EVERY WEEK, WE bring you all the latest news you need to know from the motoring world. The big car news this past week involves two new SUVs, a Volkswagen recall and new 162 offers.
The new Ford Edge
To coincide with the launch of the new Ford Edge SUV, Ford has released results of research looking at who is actually buying all the SUVs we see on our roads (sales of SUVs have quadrupled in Europe since 2005 and are expected to keep rising). The survey of 5,000 people across Europe found that that mothers with young children, millennials, and active 50-somethings are behind the phenomenal popularity of SUVs in Europe.
The survey revealed that SUVs are seen as fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and attainable, offering a safe family car for modern parents; something of a sexy choice for millennials; and supporting active lifestyles for 50-somethings.
So all these findings must be music to Ford’s ears as the new Ford Edge SUV hits the European market. The Edge SUV joins the mid-sized Kuga and compact EcoSport in the Ford line-up.
The Edge is offered with a choice of two 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines; offering 178hp with 0-100km/h (0-62mph) acceleration in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h (124 mph), or a 207hp Bi-turbo version that achieves 0-100km/h (0-62mph) acceleration in 9.4 seconds and reaches 211km/h (131mph). Both versions deliver 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg) and 149g/km CO2.
The Ford Edge 2.0-litre TDCi 178hp models are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and 207hp models with a six-speed PowerShift automatic option that can be operated via paddles. All powertrains feature Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.
In Ireland, the Edge will be sold in two series, the five-door Titanium and five-door Sport.
The Edge Titanium series will include 19-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, handsfree power tailgate and keyfree system as well as Ford’s DAB navigation system, active noise cancellation and rear view camera.
In addition to above, the Edge Sport series will include 20-inch alloys, adaptive steering system, SONY DAB navigation system with 12 speakers as well as front, rear and side sports bodystyling with dark exterior detailing and alloy pedals.
Pricing will start from €55,700 and it arrives in Ireland in July.
Audi Q7 e-tron ready to order
Customers in Ireland can order the Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro now for delivery in July. In purely electric mode, the plug-in hybrid SUV achieves a range of up to 56km in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), making short journeys emission-free.
The Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro is the first plug-in hybrid in the world to feature a V6 TDI and quattro drive, which produces 373h and 700Nm of torque and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
The Q7 comes with 19-inch e-tron specific alloys, MMI navigation plus with MMI all in touch, and the Audi virtual cockpit.
Audi Ireland’s two dedicated e-tron dealers are Audi Cork and Audi North Dublin and prices start at €84,475 OTR including all available government grants.
Volkswagen Passat, CC and Eos recalled
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in Germany has approved the technical fix for the Volkswagen Passat, CC and Eos models with 2.0-litre TDI EA 189 engines with power outputs of 108hp, 134hp and 138hp. This phase will see over 800,000 vehicles being recalled as soon as possible. The affected owners will receive letters from Volkswagen and can then arrange a service appointment with a Volkswagen partner workshop without delay.
This is a continuation of the retrofit campaign for affected vehicles started by Volkswagen early this year. Jürgen Stackmann, member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Sales, Marketing and After-Sales, said:
The launch of the retrofit campaign for the Passat, CC and Eos models involves a large number of cars that will now be recalled to the workshops. I am pleased that the retrofitting of over 800,000 of our customers’ cars can now begin. Our dealerships and service partners are well prepared for the campaign.
Following the retrofit, the cars will meet all legal requirements. The KBA has also confirmed unequivocally that the technical solutions for these models will not result in any changes to the fuel consumption, performance or noise emissions of the vehicles concerned. The KBA had previously confirmed this for all of the other vehicles for which the recall has been approved to date.
Volkswagen is working at full speed to implement the technical solutions and will rectify all vehicles affected by the NOx issue. This will be done in close coordination with the responsible authorities. Volkswagen customers will not incur any costs as a result of the technical measures. In addition, all customers will be offered a suitable replacement mobility option free of charge as part of the recall process.
The vehicles affected are technically safe and roadworthy. They can be driven on roads without any limitations until the modifications are implemented. The implementation of the necessary technical measures is being carried out throughout Europe in accordance with a timetable and action plan coordinated with the KBA.
If you are unsure whether you car is affected or not, you can use this website campaigncheck.ie to find out.
Opel 162 SmartSwitch sale
Thinking of buying a new 162 car? Then check out these deals from Opel Ireland – but hurry as you need to place your order by 30 June.
Opel’s SRi models all come with Opel OnStar WiFi, which is available from August 2016 with a free limited data package for first three months. OnStar features emergency response, smartphone diagnostics and destination download for Astra, Mokka X and Insignia.
The 162 sales event sees Opel Ireland offering the following PCP finance deals:
Opel Corsa SRi €188 per month
Opel Astra SRi €244 per month
Opel Mokka X SRi €270 per month
Opel Insignia SRi €312 per month
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