Thoughts of hybrid and electric cars will dominate the motoring exhibits at Ploughing 2018, as more and more car companies will show their options. Toyota has declared its non-diesel future in motor cars, while BMW, Citroën, Dacia, Jaguar, Nissan, Renault, Tesla and Volkswagen will have electric cars on display.

Here we provide you with a glimpse of the new motoring future where electric and hybrid cars will dominate and rural drivers need to start getting used to it. The future of electric cars is here and Ploughing 2018 provides a great entry into the electric car world.

A host of new hybrids for Toyota

Against the backdrop of a full range of Toyota cars and vans, Toyota staff will be on hand to provide exclusive news and to explain why they believe hybrid is a better alternative to diesel. To coincide with Toyota’s decision to cease production of diesel passenger cars, there will be the full range of hybrid models on display.

The iconic 2018 Land Cruiser will also be on display, featuring more advanced off-road technologies and a more powerful performance than before. Toyota Ireland expects to have some exciting news around the Land Cruiser Commercial SWB and the latest generation Hilux models will be on view. The Proace range of commercial and passenger models will be on display with a range of body sizes and wheelbase lengths.

Dacia announces Duster prices for Ploughing

Dacia in Ireland, which is part of the Renault Group, has announced the prices for the new Dacia Duster which arrives in Ireland just in time for Ploughing 2018. Prices for the second-generation Duster start from €17,390 for the new entry level petrol engine version, while diesel versions start from €18,590, an increase of almost €2,000 from the previous entry price.

The Duster exterior styling is totally new. There are new 17in wheels along with a more distinctive grille extending to the headlights.

The new Duster has LED daytime running lights divided into three sections and Dacia’s rear lighting signature, four red stacked squares, is used. There’s a newly designed bonnet and a larger, scratch-resistant front skid plate to reinforce the Duster’s adventurer credentials. The windscreen has been brought forward 100mm and is more steeply raked, while the dashboard has been revised with a higher position centre console touchscreen display.

Dacia says that the seats have been redesigned and the front seat cushions are 20mm longer. Dacia also claims that cabin noise has been halved and there is a new electric power steering system for easier parking.

Dacia has announced the prices for the new Duster with diesel models starting from €18,950.

The Duster comes with new electric power steering and Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist to make off-road driving easier for the 4x4 versions. Dacia claims to have sold over 10,000 Dusters in Ireland since its launch in 2012.

Peugeot to unveil a trio of new cars at Ploughing 2018

The new Peugeot Rifter, compact MPV will be one of the Peugeot highlights at Ploughing 2018.

Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot importers in Ireland, will unveil a trio of new models at stand 214, block 3, row 9 at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. With more than 300,000 visitors expected at the show, the radical new Peugeot 508, rugged Rifter MPV and the new Partner van will each make their Irish debut on the Peugeot stand, ahead of their official launches in early 2019.

The new Peugeot 508’s exterior design is sharper and sleeker than that of its predecessor, while the car’s interior boasts the latest generation of the Peugeot i-Cockpit. The car claimed to have impressive road handling, high performance new petrol and diesel engines, countless technology features and what Peugeot claims to be a quantum leap in quality. Initial units of the new 508 will arrive in dealerships in late 2018, with an official launch anticipated in early 2019.

The new Rifter replaces the popular Partner Tepee MPV and claims to be versatile and practical. Borrowing SUV characteristics from its big brother 3008 and 5008 SUV, it has a high ride height, large wheels, wheel arches and rear bumper protection. It comes with i-Cockpit and features high levels of safety and comfort equipment.

The new Rifter comes with the option of new-generation petrol and diesel engines and is available in two lengths, with five or seven seats. It will land in Ireland in late 2018, ahead of 191-registrations.

The new Peugeot Partner is the brand’s first light commercial vehicle to feature the i-Cockpit as standard. Peugeot claims this small van offers a balance between convenience, practicality and drivability.

The Partner is available in both standard and long body, to carry goods measuring up 2.16m in length. It delivers a load capacity of up to 4.4m3 (2 Euro-pallets) and payloads ranging from 650kg to 1,000kg. A range of new petrol and diesel engines will be launched on the new Partner in 2019, with a choice of both manual and automatic transmission. The new Partner will launch in Ireland in early 2019.

Land Rover returns with Discovery Commercial

The new Jaguar I-PACE will be an electric powered SUV with a fast charging time facility.

Jaguar Land Rover will be at the Ploughing again this year and the big news will be the return of the Land Rover Discovery commercial versions. They will also be showcasing the new all-electric Jaguar I-PACE alongside the new E-PACE and F-PACE models. Alongside the latest JLR product range, the Jaguar Land Rover team will be joined by Land Rover ambassador Rachel Allen in the Land Rover kitchen for the three days of the event. She will be joined by Jaguar ambassador Kathryn Thomas on 18 September.

After a period of absence, Land Rover is offering a commercial version of the Discovery in Ireland. It is priced from €52,695 ex-delivery (VAT at €9,737) in Ireland, and is available in SE and HSE specifications across the 3.0 TD6 model.

Featuring 1,856 litres of load space replacing the second and third row seats, the new Discovery claims driver and passenger premium levels of comfort and entertainment. And importantly it retains the 3.5t towing capacity.

The new generation Land Rover Discovery Commercial is a two set vehicle with entry prices from €52,695 ex-delivery (VAT at €9,737).

Available with Land Rover’s 3.0D TD6 258bhp engine, Discovery commercial shares the wide-spaced double-wishbone design at the front to its advanced multi-link layout at the rear.

It comes exclusively with four-wheel-drive, automatic transmission, twin-speed transfer box and air suspension. Fitted solely with Discovery’s front-row seating, the HSE models feature heated seats and a cold climate pack as standard which includes, heated windscreen, heated washer jets and heated steering wheel.

Jaguar offers fast charge electric I-PACE

Jaguar’s new all-electric I-PACE SUV will be the brand’s highlight of Ploughing 2018. This new car promises both rapid charging and rapid performance. It is claimed to have a charging time of less than 45 minutes combined with sports car performance, SUV practicality and a range of 480km.

Jaguar claims the high torque density and high-energy efficiency characteristics of the motor deliver sports car performance, launching the I-PACE from a standing start to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Jaguar claims the new I-PACE will be an everyday car, whether on the school run, daily rural commute or even coping with sub-zero temperatures.

This new I-PACE has been tested across extremes of terrain and temperature. It has a three-year or 100,000km warranty with an eight-year warranty on the battery pack.

Customers will be able to use mains power to prepare the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of a journey. Pre-conditioning the car ensures maximum range, performance and comfort whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot. Setting up preferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules can be done from either the on-board InControl system, or the remote smartphone app, and is as easy as setting an alarm.

Nissan talks electric

Nissan’s entire passenger, commercial and electric vehicle range will be on show at Ploughing 2018 with a special focus on the new Leaf electric car. Claimed as the world’s best-selling all-electric car, the Leaf offers a significant update over the previous model.

It comes with a higher battery capacity, new styling and advanced technologies including ProPilot and the e-Pedal function. This feature allows drivers to start from a standstill, accelerate and brake and even bring the car to a controlled stop by using the throttle pedal. Nissan will also be showcasing the new Nissan Leaf Pro Pilot parking challenge with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.

The new Nissan Leaf, all-electric car will be the highlight of the Nissan stand at Ploughing 2018, as it has increased range and new driving features to make electric car ownership a real possibility for rural drivers.

The Nissan stand will be split up into the following zones: Electric Vehicles (EV), passenger cars, Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) and after sales. The latest generation LCV range from Nissan now includes NV200, NV300, NV400, Navara, Qashqai and X-Trail vans.

Nissan Generation Next Ambassadors will also be there sampling some fantastic Irish produce. For football fans, there will be UEFA Champions League activities and competitions on site at the Nissan stand, located at block 2, row 7, stand 178.

Skoda replaces Yeti with stylish Karoq

The new Skoda Karoq, the compact SUV that replaces the Yeti, will be a highlight at the Skoda stand at Ploughing 2018. The Karoq is the second model in the Skoda SUV offensive, with entry prices starting at €27,715 for the Ambition specification models.

This new Karoq is larger than the Yeti, which it replaces, being 160mm longer and 48mm wider. The boot capacity has increased by 105 litres to 521 litres in standard format. Despite this, Skoda claims that the Karoq is actually 13kg lighter than the outgoing Yeti.

The new Skoda Karoq replaces the Yeti with more space, more style and improved engine options with entry prices starting at €27,715 for the Ambition specification models.

From the exterior, the Skoda Design language is evident with crystalline effects in the LED head ights and body panel lines. Like all Skoda models, the Karoq offers class-leading luggage space and functionality. Positive impressions continue into the cabin,

On the inside, the optional and unique VarioFlex seating system can be adjusted into multiple formats (or removed completely) to accommodate the more bulky luggage transporting tasks. With VarioFlex seating, the standard luggage capacity increases to 588 litres. All Karoq versions are provided with a foldable umbrella that is stored beneath the passenger seat.

The Karoq comes with a choice of four engines, ranging from 115bhp to 150bhp, with three DSG automatic gearbox offerings, as well as a 150bhp 4X4. The top navigation systems, Columbus and Amundsen, also offer a wi-fi hotspot for on-board internet connections. A wireless phone charger can also be added to the Karoq, removing unwanted cable clutter.

The entry-level Ambition trim comes standard with 17in Ratikon alloy wheels, 8in touchscreen Bolero infotainment system, Climatronic air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, Smart Link+ and chrome roof rails and window surrounds.

4 Motion interest at Volkswagen Commercials

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland continues as the official motoring partner to the National Ploughing Association for the seventh year in a row. This year they will be showing the new Transporter and Crafter models available in 4 Motion with towing capacity of up to 2,500kg. Of special interest this year will be the low roof version of the Crafter van for buyers who up to now opted for the Transporter models. Other new vehicles on show include Transporter and Amarok V6 models with LED headlights, the Caddy panel van and Caddy Maxi panel van, the California camper van, which celebrates 30 years of production as well as a 9 seat Transporter based Shuttle and a seven seat Caddy Life. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland will feature some fun activities on their stand over the three days, including giveaways and Today FM’s Phil Cawley will broadcast live from the stand at 2pm each day.

Subaru showcases new Outback

Subaru Ireland will have a full range of its AWD vehicle range at Ploughing 2018. The array of models on display will include the new XV Crossover, new Outback as well as the new fifth-generation Impreza in addition to Forester, Levorg and BRZ models.

The new Subaru Outback has received upgrades to its exterior, with redesigned front grille, bumper, door mirrors and headlights. There is a new frontview camera, which has been positioned below the marques six-star badge. Placed on the front grille, the camera can monitor a 180° area in front of the car that would normally be in the driver’s blind spot. These images, as well as visible guidelines, are displayed on the touchscreen to aide drivers in gauging potential hazards in front of the car and improve overall manoeuvring.

The Outback interior design features new gloss black panels and silver surrounds, while the touchscreen size has been increased from 7in to a new 8in multifunction colour touchscreen for the SE Premium model, which is also compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and DAB radio functionality. The SE trim level also receives a refresh with an updated 6.5in multifunction colour touchscreen and fabric seating trim with heated front seats.

A welcome addition to the Outback is the inclusion of Lane Keep Assist, which completes the EyeSight driver assistance safety technology suite. Steering Responsive Headlights are also new to Outback.

Seat has four new models on show

Seat Ireland will be showing four new models for 2018, including the new Ateca, new Arona, the Ibiza and the upgraded Leon at Ploughing 2018 at row 8, stand193. The Seat Ateca is Seat’s first SUV model, it boasts an array of features across its four trim levels; S, SE, Xcellence and FR.

The SE comes standard with front assist, rear park distance control, drive profile selection and navigation system. The Ateca is available with 4DRIVE so those in the driving seat can enjoy enhanced power and traction thanks to its four-wheel drive technology, with claims of better cornering and handling on a variety of surfaces. The Seat Ateca starts from €25,995.

The new SEAT Arona, compact SUV will be one of the SEAT highlights at Ploughing 2018.

The new Seat Arona is a smaller SUV and comes with the benefit of compact dimensions in its crossover style. It comes with a host of driving assistance and infotainment systems, such as front assist, adaptive cruise control, hill hold control, fatigue detection, and rain and headlight sensors. The Seat Arona starts from €18,415.