Toyota Ireland will show the new Avensis and upgraded Auris range at Ploughing 2015. The Avensis has been given an evolutionary change in style with more chrome, larger headlamps and sleeker design. Prices start from just €25,870 for petrol and €27,710 for diesel.
The interior styling is different, with a large centre screen on the higher specification Sol model. The dash is black with softer-touch materials and a hint of chrome to lighten the look.
The Avensis has a new 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine, that’s been sourced from BMW. It is quiet on the road and more economical, with Toyota claiming an 11% improvement over the previous models.
Toyota has addressed the issue of running costs with the new Avensis by extending the engine service interval from 15,000km to 20,000km. It claims that this can shave close to €500 from the ownership cost of the car over three years.
Toyota’s new safety sense system is fitted to all Avensis models. This includes pre-collision warning system and a lane departure alert system that’s especially useful on motorways.
Toyota will also be showing the new 2015 Auris range at Ploughing 2015, which includes a hatchback and touring sports body style. The Auris comes with a choice of diesel, petrol and hybrid engines and increased levels of specification, with prices starting from only €20,750.
The front and rear of the Auris have been redesigned, with new LED headlamp clusters, which incorporate daytime running lights.
There is a new shark-fin roof antenna and 16in and 17in alloy wheel designs. To the rear, the lower half of the Auris has been redesigned to broaden the car’s road stance.
The materials used on the interior have been noticeably improved and there is a new 4.2in colour TFT touch screen.
The driver’s instrument binnacle now features a stronger, more sporting design, with tubed tachometer and speedometer dials either side of the screen. Within a more curvaceous dashboard design, the centre stack instrumentation has been integrated into a single, smooth surface incorporating touch-sensitive switchgear with more consistent backlit illumination.
With the Auris already awarded a five-star rating by the Euro NCAP crash test programme, the new 2015 model range takes active safety and driver assistance to new levels with the optional safety sense pack.
Take a look at the new 1.2-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine on offer, in addition to the new 1.6-litre D-4D unit. Toyota claims that the D-4D engine has been substantially upgraded and features numerous enhancements to improve performance and lower emissions.
Land Rover brings power to Discovery Sport and Evoque
Land Rover will be showing the new Ingenium 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in the latest Discovery Sport and the new 2016 Range Rover Evoque models. The Discovery Sport has replaced the Freelander model.
The Ingenium engine is impressive in terms of economy and lower CO2 ratings and is sure to attract a lot of interest at Ploughing 2015. The aluminium engines are manufactured at the company’s advanced new £500m engine manufacturing centre in the West Midlands, UK.
The 2.0-litre all-aluminium Ingenium TD4 engine is 20kg to 30kg lighter than its predecessor, with stiff cylinder blocks and decoupled injectors to give low levels of vibration and noise intrusion.
It is available in two power outputs – 150bhp offering fuel economy of up to 4.2 litres/100km (68mpg) and an impressive low CO2 emission level of 109g/km; and the 180bhp engine, with 4.8 litres/100km (59mpg) and emissions from 125g/km.
The new engines have variable valve timing and a series of low-friction technologies. Selective catalytic reduction and a new low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system significantly reduces NOx emissions. Service intervals have been extended from 25,000km to 33,000km to reduce running costs.
The new Range Rover Evoque is seen as a luxurious and compact SUV. For 2016, there will be new slimline LED fog lamps and a noticeably wider tow-eye cover designed to enhance the new front bumper design. The enlarged air intakes allude to its sporting character and create a more planted stance.
Two new grille designs will be available in a range of premium finishes. Evoque’s standard grille is distinguished by two bold horizontal bars and a new fine-mesh grille pattern. Dynamic derivatives feature a hexagonal design and its more prominent mesh area lends a suitably performance-oriented character to these sporting derivatives.
The Evoque is the first Jaguar Land Rover model to be offered with full LED adaptive headlamps, with claims of providing superior visibility at night.
New safety features include lane-keeping assist that uses the stereo digital camera to prevent unintended lane changes by monitoring road markings. There is also autonomous emergency braking which reduces the severity of accidents in the event of the driver failing to take preventative action.
Audi showcases Q7
Audi will be showing a full lineup of cars at Ploughing 2015, topped off by the new Audi Q7 large SUV. This is an impressive SUV by any standards and is a complete change from the previous model, so it’s worth a look.
The new Audi Q7 claims weight savings over the current model and engine improvements that claim to make the new Q7 up to 26% more fuel efficient. The extra economy is achieved by lowering the SUV’s weight by 325kg and a further development of the engine.
The 3.0TDI 218 quattro model claims an average fuel economy figure of 5.7 litres/100km (49.6mpg) and a CO2 figure of 149g/km. The new model will have a starting price of €72,975.
Audi claims that the new Q7 will give more grip, increased traction and enhanced driving performance are delivered through Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive technology, which is standard across the entire Q7 range. They claim that the Audi drive select system enables the driver to alter their operating characteristics across seven driving modes: auto, comfort, efficiency, dynamic, individual, while introducing the new off-road and off-road lift modes.
The new Q7 has just awarded a Euro NCAP five stars safety rating. The results for adult protection in frontal and side impact collisions, pedestrian protection and child safety put the current Audi Q7 among the safest cars in its category.
While Audi has released details of the new A4 model, it’s not likely to be here in time for Ploughing 2015. You can ask the Audi team about the new A4 which is claimed to be slightly larger than the current model, while is lighter and claims to have a more spacious and revamped interior.
Ford launches new Galaxy and S-Max
The new Ford Galaxy has just arrived in Ireland in time for a first public viewing at Ploughing 2015 on the stand of local Ford dealers, Downey’s Autostop. The large and popular people-carrier is claimed to be even more spacious, refined and technologically advanced with room for seven passengers.
The new Galaxy can be fitted with a push-button system to raise the third-row seats. The new Galaxy front grille design includes slim-line headlamps. Entry prices start at €38,760.
The car has the Ford adaptive steering technology system included to adjust the steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision.
The Galaxy will, for the first time, enable parents to easily open the boot door even if they are juggling shopping bags, pushchairs, and toddlers. The hands-free lift gate can be opened or closed using a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper. The car comes with an electric parking brake with hill launch assist.
The Galaxy is powered by Ford’s new 210bhp 2.0-litre TDCi Bi-turbo diesel engine that claims enhanced responsiveness and 450Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm. The entry level engine is an enhanced 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with single variable geometry turbocharger technology delivering 120bhp.
The petrol engine option in Ireland will be Ford’s new fuel-efficient 160 PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost.
The Galaxy will be available in two series – Zetec and Titanium. Powertrains will include the 2.0-litre TDCi 120, 150, 180 and 210bhp units, as well as the 1.5-litre 160bhp EcoBoost petrol engine.
Standard specification on Galaxy Zetec includes 17in alloys, heated windshield, solar tinted glass, power side mirrors with signal, daytime running lamps, body colour bumper and door handles, front and rear parking sensors and leather-wrapped steering-wheel and gear lever.
Galaxy Titanium adds intelligent speed limiter, lane-keeping aid (with driver impairment monitoring), rain-sensing auto wipers, automatic headlamps with auto high beam and roof rack side rails.
Fresh Ford S-Max on view
Ford’s new-look S-Max, with sleeker and more modern styling, will also be on view.
This is a more stylish seven-seat vehicle that blends space with style in a more compact shape than the Galaxy.
The S-Max now offers 32 seating and load-space combinations.
As with the Galaxy, the S-Max features Ford dynamic LED headlamps with glare-free high beam and Ford’s pre-collision assist technology, which will assist in mitigating accidents even at motorway speeds.
Ford claims that the body structure of the new S-Max is 3% stronger through the increased use of ultra high-strength steel. It offers additional active safety features that include, for the first time, second-row seat side-airbags.
Standard specification for new S-Max Zetec includes 17in alloy wheels, fog lights, daytime running lights, quickclear windscreen, Ford SYNC, front and rear parking sensors, leather steering wheel, dual zone air conditioning, keyless start, auto stop-start, MyKey and Isofix on all second row seats. Prices start from €35,760.
New C-Max and Grand C-Max
Ford will also be showing the new versions of the C-Max and Grand C-Max cars at Ploughing 2015. The new five-seat C-Max and seven-seat Grand C-Max multi-activity vehicles (MAV) have a revised chassis, body and interior designs.
Prices have increased very marginally, starting at €25,755 for the five-seat Zetec 1.0 EcoBoost Turbo petrol version, while diesel prices start at €26,500 for the 1.5-litre TDCi 95bhp version.
Ford claims that the new C-Max and Grand C-Max will have lower running costs, with improved fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Ford has downsized the engine options to include Ford’s new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine.
Volvo XC90 has top safety rating
Volvo enthusiasts will get a chance to see the new Volvo XC90 up close as the brand returns to the Ploughing this year.
The most recent news is that Volvo’s big new car has been awarded five stars and achieved top ratings in its 2015 Euro NCAP tests.
The XC90, with standard city safety technology, stood out as the first car from any manufacturer to score full points in Euro NCAP autonomous emergency braking car to car rear-end tests (AEB City and AEB Interurban). The XC90 scored 100% in the safety assist category.
The XC90 also features advanced pedestrian protection functionality that independent safety regulators have yet to include in their testing protocols, demonstrating once again how the Swedish carmaker continues to dominate and innovate in the field of car safety.
Skoda reveals bigger Superb
Skoda’s bigger Superb will be a main feature of its stand at Ploughing 2015, with entry prices starting at €26,795, before delivery charges. The Superb remains the most spacious car in its segment, along with having the largest boot.
You’ll notice the difference with the new Superb which has a more modern appearance. It is 28mm (1in) longer, while the wheelbase has been stretched by 80mm.
Skoda claims that the Superb retains the distinction of having the largest luggage capacity in its class and this has been increased to 625 litres with the new model. The new Combi or estate model will arrive in September 2015.
New technology includes a dynamic chassis control system that gives scope to adjust the car’s suspension. The new Superb sports a brand new air-conditioning system, including three-zone climate control.
The car is available with an electronic sliding and raising panoramic roof, along with auxiliary heating, heated seats, wirelessly heated windscreen and the electronic boot that can also be opened with the option of a virtual pedal. There is a new parking assistant option, along with park distance control and a new rear camera.
The Superb is available with advanced infotainment technology such as the Apple car play, MirrorLink and SmartLink via large colour touchscreen interfaces on the higher-grade models.
There are five new petrol and three TDI common-rail diesel engines. The volume seller in Ireland is expected to be the new 1.6 TDI 120bhp, and Skoda claims that it gives 14% more power and 13% improved fuel economy when compared with the outgoing unit. They are claiming a 15% improvement in fuel economy on two new 2.0 TDI units that have been introduced with 150bhp and 190bhp. There are new transmissions including a new seven-speed DSG for the smaller diesel derivative and six-speed DSG that can also be combined with 4x4 transmissions.
Honda returns to Ploughing with new Jazz and H-RV
Honda will be making a Ploughing return with new Jazz and H-RV models, along with the upgraded CR-V introduced last year. Honda claims that the 2015 Jazz brings more space, versatility, refinement and technology than the previous model.
The new Jazz comes with a new 1.3-litre petrol engine, larger and more powerful than the previous 1.2-litre version. The larger engine boosts the power from 90bhp to 102bhp, while delivering better economy and lower running costs.
The new 1.3-litre engine comes with CO2 emissions starting from 106g/km. Honda claims that fuel economy has improved to start from 22km/litre (4.6 litres/100km) with a six-speed manual or the new efficient CVT automatic transmission.
Jazz entry prices start at €17,395, up by €800 from the previous version. There will be three grade levels with a higher base specification than in the past.
The new Jazz has fresh external and internal styling. It is 95mm longer than its predecessor, and the wheelbase has been extended by 30mm. The new platform on which the car is based means that the latest Jazz is proportionally even bigger on the inside than the previous model.
The new Jazz is 12% lighter than its predecessor and benefits from greater structural rigidity. It has lighter suspension components and new damper systems to improve ride quality and reduce the transmission of vibrations from the road into the cabin.
The car comes with Honda’s agile handling assist system which operates through the Vehicle Stability Assist system. It applies a light braking force, imperceptible to the driver, to the inner wheels when the steering wheel is turned. The result is increased vehicle responsiveness and stability, and claims of a more satisfying driving experience.
The new Honda HR-V for Ploughing 2015 is claimed to be one of the most efficient cars in its class. The car has a CO2 emissions rating starting from 104g/km with an annual road tax rate from €190. This new HR-V will be offered with a choice of 1.6- litre i-DTEC diesel and 1.5- litre i-VTEC petrol engines.
Honda claims that the diesel-powered H-RV will return fuel economy figures from 4.0 litres/100km (70.6mpg), with CO2 emissions starting from just 104g/km for annual road tax from €190. The 120bhp engine powering the new HR-V gives an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 10.1 seconds.
Petrol buyers can select a 130bhp 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, achieving combined fuel economy of 5.2 litres/100km (54.3mpg) and CO2 emissions from 120g/km when they opt for the CVT automatic transmission, with road tax from €200. When used with the standard six-speed manual, the new petrol-powered HR-V fuel economy is 5.6 litres/100km (50.4mpg) and 130g/km CO2.
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