with 300hp. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is standard as is adaptive suspension. Also coming are a replacement for the X3 and a new generation 3 Series.

BYD

The Seal U Super Hybrid is a plug-in SUV with AWD and a very high level of standard spec and finish quality. The Sealion 7 high-performance, 100pc electric mid-size SUV is due here in Q1 to be followed in Q3 by a 5-door hatch Dolphin Mini and crossover SUV Atto 2. A mid-sized PHEV hybrid Seal 06 DM-i is coming in both saloon and estate versions.

CITROEN

The new Citroen C3 with both petrol and electric versions has a SUV-style look. The petrol version is a 1.2 turbo with 100hp, and the EV will have a rated range of up to 320km. There’s also a hybrid option.

CUPRA

New generation PHEV hybrid powertrains feature on the Formentor and Leon. Customers can also order a turbo petrol engine as well as mild hybrid version, and a diesel.

DACIA

Dacia’s new generation Duster SUV (pictured below) is offered with AWD Terrain control. Power options include new hybrid, petrol and even LPG. Dacia say their new Spring all-electric car is ideal for urban use with a 225km range. A Bigster mid-size SUV is on the way.

DS

The new DS Automobiles electric SUV Coupe flagship will launch in Europe mid year with a rated range of up to 750km and power output to 350hp. There will be 2WD and AWD variants.

FIAT

The new Giga Panda and the Grande Panda are small urban SUVs; the former with a 7-seat configuration. Both will come with electric, and petrol versions, one a mild hybrid. The Fiat 500 is also planned to get a hybrid powertrain.

FORD

The Ford Explorer electric SUV has already arrived. An electric version of the Puma will be next.

HONDA

Honda’s new HR-V is a petrol hybrid with a total output of 131hp. Already here.

HYUNDAI

The Hyundai Ionia 9 is a 3-row big electric SUV with a rated driving range of up to 620km. Both RWD and AWD versions are available. A new urban electric car, the Inster, claims a range of up to 360km.

JEEP

The all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S will arrive this year with a claimed range of over 600km. No specs or prices yet.

KIA

Recently launched, the new Kia EV3 (pictured below) follows the design theme of the large EV9. With a choice of two batteries with ranges of up to 436km and 607km. Next will be the EV5 compact SUV, and an EV4 saloon.

LAND ROVER

The Range Rover Electric is due this year, built on the long wheelbase variant of the combustion powered car, with a revised suspension system. No details of range yet but performance is expected to be equivalent to the V8 petrol version.

MAZDA

Mazda’s new CX-80 flagship car is a 3-row SUV for six or seven seats. It is powered by a 2.5 PHEV hybrid petrol engine outputting 327hp, or a 3.3 diesel with 254hp. All versions are AWD with 8-speed automatic transmissions.

MERCEDES-BENZ

A new G-Class due early 2025 will include an all-electric variant. In Q2 there will be a Maybach SL 680 two-seater cabriolet. InQ3 the first battery-electric (BEV) version of the four-door CLA Coupe is due followed in Q4 by a petrol-hybrid version.

MG

MG in ireland now have the all-electric Cyberster 2-seater available with RWD and AWD powertrains. Power outputs range from 340hp to 503hp, with a claimed 3.2s spring to 100km/h from the latter.

MINI

After an absence of nine years, the Mini Cooper Convertible will arrive here in early 2025. The line up includes two petrol engines, a 163hp version and a more powerful S model outputting 204hp.

NISSAN

In addition to the e-Power hybrid powertrains, a new mild hybrid 1.3 petrol engine has been introduced. Interiors have been updated for a more premium feel.

OPEL

The new Opel Grandland is available in both full electric and hybrid forms. The EV has rated ranges of 523km and 700km. The new Frontera B-segment SUV to replace the Crossland, will be available both in fully electric and hybrid powertrains.

PEUGEOT

The new 5008 7-seater SUV is available with hybrid and fully electric powertrains, the electric version offering up to 502km of range. A larger battery version with 668km range is coming and a long-range version of the Peugeot E-3008 will arrive in Q1. Peugeot has completed its EV line-up with the E-408 (pictured below), a fully electric version of its 408 with a range of up to 453km.

POLESTAR

The new Polestar 3 with 489hp available, has a rated range of up to 631kms. From 0-100km/h takes 5 secs.

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RENAULT

The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is a B-segment urban crossover with original design cues from the iconic 4L brought into the 21st century. Coming in Q2, with two battery range software 300km and 400km.The R5 E-Tech Electric will arrive at the same time. The Symbioz compact SUV is already on sale here powered by a 145hp hybrid petrol.

SKODA

The new Elroq EV is expected in April with three battery options and rated ranges of from 370-560km. Initial cars are rear wheel drive, with an AWD coming later. The Enyaq electric SUV has been updated, badged Enyaq 85+ and offered in two versions with rated range now up to 569km.

SMART

Due here before the end of this year, the #5 is described by the company as a spacious and versatile premium mid-size SUV.

TOYOTA

The new Land Cruiser is again powered by a 2.8 turbo diesel engine though now paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It can pull up to three and a half tonnes. Has a more spacious interior.

VOLKSWAGEN

The new Tayron (pictured below) is due mid year with a choice of seven powertrains including two next-generation plug-in hybrid drives offering electric ranges of more than 100km and five or seven seats.

VOLVO

The new EX 90 is the brand’s flagship. This is a large SUV that is fully electric. With 517hp offering a sub-5 seconds spring to 100km/h, the rated range is 604km. Up to seven seats can be specified.

XPENG

The G6 is the first model on the Irish market from Chinese car maker Xpeng. This all-electric mid-size coupe launches end of January with a range of up to 625km.