MOTORING REVIEW: This year will be a bumper year for new models in Limerick

WHILE most carmakers are still suffering delays in production due to the semi-conductor shortage, the rollout of new models continues. Taking an overall look at what's been scheduled for the coming year shows plenty of new choices for buyers. It is also an indication of the non stop advance of electrification in the automotive industry.

ALFA ROMEO

The Italian performance brand's Tonale compact crossover fits below the Stelvio and is the first electrified car from the brand, with mild hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options depending on market. An all-electric one will follow in due course.

AUDI

This premium brand is ready to launch a fully electric version of its longtime saloon, the A6 e-tron. A very stylish exterior will be mirrored by a roomy interior with lots of dashboard technology. A 480km range is anticipated.

There will also be a Q8 e-tron crossover, a new name and significantly updated version of the first e-tron SUV, with a range of from 530km.

BMW

Performance cars coming from BMW are the new M2 sports coupe and the M3 Touring fast estate. The coupe is rear-wheel-drive unlike its more standard 2 Series cousins, while the M3 Touring gets over 500hp and a sub-4 seconds sprint to 100km/h.

The new i7 is the next generation of the brand's big saloon, and for the first time is a full battery electric car. With 544hp and huge torque, it is fast power with a lot of luxury tech.

Priced from €132,210.

The plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive will come in spring 2023.

DACIA

After the Jogger, look out for the Bigster, a large SUV with good looks and seven seats. A plug-in hybrid option will offer 50km of EV-only driving. Probably not until 2024 market, though.

DS

Hot on the wheels of the very stylish DS 4 comes the large and luxurious DS 9 saloon and a restyled DS 3 with the electric version offering longer range. The DS 9 has plug-in petrol-hybrid power in two outputs, the more powerful also with AWD.

FORD

The blue oval is going strongly down the electric road, but isn't quite ready to ditch its iconic Mustang coupe with powerful four and V8 internal combustion engines. An all new edgy styling on the classic gives the car a much stronger look. Coming late 2023.

Also on the way is a new medium-sized electric crossover and a sport crossover EV, both not yet publicly revealed and probably 2024 models, as will also be an all-electric Puma. The next level Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived, carving the way for the new generation of Europe’s market-leading pickup. Developed by FordPerformance, new Raptor blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced and toughest Ranger ever. A full range of petrol and diesel engines.

HONDA

The sixth generation of Honda's CR-V should be here by summer 2023 and is bigger and more efficient with new hybrid engines. Much improved interior tech is promised.

HYUNDAI

Following the World Car of the Year Ioniq 5, the sleek large coupe styling of the Ioniq6 (pictured above) will be a head-turner in new electric medium saloon cars. With 325hp and a range well in excess of 700km, the Korean carmaker will be targeting the premium European EVs.

JEEP

The Avenger will be Jeep's first fully-electric offering from the iconic SUV brand, an urban crossover on the same platform as the Corsa-e and e-208 from the parent Stellantis group. Smaller than the Renegade, it previews an all-electric range from Jeep by 2030. An AWD version will be available.

KIA

With a four-square solid looking electric SUV, Kia's EV9 coming in mid 2023 will be expecting to play in the same space as the Mercedes-Benz EQC. There also will be a 7-seat option, and among the tweaks will be solar panels on the bodywork. A range of over 480km is expected.

MERCEDES-BENZ

The A-Class has been given a significant facelift and arrives with a smarter look and upgraded interior than the current cars. There have been efficiency upgrades in the petrol and diesel engines, and there's a new plug-in hybrid based on a 1.3 petrol engine and an 80km EV range. The GLC has been updated too, adding plug-in hybrid engine options as well as tweaks to both the outside and interior.

On the electric front, the EQE SUV is available in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive formats. Superb aerodynamics will help with a claimed 590km range, and there will be high power AMG variations. Its arrival will bring to eight the number of Mercedes-Benz electric models on sale. Look out too for the EQS SUV.

MG

A new MG4 electric car is the first MG model for Europe to be built on the Modular Scaleable Platform developed by MG brand owner SAIC of China, which maximises battery efficiency and reduces weight. The company is claiming a rated range of up to 450km in a style that looks sporty and can accommodate five passengers.

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PEUGEOT

An all-electric version of the 308 will come in mid-year filling out the powertrain offerings from a smart car that launched earlier this year, with a range or around 400km. An estate version will be available.

A 408 fastback is a completely new car from the Lion brand and has an unusually aggressive styling from this French carmaker. If the format looks familiar, take a look at companion model Citroen C5 X.

POLESTAR

With the Polestar 2 garnering some good commentary for this now all-electric brand with Swedish-Chinese heritage, the Polestar 3 coming late next year will add cachet and cost more cash. Supercar acceleration and AWD feature.

RENAULT

The Megane E-Tech Electric hatchback has arrived and making an impression with those of us who have driven it. The style is new generation for the nameplate, the current other versions of which will fade away next year. Two battery sizes, two power options for the EV motors.

There's also a replacement for the Kadjar called the Austral which is big on style and capability as a family wagon. Petrol and hybrid engines offered.

VOLKSWAGEN

The ID. Buzz, (pictured) winner of the Irish Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year 2023 in association with Continental, is providing all the buzz for this car maker at the moment. All electric, the MPV is cute with its retro good looks while offering EV for family-level 'taxi' work for school runs.

The Amarok pick-up has returned with diesel engines and help from Ford in a partnership arrangement between the two car makers.

An ID. 3 GTX will have 200hp and AWD and will inject some hot-hatch magic to the base EV from VW.

VOLVO

The big news from Volvo is for its biggest car, the new EX90 recently revealed but still a way out from sale yet. A full electric successor to the XC90, it will emphasise safety along with the familiar current Volvo style. Tech on board will be ready for whatever fully-autonomous future is around the corner.